EP2534080B1

EP2534080B1 - Variable length bill path

Info

Publication number: EP2534080B1
Application number: EP11741771.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dmytro Yermolenko; Olexandr Onipchenko; Pavel Rabinovich; Andriy Kyselov
Original assignee: Crane Canada Co
Current assignee: Crane Canada Co
Priority date: 2010-02-11
Filing date: 2011-02-10
Publication date: 2018-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2031-02-10
Also published as: ES2689183T3; CN105741410A; CN102844258A; CA2692992C; EP2534080A1; CN102844258B; CN105741410B; RU2012136562A; RU2538326C2; CA2692992A1; WO2011097703A1; EP2534080A4

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to banknote drive paths, and in particular, relates to a variable length banknote drive path for selective connection to different banknote modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of automated systems for receiving banknote payments and effectively processing of the banknotes either for storage within the device or for temporary storage in accumulators. Banknotes stored in accumulators are available as change used in the settlement of future financial transactions. Typically these banknote processing systems include a banknote validator that determines the validity of a banknote and makes a determination whether to accept or reject such a banknote. If the banknote is accepted, it may then be forwarded to a temporary escrow unit for temporary storage until the financial transaction has been completed. If the financial transaction is not completed, the escrow unit will output the received banknotes to return the payment with the banknotes that were provided by the user. Once the financial transaction has been accepted, a decision with respect to the received banknotes is made by the system. Some banknotes are transported to appropriate accumulators spaced along the length of the banknote drive path while other banknotes are delivered to a banknote cassette that stores banknotes that are not available for return. Often the banknotes provided to the banknote cassette are of a quality or have characteristics that render them inappropriate for recycling. It is also possible that the banknote may be of sufficient quality for recycling but not required at the present time or of a denomination that is not recycled.
These banknote processing systems can include a banknote dispenser where banknotes are accumulated and outputted through a separate dispenser outlet to allow the user to receive the appropriate change. In less sophisticated systems the banknotes are dispensed by passing them out of the validator and a separate banknote dispenser is not provided.
United States application 2003/0173402 published September 18, 2003 discloses a device capable of operating as a bill dispenser of the non recycling type. The device includes a bill take-out port in communication with a travelling bucket for dispensing bills. The travelling bucket in one position is connected to a delivery transport path for receiving bills from one of a series of cartridges. After an appropriate number of bills are received, the bucket moves towards and connects with the bill take-out port and in so doing disconnects from the delivery transport path. The travelling bucket isolates the delivery transport path from the bill take-out port_.
German Offlegungsschrift DE 19536481 A1 discloses a conventional arrangement where a series of switched components are all connected to a common transport path. An inlet/outlet port is provided at one end of the transport path for providing banknotes to or receiving banknotes from the transport path.
European Publication Application EP 0820042 A2 discloses a series of modules (including paper currency dispensers) selectively connectible with a travelling transport unit with the transport unit being movable to other positions for connection with a card access port and/or a paper currency deposit/ receiving port. The transport unit acts as a travelling intermediary allowing banknote exchange between the currency deposit/receiving port and one or more of the series of modules.
In the banknote processing system as disclosed in our US Patent 7,051,926 , a central switch is associated with the banknote drive path for selectively directing banknotes to one of a series of banknote modules. The switch can be rotated to one of a number of different positions to connect the drive path with the desired banknote module. The switch is also used to connect the modules to the banknote drive path for output through the banknote dispenser or to the validator for return of banknotes, if a dispenser is not provided.
Our United States Patent 7,441,695 discloses a banknote accumulator and dispensing arrangement that includes a gate switch that moves between an extended position across a banknote drive path to a retracted position. In the extended position the gate switch directs a banknote into or out of the accumulator.
Banknote processing systems are often standalone systems and typically do not have authorized personnel immediately available if service is required. For this reason, it is important that the system is highly reliable to avoid operational problems. The issue with respect to high reliability is difficult as the quality of the banknotes processed by the system is highly variable. New banknotes are easier to process whereas
banknotes that have undergone a substantial amount of wear are more problematic. In addition to determining the authenticity of a banknote, the validator may also determine the quality of the banknote and make an assessment whether such a banknote should be processed by the system for recycling. This assessment can reduce problems such as banknote jamming that is more common as the wear of a banknote is more pronounced.
