WO2017212296A1 - Banknote processing equipment and method of processing banknotes - Google Patents

Banknote processing equipment and method of processing banknotes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017212296A1
WO2017212296A1 PCT/GB2017/051698 GB2017051698W WO2017212296A1 WO 2017212296 A1 WO2017212296 A1 WO 2017212296A1 GB 2017051698 W GB2017051698 W GB 2017051698W WO 2017212296 A1 WO2017212296 A1 WO 2017212296A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
platform
chamber
processing equipment
banknote
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2017/051698
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Wright
Original Assignee
Cash Dynamics Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cash Dynamics Limited filed Critical Cash Dynamics Limited
Publication of WO2017212296A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017212296A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/009—Depositing devices
    • G07D11/0093—Drop boxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/14—Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/26—Opening or distending bags; Opening, erecting, or setting-up boxes, cartons, or carton blanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
    • B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
    • B65B43/56—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation movable stepwise to position container or receptacle for the reception of successive increments of contents
    • B65B43/58—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation movable stepwise to position container or receptacle for the reception of successive increments of contents vertically movable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/106—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by pushers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
    • B65B51/146—Closing bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H29/00—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles
    • B65H29/38—Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by movable piling or advancing arms, frames, plates, or like members with which the articles are maintained in face contact
    • B65H29/46—Members reciprocated in rectilinear path
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/06—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled on edge
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/08—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another
    • B65H31/10—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H31/00—Pile receivers
    • B65H31/04—Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates
    • B65H31/12—Devices relieving the weight of the pile or permitting or effecting movement of the pile end support during piling
    • B65H31/14—Springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H43/00—Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable
    • B65H43/06—Use of control, checking, or safety devices, e.g. automatic devices comprising an element for sensing a variable detecting, or responding to, completion of pile
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
    • G07D11/125—Secure containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
    • G07D11/16—Handling of valuable papers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2405/00—Parts for holding the handled material
    • B65H2405/30—Other features of supports for sheets
    • B65H2405/31—Supports for sheets fully removable from the handling machine, e.g. cassette
    • B65H2405/311—Supports for sheets fully removable from the handling machine, e.g. cassette and serving also as package
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
    • B65H2701/10—Handled articles or webs
    • B65H2701/19—Specific article or web
    • B65H2701/1912—Banknotes, bills and cheques or the like

Definitions

  • This invention relates to banknote processing equipment and to a method of processing banknotes.
  • Banknotes are often sorted using specialist machinery and deposited into plastic bags. When a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited into a bag, the bag is then sealed and collected for onward transit from the bank or retail outlet.
  • An example of a device suitable for receiving banknotes, allowing them to be deposited in a bag and then heat-sealing the bag is disclosed in our PCT application, published as W02010/125372.
  • banknotes that can be packaged in this way for a given volume is limited by the fact that the banknotes simply stack under the influence of gravity. Whilst this forms a neat stack, air can become trapped between the notes and used notes tend not to lie flat, which causes them to take up more room than a flat, new note would.
  • banknote processing equipment comprising a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber; a platform movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber, the banknote processing equipment having a banknote filling mode in which the platform is urged towards the second position; an extractor adapted to establish a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform when in the banknote filling mode.
  • the bag By using an extractor to reduce the air pressure outside a bag placed within the chamber, the bag can be caused not only to open against side walls of the chamber but to be drawn over the platform.
  • the bag thus conforms to the shape of the platform and chamber without having severe creases that would reduce packing efficiency, if not totally prevent the use of plastic bags with a platform urged towards the second position.
  • Such a platform allows banknotes to be deposited by forcing them against the platform or banknotes already deposited, which compresses the bundle of banknotes against the platform. This allows many more notes to be bundled than is possible when reliant on free-fall under gravity alone.
  • the banknote processing equipment does not rely on gravity to form the banknotes into bundles, it can be operated in any orientation desired.
  • the platform is urged towards the second position by at least one spring.
  • the at least one spring can be a compression spring, bearing at a first end on a surface of the platform and at a second end on a base of the chamber opposite the open end. Such an arrangement pushes the platform towards the open end of the chamber.
  • the platform can move between the first position (distal from the open end and proximal to the base of the chamber) and the second position (proximal to the open end and distal from the base of the chamber) by allowing the at least one spring to expand. Stops may be provided within the chamber to limit the extent to which the at least one spring can expand, thereby defining the location of the second position. Similarly, stops may be provided within the chamber to limit the extent to which the at least one spring can compress, thereby defining the location of the first position.
