WO2006004523A1

WO2006004523A1 - Device and method for handling of valuable documents

Info

Publication number: WO2006004523A1
Application number: PCT/SE2005/001063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sven-Aage Bengtsson; Ted Folsom
Original assignee: Axlon International Ab
Priority date: 2004-07-06
Filing date: 2005-07-01
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: SE0401776L; EP1782395A1; SE0401776D0; SE527334C2

Abstract

The invention concerns an arrangement for the handling of banknotes, where the banknotes are transported by at least one transport band, comprising a driving arrangement (M), a first (18) transport band, which first transport band is wound around and passes out from a first roller (10), passes onwards via and in contact with a first intermediate roller (24) to a storage roller (12), around which storage roller the transport band is wound when banknotes are stored at the storage roller. The banknote handling arrangement is characterised in that the intermediate roller (24) is connected to the driving arrangement (M) and drives the transport band (18). The invention concerns a valuable document machine comprising at least one recycling unit, and a method for the driving of the transport film in a recycling unit.

Description

Device and method for handling of valuable documents

Technical Area

The invention concerns a device in the form of a recycling unit for handling valuable documents and a valuable document machine that comprises the device for handling valuable documents.

Such devices and machines for valuable documents, such as banknotes, are used for example at cash-points, in shops, in banks aηd_at_pqst_. offices, where money is received and paid out.

Background

Different types of devices for valuable documents, such as banknote machines, are available on the market. These normally comprise a cover with an opening for the input or output of banknotes, a transport arrangement for the transport of banknotes between the opening and a storage space, and a control arrangement that controls the transport arrangement. Such banknote machines can, for example, carry out the storage of banknotes, and the input, output or a combination of input and output of banknotes.

One type of arrangement receives, dispenses and stores banknotes between films. This type of arrangement places requirements for security and speed, and this type requires that the banknotes are transported and stored in the arrangement in a reliable manner.

US 4,249,552 shows an arrangement for the automatic handling of banknotes, where (as is shown in Figure 4) transparent transport bands (134, 138) receive banknotes and where the banknotes and the transport bands are rolled up around a storage roller (128).

One end of each transport band is attached to one particular roller (124, 126), which rollers are driven by motors (158, 162), and the second ends of the transport bands are attached to the storage roller (128), which is driven by a motor (166). The storage roller is driven during input of banknotes, and the motors (158, 162) of the other rollers are used in order to maintain the transport bands under tension. The motors are thus used both for the transport of banknotes and for tensioning the transport bands. The arrangement is controlled with the aid of a computer that gives commands to a control unit (see Column 9).

The arrangement that has been described demonstrates driving of the film that comprises monitoring by a control unit.

When banknotes are stored on the storage roller (128) its external diameter increases while at the same time the diameters of the other rollers (124, 126) decrease through the unwinding of the transport bands from these rollers, and being wound up around the storage roller together with banknotes. If the rollers are driven at a constant rate of rotation, this will involve the speed of the banknotes varying in a manner that depends on the number of banknotes stored. This variation in speed is undesired, and this variation in speed may create problems with synchronization between two arrangements, should the banknote handling arrangement exchange banknotes with a second arrangement.

Summary of the Present Invention

The present invention concerns arrangements for valuable documents where valuable documents are transported by one or several transport bands and the transport band, together with the valuable documents, is wound up around a storage roller. It is one aim of the present invention to demonstrate an arrangement for handling valuable documents when using transport bands without the disadvantage described above.

Thus the present invention specifies: a recycling unit for the handling of valuable documents, where valuable documents are transported by at least one transport film, comprising a driving arrangement, a first transport film, which first transport film is wound around and passes from a first roller, passes onwards via and in contact with a first intermediate roller to a storage roller, around which storage roller the transport film is wound together with the valuable documents when valuable documents are stored at the storage roller. The recycling unit is characterised in that the intermediate roller is connected with the driving arrangement and drives the transport film.

By driving the transport film with the intermediate roller the speed of the valuable documents can be controlled without the need to take into consideration the change in diameter of the rollers around which the transport film is wound.

Arrangements for tensioning the transport film can be arranged for the storage roller and for the first roller, in order to maintain the transport film under tension.

In one preferred embodiment, the arrangements for tensioning comprise a slip clutch, which interacts with the relevant roller in a direction for winding up the transport film around the roller.

In one preferred embodiment, the arrangements for tensioning are connected to the driving arrangement and driven by it.

In order to achieve better transport and storage of valuable documents, the unit can also comprise a second transport film, wound around a second roller, and which passes via a second intermediate roller arranged next to the first intermediate roller and onwards to the storage roller such that valuable documents can be received between the first and the second transport film rollers and stored between these when they are wound around the storage roller. In one preferred embodiment, the second intermediate roller is connected with the driving arrangement and drives the second transport film.

