Automated Storage and Dispensing System

Abstract

This invention discloses an automatic banknote storage and dispensing system, including a sorting device, a hoist, a sorting conveyor line, multiple buffer modules, and a discharge conveyor line. The sorting device includes a conveying mechanism for transporting banknotes; the hoist is connected to the conveying mechanism to receive banknotes and lift them to the height of the sorting conveyor line; the sorting conveyor line receives banknotes delivered by the hoist and sorts various banknotes and sends them to the corresponding buffer modules for storage. Each buffer module has multiple movable buffer spaces arranged in sequence to accommodate the corresponding banknotes and coins. The discharge conveyor line is connected to each buffer module to receive banknotes and coins released from each buffer module. This automatic banknote storage and dispensing system has multiple buffer modules to store different banknotes and coins, enabling categorized storage and rapid, on-demand dispensing. Because the system uses movable buffer spaces to accommodate the corresponding banknotes and coins, it allows for real-time tracking and management, as well as rapid and orderly dispensing, making it suitable for the dispensing needs of modern smart financial systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of banknote dispensing equipment, and in particular to an automatic banknote storage and dispensing system. Background Technology

[0002] In today's society, although online payment methods are becoming increasingly numerous and convenient, banknote dispensing equipment is still needed when banking or exchanging foreign currency. This is especially true during foreign currency exchange, where dispensing ensures users receive the necessary banknotes and coins. Currently, most financial systems require banknotes to be counted using banknote detectors and counting machines, combined with manual dispensing and counting operations, and frequent opening of cash boxes for deposit and retrieval. With the increasing volume of banknotes processed annually, the operational pressure on tellers is growing, leading to the development of automated banknote dispensing devices.

[0003] For example, Chinese Patent 200780008008.0 discloses an automatic device for storing and distributing a predetermined number of banknotes of various denominations. The device includes an inlet for banknotes, an identification mechanism for identifying the denomination of the introduced banknotes, multiple LIFO bins for storing banknotes, an outlet for banknotes, a conveying mechanism for conveying banknotes between the inlet, the bins, and the outlet, and a control mechanism adapted to control the conveying mechanism for transferring banknotes from the inlet to the bins during a storage step and from the bins to the outlet during a distribution step. The number of bins is less than the predetermined number of banknote denominations. The control mechanism includes a mechanism for storing a sequence of denominations stored in each bin, and a mechanism for controlling the conveying mechanism to transfer banknotes from one bin to another based on the stored sequence and a distribution request input into the device, thereby allowing banknotes to be distributed from the bins to the outlet according to the request.

[0004] The automated device uses a storage mechanism within its control system to store banknotes in each bin and transfer them from one bin to another. However, this storage and dispensing structure is essentially a warehouse-like structure. The bins are interconnected and interchangeable, serving the same function. Multiple bins simply increase the storage capacity for banknotes, but they make it difficult to classify and store different types of banknotes, and also make it difficult to dispense different types of banknotes.

[0005] With the rapid advancement of technology, intelligent technologies are being widely applied in financial systems. For example, AI-powered machines and smart ATMs possess future-oriented intelligent functions. In the banking and other financial industries, the concept of smart finance has emerged. Smart finance (AiFinance) relies on internet technology and utilizes big data, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other financial technology tools to comprehensively enhance the financial industry's business processes, business development, and customer service, achieving intelligent transformation of financial products, risk control, customer acquisition, and services. Smart finance not only has a strong demand for software services but also an urgent need for hardware solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, an automatic banknote storage and distribution system is provided to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. It can simultaneously classify and store different banknotes and distribute banknotes as needed at any time, realize the rapid distribution of multiple denominations of banknotes and improve the efficiency of banknote distribution.

[0007] An automatic banknote storage and distribution system includes a sorting device, a hoist, a sorting conveyor line, multiple buffer modules, and a discharge conveyor line. The sorting device includes a conveying mechanism for conveying banknotes. The hoist is connected to the conveying mechanism to receive banknotes and raise them to the height of the sorting conveyor line. The sorting conveyor line receives banknotes delivered by the hoist and sorts various banknotes and sends them to the corresponding buffer modules for buffering. Each buffer module has multiple movable buffer spaces arranged in sequence to accommodate the corresponding banknotes and. The discharge conveyor line is connected to each buffer module to receive banknotes and releases from each buffer module.