  • the banknote processing equipment further comprises a heat-sealing mechanism. This allows an open end of a bag within the chamber to be sealed when a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited within it.
  • the banknote processing equipment normally further comprises a clamping mechanism which can clamp the rim of a bag to limit the amount by which it can be drawn into the chamber. This prevents the tendency of bags from being drawn inside the chamber when being filled with banknotes or by the reduction in pressure exterior to the bag when the extractor is operated.
  • the clamping mechanism clamps the rim of the bag against the heat- sealing mechanism.
  • the heat-sealing mechanism may comprise a pair of heat-sealing jaws that are moved when in the banknote filling mode such that the jaws define a gap through which banknotes can be pushed into a bag in the chamber.
  • the size of the gap will typically be chosen to be less than the length of the short edge of the smallest banknote that is desired to be loaded into a bag. For example, the size of the gap may be in the region of 25% to 50% of the length of this edge. A gap size of 35mm has been found suitable in practice.
  • the clamping mechanism can clamp the rim of the bag against the pair of heat-sealing jaws.
  • the pair of jaws also provide surfaces for the platform or the last banknote deposited in a bundle being formed to bear against (through the material of a bag in the chamber) as the platform is urged towards the first position, typically under the pressure of the at least one spring.
  • the bundle of banknotes can be compressed in the bag between the platform and the pair of jaws.
  • the banknote processing equipment typically has a sealing mode in which the heat-sealing mechanism seals an open end of the bag by application of heat.
  • the banknote processing equipment can be switched into the sealing mode from the banknote filling mode when a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited within a bag.
  • the heat-sealing mechanism comprises a pair of heat-sealing jaws and the banknote processing equipment is switched into the sealing mode, the pair of heat-sealing jaws are brought together (thereby removing the gap mentioned above) before the application of heat.
  • the banknote processing equipment may also further comprise a retaining catch to hold the platform in the first position, the retaining catch being movable to release the platform when the banknote processing equipment is placed in the banknote filling mode.
  • a retaining catch to hold the platform in the first position, the retaining catch being movable to release the platform when the banknote processing equipment is placed in the banknote filling mode.
  • the banknote processing equipment may further comprise a sensor to detect when the platform arrives at the first position.
  • the formation of the bundle can be ceased at this point, which may involve issuing an electrical inhibit signal for reception by upstream banknote processing equipment, the electric inhibit signal being suitable to prevent upstream banknote processing equipment from further operation.
  • a bag with deposited bundle of banknotes may be sealed and subsequently withdrawn from the chamber. The sealing of the bag will keep the bundle of banknotes compressed.
  • a method of processing banknotes comprising inserting a bag into a chamber through an open end of the chamber; urging a platform that is movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber towards the second position; establishing a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform; and forming a bundle of banknotes on a portion of the bag drawn over the platform, thereby causing the platform to return towards the first position as the bundle of notes is formed.
  • the method typically further comprises sealing an open end of the bag.
  • the sealing can occur after a desired quantity of banknotes has been formed into the bundle of banknotes.
  • the sealing will typically be carried out by a heat-sealer, for example a pair of heat-sealing jaws as discussed above.
  • the bundle of banknotes is formed by pushing notes through a gap into the bag, the bundle being formed between the portion of the bag drawn over the platform and the gap.
  • the gap may be formed by bringing a pair of heat-sealing jaws towards each other to define a gap through which banknotes can be pushed into a bag in the chamber.
  • the size of the gap will typically be chosen to be less than the length of the short edge of the smallest banknote that is desired to be loaded into a bag.
  • the size of the gap may be in the region of 25% to 50% of the length of this edge. In some embodiments, the size of the gap is 35mm.
  • Banknotes to be loaded into a bag can be deposited on the clamping mechanism or pair of heat- sealing jaws above the gap by upstream banknote processing equipment and then pushed through the gap using a piston sized to fit through the gap. This causes the banknotes to fold around the piston and enter the open end of the bag. The portion of the banknote pushed by the piston will also push the platform towards the first position. When the banknote has been pushed far enough by the piston, it will unfold to lie at the end of the bundle of banknotes. The piston can then be withdrawn to allow the platform to be urged back towards the second position.
  • the method may further comprise sensing when the platform returns to the first position and retaining the platform in the first position. As discussed above, this allows the platform to be held in the first position so that a filled bag can be withdrawn from the chamber and a new bag loaded.
  • FIG 1 shows an exterior view of banknote processing equipment according to the invention.
  • FIGS 2 to 5 show cross-sectional views through the banknote processing equipment of Figure 1 and together illustrate the operation of the equipment.
