EP2897106B1 - Device for handling vouchers with an intermediate module that can be adjusted to the thickness of the safe wall - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, which comprises a head module and a safe module, in which at least one cash box for receiving bank notes can be received. The safe module has a wall in which an opening for passing the notes of value is provided. In the head module, a transport unit is provided for transporting the notes of value to the safe module and / or away from the safe module. Furthermore, a drive unit for driving the transport unit is arranged in the head module.

Many devices for handling bank notes, for example ATMs, are subdivided into a head module and a safe module. In the safe module, the cash boxes are arranged, in which the banknotes are recorded. About the safe module to secure the cashboxes from unauthorized access. In the head module, however, all other necessary for handling the banknotes units are provided. For example, in the head module, an input and / or output tray for entering and / or outputting the notes of value, a singulator unit for singling notes of value entered as a bundle, a stacking unit for stacking notes of value to be issued to a value note stack and / or a checking unit for checking the authenticity of notes of value and / or to Determination of their denomination arranged. Furthermore, transport elements for transporting the notes of value between the individual units and the cashbox are provided in the head module, the safe module and the cash cassettes accommodated in the safe module. To reduce costs and save installation space, the ATM usually only comprises one main module arranged in the head module, via which a large number of units can be driven. In particular, the cash boxes do not include their own drive unit for the transfer of value. Also, no drive unit is provided in the vault because access to the safe module would be necessary for maintenance, which is only allowed in the four-eye principle due to the safety regulations to be followed, so that always two service employees would be needed. Therefore, the driving force of the arranged in the head module drive unit is transferred to the cash box mechanism and / or on transport elements in the safe module.

Depending on the required safety, safe modules with different wall thicknesses are used. Depending on the wall thickness and the mechanism with which the driving force of the drive unit is transmitted to the cash box mechanism or the transport elements must be designed differently. In known ATMs, this is done by using different head modules according to the vault wall thickness, the drive unit of which is adapted accordingly. This has the disadvantage that for each Tresormodulart used a separate adapted head module must be used.

Such ATMs are for example from the document DE 38 18 690 T2 known.

From the document US 2013/247799 A1 is an ATM with a head and a safe module known. In the wall of the safe module, a gap for passing notes of value is arranged, in which an intermediate module is arranged, through which the wall is bridged. The thickness of the vault wall is stored during the installation of the ATM and taken into account later in the control.

From the documents EP 2 128 831 A1 and EP 2 151 805 A1 Further ATMs are known in which an intermediate module is arranged in a gap between a head and a safe module.

It is the object of the invention to provide a device for handling banknotes whose structure can be easily adapted to different wall thicknesses of a safe module.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the device comprises an intermediate module for transmitting the driving force of the drive unit to the cash box mechanism of a cash box receivable in the safe module and / or to transport elements of the safe module for transporting bank notes. The intermediate module is at least partially disposed within the opening of the wall of the safe module and designed such that it is adaptable to at least two different wall thicknesses of the wall of the safe module, so that it at least for these two wall thicknesses the driving force from the drive unit to the cash box mechanism or the Can transmit transport elements of the safe module.

Thus, the head module is no longer coupled directly to the cashbox, but it is interposed an intermediate module that can be adapted to different wall thicknesses used. Thus, the head module and the safe module can remain unchanged regardless of the wall thickness. Due to the adaptability of the intermediate module is also achieved that even the intermediate module does not need to be replaced, but only has to be adapted to the appropriate wall thickness. Thus, as many different models of the apparatus for handling notes of value can be constructed with as few components as possible, so that the production is simplified and costs are saved. Furthermore, this has the advantage that all the components subject to wear are easily accessible to the service employees, without requiring access to the safe module. Thus, the maintenance can be performed by a single service person, since, unlike the opening of the safe module, no second person is necessary for monitoring.

The apparatus for handling notes of value is an ATM, an automatic cash register system or an automatic cash deposit. Preferably, it is a pure Einzahlungsgeldautomaten, ie, that in the ATMs only banknotes can be paid, but these are not returned to customers, but are stored in cash boxes.

The head module in particular comprises an input pocket for entering notes of value as well as a checking unit for checking the authenticity of the notes of value and / or for determining their denomination. In particular, the transport unit has a multiplicity of transport elements, for example rollers, with the aid of which the notes of value can be transported between the input compartment and the safe module.

The cash boxes that are receivable in the safe module, in particular, are designed such that they comprise only passive elements, i. that in them neither a drive unit for driving the cash box mechanism nor a power source are provided. By contrast, in the head module in particular all necessary for the device active elements are provided, in particular the drive unit, the electronics and active mechanisms.

