Cash handling system

European).

-1EP 2068285

CASH SYSTEM

The invention relates to an improved system for handling a paper file, in particular bank notes or the like.

GB-A-2,305,901 describes a money handling system in which a pipe conveyor system is used to transfer money between one location and a remote storage location. The money is transferred in a medium that is placed (usually manually) in the transfer station and received at a receiving station located in or near the storage location, where the carrier opens and extracts money (again, usually manually).

EP-A-0841644 describes a cash handling system in which batches of banknotes are delivered to a download location such as an ATM machine. The system described is illustrated in figures 1 and 2, and uses a transfer and deposition mechanism by which the batch of cash 21 is extracted from the storage unit 11 and delivered to the pickup point 22. The transfer and storage mechanism includes a trolley 17 that moves along the rail 16 or the path with the shoulder 18 that carries the jaw assembly 19. The jaws of the jaw assembly 19 can open or close to clamp or release the batch. Thus, when the cash is to be delivered to the picking point 22, the trolley 17 slides along the rail 16 until the jaw assembly 19 is aligned with the batch 21 in the storage unit 11. The jaws are activated,

The system also includes a batch conveyor system in the storage unit 11. This is illustrated in figure 2. In the vault or secured counter 24, the conventional counting and dispensing mechanism compiles lots of paper of predetermined value and delivers them to the jaw assembly of the transfer and storage mechanism. The mechanism 26 then transports the batches individually from the delivery mechanism and inserts them into the sending station 28 of the pneumatic conveyor conveyor system 27. The other end of the transfer tube of the system 27 is in the receiving station 29 adjacent to the storage unit 11 and accessible to the jaw assembly 19 of the transfer and storage mechanism. The mechanism 26 shifts the batch to the station 28 where it is inserted into the carrier and the carrier is sent along the pipe system to the receiving station 29. At the receiving station 29, the batch is removed from the carrier and the jaw assembly 19 has access to it or, optionally, the carrier is opened so that the jaw assembly 19 can access the batch. The mechanism 15 then recovers the batch from the station 29 and inserts it into the storage unit 11.

The cash handling systems known from the prior art are based on the use of fixed constructions of pneumatic conveying supports. When the carrier reaches the destination receiving station, the batch of banknotes must be removed from the carrier (which may include opening the carrier). The established constructions of carriers usually comprise a container that can be closed and opened by unscrewing or releasing the closing device. It is undesirable, especially when filling cash in an ATM machine, that the operation was carried out manually. Automating this process may require a series of operations to ensure that the batch of paper is properly removed from the media and delivered to its storage location.

No. 5,101,979 discloses an apparatus in which paper sheets are stored in a cash cartridge and transferred to / from a cash cartridge by a holding means. The holding means comprises upper and lower fingers that hold the sheets and are used to insert the sheets into and extract sheets from the portion of the cassette intended for the sheets.

EP 1001387 discloses a system for transporting valuable items that includes a pneumatic tubular conveyor and a carrier having disc-shaped end-parts with a clamp with jaws that hold objects during transport. One end element has an opening and to remove an object from the carrier, the second end element is pushed towards it. As the objects emerge from the hole, the jaws of the clamp slide apart to release them.

The invention was created taking into account the above.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a system for transporting a bundle of papers from storage locations to a discharge exit as set out in claim 1.

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Examples of the system implementation include the conveyor apparatus, the carrier in which the file is transported by the conveyor apparatus and the extractor for removing the file from the carrier. The carrier comprises a resiliently flared crimping clip with a first clamping force. The extractor includes a clamping extraction device configured to clamp the file with a second clamping force that is greater than the first clamping force.

The conveyor apparatus includes a pneumatic conveyor, more specifically a tubular pneumatic conveyor.

Because the elastic clamp clamps the file with a force that is less than the strength of the extractor, an advantage of the invention is that the extractor can remove the file from the carrier without having to activate any mechanism in the carrier itself. This means that the carrier does not have to be equipped with any means of activation, power or control signaling. Another advantage is that the clamp holds the file in a fixed position and is not loosely folded inside the carrier. This means that when the media is set in the location where the file is to be extracted, the file will be correctly aligned so that the extractor can extract it.