  • Figure 1 shows a chamber 1 fabricated from sheet metal (typically, steel) in a conventional manner. In other embodiments, an engineering plastic could be used to fabricate the chamber 1.
  • a plastic bag 2 (which is a simple, flat plastic bag) is shown within the chamber 1.
  • a pair of clamps 3 clamps the rim of plastic bag 2 against a pair of heat-sealing jaws 4. Each of the clamps 3 is mounted to a corresponding one of the heat-sealing jaws 4. Each of the clamps 3 is urged away from the corresponding one of the heat-sealing jaws 4 to which it is mounted by a spring (not shown) between each heat-sealing jaw 4 and clamp 3.
  • magnets (not shown) in the heat- sealing jaws 4 are caused (for example, by manual manipulation) to attract the clamps 3 towards the jaws 4, thereby overwhelming the spring pressure and clamping the rim of a bag 2 placed between the heat-sealing jaws 4 and clamps 3.
  • the heat-sealing jaws 4 (along with clamps 3) can be driven transversely across the open end of the chamber 1 using leadscrews 13 on which the heat-sealing jaws 4 are mounted.
  • a leadscrew 13 is provided at each end of the heat-sealing jaws 4.
  • the leadscrews 13 have oppositely-handed threads at each end so that rotation of the leadscrews 13 causes the jaws 4 to move in opposite directions to each other (i.e. both together or both apart).
  • the leadscrews 13 are coupled together by a toothed belt 14 entrained around toothed pulleys attached to the leadscrews 13 and a toothed pulley (not shown) on a motor (not shown).
  • the jaws 4 and clamps 3 can be moved together and apart by actuating the motor in the appropriate direction.
  • the chamber is shown oriented such that banknotes 10 can be transported vertically by upstream banknote processing equipment (such as a banknote counter, sorter or validator).
  • upstream banknote processing equipment such as a banknote counter, sorter or validator.
  • Other orientations are possible, but this is the preferred orientation because vertical transport of banknotes is conventional and so minimal modification to existing equipment is required to use the banknote processing equipment according to the invention with such existing equipment. It also keeps the overall vertical height occupied by the banknote processing equipment and existing equipment to a minimum.
  • Figure 2 shows a first stage of operation.
  • a closed plastic bag is 2 placed within the chamber 1.
  • the rim of the plastic bag 2 is clamped by clamps 3 against the heat-sealing jaws 4 in the manner described above.
  • the base of the plastic bag 2 extends as far as a platform 5 within the chamber 1.
  • the platform 5 is pushed by a spring 7 away from the base of the chamber 1 towards the chamber's open end.
  • a catch 8 engages with a lip on the edge of platform 5 to prevent it moving towards the open end of chamber 1.
  • the catch 8 is pushed into the engagement position shown in Figure 2 by a spring, but can be withdrawn by an actuator (not shown) to allow movement of platform 5 towards the open end of chamber 1 on issue of a signal from controller to the actuator.
  • an extractor fan 9 is run.
  • the extractor fan 9 is operated on issue of a signal from the controller.
  • Running the fan 9 in this way causes the air pressure exterior to the bag 2 (i.e. between the chamber 1 and the bag 2) to reduce relative to that within the bag 2.
  • the bag inflates and is drawn outwardly to conform to the shape of the chamber 1 walls and to the platform 5.
  • the clamps 3 ensure that the bag 2 is not drawn into the chamber 1 when the fan 9 is operated.
  • the heat-sealing jaws 4 are withdrawn to a position such that they do not inhibit access to the chamber 1 for loading the bag 2.
  • the controller causes actuation of the motor which drives leadscrews 13, thereby causing the heat- sealing jaws 4 to move together to leave a narrower gap between them.
  • a typical gap is 35mm. This is narrow enough to be able to support a banknote 10 fed over the clamps 3 but not too narrow to prevent passage of a piston 11 through the gap for pushing the banknotes 10 into the bag 2.
  • the controller causes the catch 8 to release platform 5.
  • the spring 7 thus pushes platform 5 towards the open end of the chamber 1.
  • the platform 5 carries the bag 2 with it, which is caused to maintain its conformity with the platform 5 surface against which it rests by operation of the fan 9.
  • the bag 2 is reduced in volume as the platform 5 moves towards the open end of chamber 1, and the excess air within the bag 2 is forced out through the relatively narrow gap at the mouth of the bag 2 between the heat-sealing jaws 4. This controls the rate of motion of the platform 5; in effect, the air pressure within the bag 2 is limiting the rate at which spring 7 can cause the platform 5 to move.
