APPARATUS FOR HANDLING NOTES OF VALUE

An apparatus for handling notes of value can comprise a dispensing compartment for withdrawing the notes of value. The dispensing compartment is bounded on a first side by a depositing element and on a second side by a delimiting element. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises at least one first sensor unit for detecting an initialization position of the depositing element. The first sensor unit is designed to generate a first sensor signal and to transmit said first sensor signal to a control unit. The control unit is designed to take the first sensor signal as a basis for actuating a first drive unit such that the depositing element is moved a predetermined distance away from the delimiting element from the initialization position to a first supply position for supplying the notes of value.

The invention relates to a device for handling bills, said device comprising a dispensing compartment for retrieving bills. The dispensing compartment on a first side is delimited by a depositing element, and on a second side is delimited by a delimiting element. The device furthermore comprises a control unit.

Devices for handling bills, in particular automatic teller machines, in which the bills are offered to a user as a wad are known from the prior art. For this purpose, the bills are retrieved from bill cassettes, fed to an intermediate storage, and by a stacking unit stacked so as to form a bill stack which is then transported to the dispensing compartment with the aid of a transport unit, for example with the aid of a displacement slide.

In these devices, it is disadvantageous that a lot of installation space is required for the intermediate storage, the stacking unit and the transport unit, and that the intermediate storage in particular slows down the disbursement procedure.

It is an object of the invention to specify a device for handling bills with the aid of which bills can be provided for dispensing in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim1. Advantageous refinements are set forth in the dependent claims.

The device having the features of claim1comprises at least one first sensor unit for detecting an initializing position of the depositing element. The first sensor unit is configured to generate a first sensor signal and to transmit the latter to the control unit. The control unit is configured to actuate a first drive unit for moving the depositing element, wherein the control unit, proceeding from the first sensor signal, actuates the first drive unit in such a manner that the depositing element is moved by a predetermined distance away from the delimiting element, from the initializing position to a first feeding position for feeding the bills. Particularly simple and reliable controlling of the movement of the depositing element to the feeding position is achieved as a result.

It is particularly advantageous for the first sensor unit to comprise at least one sensor element, wherein the first sensor unit is disposed in such a manner that a first position of the sensor element is able to be detected with the aid of the first sensor unit, and for the first sensor unit to be configured to emit the first sensor signal as a function of the detected first position of the sensor element. Particularly reliable monitoring of the position of the sensor element is achieved as a result.

It is particularly advantageous for the first sensor unit to detect the first position of the sensor element when the depositing element is situated in the initializing position, wherein the sensor element contacts the depositing element and as a result of contacting the depositing element is moved in the direction of the delimiting element. It is achieved as a result that the initializing position is determined in a simple and accurate manner.

In one particularly advantageously embodiment, the sensor element is a contact pressure element which for the orderly depositing of the bills is pivotably connected to the delimiting element, wherein the sensor element is movable between the raised first position and a lowered second position. An uncontrolled movement of the bills during feeding into the dispensing compartment is prevented as a result. As a result, an orderly bill stack is formed in the dispensing compartment.

It is advantageous for the device to comprise at least one second sensor unit for detecting a lower position of the depositing element, wherein the second sensor unit is configured to generate a second sensor signal and to transmit the latter to the control unit. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to actuate the first drive unit for moving the depositing element as a function of the second sensor signal. Simple and reliable controlling of the movement of the depositing element is achieved as a result.

It is furthermore advantageous for the control unit, proceeding from the second sensor signal, to be configured to actuate the first drive unit in such a manner that the depositing element is moved by a predetermined distance toward the delimiting element, to the initializing position. A secure movement of the depositing element to the initializing position is achieved as a result.

It is particularly advantageous for the device to comprise a closure element which in a closed position delimits the dispensing compartment on a third side, and which in an opened position enables access to bills provided in the dispensing compartment, wherein the closure element for opening the dispensing compartment is movable from the closed position to an opened position, and for closing the dispensing compartment is movable from the opened position to the closed position. Easy access to the bills provided for disbursement is enabled as a result.

In one advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one third sensor unit for detecting the closed position and/or at least one fourth sensor unit for detecting the opened position of the closure element. The third sensor unit is configured to generate a third sensor signal and to transmit the latter to the control unit, and/or the fourth sensor unit is configured to generate a fourth sensor signal and to transmit the latter to the control unit. The control unit is configured to actuate a second drive unit for driving the closure element as a function of the third sensor signal and/or of the fourth sensor signal. Automated and simple controlling of the movement of the closure element is achieved as a result.

It is advantageous for the device to comprise a fifth sensor unit which is in particular disposed in the dispensing compartment and which is configured to generate a fifth sensor signal and to transmit the latter to the control unit when at least one bill is received in the dispensing compartment. Simple monitoring of the dispensing compartment is achieved as a result.

