Cash depositing and dispensing machine and a method for accessing a cash depositing and dispensing machine

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a cash depositing and dispensing machine comprising: a machine body having outer circumferential walls, and an arrangement comprising: a cash input/output unit having an interface for allowing depositing and dispensing of cash, a cash handling unit, and a cash storage unit, wherein said cash input/output unit, said cash handling unit, and said cash storage unit being arranged in relation to each other in relation to said machine body between: a closed position for which the outer circumferential walls of the machine body enclose the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit so as to prevent access thereto, and a service position and a cash access position for which at least the cash handling unit protrudes from the machine body so as to allow access thereto.

Claims

1. A cash depositing and dispensing machine comprising: a machine body having outer circumferential walls, and an arrangement comprising: a cash input/output unit having an interface for allowing depositing and dispensing of cash, a cash handling unit, and a cash storage unit, wherein the cash input/output unit is configured to receive cash input by a user and transport the cash to the cash handling unit, and to receive cash from the cash handling unit and dispense the cash to the user, and wherein the cash handling unit is further configured to output cash to the cash storage unit, wherein said cash input/output unit, said cash handling unit, and said cash storage unit being arranged in relation to each other along a displacement direction, and wherein the arrangement is displaceable in relation to said machine body along the displacement direction between: a closed position for which the outer circumferential walls of the machine body enclose the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit so as to prevent access thereto, a service position for which the cash handling unit but not the cash storage unit protrudes from the machine body so as to allow access to the cash handling unit and prevent access to the cash storage unit, and a cash access position for which both the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit protrude from the machine body so as to allow access to the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit, wherein, when the arrangement is in the closed position, the outer circumferential walls of the machine body meet an outer surface of the cash input/output unit such that said outer circumferential walls and said outer surface of the cash input/output unit together define an outer seal for preventing access to the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit.

2. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is linearly displaceable in relation to said machine body.

3. The cash depositing and dispensing machine) according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is displaceable in relation to said machine body using a rail system.

4. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the displacement direction is aligned substantially vertically, so as to allow the cash handling unit and the cash storage unit to be accessible in a volume above the machine.

5. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 4, wherein the arrangement is supported by one or more constant force springs such that the one or more constant force springs at least partly counteracts the weight of the arrangement.

6. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the cash input/output unit comprises a lid which defines the outer surface of the cash input/output unit, said lid being pivotally coupled to the arrangement so as to allow access to inner parts of the cash input/output unit when the lid is in an open position.

7. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the cash handling unit comprises a cash transport system configured to transport cash between the cash input/output unit and the cash storage unit.

8. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 7, wherein the cash handling unit further comprises a cash validation unit configured to validate cash for detecting one or more from: legitimate cash, counterfeit cash, and damaged cash.

9. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 8, wherein the cash validation unit is configured to determine whether cash is to be rejected or accepted and the cash handling unit is configured to redirect rejected cash to be output to a user through the cash input/output unit.

10. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the cash storage unit comprises one or more containers configured to store cash supplied thereto from the cash handling unit.

11. The cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the cash depositing and dispensing machine is a bank note depositing and dispensing machine.

12. A method for accessing a cash depositing and dispensing machine according to claim 1, wherein the arrangement is initially in the closed position, the method comprising: receiving an access authorization to the machine, in case the access authorization pertains to allowing access to both the cash handling unit and to the cash storage unit: displacing the arrangement from the closed position, via the service position, to the cash access position, and in case the access authorization pertains to allowing access to the cash handling unit and preventing access to the cash storage unit: displacing the arrangement from the closed position to the service position.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the access authorization is obtained by one or more from the steps of: the user inserting a key into a mechanical lock of the machine, the user inputting a code to the machine, the machine recognizing a biometric characteristic of a user, the machine recognizing a characteristic signal from an external device, such as a radio frequency identifier tag, and an authorization signal from a controlling software of an external unit wirelessly connected to the machine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting description, with reference to the appended drawings. In the drawings like reference numerals will be used for like elements unless stated otherwise.

