A banknote packing system and method

Abstract

This invention provides a banknote packing system and method. First, the product's dimensions are measured in a product loading posture detection unit to ensure that the product meets the size requirements before being placed into the box, preventing improper loading. Next, the overall product height is checked to ensure it does not exceed the box's preset height. Only when the overall product height does not exceed the preset height can the box lid be closed, preventing forced loading that could cause wrinkles, deformation, or damage. Then, an external label information detection unit identifies the label on the outside of the box with the lid assembled and obtains the label information for comparison and verification, ensuring accurate traceability. Finally, a label insertion anomaly detection unit identifies the label tape on the box to check if the box has been properly inserted and the amount of label tape remaining. This system simplifies some of the user's tedious work while effectively improving the quality and efficiency of banknote packing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of banknote packaging technology, and in particular to a banknote packaging system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Normally, newly printed banknotes need to be packed into standard boxes before being distributed to various banks. This facilitates both the tracking and management of banknotes and the orderly handling of them.

[0003] It should be noted that with the issuance of the new version of the RMB in September 2019, full-scale production of the new banknotes began. After the new production process, the thickness of individual banknotes changed, and the increase in thickness became more pronounced when 1,000 banknotes were produced. Due to the limitations of the standard box volume, changes in thickness can cause problems with the smooth loading of banknotes into the box, especially when the product is affected by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and ink thickness. If this is not detected in time, the product will be forced into the box when the lid is pressed down, resulting in wrinkles, deformation, and damage, posing a risk to product quality. Because the box is made of opaque injection-molded material after sealing, this issue cannot be detected during subsequent labeling. Furthermore, all inspection processes are performed manually, and due to uncertainties such as the worker's condition and behavior, the quality and efficiency of banknote packing cannot be guaranteed.

[0004] In conclusion, achieving high-quality and efficient packing of banknotes is of paramount importance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a banknote packing system and method to solve the problems of difficult quality control and low efficiency in existing banknote packing.

[0006] A banknote packing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a product packing posture detection unit, an external label information detection unit, and a label penetration anomaly detection unit, wherein the product packing posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the label penetration anomaly detection unit are sequentially connected through one or more production lines, wherein:

[0007] The product placement posture detection unit is used to measure the overall size of the product, place the overall product that meets the size requirements into the box, and detect whether the height of the overall product that meets the size requirements exceeds the preset height of the box.

[0008] The external label information detection unit is used to identify the label on the outside of the box after the lid is assembled, and to obtain the label information to complete the comparison and verification.

[0009] The labeling anomaly detection unit is used to identify the label tape on the box to detect whether the box has been properly labeled and the amount of label tape remaining.

[0010] Furthermore, the banknote packing system also includes a control unit and an alarm unit. The product packing posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering abnormality detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit and the alarm unit, respectively. The alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when the product packing posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering abnormality detection unit experience any abnormalities.

[0011] Furthermore, the product loading posture detection unit includes at least several robotic arms, robotic arms extending outward from the robotic arms, laser rangefinders adapted to the robotic arms, and through-beam photoelectric sensors located on one side of the production line. The robotic arms are used to place individual products into the posture detection area under the drive of the robotic arms. The laser rangefinders are used to measure the distance between each robotic arm to obtain the overall dimensions of the product. The through-beam photoelectric sensors are used to detect whether the overall height of the product inside the box exceeds the preset height of the box.

[0012] Furthermore, the external label information detection unit includes at least a first camera disposed on the same side as the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The first camera is used to photograph the label on the outside of the box and the label tape on at least one side of the box, and upload the photographed images to the server in the control unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the tag-wearing anomaly detection unit includes at least a second camera disposed on the other side of the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The second camera is used to photograph the tag strips on the remaining surface of the box and upload the photographed images to the server in the control unit.

[0014] Furthermore, the external label information detection unit also includes a rotating platform. The rotating platform is provided with a limiting mechanism electrically connected to the control unit. The limiting mechanism is composed of a limiting member adapted to the box body, used to restrict and fix the position of the box body. The limiting member near the end of the label penetration anomaly detection unit is electrically connected to a first pressure sensor. The bottom of the rotating platform is connected to a drive motor and a second pressure sensor. The drive motor is used to control the rotating platform to rotate 180° when the second pressure sensor senses an external force.