The drive unit is in particular an electric motor.

The intermediate module is preferably designed such that it can be adapted to more than two different wall thicknesses. In particular, the intermediate module is designed such that it can be adapted to all wall thicknesses of the respective series used.

In the safe module, at least one cashbox is preferably arranged, the mechanism of which can be driven by the drive unit via the intermediate module.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the head module comprises a first interface for introducing the driving force from the drive unit into the intermediate module. The cash box in this case has a second interface for introducing the driving force from the intermediate module into the cash box, so that the first and the second interface are mechanically connected to each other via the intermediate module, so that the intermediate module generated by the drive unit and the first interface to the intermediate module transferred driving force continues to the cashbox mechanism. Alternatively, the safe module itself may have the second interface, so that the driving force is transmitted to transport elements of the safe module. Preferably, the driving force can then be transferred from the transport elements on the cash box mechanism.

Depending on the wall thickness of the safe module, that is, depending on the embodiment of the ATM used, the distance between the first and the second interface varies, so that a different distance must be bridged over the intermediate module. For this purpose, the intermediate module is designed such that it bridges a first distance between the first interface and the second interface in a first state and in a second state one of the first distance different second distance between the first interface and the second interface bridged. Thus, the intermediate module can be adapted to the wall thickness of the safe module.

The first interface and the second interface preferably each have at least one toothed wheel, which in particular is in each case in engagement with a toothed wheel of the intermediate module.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the intermediate module has a chassis with a plurality of fasteners for attachment of gears. In particular, the chassis has a plurality of holes arranged according to a predetermined hole pattern in which the shafts of the gears can be fixed. The chassis is designed in particular in the form of a metal sheet.

In a first state in which the intermediate module serves to bridge a first wall thickness, a predetermined first number of gears is arranged in predetermined for the first state holes. Accordingly, in a second state, which serves to bridge a second wall thickness via the intermediate module, a predetermined second number of gears is arranged in predetermined for the second state holes. Thus, in a simple manner by changing the number, the arrangement and / or the size of the gears used an adaptation the intermediate module to the wall thickness and thus to be bridged distance between the interfaces of the head module and the cashbox or the safe module done.

In one possible embodiment, the first number and the second number of gears used are different. Thus, a greater distance can be easily bridged by the use of more gears.

Further, the holes predetermined for the first state may at least partially differ from the holes predetermined for the second state. In this embodiment, the change in the distance to be bridged is at least partially compensated for by the fact that the toothed wheels are at least partially arranged in different holes.

In another embodiment, in the second state, as compared with the first state, at least one different gear having a different diameter may be used. Thus, due to the different wall thickness different distance to be bridged is adjusted by the fact that gears are used with different diameters.

The three principles described above, ie the change in the number of gears, the change in the pattern in which they are arranged, and the change in the diameter of gears can also be combined with each other, so as to bridge different wall thicknesses in the simplest possible way ,

Furthermore, other states may be predetermined, in which further wall thicknesses can be bridged. This can also z. B. by the same principles described above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the number of holes of the chassis is greater than the first number of gears and larger than the second number of gears, so that via the variation of the arrangement of the gears can be made an adaptation to the wall thickness.

In an alternative embodiment, the first number, the second number and the total number of holes may be identical, so that the adaptation takes place only by changing the diameter of the gears used.

The notes of value can be transported within the device, in particular along a transport path which is in the Part of the head module is at least partially predetermined by the transport unit. This transport path is designed such that it runs at least partially through the intermediate module. The intermediate module has this particular even transport elements, such as rollers, for transporting the notes of value, which can also be driven by the drive unit of a head module. By providing the transport path in the intermediate module, so passing the notes of value through the intermediate module, a particularly compact construction is achieved, so that only a minimum opening of the vault wall is necessary, in which the intermediate module is arranged and through which the notes of value are transported. Thus, the greatest possible security is achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the intermediate module further has a transmission unit for transmitting a sensor signal between a sensor unit of the head module and a detection unit of the cashbox. This ensures that not only the driving force between the head module and the cash box via the intermediate module but also at the same time the sensor signals can be transmitted.

The sensor unit of the head module is in particular an active sensor unit for generating an output signal and for receiving an input signal, wherein the detection unit of the cash box or the safe module is merely a passive unit, that is active from it no signals are generated, but only the output signal, which is emitted by the active sensor unit of the head module, is changed, so that the sensor unit of the head module receives a correspondingly different input signal. Also, the transmission unit of the intermediate module is preferably formed as a passive unit.

