EP3470608A1

EP3470608A1 - A container comprising a device assembly for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack within the container

Info

Publication number: EP3470608A1
Application number: EP18200145.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonius Bernardus Rots
Original assignee: Asr Holding BV
Current assignee: Asr Holding BV
Priority date: 2017-10-12
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2019-04-17
Also published as: NL2019714B1

Abstract

A container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly for spoiling the banknotes arranged as a stack within the container, the device assembly comprising: a fluid transport unit and a channel; the fluid transport unit being configured for transporting a fluid being contained in a fluid receptacle, when the fluid receptacle is arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit, into the channel; the channel being arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit and having a applying portion being arranged along a side of the container for in an operation state dosing the fluid in a dosing direction onto an application side of the stack of banknotes, preferably the application side being an upper side of the stack of banknotes; wherein the fluid transport unit additionally comprises: a pump mechanism configured to pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel; and the device assembly comprises a control unit arranged for controlling the fluid transport unit including the pump mechanism; wherein the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.

Description

Field of Invention

The field of the invention relates to a container comprising a device assembly for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack within the container. The field of the invention further relates to a method for controlling a device assembly of a container according to the present invention. The field of the invention further relates to an adhesive fluid for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack. The field of the invention further relates to a fluid receptacle for storing an adhesive fluid according to the present invention.

Background

A container for storing banknotes arranged as a stack within the container is known. Such a container, such as a cassette, is provided within an ATM machine for holding and on demand delivering banknotes to users of the ATM machines.
Typically, the stack of banknotes is stacked and oriented inside the cassette along a longitudinal direction of the cassette. The cassette further comprises a feed door arranged at an end side of the cassette in the longitudinal direction. The feed door is may be provided in many ways, such as in the form of a shutter or as a valve. The feed door may be arranged in an open state when the cassette is installed in the ATM, to permit the ATM to retrieve bank notes stored in the cassette. The cassette further comprises a stack transport mechanism, such as a push plate, arranged for pushing the stack of banknotes inside the cassette along the longitudinal direction of the cassette towards the feed door at the end side of the cassette. In this way, on demand each time one banknote is retrieved by the ATM from the stack of banknotes in the cassette through the feed door and transported out of the cassette towards a user interface of the ATM machine.
The cassettes are typically refillable by providing a new stack of banknotes. Standard practice for replenishing the ATM with banknotes generally involves removing an empty cassette and replacing them with a new set of pre-filled cassettes. Alternatively, the cassettes have an openable lid and the cassettes may be refilled on site by inserting a new stack of banknotes into the cassette.
Force attacks on ATM machines are a common form of robbery of thieves intending to steal the cash contained in cassettes held within the ATM. Various methods of deterring theft exist and include cash spoiling systems which activate in response to an appropriate signal indicative of an attempted theft. Known spoiling systems include the release of a marking fluid onto the banknotes within the cassette when a signal is received from a sensor indicating that the ATM is being tampered with. Such marking inks stain the banknotes with the intention of rendering them unusable.
Typically, the spoiling system comprises a fluid receptacle for holding the marker fluid and a gas actuated mechanism to release the fluid from the fluid receptacle. The gas actuated mechanism comprises a gas cylinder holding pressurized gas and an actuator for activating the gas cylinder to expel the pressurized gas for pressing the fluid from the fluid receptacle and spraying the fluid onto the banknotes.
In an alternative use, instead of a marker fluid the fluid of the spoiling system may be an adhesive fluid, wherein the spoiling system is arranged for applying the adhesive fluid onto the banknotes, wherein the adhesive fluid is configured for bonding at least a portion of each of the banknotes to one another.
A disadvantage of the known spoiling system is that, when the gas cylinder is activated by the actuator, a high pressure is created inside the spoiling system at once and the spraying action of the fluid from the fluid receptacle onto the banknotes is not well controlled. In fact, the application of said fluid by said spoiling system by spraying onto the banknotes is not well defined.
In particular, it may even occur often that during a refill operation for refilling the cassette the spoiling system is not inactivated properly and / or that the spoiling system is erroneously activated, wherein an operator may be contaminated by the marking fluid or the adhesive fluid. Such a failure of the spoiling system is undesirable and there is an urgent need to prevent or at least minimize any undesirable damage by the spoiling fluid in case of such a failure, such as damage towards operators of banknote cassettes.

Summary

Embodiments of the invention aim to provide a spoiling system to prevent or at least minimize any damage by the spoiling fluid of an operator in case of a failure of said spoiling system while preventing the usability of the banknotes, when treated by the spoiling fluid.
Further embodiments of the invention aim to further restrict the usability of the banknotes, which are treated by a spoiling fluid.
In particular, when applying an adhesive fluid, a need exists for a more controllable and safe process for applying the fluid onto the banknotes.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly for spoiling the banknotes arranged as a stack within the container, the device assembly comprising: a fluid transport unit and a channel;
the fluid transport unit being configured for transporting a fluid being contained in a fluid receptacle, when the fluid receptacle is arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit, into the channel;
the channel being arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit and having a applying portion being arranged along a side of the container for in an operation state dosing the fluid in a dosing direction onto an application side of the stack of banknotes, preferably the application side being an upper side of the stack of banknotes;
wherein the fluid transport unit additionally comprises: a pump mechanism configured to pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel; and the device assembly comprises a control unit arranged for controlling the fluid transport unit including the pump mechanism;
wherein the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.
In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for controlling a device assembly of a container according to the invention, the method comprising the step of:

a) the control unit controlling the pump mechanism to pump fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel at a pumping pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bars to control a dosing velocity of the fluid from the applying portion; wherein the dosing velocity of the fluid is controlled to direct the fluid to each of said at least three positions along the dosing direction on the application side by said at least three sub-arrays of nozzles, respectively.