[0008] Furthermore, a transfer device is provided between the material handling device and the elevator. The transfer device is used to move banknotes from the outlet end of the conveying mechanism to the inlet end of the elevator. The transfer device includes a main conveyor belt and a branch conveyor belt. The main conveyor belt is connected between the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the inlet end of the elevator. The conveying direction of the main conveyor belt is parallel to the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feed direction of the elevator, or is on the same horizontal line connecting the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feed direction of the elevator. The inlet of the branch conveyor belt is connected to the side of the main conveyor belt. The inlet of the branch conveyor belt is provided with a fork to send banknotes that need to be processed immediately out by the branch conveyor belt.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting machine includes a lifting device, a driving device, and a centering device for lifting banknotes. The lifting device includes a lifting member, an infeed member, an ejector member, and multiple load platforms. The multiple load platforms are respectively arranged and installed inside the lifting member. The centering device is installed on the infeed member and centers the banknotes. The infeed member transports the banknotes to the load platforms. The driving member drives the multiple load platforms to lift within the lifting machine.

[0010] Furthermore, the sorting conveyor line includes a conveyor, multiple push modules, and multiple positioning modules. The multiple push modules and multiple positioning modules are distributed on the conveyor and are respectively set to correspond to each buffer entry of the multiple buffer modules. When each positioning module receives a positioning command, it blocks the corresponding banknotes and coins. Each push module is used to push the positioned banknotes and coins into the corresponding buffer module.

[0011] Furthermore, each buffer module has multiple layers, each layer including at least one mobile buffer conveyor. The mobile buffer conveyors of adjacent upper and lower layers are connected end to end, and the multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors form a three-dimensional buffer platform. The multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors constitute an S-shaped or Z-shaped continuous buffer conveying line.

[0012] Furthermore, the mobile buffer conveyor includes a conveyor belt and a moving drive for driving the rolling drive. A reversing component is installed at the junction between the upper and lower mobile buffer conveyors to ensure that banknotes are neatly transferred from the upper layer to the lower layer.

[0013] Furthermore, each layer in each cache module has two or more parallel columns of the aforementioned mobile cache conveyor. Each column of the mobile cache conveyor is used to cache the same or different types of banknotes. Each column of the mobile cache conveyor in multiple layers is connected to form a continuous movable cache line. One continuous movable cache line is reserved in the cache module as a temporary storage line with a large reserve capacity. The continuous movable cache line in the cache module that is furthest from the elevator is a return channel. The return channel is used to cache unrecognizable banknotes. The end of the return channel is connected to a sliding channel, through which unrecognizable banknotes are sent to a turnover box for collection.

[0014] Furthermore, the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor in each buffer module includes an acceleration section conveyor belt and a buffer section conveyor belt. The outlet end of the acceleration section conveyor belt is connected to the discharge conveyor line, and the buffer section conveyor belt is connected to the mobile buffer conveyor on the next higher level. The conveying speed of the acceleration section conveyor belt is greater than or several times the conveying speed of the buffer section conveyor belt.

[0015] Furthermore, the outlet ends of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors are aligned at the same horizontal position. The discharge conveyor line is located on the side of the outlet end of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors to receive banknotes sent from the outlet end of the corresponding lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor. The end of the discharge conveyor line is equipped with a barcode scanner for reading the information of the banknotes and uploading it to the host computer. The end of the discharge conveyor line is also equipped with an outlet collection device. The outlet collection device has an outlet bidirectional conveyor belt. Each end of the outlet bidirectional conveyor belt is equipped with a banknote collector. Each banknote collector is equipped with a banknote counter. The conveying direction of the outlet bidirectional conveyor belt is switched according to the result of the counter.

[0016] Furthermore, the outlet end of the branch conveyor belt is connected to the discharge conveyor line, and the banknotes are sent from the branch conveyor belt to the discharge conveyor line by the shift fork for rapid banknote clearing.

