Adjusting apparatus for self-service devices and adjusting method

An apparatus is provided for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device that has a first module, a second module and a transfer module with a transfer slot for transferring notes of pecuniary value from the first module to the second module or vice versa. The transfer module is held in an operating position by a fastening device and forms a spacing to the second module. An adjusting mechanism is associated with the transfer module so that the transfer module, by forming different spacing to the second module, is mounted so as to be adjustable in an adjusting direction that extends perpendicularly with respect to the transfer slot and in a transfer plane of the notes of pecuniary value which is predefined by the transfer slot.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device which comprises as modules a first module, a second module and a transfer module with a transfer slot for transferring notes of pecuniary value from the first module to the second module or vice versa, wherein the transfer module is held in an operating position by means of fastening means and forms a spacing to the second module.

2. Description of the Related Art

In addition, the invention relates to a method for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device, wherein a transfer module is provided for transferring notes of pecuniary value from a first module to a second module of a self-service device or vice versa.

A self-service device, namely an automatic teller machine consisting of several operating modules, is known, for example, from WO 2011/020904 A1. The automatic teller machine comprises as first module a head module for the input and/or output of notes of pecuniary value and as second module a safe for accommodating several cash boxes. A transfer module, which includes a transfer slot and guide means, is provided for transferring the notes of pecuniary value from the first module to the second module or vice versa. To convey the notes of pecuniary value in a reliable manner it is desirable that the spacing between the transfer module, on the one hand, and the first module and/or the second module, on the other hand, is as small as possible so that in particular heavily used, crumpled notes of pecuniary value do not result in the transport path becoming blocked and consequently in the failure of the automatic teller machine. The plurality of components which are operatively connected together in the modules results in a tolerance chain which can lead to an inadmissibly large spacing in particular between the second module and the transfer module. In particular when the second module is designed to drive conveying shafts of the transfer module such that there is consequently a toothed wheel connection between the transfer module and the second module, if the toothed wheels are not correctly engaged wear can occur which impairs the way in which the notes of pecuniary value behave during conveying. As a result of this, it is known when setting up automatic teller machines to align the second module relative to the transfer module in the vertical and horizontal direction until the predefined required spacing range between the transfer unit and the second module is achieved. However, this is linked to relatively high amount of expenditure on adjustment.

Consequently, it is the object of the invention to provide an apparatus and a method for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device in such a manner that the amount of expenditure on adjustment and production is reduced in a simple manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device. The apparatus has a first module, a second module and a transfer module with a transfer slot for transferring notes of pecuniary value from the first module to the second module or vice versa. The transfer module is held in an operating position by a fastening means and forms a spacing to the second module. An adjusting means is associated with the transfer module in such a manner that the transfer module, by forming different spacing to the second module, is mounted so as to be adjustable in an adjusting direction which extends perpendicularly with respect to the transfer slot and in a transfer plane of the notes of pecuniary value which is predefined by the transfer slot.

The particular advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is that the adjusting means is arranged in a manner restricted to the range of a transfer module. As a result of simple adjustment of the adjusting means, different spacings between the transfer module and the second module can easily be adjusted such that the set spacing then lies within a required spacing range.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an adjusting bolt and a recess into which the adjusting bolt engages are provided as the adjusting means. The adjusting bolt and/or the recess comprise such an adjusting contouring that, in dependence on the relative position of the adjusting bolt to a transfer module, different adjusting positions of the transfer module relative to the second module are settable. To compensate for tolerance deviations of the components built in the second module, it is possible to select an adjusting contouring such that an alignment of the transfer module to the adjacent module can be effected by forming a spacing between the same within the required spacing range.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjusting bolt comprises adjusting contours which are arranged in the circumferential direction at a different radial spacing to an axis of the adjusting bolt. By rotating the adjusting bolt, adjusting contours can consequently be “selected”. To set up or to service the self-service device, the fitter, after ascertaining the current spacing, can select the suitable adjusting contour of the adjusting bolt and then insert the adjusting bolt into coinciding openings of the transfer module and of a bearing means attached to the second or first module, the selected adjusting contour bringing about a relative displacement of the bearing means to the transfer module.

According to a further development of the invention, the adjusting bolt comprises indicating elements on an end face for coding the adjusting contours such that a fitter is able to ascertain simply the spacing between adjusting positions currently set between the modules and is able to select simply a suitable adjusting contour in dependence on the spacing check. The adjusting operation can be accelerated in an advantageous manner as a result of this.