(2) FIG. 1A-C shows side views of a cash depositing and dispensing machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1A, an arrangement is in a closed position, in FIG. 1B, the arrangement is in a service position, and in FIG. 1C, the arrangement is in a cash access position. FIG. 1D shows a side view of the arrangement of the cash depositing and dispensing machine of FIGS. 1A-C.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of the cash depositing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1A-C when the arrangement is in the cash access position.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a perspective top view of an upper portion of the cash depositing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1A-C when a lid of a cash input/output unit is in an open position.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective side view of the cash depositing and dispensing machine of FIG. 1A-C when the arrangement is in the cash access position.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a flow chart of a method for accessing a cash depositing and dispensing machine of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

(8) A cash depositing and dispensing machine 100 according to an example embodiment will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-D and FIGS. 2-4. The cash depositing and dispensing machine 100 of the example is configured for handling banknotes. The cash depositing and dispensing machine 100 comprises a machine body 105 having outer circumferential walls 106, and an arrangement 110 being displaceable in relation to said machine body 105 along a displacement direction L (see FIG. 1C). The displacement direction L is aligned substantially vertically, so as to allow the arrangement 110 to be accessible in a volume above the machine 100. The arrangement is displaceable between a closed position P1 (see FIG. 1A), a service position P2 (see FIG. 1B) and a cash access position P3 (FIG. 1C). The three positions will be further described later.

(9) The arrangement 110 is illustrated from the side in an isolated view in FIG. 1D. The arrangement 110 comprises a cash input/output unit 120 having an interface 122 for allowing depositing and dispensing of cash. The interface 122 comprises one opening for receiving banknotes from a user and another opening for dispensing banknotes to the user. As can be seen in FIG. 1D, the cash input/output unit 120 defines an upper portion of the arrangement 110. When the arrangement 110 is in the closed position P1, the outer circumferential walls 106 of the machine body 105 meet an outer surface 122 of the cash input/output unit 120 such that said outer circumferential walls 106 and said outer surface 122 of the cash input/output unit 120 together define an outer seal for preventing access to the arrangement 110 as well as other interior parts of the machine 100. Thus, the cash input/output unit 120 effectively defines a portion of an exterior of the machine 100. In the example, the cash input/output unit 120 defines a top portion of the machine exterior.

(10) As can be seen in FIG. 3, the cash input/output unit 120 comprises a lid 124 which defines the outer surface 122 of the cash input/output unit 120. The lid 124 is pivotally coupled to the arrangement 110 so as to allow access to inner parts of the cash input/output unit 120 when the lid 124 is in an open position. This allows for servicing and cleaning the interface 122, as well as clearing any paper jam at the cash input/output unit 120.

(11) The cash/input output unit 120 may comprise an alignment mechanism for straightening banknotes and aligning banknotes to a reference edge, before the banknotes are transferred further into the machine 100. Jams in handling of banknotes are most common in a transfer from the alignment mechanism further into the machine 100. Thus, by having a lid 124, which is openable, a large percentage of jams occurring in the machine 100 may be handled by simply opening the lid 124.

(12) Further, in an open position of the lid 124, the cash input/output unit 120 may present an interface which is suitable for connecting a portable carrier to the machine 100. The portable carrier may provide a secure storage of banknotes. By a secure connection of the portable carrier to the cash input/output unit 120 in the open position of the lid 124, banknotes may then be transferred in a secure manner between the portable carrier and a cash storage unit 140 for filling and/or emptying the machine 100.

(13) The arrangement 110 further comprises a cash handling unit 130. In the example, the cash handling unit is disposed just below the cash input/output unit 120. The cash handling unit 130 is configured to receive cash from the cash input/output unit 120. Furthermore, the cash handling unit 130 is configured to deliver cash to the cash input/output unit 120 to be dispensed to a user. For the purpose, the cash handling unit 130 comprises a cash transport system 132 configured to transport cash within, and out from, the cash handling unit 130. The cash transport system 132 is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D and FIG. 2. There are many alternative ways known in the art how to provide transport of cash within cash depositing and dispensing machines. For example, the cash transport system 132 may comprise a system of conveyor belts configured to transport banknotes, one by one, between different parts of the machine 100. The system of conveyor belts is configured to supply pressure to the banknotes on both sides thereof. Thus, two separate conveyor belts may be in contact with a banknote at each position along a banknote transport path.

(14) The cash handling unit 130 further comprises a cash validation unit 134 configured to validate cash for detecting one or more from: legitimate cash, counterfeit cash, and damaged cash. Specifically, a banknote deposited into the input/output unit 120 of the machine 100 will be transported to the cash validation unit 134 to be validated before any decision is taken on how to handle the banknote. In other words, the cash validation unit 134 is configured to determine whether cash is to be rejected or accepted. The cash handling unit 130 is configured to redirect rejected cash to be output to a user through the cash input/output unit 120.

(15) The arrangement 110 further comprises a first internal wall 150a and a second internal wall 150b. The first internal wall 150a is disposed between the cash input/output unit 120 and the cash handling unit 130. The first internal wall 150a comprises an opening 152a for allowing cash to be transported between the cash input/output unit 120 and the cash handling unit 130. The second internal wall 150b is disposed between the cash handling unit 130 and the cash storage unit 140. The second internal wall 150b comprises an opening 152b for allowing cash to be transported between the cash handling unit 130 and the cash storage unit 140. The first internal wall 150a and the second internal wall 150b allows for limiting access between the different units of the arrangement 110.