The pump mechanism enables a controlled transport of the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the channel and onto the application side of the banknotes. The pump mechanism is controlled by the control unit.
The container may have any shape and size for accommodating and enclosing a stack of banknotes. The array of openings comprises at least three sub-arrays of nozzles being arranged for dosing the fluid to at least three different positions on the application side, respectively, along the dosing direction. The at least three sub-arrays of nozzles provide a suitable distribution of the fluid over at least three different positions on the application side along the dosing direction. In an example, the dosing direction is arranged from the lateral side of the stack of banknotes along a width direction of the stack of banknotes, i.e. perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. As defined herein, the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the container. In this way it is possible to suitably distribute the fluid over the application side along the dosing direction, such as substantially evenly distributing the fluid over the application side along the dosing direction.
In a particular embodiment, the nozzles of said at least three sub-arrays of nozzles are configured such that, for each part along the applying portion, the fluid is dosed to said at least three different positions on the application side along the dosing direction. In an example, the size and/or shape of the nozzles along the applying portion may be selected to compensate for a difference in fluid pressure at the specific nozzle. In this way, the fluid is evenly distributed over the application side of the stack of banknotes in the direction of the applying portion.
In an exemplary embodiment, the flow rate of the fluid may be suitably controlled by the pump mechanism such that the dosing of the fluid is well controlled within the container. In this way the application of the fluid onto the application side of the banknotes is well defined.
The dosing process of the fluid applied by the device assembly onto the application side of the banknotes may be a pouring process of the fluid, a fluid jetting process of the fluid or any other suitable dosing process of the fluid, wherein the direction, the speed and / or amount of application of the spoiling fluid is substantially controlled.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly is configured such that during the dosing process the fluid is applied onto the application side of the stack of banknotes using a jetting process. The jetting process is configured to apply the fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes as a substantially continuous flow of fluid.
Additionally, the device assembly may be configured to control the application or dosing of the fluid onto a predefined part of the application side of the stack of banknotes. In this way it is possible to ensure that all banknotes in the stack of banknotes are sufficiently spoiled to make them unusable and / or to prevent that not too much of the stack of banknotes is treated by the fluid. For example, when applying an adhesive fluid, it is preferred not to completely bond each banknote together to form a solid block, as the banknotes in such state are no longer individually identifiable to the responsible authority.
In an exemplary embodiment, the dosing direction is arranged substantially parallel to a top wall of the container. In this way, an exposure of the environment outside the container to the fluid is prohibited or at least diminished, even when a top wall of the container would be removed during or before applying the fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes. This considerably increases the safety of applying the fluid, compared to an uncontrolled spraying of a fluid. A dosing direction substantially parallel to a top wall of the container as defined herein means that the dosing direction of the fluid will be mainly parallel to a top wall of the container before being controllably deposited at a certain position on the application side of the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged alternating each other along the applying portion of the channel.
In an exemplary embodiment, the application side is formed by edges of the banknotes of each of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes along a length or width of each of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes. The application of fluid onto the side formed by edges of the banknotes enhances a relatively fast and controlled absorption of the fluid throughout the stack of banknotes.
In exemplary embodiments, the container is a cassette, which is configured to be placed inside an ATM machine for delivering banknotes to the ATM machine. In particular, the cassette may have a shape and size to be removably placed inside the ATM machine. In an exemplary embodiment, the cassette may have an openable lid arranged at a top wall of the cassette. More preferably, the openable lid of the cassette is arranged such that the cassette is refillable by inserting a new stack of banknotes into the cassette through the opened lid.
In exemplary embodiments, the application side may comprise an upper side of the stack of banknotes, the application side may comprise a lateral side of the stack of banknotes, i.e. lateral to the stacking direction, and the application side may be the upper side of the stack of banknotes including one of the lateral sides of the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the application side is an upper side of the stack of banknotes. Herein, the upper side is defined as the upper side of the stack of banknotes relative to the height direction of the container, such as a cassette, when the container including the stack of banknotes is in active use. For example, when a cassette is being installed inside the ATM machine. An application of the fluid onto the upper side of the stack of banknotes supports a controlled, such as slow, absorption of the fluid by the banknotes in the stack of banknotes, as a major part of the applied fluid may remain on the application side for a longer time, such as for at least 30 seconds. For example, the fluid may be controllably absorbed from the application side by the banknotes by way of capillary absorption. Furthermore, the distribution of the fluid throughout the stack of banknotes may be suitably controlled by controlling the distribution of the fluid over the upper side of the stack of banknotes.
Typically, the stack of banknotes is stacked and oriented inside the cassette along a longitudinal direction of the cassette and the height direction of the cassette, when being installed inside the ATM machine, is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cassette. Herein, the upper side of the stack of banknotes is formed by edges of the banknotes of each of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes along a length or width of each of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes depending on the orientation of the stack of banknotes inside the cassette.
In a particular embodiment, the upper side of the stack of banknotes is formed by edges of the banknotes along a length of each of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes. In this way the stack of banknotes inside the cassette has a minimum height.
The stack of the banknotes may comprise banknotes having differing sizes and / or shapes, such as banknotes of differing values having differing sizes, and the edges of the banknotes forming the application side may be arranged offset with respect to one another, thereby forming a non-flat application side.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid transport unit further comprises an opening mechanism arranged to open the fluid receptacle for drawing the fluid from the fluid receptacle. The opening mechanism provides that the fluid receptacle is only opened when needed, such as when the fluid needs to be applied onto the application side of the stack of banknotes. In this way the quality of the fluid inside the fluid receptacle is maintained over a longer period. For example, typically the frequency of activating the device assembly is fairly low, and the fluid receptacle may only need to be replaced in a very low frequency. This is especially advantageous of a fluid, which is sensitive to ambient air conditions, such as an adhesive fluid.
In a particular example, the fluid transport unit is arranged in fluid communication to the fluid receptacle through the opening mechanism. In this way, the fluid transport unit may easily draw the fluid from the fluid receptacle, when the opening mechanism has opened the fluid receptacle.
In an exemplary embodiment, the opening mechanism comprises a seal cutting element for breaking a seal of the fluid receptacle on abutment of the seal cutting element. The seal cutting element may provide a reliable and quick breaking of the seal of the fluid receptacle when the seal cutting element is driven into the seal. In examples, the seal cutting element may be a needle element or a punch element. In a particular example, the fluid transport unit is arranged in fluid communication.
In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of:
b) the opening mechanism opening the fluid receptacle for drawing the fluid from the fluid receptacle; wherein step b) is performed before step a).
In a particular example of the opening step b), a seal cutting element of the opening mechanism breaks a seal of the fluid receptacle for opening the fluid receptacle.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid transport unit is arranged to draw the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the broken seal of the fluid receptacle. In this way, the fluid transport unit may easily draw the fluid from the fluid receptacle, when the seal cutting element has broken the seal of the fluid receptacle. In a particular example, the fluid transport unit is arranged in fluid communication to the fluid receptacle through the opening mechanism. In this way, the fluid transport unit may easily draw the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the opening mechanism, when the seal cutting element has broken the seal of the fluid receptacle.