In particular, the transmission unit of the intermediate module comprises a light guide, via which light emitted by the sensor unit of the head module can be transmitted to the detection unit of the cashbox. In particular, at least one light barrier is formed by the sensor unit, the detection unit and the transmission unit.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which illustrates the invention with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts einer Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von Wertscheinen;

Figur 2

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Chassis eines Zwischenmoduls der Vorrichtung nach Figur 1 gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Figur 3

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Zwischenmoduls gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform nach Figur 2 in einem ersten Zustand;

Figur 4

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Zwischenmoduls gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform nach Figur 2 in einem zweiten Zustand;

Figur 5

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Chassis eines Zwischenmoduls gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform;

Figur 6

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Zwischenmoduls gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform nach Figur 5 in einem ersten Zustand;

Figur 7

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts eines Zwischenmoduls gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform nach Figur 5 in einem zweiten Zustand;

Figur 8

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Chassis eines Zwischenmoduls gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform;

Figur 9

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Zwischenmoduls gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform nach Figur 8 in einem ersten Zustand;

Figur 10

  eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Zwischenmoduls gemäß der dritten Ausführungsform nach Figur 8 in einem zweiten Zustand; und

Figur 11

  eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von Wertscheinen gemäß einer weiteren Ausführungsform.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a section of a device for handling bank notes;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a chassis of an intermediate module of the device according to FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module according to the first embodiment according to FIG. 2 in a first state;

FIG. 4

a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module according to the first embodiment according to FIG. 2 in a second state;

FIG. 5

a schematic representation of a chassis of an intermediate module according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6

a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module according to the second embodiment according to FIG. 5 in a first state;

FIG. 7

a schematic representation of a section of an intermediate module according to the second embodiment according to FIG. 5 in a second state;

FIG. 8

a schematic representation of a chassis of an intermediate module according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9

a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module according to the third embodiment according to FIG. 8 in a first state;

FIG. 10

a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module according to the third embodiment according to FIG. 8 in a second state; and

FIG. 11

a schematic representation of a device for handling bank notes according to another embodiment.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a section of a designed as a deposit money machine 10 for handling bank notes shown. The device 10 comprises a head module 12 and a safe module 16, in which a cash box 14 for receiving notes of value is arranged.

In the head module 12, an input tray 18 is provided, via which an operator can enter notes of value to be paid. The entered notes of value are transported by means of a transport unit 20 along a transport path 22 to the safe module 16 and thus to the cash box 14, in which they are to be stored. The transport unit 20 comprises a multiplicity of rollers for transporting the notes of value, one of these rollers being designated by the reference numeral 24, for example. Furthermore, a drive unit 26, for example an electric motor, is arranged in the head module 12, with the aid of which the rollers 24 of the transport unit 20 can be driven. Furthermore, this drive unit 26 preferably also serves to drive transport elements in other units (not shown) of the head module 12. For example, in the head module 12 a test unit for verifying the authenticity and / or the denomination of the entered notes of value can be provided.

The safe module 16 has a wall 28 which has a wall thickness D. The greater the wall thickness D is formed, that is, the thicker the wall 28 is, the safer is the safe module 16 and the more are the cash cassettes 14 received in it protected. In the wall 28, an opening 30 is provided, through which the notes of value between the head module 12 and the safe module 16 can be transported. This opening 30 is formed as small as possible, so that an unauthorized Access to the recorded in the safe module 16 cash boxes 14 is made as difficult as possible.

The cash box 14 has a cash box mechanism 32 which, for example, likewise serves to transport the notes of value within the cash box 14 and in particular to store them within the cash box 14. For example, rollers, retaining elements and pushers can be driven here.

The cash box mechanism 32 is passive in this case, i. that in the cashbox 14 no separate drive unit is provided, but the mechanism 32 is also driven by the drive unit 26 of the head module 12.

For transmitting the driving force from the drive unit 26 to the cash box mechanism 32, an intermediate module 34 is provided, which is arranged at least partially within the opening 30.

The drive unit 26 has a first interface 36, via which the drive force can be transmitted to the intermediate module 34. Correspondingly, the cashbox 14 also has a second interface 38, via which the driving force generated by the drive unit 26 can be transmitted to the cashbox 14 by the intermediate module 34. In this case, the intermediate module 34 serves to bridge the distance between this first interface 36 and the second interface 38 FIG. 1 In the embodiment shown, both the first interface 36 and the second interface 38 are each formed as a gear 40, 42 which mesh with gears 44 of the intermediate module 34.