The clip comprises a pair of opposing clamping surfaces tilted towards each other. The clamping surfaces can be the surfaces of a pair of tiles. The plates can be shaped to provide input for inserting a file between the tiles. The plates may also be shaped to provide a non-squeezed portion of the file in the carrier, the extractor being configured to clamp the file on the non-squeezed portion to remove the file from the carrier.

In embodiments of the invention, the system further comprises a depositing mechanism for inserting a paper file into the carrier. The depositing mechanism can be configured to open the clamp and insert the file into the carrier. The depositing mechanism may comprise a shaped member, whereby the insertion of the shaped member between the clamping surfaces causes them to open and to open the clamp.

Embodiments include a carrier for transporting a paper file through a conveyor. The carrier comprises a clamp having a pair of substantially parallel clamping plates movable to each other to clamp the file. The tilting system is configured to tilt the clamp plates to each other with a predetermined clamping force.

The clamping plates are shaped so that part of the file is not clamped between the plates and it is possible to pull the file through the extractor holding the file in this part with a force that is greater than the predetermined clamping force.

The plates are shaped to receive a file from a direction of insertion substantially parallel to the surface of the clamping plates. Preferably, the plates have diverging opposite surfaces along an edge directed to the insertion direction.

Embodiments according to the second aspect provide a device for inserting a paper file into the carrier. The carrier includes a pair of clamping plates tilted to each other to clamp the banknote file. The insertion device includes a file holding clip and a tile separator comprising one or more members extending beyond the clip in a direction in which the paper file is inserted into the carrier. Each member has a tapered form for separating the carrier clamp plates when the member is inserted between them.

In embodiments of the invention, the clamp holds the file with a clamping force that is less than the clamping force of the media clamp plates. Preferably, the insertion device comprises a pair of members having conical forms for insertion between the carrier clamp plates.

In embodiments of the third aspect, a system for handling paper such as banknotes is provided. The system includes a carrier including a clamp for crimping a paper file, a conveyor apparatus for carrying a carrier, and a processing station for receiving a medium. The processing station includes a puller for extracting paper files from the media and inserting papers into the paper processor. The paper processor includes one or more of the following: a paper counter, a valid paper path, and a paper recycler. The controller controls the operation of the system.

The controller may contain a programmed computer with software to control the operation of the system.

The system may be in a location remote from the central processor, and the computer may include a data link and / or output for communication with the central processor. Station

-3EP 2068285 processing can be shielded in a housing constructed in accordance with ATM standards and / or classification standards of armored coffers, e.g. made of concrete and / or steel. Part or all of the controller can be included in the housing.

Embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a cash storage unit and a transfer and deposition mechanism of the prior art.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a refill system for a cash storage unit of the type shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a partial illustration of a carrier according to aspects of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a clamp plate forming part of the carrier of Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a tilting arrangement for a clip part of the carrier of the figure

3.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate views from the front of the carrier of figure 3.

Figure 7 illustrates the sidewall of the carrier of Figure 3.

Figure 8 illustrates a portion of the apparatus for inserting a paper file into the carrier of figures 3 to 7.

Fig. 9 illustrates a part of an alternative carrier arrangement according to the invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a banknote handling system according to an aspect of the invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram that illustrates the functionality and control of the banknote handling system of Figure 10.

As shown in figure 3, a carrier 30 of a type suitable for use in a pneumatic conveyor system includes a disc shaped end element 32 having an inner circular face 33 and an outer circular face 34. An end element 32 is disposed at one end of the carrier, and a second, similar end element is placed at the opposite end, but for clarity it is not shown in figure 3.

The clamping arrangement 35 is held in place between the end elements and comprises a top clamping plate 36 and a lower clamping plate 37. Each of the clamping plates 36, 37 is preferably formed of a corresponding sheet by pressing or pressing. The clamping plates 36, 37 are positioned one above the other to form a pair of clamping surfaces between which the banknote file can be clamped. Figure 4 shows the separated top terminal plate 36, which is indicated by the same reference numbers as in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, each of the clamping plates 36, 37 is deflected from the second plate to the longitudinal edge 38a, 38b of the individual plates 36, 37 to form an entrance that leads to the gap 39 between the plates. The purpose of this input is described in more detail below. Each of the clamping plates also includes a rectangular cutout 40a, 40b in a particular longitudinal edge 38a, 38b. The intended use of these cutouts is described in more detail below.