In an exemplary embodiment, the opening mechanism comprises a spindle mechanism for driving the needle element through the seal of the fluid receptacle. The spindle mechanism is a reliable mechanism to control the position of the needle element. Preferably the spindle mechanism is controlled by a control unit of the device assembly, and the needle element is driven by the spindle mechanism to break through the seal in response to at least one event to activate the fluid transport unit to transport the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the channel onto the application side of the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the applying portion is arranged extending along the stack of banknotes in a stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. The applying portion provides a controlled distribution of the applied fluid over a stacking length of the stack of banknotes in the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the applying portion is arranged adjacent to a lateral side of the stack of banknotes. The lateral side is a side of the stack of banknotes in a lateral direction of the stack of banknotes, i.e. perpendicular to the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes and perpendicular to a height direction of the container, such as a cassette, when the container is oriented for regular active use, such as when being placed inside an ATM machine. In this way the applying portion may be held inside the container close to the application side in a compact manner, such as by mounting the applying portion onto a housing part of the device assembly, while not blocking an insertion of the stack of banknotes into the container from an upper side of the container. Furthermore, the applying portion may be arranged for dosing the fluid in a dosing direction from the lateral side of the stack of banknotes in the width direction of the stack of banknotes, i.e. perpendicular to the stacking direction and substantially parallel to a top wall of the container or cassette. In this way the part of the application side, where the fluid is deposited, is easily controlled.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly comprising a blocking surface arranged inside the container, when the container is closed, between a wall of the container and the application side of the stack of banknotes for blocking the fluid, when being applied, at a blocking position in the dosing direction. The blocking surface blocks the jetted fluid and thereby limits the position for depositing the fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes. In this way, the predefined part of the application side for depositing the fluid is simply controlled. This is especially advantageous when using an adhesive fluid.
The blocking surface may substantially extend from the application side up to the wall of the container. The wall may be provided by an openable lid of the container or cassette. Alternatively, the blocking surface may extend from the application side up to another blocking surface, which is arranged substantially parallel to the wall of the container and which blocks the dosed fluid from moving beyond the blocking position. The blocking surface may be directly mounted onto other parts of the device assembly, such as onto a housing of the device assembly. Alternatively, the blocking surface may be mounted onto the wall, such as mounted on the openable lid, of the container or may be mounted on a banknote guiding element, which is preferably fixed onto the wall of the container, for guiding the banknotes along the stacking direction, when being processed by the container.
In an exemplary embodiment, the blocking position is arranged at substantially more than 50%, more preferably at about 75%, of an extension length of the application side of the stack of banknotes along the dosing direction, most preferably the blocking position is arranged at less than 90% of the extension length of the application side of the stack of banknotes along the dosing direction. In this way, the predefined part for depositing the fluid onto the application side is at least 50%, more preferably about 75% of the application side. As a result, the fluid may be absorbed by the stack of banknotes over more than 50%, more preferably over about 75% of the extension length of the application side of the stack of banknotes.
Herein, when the stack comprises banknotes of differing extension lengths along the application side, the blocking position is arranged such that substantially more than 50% of surface area of each banknote, including the banknote having the highest extension length, is treated with spoiling fluid at the application side.
When more than 50% of each banknote is spoiled, the banknotes are not usable any more. Even more, from it is fairly impossible to assemble a usable banknote from two banknotes as more than half of each banknote is spoiled. By restricting the spoiled part to less than 90% of surface area of the banknotes is still individually identifiable to the responsible authority.
In a particular embodiment, the blocking surface is arranged relative to the applying portion of the device assembly such that one lateral side of the stack of banknotes remains free of spoiling fluid. Preferably, the blocking position of the blocking surface is located between said one lateral side of the stack of banknotes and the applying portion such that onto at least 10% of the extension length of the application side, preferably onto at about 25% of the extension length of the application side of the stack of notes no fluid is applied.
In this way, the surface area of each banknote between said one lateral side and the blocking location remains substantially untreated by the fluid. In particular, when the fluid is an adhesive fluid, the bonded banknotes are still individually identifiable to the responsible authority.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly comprises a housing arranged for accommodating the fluid transport unit and at least one fluid receptacle for storing the fluid; wherein the housing is arranged inside the container. The housing provides that the device assembly can easily be handled and /or placed inside a container.
In an exemplary embodiment, the housing is arranged for mounting a holding element, which protrudes from the housing along the side of the container and holds the applying portion of the channel. The holding element provides that the position of the applying portion inside the container is easily controlled.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly including the housing is shaped to be arranged inside the container between the stack of banknotes and an end side of the container along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. Preferably the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably the space provided by the housing of the device assembly for accommodating the fluid receptacle is at least 400 ml, more preferably at least 600 ml. In this way, the device assembly provides sufficient fluid capacity for supporting a treatment of at least 50% of surface area of each banknote in the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the housing has a fluid receptacle storing portion shaped for accommodating a fluid receptacle and for extending along a side wall of the container along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes, wherein the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes is oriented along the longitudinal direction of the container. The fluid receptacle storing portion may be suitably located at a side wall of the container, thereby providing suitable space for the volume of a fluid receptacle. Preferably the space provided by the fluid receptacle storing portion for the fluid receptacle is at least 200 ml, more preferably at least 300 ml.
In an exemplary embodiment, the housing has two fluid receptacle storing portions, each shaped for accommodating a fluid receptacle and for extending along one side wall of two side walls, respectively, of the container along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. Preferably the space provided by the two fluid receptacle storing portions together for accommodating the fluid receptacles is at least 400 ml, more preferably at least 600 ml. In this way, the device assembly provides sufficient fluid capacity for supporting a treatment of at least 50% of surface area of each banknote in the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid receptacle storing portion has a holding element being configured for holding the applying portion of the channel. The fluid receptacle storing portion which extends along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes may easily provide the holding element for accurately holding the applying portion of the channel along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles arranged along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. The array of nozzles provide a controlled dosing of the fluid over the application side of the stack of banknotes. In a particular exemplary embodiment, each nozzle of the array of nozzles is configured to apply the fluid in the form of a jetting process having a substantially continuous flow of the fluid. For example, a size and shape of the nozzle is suitably selected to provide said jetting process at the relevant fluid pressure, which is provided inside the channel of the fluid transport unit.
In an exemplary embodiment, the at least three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged at different levels above the application side of the stack of banknotes, respectively. In this way the at least three different positions on the application side are easily defined.
In an exemplary embodiment, the at least three sub-arrays of nozzles have a different nozzle opening, respectively. In this way the dosing speed may be varied and thus the dosing positions on the application side are easily defined.
In an exemplary embodiment, the three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged alternating each other along the stacking direction of the stack of banknotes. In this way, the fluid is distributed evenly along the stacking direction over the at least three different positions on the application side.