As in the following even closer on the basis of specific embodiments in connection with the FIGS. 2 to 10 is explained, the intermediate module 34 is formed such that it can be adapted to the distance between the first interface 36 and the second interface 38. Depending on the security requirements, safe modules 16 with different wall thicknesses D are used. The greater the wall thickness D, the greater the distance between the interfaces 36, 38, ie, the greater the distance that has to be bridged by the intermediate module 34.

By using an intermediate module 34 for transmitting the power from the head module 12 to the cash box 14 and by adaptability to the wall thickness D is achieved that in different devices 10 with different wall thicknesses D the same head module 12 and the same intermediate module 34 are used can and only the intermediate module 34 must be adjusted accordingly.

Furthermore, the intermediate module 34 may be formed such that the transport path 22 passes through it, so that the opening 30 can be kept as small as possible and a compact safe construction is achieved. In this case, the intermediate module 34 itself may have transport elements for transporting the notes of value through the intermediate module 34.

In addition, the intermediate module 34 comprises a transmission unit designed as a light guide 46 for transmitting a sensor signal between the head module 12 and the cash box 14. In the head module 12, an active sensor unit 48 is provided which can emit an output signal and receive an input signal. In the cash box 14, a passive detection unit 50 is arranged, which modifies the output signal of the sensor unit 48 of the head module 12, after it has been transmitted via the light guide 46 of the intermediate module 34, optionally depending on a detected state and via the light guide 46 back to the sensor unit 48th of the head module 12 transmits, so that this sensor unit 48 receives a corresponding input signal.

In particular, the active sensor unit 48 comprises a light source, via which a light beam is introduced into the light guide 46 and transmitted to the detection unit 50, which comprises, for example, a multiplicity of optical interruption arrangements.

In the following, several embodiments of intermediate modules 34 in connection with the FIGS. 2 to 10 explained in more detail, wherein the FIGS. 2 to 4 a first embodiment, the FIGS. 5 to 7 a second embodiment and the FIGS. 8 to 10 show a third embodiment. In all embodiments, a first and a second state of the respective intermediate module are always described, these two states serve to bridge different wall thicknesses D. The first state is in each case that state which is used for a smaller wall thickness D, and the second state that state which is used for a larger wall thickness D.

In FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a chassis 60 of an intermediate module 34a shown according to a first embodiment. The chassis 60a has three holes 62a each for fixing shafts of gears.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a section of the intermediate module 34a according to the first embodiment according to FIG. 2 shown. In this first state, a shaft is accommodated in each of the three holes 62a, on each of which a gear 64 to 68 is arranged. In FIG. 4 a second state of the intermediate module 34a is shown, wherein here again in all three holes 62a in each case a shaft is accommodated, on each of which a gear 70 to 74 is arranged, but the gears 70 and 74 have a larger diameter than the gears 64 and 68 and the gear 72 has a smaller diameter than the gear 66, so that a total of a greater distance and thus a larger wall thickness D can be bridged.

In FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a chassis 60b of an intermediate module 34b shown according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, the chassis 60b has a total of six holes 62b for receiving waves. At the in FIG. 6 In this case, a total of three shafts, each with one gearwheel 64 to 68 arranged on the shaft, are accommodated in three of these holes 62b, so that the Gears 64 to 68 are arranged in a triangle to each other. At the in FIG. 7 shown second state, the same three gears 64 to 68 are used. However, the shafts on which the gears are arranged are accommodated in the other three holes 62b so as to be arranged along a line and thus can bridge a greater distance. In this case, in particular all three gears 64 to 68 may be identical.

In the FIG. 8 1 is a schematic illustration of a chassis 60c of an intermediate module 34c according to a third embodiment, wherein in this third embodiment five holes 62c are provided, which are arranged in two rows. At the in FIG. 9 As shown in the first state, shafts having gear wheels 64 to 68 disposed thereon are received only in the middle three holes. At the in FIG. 10 shown second state is in addition in the two remaining outer holes each additionally a shaft, each with a arranged on the shaft gear 76, 78 added, so that now a greater distance can be bridged.

Thus, in general, the change in the bridged distance, ie the adaptation to the wall thickness D, be effected by the number of gears, the size of the gears and / or the arrangement of the gears are changed. In particular, the various described methods of the three embodiments can also be combined with one another as desired. In addition, more than two states can be predetermined via these methods, so that more than two different ones Wall thicknesses D can be bridged by means of an intermediate module 34.

In FIG. 11 a schematic representation of a device 10 for handling banknotes is shown according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, the driving force via the intermediate module 34 is not transmitted directly to the cash box mechanism 32 of the cash box 14, but on transport elements 64 of the safe module 16, which serve to transport notes of value within the safe module 16. This is particularly useful in devices 10 with multiple cash boxes 14.