[0017] The aforementioned automated banknote storage and distribution system features an elevator to lift banknotes from a lower to a higher position, providing more storage space for the buffer modules. Multiple buffer modules store different banknotes, and a sorting conveyor lines sort banknotes into the appropriate buffer modules. When needed, a discharge conveyor lines deliver the banknotes out. This system can store multiple denominations of banknotes and distribute them on demand, enabling rapid distribution of various denominations and improving efficiency. Furthermore, each buffer module has multiple sequentially arranged movable buffer spaces to hold corresponding banknote items, facilitating tracking. Tracking is possible in real-time on the bank's service platform and also at the physical address of the banknotes. This intelligent tracking and management, combined with rapid and orderly banknote distribution, makes it ideal for the banknote distribution needs of modern smart financial systems. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the material sorting device in the automatic storage and dispensing system of this invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the material transfer device in the automatic storage and dispensing system of this invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting mechanism in the automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sorting and conveying line in the automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a front view schematic diagram of the sorting and conveying line in the automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a top view of the sorting conveyor line in the automatic storage and dispensing system of this invention.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a local buffer module in an automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the front view structure of a local cache module in an automatic storage and dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the partial discharge conveyor line and the outlet collection device in the automatic storage and dispensing system of this invention.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the outlet collection device in the automatic storage and dispensing banknote system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an automatic banknote storage and distribution system 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a sorting device 10, a hoist 20, a sorting conveyor line 30, multiple buffer modules 50, and a discharge conveyor line 60. The sorting device 10 includes a conveying mechanism for conveying banknotes 101. The hoist 20 is connected to the conveying mechanism to receive banknotes 101 and lift them to the height of the sorting conveyor line 30. The sorting conveyor line 30 receives the banknotes 101 delivered by the hoist 20 and sorts various banknotes 101 to corresponding buffer modules 50 for buffering. Each buffer module 50 has multiple movable buffer spaces arranged in sequence to accommodate corresponding banknotes 101. The discharge conveyor line 60 is connected to each buffer module 50 to receive banknotes 101 released from each buffer module 50.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the material handling device 10 includes at least one feeding line 11, a return line 12, and a material handling robot 13. In this embodiment, the conveying mechanism includes multiple feeding lines 11. The height of the outlet end of the feeding line 11 is the same as the height of the inlet end of the elevator 20. The recycling line 12 includes an upper bidirectional recycling conveyor belt 121 and a lower bidirectional recycling conveyor belt 122. Between the upper and lower bidirectional recycling conveyor belts 121 and 122 is a ramp hopper 123. The opening of the ramp hopper 123 is approximately the same size as, but slightly larger than, the banknote / coin item 101. The ramp hopper 123 has a ramp, the width of which is approximately the same as the width of the banknote / coin item 101, so that the banknote / coin item 101 on the upper bidirectional recycling conveyor belt 121 slides directly down the ramp hopper 123 onto the lower bidirectional recycling conveyor belt 122 without changing its direction. The fallen or recycled banknote / coin item 101 is then discharged from the inlet end of the sorting device 10. The sorting robot 13 is programmed to place the banknote / coin item 101 into the sorting device 10, for example, as... Figure 2 As shown, the sorting device 10 has a feeding hopper 15. The sorting robot 13 transports banknotes 101 one by one into the feeding hopper 15, and then sends them to the inlet of the elevator 20 via the feeding line 11. If banknotes 101 are delivered by the lower return bidirectional conveyor belt 122, the returned banknotes 101 are picked up simultaneously. In this embodiment, the banknotes 101 are banknote boxes or banknote cabinets with barcodes, which distinguish different types of banknotes.