(16) The arrangement 110 further comprises a cash storage unit 140. In the example, the cash storage unit 140 is disposed just below the cash handling unit 130 separated therefrom by the second internal wall 150b. The cash storage unit 140 comprises one or more containers 142a-f configured to store cash supplied thereto from the cash handling unit 130. The cash storage unit 140 is configured to receive cash from the cash handling unit 130 and store cash in one or more containers 142a-f of the cash storage unit 140. The cash storage unit 140 is further configured to fetch cash from the at least one container 142a-f of the cash storage unit 140 and provide said cash to the cash handling unit 130 to be further transported and dispensed to the user. The cash storage unit 140 comprises a cash delivery and withdrawal system 142 configured to deliver and withdraw cash from the one or more containers 142a-f. The cash delivery and withdrawal system 142 is further configured to transport said cash to the cash handling unit 130.

(17) The one or more containers 142a-f constitutes a modular system, which allows for easy removal and/or replacement of individual containers 142a-f. The flexible modular system has several advantages. For example, it allows for easy removal of malfunctioning containers without affecting remaining containers 142a-f. The machine 100 may be configured to allow operation with any number of containers. For example, if a malfunctioning container is removed, and a replacement is not available, the machine 100 may be reconfigured to use the remaining containers only. The machine 100 may control which containers are to receive a specific denomination. The machine 100 may be configured to store different denominations in different containers. Alternatively, the machine 100 may be configured to store a mix of denominations in a specific container. When emptying the machine 100 from cash, individual containers may be removed while keeping the stored cash inside the individual containers also during transit. This increases safety and speeds up the process of cash removal. In case the one or more containers 142a-f are configured to store banknotes, the banknotes may be stored in a rolled-up configuration. Alternatively, the banknotes may be stored in a stacked configuration.

(18) As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-D and FIG. 2, the cash input/output unit 120, the cash handling unit 130, and the cash storage unit 140 are arranged in relation to each other along the displacement direction L. Thus, they are aligned in a stacked order.

(19) As previously mentioned, the arrangement 110 is displaceable in relation to said machine body 105 along the displacement direction L between different positions. This is best visualized in FIGS. 1A-C.

(20) FIG. 1A illustrates a case in which the arrangement 110 is in a closed position P1. In the closed position P1, the outer circumferential walls 106 of the machine body 105 enclose the cash handling unit 130 and the cash storage unit 140 so as to prevent access thereto. The closed position P1 is the default position of the arrangement 110 during normal use of the machine 100, allowing deposition of cash into the machine 100 and dispensing of cash from the machine 100.

(21) FIG. 1B illustrates a case in which the arrangement 110 is displaced to a service position P2. In the service position P2, the cash handling unit 130 but not the cash storage unit 140 protrudes from the machine body 105 so as to allow access to the cash handling unit 130 and prevent access to the cash storage unit 140. The service position P2 is typically used when servicing the machine 100.

(22) FIG. 1C illustrates a case in which the arrangement 110 is displaced to a cash access position P3. In the cash access position P3, both the cash handling unit 130 and the cash storage unit 140 protrude from the machine body 105 so as to allow access to the cash handling unit 130 and the cash storage unit 140. The cash access position P3 is typically used when cash are to be emptied or supplied to the cash storage unit 140 of the machine 100 by e.g. cash in transit personnel. As access to the cash storage unit 140 may be provided from many angles, the one or more containers 142a-f may be easier to access for removal and/or replacement. Specifically, for the example embodiment, the one or more containers 142a-f may be accessed from opposite sides of the machine 100. Thus, a first subset 142a-c of containers is accessed from a first side of the machine 100, and a second subset 142d-f of containers is accessed from a second side of the machine 100. The cash access position P3 thus solves the problem of accessing individual containers using one single means for access, namely the displacement to the cash access position.

(23) The three positions allow for different degree of access to the machine 100 while using the same mechanical solution. This may be further described by a method for accessing the cash depositing and dispensing machine 100 having an arrangement 110 in the closed position P1, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The method comprises receiving S102 an access authorization to the machine 100. In case the access authorization pertains to allowing access to both the cash handling unit 130 and to the cash storage unit 140, the arrangement 110 is displaced S104 from the closed position P1, via the service position P2, to the cash access position P3. Alternatively, in case the access authorization pertains to allowing access to the cash handling unit 130 and preventing access to the cash storage unit 140, the arrangement 110 is displaced S106 from the closed position P1 to the service position P2.