In the transport of banknotes, the transitions between the banknote drive path and the banknote modules, or transitions along the banknote drive path, for example, a rotary switch used to direct banknotes must be carefully designed to avoid jamming. The use of drive belts provided either side of a banknote operate in a satisfactory manner and reduce transition points if only a few banknote modules are provided. Where more banknote modules are present, rotary switches or swing out gate type switches are typically provided to define the transition between the banknote drive path and an associated module. Points of transition along a drive path add potential for possible banknote jamming that decreases the reliability of the automated system.
The present invention uses a modified banknote drive path where the banknote drive path includes at least a first inlet/outlet associated with a banknote drive path in combination with a second inlet/outlet of the banknote drive path which is movable along the length of the drive path. The second inlet/outlet is movable relative to the first inlet/outlet and this arrangement has several distinct advantages. The movable inlet/ outlet of the banknote drive path essentially reduces transition points or provides a movable transition point. The system also avoids the use of a switching device to vary the length of a banknote drive path.
In a preferred embodiment, the movable inlet/outlet also has a predetermined relationship with the banknote modules and this allows for improvements in the transition between the banknote drive path and the actual module for receiving the banknote or having a banknote dispensed therefrom.
In particular, the present invention provides a banknote transporting channel in accordance with independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are reflected in the dependent claims.
The claimed invention can be better understood in view of the embodiments described hereinafter. In general, the described embodiments describe preferred embodiments of the invention. The attentive reader will note, however, that some aspects of the described embodiments extend beyond the scope of the claims. To the respect that the described embodiments indeed extend beyond the scope of the claims, the described embodiments are to be considered supplementary background information and do not constitute definitions of the invention per se. This also holds for the subsequent "Summary of the Invention", "Brief Description of the Drawings" as well as the "Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A banknote processing system according to the present invention comprises a banknote validator for assessing the validity of a received banknote and determining whether the banknote is accepted for further processing or returned, at least one banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily storing banknotes for subsequent return to a user to complete a transaction, and a banknote storage cassette for storage of received banknotes. A variable length banknote drive path is provided and includes a first transfer inlet/outlet associated with the banknote validator for at least receiving an accepted banknote for movement along the drive path and a second transfer inlet/outlet movable along the drive path to connect the variable banknote drive path with any of the at least one accumulator and the banknote storage cassette. The transfer inlet/outlet and the movable transfer inlet/outlet are maintained in connection by the variable length banknote drive path.
According to an aspect of the invention, the first transfer inlet/outlet is moveable along the drive path and cooperates with the second transfer inlet/outlet to define the variable length banknote drive path therebetween.
In a further aspect of the invention, the second transfer inlet/outlet includes a moveable carriage displaceable along the banknote drive path. The carriage includes front and rear drive belts located to engage opposite sides of a banknote being transferred along the banknote drive path and through the second inlet/outlet.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the second transfer inlet/outlet includes two redirection rotary members on the carriage for guiding front drive belts from one side of the carriage to the inlet/outlet port in combination with the rear drive belts to transfer a banknote through the inlet/outlet.
In a different aspect of the invention, a banknote processing system includes a banknote transporting channel to transport banknotes between a first banknote inlet/outlet and a second banknote inlet/outlet and allow movement of banknotes between different modules provided along the processing channel. The second banknote inlet/outlet is displaceable along the length of the processing channel to vary the length of the banknote processing channel between the first and second banknote inlets/outlets.
According to an aspect of the invention, the banknote transporting channel includes a belt drive arrangement engaging opposite sides of banknotes as they are moved through the system.
In a different embodiment, a banknote processing system comprises a banknote validator for assessing the validity of a received banknote and discharging an accepted banknote to a banknote drive path, and the system further includes at least one banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily storing banknotes for subsequent return to a user as part of a transaction, and at least one further banknote component capable of receiving and storing banknotes. The banknote drive path includes a first inlet/outlet for receiving an accepted banknotes from the validator and a second banknote inlet/outlet for transferring banknotes to or from the banknote accumulator in one position of the second inlet/outlet and movable to a second position where the second inlet/outlet is aligned with the further banknote component for transferring an accepted banknote thereto.