In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit is arranged for controlling the pump mechanism to pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel at a pumping pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bar to control the dosing velocity of the fluid from the applying portion. Preferably, the pumping pressure is in a range between 0.5 and 2 bar. The pump mechanism is configured for pumping the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel at a pumping pressure of at most 10 bar, preferably at most 5 bar, more preferably at about 1 bar. In a particular example, the pumping pressure is held substantially constant. In this way the flow rate of the fluid through the channel and the dosing velocity from the applying portion is suitably controlled. In particular, in this way the deposition of the fluid onto the application side, i.e. on the dosing positions, is reliably controlled.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises the fluid receptacle including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes and the fluid has a viscosity of at most 50 mPa.s, preferably at most 20 mPa.s, wherein the fluid is arranged for being absorbed by the stack of banknotes by way of capillary absorption. The low viscosity of the fluid supports a fast and controlled capillary absorption of the fluid from the application side into the stack of banknotes. The viscosity is measured at 23°C.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises the fluid receptacle including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes and the fluid is an adhesive fluid for providing a mutual bonding of adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes. The adhesive fluid enhances that the bonded banknotes in the stack of banknotes are not usable anymore. The adhesive fluid may be present between the banknotes (i.e. adhering to the surfaces of the banknotes) and /or may be present inside the banknotes, when being absorbed by the material of the banknotes.
The advantage of applying an adhesive fluid for providing a mutual bonding of adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes is that the usability of the banknotes for payment transfers is further restricted. In case of using a marker fluid, the banknotes are marked by a specific color. However, these color marked banknotes may still be used in some payment traffic systems, such as in certain ticket machines, or in human payment transfers.
The adhesive fluid, when bonding the banknotes in a stack together, transforms the physical properties of the banknotes substantially irreversibly such that the banknotes cannot be used for ticket machines and are not accepted in human payment transfers as payment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises the fluid receptacle including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes and the fluid is a pre-treating fluid for pre-treating the banknotes in the stack of banknotes. By applying the pre-treating fluid, the banknotes in the stack of banknotes may be modified in a desired way. In an example, the pre-treating fluid is a primer to improve an adhesion of a marker fluid and/or an adhesive fluid to the banknotes.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container comprises the fluid receptacle including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes and the fluid is a marker fluid for marking the banknotes in the stack of banknotes. The marker fluid may comprise a marking color for making the banknote unusable.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly further comprises a control unit arranged for controlling the fluid transport unit, wherein, when the device assembly is in the active state, the control unit is triggered by at least one event to activate the fluid transport unit to transport the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the channel onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, and wherein the control unit is triggered by at least one second event to inactivate the device assembly.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly comprises a battery unit arranged for energizing the control unit and the pump mechanism. In this way the device assembly may be controlled and activated stand alone without any electrical connections to other parts outside the device assembly.
In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit is configured for a wireless bidirectional communication between the control unit and another security system arranged outside the container. In an example, the other security system is a control unit of an ATM machine.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly comprising another fluid transport unit and another channel, the fluid transport unit being configured for transporting another fluid from another fluid receptacle, when being arranged in fluid communication to the other fluid transport unit, into said other channel, the other channel in the operation state being arranged in fluid communication to the other fluid transport unit and having a applying portion being arranged along a side of the container for dosing the other fluid in a dosing direction onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, wherein the other fluid transport unit comprises another pump mechanism to pump the other fluid from the other fluid receptacle into the other channel; wherein the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.
In an exemplary embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the step of:
c) the control unit controlling the other pump mechanism to pump the other fluid from the other fluid receptacle into the other channel at a pumping pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bars to control a dosing velocity of the fluid from the applying portion of said other channel; wherein the dosing velocity of the fluid is controlled to direct the fluid to each of said at least three positions along the dosing direction on the application side by said at least three sub-arrays of nozzles, respectively.
In a particular example, step c) is performed after step a) wherein the fluid has been deposited on the application side.
In an exemplary embodiment, the applying portion of the channel and the applying portion of the other channel are arranged at the same lateral side of the stack of banknotes and the dosing direction of the fluid and the other fluid is substantially in the same direction relative to one another. In this way, the device assembly may be configured to dose both fluids covering substantially the same predefined part of the application side. Moreover, when placing a blocking surface at a blocking position along the dosing direction, the blocking surface has the advantage of blocking both dosed or jetted fluid and thereby limits the position for depositing the fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes. In this way, the predefined part of the application side for depositing the fluid and the other fluid is simply controlled.
The device assembly having another fluid transport unit provides that two different fluids may be dosed onto the stack of banknotes independently one another. For example, a combination of a pre-treating fluid and a marker fluid or a combination of a pre-treating fluid and an adhesive fluid may be applied. The two different fluids may be applied onto the stack of banknotes at different moments.
In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit is further arranged for controlling the other fluid transport unit, wherein, when the control unit is triggered by said at least one event, the control unit is arranged for first activating the fluid transport unit to apply the first fluid, preferably being the pre-treating fluid, onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, and subsequently activating the other fluid transport unit to apply the other fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes after the application of the first fluid by said fluid transport unit. In a preferred embodiment, the other fluid is selected from one of an adhesive fluid and a marker fluid.
In an exemplary embodiment, the device assembly is arranged for applying the fluid to at least 50% of the entire width of the stack of banknotes, preferably to at least 75% of the entire width of the stack of banknotes, more preferably to at most 90% of the entire width of the stack of banknotes.
In another aspect of the invention a container is provided for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises the device assembly according to the present invention.
In an exemplary embodiment, the container further comprises an openable lid and a holding element mounted on the lid of the container and arranged for holding the applying portion of the channel, and wherein the channel has connector part arranged for releasably connecting and disconnecting the applying portion from the fluid transport unit in response to a closed state and an open state, respectively, of the lid of the container.
In another aspect of the invention a fluid receptacle is provided for storing a fluid for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack within a container, the fluid receptacle comprising an outlet comprising a connector neck shaped for fitting into a connector socket of the fluid transport unit of the device assembly according to the invention, wherein the connector neck is arranged for communicating the fluid to the fluid transport unit, the outlet comprising an seal arranged for closing an opening of the connector neck and for being breakable by an opening mechanism of the fluid transport unit, preferably the fluid receptacle having a capacity of at least 200 ml, more preferably at least 300 ml. Even more preferably the fluid receptacle has a capacity for holding about 500 ml fluid.
In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid receptacle comprises a pouch for accommodating spoiling fluid, the pouch comprising a laminate, which comprises a polyolefin layer, such as a polyethylene layer, a polyamide layer, an aluminum layer and a polyester layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
In an exemplary embodiment, the seal comprises a laminate comprising a polyolefin layer, such as a polyethylene containing layer, an aluminum containing layer and a polyester containing layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate containing layer, preferably the seal substantially not comprising a polyamide containing layer.
In another aspect of the invention an adhesive fluid is provided for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the adhesive fluid has a viscosity of at most 50 mPa.s, preferably at most 20 mPa.s, wherein the fluid is arranged for being absorbed by the stack of banknotes by way of capillary absorption, when being applied onto an application side of the stack of banknotes by the device assembly according to the invention.