  • the platform 5 comes to rest against the heat-sealing jaws 4, which limit its motion. It is shown in Figure 4 with a slight gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4 and the platform 5, but it should be understood that this is merely schematic in nature.
  • the bag 2 is inverted by the movement of platform 5 towards the open end of chamber 1. However, this inversion is made without forming any creases in the bag 2.
  • the portions of the bag still in contact with the side walls of the chamber 1 conform to the shape of those side walls.
  • the portion of the bag 2 in contact with the platform 5 maintains its conformity with the shape of the platform 5 during the motion of platform 5 and remains crease-free.
  • the parts of the bag between the side walls of chamber 1 and the platform 5 are formed by the air pressure in the bag.
  • the extractor fan 9 is now switched off by the controller, and the bag 2 is ready to receive banknotes 10.
  • the process of loading banknotes 10 into the bag 2 is controlled by parent, upstream banknote processing equipment (not shown), the chamber 1 being positioned so that banknotes 10 can be delivered to it by transport paths in the upstream banknote processing equipment.
  • a banknote 10 may thus be fed along the clamps 3 and brought to a stop underneath a piston 11 (which is part of the upstream banknote processing equipment).
  • the piston 11 forces the banknote 10 through the gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4 by moving towards the base of the chamber 1. This causes the banknote 10 to fold (as shown in Figure 4) as it passes through the gap.
  • the piston 11 proceeds, it will either push the banknote 10 onto the base of the bag 2 against the platform 5 or onto a bundle of notes being formed on the base of the bag 2.
  • the motion of the piston 11 causes the platform 5 (and bag 2 and bundle of notes) to move towards the base of chamber 1, spring 7 being caused to compress to accommodate the motion. Once it has moved far enough that the banknote 10 is entirely within the bag 2, the banknote 10 will open once again and lie flat against the base of bag 2 (if it is the first banknote in a bundle) or other banknotes in a bundle being formed on the base of bag 2.
  • the piston 11 is then withdrawn back through the gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4.
  • the spring 7 causes the piston 11 to remain in contact with the banknote 10 so that it is held in place on the base of bag 2 (if it is the first banknote in a bundle) or other banknotes in a bundle being formed on the base of bag 2. This contact is maintained until the banknote 10 is in contact with the heat-sealing jaws 4.
  • the bundle is kept in formation between the platform 5 and the heat- sealing jaws 4 under application of pressure from spring 7.
  • the catch 6 is shaped like a pawl so that it automatically allows the platform 5 to push it out of the way and then engage with the lip on the platform 5.
  • sensor 8 which issues a signal to the controller.
  • the controller responds by asserting an inhibit signal, which can be coupled to the upstream banknote processing equipment to cause it to stop so that no further ba nknotes are added to the bundle.
  • the sensor 8 is typically a microswitch actuated by the motion of the catch 6 as it engages with the platform 5. Alternatively, it could be an optical sensor, the return motion of the catch 6 interrupting a beam of visible or infrared light passing between a transmitter and a receiver in the optical sensor.
  • the controller will cause the heat-sealing jaws 4 to come fully together as shown in Figure 5.
  • An impulse current is then passed through the heating elements in the jaws 4, causing them to heat rapidly and fuse the bag 2 material in between the jaws.
  • the controller then releases the clamps 3 by driving the jaws 4 back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3.
  • the motion of the heat-sealing jaws 4 transversely back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 from the position shown in Figure 5 causes the clamps 3 to run over sprung ramps (not shown), which lift the clamps 3 away from the magnets in the heat-sealing jaws 4, thereby releasing the bag 2 from the clamps 3 at the end of the banknote filling operation.
  • the bag can then be removed by an operator and a new bag inserted and filled as described above. Should a bag require sealing before being filled (and therefore catch 6 is unable to engage the platform 5 and trigger the sealing mode), it can be manually pushed against spring 7 so that catch 6 can engage the platform 5 and trigger the sealing mode. A new bag can then be inserted.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Package Closures (AREA)

Abstract

Banknote processing equipment comprising a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber is disclosed. The banknote processing equipment also comprises a platform movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber. The banknote processing equipment has a banknote filling mode in which the platform is urged towards the second position. An extractor is adapted to establish a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform when in the banknote filling mode.

Description

BANKNOTE PROCESSING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF PROCESSING BANKNOTES
This invention relates to banknote processing equipment and to a method of processing banknotes.
Banknotes are often sorted using specialist machinery and deposited into plastic bags. When a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited into a bag, the bag is then sealed and collected for onward transit from the bank or retail outlet. An example of a device suitable for receiving banknotes, allowing them to be deposited in a bag and then heat-sealing the bag is disclosed in our PCT application, published as W02010/125372.