[0015] Furthermore, the banknote packing system also includes a tagging unit, which includes a tagging component located on the same side as the second camera and above the rotating platform. The tagging component is used to tag a preset area of ​​the box.

[0016] Furthermore, the limiting member consists of two mutually perpendicular limiting parts, and a telescopic rod extends outward from the connection point of the two limiting parts, the telescopic rod being connected to the cylinder.

[0017] Furthermore, a buffer portion is fixed on the side of the two limiting portions away from the telescopic rod.

[0018] A method for packing banknotes using the above-described banknote packing system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes:

[0019] The product loading posture detection unit measures the overall size of the product and determines whether the overall product size is larger than the internal size of the box.

[0020] If not, place the entire product into the box and determine whether the height of the entire product exceeds the preset height of the box.

[0021] If not, the lid is closed to the box body, and the external label information detection unit is controlled to identify the label on the outside of the box body with the lid. At the same time, the box body with the lid is pierced with a label.

[0022] Obtain tag information and determine whether the tag information is preset information;

[0023] If so, the control unit for abnormal labeling will identify the label tape on the box with the lid and determine whether a label tape exists.

[0024] If so, then determine whether the reservation of the signature strip is normal;

[0025] If so, the banknote packing operation is completed.

[0026] Compared with existing technologies: First, the product's dimensions are measured in the product loading posture detection unit to ensure that the product meets the size requirements and fits into the box smoothly, avoiding any issues with loading. Next, the overall product height is checked to ensure it does not exceed the box's preset height. Only when the overall product height does not exceed the preset height can the box lid be closed, preventing forced loading that could cause wrinkles, deformation, or damage. Then, the box lid label information detection unit identifies the labels on the outside of the box with the lid assembled and obtains the label information for comparison and verification, ensuring accurate traceability. Finally, the label tape detection unit identifies the labels on the box to check if the label tape has been properly installed and the amount of tape remaining. This approach frees users from some tedious work while effectively improving the quality and efficiency of banknote packing. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the banknote packing system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a banknote packing method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0029] The following detailed description of the embodiments will further illustrate the present invention in conjunction with the above-described accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Please see Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of the banknote packing system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, which includes a product entry posture detection unit, an external label information detection unit, and a label penetration anomaly detection unit.

[0035] The product loading posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering anomaly detection unit are sequentially connected through one or more production lines. The production line can be composed of a transmission component, which includes at least a conveyor belt. The product is placed on the conveyor belt for transmission. Barriers can be installed on both sides of the conveyor belt, and the spacing between the barriers should be slightly larger than the width of the box to limit the transmission of the box. However, this does not limit the production line. Specifically, the banknote packing system also includes a control unit and an alarm unit. The product loading posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering anomaly detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit and the alarm unit, respectively. The alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when there is an abnormality in the product loading posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, or the tampering anomaly detection unit.

[0036] It should be noted that the product loading posture detection unit includes at least several robotic arms, robotic arms extending outward from the robotic arms, laser rangefinders adapted to the robotic arms, and through-beam photoelectric sensors located on one side of the production line. The robotic arms are used to place the products into the posture detection area under the drive of the robotic arms. The laser rangefinders are used to measure the distance between each robotic arm to obtain the overall dimensions of the product. The through-beam photoelectric sensors are used to detect whether the overall height of the product inside the box exceeds the preset height of the box. In this embodiment, there are 4 robotic arms, and correspondingly 4 robotic arms. The 4 robotic arms operate simultaneously to grab the products in the picking area. Under the drive of the robotic arms, the individual products are placed into the posture detection area according to preset rules. After placement, the 4 robotic arms will form a rectangular frame. Two sets of laser rangefinders are then used to measure the dimensions of the rectangular frame. The test results are the overall dimensions of the product, which can be understood as the overall length and width dimensions of the product. If the overall dimensions of the product are greater than the dimensions inside the box, an alarm is issued through the alarm unit to prompt the user to check the product.