(24) The access authorization may be obtained by the user inserting a key into a mechanical lock of the machine 100 or the user inputting a code to the machine 100. The machine 100 may be provided with keyhole(s) under the lid 124. Thus, the lid 124 may need to be opened in order to provide access to the keyhole for inserting a key and releasing a mechanical lock. The machine 100 may be provided with two keyholes, a first keyhole for releasing a first lock to allow access to the service position P2 and a second keyhole for further releasing a second lock to allow access to the cash access position P3.

(25) Alternatively, the machine 100 may comprise a sensor for detecting a feature which may enable authorization. Thus, the sensor may comprise a sensor for detecting a biometric characteristic, such as a fingerprint of a user and, if the machine 100 recognizes the biometric characteristic as belonging to an authorized user, the access authorization may be obtained. As a further alternative, the machine 100 may comprise a sensor for detecting or receiving an identification that may be associated with a user. For instance, the machine 100 may comprise a receiver for receiving a signal from an RFID tag or the machine 100 may comprise a reader for reading a barcode, such as a two-dimensional barcode, e.g. a Quick Response (QR) code.

(26) The machine 100 may also be connected to an external unit, e.g. via a wired or a wireless network. The external unit may be a server running a supervisor software, which may control a plurality of machines 100 that may be arranged in different locations. The supervisor software may provide information about the machine 100 and may store a log of events at the machine 100. The access authorization may be obtained as a message from the supervisor software providing authorization. The supervisor software may then store a log of identities of users that have accessed the machine 100. Also, the machine 100 may be set to only allow access via the supervisor software, such that an alarm is caused if the machine 100 is not opened via the authorization message from the supervisor software.

(27) Any of the access authorizations associated with an input of information to the machine 100, via e.g. user-inputted code, RFID tag, or a message from the supervisor software, may be associated with the machine 100 actuating release of a lock, such as by actuating a solenoid or an electric motor for releasing a lock and allowing access to the machine 100.

(28) The machine 100 may be provided with two or more sets of locks for controlling access to the service position P2 and the cash access position P3. Each of the set of locks may prevent displacement of the arrangement 110. The sets of locks may be mounted on an interior wall of the machine body 105 or any stationary part within the machine body 105. The locks may further be configured to, in a locked position, engage with the arrangement 110 for preventing displacement of the arrangement 110. The locks may for instance be mechanically moved to release an engagement with the arrangement 110 and allowing the arrangement 110 to be displaced. It should be realized that in an alternative, the locks may instead be mounted on the arrangement 110 and be arranged to engage with the interior wall of the machine body 105.

(29) In the example embodiment, the arrangement 110 is linearly displaceable in relation to said machine body 105. This is achieved by means of a rail system 107a,107b. In other words, the arrangement 110 is displaceable in relation to said machine body 105 using said rail system 107a,107b. As most clearly shown in FIG. 2, the rail system 107a,107b is a telescopic rail system comprising two rail sections 107a,107b, disposed on opposed sides of the arrangement 110. Each of the two rail sections 107a,107b comprises three individual rail elements configured to be linearly attached to each other, so as to allow telescopic extension enough for the displacement of the arrangement 110 to encompass the displacement distance between the closed position P1 and the cash access position P3.

(30) As illustrated in FIG. 4, the arrangement 110 is supported by four constant force springs 160a-d. The constant force springs 160a-d are configured to at least partly counteract the weight of the arrangement 110.

(31) Each of the constant force springs 160a-d may comprise a rolled ribbon, e.g. of spring steel, such that the spring 160a-d is in a rolled up form when relaxed. A roll onto which the ribbon is rolled may be attached to a lower part of the arrangement 110. Further, the ribbon may be attached to an upper part of the interior wall of the machine body 105 or any other stationary part within the machine body 105.

(32) When the machine 100 is in the closed position P1, the constant force springs 160a-d are unwinded and provide a lifting force to the arrangement 110. Thus, when the arrangement 110 is released, e.g. upon an access authorization, the constant force springs 160a-d will act on the arrangement 110 to move the arrangement 110 upwards. The force from the constant force springs 160a-d may e.g. be released by a spring-loaded sprint being pulled out from several holes along a vertical path of the arrangement 110. Thus, if the sprint is released, the arrangement 110 may stop by the sprint engaging a closest hole in a vertical direction, so as to prevent the arrangement 110 from achieving uncontrolled speed that might damage the machine 100. When releasing the sprint, there is friction on the sprint making it hard to pull the sprint out unless a user pushes the arrangement 110 down to balance the force from the constant force springs 160a-d. Thus, the constant force springs 160a-d may allow a lifting of the arrangement 110, while the displacement of the arrangement 110 may be controlled by a user to ensure that the arrangement 110 is subject to a smooth and controlled movement for assuming the desired position.

(33) The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.