[0032] like Figure 1 and 3 As shown, a transfer device 70 is provided between the material handling device 10 and the elevator 20. Preferably, the transfer device 70 is a translational structure. The transfer device 70 is used to move banknotes 101 from the outlet end of the conveying mechanism to the inlet end of the elevator 20, that is, the banknotes 101 are conveyed from the feeding line 11 to the transfer device 70. The transfer device 70 includes a main conveyor belt 71 and a branch conveyor belt 72. The main conveyor belt 71 is connected between the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the inlet end of the elevator 20. The conveying direction of the main conveyor belt 71 is parallel to the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feeding direction of the elevator 20, or is on a line at the same level as the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feeding direction of the elevator 20. Preferably, as shown... Figure 1As shown, the outlet end of the conveying mechanism, the main conveyor belt 71 of the transfer device 70, and the inlet component 22 of the elevator 20 are located at the same horizontal level and are directly and seamlessly connected. The inlet of the branch conveyor belt 72 is connected to the side of the main conveyor belt 71, and the inlet of the branch conveyor belt 72 is provided with a fork 73 to send out banknotes 101a that need to be processed immediately. In another preferred embodiment, the outlet end of the branch conveyor belt 72 is connected to the discharge conveyor line 60, and the banknotes 101 are sent from the branch conveyor belt 72 to the discharge conveyor line 60 through the fork 73, thereby realizing rapid banknote clearing. At this time, the branch conveyor belt 72 and the discharge conveyor line 60 are on the same horizontal plane, and are immediately transported horizontally. The outlet end of the transfer device 70, which is also the outlet end of the main conveyor belt 71, is provided with wedge plates 75 on both sides to make the outlet end gradually narrow along the output direction, so that the banknotes 101 enter the elevator 20 in a predetermined direction, such as a straight direction. The inlet end of the transfer device 70 is equipped with a barcode scanner 76, which is used to scan the barcode on the banknote 101 for identification and management.

[0033] like Figure 1 and 4 As shown, the elevator 20 includes a lifting device, a driving device 28, and a centering device 29 for lifting banknotes 101. The lifting device includes a lifting member 21, an infeed member 22, an ejector member 23, and multiple load platforms 24, which are respectively arranged and installed inside the lifting member 21. The centering device 29 is installed on the infeed member 22 and centers the banknotes 101. The infeed member 22 conveys the banknotes 101 onto the load platforms 24. The driving device 28 includes a driving member 281 and two conveyor belts 282, which are symmetrically installed on the elevator frame 201. Two conveyor belts 282 are connected to the lifting member 21 via shafts. The lifting member 21 includes a lifting chain 26 extending from bottom to top and rotating in a circular manner. Multiple load platforms 24 are evenly spaced from bottom to top on the lifting chain 26. Each load platform 24 is a tray. There are two sets of load platforms 24, i.e., two sets of trays, on the two belts 282. Each pair of trays is located opposite each other on the same horizontal plane to support one banknote item 101. The driving member 281 drives the multiple load platforms, i.e., trays, to lift within the elevator 20, for example, by stepping or continuous lifting, to raise the banknote item 101 to the top. After reaching the top, the ejector 23 is rotated to eject the load platform 14. The outlet end of the elevator 20 has a transition plate 202, which is a downsloping slide plate. When the banknote item 101 is ejected outward by the ejector 23, it slides down the transition plate 202 to the entrance end of the sorting conveyor line 30. For the structure and operating principle of the hoist 20, please refer to the utility model patent application filed by the same applicant entitled "A Continuous Compact Hoist".

[0034] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 , 6 As shown in Figure 7, the sorting conveyor line 30 includes a conveyor 31, multiple push modules 32, and multiple positioning modules 33. The multiple push modules 32 and multiple positioning modules 33 are distributed on the side of the conveyor 31 and are respectively set to correspond to each buffer inlet of the multiple buffer modules 50. When each positioning module 33 receives a positioning command, it blocks the corresponding banknote 101. Each push module 32 is used to push the positioned banknote 101 into the corresponding buffer module 50.

