Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TITLE: VARIABLE LENGTH BILL PATH
TO File: Feb.11/10
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to banknote drive
paths, and in particular, relates to a variable length
banknote drive path for selective connection to different
banknote modules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of automated systems for
receiving banknote payments and effectively processing of
the banknotes either for storage within the device or for
temporary storage in accumulators. Banknotes stored in
accumulators are available as change used in the
settlement of future financial transactions. Typically
these banknote processing systems include a banknote
validator that determines the validity of a banknote and
makes a determination whether to accept or reject such a
banknote. If the banknote is accepted, it may then be
forwarded to a temporary escrow unit for temporary
storage until the financial transaction has been
completed. If the financial transaction is not
completed, the escrow unit will output the received
banknotes to return the payment with the banknotes that
were provided by the user. Once the financial
transaction has been accepted, a decision with respect to
the received banknotes is made by the system. Some
banknotes are transported to appropriate accumulators
spaced along the length of the banknote drive path while
other banknotes are delivered to a banknote cassette that
stores banknotes that are not available for return.
Often the banknotes provided to the banknote cassette are
of a quality or have characteristics that render them
inappropriate for recycling. It is also possible that
the banknote may be of sufficient quality for recycling
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but not required at the present time or of a denomination
that is not recycled.
These banknote processing systems can include a
banknote dispenser where banknotes are accumulated and
outputted through a separate dispenser outlet to allow
the user to receive the appropriate change. In less
sophisticated systems the banknotes are dispensed by
passing them out of the validator and a separate banknote
dispenser is not provided.
In the banknote processing system as disclosed in
our US Patent 7,051,926, a central switch is associated
with the banknote drive path for selectively directing
banknotes to one of a series of banknote modules. The
switch can be rotated to one of a number of different
positions to connect the drive path with the desired
banknote module. The switch is also used to connect the
modules to the banknote drive path for output through the
banknote dispenser or to the validator for return of
banknotes, if a dispenser is not provided.
Our United States Patent 7,441,695 discloses a
banknote accumulator and dispensing arrangement that
includes a gate switch that moves between an extended
position across a banknote drive path to a retracted
position. In the extended position the gate switch
directs a banknote into or out of the accumulator.
Banknote processing systems are often standalone
systems and typically do not have authorized personnel
immediately available if service is required. For this
reason, it is important that the system is highly
reliable to avoid operational problems. The issue with
respect to high reliability is difficult as the quality
of the banknotes processed by the system is highly
variable. New banknotes are easier to process whereas
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banknotes that have undergone a substantial amount of
wear are more problematic. In addition to determining
the authenticity of a banknote, the validator may also
determine the quality of the banknote and make an
assessment whether such a banknote should be processed by
the system for recycling. This assessment can reduce
problems such as banknote jamming that is more common as
the wear of a banknote is more pronounced.
In the transport of banknotes, the transitions
between the banknote drive path and the banknote modules,
or transitions along the banknote drive path, for
example, a rotary switch used to direct banknotes must be
carefully designed to avoid jamming. The use of drive
belts provided either side of a banknote operate in a
satisfactory manner and reduce transition points if only
a few banknote modules are provided. Where more banknote
modules are present, rotary switches or swing out gate
type switches are typically provided to define the
transition between the banknote drive path and an
associated module. Points of transition along a drive
path add potential for possible banknote jamming that
decreases the reliability of the automated system.
The present invention uses a modified banknote
drive path where the banknote drive path includes at
least a first inlet/outlet associated with a banknote
drive path in combination with a second inlet/outlet of
the banknote drive path which is movable along the length
of the drive path. The second inlet/outlet is movable
relative to the first inlet/outlet and this arrangement
has several distinct advantages. The movable inlet/
outlet of the banknote drive path essentially reduces
transition points or provides a movable transition point.
The system also avoids the use of a switching device to
vary the length of a banknote drive path.
