EP0927973B1 - Device and method for the acceptance, storage and payment of banknotes - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement has an acquisition device (4), a checking device (5), at least one storage device (6), an output device (4) and a controller for the different devices. At least one temporary storage device (3) can be connected via a diverter-controlled conveyer to the checking and/or acquisition and/or output and/or storage devices. The temporary storage device holds notes of up to a defined value or to a defined fill level. The remaining notes are stored in the other storage device(s). Notes in the temporary storage device are conveyed to the output device for paying out. An Independent claim is also included for a method of acquiring, storing and paying out banknotes.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the acceptance, storage and disbursement of banknotes for coin-operated machines according to the generic term of the main claim and the independent claim.

Vending machines whose performance can only be achieved by entering Money in the form of coins or tokens and bills or banknotes can be claimed have been known for a long time. The in such devices entered bills must by means of a bill acceptor on their validity and value to be subsequently examined by a Transport device in designated Geldscheinkassen or stacking devices. The value determined by the bill acceptor becomes usually transmitted to a central control unit, which indicates this value, taking this value hereinafter the services used for example, the stakes for games, for the acquisition a product or the performance of a service debited according to the given price becomes.

From DE-PS 38 25 156 is a stacking device known for bills, that of the bill acceptor fed bills on a deflecting device is supplied. This will be all bills in the order of their entry into the acceptor stored in one and the same stacking device. Of the Disadvantage of such a stacking device exists in that at the bill removal the bills sorted by hand according to their value and counted Need to become. Furthermore, the capacity for the acceptance of banknotes limited, whereby a more frequent change of the stacking cassettes with the necessary temporary shutdown of the device required is.

From DE 42 02 664 is known, several value-individual Provide stacking devices.

DE 42 40 797 describes a machine in which the last entered banknote before the Stacking is "parked" for a payout Available. Here is a disadvantage that only each a single bill-payable for a payout is. This leads to the fact that especially if money notes greater value, often no "parked" banknotes of minor value are available for a payout, since their Stock is exhausted after a single payment.

The invention is therefore the object of a Arrangement and a method for acceptance, storage and disbursing banknotes for coin-operated machines to create, where the bills safe be saved and a reliable and simple Payment of banknotes is possible.

This object is achieved by the characteristics of claims 1,14 solved.

In the inventive arrangement and the invention Procedures become a predetermined number from accepted and verified bills, at least a value in money-operated machines be entered, via a transport device at least fed to a buffer. Is this Cache filled or other valences than those of the cache will be present all other banknotes and / or bills another value of a trained as a stacking device Storage device supplied. The invention is characterized by the fact that for the payout of money in the form of banknotes from the coin operated machines exclusively in the Buffer device stored bills be available. These are done via the device issued for review and issue.

Several bills of a denomination are stored in the caching device saved.

By the measures specified in the dependent claims are advantageous developments and improvements possible.

Characterized in that one or more counters are provided, either the memory device and the buffer device as a whole or this each are assigned separately, it is easier Way possible to determine how many bills accepted and how many notes were issued in the cache or in the storage device or stacking device are located. It can the Type of counting way be different.

Advantageously, the tester sees before paying out a check from the cache withdrawn bills to the effect of whether only one bill or more pulled out were. If only one bill was deducted and has the corresponding value, this will be paid. If several bills suddenly turn off are deducted from the cache are the Test device an error signal to the control unit, what the bills as the stacking device trained memory device to be supplied and there will be a new bill from the cache fed to the tester. In this Case, an error registration is preferred that several bills were taken made in the later evaluation of the different Cash registers can be used.

Advantageously, the test device has a sensor assembly that can not only detect if more than one bill of the cache device was taken, but also the respective Number can capture. For this purpose, the sensor device works by optical and / or mechanical means and evaluates the transmission, reflection of one on the Banknotes thrown light beam or takes a mechanical thickness measurement before.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung,

Fig. 2

eine Ansicht entsprechend Fig. 1 von der rechten Seite aus gesehen,

Fig. 3

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung in schematischer Seitenansicht,

Fign. 4a und 4b

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einem Zähler in unterschiedlicher Anordnung des Zwischenspeichers und der Speichervorrichtung, und

Fign. 5a und 5b

die Anordnung nach Fign. 4a und 4b mit jeweils zwei Zählern.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it

Fig. 1

a schematic side view of the arrangement according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a view corresponding to FIG. 1 seen from the right side,

Fig. 3

A second embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention in a schematic side view,

FIGS. 4a and 4b

a further embodiment of the device according to the invention with a counter in a different arrangement of the cache and the memory device, and

FIGS. 5a and 5b

the arrangement according to FIGS. 4a and 4b, each with two counters.