In an aspect of the invention, the banknote drive path between the first inlet/outlet and the second inlet/outlet is continuous.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the banknote drive path is of a variable length and without interruption between the first and second inlet/outlets.
In an aspect of the invention the first inlet/outlet is movable from a first position aligned with the banknote validator to a second position aligned with a further banknote receiving component.
In yet a further aspect of the invention the at least one further banknote component is a series of banknote components positioned for transfer of banknotes to or from the first and/or to or from the second inlet/outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the banknote drive arrangement;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the banknote drive path arrangement similar to Figure 1 with a series of banknotes being moved by the banknote drive arrangement;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the banknote drive arrangement showing the inner belts of the banknote drive arrangement that form part of the inlet/outlet of each of the first and second inlets/outlets of the drive arrangement;
Figure 4 is a partial front view of the banknote drive arrangement showing the first inlet/outlet;
Figure 5 is a partial side view of the banknote drive arrangement showing the carriage of the first inlet/outlet;
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 4; and
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The banknote drive arrangement 2 shown in Figures 1 through 3 includes a frame 4 having a top axle 6 and a bottom axle 8 with a series of belt drive or idler rollers associated with each of these axles. The top axle 6 includes five rollers 61, 90, 92, 94 and 65, and the bottom axle 8 includes five rollers 67, 110, 112, 114 and 69. The outside rollers 61, 67 and 65, 69 form part of the path for the front belts 44 and 46 (see Figure 2). These belts include a return path positioned to the outside of the carriages and will be subsequently explained. Rollers 90, 92, 94 and rollers 110, 112, 114 are for the rear belts 50, 52 and 54.
The preferred drive belt arrangement 40 includes a first movable carriage 20 that defines a first inlet/outlet 22 and a second movable carriage 30 defining a second inlet/outlet 32. The first movable carriage and the second movable carriage travel along the length of the banknote drive arrangement and essentially move towards or away from the opposed carriage between the top axle 6 and the bottom axle 8. Each of these carriages is movable independent of the other carriage, and effectively moves along the length of the drive belts 44, 46, 50, 52 and 54. The end positions of the carriages define the maximum length of the banknote drive path and intermediate positions vary the banknote drive path length. In the preferred embodiment the carriages move along the banknote drive path defined by the maximum length.
Preferably the banknote drive path only has two inlet/outlets selectively connecting the banknote drive path to any of a series of individual banknote components positioned along the banknote drive path.
With this arrangement, the position of the first inlet/outlet 22 is fully adjustable and can be positioned for receiving a banknote 19a as shown in Figure 2. Similarly, the second carriage 30 is movable and has been moved to position the second inlet/outlet 32 at a lower position and is outputting the banknote 19c in Figure 2. A banknote 19c is shown in Figure 2 and is between the first inlet/outlet 22 and the second inlet/outlet 32.
With this arrangement the variable length of the banknote drive path is defined between the first inlet/outlet 22 and the second inlet/outlet 32. Movement of either the first carriage or the second carriage causes a corresponding adjustment of the length of the banknote drive path between the inlets/outlets. Figure 2 also illustrates how the front belts 44 and 46 are trained around redirection pulleys 60, 62, 64 and 66 to allow the banknotes to pass in or out of the inlets/outlets. With this arrangement the banknote drive path is continuous and without interruption between the first and second inlet/ outlets 22 and 32. The continuous banknote drive path avoids intermediate switches or gates that can cause jamming of the transported banknotes.
Basically, the redirection pulleys 60 and 62 position the front belt 44 to the exterior of the inlet/outlet slots allowing the banknote to pass out of the inlets/outlets, and redirection rollers 64 and 66 operate similarly to locate front belt 46 to the opposite side of the banknote drive arrangement 2.