It is furthermore advantageous for a plurality of bills received in the dispensing compartment to form a bill stack, wherein the bills of the bill stack are disposed on top of one another in such a manner that the lowermost bill by way of the front side thereof or the rear side thereof bears on the depositing element and that the uppermost bill by way of the front side thereof or the rear side thereof contacts the sensor element, wherein the direction from the lowermost bill to the uppermost bill is a stacking direction of the bill stack. Secure and reliable depositing and stacking of the bills is possible as a result.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the first sensor unit detects the first sensor element position when the bill stack contacts the sensor element, wherein the sensor element as a result of contacting the bill stack is moved in the direction of the delimiting element. Simple monitoring of the height of the bill stack is achieved as a result.

It is advantageous for the control unit, proceeding from the reception of the first sensor signal and of the fifth sensor signal, to actuate the first drive unit in such a manner that the depositing element is moved by a predetermined distance away from the delimiting element, from the first feeding position to a second feeding position, or from the second feeding position to a third feeding position, in such a manner that further bills are able to be fed into the dispensing compartment. Orderly depositing and stacking of the bills in the dispensing compartment is ensured as a result.

It is particularly advantageous for the control unit for opening the dispensing compartment to be configured to actuate the first drive unit in such a manner that the depositing element, proceeding from the lower position or from the first feeding position or from the second feeding position or from the third feeding position, is moved by a predetermined distance to an entrainment position, wherein the delimiting element in the movement of the depositing element is moved from a first delimiting position to a second delimiting position, wherein an engagement element of the delimiting element comes to engage with an engagement region of the closure element. As a result, it is achieved that the volume of the dispensing compartment when opening is enlarged in a particularly simple manner such that particularly easy access is possible to the bills provided for disbursement.

It is advantageous for the first sensor unit and/or the second sensor unit and/or the third sensor unit and/or the fourth sensor unit and/or the fifth sensor unit to comprise at least one detection element, wherein the detection element generates the sensor signal and transmits the latter to the control unit, and wherein the detection element preferably comprises a light barrier. As a result, it is achieved that the sensor units are of a simple construction and cost-effective.

It is furthermore advantageous for the device to comprise at least one third drive unit for driving transport elements for transporting the bills, wherein the transport elements for feeding the bills into the dispensing compartment are drivable in a first direction, and wherein the transport elements for transporting the bills out of the dispensing compartment in a direction of a bill handling unit of the device are drivable in a second direction, counter to the first direction. A compact construction mode of the device is achieved as a result.

It is particularly advantageous for the device to comprise a sixth sensor unit for detecting at least one feature of the bills to be disbursed, wherein the control unit as a function of the feature detected by the sixth sensor unit is configured to distinguish whether the bill is a bill cleared for disbursement, and for the control unit to drive the third drive unit in the first direction when the sixth sensor unit detects a bill cleared for disbursement. It is achieved as a result that bills which are cleared for disbursement exclusively are fed to the dispensing compartment.

In one advantageous embodiment, the control unit is configured to actuate the second drive unit in such a manner that the closure element for retrieving the bills is disposed in the opened position for a predetermined period, and after the pre-set period is moved to the closed position. Furthermore, the control unit, after the pre-set period has elapsed, is configured to check whether the fifth sensor unit relays the fifth sensor signal to the control unit. Should the check result in the fifth sensor signal being relayed to the control unit, the control unit is configured to actuate the first drive unit in such a manner that the depositing element is moved from the entrainment position to a discharge position and to actuate the third drive unit in such a manner that the transport elements are driven in the second direction. It is achieved as a result that bills which are not retrieved from the dispensing compartment as so-called retracts are securely transported out of the dispensing compartment, preferably into a retract-reject container.

Further features and advantages are derived from the description hereunder which in conjunction with the appended figures explains in more detail exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1shows a schematic illustration of a device10for handling bills28,48,50. The device10comprises a head module12and a strongbox module14. The head module12comprises a bill dispensing unit16for dispensing bills48to be disbursed to an operator. Bills28,48are transported from the strongbox module14into the head module12by way of a transfer opening18. The strongbox module14comprises four bill cassettes20to26which serve for storing and for transporting bills28.

The bills28are deposited in the form of a stack in the bill cassettes20to26. One of these stacks is indicated in an exemplary manner in the first bill cassette26. In an exemplary manner, one of the bills of this bill stack is identified by the reference sign28. In the operating position of the bill cassettes20to26shown inFIG. 1, the bills28are disposed in the bill cassettes20to26so as to be upright on one of the edges of said bills28. Each bill cassette20to26has in each case one opening, not illustrated, for retrieving bills28. A singularizing unit30to36, with the aid of which the bills28stored in the bill cassettes20to26can be retrieved and singularized as a result, is disposed in front of the opening.

As soon as a user initiates a disbursement procedure, bills28to be disbursed are retrieved from the corresponding bill cassettes20to26and, after singularizing, are fed to a transport path40. A sensor unit42is disposed along the transport path40and detects at least one feature of each bill28to be disbursed. The sensor unit42transmits a measured value of the detected feature to a control unit44which, as a function of the detected feature, is configured to evaluate whether the bill28is a first bill48cleared for disbursement or a second bill50not cleared for disbursement.