In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is a first embodiment the arrangement according to the invention shown, the one device 4 for accepting and outputting a Banknote 1 and a device 5 for testing the accepted or issued bills 1 has. The tester 5 determines whether the Banknote 1 is basically genuine and continues to provide the value of the note. Farther an unillustrated control device is provided, which the device 4 for acceptance and output the bills and a non-illustrated Transport device controls, and the signals from the Tester 5 receives. In addition, as a stacking device 6 formed memory device for Banknotes 1 of different valence and at least an intermediate storage device 3, 3 'respectively for bills 1 of a value. It can too several stacking devices 6 for different separately to be stored bills 1 different Valence be provided. The transport device, which is indicated by 7, connects the Device 4 for acceptance and dispensing, the testing device 5, the stacking device 6 and the buffer device 3 with each other.

If a supplied bill 1 as a result of the Test by the tester 5 found to be good and if its value equals a value that is ready for later disbursement is this via an output 7 of the buffer device 3 or 3 'supplied. The cache device 3, 3 'is in the embodiment 1 and Fig. 2 of conveyor belts 3a, 3a ', the transport wheels 2, of which at least one is driven by a drive device 8, guided become. When the bill 1 of the cache device 3, 3 'to be supplied are the transport rollers 2 and 2 'via the drive device 8 rotated in a first direction of rotation, whereby the bill 1 between the conveyor belts 3a, 3a 'is passed. If already banknotes 1 available are, they will continue in the first direction postponed. This process is repeated until all latches 3, 3 'to their Setpoint are filled. It serves, for example, the first buffer storage device 3 for storage of DM 10.00 notes 1 during the second temporary storage device 3 'for caching of 20.00 DM-bills 1 are provided.

Other banknotes 1 or banknotes 1 other weights, not cached for later payout be about to become one Not shown switch arrangement of the Testing device in the at least one stacking device 6 headed.

If a bill 1 from a cache device 3,3 ', this will be paid by the not shown control unit, i. the drive device 8 switches the direction of rotation the transport rollers 2 and 2 'and a bill 1 or 1 'is from the respective buffer device 3, 3 'out back into the test device 5 transported. In this case, the bills 1 again tested for their value and on the device 4 issued for output. Should be at the Return transport and the recheck of the banknotes 1 an error is detected, then the Issue process aborted, the respective bill fed to the stacking device 6 and again Banknote 1 from the temporary storage device 3 or 3 'fetched.

In Fig. 3 is another embodiment of the arrangement for the acceptance, storage and payment of Bills 1 shown, in which the temporary storage device 3 essentially like the stacking device 6 is constructed, in which case the transport device out of transport rollers 12, of which at least one is driven, and around the transport rollers 12 guided conveyor belts 13 is formed, the at the stacking device 6 and the buffer device 3 are passed over. The stacking device 6 and the buffer device 3 opposite movable carriage 14 are provided in turn from the control device, not shown be addressed and the relevant Bills 1 from the transport device 12, 13th in the corresponding storage device (stacking device 6, temporary storage device 3).

The temporary storage device 3 is a roller extension 9, which is not shown by the Control device is controlled and the last cached bill 1 from the cache device 3 for the purpose of payment extracts. Again, the return transport of the Bills 1 to the test device 5 and the device 4 by reversing the transport direction over the Conveyor belts 13 and the transport rollers 12. Da possibly via the roll extract 9 in faulty Way more than one bill to pay out 1 is taken from the test device. 5 detected error turn the transport direction switched and the bills 1 are the stacking device 6 supplied. From the cache 3 then again a bill 1 for the payment taken.

In a further embodiment according to FIG. 4b are the stacking device 6 and the buffer 3 each on one side of the device for acceptance and issue 4 and for the test device 5, wherein one of the control unit, not shown controlled switch device 15 is provided is that the bills 1 of the corresponding transport device 12, 13 feeds, with the bills 1 either stacked in the stacking device 6 or for later payout in the cache device 3 cached.

In the test apparatus 5 or in the not shown Control device is a registration provided that registers an error in the case, in the case of the intermediate storage device 3 several bills 1 pulled out over the pullout 9 become. For example, the date becomes and / or the time and / or the number or the probable number of simultaneously from the buffer device removed bills 1 recorded.

In the Fign. 4a and 4b is in addition to the already described elements provided a counter 16, the with the test device 5 or with the control device (not shown) is connected and the in the temporary storage device 3 or in the stacking device 6 stored bills 1 counts. These Counting happens in one embodiment such that regardless of the value of the Stacking device 6 and the buffer device 3 fed bills 1 by incrementing be counted during one of the temporary storage device 3 disbursed banknote 1 from the meter reading is deducted. Is found that several Bills 1 from the buffer storage device 3 were removed, then the count becomes not changed. The counter 16 thus shows respectively the actual actual stock in the overall device without between contents of the cache device 3 and the stacking device 6 to distinguish. A change of the meter reading takes place only if the result of the test is positive during acceptance a banknote 1 (increase by 1) or positive Test result during the issue of a banknote 1 (decrease by 1).