This aspect can be further appreciated from the perspective view of Figure 3, where the redirection pulleys 64 and 69 associated with belt 46 have been removed for a better understanding. Also, the rear belts 50, 52 and 54 are not shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 also illustrates how the inlets/ outlets 22 and 32 of the first displaceable carriage 20 and the second displaceable carriage 30 each have drive belts associated with idler rollers that form part of the inlet/outlets for the banknote drive arrangement. For example, the first displaceable carriage 20 includes rollers 70 and 74 having front belts 44 and 46 respectively trained thereabout. Each of these pulleys has an associated idler roller 71 and 75 that form a banknote engaging gap with front belts 44 and 46 respectively. The second displaceable carriage 30 includes pulleys 72 and 76 having associated idler rollers 73 and 77 for engaging the front belts 44 and 46.
The first carriage 20 also includes pulleys 80, 82 and 84 for receiving the rear belts 50, 52 and 54 for defining a nip-type connection with the idler rollers 81, 83 and 85. The pulleys 80, 82 and 84 have associated pulleys 90, 92 and 94 associated with the top axle 6. The rear belt 50 passes over the top roller 90 and proceeds downwardly to the pulley 80, passes between pulley 80 and idler roller 81, and goes downwardly to the pulley 100 of the second carriage. The pulley 100 includes the associated idler roller 101. The belt passes between idler roller 100 and pulley to a front face of the carriage and then passes downwardly to pulley 110. Belt 50 then passes off the rear face of that pulley 110 upwardly, returning through a gap at the rear of the carriages to the rear face of pulley 90. Thus, the same belt 50 forms part of the inlet/outlet of the first displaceable carriage 20 and forms part of the second inlet/outlet of the second displaceable carriage 30. The rear belts 52, 54 also work in a similar manner and have associated pulleys.
All of the drive belts 44, 46, 50, 52 and 54 are effectively driven by the motor drive 150. This includes an output gear 152 in mesh with the drive gear 154 fixed on the bottom axle 8. The center rear belt 52 is actually a tooth belt and drives the rollers 82 and 102 of the first and second moveable carriages. This provides power to the axles 160 and 162 of the second moveable carriage 30 via the gear train 164 and also provides power to the axles 168 and 170 of the first carriage. The first carriage includes a gear train 172 connecting the shafts 168 and 170.
Each of the first and second displaceable carriages include their own adjustable positioning mechanism for positioning of the inlet/outlets thereof at a desired point. Each of the carriages is moveable along the length of the drive path and allows the banknote drive path to selectively connect different banknote modular components that are located along the length of the banknote drive path to the forward face of the drive arrangement.
From the above, it can be appreciated that the banknote drive path could include a fixed inlet/outlet and a displaceable inlet/outlet to allow effective connection between a fixed point on the banknote drive path and variable points along the banknote drive path. It is certainly desirable in a banknote drive system, to have both a moveable first inlet/outlet and a moveable second inlet/outlet, particularly if a banknote dispenser is separately provided. This simplifies the position and allows for more versatility.
Figure 4 is a partial front view of the banknote drive arrangement showing the first movable carriage and the various drive belts thereof. Sectional lines aa, bb and cc are shown, and these sectional lines show the drive belts 54, 46 and 52 respectively. These sectional views are shown in Figures 6 through 8. Figure 5 is a right side view of the drive arrangement Figure 4.
Figure 4 basically shows the movable carriage 20 with the two shafts 300 and 302 being driven by the gears 304 and 306. In this way, rotation of either of the shafts by one of the drive belts causes an opposite rotation of the other drive shaft. Figure 5 also illustrates how the redirection roller 64 has positioned the drive belt 46 to the outside of the movable carriage 20 for return to the top pulley 65. The belt 46 passes over the front face of the carriage and is then positioned for connection with the pulley 74 as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 6 shows the positioning of the drive belt 54 as it passes through the carriage 20. The belt passes over the top roller 94, downwardly near a front face of the carriage to pulley 84, and passes between pulley 84 and idler pulley 85. Note that the belt 54 returns to the top pulley 94 through the carriage. Other arrangements are possible, but this arrangement operates satisfactorily.
The sectional view of Figure 7 illustrates how the drive belt 46 passes over the outside of the carriage and is brought in by the redirection roller 64 that is not shown in Figure 7 as it would not appear in the sectional view. The belt 46 passes over the pulley 74, between the pulley 74 and the idler roller 75. It then passes downwardly to the second movable carriage. Note in the sectional view of Figure 7 that this belt does not come up to an upper pulley directly thereabove, and instead pulley 92 of the next belt drive arrangement is shown. Belt 46 is redirected by the redirection pulley 64 and would pass over top roller 65 as shown in Figures 4 and 5.