[0035] Specifically, the conveyor 31 is an upper conveyor belt. The inlet end of the conveyor 31, i.e., the upper conveyor belt, is connected to the transition plate 202 of the elevator 20 to receive the banknotes 101 that have been lifted up. Preferably, barcode scanners 36 are provided on both sides of the inlet end of the upper conveyor belt for scanning the barcodes on the banknotes 101 for identification and management. The length of the conveyor 31 is at least sufficient to cover the inlet positions of all buffer modules 50. Preferably, a stepper motor is used to convey the banknotes. For example, a stepper motor 39 is provided at the outlet end of the conveyor 31 to drive the conveyor belt to move. A stepper motor or similar power device can also be provided at the inlet end. Each push module 32 corresponds to a set of buffer modules 50. For example, in one embodiment, each push module 32 includes two push power components 321 and 322. The push power components 321 and 322 can be motors or cylinders, respectively corresponding to the inlets of two buffer modules 50. Each pushing force component 321 or 322 has a flat pushing block 326 with a flat contact surface connected to its front end. The flat contact surface of the pushing block 326 contacts the banknote 101 to push it into the buffer module 50. The positioning module 33 corresponds to a set of buffer modules 50 or is set to a pushing module 32. Each positioning module 33 has two positioning components 331 and 332, which are driven by vertical driving components 335 and 336, respectively. When the predetermined banknote reaches the corresponding position, the positioning component at that position moves down under the drive of the vertical driving component to block the banknote 101 from moving forward. Then, the pushing force component 321 or 322 at the corresponding position is activated to push the banknote 101 into the corresponding buffer module. In the illustrated embodiment, for ease of installation and management, the two buffer modules are set up in an adjacent group, and each group requires two positioning components 331 and 332 and two pushing force components 321 and 322. Of course, in other embodiments, the buffer module, positioning component, and pushing power component can be set individually, one-to-one, instead of in pairs. Alternatively, they can be in three groups, and the method is not limited to this. Pairing or grouping facilitates installation and management; for example, two vertical drive components 335 and 336 can be mounted on the same positioning bracket 338. The entire conveyor 31 is supported by a gantry 310.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 , 9 As shown, each buffer module 50 has multiple layers, each layer including at least one mobile buffer conveyor 51. The mobile buffer conveyors 51 of adjacent upper and lower layers are connected end to end. The multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors 51 form a three-dimensional buffer platform. More preferably, the multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors 51 constitute an S-shaped or Z-shaped continuous buffer conveying line.

[0037] Furthermore, the mobile buffer conveyor 51 includes a conveyor belt and a moving drive for driving the rolling drive. A reversing assembly is installed at the connection between the upper and lower mobile buffer conveyors 51 to ensure that the banknotes 101 are neatly transferred from the upper layer to the lower layer. The reversing assembly includes a reversing plate 52 and a reversing well 53. The reversing plate 52 is obliquely disposed at the reversing well 53. A reversing well 53 is provided at both ends of each buffer module 50. The reversing well 53 is preferably a straight-through elevator shaft structure, with a reversing plate 52 installed at each connection. The banknotes 101 are preferably block-shaped or rectangular, thereby facilitating smooth transfer of the banknotes 101 between the upper and lower layers without affecting the placement posture of the banknotes. This ensures that the banknotes 101 maintain a basically neat placement posture when transitioning from the upper layer to the lower layer, preventing the banknotes 101 from becoming disordered during translation or transition between upper and lower layers.

[0038] Furthermore, each layer of each cache module 50 has two or more parallel columns of the aforementioned mobile cache conveyor stations 51, each column being a multi-layer mobile cache and conveyor line; the illustration shows a six-layer example. Each column of the mobile cache conveyor station 51 is used to cache the same type of banknotes. In other embodiments, each column can also cache different types of banknotes, mainly for identifying and controlling the position and status of each conveyed banknote during barcode scanning. Different columns of cache modules or different cache modules convey different types of banknotes. Of course, in other embodiments, all or part of the cache modules can convey the same type of banknotes, depending on the requirements. Different banknotes 101 can be banknotes of different denominations or currencies from different countries. Each column of the mobile cache conveyor stations 51 in the multi-layer structure is interconnected to form a continuous movable cache line. The movement of each column of the mobile cache conveyor stations 51 is a continuous assembly line movement or a step-by-step movement. Preferably, in a specific embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, among the multiple buffer modules 50, a continuous movable buffer line is reserved as a temporary storage line with a large reserve capacity, i.e., a backup buffer module. This backup buffer module has a backup movable buffer conveyor 51a. Furthermore, the continuous movable buffer line at the farthest end of the buffer module 50 from the elevator 20 is a return channel. The return channel is used to buffer unrecognizable banknotes 101. The end of the return channel is connected to a sliding channel 501, through which unrecognizable banknotes 101 are sent to a turnover box 502 for collection.