[0037] Furthermore, when the overall product size is not larger than the internal dimensions of the box, the entire product is placed inside the box. Since the box is placed on a conveyor belt, it is transported to the through-beam photoelectric sensor. Understandably, multiple through-beam photoelectric sensors can be set, each at a different height, suitable for different products and box heights. Alternatively, the through-beam photoelectric sensors can be slidably mounted on one side of the production line, and their height can be manually adjusted. Specifically, the through-beam photoelectric sensor illuminates with a fan-shaped light curtain. When it detects that the overall product height inside the box exceeds the preset height of the box, for example, the preset height is 1mm, an alarm is triggered by the alarm unit, for example, an audible and visual alarm signal, and the conveyor belt is stopped.

[0038] Furthermore, after manually loading products protruding above the top edge of the box into the box, the alarm can be canceled by double-clicking the abnormal alarm information bar on the operating computer screen. The production line will then automatically resume normal operation, sending the box into the external label information detection unit. This unit includes at least a first camera positioned on the same side as the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The first camera is used to photograph the label on the outside of the box and the tag on at least one side of the box, uploading the images to a server in the control unit. The server can then process and identify the images. It should be noted that before the box is put into use, two sides along the length of the box are labeled to facilitate the identification of products placed inside. For traceability, and to facilitate user operation, operating space is reserved. The first camera and the through-beam photoelectric sensor are set on the same side. After the box is covered, the conveyor belt transports the box to the first camera, which is also the label insertion position. First, the information content of the first outer label of the box is photographed. At the same time, the user manually completes the label insertion on one side. Then, the box is manually rotated 180° to photograph the information content of the second outer label of the box. At the same time, the user manually completes the label insertion on the other side. By recognizing the content of the outer labels affixed to both sides of the box (such as: year, outer code, box number, barcode information), the system completes the parsing of all information on the box label and compares it with the box label generation system for verification. If an error is found, the system controls the shutdown and alarm.

[0039] Among them, "locking" refers to locking the box, which also represents a kind of sealing. Understandably, as long as the box is intact on the outside and the lock is intact, and someone supervises the packing process, it can be concluded that the box has not been opened during transportation.

[0040] In addition, after the label information is verified to be correct, it is sent to the label penetration anomaly detection unit. The label penetration anomaly detection unit includes a second camera set on the other side of the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The second camera is used to take pictures of the remaining label tape on the box and upload the pictures to the server in the control unit. It can be understood that the pictures taken by the first camera can not only identify the label, but also identify the label penetration status on that side. Then, the pictures taken by the second camera can identify the label penetration status on the other side, so as to complete the detection of the label penetration status on both sides of the box. In this embodiment, when the first camera and the second camera identify that the box has completed label penetration, they will also determine the number of remaining sections of the label tape after cutting. According to the process quality requirements, there should be 2 to 3 sections of label tape remaining after cutting. If an abnormality in the remaining label tape is found, an alarm prompt will be issued. The alarm prompt can only be canceled after manual intervention to eliminate the abnormality.

[0041] In summary, the banknote packing system in the above embodiments of the present invention first measures the dimensions of the product in the product loading posture detection unit to ensure that the overall product meeting the size requirements is placed into the box, avoiding any obstruction during loading. Next, it checks whether the overall height of the product exceeds the preset height of the box. Only when the overall height of the product does not exceed the preset height can the subsequent box lid closing operation be performed, preventing the product from being forcibly squeezed into the box, causing wrinkles, deformation, or damage. Then, the box lid external label information detection unit identifies the label on the outside of the box after the lid is assembled and obtains the label information for comparison and verification, ensuring the accuracy of traceability. Finally, the label tape detection unit identifies the label tape on the box to detect whether the box has been properly tagged and the amount of label tape remaining. This system not only frees users from some tedious work but also effectively improves the quality and efficiency of banknote packing.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] This invention also proposes a banknote packing system, which differs from the system proposed in Embodiment 1 in that:

[0044] The external label information detection unit also includes a rotating stage. The rotating stage is equipped with a limiting mechanism electrically connected to the control unit. The limiting mechanism consists of limiting components adapted to the box body, used to restrict and fix the position of the box body. Specifically, the limiting component consists of two mutually perpendicular limiting parts, with a telescopic rod extending outward from the connection point of the two limiting parts. The telescopic rod is connected to a cylinder. The limiting parts are used to contact the box body. Since the limiting parts are generally made of rigid materials, to prevent damage to the outer surface of the box body, a buffer part is fixed on the side of the two limiting parts away from the telescopic rod. The buffer part can be made of a flexible material such as silicone. The area near the label penetration anomaly detection unit... The limiting member at the end is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor. There can be four or two limiting members. When there are four limiting members, the four corners of the box can be completely locked. When there are two limiting members, in order to ensure the stability of the locking, the limiting members are set at two diagonal positions relative to the box. In addition, the bottom of the rotary table is connected to a drive motor and a second pressure sensor. The drive motor is used to control the rotary table to rotate 180° when the second pressure sensor senses an external force. Specifically, the rotary table can be an independent transmission platform. The transmission platform is transported by a track. The track has a hollowed-out middle section. The transmission platform is connected to the drive motor and the second pressure sensor through the hollowed-out area.

[0045] It should be noted that the banknote packing system also includes a tagging unit, which includes a tagging component located on the same side as the second camera and above the rotating table. The tagging component is used to tag a preset area of ​​the box.

[0046] In this embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor, drive motor, track, and cylinder are all electrically connected to the control unit. The specific operation of the external label information detection unit is as follows: when the box is conveyed to the turntable via a conveyor belt, the box maintains a forward motion due to the conveying action of the track on the turntable. When the box contacts a limiting member near the end of the label-penetration anomaly detection unit, the first pressure sensor senses the pressure generated by the box colliding with the limiting member. Since the track is electrically connected to the drive motor, and both the first pressure sensor and the drive motor are electrically connected to the control unit, the control unit can control the track to stop. After stopping transport, the telescopic rod extends under the action of the cylinder, allowing the limiting component to fully contact the box body and achieve a fixing effect. In addition, the tack-piercing assembly acts on one side of the box body to complete the tack-piercing work on one side of the box body. During the tack-piercing process, a downward pressure is applied, which can be detected by the second pressure sensor. Within a preset time, the drive motor controls the turntable to rotate 180° and controls the tack-piercing assembly to act on the other side of the box body again. When the second pressure sensor detects the pressure again, within a preset time, the telescopic rod is controlled to retract, releasing the box body and restarting the track to transport the box body to the next work station.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 2 The following is a flowchart illustrating the implementation of a banknote packing method according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, wherein the method specifically includes steps S10 to S16.

[0049] Step S10: Control the product entry posture detection unit to measure the overall product size and determine whether the overall product size is larger than the internal size of the box. If not, proceed to step S11.

[0050] Specifically, a laser rangefinder is used to measure the size of the rectangular frame formed by the robotic arm and compare it with the corresponding internal dimensions of the box. The box dimensions can be pre-measured manually and entered into the system, and can be directly retrieved when comparison is needed.

[0051] In step S11, the entire product is placed inside the box, and it is determined whether the height of the entire product exceeds the preset height of the box. If not, step S12 is executed.

[0052] Specifically, a through-beam photoelectric sensor is installed along the upper edge of the box. The photoelectric device can be manually adjusted according to the height of different product boxes. After the entire product is placed into the box, the box runs on the conveyor belt. When the photoelectric sensor detects that the product placed in the box is higher than the upper surface of the box, it issues an audible and visual alarm signal and stops the conveyor belt. After the product that is higher than the upper edge of the box is properly placed into the box, the alarm can be canceled by double-clicking the abnormal alarm information bar on the operation computer screen, and the line will automatically resume normal operation.

[0053] In step S12, the lid is closed to the box body, and the external label information detection unit is controlled to identify the label on the outside of the box body with the lid. At the same time, the box body with the lid is pierced with a label.

[0054] Specifically, after the box is capped, the conveyor belt transports the box to the label insertion position, where the information on the first outer label is photographed. The label insertion operator completes the label insertion on one side, rotates the box 180 degrees, and then photographs the information on the second outer label. By recognizing the content of the outer labels affixed to both sides of the box (such as year, outer label code, box number, and barcode information), the system parses all the information on the box label and compares it with the box label generation system for verification. If an error is found, the system stops the machine and issues an alarm.

[0055] Step S13: Obtain tag information and determine whether the tag information is preset information. If so, proceed to step S14.

[0056] In step S14, the control unit for abnormal labeling detection identifies the label tape on the box with the lid and determines whether there is a label tape. If so, step S15 is executed.