Brief description of the figures

The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The above and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A illustrates schematically a perspective view of a container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly of an exemplary embodiment;
Figure 1B illustrates schematically a cross section of the container along the line C-C of the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1A, when the container is closed by the lid part;
Figure 2A - 2C illustrate schematically a device assembly of an exemplary embodiment;
Figure 3 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a part of the device assembly and a fluid receptacle of an exemplary embodiment;
Figure 4 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly of another exemplary embodiment;
Figure 5A - 5B illustrate a device assembly of the other exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4;

Description of embodiments

Figure 1A illustrates schematically a perspective view of a container, such as a cassette, for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly of an exemplary embodiment. The cassette 2 as is shown in Figure 1A comprises a lid part 1 which is shown in an open state, wherein lid part 1 is pivoted about a hinge part which is arranged at a side edge of the lid part 1. The cassette further comprises a guiding element 3 and another guiding element 4 which are mounted on the lid part for guiding the banknotes 5 in the stack of banknotes along a stacking direction of the banknotes S. The stack of banknotes 5 can be inserted in the cassette and be arranged along the stacking direction S. Furthermore, a device assembly according to the present invention 100 can be inserted into the cassette at an end side of the cassette 2 in the stacking direction S. In the example shown the device assembly 100 is inserted between a pushing plate 35, which is arranged for pushing a stack of banknotes along the stacking direction towards a feed door arranged at another end side of the cassette (not shown), and the end wall of the cassette 2. The device assembly 100 comprises a channel 17 including a applying portion 6. The applying portion 6 of the channel 17 is arranged along the stacking direction S of the stack of banknotes 5 along a side wall of the cassette 2. Furthermore, the cassette 2 comprises a switch 9, which is arranged for sensing a open state and/or closed state of the lid part 1 of the cassette 2. Furthermore, the cassette 2 comprises a blocking clasp 10 arranged for retaining the lid part 1 in a closed state during operation of the cassette 2. Furthermore, the cassette 2 comprises a wireless communication component 11 for sending communication information from the cassette to another security system such as a control unit of an ATM machine.
The device assembly according to the invention will further be explained in relation to the Figures 2A, 2B and 2C. In Figure 2A the device assembly 100 is shown. The device assembly 100 comprises a housing 12 which accommodates certain parts of the device assembly which are further shown in Figure 2C. Furthermore, the device assembly 100 comprises the switch 9 and the blocking clasp 10. Furthermore, the device assembly comprises a battery 13 for energizing the control unit 14 of the device assembly. The control unit 14 is arranged for controlling the fluid transport unit including the pump mechanism. The control unit 14 comprises a wireless communication component configured for a bidirectional communication, i.e. sending and receiving information, between the cassette and another security system such as a control unit of an ATM machine. In this way, any trigger information of an event can be send by the control unit of the ATM machine to the wireless communication component of the control unit 14. The wireless communication component is part of the control unit 14 of the cassette 2 to exchange the communication information.
In Figure 2B it is shown that a applying portion 6 of the channel of the device assembly protrudes from the housing 12. Furthermore, a holding element 15 protrudes from the housing portion 12 alongside the applying portion 6 and is arranged for holding the applying portion 6. The holding element 15 is mounted onto the housing 12. Furthermore, the channel 17 including the applying portion 6 comprises an end cap 16 for closing the channel 17 at the end of the applying portion 6. The applying portion 6 comprises dosing openings, i.e. nozzles, distributed along a length of the applying portion 6.
Now referring to Figure 2C which shows the device assembly wherein the separate parts of the device assembly are shown. Herein is shown the housing 12, the lid part 8 of the housing 12 and the pump 18, which is controlled by the control unit 14. The pump 18 is arranged in fluid connection to an opening mechanism 19 of the device assembly 100 and to a channel 17 of the device assembly 100, which includes the applying portion 6. The opening mechanism 19 is shown in connection state to a fluid receptacle 20 which is configured for containing a spoiling fluid. The fluid receptacle 20, the pump 18 and the opening mechanism 19 are accommodated inside the housing 12. The opening mechanism 19 is controlled by the control unit 14. The opening mechanism 19 comprises a needle mechanism arranged for braking through a seal of the fluid receptacle 20. The fluid receptacle 20 can be manually mounted onto the opening mechanism 19, as is shown in Figure 2C, and in an exemplary embodiment is further explained in relation to Figure 3.
Now referring to Figure 1B which shows how the spoiling fluid can be applied from the applying portion 6. When the control unit 14 activates the pump mechanism 18 the pump 18 transports the fluid from the fluid receptacle 20 through the channel 17 towards the applying portion 6.
As shown in Figure 1B, which is a cross section along the lines C-C shown in Figure 1A, the applying portion 6 is arranged at a side wall of the cassette 2 near and adjacent to a lateral side of the stack of banknotes 5 and above an upper side 5A of the stack of banknotes 5. As shown in Figure 1B the stack of banknotes is held down by the guiding elements 3 and 4 which are mounted onto the lid part 1, which is in a closed state in Figure 1B.
Furthermore, at a lateral position 3A of the guiding element 3 a blocking surface 3B is mounted onto the guiding element 3 and is arranged for closing a gap between the lid part 1 and the upper side of the stack of banknotes 5A. The upper side of the stack of banknotes 5A is the application side of the stack of banknotes. When the spoiling fluid is transported through the channel 17 towards the applying portion 6 at a suitable pressure, for instance at about 1 till 5 bars, the spoiling fluid is applied from the applying portion 6 in a dosing direction A towards the blocking surface 3B, which is arranged at the guiding element 3. As the applying portion 6 comprises dosing openings, i.e. nozzles, distributed along a length of the applying portion 6, the spoiling fluid is applied in the dosing direction A from each dosing opening distributed along the length of the applying portion 6.