The control unit44actuates a turnout unit46in such a manner that the bill48is fed to the bill dispensing unit16when said bill48is a bill48cleared for disbursement. However, if the bill is a bill50not cleared for disbursement, the control unit44actuates the turnout unit46in such a manner that the bill50is fed to an intermediate storage52.

In order not to unnecessarily delay the disbursement procedure for the operator, replacement bills for the bills50not cleared for disbursement are retrieved from the bill cassettes20to26and, to the extent that said replacement bills by virtue of the features detected with the aid of the sensor unit42are cleared for disbursement, are transported to the bill dispensing unit16. In this way, the desired total value can be dispensed to the operator without interrupting the disbursement procedure. Upon completion of the disbursement procedure, the bills50not cleared for disbursement, by way of a further transport path56, are fed to a container54, in particular to a so-called reject and retract container54which is preferably configured in the form of a further bill cassette.

The reject and retract container54comprises in particular a first compartment for receiving the rejected bills50(so-called rejects) and a second compartment, separate from the first compartment, for receiving bills48not retrieved from the dispensing compartment (so-called retracts). In this way, the rejects and the retracts can be separately stored, as a result of which tracing the notes is easily possible.

In an alternative embodiment, the device10can be configured as an automatic recycling cash machine, i.e. as a device10for disbursing and depositing bills. In this embodiment, the sensor unit42, or a further sensor unit which is in particular disposed in the head module, also checks the features of the bills28which by way of a bill dispensing and depositing unit are fed to the device10by an operator. Bills28cleared for depositing are fed to the bill cassettes20to26, while bills not cleared for depositing are fed to the intermediate storage52. The device10in other embodiments can comprise a larger or smaller number of bill cassettes20to26, as well as separate reject and retract containers54.

FIG. 2shows a perspective detailed view of the bill dispensing unit16of the device10, having a closed closure element60. Elements of identical construction or identical function have the same reference signs. The closure element60delimits a dispensing compartment which in the illustration ofFIG. 2is obscured by the closure element60and in which the bills48destined for disbursement are provided for retrieval by an operator. The dispensing compartment is identified inFIG. 3and will be described in more detail hereunder. In the closed position of the closure element60illustrated inFIG. 3, no access to the dispensing compartment72and to bills48provided therein is possible.

A depositing element62for depositing the bills48provided for disbursement can be seen in the illustration as perFIG. 2. The depositing element62comprises a clearance64which is disposed in such a manner that the bills48deposited in the dispensing compartment72lie above a sub-region of the clearance64. In the opened position of the closure element60, access to the bills48is facilitated in that an operator can reach into the clearance64and below the bills48with his/her fingers.

Further to be seen inFIG. 2are two sensor units66,68, wherein the sensor unit66is provided for detecting the closed position of the closure element60, and the sensor unit68is provided for detecting an opened position of the closure element60. The sensor units66,68when detecting the respective position of the closure element60generate a sensor signal and transmit this sensor signal to the control unit44. The sensor unit44is configured to actuate a drive unit, not visible inFIG. 2, for moving the closure element60as a function of the transmitted sensor signal.

The bill dispensing unit16furthermore comprises a transport unit70with the aid of which bills48retrieved from the strongbox module14are transported in a direction T1to the dispensing compartment72. Those bills not retrieved from the dispensing compartment, with the aid of the transport unit70, are transported in a direction counter to the direction T1.

The closure element60is a first inner closure element of the device10which as a “shadow” closure element60is disposed behind a second outer closure element, not illustrated. The outer closure element can be opened and closed independently of the closure element60. In this way, the retrieval of bills48from the bill dispensing unit16is possible only when both closure elements60are simultaneously opened. A particularly high degree of security is achieved as a result because the “shadow” closure element60remains closed in particular when the outer closure element is manipulated by any unauthorized third party.

FIG. 3shows a sectional illustration of a fragment of the bill dispensing unit16as perFIG. 2along the section plane A. During a disbursement procedure, the bills48are first transported in the direction of the dispensing compartment72by way of two transport belts which are in each case deflected by two deflection rollers, wherein the transport belt73and the deflection roller71are visible in the sectional illustration as perFIG. 3. Subsequently, the bills48are fed to further transport elements80to90with the aid of which the bills48are fed, preferably individually, to the dispensing compartment82. The transport elements80to90comprise transport rollers, rotary blades and contact pressure rollers, wherein the transport roller84disposed on the shaft80, the transport roller86disposed on the shaft82, and the rotary blade88as well as the contact pressure roller90are visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3. The shafts80and82are interconnected by a gearbox assembly not visible inFIG. 3and are driven with the aid of the drive unit76.

When feeding the bills48into the dispensing compartment72, the drive unit76is actuated by the control unit44in such a manner that the shafts80and82are in each case driven in a first rotating direction. In particular, the shaft80rotates in a counter-clockwise manner, and the shaft82correspondingly rotates in a clockwise manner, so that the bill48is fed to the dispensing compartment72.