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In a preferred embodiment, the movable
inlet/outlet also has a predetermined relationship with
the banknote modules and this allows for improvements in
the transition between the banknote drive path and the
actual module for receiving the banknote or having a
banknote dispensed therefrom.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A banknote processing
system according to the present invention comprises a
banknote validator for assessing the validity of a
received banknote and determining whether the banknote is
accepted for further processing or returned, at least one
banknote accumulator for receiving and temporarily
storing banknotes for subsequent return to a user to
complete a transaction, and a banknote storage cassette
for storage of received banknotes. A variable length
banknote drive path is provided and includes a first
transfer inlet/outlet associated with the banknote
validator for at least receiving an accepted banknote for
movement along the drive path and a second transfer
inlet/outlet movable along the drive path to connect the
variable banknote drive path with any of the at least one
accumulator and the banknote storage cassette. The
transfer inlet/outlet and the movable transfer
inlet/outlet are maintained in connection by the variable
length banknote drive path.
According to an aspect of the invention, the first
transfer inlet/outlet is moveable along the drive path
and cooperates with the second transfer inlet/outlet to
define the variable length banknote drive path
therebetween.
In a further aspect of the invention, the second
transfer inlet/outlet includes a moveable carriage
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displaceable along the banknote drive path. The carriage
includes front and rear drive belts located to engage
opposite sides of a banknote being transferred along the
banknote drive path and through the second inlet/outlet.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
second transfer inlet/outlet includes two redirection
rotary members on the carriage for guiding front drive
belts from one side of the carriage to the inlet/outlet
port in combination with the rear drive belts to transfer
a banknote through the inlet/outlet.
In a different aspect of the invention, a banknote
processing system includes a banknote transporting
channel to transport banknotes between a first banknote
inlet/outlet and a second banknote inlet/outlet and allow
movement of banknotes between different modules provided
along the processing channel. The second banknote
inlet/outlet is displaceable along the length of the
processing channel to vary the length of the banknote
processing channel between the first and second banknote
inlets/outlets.
According to an aspect of the invention, the
banknote transporting channel includes a belt drive
arrangement engaging opposite sides of banknotes as they
are moved through the system.
In a different embodiment, a banknote processing
system comprises a banknote validator for assessing the
validity of a received banknote and discharging an
accepted banknote to a banknote drive path, and the
system further includes at least one banknote accumulator
for receiving and temporarily storing banknotes for
subsequent return to a user as part of a transaction, and
at least one further banknote component capable of
receiving and storing banknotes. The banknote drive path
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includes a first inlet/outlet for receiving an accepted
banknotes from the validator and a second banknote
inlet/outlet for transferring banknotes to or from the
banknote accumulator in one position of the second
inlet/outlet and movable to a second position where the
second inlet/outlet is aligned with the further banknote
component for transferring an accepted banknote thereto.
In an aspect of the invention, the banknote drive
path between the first inlet/outlet and the second
inlet/outlet is continuous.
In yet a further aspect of the invention, the
banknote drive path is of a variable length and without
interruption between the first and second inlet/outlets.
In an aspect of the invention the first
inlet/outlet is movable from a first position aligned
with the banknote validator to a second position aligned
with a further banknote receiving component.
In yet a further aspect of the invention the at
least one further banknote component is a series of
banknote components positioned for transfer of banknotes
to or from the first and/or to or from the second
inlet/outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown
in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of the
banknote drive arrangement;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the
banknote drive path arrangement similar to Figure 1 with
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a series of banknotes being moved by the banknote drive
arrangement;
Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the
banknote drive arrangement showing the inner belts of the
banknote drive arrangement that form part of the
inlet/outlet of each of the first and second
inlets/outlets of the drive arrangement;
Figure 4 is a partial front view of the banknote
drive arrangement showing the first inlet/outlet;
Figure 5 is a partial side view of the banknote
drive arrangement showing the carriage of the first
inlet/outlet;
Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A
of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line B-B
of Figure 4; and
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line C-C
of Figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The banknote drive arrangement 2 shown in Figures
1 through 3 includes a frame 4 having a top axle 6 and a
bottom axle 8 with a series of belt drive or idler
rollers associated with each of these axles. The top
axle 6 includes five rollers 61, 90, 92, 94 and 65, and
the bottom axle 8 includes five rollers 67, 110, 112, 114
and 69. The outside rollers 61, 67 and 65, 69 form part
of the path for the front belts 44 and 46 (see Figure 2).