This results in a reliable and useful way of depositing banknotes in a plastic bag. The use of a plastic bag is particularly beneficial because, once sealed, it is immediately evident if someone has tampered with the bag to gain access to the banknotes within. Furthermore, the plastic bags are easy to store and transport, are sufficiently low-cost to be disposed of after a single use and weigh much less than a plastic or metal cassette, which have traditionally been used for transportation and storage of banknotes.
However, the quantity of banknotes that can be packaged in this way for a given volume is limited by the fact that the banknotes simply stack under the influence of gravity. Whilst this forms a neat stack, air can become trapped between the notes and used notes tend not to lie flat, which causes them to take up more room than a flat, new note would.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided banknote processing equipment comprising a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber; a platform movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber, the banknote processing equipment having a banknote filling mode in which the platform is urged towards the second position; an extractor adapted to establish a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform when in the banknote filling mode. By using an extractor to reduce the air pressure outside a bag placed within the chamber, the bag can be caused not only to open against side walls of the chamber but to be drawn over the platform. The bag thus conforms to the shape of the platform and chamber without having severe creases that would reduce packing efficiency, if not totally prevent the use of plastic bags with a platform urged towards the second position. Such a platform allows banknotes to be deposited by forcing them against the platform or banknotes already deposited, which compresses the bundle of banknotes against the platform. This allows many more notes to be bundled than is possible when reliant on free-fall under gravity alone. Furthermore, since the banknote processing equipment does not rely on gravity to form the banknotes into bundles, it can be operated in any orientation desired.
Typically, the platform is urged towards the second position by at least one spring. The at least one spring can be a compression spring, bearing at a first end on a surface of the platform and at a second end on a base of the chamber opposite the open end. Such an arrangement pushes the platform towards the open end of the chamber. Thus, the platform can move between the first position (distal from the open end and proximal to the base of the chamber) and the second position (proximal to the open end and distal from the base of the chamber) by allowing the at least one spring to expand. Stops may be provided within the chamber to limit the extent to which the at least one spring can expand, thereby defining the location of the second position. Similarly, stops may be provided within the chamber to limit the extent to which the at least one spring can compress, thereby defining the location of the first position.
Preferably, the banknote processing equipment further comprises a heat-sealing mechanism. This allows an open end of a bag within the chamber to be sealed when a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited within it.
The banknote processing equipment normally further comprises a clamping mechanism which can clamp the rim of a bag to limit the amount by which it can be drawn into the chamber. This prevents the tendency of bags from being drawn inside the chamber when being filled with banknotes or by the reduction in pressure exterior to the bag when the extractor is operated.
In a preferred embodiment, the clamping mechanism clamps the rim of the bag against the heat- sealing mechanism.
The heat-sealing mechanism may comprise a pair of heat-sealing jaws that are moved when in the banknote filling mode such that the jaws define a gap through which banknotes can be pushed into a bag in the chamber. The size of the gap will typically be chosen to be less than the length of the short edge of the smallest banknote that is desired to be loaded into a bag. For example, the size of the gap may be in the region of 25% to 50% of the length of this edge. A gap size of 35mm has been found suitable in practice. The clamping mechanism can clamp the rim of the bag against the pair of heat-sealing jaws. The pair of jaws also provide surfaces for the platform or the last banknote deposited in a bundle being formed to bear against (through the material of a bag in the chamber) as the platform is urged towards the first position, typically under the pressure of the at least one spring. Thus, the bundle of banknotes can be compressed in the bag between the platform and the pair of jaws.
The banknote processing equipment typically has a sealing mode in which the heat-sealing mechanism seals an open end of the bag by application of heat. The banknote processing equipment can be switched into the sealing mode from the banknote filling mode when a desired quantity of banknotes has been deposited within a bag. When the heat-sealing mechanism comprises a pair of heat-sealing jaws and the banknote processing equipment is switched into the sealing mode, the pair of heat-sealing jaws are brought together (thereby removing the gap mentioned above) before the application of heat.
The banknote processing equipment may also further comprise a retaining catch to hold the platform in the first position, the retaining catch being movable to release the platform when the banknote processing equipment is placed in the banknote filling mode. Thus, engagement of the platform by the catch takes the banknote processing equipment out of the banknote filling mode and places it in an idle mode, in which the platform is no longer urged towards the second position and in which a bag can be loaded into the chamber so that the banknote filling mode can be commenced.