Since possibly the stored amounts of money the temporary storage device 3 and the from the Stacking device 6 different between stand and host are split, it is possible that both devices are separately secured or are closed, so that thereby also a control about the possible access to the different ones Is guaranteed.

In Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b is another embodiment shown in which for each one buffer 3 and in each case a stacking device 6 a counter 16, 17 are provided. If a bill 1 of a certain valence and accepted recognized by the test device 5 and the buffer device 3 is supplied, the counter 16 increased by 1. When accepting a bill 1 a value not for later payouts should be provided, then this bill 1 transported after examination to the stacking device 6 and there via the movable punch 14 in the stacking device 6 pressed. In this case, the second counter 17 increased by 1.

If now a bill 1 will be paid out so will the pullout device 9 on the temporary storage device 3 activated and removed a bill 1 and the test apparatus 5 fed. Is it? only for a bill 1, this is issued and the first counter 16 is decremented by one. Will, however found that it was at least two bills 1, these are in turn on the Transport device 12, 13 transported back, well but to the stacking device 6. Here are the bills 1 stacked in the manner already described and are no longer eligible for another payout Available. At the same time the first counter 16 to 1 decreases and the second counter 17 is increased by 1. There Actual inventory in the buffer storage device 3 (at least a bill too little) and in the stacking device 6 (at least one note too much) no longer with matches the target stock, is additionally the Error registry made. Subsequently, will from the buffer device 3 again Withdrawn bill 1 and paid out after examination, wherein the counter 16 is lowered.

Should be the actual at a later date Actual inventory in the temporary storage device 3 is determined can be two different ones Procedures are used. A first Procedure is that all still in the Buffer device 3 existing bills 1 to be spent counted. Subsequently, the As a result determined actual stock with the target stock compared and if necessary existing difference displayed or printed. After that, the counted can be spent Banknotes 1 are entered again, where the counter 16 is back to the actual actual stock the temporary storage device 3 sets.

Since here all counting operations within the overall device expire this possibility no Room for manipulation.

The second procedure is that all still contained in the temporary storage device 3 Banknotes 1 are taken and counted here Determined actual stock is displayed with the or printed target stock, a new one Actual inventory entered and the corresponding number of bills 1 in the temporary storage device 3 inserted. However, here are possibilities for Subsequent manipulations given as the count is performed outside the overall device. In both cases would have to be carried out properly the determination of the actual stock in the Intermediate storage device 3 possibly occurring Find difference values in the stacking device 6 again to let. For example, were from an original Actual stock of 35 pieces at 10.00 DM-bills 1 in the buffer memory device 3 made ten regular payouts and two erroneous withdrawals were found, then the now Target stock at 23 pieces at 10.00 DM-bills 1 lie. Provides a check that the actual stock at 21 pieces at 10.00 DM shows, this means that in the taken two bills two bills 1 each were now considered overstock in the stacking device 6 should be. To check these, must the bills 1 from the stacking device. 6 counted and with the displayed or printed Target stock to be compared. The normally surplus two 10.00 DM bills 1 can now the buffering device 3 again under increasing of the counter 16 are added. Be the bills 1 removed from the stacking device 6, so the second counter 17 must reset manually or automatically and the entire process of accepting the bill, Registration and administration can be done in these money-operated machines with correct values start again.

The difficulty in accurately determining the Stocks in the respective cache device 3 and the respective stacking device 6 can be turned off, that according to FIG. 3 in the test apparatus, a sensor arrangement 10, 11th is provided, which is the actual number of out the buffering device 3 extended number detected by bills 1 and to the not shown Control device supplies. The sensor arrangement 10, 11 can work in different ways, For example, the sensor assembly 10 as optical Arrangement be formed, in which a defined Beam of light is emitted and a receiver the transmission detected by the bills 1. Dependent the transmittance can be determined how many bills 1 it is. The Sensor arrangement 11 can, for example, operate mechanically, wherein sensors are provided which the thickness of the bill bundle, being dependent on the Thickness the number is determined. the number of simultaneously from the temporary storage device 3 taken out bills 1 can also have a count of individualizing characteristics of individual Banknote 1 to be determined. It can the Single or a combination of the tester be provided different sensor arrangements.

If several stacking devices 6 and a plurality of temporary storage devices 3 are provided can Each device will be assigned a counter that depends from the signals of the control unit in theirs Meter reading can be increased or decreased, with the Control unit again the detection results of the test device 5 receives. Thus, next to the top described possibilities a complete control inventories in various storage devices possible.