If the bills48are not retrieved from the device10, the so-called retracts from the dispensing compartment72are fed to the reject and retract container54. The retrieval takes place with the aid of discharge rollers92which ensure that the bills48are retrieved, preferably individually or alternatively as a stack, from the dispensing compartment72. When retrieving the bills from the dispensing compartment72, the shafts80and82are in each case driven in a second rotating direction. In particular, the shaft80rotates in a clockwise manner, and the shaft82correspondingly rotates in a counter-clockwise manner, so as to retrieve the bill48from the dispensing compartment72.

The dispensing compartment72on a first side is delimited by the depositing element62, and on an opposite second side is delimited by a delimiting element74. The delimiting element74comprises two contact pressure elements96,97for the orderly depositing of the bills48, wherein only the contact pressure element96is visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3while the second contact pressure element97is illustrated inFIGS. 4, 6, 9 and 10. The description hereunder pertaining to the contact pressure element96applies in an analogous manner also to the contact pressure element97which in terms of construction and function is identical to the contact pressure element96.

The contact pressure element96is preferably disposed so as to be pivotable on the delimiting element76and is connectable to the latter. No bills48are deposited in the dispensing compartment72in the illustration as perFIG. 3. The delimiting element74is situated in a first delimiting position, and the contact pressure element96is situated in a first contact pressure position, wherein the contact pressure element96contacts the depositing element62. When a bill48is fed to the dispensing compartment72, the movement of the bill48is decelerated or stopped by the contact pressure element96. Moreover, the fed bill48deflects the contact pressure element96in the direction of the delimiting element74. The fed bill48, already when being fed into the dispensing compartment72, by the contact pressure element96is pushed against the depositing element62, thus ensuring an orderly depositing of the bills.

The fed bills48form a bill stack, wherein the bills48of the bill stack are stacked on top of one another in such a manner that the lowermost, i.e. the first fed, bill48by way of the front side thereof or the rear side thereof bears on the depositing element62. The uppermost bill48by way of the front side thereof or the rear side thereof contacts the contact pressure element96. The direction from the lowermost bill48to the uppermost bill48is a stacking direction R1of the bill stack. The more bills48deposited on the depositing element62, the higher the bill stack formed by the bills48and the greater the deflection of the contact pressure element96in the direction of the delimiting element74. Visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3is a sensor unit98which is configured to detect a second contact pressure position of the contact pressure element96that corresponds to a pre-set deflection of the contact pressure element96and thus to a pre-set height of the bill stack.

The sensor unit98preferably comprises a light barrier having a transmitter and having a receiver which are disposed opposite one another. The sensor unit98, which is assigned to the contact pressure element96, and a further sensor unit99, which is assigned to the contact pressure element97, will be explained in more detail in the context ofFIG. 6. When the contact pressure element96is deflected to the second contact pressure position, an interrupter element not visible inFIG. 3interrupts the light beam emitted by the transmitter of the sensor unit98, the receiver detecting the interruption. As soon as the interruption of the light beam of the sensor unit98, or of the light beams of both sensor units98,99, is detected by the sensor unit98, the latter generates a detection signal and transmits the detection signal to the control unit44. The control unit44thereupon actuates a drive unit94which by way of a gearbox assembly95moves the depositing element62by a pre-set distance counter to the stacking direction R1.

As a result of this movement, the contact pressure element96is moved from the second contact pressure position, away from the delimiting element74, so that the second contact pressure position of the contact pressure element96is no longer detected by the sensor unit98. Subsequently, further bills48can be fed to the dispensing compartment72, wherein the procedure of the movement of the depositing element62counter to the direction R1described above is repeated when the contact pressure element96is moved yet again to the second contact pressure position by the deposited bills48.

The depositing element62comprises a plurality of ribbed elements of which one ribbed element identified by the reference sign100is visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3. In the closed position of the closure element60illustrated inFIG. 3the ribbed element100engages in a complementary clearance of the closure element60. As a result, access to the dispensing compartment72by any unauthorized third party is impeded. The delimiting element74furthermore comprises an engagement element102which is movable between a deployed position, illustrated inFIG. 3, and a retracted position.

As soon as all bills48destined for disbursement have been fed to the dispensing compartment72, the control unit44performs steps for opening the dispensing compartment72, said steps yet to be described in detail hereunder in the context ofFIG. 12. The dispensing element62herein, with the aid of the drive unit94, is moved in the direction of the delimiting element74, wherein the delimiting element74is disposed in such a manner that the latter in this movement of the depositing element62is moved to a second delimiting position. Furthermore, the control unit actuates a further drive unit104, not visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3, so as to move the closure element60from the closed position, illustrated inFIG. 3, to an opened position. During the movement from the closed to the opened position, the closure element60comes to engage with the engagement element102of the delimiting element74disposed in the second delimiting position.

Upon engaging with the closure element60, the engagement element102and the delimiting74are moved conjointly with the closure element60until the closure element60assumes the opened position illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. In the course of this conjoint movement of the delimiting element74and the closure element60, the delimiting element74is moved from the second delimiting position to a third, opened delimiting position.