The banknote processing equipment may further comprise a sensor to detect when the platform arrives at the first position. The formation of the bundle can be ceased at this point, which may involve issuing an electrical inhibit signal for reception by upstream banknote processing equipment, the electric inhibit signal being suitable to prevent upstream banknote processing equipment from further operation. At this point, a bag with deposited bundle of banknotes may be sealed and subsequently withdrawn from the chamber. The sealing of the bag will keep the bundle of banknotes compressed.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of processing banknotes, the method comprising inserting a bag into a chamber through an open end of the chamber; urging a platform that is movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber towards the second position; establishing a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform; and forming a bundle of banknotes on a portion of the bag drawn over the platform, thereby causing the platform to return towards the first position as the bundle of notes is formed.
The method typically further comprises sealing an open end of the bag. The sealing can occur after a desired quantity of banknotes has been formed into the bundle of banknotes. The sealing will typically be carried out by a heat-sealer, for example a pair of heat-sealing jaws as discussed above.
In a preferred embodiment, the bundle of banknotes is formed by pushing notes through a gap into the bag, the bundle being formed between the portion of the bag drawn over the platform and the gap. The gap may be formed by bringing a pair of heat-sealing jaws towards each other to define a gap through which banknotes can be pushed into a bag in the chamber. The size of the gap will typically be chosen to be less than the length of the short edge of the smallest banknote that is desired to be loaded into a bag. For example, the size of the gap may be in the region of 25% to 50% of the length of this edge. In some embodiments, the size of the gap is 35mm.
Banknotes to be loaded into a bag can be deposited on the clamping mechanism or pair of heat- sealing jaws above the gap by upstream banknote processing equipment and then pushed through the gap using a piston sized to fit through the gap. This causes the banknotes to fold around the piston and enter the open end of the bag. The portion of the banknote pushed by the piston will also push the platform towards the first position. When the banknote has been pushed far enough by the piston, it will unfold to lie at the end of the bundle of banknotes. The piston can then be withdrawn to allow the platform to be urged back towards the second position.
The method may further comprise sensing when the platform returns to the first position and retaining the platform in the first position. As discussed above, this allows the platform to be held in the first position so that a filled bag can be withdrawn from the chamber and a new bag loaded.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows an exterior view of banknote processing equipment according to the invention; and
Figures 2 to 5 show cross-sectional views through the banknote processing equipment of Figure 1 and together illustrate the operation of the equipment.
Figure 1 shows a chamber 1 fabricated from sheet metal (typically, steel) in a conventional manner. In other embodiments, an engineering plastic could be used to fabricate the chamber 1. A plastic bag 2 (which is a simple, flat plastic bag) is shown within the chamber 1. A pair of clamps 3 clamps the rim of plastic bag 2 against a pair of heat-sealing jaws 4. Each of the clamps 3 is mounted to a corresponding one of the heat-sealing jaws 4. Each of the clamps 3 is urged away from the corresponding one of the heat-sealing jaws 4 to which it is mounted by a spring (not shown) between each heat-sealing jaw 4 and clamp 3. To clamp the bag, magnets (not shown) in the heat- sealing jaws 4 are caused (for example, by manual manipulation) to attract the clamps 3 towards the jaws 4, thereby overwhelming the spring pressure and clamping the rim of a bag 2 placed between the heat-sealing jaws 4 and clamps 3.
The heat-sealing jaws 4 (along with clamps 3) can be driven transversely across the open end of the chamber 1 using leadscrews 13 on which the heat-sealing jaws 4 are mounted. A leadscrew 13 is provided at each end of the heat-sealing jaws 4. The leadscrews 13 have oppositely-handed threads at each end so that rotation of the leadscrews 13 causes the jaws 4 to move in opposite directions to each other (i.e. both together or both apart). The leadscrews 13 are coupled together by a toothed belt 14 entrained around toothed pulleys attached to the leadscrews 13 and a toothed pulley (not shown) on a motor (not shown). Thus, the jaws 4 and clamps 3 can be moved together and apart by actuating the motor in the appropriate direction.
In Figure 1, the chamber is shown oriented such that banknotes 10 can be transported vertically by upstream banknote processing equipment (such as a banknote counter, sorter or validator). Other orientations are possible, but this is the preferred orientation because vertical transport of banknotes is conventional and so minimal modification to existing equipment is required to use the banknote processing equipment according to the invention with such existing equipment. It also keeps the overall vertical height occupied by the banknote processing equipment and existing equipment to a minimum.