Each of the clamping plates 36, 37 also comprises a pair of longitudinally aligned holes 41a, 41b and 41c, 41d arranged so that each of the openings 41a-d of the upper plate 36 is aligned with the corresponding opening 41a-d of the lower plate. Each of the clamping plates 36, 37 also includes two pairs of U-shaped notches 42a, 42b and 42c, 42d, one cutout of each pair being at the end of each plate. Each pair of cutouts 42a, 42b and 42c, 42d is longitudinally aligned with a respective pair of openings 41a, 41b and 41c, 41d.

As shown in Figure 5, the tilting system 44 includes a frame 45 consisting of a longitudinal longitudinal member 46, a square longitudinal member 47, and end members 48a, 48b. At each corner of the frame is a corner block connecting the longitudinal member with a square section with the end member. Each corner block has an end face with a threaded hole. The pairs of posts 51a, b and 51c, d extend inwardly to the frame 45 from the upper and lower longitudinal members 46, 47 with a square cross-section. Each pair of bars 51a, b and 51c, d is arranged to align with a corresponding pair of openings 41 a, b and 41c, d in the nip plates. Each of the posts ad has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the respective opening 41a-d, so that the posts can pass through the holes without negative clearance. A spiral spring 52a-d is connected around each of the 51 ad posts. The diameter of each spiral spring 52a-d is greater than the diameter of the corresponding opening 41 ad.

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As shown in Figure 3, the clamping arrangement 35 is assembled so that the clamping plates 36, 37 are supported between two parallel tilting systems 44a, b (although for the sake of clarity only part of the forward tilting system 44b is shown). The spiral springs 41a-d apply tilting force to the clamping plates 36, 37, pushing them towards each other. The clamping plates 36, 37 are limited by end members 48a, b, which are arranged to pass through the U-shaped cutouts 42a-d. The notches 42a-d thus act as guides so that the clamping plates 36, 37 can only move to itself or from each other by operation or against the action of tilting spiral springs 52a-d. The tilting systems 44a, b are attached to the end elements 32 with bolts (not shown),

As shown in Figure 6a and 6b, each of the end portions 32a, 32b that form the ends of the carrier 30 of Figure 3 has an inner circular face 33a, b and an outer circular face 34a, b, and are formed of a corresponding rigid material metal or artificial. Each end element 32a, 32b has four openings 54a, 54b through which screws (not shown) attach the tilting systems 44a, b, as described above. Each end element 32a, 32b also has pairs of slots 55a, bi 55c, d located close to the periphery and separated by 90 degrees. Each end element 32a, 32b also has a notch 56a, b formed in a corresponding outer circular face 34a, 34b at a given position around the circumference of the disc. When the medium is in the sending station 28 or the receiving station 29, as shown in figure 2, the notches 56a, b allow the rotation mechanism to be coupled to the carrier so that the carrier rotates about its axis so that the clamping mechanism correctly aligns and receives or has issued a stack of papers. Around the outside of each end element 32 a, b is a material that is provided to increase the aerodynamic characteristics of the carrier. The material may have a rough surface and may, for example, be a connecting material with hooks and loops, such as Velcro^RTM.

As shown in figure 7, the outer carrier wall 58 is formed of a sheet material, such as a sheet or plastic sheet. The outer wall has a partially cylindrical curve and pairs of projections 59a, b and 59c, d extending longitudinally (i.e., axially). These splines engage with respective slots 55a-d of the end elements. It should be noted that the wall 58 only extends around the back of the circumference of the cylindrical carrier 30. The front of the carrier 30 through which the paper file is inserted or withdrawn remains open.

As shown in Figure 8, the depositing system includes a device 60 that places a stack of papers in the carrier 30. The apparatus 60 operates in a similar manner to the transfer and postpone mechanism 26 of Figure 2, and the main features shown in Figure 8 include a pair of clamping plates 61 (z which are shown only one) placed one above the other, to clamp the pile of papers between them. The clamping plates 61 are slightly smaller than the rectangular cutouts 40a, 40b in the carrier clamp plates 36, 37. The clamping plates 61 are loaded with a spring from the frame (not shown) to provide a clamping force, but a lower one, in a similar way to the media carrier plates 36, 37. The stop member 62 runs perpendicular to the clamp plates 61 through the slots 63. In addition, the deposition system includes a pair of arms 64a, 64b that extend towards the carrier. Arms 64a, 64b are arranged like so that the paper file is between the arms 64a, 64b (i.e., it is compressed by the arms) when the file is held between the clamping plates 61. Each of these arms 64a, 64b has a tapered end portion 65a, 65b.