In order to maintain the second transport film under tension, a tensioning arrangement comprising a slip clutch can be connected to the second roller and it can interact with the second roller in a direction for winding up the transport film around the roller.

The present invention also specifies a valuable document machine comprising the said recycling unit for the handling of valuable documents and a method for driving the transport film in a recycling unit.

Brief Description of Drawings

Reference will be made in the remainder of this description to the attached drawings in order to obtain a better understanding of the invention and of its embodiments and examples, whereby:

Figure 1 illustrates in perspective a first banknote machine according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a view from the side illustrating the inside of a second banknote machine according to the present invention comprising banknote handling arrangements according to the present invention.

Figure 3 is a view from the side of one of the banknote handling arrangements shown in Figure 2. '

Figure 4 illustrates a banknote handling arrangement with a single band.

Figure 5 illustrates a banknote handling arrangement according to the prior art.

Detailed Description Figure 5 shows in a view from the side parts of an arrangement for the storage of banknotes. This drawing is intended as an illustration of the prior art in a manner that is useful for an understanding the present invention. A banknote 101 is received between two plastic films 102, 103 and it is transported to a roller for the storage of banknotes, the storage roller 104, where the banknotes are stored between the plastic films. Figure 5 shows two rollers 105, 106 with a plastic film, which film rollers are driven by motors 115, 116. The storage roller 104 is driven by a motor 114. The films pass from the film rollers to the mutual storage roller via two intermediate rollers 108, 109 arranged in an area for input and output. A control unit 110, comprising a computer unit with processor and memory, controls the motors. Sensors 111 , 112, 113 are located in association with the films, which sensors monitor the extension of the films and transfer signals to the control unit such that the control unit gives signals to the motors such that the film is maintained under tension. A banknote machine is shown in perspective in Figure 1 with a cover 1 , an opening 2 for the input and output of banknotes, and a reception plate for the reception of output banknotes. Five banknote handling arrangements 4 are arranged within the banknote machine, which arrangements can receive, store and dispense banknotes; these banknote handling arrangements will be referred to here as "recycling units" 4. These units are arranged above each other at the rear side of the machine, as is illustrated by dashed lines in the drawing.

The banknote machine according_ to the present invention can be arranged as specified by Figure 1. The machine can be used for other types of valuable document in addition to banknotes, such as value coupons, credit receipts, cheques, gift vouchers and similar, and this can, of course, take place in combination with banknotes.

Figure 2 illustrates the inside of a banknote machine, seen from the side. The drawing has been simplified, as have the other drawings, in order to illustrate component parts and their functions, and for this reason the size relationships between the component parts have been adapted in order to make the drawings clear rather than to show the actual sizes. The banknote machine has a cover 1 , an input arrangement 5 for the input of banknotes through an opening in the cover, and an output plate 3 at an output opening. An arrangement 6 for determining denomination and for ensuring authenticity, recycling units 4a - 4e, a security cassette 8, and a loading cassette 9 are all present within the machine. A transport arrangement 7 for the transport of banknotes is aiso present in the machine, which arrangement comprises driving rollers, plates and control forks, and this transport arrangement handles the transport of banknotes between the opening and the various cassettes and the recycling units. A control unit and sensors, not shown in the drawings, are also arranged within the arrangement that control and monitor the machine and its component parts. It is appropriate that the control unit is also arranged for communication with other units such as cash tills, price readers and coin handling units, in a manner that is known.

As an example of the functioning of the machine, it can receive a bundle of banknotes which is placed into the input arrangement 5, by, for example, a cash till operator, which banknotes are fed by the input arrangement one at a time into the machine, transported through the arrangement 6 for determination of denomination and confirmation of authenticity and onwards to the transport arrangement 7, where the banknotes are guided, with the aid of the control unit and the sensors, to one or several of the recycling units 4a - 4e, depending on the denomination of the banknotes. Banknotes that are to be returned as change or that are not accepted by the arrangement 6 for determination of denomination and confirmation of authenticity are fed out onto the output plate 3. Banknotes that are to be fed out can be transferred by one or several of the recycling units 4a - 4e to the transport arrangement 7 and onwards to the output. It is important that the speed of the banknotes is controlled during the transfer when the banknotes are transferred between the recycling units and the transport arrangement.

Speed synchronisation is achieved in a recycling unit according to the invention through rollers arranged at the banknote exchange region at the boundary between the transport arrangement and the recycling unit driving the transport bands of the recycling unit. A recycling unit 4 according to the invention is shown in more detail in Figure 3.