During the movement from the closed position to the opened position, the closure element60is guided in a guide track, a movement of the closure element60about a virtual rotation axis D1being in particular performed herein. In contrast, the delimiting element74is rotated about a second rotation axis D2, which is different from the rotation axis D1and is congruent with the longitudinal axis of the shaft80. In this way, the pivot radius S1of the closure element60is larger than the pivot radius S2of the delimiting element74. As a result of the described disposal of the closure element60and of the delimiting element74, it is achieved that the engagement element102is moved from the deployed to the retracted position, while the delimiting element74is moved from the second delimiting position to the third delimiting position. The engagement element102herein deforms an elastic element, preferably a restoring spring, which is not visible in the illustration as perFIG. 3.

Furthermore, the control unit44, during the movement of the delimiting element74from the second delimiting position to the third delimiting position, is configured to actuate the drive unit94so as to move the depositing element62in the direction counter to the delimiting element74. It is achieved as a result that the volume of the dispensing compartment72in the case of an opened closure element60is further enlarged so that ready access to the bill48or bill stack situated in the dispensing compartment72is possible. The position of the dispensing element is monitored with the aid of a sensor unit140, wherein the control unit is configured to actuate the drive unit94as a function of a signal of the sensor unit140.

FIG. 4shows a perspective detailed view of the bill dispensing unit16as perFIGS. 2 and 3, having an opened closure element60. In addition to the transport elements illustrated inFIG. 3, the transport rollers84aand86a, the rotary blades88aand88b, as well as the discharge roller92aand the second depositing element97are also visible in the illustration as perFIG. 4. Moreover visible is part of the gearbox assembly106. Furthermore visible is a second clearance164which is disposed so as to be opposite the clearance64and further facilitates access to the bills48in that an operator can reach below the bills48in the clearance64with his/her fingers and hold the bills48from above in the clearance164with his/her fingers. In the opened position of the closure element60shown inFIG. 4, access to the bills48deposited in the dispensing compartment72is readily possible when the outer closure element, not illustrated, is also simultaneously opened.

FIG. 5shows a fragment of a perspective sectional illustration of the bill dispensing unit16along the section plane B as perFIG. 4. The engagement between the engagement element102and the closure element60is particularly visible in the illustration as perFIG. 5, the delimiting element74being held in the third delimiting position by said engagement.

FIG. 6shows a perspective view of the delimiting element76as perFIGS. 2 to 5. For illustrative purposes, the contact pressure element96is illustrated in the first contact pressure position and the contact pressure element97is illustrated in the second contact pressure position. However, during a disbursement procedure, the contact pressure elements96,97always assume identical contact pressure positions. An interrupter element115of the contact pressure element97interrupts the light beam emitted by the transmitter110of the sensor unit99, said light beam thus no longer being detected by the receiver111so that the second contact pressure position of the contact pressure element97is detected by the control unit44. However, in the first contact pressure position of the contact pressure element96, the light beam between the transmitter112and the receiver113is not interrupted by the interrupter element114. Furthermore visible in the illustration as perFIG. 6are the springs106and108which are elastically deformed by the respective engagement elements102and103when the latter are moved from the deployed to the retracted position.

FIG. 7shows a perspective sectional illustration of several elements of the bill dispensing unit16as perFIGS. 2 to 6, in which the delimiting element74is situated in the second delimiting position and the closure element60is situated between the closed position and the opened position.

FIG. 8shows an enlarged detailed view of part of the delimiting element76of the engagement element102and part of the closure element60as perFIG. 7. In the illustration as perFIG. 8the delimiting element74is disposed in the second delimiting position. A tip130of the engagement element102that projects from the delimiting element74in the direction of the closure element60protrudes into the motion path of a protrusion132of the closure element60. In a further movement of the closure element60in the direction R2, the protrusion132and the tip130come to mutually engage in such a manner that the engagement element102is entrained by the closure element60so that the delimiting element74, conjointly with the engagement element102, is pivoted about the rotation axis D2of said engagement element102.

FIG. 9shows a perspective detailed view of the depositing element62and of the delimiting element74.FIG. 10shows a further perspective detailed view of the bill dispensing unit16. Discharge means93,93a,93b,93cwhich are disposed on the discharge rollers92,92aand which are preferably made from an elastomer and ensure the singularizing of the bills48that are not retrieved from the dispensing compartment72and classified as retracts are particularly visible in the illustration as perFIG. 10.

FIG. 11shows a further perspective detailed view of the bill dispensing unit16as perFIGS. 2 to 10, having the transport unit70for feeding the bills48into the dispensing compartment72and for transporting the bills48not retrieved in the direction of the reject and retract container54. During the disbursement procedure, the bills48from the strongbox module14are fed to the transport unit70by way of the transfer opening18and transported in the direction T1to the dispensing compartment72. Bills48that are not retrieved are transported from the dispensing compartment72in the direction T2, counter to the direction T1. The transport path120of the bills48on a first side is delimited by the transport belt73and a base element122, and on the opposite side is delimited by a cover element124.