In use, the empty carrier 30 is supplied by the pneumatic conveyor system to the charging station, which is located at the sending station position 28 of FIG. 2. The paper file is taken by the depositing device 60 so that the file is clamped between the plates 61. The file is deposited in a carrier 30 by advancing the device 60 to a carrier that is aligned (as described above with respect to the recesses 56a, 56b) so that the file enters the entrance which is formed between the front edges 38a, b of the upper and lower clamp plate 36.37. When the paper file is fed to the carrier 30, the clamping plates 36, 37 are compressed as a result of tilting them by the spiral springs 52a-d. To open the clamp 35, the narrowed end portions 65a, 65b of the arms 64a, 64b enter into the entrance,

-5EP 2068285 displaced towards the carrier 30. The narrowed arms shape causes the plates 36, 37 to be pushed against the action of the tilting springs 52a-d. Prior to reaching the paper file, the inserts 36, 37 of the clip are unfolded and the file can be pushed into the entire slot 39. The stop member 62 ensures that the file is entirely pushed into the carrier 30. When the depositing device is retracted, the tilting action of the spiral springs 52a causes moving the clamping plates 36, 37 to each other to clamp the file.

The carrier with the paper file securely clamped between the clamping plates 36, 37 is then transferred to a receiving station, e.g. a neighboring storage unit, such as a storage unit 11 of figure 1. The paper file is then pulled out of the carrier using the extractor mechanism. In principle, there is similarity to the transfer and postpone device 1 of Figure 1. However, in the system according to the invention, the carrier is stopped at the receiving station and set so that the input of the clamping plates is aligned with the extractor (as described above with respect to the recesses 56a, 56b) . The extractor is basically the same as the deposition device 60 without arms 64a, b. This means that the extractor has jaws that clamp the file and are stacked like this, that the jaws come together and contact the top and bottom of the file in the rectangular notches 40a, b in the top and bottom plates 36, 37 of the clip. In addition, the jaws of the extractor are brought together by a mechanism that applies a force that is greater than the tilting force applied by the spiral springs 52a-d of the clamp 35. Thus, when the extractor moves away from the carrier, the stack of papers is pulled out of the clamp 35.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the precise arrangement of the nip mechanism may vary and will not change the principles of the invention. For example, as shown in Figure 9 (where equivalent features are indicated by the same numerals), the frames 44a, 44b of the carrier of Figure 3 are replaced by upper blocks 70 (of which only one is shown) located above the upper caliper plate 36 and generally parallel to it , and corresponding lower blocks (not shown) below the bottom plate 37 of the nip. The blocks 70 are mutually connected horizontally (as shown), threaded rods 71 ​​threaded into the threaded openings 72. The vertical threaded rods 73 run between each upper pulley and the corresponding lower block passing through alignment holes 74 in the clamping plates 36, 37. The vertical threaded rods 73 extend axially through helical clamping springs 74.

As shown in Figure 10, the paper handling system, such as banknotes, comprises a conveyor apparatus 102. The conveyor apparatus is preferably a pneumatic tubular conveyor of the type described above. The conveyor apparatus 102 carries a carrier 104, which is of the type described above and shown in figures 3-7. The carrier 104 has a clamp 106 for clamping a paper file, e.g. bank notes (not shown). The carrier 104 shown in the media receiving station 108 is shown, which is part of the processing station 110.

When the carrier 104 is received at the media reception station 108, it is arranged so that the clamp 106 is aligned with the extractor 112 for retrieving a paper file from the carrier 104. As described above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, the clip 106 in the carrier 104 is resiliently flared. for clamping the file with the first clamping force. The extractor 112 also includes a clip that clamps the file with a second clamping force greater than the first clamping force to extract the file from the carrier 104. The extractor 112 is part of the transfer and deposition mechanism (similar to that described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 ) and is carried on the arm 114, which moves on rail 116 or path.