[0057] In step S15, it is determined whether the reservation of the tag is normal. If so, step S16 is executed.

[0058] It should be noted that after the box is in place, the cameras on both sides of the box take pictures of the tampering in front of it. The processed images are used to automatically identify and find the tampering position, identify the number of tampering sections, determine the presence or absence of the box tampering, and determine whether the number of tampering sections meets the requirements of the process settings. If an abnormality occurs, an alarm will be triggered and the machine will be stopped. At the same time, the image of the identification result and the detection information will be stored in the local database.

[0059] Step S16 completes the packing of banknotes.

[0060] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0061] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A banknote packing system, characterized in that, The system includes a product loading posture detection unit, an external label information detection unit, a tack-penetration anomaly detection unit, and a control unit. The product loading posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tack-penetration anomaly detection unit are sequentially connected through one or more production lines. The product placement posture detection unit is used to measure the overall size of the product, place the overall product that meets the size requirements into the box, and detect whether the height of the overall product that meets the size requirements exceeds the preset height of the box. The external label information detection unit is used to identify the label on the outside of the box after the lid is assembled, and to obtain the label information to complete the comparison and verification. The tag-wearing anomaly detection unit is used to identify the tag tape on the box to detect whether the box has been tagged and the remaining tag tape. The external label information detection unit of the box also includes a rotating platform. The rotating platform is provided with a limiting mechanism electrically connected to the control unit. The limiting mechanism is composed of a limiting member adapted to the box and is used to limit and fix the position of the box. The limiting member near the end of the label penetration anomaly detection unit is electrically connected to a first pressure sensor. The bottom of the rotating platform is connected to a drive motor and a second pressure sensor. The drive motor is used to control the rotating platform to rotate 180° when the second pressure sensor senses an external force.

2. The banknote packing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The banknote packing system also includes an alarm unit. The product packing posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering abnormality detection unit are electrically connected to the control unit and the alarm unit, respectively. The alarm unit is used to issue an alarm when the product packing posture detection unit, the external label information detection unit, and the tampering abnormality detection unit have abnormal outputs.

3. The banknote packing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The product loading posture detection unit includes at least several robotic arms, robotic arms extending outward from the robotic arms, laser rangefinders adapted to the robotic arms, and through-beam photoelectric sensors located on one side of the production line. The robotic arms are used to place individual products into the posture detection area under the drive of the robotic arms. The laser rangefinders are used to measure the distance between each robotic arm to obtain the overall dimensions of the product. The through-beam photoelectric sensors are used to detect whether the overall height of the product inside the box exceeds the preset height of the box.

4. The banknote packing system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The external label information detection unit includes at least a first camera disposed on the same side as the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The first camera is used to photograph the label on the outside of the box and the label tape on at least one side of the box, and upload the photographed images to the server in the control unit.

5. The banknote packing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The tag-wearing anomaly detection unit includes at least a second camera disposed on the other side of the through-beam photoelectric sensor. The second camera is used to photograph the tag strips on the remaining surface of the box and upload the photographed images to the server in the control unit.

6. The banknote packing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The banknote packing system also includes a tagging unit, which includes a tagging component located on the same side as the second camera and above the rotating platform. The tagging component is used to tag a preset area of ​​the box.

7. The banknote packing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The limiting member consists of two mutually perpendicular limiting parts, and a telescopic rod extends outward from the connection point of the two limiting parts, the telescopic rod being connected to the cylinder.

8. The banknote packing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, A buffer portion is fixed on the side of each of the two limiting portions away from the telescopic rod.

9. A method for packing banknotes using the banknote packing system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The method includes: The product loading posture detection unit measures the overall size of the product and determines whether the overall product size is larger than the internal size of the box. If not, place the entire product into the box and determine whether the height of the entire product exceeds the preset height of the box. If not, the lid is closed to the box body, and the external label information detection unit is controlled to identify the label on the outside of the box body with the lid. At the same time, the box body with the lid is pierced with a label. Obtain tag information and determine whether the tag information is preset information; If so, the control unit for abnormal labeling will identify the label tape on the box with the lid and determine whether a label tape exists. If so, then determine whether the reservation of the signature strip is normal; If so, the banknote packing operation is completed.

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