[0039] Furthermore, the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor 51 in each buffer module 50 includes an acceleration section conveyor belt 51a and a buffer section conveyor belt 51b. The outlet end of the acceleration section conveyor belt 51a is connected to the discharge conveyor line 60, and the buffer section conveyor belt 51b is connected to the mobile buffer conveyor 51 of the upper layer, i.e., near the junction between the upper and lower mobile buffer conveyor belts 51. The conveying speed of the acceleration section conveyor belt 51a is greater than or several times that of the buffer section conveyor belt 51b. As shown in the figure, the acceleration section conveyor belt 51a is equipped with an acceleration drive component 51c, i.e., a faster driving motor, while the buffer section conveyor belt 51b is equipped with a normal-speed drive component 51d. The normal-speed drive component 51d is preferably consistent with the feeding speed of the entire system, for example, consistent with the conveying speed of the conveyor 31 or the feeding speed of the feeding line 11 in the material handling device. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the normal conveyor speed is 5 m / min, while the accelerated conveyor speed is 15 m / min, which is three times the normal conveyor speed. The specific multiple is determined according to actual needs. By setting up the accelerated section conveyor belt 51a, the distance between the various storage units is increased. This avoids congestion at the exit end of the mobile buffer conveyor 51 and allows sufficient time for the banknotes 101 to be quickly and promptly delivered to the discharge conveyor line 60. The discharge conveyor line 60 travels at the normal conveyor speed of 5 m / min to prevent congestion of banknotes 101 when adjacent mobile buffer conveyors 51 simultaneously deliver banknotes 101 or when there is a slight interval. In addition, counting photoelectric sensors are installed at the exit of each storage line to accurately record the number of banknotes dispensed for verification and management.

[0040] Furthermore, the outlet ends of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors 51 are aligned at the same horizontal position, and the discharge conveyor line 60 is located on the side of the outlet end of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors 51 to receive the banknotes 101 sent out from the outlet end of the corresponding lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor 51.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 10The end of the discharge conveyor line 60 is equipped with a barcode scanner 66 for reading information from banknotes 101 and uploading it to a host computer. The host computer can be a remote terminal platform or server, or it can be a computer directly installed on-site within the system. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the system 100 also includes a control cabinet 105, which houses various power distribution facilities and control devices, including conventional power supply, distribution, and control devices, which will not be described in detail here. A display 106 is also provided inside the material handling device 10, and the display 106 is connected to a computer host as a host computer.

[0042] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 10 , 11 As shown, the end of the discharge conveyor line 60 is also equipped with an outlet collection device 80. The outlet collection device 80 has a bidirectional conveyor belt 82, and each end of the bidirectional conveyor belt 82 is equipped with a banknote collector 83. Each banknote collector 83 is equipped with a banknote counter. The conveying direction of the outlet bidirectional conveyor belt 82 is switched according to the result of the counter. For example, when the counter reaches a predetermined number, it indicates that one of the banknote collectors 83 has collected banknotes, and it automatically moves to the other banknote collector 83. At the same time, a printer is installed above the banknote collector 83. The printer automatically prints the collected data, and the data barcode paper automatically falls into the collected banknote collector 83, such as a standardized collection bag or box. The collection bag or box is manually removed, and a new empty bag is put in for reuse, completing the banknote distribution business.

[0043] The aforementioned automatic banknote storage and dispensing system 100 includes a lifter 20 to raise banknotes from a low to a high position, providing more storage space for the buffer modules 50. Multiple buffer modules 50 store different banknotes, and a sorting conveyor 30 sorts the corresponding banknotes to their respective buffer modules 50. When needed, the system is discharged by an output conveyor 60. This system can store multiple denominations of banknotes and distribute them on demand, enabling rapid dispensing of various denominations and improving dispensing efficiency. Furthermore, each buffer module 50 has multiple sequentially arranged movable buffer spaces to accommodate corresponding banknote items. This facilitates tracking of banknote items, allowing for real-time tracking not only on the bank's service platform but also at their physical location, making it ideal for the dispensing needs of modern smart financial systems.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic banknote storage and dispensing system, characterized in that, The system includes a material handling device, an elevator, a sorting conveyor line, multiple buffer modules, and a discharge conveyor line. The material handling device includes a conveying mechanism for transporting banknotes and coins. The elevator is connected to the conveying mechanism to receive banknotes and coins and lift them to the height of the sorting conveyor line. The sorting conveyor line receives banknotes and coins delivered by the elevator and sorts them into different buffer modules for storage. Each buffer module has multiple movable buffer spaces arranged in sequence to accommodate corresponding banknotes and coins. The discharge conveyor line is connected to each buffer module to receive banknotes and coins released from each buffer module. Each buffer module has multiple layers, and each layer includes at least one movable buffer space. The mobile buffer conveyor system consists of multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors connected end-to-end, forming a three-dimensional buffer platform. These multiple layers of mobile buffer conveyors constitute an S-shaped or Z-shaped continuous buffer conveying line. Each mobile buffer conveyor includes a conveyor belt and a moving drive unit. A reversing assembly is installed at the connection between the upper and lower layers of mobile buffer conveyors to ensure that banknotes are neatly transferred from the upper layer to the lower layer. The reversing assembly includes a reversing plate and a reversing shaft. The reversing plate is obliquely positioned in the reversing shaft. A reversing shaft is provided at both ends of each buffer module. The reversing shaft is a straight-through elevator shaft structure.

2. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A transfer device is provided between the material handling device and the elevator. The transfer device is used to move banknotes from the outlet end of the conveying mechanism to the inlet end of the elevator. The transfer device includes a main conveyor belt and a branch conveyor belt. The main conveyor belt is connected between the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the inlet end of the elevator. The conveying direction of the main conveyor belt is parallel to the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feed direction of the elevator, or is on the same horizontal line connecting the discharge direction of the outlet end of the conveying mechanism and the feed direction of the elevator. The inlet of the branch conveyor belt is connected to the side of the main conveyor belt. The inlet of the branch conveyor belt is equipped with a fork to send banknotes that need to be processed immediately out by the branch conveyor belt.

3. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting machine includes a lifting device, a driving device, and a centering device for lifting banknotes. The lifting device includes a lifting member, an infeed member, an ejector member, and multiple load platforms. The multiple load platforms are respectively arranged and installed inside the lifting member. The centering device is installed on the infeed member and centers the banknotes. The infeed member transports the banknotes to the load platforms. The driving member drives the multiple load platforms to lift within the lifting machine.

4. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting and conveying line includes a conveyor, multiple push modules, and multiple positioning modules. The multiple push modules and multiple positioning modules are distributed on the conveyor and are respectively set to correspond to the buffer entrances of the multiple buffer modules. When each positioning module receives a positioning command, it blocks the corresponding banknotes and coins. Each push module is used to push the positioned banknotes and coins into the corresponding buffer module.

5. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each layer of each buffer module has two or more parallel columns of the aforementioned mobile buffer conveyors. Each column of the mobile buffer conveyors is used to buffer the same or different types of banknotes. The columns of the mobile buffer conveyors in multiple layers are connected to each other to form a continuous movable buffer line. One continuous movable buffer line is reserved in the buffer module as a temporary storage line with a large reserve capacity. The continuous movable buffer line farthest from the elevator in the buffer module is a return channel. The return channel is used to buffer unrecognizable banknotes. The end of the return channel is connected to a sliding channel, through which unrecognizable banknotes are sent to a turnover box for collection.

6. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor in each buffer module includes an acceleration section conveyor belt and a buffer section conveyor belt. The outlet end of the acceleration section conveyor belt is connected to the discharge conveyor line, and the buffer section conveyor belt is connected to the mobile buffer conveyor of the upper layer. The conveying speed of the acceleration section conveyor belt is greater than or several times the conveying speed of the buffer section conveyor belt.

7. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The outlet ends of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors are aligned at the same horizontal position. The discharge conveyor line is located on the side of the outlet end of each of the lowest-level mobile buffer conveyors to receive banknotes sent from the outlet end of the corresponding lowest-level mobile buffer conveyor. The end of the discharge conveyor line is equipped with a barcode scanner for reading the information of the banknotes and uploading it to the host computer. The end of the discharge conveyor line is also equipped with an outlet collection device. The outlet collection device has an outlet bidirectional conveyor belt. Each end of the outlet bidirectional conveyor belt is equipped with a banknote collector. Each banknote collector is equipped with a banknote counter. The conveying direction of the outlet bidirectional conveyor belt is switched according to the result of the counter.

8. The automatic banknote storage and dispensing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet end of the branch conveyor belt is connected to the discharge conveyor line, and banknotes are sent from the branch conveyor belt to the discharge conveyor line by a shift fork for rapid banknote clearing.

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