The dosing direction A is arranged predominantly parallel to a lateral direction L of the applications side 5A of the stack of banknotes, i.e. perpendicular to the stacking direction S. Additionally, the dosing direction A is arranged substantially parallel to a top wall or lid part 1 of the container. The applying portion 6 comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction A on the application side 5A.
In this way the spoiling fluid is distributed from the applying portion 6 over the application side 5A of the stack of banknotes, wherein the part of the application side 5A which is applied by the spoiling fluid is restricted along the lateral direction by the position of the blocking surface 3B. The blocking surface 3B is arranged at a position 3A along the lateral direction such that about 75% of the application side can be reached by the spoiling fluid.
After the spoiling fluid has been applied onto the application side 5A between the applying portion 6 and the blocking surface 3B, the applied spoiling fluid can be absorbed by the banknotes from the application side 5B by capillary absorption as is indicated by arrow T, wherein the spoiling fluid is adapted to be absorbed from the application side substantially completely up to an opposing side, such as the lower side as shown in Figure 1B. When the spoiling fluid has been absorbed by the stack of banknotes 5 a part of the stack of banknotes indicated by 5B will be spoiled by the absorbed spoiling fluid while another part 5C will not be spoiled as this part will not absorb any spoiling fluid. In this way a predefined part of the banknotes in the stack of banknotes can be spoiled by the spoiling fluid. As such the banknotes are not usable anymore for money transfer, and furthermore, the not spoiled part 5C can be used to identify each banknote at an appropriate official side.
In an exemplary embodiment of the applying portion 6 shown in FIG. 1A - 2C or of the applying portions 6A, 6B shown in FIG. 4 - 5B, the three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged alternating each other along the applying portion of the channel.
In an exemplary embodiment of the applying portion 6 shown in FIG. 1A - 2C or of the applying portions 6A, 6B shown in FIG. 4 - 5B, the at least three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged at different levels above the application side of the stack of banknotes, respectively.
In case the spoiling fluid is an adhesive fluid, the adhesive fluid is configured for bonding adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes, wherein the adhesive fluid is adapted such that the bonding time is in the order of 30 seconds till about 2 minutes. As the bonding time is substantially later than 30 seconds, the process of capillary absorption of the adhesive fluid is given sufficiently time such that the adhesive is absorbed in the direction T all over the height of the banknotes between the application side up to the opposing side of the banknotes, such as the lower side as shown in Figure 1B, before bonding the adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes to one another.
In an alternative embodiment, the blocking surface is mounted onto the lid part 1 directly or is mounted on any other way inside the cassette to arrange the blocking surface in the predefined blocking position 3A.
In a particular embodiment the applying portion 6 comprises three or more subarrays or nozzles, wherein each subarray of nozzle is arranged at a different height level, such that the applied fluid is deposited on at least three positions along the dosing direction A on the application side 5A. In this way the spoiling fluid is substantially evenly distributed over the predefined part of the application side 5A.
Figure 3 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a part of a device assembly 100 and a fluid receptacle 20 of an exemplary embodiment. The receptacle 20 comprises an outlet comprising a connector neck 21 shaped for fitting into a connector socket of the fluid transport unit 80 of the device assembly. The outlet comprises a seal 23 arranged for closing the connector neck 21 and which is breakable by an opening mechanism 19 of the fluid transport unit 80. The fluid transport unit 80 comprises the pump 18 and the opening mechanism 19. The pump 18 is arranged in fluid communication to the opening mechanism 19. Both the pump 18 and the opening mechanism 19 are mounted on a bracket 25. The fluid receptacle 20 can be mounted onto the opening mechanism 19 by introducing the connector neck 21 into a connector socket of the opening mechanism 19. Furthermore, the outlet comprises a O-ring seal 22 which is arranged for sealing the connection between the connector neck 21 and the opening mechanism 19 when the connector neck is mounted onto the connector socket of the opening mechanism 19. Furthermore, a clip 24 is provided for retaining the connector neck 21 inside the connector socket of the opening mechanism 19 in the mounted state. The clip 24 can be placed onto the connector socket of the opening mechanism 19 and comprises two protruding parts for extending through two corresponding slots of the opening mechanism 19. In this way the fluid receptacle 20 can be reliably and easily mounted onto the opening mechanism 19.
The opening mechanism 19 comprises a needle element which is mounted onto a spindle mechanism. The spindle mechanism of the opening mechanism 19 is controlled by the control unit 14.
When the control unit is triggered by at least one event to activate the fluid transport unit, in a first stage the opening mechanism 19 including the spindle mechanism is activated to drive the needle in a thrusting direction through the seal 23 of the fluid receptacle 20. After that, in a second stage, when the seal has been broken, the pump 18 is activated by the control unit 14 to controllably pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle 20 through the opening mechanism 19 and through the channel 17 towards the applying portion 6. The pump 18 is controlled by the control unit 14 to pump the fluid at a suitable pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bars, preferably in a range between 0.5 and 2 bar. In this way, the dosing behaviour of the fluid from the applying portion 6 along the dosing direction A is suitably controlled to apply the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.
In an alternative method, the first stage and the second stage start substantially at the same time.
In any way, as a result of the method within about two minutes the spoiling fluid, such as an adhesive fluid, is applied onto the application side of the stack of banknotes 5A and is absorbed by the banknotes by way of capillary absorption. In a particular example, the adhesive fluid is configured for bonding adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes, wherein the bonding time is configured to be in the order of 30 seconds till about 2 minutes. In this way the process of capillary absorption of the adhesive fluid is given sufficiently time such that at least 50%, preferably about 75% of each banknote is absorbed by the adhesive fluid, before bonding the adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes to one another.
The fluid receptacle 20 shown has a capacity of at least 200 ml, or more preferably at least 300 ml, most preferably about 500 ml. In this way the fluid volume of at least 200 ml is sufficient to be absorbed by at least 50% of the stack of banknotes, more preferably is absorbed by about 75% of the stack of banknotes.