According to a further development of the invention, the adjusting bolt is mounted transversely with respect to the adjusting direction in openings in a bearing part which is fixedly coupled with the second module and in the transfer module. The adjusting bolt can be removed simply in the axial direction out of the openings which are arranged in alignment with one another and in a certain position of rotation can be inserted in the same again.

According to a further development of the invention, the adjusting bolt is secured in the axial direction by means of a latching element which comprises a clamping force which is brought about transversely with respect to the axis of the adjusting bolt.

According to a further development of the invention, the bearing means comprises a barb-shaped latching element for engaging behind a framework part in the operating position. Said latching element is secured in the clamping position by means of a displacement element of the transfer module. The installation position of the transfer module is unequivocally secured in this manner.

According to an alternative embodiment of the apparatus, the adjusting contouring can also be formed as a result of a stepped design of a longitudinal recess of the transfer module. In conjunction with an adjusting bolt, which is coupled fixedly with a bearing means and engages in the longitudinal recess, a latching means is formed which enables, for example, a vertical alignment of the transfer module to the second or first module. In an advantageous manner, the adjusting bolt does not have to be removed to adjust the spacing between the adjacent modules. By exerting an adjusting force, which acts on the transfer module, in the direction of the longitudinal recess, the desired installation position of the transfer module can be adjusted rapidly.

The invention also relates to a method for adjusting an installation position of modules in a self-service device. A transfer module is provided for transferring notes of pecuniary value from a first module to a second module of the self-service device or vice versa. The method uses an adjusting means to adjust a relative spacing between the transfer module, on the one hand, and the first module and/or a bearing means which is connectable in a positionally fixed manner to the second module, on the other hand. The adjustment is carried out in a adjusting direction in such a manner that the spacing between the transfer module in its installation position and the first module and/or the second module is smaller than a predefined maximum spacing.

The particular advantage of the method according to the invention consists in that the installation position of the transfer module can be adjusted simply in one direction by adjusting an adjusting means which cooperates with a transfer module, the spacing of the transfer module to the adjacent module lying within the required spacing range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention can be applied to self-service devices, such as, for example, automatic teller machines, cash deposit machines or the like where notes of pecuniary value are to be conveyed from a first module to a second module, the modules preferably comprising different functions.

In the present exemplary embodiment an automatic teller machine1is provided as a self-service device which comprises essentially a first module2for the input and/or output of notes of pecuniary value (bank notes) and a second module3which is arranged in the vertical direction below the first module for accommodating a multitude of cash boxes4. The first module2is realized as a head module, whilst the second module3is realized as a safe. A transfer module5, which is arranged essentially between the head module2and the safe3, is provided for transferring the notes of pecuniary value from the head module2to the safe3or vice versa.

The transfer module5is realized in a bar-shaped manner and comprises upright housing walls6which form a frame for a transfer slot7which extends in the longitudinal direction of the transfer module5. A multitude of finger-shaped guide elements8are arranged on both sides of the transfer slot7so that the notes of pecuniary value are guided through the transfer slot7in the direction of a vertical transfer plane.

In an operating position, the transfer module5is held or mounted on a fastening wall11, which is connected fixedly to the safe3, in each case by means of bearing means10, which is connected in an end region9of the transfer module5to said transfer module. As bearing means10there is provided a bearing part, which is releasably connected to the housing wall6of the transfer module5by means of a screw connection12and comprises on a top surface13a clamping face10′, which interacts with a holding element protruding from the fastening wall11such that the bearing part10, with the clamping face10′ abutting against a horizontal portion11′ of the fastening wall11, sits in a clamping manner. The transfer module5is arranged horizontally in the installation position, the clamping faces10′ which extend in the opposite end regions9spanning a horizontal plane H.

So that a regular transfer of the notes of pecuniary value from the head module2to the safe3or vice versa is guaranteed, the transfer module5must only be arranged within a predefined required spacing range to the safe3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the safe3serves as reference. As an alternative to this, it is obviously also possible to fix a maximum required spacing to the head module2.

To adjust a spacing between the transfer module5and the safe3vertically (vertical direction), an adjusting bolt14is provided in each case as adjusting means on the end regions9(bearing points) of the transfer module5, said adjusting bolt by way of its opposite end regions in each case penetrating an opening15in the bearing part10and engaging in an opening16in the housing wall6. A first circumferential region18of the adjusting bolt14connecting directly to an end face17of the same is realized in a substantially square manner with four longitudinal sides20such that said adjusting bolt by abutting against an edge16′ of the opening16sits with play in the opening16of the housing wall6. A second circumferential portion19of the adjusting bolt14, which comprises elevation flank21,21′,21″ which extend at a different height to the longitudinal sides20of the adjusting bolt14in the first circumferential portion18, connects in the axial direction on a side of the first circumferential portion18remote from the end face17. Said elevation flanks comprise a different elevation relative to the axially adjacent contour of the first circumferential portion18or to an axis A of the adjusting bolt14.

The elevation flanks21,21′,21″ form fixedly predefined adjusting contours, by means of which the bearing part10can be adjusted in the vertically direction relative to the transfer module5or its housing wall6. The second circumferential portion19is consequently realized as an elevation ring which, in the present exemplary embodiment, is able to bring about different adjusting positions of the transfer module5to the safe3. A first adjusting contour22of the elevation ring does not comprise any radial spacing relative to the axially adjacent longitudinal side20of the first circumferential portion18. If said adjusting contour22is to be active, the adjusting bolt14is situated in a position of rotation in which said adjusting contour22is arranged vertically upward. The adjusting contour22abuts against the top opening edge15′ of the bearing part10, the longitudinal side20in the first circumferential portion18abuts against the opening edge16′ of the transfer module5. The two opening edges15′,16′ of the bearing part10or of the transfer module5consequently extend in the same horizontal plane.

Further elevation flanks21,21′,21″ of different height to the longitudinal sides20of the first circumferential portion18serving in each case as a reference, connect in the circumferential direction to the adjusting contour22in the second circumferential portion19. A first elevation flank21comprises an adjusting contour22′ which comprises a spacing of a1=0.4 mm to the longitudinal side20. A second elevation flank21′ comprises an adjusting contour22″ which is arranged at a spacing of a2=0.8 mm to the longitudinal side20of the adjacent first circumferential portion18. A third elevation flank21″ comprises an adjusting contour22′″ which is arranged at a spacing a3=1.2 mm to the longitudinal side20of the adjacent first circumferential portion18.

The longitudinal sides20in the first circumferential region18form a reference edge for adjusting or setting the relative position between the transfer module5and the safe3in a stepped manner. If the adjusting bolt14, engaging in the openings15in the bearing part10and the opening16in the housing wall6, is inserted, for example, in such a position of rotation that the third adjusting face21″′ is arranged upward, this brings about a relative elevation of the bearing part10by a3=1.2 mm to the transfer module5. As the bearing part10abuts against the fastening wall11′ of the safe3in the installation position, this results in the spacing between the transfer module5and the safe3being reduced by a3=1.2 mm compared to a position of rotation of the adjusting bolt14in which the adjusting contour22of the adjusting bolt14is arranged at the top, seeFIGS. 5aand5b. The horizontal plane H specifies the fastening height of the bearing part10on the second module3, with respect to which the adjusting direction J extends in a perpendicular manner.

So that the transfer module5is securable on the bearing part10, serving as an adapter, in each adjusting position of the adjusting bolt14, the housing wall6of the transfer module5comprises in the end regions9in each case an elongated hole23and a longitudinal groove24which are arranged oriented in the adjusting direction J, that is in the vertical direction. A screw25is able to engage in each case through the elongated hole23and the longitudinal groove24and is able to secure the transfer module5to the bearing part10by forming a threaded engagement with a bore of the adjacent bearing part10.

So that the adjusting bolt14is able to be modified in its position of rotation after ascertaining an inadmissibly large spacing between the safe3and the transfer module5, the transfer module5is displaced out of its operating position relative to the positionally fixed safe3into a non-operating position. To this end, the transfer module5is mounted by means of rails (not shown) with respect to the safe3. In the operating position of the transfer module5, notes of pecuniary value can be paid in and/or out at the automatic teller machine. In the non-operating position of the transfer module5, the transfer module5can be removed from the safe3. To this end, the transfer module5is displaced in its longitudinal direction relative to the fastening wall11by disengaging a locking means, is moved downward until it is supported on a bottom fastening wall26, is then rotated about a horizontal axis which extends in an end region9of the transfer module5and is removed upward from the safe3.

In a further step, the fastening means which releasably connect the transfer module5to the bearing part10are then released. In the present exemplary embodiment, screws25which engage in the elongated hole23or in a longitudinal groove24of the transfer module5and in bores of the bearing part10are provided as fastening means. The elongated hole23and the longitudinal groove24are arranged oriented in the adjusting direction J. Once the screws25have been released or loosened without them leaving the threaded bore of the bearing part2, a latching element30, which in its locking position engages behind the adjusting bolt14in the transverse direction by engaging in a latching trough31and secures said latching bolt in the axial direction of the bearing part10, is unlocked. The adjusting bolt14can then be removed in its axial direction from the bearing part10or the transfer module5.

The adjusting bolt14is then rotated about its axis A such that an elevation flank21,21′,21″ of such a height is arranged at the top in the vertical direction that, with the adjusting bolt14in the inserted state, the bearing part10is displaced so far downward relative to the transfer module5in the vertical direction that the current spacing set as a result is smaller than a predefined maximum spacing. The top longitudinal side20of the adjusting bolt14in the first circumferential region18which abuts against the top opening edge16′ of the opening16of the transfer module5serves as a reference.

The relative height setting currently set between the transfer module5and the bearing part10can be recognized by a coding which is mounted on the end face17of the adjusting bolt14. For this purpose, the end face17comprises as indicating elements differently large notches32,32′,32″,32′″ associated in each case with the longitudinal sides20. If one longitudinal side does not have any notch associated therewith, there is a zero elevation. A small notch32′ corresponds to an elevation by a1=0.4 mm, a median notch32″ to an elevation by a2=0.8 mm and a large notch32′″ to an elevation by a3=1.2 mm.

Once the adjusting bolt14has been inserted in the correct position engaging into the openings15,16, the latching elements30engage into the latching trough31again. The end faces17of the adjusting bolt14preferably close off flush with an outside surface of the housing wall6of the transfer module5. Finally, the screws25are tightened such that the transfer module5, which is connected to the bearing part10, can be mounted on the safe3again.

If the transfer module5is situated in the mounting position on the safe3, it is secured on the safe3in the mounting position by means of a displacement element33which extends in a tapering manner. The displacement element33comprises an elongated hole34in which is guided a screw36which is situated in screw engagement, in threaded engagement with a horizontal housing wall35of the transfer module5. The displacement element33comprises a wedge-shaped end37which, for locking the transfer module5on the safe3, engages behind a barb-shaped latching element38of the bearing part10and presses it against a framework part39of the safe3, which is arranged in a positionally fixed manner. The locking position of the displacement element33shown inFIG. 8bis secured by tightening the screw36such that the displacement element33is secured in the locking position. The latching element38is preferably arranged so as to be movable by a vertical distance b=0.5 mm.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, instead of a rigidly realized adjusting bolt14, it is possible to provide an adjusting bolt44with a flexible end45, said bolt interacting with a longitudinal recess43of the vertically extending housing wall6of the transfer module5which comprises an adjusting contouring46. The same components or component functions of the two exemplary embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals.

The longitudinal recess43of the transfer module5comprises fir-shaped adjusting contours46which enable a stepped locking bearing arrangement of the ends45of the adjusting bolt44. If the bearing part10with the adjusting bolt44is situated in the installation position shown inFIG. 9, as a result of a vertical force cooperating with the transfer module5or the housing wall6of the same in a downward manner, the transfer module5can be moved downward relative to the bearing part10corresponding to the latching steps which are predefined by the adjusting contouring46. A relative vertical adjustment of the transfer module5to the safe3can be effected in this way in a simple handling manner as a result of such a latching means—without removing the adjusting bolt44from the transfer module5or the bearing part10.

The ends45of the adjusting bolt44are resiliently mounted in the axial direction such that by applying an axial force the ends45are able to be moved toward one another such that the adjusting bolt44is able to be inserted between the opposite housing walls6of the transfer module5and the end faces41of the bearing part10, until the ends45are arranged in alignment with the openings15,16of the transfer module5or of the bearing part10. The ends45can then engage in the openings15,16automatically as a result of the spring force42and have then reached the locking position. The length of the resiliently realized ends45is at least as long as the thickness of the housing wall6of the transfer module5and of the end face41of the bearing part10.

A motor for driving conveying shafts for the notes of pecuniary value is preferably provided in the transfer module5, said conveying shafts being arranged in said transfer module.

As an alternative to this, the adjusting direction J can also extend in the horizontal direction or in another direction. To this end, the transfer modules5and the bearing means10would have to be mounted oriented correspondingly in another manner.