These belts include a return path positioned to the
outside of the carriages and will be subsequently
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explained. Rollers 90, 92, 94 and rollers 110, 112, 114
are for the rear belts 50, 52 and 54.
The preferred drive belt arrangement 40 includes a
first movable carriage 20 that defines a first
inlet/outlet 22 and a second movable carriage 30 defining
a second inlet/outlet 32. The first movable carriage and
the second movable carriage travel along the length of
the banknote drive arrangement and essentially move
towards or away from the opposed carriage between the top
axle 6 and the bottom axle 8. Each of these carriages is
movable independent of the other carriage, and
effectively moves along the length of the drive belts 44,
46, 50, 52 and 54. The end positions of the carriages
define the maximum length of the banknote drive path and
intermediate positions vary the banknote drive path
length. In the preferred embodiment the carriages move
along the banknote drive path defined by the maximum
length.
Preferably the banknote drive path only has two
inlet/outlets selectively connecting the banknote drive
path to any of a series of individual banknote components
positioned along the banknote drive path.
With this arrangement, the position of the first
inlet/outlet 22 is fully adjustable and can be positioned
for receiving a banknote 19a as shown in Figure 2.
Similarly, the second carriage 30 is movable and has been
moved to position the second inlet/outlet 32 at a lower
position and is outputting the banknote 19c in Figure 2.
A banknote 19c is shown in Figure 2 and is between the
first inlet/outlet 22 and the second inlet/outlet 32.
With this arrangement the variable length of the
banknote drive path is defined between the first
inlet/outlet 22 and the second inlet/outlet 32. Movement
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of either the first carriage or the second carriage
causes a corresponding adjustment of the length of the
banknote drive path between the inlets/outlets. Figure 2
also illustrates how the front belts 44 and 46 are
trained around redirection pulleys 60, 62, 64 and 66 to
allow the banknotes to pass in or out of the
inlets/outlets. With this arrangement the banknote drive
path is continuous and without interruption between the
first and second inlet/outlets 22 and 32. The continuous
banknote drive path avoids intermediate switches or gates
that can cause jamming of the transported banknotes.
Basically, the redirection pulleys 60 and 62
position the front belt 44 to the exterior of the
inlet/outlet slots allowing the banknote to pass out of
the inlets/outlets, and redirection rollers 64 and 66
operate similarly to locate front belt 46 to the opposite
side of the banknote drive arrangement 2.
This aspect can be further appreciated from the
perspective view of Figure 3, where the redirection
pulleys 64 and 69 associated with belt 46 have been
removed for a better understanding. Also, the rear belts
50, 52 and 54 are not shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3 also illustrates how the inlets/outlets
22 and 32 of the first displaceable carriage 20 and the
second displaceable carriage 30 each have drive belts
associated with idler rollers that form part of the
inlet/outlets for the banknote drive arrangement. For
example, the first displaceable carriage 20 includes
rollers 70 and 74 having front belts 44 and 46
respectively trained thereabout. Each of these pulleys
has an associated idler roller 71 and 75 that form a
banknote engaging gap with front belts 44 and 46
respectively. The second displaceable carriage 30
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includes pulleys 72 and 76 having associated idler rollers 73
and 77 for engaging the front belts 44 and 46.
The first carriage 20 also includes pulleys 80, 82 and 84 for
receiving the rear belts 50, 52 and 54 for defining a nip-type
connection with the idler rollers 81, 83 and 85. The pulleys 80,
82 and 84 have associated pulleys 90, 92 and 94 associated with
the top axle 6. The rear belt 50 passes over the top roller 90
and proceeds downwardly to the pulley 80, passes between pulley
80 and idler roller 81, and goes downwardly to the pulley 100 of
the second carriage. The pulley 100 includes the associated idler
roller 101. The belt passes between idler roller 100 and pulley
to a front 15 face of the carriage and then passes downwardly to
pulley 110. Belt 50 then passes off the rear face of that pulley
110 upwardly, returning through a gap at the rear of the
carriages to the rear face of pulley 90.