The recycling unit comprises a first 18 and a second 19 transport band. JThe transport bands in this example are constituted by thin films, for example, transparent Mylar films. The first film 18 is wound up 14 around a first roller or film roller 10. It is appropriate that one end of the film 18 is attached to the film roller 10. The second end of the first film 18 is attached to and wound up around a storage roller 12. During input of a banknote 26, the banknote is received between the films 18, 19 and stored by its winding up 16 around the storage roller 12. As is illustrated in Figure 2, the banknote can be received by the recycling unit from a transport arrangement of the type described previously. The first film passes from the first film roller over and in contact with an intermediate roller 24 and passes onwards to the storage roller. The intermediate roller 24 is connected with a driving arrangement M, which appropriately comprises, or is connected to, an electric motor. The driving arrangement M is arranged to drive the first intermediate roller in two directions, as is specified in the drawing by the bi-directional arrow drawn with a continuous line on the roller.

The second film 19 is in a similar manner wound up 15 around the second film roller

11 , to which second film roller the first end of the second film is attached. The second film passes via a second intermediate roller 25, with which it makes contact, and onwards to the storage roller 12, to which the second end of the second film is attached. Thus, both films 18, 19 are wound up 16 around the storage roller 12. The second intermediate roller 25 is connected with the driving arrangement and can be driven in two directions by the driving arrangement, as is specified in the drawing by the bi-directional arrow drawn with a continuous line on the roller. The drawing shows how a first toothed wheel 27, connected to the first intermediate roller 24, connects the first intermediate roller with the second intermediate roller 25 with the aid of a second toothed wheel 28 connected with the second intermediate roller. The two toothed wheels 27, 28 are arranged coaxially with axis of rotation of the relevant intermediate roller 24, 25. The film rollers 10, 11, the intermediate rollers 24, 25 and the storage roller 12 are essentially cylindrical and are shown in the drawing with circular cross-sections. During input of a banknote 26, the intermediate rollers are driven in the relevant input direction of rotation, and during output of a banknote the intermediate rollers are driven in an output direction of rotation. The intermediate rollers thus constitute driving rollers for the films. The intermediate driving rollers and the transport bands are adapted such that they acquire a suitable friction between them: the driving rollers, for example, are provided with a frictional layer of, for example, a rubber material, on their outer surfaces. The driving rollers may also be bonded. During input, the intermediate rollers drive the films 18, 19 and a banknote 26, if present, in an input direction 30 in the direction towards the storage roller. During output, the intermediate rollers drive the films and banknotes, if present, in an output direction 32 in the direction, away from the..storage roller,.such ihat each one of the. films .is driven towards the. relevant film roller during output and is driven away from the relevant film roller during input. The films 18, 19 are in contact with the relevant intermediate roller for an extent that is less than one rotation around the roller and they are thus not wound up around the intermediate rollers. Thus the outer diameters of the driving rollers do not vary, and for this reason the rate of rotation of the driving rollers can be maintained at a constant value, and it can be adapted to the desired speed of the banknotes outside of the recycling unit, such as the speed of banknotes in a transport arrangement, such that problems of synchronisation do not arise when transferring banknotes between the transport arrangement and the recycling unit.

Since the films 18, 19 are driven towards the relevant film rollers 10, 11 during output, there is a risk that the films will become slack. The unit comprises a first tensioning arrangement in order to place the films under tension, which tensioning arrangement interacts with the first film roller 10 in the direction of winding up of this roller, as is specified by the dashed arrow 34. The arrangement also comprises a second tensioning arrangement, which interacts with the second film roller 11 in the direction 35 of its winding up.

In the same manner, there is a risk that the films 18, 19 will become slack during input, since the films are driven towards the storage roller 12. The unit comprises a third tensioning arrangement in order to place the films under tension, which tensioning arrangement interacts with the storage roller 12 in the direction of winding up of this roller, as is specified by the dashed arrow 33.

One example of a tensioning arrangement is the use of a slip clutch that slips in the direction of winding up of the relevant roller. The tensioning arrangements may be connected to the driving arrangement, indicated by the dashed lines 21 , 22, 23 in the drawing, in such a manner that the intermediate rollers are driven in the appropriate input direction of rotation, and thus the tensioning arrangements interact with the relevant rollers 10, 11 , 12 in a direction 33, 34, 35 of rotation that results in winding up. It is then appropriate that the tensioning arrangements are also connected with the driving arrangement in such a manner that the intermediate rollers are driven in the appropriate output direction of rotation, and thus the tensioning arrangements (also in this case) interact with the relevant rollers 10, 11 , 12 in a direction of rotation 33, 34, 35 that results in winding up. The intermediate driving rollers 24, 25 drive the film either in the direction of winding up of the film rollers 10, 11 and in the direction of unwinding of the storage roller 12, or in the direction of unwinding of the film rollers 10, 11 and in the direction of winding up of the storage roller, while the tensioning arrangements are arranged to drive the rollers in their directions of winding up only in a manner that involves slipping. A single electric motor can thaus drive all rollers in the recycling unit, both the intermediate driving rollers and the slip clutch that places the film under tension, at the storage roller and the film rollers.