The operation of the banknote processing equipment shown in Figure 1 will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 shows a first stage of operation. In this, a closed plastic bag is 2 placed within the chamber 1. The rim of the plastic bag 2 is clamped by clamps 3 against the heat-sealing jaws 4 in the manner described above. The base of the plastic bag 2 extends as far as a platform 5 within the chamber 1. The platform 5 is pushed by a spring 7 away from the base of the chamber 1 towards the chamber's open end.
However, as shown in Figure 2, a catch 8 engages with a lip on the edge of platform 5 to prevent it moving towards the open end of chamber 1. The catch 8 is pushed into the engagement position shown in Figure 2 by a spring, but can be withdrawn by an actuator (not shown) to allow movement of platform 5 towards the open end of chamber 1 on issue of a signal from controller to the actuator.
In the second stage of operation, shown in Figure 3, an extractor fan 9 is run. The extractor fan 9 is operated on issue of a signal from the controller. Running the fan 9 in this way causes the air pressure exterior to the bag 2 (i.e. between the chamber 1 and the bag 2) to reduce relative to that within the bag 2. Thus, the bag inflates and is drawn outwardly to conform to the shape of the chamber 1 walls and to the platform 5. The clamps 3 ensure that the bag 2 is not drawn into the chamber 1 when the fan 9 is operated.
As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the heat-sealing jaws 4 are withdrawn to a position such that they do not inhibit access to the chamber 1 for loading the bag 2. Once the bag 2 has been loaded, clamped against the heat-sealing jaws 4 by clamps 3 and inflated by operation of fan 9, the controller causes actuation of the motor which drives leadscrews 13, thereby causing the heat- sealing jaws 4 to move together to leave a narrower gap between them. This is shown in Figure 4. A typical gap is 35mm. This is narrow enough to be able to support a banknote 10 fed over the clamps 3 but not too narrow to prevent passage of a piston 11 through the gap for pushing the banknotes 10 into the bag 2.
At this point, the controller causes the catch 8 to release platform 5. The spring 7 thus pushes platform 5 towards the open end of the chamber 1. The platform 5 carries the bag 2 with it, which is caused to maintain its conformity with the platform 5 surface against which it rests by operation of the fan 9. The bag 2 is reduced in volume as the platform 5 moves towards the open end of chamber 1, and the excess air within the bag 2 is forced out through the relatively narrow gap at the mouth of the bag 2 between the heat-sealing jaws 4. This controls the rate of motion of the platform 5; in effect, the air pressure within the bag 2 is limiting the rate at which spring 7 can cause the platform 5 to move.
The platform 5 comes to rest against the heat-sealing jaws 4, which limit its motion. It is shown in Figure 4 with a slight gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4 and the platform 5, but it should be understood that this is merely schematic in nature. The bag 2 is inverted by the movement of platform 5 towards the open end of chamber 1. However, this inversion is made without forming any creases in the bag 2. The portions of the bag still in contact with the side walls of the chamber 1 conform to the shape of those side walls. Similarly, the portion of the bag 2 in contact with the platform 5 maintains its conformity with the shape of the platform 5 during the motion of platform 5 and remains crease-free. The parts of the bag between the side walls of chamber 1 and the platform 5 are formed by the air pressure in the bag.
The extractor fan 9 is now switched off by the controller, and the bag 2 is ready to receive banknotes 10. The process of loading banknotes 10 into the bag 2 is controlled by parent, upstream banknote processing equipment (not shown), the chamber 1 being positioned so that banknotes 10 can be delivered to it by transport paths in the upstream banknote processing equipment.
A banknote 10 may thus be fed along the clamps 3 and brought to a stop underneath a piston 11 (which is part of the upstream banknote processing equipment). The piston 11 forces the banknote 10 through the gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4 by moving towards the base of the chamber 1. This causes the banknote 10 to fold (as shown in Figure 4) as it passes through the gap. As the piston 11 proceeds, it will either push the banknote 10 onto the base of the bag 2 against the platform 5 or onto a bundle of notes being formed on the base of the bag 2.
The motion of the piston 11 causes the platform 5 (and bag 2 and bundle of notes) to move towards the base of chamber 1, spring 7 being caused to compress to accommodate the motion. Once it has moved far enough that the banknote 10 is entirely within the bag 2, the banknote 10 will open once again and lie flat against the base of bag 2 (if it is the first banknote in a bundle) or other banknotes in a bundle being formed on the base of bag 2.
The piston 11 is then withdrawn back through the gap between the heat-sealing jaws 4. As it does so, the spring 7 causes the piston 11 to remain in contact with the banknote 10 so that it is held in place on the base of bag 2 (if it is the first banknote in a bundle) or other banknotes in a bundle being formed on the base of bag 2. This contact is maintained until the banknote 10 is in contact with the heat-sealing jaws 4. The bundle is kept in formation between the platform 5 and the heat- sealing jaws 4 under application of pressure from spring 7.