The sectional view of Figure 8 shows the drive belt 54 passing over the top roller 92, downwardly to the movable carriage 20 and between the drive roller 82 and the idler roller 83.
It has been found that this particular drive arrangement allows for a variable banknote path that has the ends thereof connected to different modules which are placed along the length of the banknote path. With this arrangement, a received banknote passes through a first movable inlet/outlet, and down a length of the banknote to the desired module positioned along the banknote path and opposite the second movable carriage. This banknote drive path is reversible to allow movement from the modules to other components along the banknote path. By providing a variable length banknote drive path and an effective corresponding changing return path of the drive belts, there are no transitions in the drive path between the movable inlets and outlets. This provides a preferred arrangement for transferring of banknotes between different modular components.

Claims

A banknote transporting channel for transporting banknotes (19a) between a first banknote inlet/outlet (22) and a second banknote inlet/outlet (32) to accommodate movement of banknotes (19a) between different modules provided along said transporting channel,
characterized in that
said second banknote inlet/outlet (32) being displaceable along the length of said transporting channel to vary the length of the banknote transporting channel between said first and second banknote inlets/outlets (22, 32).
The banknote transporting channel as claimed in claim 1, further including a belt drive arrangement (44, 46, 60, 62, 64, 66) engaging opposite sides of the banknotes (19a).
A banknote processing system comprising the banknote transport channel as in claim 1 or 2, the system further comprising a banknote validator for assessing the validity of a received banknote and determining whether the banknote (19a) is accepted for further processing or returned; at least one banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily storing banknotes (19a) for subsequent return to a user to complete a transaction; a banknote storage cassette for storage of received banknotes (19a); and including a variable length banknote drive path comprising the first transfer inlet/outlet (22) associated with said banknote validator for at least receiving an accepted banknote (19a) for movement along said drive path and the second transfer inlet/outlet (32) movable along said drive path to connect the variable banknote drive path with any of said at least one accumulator and said banknote storage cassette; and wherein said transfer inlet/outlet (22) and said movable transfer inlet/outlet (32) are maintained in connection by said variable length banknote drive path.
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first transfer inlet/outlet (22) is moveable along said drive path and cooperates with said second transfer inlet/outlet (32) to define said variable length banknote drive path therebetween.
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said second transfer inlet/outlet (32) includes a moveable carriage (30) displaceable along said banknote drive path, said carriage (30) including said second transfer inlet/outlet port defined between front and rear drive belts located to receive a banknote (19a) therebetween and transfer a banknote (19a) through said second inlet/outlet (32).
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said second transfer inlet/outlet (32) includes two redirection rotary members on said carriage for guiding front drive belts from one side of said carriage to said second inlet/outlet in combination with said rear drive belts to transfer a banknote (19a) through said second inlet/outlet (32).
A banknote processing system comprising the banknote transport channel as in claims 1 or 2, the system further comprising a banknote validator for assessing the validity of a received banknote (19a) and discharging an accepted banknote (19a) to a banknote drive path; said system further including at least one banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily storing banknotes (19a) for subsequent return to a user as part of transaction, and at least one further banknote component capable of receiving and storing banknotes (19a); wherein said banknote drive path includes the first inlet/outlet (22) for receiving an accepted banknote (19a) from said validator and the second banknote inlet/outlet (32) for transferring banknotes (19a) to or from said banknote accumulator in one position of said second inlet/outlet (32) and movable to a second position where said second inlet/outlet (32) is aligned with said further banknote component for transferring an accepted banknote (19a) thereto.
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said banknote drive path between said first inlet/outlet (22) and said second inlet/outlet (32) is continuous.
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said banknote drive path is of a variable length and without interruption between said first and second inlet/outlets (22, 32) .
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said first inlet/outlet (22) is movable from a first position aligned with said banknote validator to a second position aligned with a further banknote receiving component.
The banknote processing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said at least one further banknote component is a series of banknote components positioned for transfer of banknotes (19a) to or from said first and/or said second inlet/outlet (22, 32).