The recycling unit has been illustrated with two transport bands. Figure 4 illustrates a single-band unit that has only one transport band. The unit comprises a transport film 18 that, as has been previously described, is wound up 14 around a first roller or film roller 10. It is appropriate that one end of the film 18 is attached to the film roller 10. The second end of the film 18 is attached and wound up 16 around a storage roller 12. During input 30 of a banknote 26, the banknote is received between a driven intermediate roller 24, over which the film 18 passes, and an input wheel or an input roller 36, and it is stored between the film 18 and its wound up section 16, through winding up of the film 18 around the storage roller 12. The driving of the intermediate driving roller 24 and the input roller 36 can be arranged as has been previously described for the intermediate rollers 24, 25, and the film roller 10 and the storage roller 12 can place the film 18 under tension with the aid of a slip clutch. Machines for valuable documents according to the present invention preferably also comprise connections to a power supply, such as the electrical grid, and equipment for communication with other units such as, for example, a computer unit at a cash till. The number of storage arrangements can be adapted according to the currency, with, for example, five recycling units for the most common denominations and one for uncommon denominations of for other valuable documents such as cheques and gift vouchers.

The recycling unit can also be designed as a free-standing module that can be connected to a machine, and that comprises an internal memory in which the number of banknotes and their denominations is stored.

The invention has been described with embodiments in order to explain its principles and application, in order to make it possible for others skilled in the arts to realise the invention, with suitable modifications within the framework of their skills. The scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

1. A recycling unit for the handling of valuable documents, where valuable documents are transported by at least one transport film, comprising a driving arrangement (M), a first (18) transport film, which first transport film is wound around and passes out from a first roller (10), passes onwards via and in contact with a first intermediate roller (24) to a storage roller (12), around which storage roller the transport film is wound together with the valuable documents when valuable documents are stored at the storage roller, whereby the intermediate roller (24) is connected with the driving arrangement (M) and drives the._, transport film, and whereby tensioning arrangements (33, 34) are arranged for the storage roller (12) and the first roller (10) c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that each one of the tensioning arrangements (33, 34) comprises a slip clutch, which interacts with the corresponding roller (10, 12) in a direction of winding up the transport film around the roller, whereby each one of the tensioning arrangements (33, 34) is connected to the driving arrangement and drives the rollers in their directions of winding up only in a manner that involves slipping.

2. The recycling unit according to claim 1 , whereby the arrangement comprises a second transport film (19), wound around a second roller (11) and that passes via a second intermediate roller (25) arranged next to the first intermediate roller (24) and onwards to the storage roller (12) such that valuable documents can be received between the first and the second transport films and stored between these when they are wound around the storage roller.

3. The recycling unit according to claim 2, whereby the second intermediate roller (25) is connected to the driving arrangement (M) and drives the second transport film (19).

4. The recycling unit according to claim 2 or 3, whereby a tensioning arrangement (35) comprising a slip clutch is connected to the second roller (11) and interacts with the second roller (11) in a direction of winding up of the transport film around the roller.

5. A valuable document machine comprising at least one recycling unit according to any one of the preceding claims.

6. A method for driving a transport film in a recycling unit for valuable documents, where the recycling unit comprises a driving arrangement (M), a first (18) transport film, which first transport film is wound around and passes out from a first roller (10), passes onwards via and in contact with a first intermediate roller (24) to a storage roller (12), whereby the method comprises storage of the valuable documents at the storage roller by winding of the transport film together with the valuable documents around the storage roller; driving of the intermediate roller (24) by the driving arrangement (M) and the resulting driving of the transport film with the intermediate roller (24) and whereby tensioning arrangements (33, 34) are arranged for the storage roller (12) and the first roller (10) ch aracterised by interaction of the corresponding roller (19, 12) with a slip clutch that is comprised by each one of the tensioning arrangements (33, 34) in a direction of winding up the transport film around the roller, whereby each one of the tensioning arrangements (33, 34) is connected to the driving means and drives the rollers in their directions of winding up only in a manner that involves slipping.