Thus, the same belt 50 forms part of the inlet/outlet of the
first displaceable carriage 20 and forms part of the second
inlet/outlet of the second displaceable carriage 30. The rear
belts 52, 54 also work in a similar manner and have associated
pulleys.
All of the drive belts 44, 46, 50, 52 and 54 are effectively
driven by the motor drive 150. This includes an output gear 152
in mesh with the drive gear 154 fixed on the bottom axle 8. The
center rear belt 52 is actually a tooth belt and drives the
rollers 82 and 182 of the first and second moveable carriages.
This provides power to the axles 160 and 162 of the second
moveable carriage 30 via the gear train 164 and also provides
power to the axles 168 and 170 of the first carriage. The first
carriage includes a gear train 172 connecting the shafts 168
and 170.
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Each of the first and second displaceable
carriages include their own adjustable positioning
mechanism for positioning of the inlet/outlets thereof at
a desired point. Each of the carriages is moveable along
the length of the drive path and allows the banknote
drive path to selectively connect different banknote
modular components that are located along the length of
the banknote drive path to the forward face of the drive
arrangement.
From the above, it can be appreciated that the
banknote drive path could include a fixed inlet/outlet
and a displaceable inlet/outlet to allow effective
connection between a fixed point on the banknote drive
path and variable points along the banknote drive path.
It is certainly desirable in a banknote drive system, to
have both a moveable first inlet/outlet and a moveable
second inlet/outlet, particularly if a banknote dispenser
is separately provided. This simplifies the position and
allows for more versatility.
Figure 4 is a partial front view of the banknote
drive arrangement showing the first movable carriage and
the various drive belts thereof. Sectional lines aa, bb
and cc are shown, and these sectional lines show the
drive belts 54, 46 and 52 respectively. These sectional
views are shown in Figures 6 through 8. Figure 5 is a
right side view of the drive arrangement Figure 4.
Figure 4 basically shows the movable carriage 20
with the two shafts 300 and 302 being driven by the gears
304 and 306. In this way, rotation of either of the
shafts by one of the drive belts causes an opposite
rotation of the other drive shaft. Figure 5 also
illustrates how the redirection roller 64 has positioned
the drive belt 46 to the outside of the movable carriage
20 for return to the top pulley 65. The belt 46 passes
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over the front face of the carriage and is then
positioned for connection with the pulley 74 as shown in
Figure 3.
Figure 6 shows the positioning of the drive belt
54 as it passes through the carriage 20. The belt passes
over the top roller 94, downwardly near a front face of
the carriage to pulley 84, and passes between pulley 84
and idler pulley 85. Note that the belt 54 returns to
the top pulley 94 through the carriage. Other
arrangements are possible, but this arrangement operates
satisfactorily.
The sectional view of Figure 7 illustrates how the
drive belt 46 passes over the outside of the carriage and
is brought in by the redirection roller 64 that is not
shown in Figure 7 as it would not appear in the sectional
view. The belt 46 passes over the pulley 74, between the
pulley 74 and the idler roller 75. It then passes
downwardly to the second movable carriage. Note in the
sectional view of Figure 7 that this belt does not come
up to an upper pulley directly thereabove, and instead
pulley 92 of the next belt drive arrangement is shown.
Belt 46 is redirected by the redirection pulley 64 and
would pass over top roller 65 as shown in Figures 4 and
5.
The sectional view of Figure 8 shows the drive
belt 54 passing over the top roller 92, downwardly to the
movable carriage 20 and between the drive roller 82 and
the idler roller 83.
It has been found that this particular drive
arrangement allows for a variable banknote path that has
the ends thereof connected to different modules which are
placed along the length of the banknote path. With this
arrangement, a received banknote passes through a first
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movable inlet/outlet, and down a length of the banknote
to the desired module positioned along the banknote path
and opposite the second movable carriage. This banknote
drive path is reversible to allow movement from the
modules to other components along the banknote path. By
providing a variable length banknote drive path and an
effective corresponding changing return path of the drive
belts, there are no transitions in the drive path between
the movable inlets and outlets. This provides a
preferred arrangement for transferring of banknotes
between different modular components.
Although various preferred embodiments of the
present invention have been described herein in detail,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that
variations may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended
claims.
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