As more banknotes 10 are added to a bundle in this way, the platform 5 gradually moves back towards the base of chamber 1 against the pressure of spring 7. Eventually, the platform 5 will engage with the catch 6 again. The catch 6 is shaped like a pawl so that it automatically allows the platform 5 to push it out of the way and then engage with the lip on the platform 5. When the catch 6 returns so that the lip engages with the platform 5, this is detected by sensor 8 which issues a signal to the controller. The controller responds by asserting an inhibit signal, which can be coupled to the upstream banknote processing equipment to cause it to stop so that no further ba nknotes are added to the bundle. The sensor 8 is typically a microswitch actuated by the motion of the catch 6 as it engages with the platform 5. Alternatively, it could be an optical sensor, the return motion of the catch 6 interrupting a beam of visible or infrared light passing between a transmitter and a receiver in the optical sensor.
As well as asserting the inhibit signal, the controller will cause the heat-sealing jaws 4 to come fully together as shown in Figure 5. An impulse current is then passed through the heating elements in the jaws 4, causing them to heat rapidly and fuse the bag 2 material in between the jaws. The controller then releases the clamps 3 by driving the jaws 4 back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3. The motion of the heat-sealing jaws 4 transversely back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 from the position shown in Figure 5 causes the clamps 3 to run over sprung ramps (not shown), which lift the clamps 3 away from the magnets in the heat-sealing jaws 4, thereby releasing the bag 2 from the clamps 3 at the end of the banknote filling operation. The bag can then be removed by an operator and a new bag inserted and filled as described above. Should a bag require sealing before being filled (and therefore catch 6 is unable to engage the platform 5 and trigger the sealing mode), it can be manually pushed against spring 7 so that catch 6 can engage the platform 5 and trigger the sealing mode. A new bag can then be inserted.

Claims

1. Banknote processing equipment comprising a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber; a platform movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber, the banknote processing equipment having a banknote filling mode in which the platform is urged towards the second position; an extractor adapted to establish a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform when in the banknote filling mode.
2. Banknote processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein the platform is urged towards the second position by at least one spring.
3. Banknote processing equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a heat- sealing mechanism.
4. Banknote processing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a clamping mechanism which can clamp the rim of a bag to limit the amount by which it can be drawn into the chamber.
5. Banknote processing equipment according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the clamping mechanism clamps the rim of the bag against the heat-sealing mechanism.
6. Banknote processing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heat- sealing mechanism comprises a pair of heat-sealing jaws that are moved when in the banknote filling mode such that the jaws define a gap through which banknotes can be pushed into a bag in the chamber.
7. Banknote processing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the banknote processing equipment has a sealing mode in which the heat-sealing mechanism seals an open end of the bag by application of heat.
8. Banknote processing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a retaining catch to hold the platform in the first position, the retaining catch being movable to release the platform when the banknote processing equipment is placed in the banknote filling mode.
9. Banknote processing equipment according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor to detect when the platform arrives at the first position.
10. A method of processing banknotes, the method comprising inserting a bag into a chamber through an open end of the chamber; urging a platform that is movable between a first position distal from the open end of the chamber and a second position proximal to the open end of the chamber towards the second position; establishing a lower pressure exterior to the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to be drawn over the platform so that it conforms to the shape of a bearing surface of the platform; and forming a bundle of banknotes on a portion of the bag drawn over the platform, thereby causing the platform to return towards the first position as the bundle of notes is formed.
11. A method according to claim 10, the method further comprising sealing an open end of the bag.
12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the bundle of banknotes is formed by pushing notes through a gap into the bag, the bundle being formed between the portion of the bag drawn over the platform and the gap.
13. A method according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising sensing when the platform returns to the first position and retaining the platform in the first position.
14. Banknote processing equipment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A method of processing banknotes substantially as hereinbefore described with reference the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2017/051698 2016-06-10 2017-06-09 Banknote processing equipment and method of processing banknotes WO2017212296A1 (en)

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GB2573997A (en) * 2018-05-17 2019-11-27 Cash Dynamics Ltd Banknote storage cassette and bag for storing banknotes
JP2021092863A (en) * 2019-12-06 2021-06-17 グローリー株式会社 Device and method for processing paper sheets
CA3188479A1 (en) * 2020-10-15 2022-04-21 Cima S.P.A. Apparatus for filling and sealing bags intended for containing banknotes

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