The media reception station 108 is positioned adjacent (above in the shown embodiment) paper processor 118. The paper processor includes a paper receiver 120 with a slot 122 in which the extractor 122 inserts papers after they are pulled out of the carrier 104. The paper processor may include the automatic implementation of one paper handling operation or more paper handling operations performed for example by a paper counter, paper validator and recycler of paper. After the service is finished, the papers are stored in the processing station 110 until they are re-circulated or taken / removed.

-6EP 2068285

The processing station operations are controlled by the controller 124. The driver 124 is implemented on a programmed computer with software to control system operation. The driver 124 shown is located outside the processing station 110 and there is a data transmission link 126 between them. However, a portion or all of the controller 124 may be included within the processing station 110.

Computer processor 124 includes a link and / or data output 128 for communication with a central processor, for example a central bank accounting computer. Thus, the system has the ability to provide information on the management and examination of books based on information about the paper serviced at the local level or for a central processing point (such as a central bank accounting computer).

As shown by the dashed lines in Figure 10, the processing station 110 is included in the housing 130. The housing 130 is preferably constructed in accordance with ATM standards and / or safer classification standards, and for example may be constructed of concrete and / or steel.

Figure 11 is a block diagram that illustrates the functionality and control of the banknote handling system of Figure 10, and exemplarily illustrates components that are part of the controller 124. As shown in Figure 11, the system includes: a pneumatic conveyor pipe 102 through which the carriers are supplied to and received from the tubular station 108; a transfer and deposition mechanism 132 (comprising, for example, an extractor 112 carried on the arm 114 movable along the rail 116 as described above and shown in figure 10); and a paper processor 118. The papers are transferred between the pipe station 108 and the paper processor 118 by means of the transfer and storage mechanism 132. The controller 124 includes a local station microcontroller 134, which unit controls the operation of the tubular station 108 in accordance with the commands from the pneumatic pipe system controller 136, which controller also controls the operation of other parts of the pneumatic pipe conveyor system, including the transfer station 150. The second local microcontroller unit 138 controls the operation of the transfer and deposit mechanism 132 a processor 118 for papers according to instructions from a computer 140 (such as a PC). The control and data transmission is ensured by means of suitable wired or wireless means between the various components of the control and hardware. As shown, this may also include data from an ATM 152 (automated teller machine) ATM to which / from which the notes are delivered by a pneumatic piping system. which controller also controls the operation of other parts of the pneumatic conveyor system, including the transfer station 150. The second local microcontroller unit 138 controls the operation of the mechanism 132 for transferring and depositing the processor 118 into the papers as instructed by the computer 140 (such as a PC). The control and data transmission is ensured by means of suitable wired or wireless means between the various components of the control and hardware. As shown, this may also include data from an ATM 152 (automated teller machine) ATM to which / from which the notes are delivered by a pneumatic piping system. which controller also controls the operation of other parts of the pneumatic conveyor system, including the transfer station 150. The second local microcontroller unit 138 controls the operation of the mechanism 132 for transferring and depositing the processor 118 into the papers as instructed by the computer 140 (such as a PC). The control and data transmission is ensured by means of suitable wired or wireless means between the various components of the control and hardware. As shown, this may also include data from an ATM 152 (automated teller machine) ATM to which / from which the notes are delivered by a pneumatic piping system. the local microcontroller unit 138 controls the operation of the mechanism 132 for transferring and depositing the processor 118 to the papers as instructed by the computer 140 (such as a PC). The control and data transmission is ensured by means of suitable wired or wireless means between the various components of the control and hardware. As shown, this may also include data from an ATM 152 (automated teller machine) ATM to which / from which the notes are delivered by a pneumatic piping system. the local microcontroller unit 138 controls the operation of the mechanism 132 for transferring and depositing the processor 118 to the papers as instructed by the computer 140 (such as a PC). The control and data transmission is ensured by means of suitable wired or wireless means between the various components of the control and hardware. As shown, this may also include data from an ATM 152 (automated teller machine) ATM to which / from which the notes are delivered by a pneumatic piping system.

LEGAL WAREAW LAW "BELLEPAT"

Izabela Szych itlskc-Hawrane.k ul Słowackiego 44, 37-700 Prz * · n »łl tel (016) 7J2-37-77 fax: (016) 675-02-87 tel., (0608) 503-081 e- man <a href="mailto:fcellepat@op.pl">fcellepat@op.pl</a> NIP: 795-207-16-72 REGON: 1803505 (6

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