The spoiling fluid for spoiling the banknotes has a viscosity of at most 50 mPa.s, preferably at most 20 mPa.s, such that fluid is arranged for being easily absorbed by the stack of banknotes by way of capillary absorption.
Figure 4 illustrates schematically a perspective view of the container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged at a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly of another exemplary embodiment. The container, such as a cassette, 2 comprises a lid part 1 which is shown in an open state and which is connected via hinges to the main part of the cassette 2. Furthermore, the cassette comprises a guiding element 3 and a guiding element 4 which are mounted onto the lid part 1 and which are arranged for guiding the banknotes of the stack of banknotes 5 along a stacking direction S. Inside the cassette a stack of banknotes 5 is inserted as is shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, a device assembly according to the other exemplary embodiment 200 is inserted inside the cassette 2 at an end wall of the cassette along the stacking direction S.
The device assembly 200 comprises a housing 12 comprising a first fluid receptacle storing portion 7a and a second fluid receptacle storing portion 7b. Each of the fluid receptacles storing portions 7a, 7b is arranged along a longitudinal side wall of the cassette along the stacking direction S. The fluid receptacles storing portions 7a, 7b enclose cooperatively the stack of banknotes 5 in the lateral direction L. Furthermore, the device assembly 200 comprises a switch 9 which is similar to the switch 9 shown in Figure 1A and a blocking clasp 10 which is similar to the blocking clasp 10 shown in Figure 1A, and a wireless communication element 11, which is similar to the wireless communication element shown in Figure 1A.
Furthermore, the device assembly 200 comprises a first channel including a applying portion 6a and a second channel including a applying portion 6b which both are arranged parallel to one another along a side of the cassette 2 along the stacking direction S.
Now referring to Figures 5A and 5B which illustrate the device assembly of the other exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4. As is shown in Figure 5A the housing comprises a central part including a lid 8, a first fluid receptacles storing portion 7a at one side and a second fluid receptacle storing portion 7b at another side. Furthermore, the applying portions 6a, 6b of the first channel and the second channel, respectively, are mounted onto the first fluid receptacle storing portion 7a arranged on one side wall.
Furthermore, in Figure 5A the switch 9 and the blocking clasp 10 are shown. The device assembly 200 comprises a battery 13 for energizing the control unit 14 of the device assembly 200.
Figure 5B shows the parts of the device assembly 200 including a first fluid receptacle 20a and a second fluid receptacle 20b. The device assembly 200 comprises a first fluid transport unit 80 comprising a first pump 18 and including a first opening mechanism 19 and a first channel 17 including a applying portion 6 and an end cap 16. The first opening mechanism 19 can be used to mount the first fluid receptacle 20a such as a fluid receptacle arranged for containing an adhesive fluid or for containing a marking fluid or for containing a pre-treating fluid.
The device assembly 200 further comprises a second fluid transport unit 180 comprising a second pump, a second opening mechanism and a second channel including a second applying portion. The second fluid transport unit 180 can be used to mount a second fluid receptacle 20b using an outlet 15 for connecting the second fluid receptacle 20b to the opening mechanism of the second fluid transport unit 180. Each of the first transport units 80 and the second fluid transport units 180 are independently controlled by the control unit 14. In a particular embodiment the device assembly comprises a control unit and a battery for each of the fluid transport units independently. In this way the reliability of the system can be enhanced by a redundant design of the control unit and the battery. In an alternative embodiment the control unit 14 and the battery 13 are used to control both the first and the second fluid transport units of the device assembly.
In a specific embodiment the first fluid receptacle contains a pre-treating fluid and the second fluid contained inside the second fluid receptacle is an adhesive fluid for providing a bonding of adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes.
In a specific method for spoiling the banknotes in the stack of banknotes the control unit is arranged for controlling a first fluid transport unit when the control unit is triggered by at least one event to activate the device assembly, to control the opening mechanism to break the seal of the fluid receptacle in a first step and in second step to control the pump of the first fluid transport unit 80 to transport the pre-treating fluid from the fluid receptacle 20a along the channel 17 towards the applying portion 6a, wherein the pre-treating fluid is jetted along a dosing direction onto an application side 5B of the stack of banknotes, as is shown in Figure 1B.
After a certain period, for instance about 30 seconds, the control unit controls the opening mechanism to break the seal of the second fluid receptacle 13b, and in another step the pump mechanism of the second fluid transport unit 180 is controlled to pump the second fluid, which is an adhesive fluid, along the second channel towards the applying portion 6b. From the applying portion 6b the transport adhesive fluid is applied onto the application side of the banknotes 5A, such as is shown in Figure 1B.
As a result within about two minutes in a first stage the pre-treating fluid is applied onto the application side of the stack of banknotes 5A and is absorbed by capillary absorption by the stack of banknotes, and in a second stage the adhesive fluid is applied onto the application side of the stack of banknotes 5A and is absorbed by the banknotes by way of capillary absorption. The adhesive fluid is configured for bonding adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes, wherein the adhesive fluid is adapted such that the bonding time is in the order of 30 seconds till about 2 minutes. In this way the process of capillary absorption of the adhesive fluid is given sufficiently time such that at least 50%, preferably about 75% of each banknote is absorbed by the adhesive fluid, before bonding the adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes to one another.
Additionally, as the pre-treating fluid is applied before the adhesive fluid is applied, the pre-treating fluid has sufficient time to pre-treat the banknotes.
In another modified exemplary embodiment of the method, the first fluid is a pre-treating fluid for pre-treating the banknotes in the stack of banknotes and the other fluid is a marker fluid for providing a marking colour onto the banknotes in the stack of banknotes.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative units or modules embodying the principles of the invention.
Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