The intermediate module 34 may in particular be designed according to the previously described embodiments as an intermediate module 34a, 34b and / or 34c.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive force from the transport elements 64 of the safe module 16 can also be transferred further to the cash box mechanism 32 of the cash boxes 14, so that these can also be driven via the drive unit 26.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

12

head module

14

cashbox

16

Safe module

18

input tray

20

transport unit

22, 23

transport path

24

role

26

drive unit

28

wall

30

opening

32

Cash boxes mechanics

34, 34a, 34b, 34c

intermediate module

36, 38

interface

40, 42, 44, 64 to 78

gear

46

optical fiber

48, 50

sensor unit

60a, 60b, 60c

chassis

62a, 62b, 62c

hole

D

Wall thickness

Claims (13)

1. A device for handling notes of value, comprising
   a head module (12), and
   a safe module (16) in which at least one cash box (14) for holding notes of value can be accommodated,
   wherein the safe module (16) comprises a wall (28) in which an opening (30) for passing notes of value is provided,
   wherein in the head module (12) a transport unit (20) for transporting notes of value to the safe module (16) and/or away from the safe module (16) as well as a drive unit (26) for driving the transport unit (20) are arranged,
   wherein an intermediate module (34) for transmitting the drive force of the drive unit (26) to a cash box mechanism (32) of a cash box (14) which can be accommodated in the safe module (16) and/or to transport elements for transporting notes of value in the safe module (16) arranged within the safe module (16) is provided,
   wherein the intermediate module (34) is arranged at least in part within the opening (30) of the wall (28) of the safe module (16),
   wherein the intermediate module (34) is designed such that it is adaptable to at least two different wall thicknesses (D) of the wall (28) so that at least for these two wall thicknesses (D) it can transmit the drive force from the drive unit (26) to the cash box mechanism (32) and/or the transport elements of the safe module (16),
   wherein the head module (12) comprises a first interface (36) for applying the drive force from the drive unit (26) upon the intermediate module (34) and wherein the cash box (14) or the safe module (16) comprises a second interface (38) for applying the drive force from the intermediate module (34) upon the cashbox mechanism (32) or the transport elements of the safe module (16), the intermediate module (34) mechanically connecting the two interfaces (36, 38) with one another,
   characterized in that in a first state the intermediate module (34) spans a first distance between the first interface (36) and the second interface (38) and, in a second state, it spans a second distance between the first and the second interface (36, 38) that is different from the first distance.
2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the safe module (16) at least one cash box (14) is arranged, the mechanism (32) of which is drivable via the intermediate module (34) by the drive unit (26).
3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first interface (36) and/or the second interface (38) each comprise at least one gear wheel (40, 42) for coupling with the intermediate module (34).
4. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate module comprises a chassis (60a, 60b, 60c) having a plurality of mounting elements (62a, 62b, 62c), in particular holes (62a, 62b, 62c), for mounting gear wheels (44, 64 to 78).
5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that in a first state for spanning a first wall thickness (D) a predetermined first number of gear wheels (44, 64 to 78) is arranged in holes (62a, 62b, 62c) predetermined for the first state and in a second state for spanning a second wall thickness (D) a predetermined second number of gear wheels (44, 64 to 78) is arranged in holes (62a, 62b, 62c) predetermined for the second state.
6. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the first number and the second number are different.
7. The device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the holes (62a, 62b, 62c) predetermined for the first state are at least in part other holes (62a, 62b, 62c) than those holes (62a, 62b, 62c) predetermined for the second state.
8. The device (10) according to one of the claims 5 to 7, characterized in that in the second state, as compared to the first state, at least another gear wheel (44, 64 to 78) having a different diameter is used.
9. The device (10) according to one of the claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the number of the holes (62a, 62b, 62c) of the chassis (60a, 60b, 60c) is greater than the first number of gear wheels (44, 64 to 78) and greater than the second number of gear wheels (44, 64 to 78).
10. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notes of value are transportable within the device (10) along a transport path (22) and that this transport path (22) runs through the intermediate module (34).
11. The device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate module (34) comprises a transmission unit (46) for transmitting a sensor signal between a sensor unit (48) of the head module (12) and a detection unit (50) of the cash box (14) and/or a sensor unit of the safe module (16).
12. The device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sensor unit (48) of the head module (12) is an active sensor unit (48) for generating an output signal and for receiving an input signal, and that the detection unit (50) and/or the transmission unit (46) of the intermediate module (34) are passive units.
13. The device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the transmission unit (46) comprises at least one optical fiber.

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