FIG. 12shows a further schematic illustration of the bill dispensing unit16as perFIGS. 2 to 11, in which sensor units66,68,98,99,140,142for controlling the infeed of bills into the dispensing compartment72and for dispensing bills are schematically illustrated in particular.

For feeding the bills48into the dispensing compartment72, the dispensing element62with the aid of the drive unit94is displaced to a first feeding position. For displacing the depositing element62to the first feeding position, the control unit44in a first step is configured to actuate the drive unit94for moving the depositing element62as a function of the sensor signals emitted by the sensor units98and99. The depositing element62herein, from an initial position, for example a lower position that can be detected with the aid of the sensor unit140, is displaced upward in the direction of the delimiting element74until the depositing element62contacts the contact pressure elements96,97which are articulated on the delimiting element74and by the depositing element62are pushed to the second contact pressure position. The second contact pressure position is detected with the aid of the sensor units98and99, the latter transmitting the sensor signal to the control unit44.

At the point in time at which the second contact pressure position of the contact pressure elements96,97is detected by the sensor units98,99, the depositing element62is disposed in an initializing position. Proceeding from the reception of the sensor signals of the sensor units98,97, the control unit actuates the drive unit94in such a manner that the depositing element62is moved by a pre-set distance away from the delimiting element74, from the initializing position to a first feeding position for feeding the bills48. The distance is predefined in particular by a pre-set number of steps of a stepper motor of the drive unit94. Another drive unit may also be provided in other embodiments, said other drive unit comprising in particular measuring the distance of travel of the depositing element62.

As soon as the depositing element62is situated in the feeding position, bills48can be transported into the dispensing compartment72and deposited therein. The control unit44, preferably from the point in time from which the sensor42detects a bill48cleared for disbursement and transmits the corresponding sensor signal to the control unit44, actuates the drive unit76in such a manner that feeding of the bills48into the dispensing compartment72is possible.

A further sensor unit142, preferably an analog light barrier assembly, which determines whether at least one bill48to be disbursed is deposited in the dispensing compartment72, or whether the dispensing compartment72is empty, is provided for monitoring the dispensing compartment72. A corresponding sensor signal is transmitted to the control unit44when a bill48is detected in the dispensing compartment72.

Once the bill stack of the bills48deposited in the dispensing compartment72reaches a predetermined height and the depositing element62is situated in the first feeding position, the contact pressure elements96,97are deflected or pivoted, respectively, to the second contact pressure position, the sensor units98,99herein transmitting the corresponding sensor signal to the control unit44.

Proceeding from the detection of the sensor signal of the sensor units98and99and the detection of the sensor signal of the sensor142, the control unit44actuates the drive unit94for moving the depositing element62in such a manner that the depositing element62is moved away from the delimiting element74, from the first feeding position to a second feeding position. This procedure can preferably be repeated twice, that is to say that a third feeding position of the depositing element62may also be provided. More than three or fewer than three feeding positions may also be provided in alternative embodiments.

Once all bills48provided for disbursement have been transported into the dispensing compartment72, the dispensing compartment72is opened so that an operator can access the bills48provided for retrieval in the dispensing compartment72. For opening the dispensing compartment72, the control unit44in a first step is configured to actuate the drive unit94in such a manner that the depositing element62, proceeding from the initial position in which the depositing element62is situated, is moved to an entrainment position. The initial position may be the first feeding position, the second feeding position, the third feeding position, or else the lower position of the depositing element62that can be detected with the aid of the sensor unit140.

The entrainment position is shown in an exemplary manner inFIGS. 7 and 8and identifies a position of the depositing element62in which the delimiting element74by the depositing element62, or by the bills48deposited on the depositing element62, respectively, is raised to the second delimiting position, specifically in such a manner that, when opening the closure element60, the engagement elements102,103of the delimiting element74each come to engage with a protrusion132of the closure element60so that the delimiting element74, conjointly with the engagement element102, is pivotable about the rotation axis D2of said engagement element102.

In a second step, the control unit44actuates the drive unit144for opening the closure element60, wherein the engagement elements102,103and the delimiting element74in the course of the opening movement of the closure element60come to engage with the closure element60and are moved conjointly with the closure element60until the closure element60assumes the opened position illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. In the course of this conjoint movement of the delimiting element74and the closure element60, the delimiting element74is moved from the second delimiting position to the third, opened delimiting position and is held in the opened position by the closure element60.

The control unit44preferably actuates the drive unit144for opening the closure element60as a function of the sensor signal of the sensor units66and68. The sensor unit66determines the closed position, and the sensor unit68determines the opened position of the closure element60. The control unit44actuates the drive unit144in particular in such a manner that the closure element60for retrieving the bills48remains in the opened position for a predetermined period, and after the pre-set period is moved to the closed position.