A container for storing and protecting banknotes arranged as a stack, wherein the container comprises a device assembly for spoiling the banknotes arranged as a stack within the container, the device assembly comprising: a fluid transport unit and a channel;
the fluid transport unit being configured for transporting a fluid being contained in a fluid receptacle, when the fluid receptacle is arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit, into the channel;
the channel being arranged in fluid communication to the fluid transport unit and having a applying portion being arranged along a side of the container for in an operation state dosing the fluid in a dosing direction onto an application side of the stack of banknotes, preferably the application side being an upper side of the stack of banknotes;
wherein the fluid transport unit additionally comprises:
a pump mechanism configured to pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel;

and the device assembly comprises a control unit arranged for controlling the fluid transport unit including the pump mechanism;

wherein the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.
The container according to claim 1, wherein the dosing direction is arranged substantially parallel to a top wall of the container.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged alternating each other along the applying portion of the channel.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least three sub-arrays of nozzles are arranged at different levels above the application side of the stack of banknotes, respectively.
The device assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the applying portion is arranged adjacent to a lateral side of the stack of banknotes; and the device assembly comprises a blocking surface arranged inside the container, when the container is closed, between an upper wall of the container and the application side of the stack of banknotes for blocking the fluid, when being applied, at a blocking position in the dosing direction.
The container according to claim 5, wherein the blocking position is arranged at more than 50%, more preferably at about 75%, of an extension length of the application side of the stack of banknotes along the dosing direction.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device assembly comprises a housing arranged for accommodating the fluid transport unit and at least one fluid receptacle for storing the fluid; wherein the housing is arranged inside the container.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid transport unit further comprises an opening mechanism arranged to open the fluid receptacle for drawing the fluid from the fluid receptacle; wherein the opening mechanism comprises a seal cutting element for breaking a seal of the fluid receptacle on abutment of the seal cutting element; and wherein the fluid transport unit is arranged to draw the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the broken seal of the fluid receptacle.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is arranged for controlling the pump mechanism to pump the fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel at a pumping pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bars to control the dosing velocity of the fluid from the applying portion.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises the fluid receptacle including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes, wherein the fluid is an adhesive fluid for providing a mutual bonding of adjacent banknotes in the stack of banknotes.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, when the device assembly is in the active state, the control unit is triggered by at least one event to activate the fluid transport unit to transport the fluid from the fluid receptacle through the channel onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, and wherein the control unit is triggered by at least one second event to inactivate the device assembly.
The container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device assembly comprises another fluid transport unit and another channel, the fluid transport unit being configured for transporting another fluid from another fluid receptacle, when being arranged in fluid communication to the other fluid transport unit, into said other channel, the other channel in the operation state being arranged in fluid communication to the other fluid transport unit and having a applying portion being arranged along a side of the container for dosing the other fluid in a dosing direction onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, wherein the other fluid transport unit comprises another pump mechanism to pump the other fluid from the other fluid receptacle into the other channel; wherein the applying portion comprises an array of nozzles comprising at least three sub-arrays of nozzles arranged to provide a controlled dosing of the fluid to at least three different positions, respectively, along the dosing direction on the application side.
The container according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is further arranged for controlling the other fluid transport unit, wherein, when the control unit is triggered by at least one event, the control unit is arranged for first activating the fluid transport unit to apply the first fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes, and subsequently activating the other fluid transport unit to apply the other fluid onto the application side of the stack of banknotes after the application of the first fluid by said fluid transport unit.
The container according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the container comprises the fluid receptacle and the other fluid receptacle, each including a fluid for spoiling the banknotes, wherein the first fluid and / or the other fluid is selected from one of a pre-treating fluid, an adhesive fluid and a marker fluid.
A method for controlling a device assembly of a container according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the step of:
a) the control unit controlling the pump mechanism to pump fluid from the fluid receptacle into the channel at a pumping pressure in a range between 0.5 and 5 bars to control a dosing velocity of the fluid from the applying portion; wherein the dosing velocity of the fluid is controlled to direct the fluid to each of said at least three positions along the dosing direction on the application side by said at least three sub-arrays of nozzles, respectively.
A fluid receptacle for storing a fluid for spoiling banknotes arranged as a stack within a container, the fluid receptacle comprising an outlet comprising a connector neck shaped for fitting into a connector socket of the fluid transport unit of the device assembly according to claim any one of the preceding claims 1 - 14; wherein the connector neck is arranged for communicating the fluid to the fluid transport unit, the outlet comprising a seal arranged for closing the connector neck and for being breakable by an opening mechanism of the fluid transport unit, preferably the fluid receptacle having a capacity of at least 200 ml, more preferably at least 300 ml.
The fluid receptacle according to claim 16, wherein the fluid receptacle comprises a pouch for accommodating spoiling fluid, the pouch comprising a laminate, which comprises a polyolefin layer, such as a polyethylene layer, a polyamide layer, an aluminium layer and a polyester layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate layer.
The fluid receptacle according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the seal comprises a laminate comprising a polyolefin layer, such as a polyethylene containing layer, an aluminium containing layer and a polyester containing layer, such as a polyethylene terephthalate containing layer, preferably the seal substantially not comprising a polyamide containing layer.