Claims (19)

1. Arrangement for accepting, storing and dispensing bank notes (1) in money operated machines comprising an accepting device (4), a testing device (5), at least one storing device (6), a dispensing device (4) and a control device for operating the different devices, and at least one intermediate storing device (3) is provided which can be connected via a point controlled transport mechanism to the testing device (5) and/or the accepting device (4) and/or dispensing device (4) and/or the storing device (6), and the at least one intermediate storing device (3) stores a plurality of bank notes (1) of a value up to a preset number or a preset loading level, and the remaining bank notes (1) are stored in the at least one storing device (6), and bank notes (1) stored in the intermediate storing device (3) for dispensing are delivered via the transport device to the dispensing device (4), and for dispensing bank notes (1) from the money operated machine are exclusively available those bank notes (1) stored in the intermediate storing device (3), and these bank notes (1) are in the course of dispensing guided over the testing unit (3) and released for dispensing.
2. Arrangement according to Claim 1, characterised in that a plurality of intermediate storing devices (3) for bank notes (1) of same or different denominations is provided.
3. Arrangement according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that the intermediate storing device (3) is designed to have motorised belts (3a) which rotate over diverting rollers (2), and between the belts can be stored a number of bank notes (1) one behind the other.
4. Arrangement according to Claim 3, characterised in that the belts (3a) and diverting rollers for accepting and dispensing bank notes (1) move in opposite directions.
5. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the intermediate storing device (3) and/or the storing device (6) are designed as stacking devices, and the intermediate storing device (3) is associated with an extracting device (9).
6. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the transport device comprises motorised rollers (12) and belts (13) between which bank notes (1) are transported and at least one diverting device (15) and/or point, and the control device controls the transport device according to destination of a transported bank note.
7. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the control device comprises at least one counter (16, 17) which counts bank notes (1) which have been accepted and are stored in the storing device (6) and/or in the intermediate storing device (3) and/or have been paid out.
8. Arrangement according to Claim 7, characterised in that a first counter (16) is provided for counting bank notes (1) delivered to the intermediate storing device (3) and bank notes (1) dispensed by the latter by way of incrementing and decrementing the counter reading, and a second counter (17) is provided for counting bank notes (1) delivered to the storing device.
9. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the checking device checks both accepted bank notes and those to be dispensed (1) and delivers a test signal to the control device which, in dependence of the test signal, controls the transport device, the storing device (6) and/or the intermediate storing device (3) and/or the at least one counter (16,17).
10. Arrangement according to Claim 9, characterised in that the checking device (5) comprises a device (10, 11) for detecting the number of bank notes (1) to be dispensed as delivered by the intermediate storing device (3), which on simultaneous detection of more than one bank note (1) delivers an error signal to the control device which controls the transport device and the storing and intermediate storing devices (3, 6) for transporting the multiple bank notes (1) back into the storing device (6) and issuing a new bank note from the intermediate storing device (3).
11. Arrangement according to Claim 10, characterised in that with the appearance of an error signal the control device controls a device for registering a developed error, registering date and/or time and/or precise or assumed number of bank notes (1) taken from the intermediate storing device (1).
12. Arrangement according to Claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the device for detecting the number of bank notes (10) as delivered by the intermediate storing device (3) comprises a sensor arrangement (10, 11) for measuring the thickness and/or for measuring the light permeability and/or for counting individualising features of individual bank notes (1).
13. Arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the storing device (6) and the intermediate storing device (3) are respectively provided with a separated and a mutual locking and securing device.
14. Method for accepting, storing and dispensing bank notes (1) in which a respective accepted bank note (1) is in a checking device (5) checked for authenticity and value and in a storing device (6) stored, and the bank notes are transported via a point controlled transport device, and a plurality of bank notes (1) of at least one value is up to a preset number or a preset filling level intermediately stored in an intermediate storing device (3), and further bank notes (1) are stored in a storing device (6), and for dispensing bank notes (1) from the money operated machine, these are exclusively taken from the intermediate storing device (3), guided via the transport device and prior to dispensing checked in the testing device (5) and released for dispensing.
15. Method according to Claim 14, characterised in that bank notes (1) to be dispensed are checked with respect to only one respective bank note (1) being removed from the intermediate storing device; if this is the case, the bank note (1) is dispensed, and if this is not the case, the bank notes (1) are transported into the storing device and a bank note (1) is again removed from the intermediate storing device and checked.
16. Method according to Claim 14 or Claim 15, characterised in that entered and dispensed bank notes (1) are counted by way of incrementing and decrementing.
17. Method according to Claim 16, characterised in that bank notes (1) in the intermediate storing device and in the storing device are counted separately.
18. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterised in that a respective error report is registered when, during checking of bank notes (1) which have been removed from the intermediate store, a respective number higher than one bank note (1) is determined.
19. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterised in that the number of bank notes (1) removed from the intermediate store is optically and/or mehanically measured.

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