Bills48that have not been retrieved from the dispensing compartment72have to be transported as so-called retracts into the reject and retract container54. For this purpose, the control unit44, after the pre-set period has elapsed, is configured to check whether the sensor unit142relays the sensor signal to the control unit44. Should this condition be met, the control unit44actuates the drive unit94in such a manner that the depositing element62is moved from the entrainment position to a discharge position in which the bills48are retrievable from the dispensing compartment with the aid of the discharge rollers92,92a. Furthermore, the control unit44actuates the drive unit76in such a manner that the discharge rollers92,92aare driven so as to transport the bills48into the reject-retract container54.

FIG. 13shows a perspective view of a bill dispensing unit116according to a second embodiment which, as an alternative to the bill dispensing unit16as perFIGS. 2 to 12, is suitable for use in the device10as perFIG. 1. Elements of identical construction or identical function have the same reference signs.

The illustration as perFIG. 13is a perspective detailed view of the bill dispensing unit116having an opened closure element60. The bill dispensing unit116in terms of construction and function is identical to the bill dispensing unit16, but the contact pressure elements96,97have been replaced by the contact pressure elements196and197. Other aspects of the construction and other functions are identical.

As opposed to the contact pressure elements96,97, the contact pressure elements196,197are not connected to the delimiting element76but are disposed so as to be pivotable about a fixed rotation axis (D3inFIG. 18) so that the contact pressure elements196,197are movable independently of the delimiting element96. InFIG. 13, a bill28is disposed in the dispensing compartment72, said bill28being held on the depositing element62, or being pushed against the depositing element62, respectively, by the contact pressure elements196,197. In the position of the depositing element62shown inFIG. 13, the contact pressure elements196,197are pushed against the depositing element62with the aid of springs220,221. The contact pressure element196for guiding the movement has a guide bar216which protrudes into a guide opening218and in a movement of the contact pressure element196is guided counter to the spring force and in the direction of the spring force. The spring220is configured as a spiral spring and is disposed about the guide bar216. One end of the spring220pushes against the contact pressure element196. The other end of the spring pushes against a fixed housing part of the dispensing compartment62. In the same way, the spring221on the contact pressure element197is disposed about a guide bar217, wherein the guide bar217protrudes into a guide opening219and in a movement of the contact pressure element197is guided in the guide opening219.

FIG. 14shows a perspective detailed view of a fragment of the bill dispensing unit as perFIG. 13. A plurality of elements have been omitted for the purpose of simplified illustration and improved clarity. As opposed to the illustration as perFIG. 13, the delimiting element76is disposed in a lower position. Furthermore, no bill is disposed in the dispensing compartment72. Despite the change of the position of the delimiting element76, the contact pressure elements196,197are unchanged in comparison toFIG. 13. The contact pressure elements196,197are raised when a plurality of bills are stacked on the depositing element62. The contact pressure elements196,197each have an interrupter element214,215. Once a predetermined stack height of the bills28stacked on the depositing element has been reached, the interrupter elements214,215drop into the detection range of a sensor unit198,199configured as a light barrier assembly, interrupting the light beam between the transmitter and the receiver (both not illustrated). As a result, the control unit44by way of a sensor signal of the sensor units198,199is informed that a predetermined stack height of the bills situated in the dispensing compartment72has been reached. This signal can also be utilized for setting the height of the depositing element62when initializing the bill dispensing unit116, as has been described for the bill dispensing unit16in the context of the contact pressure elements96,97and the sensor units98,99.

In the same way as described for the contact pressure elements96and97of the bill dispensing unit16, the contact pressure elements196,197are situated in a first contact pressure position, and the delimiting element74is situated in a first delimiting position, before bills are deposited in the dispensing compartment72by the bill dispensing unit116. The contact pressure element196,197herein contacts the depositing element62. When a bill28,48is fed to the dispensing compartment72, the movement of the bill48is decelerated or stopped by the contact pressure elements196,197. Moreover, the fed bill48deflects the contact pressure element96in the direction of the sensor unit198,199. The fed bill48, already when being fed into the dispensing compartment72, by the contact pressure elements196,197is pushed against the depositing element62, thus ensuring an orderly depositing of the bills28,48.

The fed bills28,48form a bill stack, wherein the uppermost bill of the bill stack by way of the front side thereof or the rear side thereof contacts the contact pressure elements196,197. The more bills deposited in the dispensing compartment72, the greater the deflection of the contact pressure element196,197in the direction of the sensor unit198,199. A second contact pressure position of the contact pressure elements196,197is detected with the aid of the sensor units198,199, said second contact pressure position corresponding to a pre-set deflection of the contact pressure elements196,197and thus to a pre-set height of the bill stack. To this end, the respective interrupter element214,215interrupts the light beams emitted by the transmitter of the sensor units198,199, wherein the respective receiver detects the interruption, as a result of which a detection signal is transmitted to the control unit44.

Proceeding therefrom, the control unit44actuates the drive unit94which by way of a gearbox assembly95moves the depositing element62by a pre-set distance counter to the stacking direction R1. As a result of this movement, the contact pressure elements196,197are moved from the second contact pressure position, away from the sensor units198,199, so that the second contact pressure position of the contact pressure elements196,197is no longer detected by the sensor units198,199. Subsequently, further bills can be fed to the dispensing compartment72, wherein the procedure of the movement of the depositing element62counter to the direction R1described above is repeated when the contact pressure elements196,197are moved yet again to the second contact pressure position by the deposited bills.

FIG. 15shows the fragment of the bill dispensing unit116as perFIG. 14, wherein the delimiting element74of the bill dispensing unit116has been omitted.

FIG. 16shows a perspective detailed view of the depositing element74and of contact pressure elements196,197of the bill dispensing unit116as perFIGS. 13 to 15. In the present exemplary embodiment, the contact pressure elements196,197are disposed so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis D3illustrated inFIG. 17, and the contact pressure element74is disposed so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis D2shown inFIG. 6. In the present exemplary embodiment, the pivot axes D2and D3are mutually parallel and spaced apart. In other exemplary embodiments, the rotation axes D2and D3may also lie on a straight line so that the contact pressure elements196,197and the delimiting element74are pivoted about the same rotation axis. Provided in the bill dispensing unit116are further spring elements222,223which exert on the delimiting element74a force in the direction of the depositing element62so that the delimiting element74is securely held in a lower position when bills are deposited in the dispensing compartment72or the closure element60is closed. As can be seen inFIG. 16, the interrupter elements214,215are guided by openings224,226in the delimiting element74. The interrupter elements214,215in terms of the movement thereof relative to the delimiting element74are in each case guided by guide elements227,228of the contact pressure elements196,197, wherein a protrusion that serves as a detent is configured on that end of the guide element227,228that is opposite the contact region with the bill28,48of the respective contact pressure element196,197. The pivoting movement of the contact pressure elements196,197in relation to the delimiting element74is delimited by the protrusion when the protrusion contacts the delimiting element74.

FIG. 17shows a further perspective detailed view of the dispensing element74as perFIG. 16, without contact pressure elements196,197.

FIG. 18shows a perspective detailed view of a fragment of the contact pressure elements196,197as perFIG. 16.

FIG. 19shows a flow chart of a method for initializing the bill dispensing unit16,116as per one ofFIGS. 2 to 18. Proceeding from the flow chart as perFIG. 19,FIG. 20shows a signal diagram for controlling the initialization of a bill dispensing unit16,116as per one ofFIGS. 2 to 18.

The initialization sequence is started by step S1. Subsequently, the lower position of the depositing element62is detected with the aid of the sensor unit140. To this end, the depositing element62with the aid of the drive unit96for moving the depositing element62is moved down to the lower position, if required. Subsequently, in step S3, the depositing element62with the aid of the drive unit94is displaced in the direction of the delimiting element74. In step S4, it is then checked whether the depositing element62is displaced so far in the direction of the delimiting element74to the point that the depositing element62has deflected the contact pressure elements96,97,196,197so far that the sensor units98,99,198,199detect the respective interrupter element214,125,114,115. When both sensor units98,99, or198,199, respectively, detect a second upper position of the contact pressure elements96,97,196,197, the movement of the depositing element62in the direction of the delimiting element74is interrupted. In step S5, the depositing element62with the aid of the drive unit94is subsequently moved by a predetermined distance away from the delimiting element74again so that the depositing element62is then disposed in the feeding position in which depositing bills in the depositing compartment72is possible. The initialization sequence is then completed in step S6.

In the signal diagram shown inFIG. 20, the actuation of the drive unit94for moving the depositing element62is shown in the top line. The signal profile of the sensor unit140relevant to step S2is illustrated in line2; the signal profile of the sensor units98,198relevant to steps S3and S4is shown in line3; the signal profile of the sensor units99,199relevant to steps S3and S4is shown in line4; and the signal profile of the signal upon reaching the feeding position generated by the control unit44is shown in line5.

At the time T1, the drive unit94for moving the depositing element62is actuated in such a manner that the depositing element62is displaced downward to the lower position. Once it has been detected with the aid of the sensor unit140at the time T2(step S2) that the lower position of the depositing element62has been reached, the depositing element62with the aid of the drive unit is displaced in the direction of the delimiting element74(step S3) until the sensor unit98,99, or198,199, respectively, each detect a second position of the depositing elements96,97, or196,197, respectively, (step S4) and the movements of the depositing element62are stopped at the time T3. Subsequently, the depositing element62is moved in the direction of the lower position, away from the delimiting element74again. Once the sensor units98,99, or198,199, respectively, at the time T4no longer detect the second position of the contact pressure elements96,97,196,197at the time T4, the depositing element62is moved further downward by a pre-set distance. In the present exemplary embodiment, the latter corresponds to 21 steps of the stepper motor serving as the drive of the depositing element62. Upon performing the controlled movement at the time T5, the control unit46generates a signal which indicates that the depositing element62has reached the feeding position for feeding bills into the depositing compartment72.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS