Automatic self-securing actuator device and method of operation

Abstract

An apparatus includes: an actuatable portion; an actuator portion comprising at least one drive element configured to move along an arcuate path between a first configuration and a second configuration; and at least one confinement area. The at least one drive element is configured to sequentially: move along a first section of the arcuate path to engage with a receiving member of the actuatable portion at a first position of the actuatable portion; moving along a second section of the arcuate path to actuate the actuatable portion from a first position to a second position of the actuatable portion; moving along a third section of the arcuate path to disengage from the receiving member at a second position of the actuatable portion; and moving along a fourth section of the arcuate path to secure the actuatable portion in the second position such that the actuatable portion abuts against the at least one confinement area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic self-securing actuator device that can be used in a currency item gate device, for example as part of a system for receiving, processing and dispensing currency items. Background Art

[0002] The monetary item handling system can be configured to perform various functions, such as one or more of receiving, processing, storing, and distributing monetary items. For example, the monetary item handling system can receive monetary items through a monetary item inlet. Such a monetary item inlet allows monetary items to enter the system from the external environment. It may be necessary to direct the monetary items to different paths, for example, in order to return the monetary items to the user or to process the monetary items on appropriate devices within the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present specification provides a currency item gate device, comprising: an actuatable part; an actuator part, comprising at least one drive element, the at least one drive element being constructed to move between a first structure and a second structure along an arcuate path; and at least one restricted area; wherein the at least one drive element is constructed to, in sequence: move along a first section of the arcuate path to engage with a receiving part of the actuatable part at a first position of the actuatable part; move along a second section of the arcuate path to actuate the actuatable part from the first position of the actuatable part to the second position; move along a third section of the arcuate path to disengage the receiving part at the second position of the actuatable part; and move along a fourth section of the arcuate path to fix the actuatable part in the second position so that the actuatable part abuts against at least one restricted area.

[0004] The at least one drive element may be configured to secure the actuatable portion in the second position by applying a force to the actuatable portion against the at least one restriction region.

[0005] The at least one drive element may be configured to apply a force to the actuatable portion by urging a first outer edge of the actuatable portion against the at least one restriction region.

[0006] The first outer edge of the actuatable portion may be located on a different side of the actuatable portion than the receiving member.

[0007] The first outer edge of the actuatable portion may be located on a side of the actuatable portion that is substantially opposite the second outer edge of the actuatable portion.

[0008] In the second position, the second outer edge of the actuatable portion may abut the at least one restricted area.

[0009] In the second position, the gate element of the actuatable portion may abut the at least one restricted area.

[0010] The at least one restricted area may comprise a first end stop.

[0011] The device may comprise at least one further restricted area.

[0012] In the first position, the actuatable portion may abut the at least one further restricted region.

[0013] The at least one further restriction region may comprise a second end stop.

[0014] Movement of the at least one drive element along the first section of the arcuate path may begin in a first locked configuration of the actuator portion in which the at least one drive element secures the actuatable portion in the first position.

[0015] In the first locked configuration, the actuatable portion may be fixed in the first position by contact with the at least one drive element.

[0016] Movement of the at least one drive element along the fourth segment of the arcuate path may terminate in a second locked configuration of the actuator portion in which the at least one drive element secures the actuatable portion in the second position.

[0017] In the second, locked configuration, the actuatable portion may be fixed in the second position by contact with the at least one drive element.

[0018] The actuatable portion may comprise a planar engagement area comprising the receiving feature.

[0019] The receiving member may comprise a recess in the actuatable portion, the at least one drive element being configured to move into the recess at the end of the first section of the arcuate path.

[0020] The at least one drive element may be configured to exit the groove at an end of the third segment of the arcuate path.

[0021] The at least one drive element may comprise a pin that fits in the recess and applies a rotational force to the actuatable portion as the actuatable portion moves between the first position and the second position.

[0022] The actuatable portion may be mounted on a pivot to facilitate stable movement of the actuatable portion between the first position and the second position.

[0023] The actuatable portion may comprise a gate element which, in a first position, facilitates the flow of money items into the first money item channel and, in a second position, facilitates the flow of money items into the second money item channel.

[0024] In the first position, the gate element may block currency items from entering the second passage.

[0025] In the second position, the gate element may block currency items from entering the first passage.

[0026] The actuator portion may further comprise a rotatable element having a curved peripheral surface for cooperating with at least one correspondingly curved surface on the actuatable portion adjacent the receiving part.

[0027] The mating of the curved peripheral surface of the rotatable element with the at least one corresponding curved surface of the actuatable portion may include the curved peripheral surface sliding relative to the corresponding curved surface of the actuatable portion as the at least one drive element moves along the arcuate path.

[0028] The apparatus may further include an electric drive configured to selectively move the at least one drive element along an arcuate path.

[0029] The at least one drive element may be configured to move continuously and uninterruptedly along the arcuate path in a first direction to move the actuatable portion from the first position to the second position.

[0030] The at least one drive element may be configured to move continuously and uninterruptedly along the arcuate path in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the actuatable portion from the second position to the first position.

[0031] The present specification also provides a method for operating a currency item gate device, comprising: moving at least one drive element of the currency item gate device along a first section of an arcuate path to engage with a receiving part of the actuatable part at a first position of the actuatable part, wherein the at least one drive element is constructed to move between the first construction and the second construction along the arcuate path; moving at least one drive element along a second section of the arcuate path to actuate the actuatable part from the first position of the actuatable part to the second position; moving at least one drive element along a third section of the arcuate path to disengage from the receiving part at the second position of the actuatable part; and moving at least one drive element along a fourth section of the arcuate path to fix the actuatable part in the second position so that the actuatable part abuts at least one restricted area of ​​the currency item gate device.

[0032] The present specification also provides computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the at least one computing device to perform the method.

[0033] The present specification also provides a non-transitory, tangible computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the at least one computing device to perform the method.

[0034] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective cutaway view of an aspect of an automated currency item handling system including a currency item inlet.

[0036] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an inlet control device including a gate device and a flow limiting device.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a gate device including an actuator portion of an automatic self-fixing actuator device, an actuatable portion and a drive device.

[0038] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a gate arrangement including an actuator portion in a first locked configuration and an actuatable portion in a corresponding fixed first position.

[0039] Figure 4B is a side view of the actuator part in a first locked configuration, the actuatable part in a respective fixed first position, and drive means elements including a worm gear.

[0040] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a gate arrangement comprising an actuator portion in a first intermediate configuration and an actuatable portion in a corresponding unlocked first position.

[0041] Figure 5B is a side view of the actuator part in a first intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a respective unlocked first position, and a drive element including a worm gear.

[0042] Figure 5C is a perspective view of the actuator part in a first intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a respective unlocked first position, and drive means elements including a worm gear and a toothed drive gear.

[0043] Figure 6A is a side view of the actuator part in a second intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a respective actuated position, and drive means elements including a worm gear.

[0044] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the actuator part in a second intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a respective actuated position, and drive means elements including a worm gear and a toothed drive gear.

[0045] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a gate arrangement comprising an actuator portion in a third intermediate configuration and an actuatable portion in a corresponding unlocked second position.

[0046] Figure 7B is a side view of the actuator part in a third intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a respective unlocked second position, and drive means elements including a worm gear.

[0047] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the actuator part in a third intermediate configuration, the actuatable part in a corresponding unlocked second position, and drive means elements including a worm gear and a toothed drive gear.

[0048] Figure 8A is a perspective view of a gate arrangement including an actuator portion in a second, locked configuration and an actuatable portion in a corresponding, fixed second position.

[0049] Figure 8B is a side view of the actuator part in a second locked configuration, the actuatable part in a corresponding fixed second position, and a drive element including a worm gear.

[0050] Figure 8C is a perspective view of the actuator part in a second locked configuration, the actuatable part in a corresponding fixed second position, and drive means elements including a worm gear and a toothed drive gear.

[0051] Figure 9A is a side view of the actuator portion in a first locked configuration, the actuatable portion in a corresponding fixed first position, and a frame member adjacent the actuator and the actuatable portion.

[0052] Figure 9B is a side view of the actuator portion in an intermediate configuration, the actuatable portion in a corresponding actuated position, and frame elements adjacent the actuator and actuatable portion.

[0053] Figure 9C is a side view of the actuator portion in a second locked configuration, the actuatable portion in a corresponding fixed second position, and a frame element adjacent the actuator and actuatable portion.

[0054] Figure 10 It is a flow chart of the operating stages of the automatic self-retaining actuator device and the related gate device.

[0055] Figure 11 is a block diagram of system components including an automatic self-securing actuator device, an electric drive device, and a control device in communication with the drive device.

[0056] Figure 12 is an external perspective view of an automated currency item handling system including a flow restricting device, wherein the flow restricting element is in a fully closed configuration.

[0057] Figure 13is an external perspective view of an automated currency item handling system including a flow restricting device, wherein the flow restricting element is in a fully open configuration.

[0058] Figure 14 is an external perspective view of an automated currency item handling system including a flow restricting device, wherein the flow restricting element is in a partially open configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1 An exemplary arrangement of a currency item processing system 1000 is shown. As can be seen from this cross-sectional view, system 1000 includes a currency item inlet area 2000 through which currency items can be introduced into system 1000 from outside the system housing. Currency items successfully introduced through inlet area 2000 enter system 1000 and can be directed, for example, through a debris filter 3000 to a pay-in module or other currency item receiving device of currency item processing system 1000.

[0060] In the illustrated example, the currency item receiving apparatus includes a currency item conveyor 4000 configured to collect currency items received at the conveyor 4000 from the entrance area 2000 and convey the currency items through a currency item validation area 5000 of the conveyor 4000. Here, one or more validators may be deployed to determine the acceptability of currency items to the system 1000. Currency items determined to be acceptable, e.g., currency items determined to be genuine currency, may be channeled to a currency item storage area or other internal portion of the system 1000.

[0061] Figure 1 The arrangement of components shown in and described above is intended to provide context for the apparatus and methods to be described below.

[0062] Figure 2 An access control device 6000 is shown, which is configured for use with a currency item handling system, such as Figure 1 The system 1000 is shown. The entrance control device 6000 includes a gate device 6100 that is operable to selectively control the movement of currency items into one or more paths of the system 1000. As will be further described below, the entrance control device 6000 may also include a flow restriction device 6200 that is operable to selectively block or open the currency item entrance 2000 of the system 1000. Figure 2 It includes both a gate device 6100 and a current limiting device 6200.

[0063] Figure 3A perspective view of the gate device 6100 is shown. Here, the gate device 6100 is shown in the figure, while the flow restriction device 6200 is not shown. The gate device 6100 includes an actuatable portion and an actuator portion. The actuatable portion can be moved between a first position and a second position to control the flow of currency items within the entrance control device 2000. For example, in the first position, the actuatable portion can be configured to open the first currency item channel 6300, so that currency items moved from the system entrance 2000 into the gate device 6100 naturally flow into the first channel 6300 under the action of gravity. In some embodiments, the first channel 6300 can directly channel the currency items back to a collection area outside the system 1000.

[0064] In the first position, in addition to opening the entrance to the first channel 6300, the actuatable portion may also close the entrance to the second currency item channel 6400. Although in the illustrated example, currency items preferentially enter the first channel 6300 under the action of gravity whenever the entrance to the first channel 6300 is open, the actuatable portion closing the entrance to the second channel 6400 provides an additional means of ensuring that all currency items passing through the gate arrangement 6100 enter the first channel 6300 when the actuatable portion is in the first position.

[0065] In the second position, the actuatable portion can be configured to open the entrance to the second channel 6400 while closing the entrance to the first channel 6300. For example, as will be described in more detail below, when in the second position, the actuatable portion can form a bridge across the entrance to the first channel 6300 to facilitate the transfer of currency items to the second channel 6400. In this type of embodiment, currency items passing through the gate device 6100 from the system entrance 2000 slide over the bridge provided by the actuatable portion and enter the second channel 6400. The second channel 6400 can direct the currency items toward an interior area of ​​the currency item handling system 1000 for processing and / or storage, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 1 As briefly outlined.

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the gate device 6100 further includes a drive device 6130 coupled to the actuator portion. The drive device 6130 includes a power drive mechanism, which may include, for example, a worm gear 6131 engaged with a geared drive wheel 6132, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the worm gear 6131 is selectively rotated by the motor 6133 of the drive unit 6130, thereby causing corresponding rotation of the geared drive wheel 6132. The direct connection between the geared drive wheel 6132 and the actuator portion causes the actuator portion to move as the drive wheel 6132 rotates.

[0067] Figure 4A Examples of an actuatable portion 6110 and an actuator portion 6120 are shown. Figure 4A Actuator portion 6120 is shown, not shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 The entrance to the first channel 6300 is shown open, while the entrance to the second channel 6400 is shown closed by the position of the gate element 6111, so that currency items entering the access control device 6000 through the system entrance 2000 cannot enter.

[0068] The gate element 6111 may be part of the actuatable portion 6110 and may be coupled to a hinge 6112 or other suitable pivot area of ​​the currency item gate device 6100. The gate element 6111 may be actuated between the aforementioned first position and second position about the hinge 6112. To achieve this, the actuatable portion 6110 may include an engagement region 6113 which may engage with the actuator portion 6120, thereby driving the gate element 6111 to move between the first position and the second position. For example, the engagement region 6113 may be directly connected to the gate element 6111, for example as part of an integral plastic moulding or by other fixed connection means, such that movement of the engagement region 6113 causes corresponding movement of the gate element 6111. This will be discussed below in conjunction with Figures 4A to 8C and Figures 9A to 9C The sequence of views shown describes the cooperation between the actuator portion 6120 and the engagement region 6113 of the actuatable portion 6110 in more detail.

[0069] exist Figure 4A , the actuator portion 6120 is shown in a first locked configuration and the actuatable portion 6110 is shown locked in its first position. In this arrangement, a drive element 6121 of the actuator portion 6120, such as a drive pin or other protrusion, secures the actuatable portion 6110 in the first position. The construction of the actuator portion 6120 is such that the drive element 6121 holds the actuatable portion 6110 against its motion limiting position. In this way, the construction of the actuator portion 6120 ensures that each time the actuatable portion 6110 is actuated to the first position, the first position of the actuatable portion 6110 remains consistent and functionally accurate. Any potential variations that may be associated with the first position, such as due to inherent tolerances in the materials involved or the requirement for very precise motor operation of the drive device 6130, are avoided. hereinafter in conjunction with Figure 7A and Figure 8A Absorbing tolerance-related uncertainties in the first and second positions of the actuatable portion 6110 is described in more detail.

[0070] In the example shown, the drive element 6121 of the actuator part 6120 fixes the actuatable part 6110 in the first position by pushing the actuatable part 6110 against a first restriction area and locking the actuatable part 6110 in place. In the example shown, the first restriction area is implemented in the form of a first end stop 6141 provided by a portion of the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100.

[0071] For example, the first end stop may be provided by a portion 6141 of the frame 6140 that is directly adjacent to the engagement region 6113. In such an embodiment, when actuated to the first position by the actuator portion 6120, the side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113 contacts the adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140. The drive element 6121 acts on the engagement region 6113, pushing the engagement region 6113 against the end stop provided by the adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140 and locking the actuatable portion 6110 in the first position. Figure 4A In the example shown, this involves moving the drive element 6121 in a counterclockwise direction along an arcuate path of travel. This will be further explained and illustrated below. Pushing the engagement region 6113 against the adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140 and locking it in place in the manner described above prevents further movement of the actuatable portion 6110 as a whole and ensures accurate and consistent positioning of the gate element 6111.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, Figure 4A In the embodiment shown, the first end stop may be provided by a portion of the frame 6140 that acts upon the gate element 6111. For example, the first end stop may be provided by a top portion (not shown) of the frame 6140, or other suitably positioned element, against which the gate element 6111 is pushed by the actuator portion 6120. In such an embodiment, when the actuator portion 6120 actuates the gate element 6111 to the first position, the distal end of the gate element 6111 furthest from the hinge 6112 contacts the first end stop and is prevented from moving further in the same direction. The drive element 6121 acts upon the engagement region 6113, pushing the gate element 6111 against the end stop and locking the actuatable portion 6110 in the first position. Figure 4A In the example shown, this involves driving element 6121 in a counterclockwise direction along an arcuate path of travel.

[0073] In embodiments where end stops are provided by contact between a gate element 6111 of the gate assembly 6100 and the frame 6140, as described above, the flexibility of the gate element 6111 can allow the gate element 6111 to flex when the distal end is pushed against the end stop by the actuator portion 6120. For example, the planar gate element 6111 shown in the figures can flex a small amount along its length when the distal end, farthest from the hinge 6112, is pushed against the top of the gate assembly 6100 by the actuator portion 6120. This flexing of the gate element 6111 can mitigate the "hard stop" effect experienced when the drive element 6121 acts on the engagement region 6113 to push the gate element 6111 against the end stop and lock the actuatable portion 6110 in place.

[0074] Thus, the degree of flexibility of the gate element 6111 can further enhance the robustness and durability of the overall system by reducing the instantaneous forces experienced by the drive element 6121 when the gate element 6111 is pushed against the end stop. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the drive element 6121 due to repeated movement of the gate element 6111 to the first (or second) position over the life of the system. For example, in the embodiment shown in the figures, the gate element 6111 bends when pushed against the first (or second) end stop, reducing the likelihood of the protruding drive element 6121 breaking from the remainder of the actuator portion 6120 due to repeated contact with the side edges of the engagement region 6113.

[0075] Figure 4B Another schematic diagram showing a first position of the actuatable portion 6110 and a first locked configuration of the actuator portion 6120. Here, the gate device 6100 is Figure 4A For clarity, the Figure 4B Not shown is the majority of the frame 6140 of the gate assembly 6000, including the end stops described above. Figure 4B It can be seen that in the first locked configuration, the curved outer surface of the rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 conforms to the corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement region 6113, thereby providing support for the engagement region 6113. The rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6122 can be referred to as a blocking disc.

[0076] like Figures 4A to 4BAs shown, when the actuator portion 6120 is in the first locked configuration, the actuatable portion 6110 can be maintained in the first position by a plurality of contact points with other elements of the gate device 6100. The first of these contact points is provided by the abutment between the drive element 6121 and the first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113. The second of these contact points is provided by the contact between the actuatable portion 6110 and the first restriction region described above. For example, the top or other portion of the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100 can provide a first end stop against which the distal end of the gate element 6111 is secured by the actuator portion 6120. Alternatively, the first end stop can be provided by abutment between a second side 6113C of the engagement region 6113, opposite the first side 6113B, and an adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140. A third of the contact points may be provided by sliding contact between a curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 and a corresponding curved surface 6113A1 on a third side of the engagement region 6113. Figures 4A to 4B In the illustrated configuration, the actuatable portion 6110, including the gate element 6111 and the engagement region 6113, is not free to move out of the first position.

[0077] In one embodiment not yet described and not specifically shown in the figures, in the first locked configuration, the first restricted area against which the actuator portion 6120 secures the actuatable portion 6110 may include an area of ​​the actuator portion 6120. For example, the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 may be shaped such that when the actuatable portion 6110 reaches Figures 4A to 4B 61. In the first position shown, the curved surface can engage with the curved surface 6133A1 of the engagement region 6113. This engagement can take the form of increased frictional engagement between the two curved surfaces when the actuatable portion 6110 reaches the first position, or direct abutment (e.g., between the curved surfaces) caused by one or more surface discontinuities. In either case, the degree of engagement between the actuatable portion 6110 and the restricted area on the actuator portion 6120 is sufficient to prevent further movement of the actuatable portion 6110, thereby providing a consistently repeatable first position for the actuatable portion 6110. In this embodiment, there is no need for abutment between the actuatable portion 6110 and the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100, as described above with respect to the exemplary end stop.

[0078] Figure 4BAlso shown is an embodiment of a fixed coupling between the actuator portion 6120 and the drive device 6130. Specifically, the drive element 6121 and the rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 are fixed to a toothed drive wheel 6132 via an intermediate plate section 6123, for example, as part of a single-piece plastic molding. Via this intermediate section 6123, rotation of the drive wheel 6132 causes corresponding movement of the drive element 6121 and the rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120. Due to the axial alignment between the drive wheel 6132 and the rotatable element 6122, rotation of the drive wheel 6132 about its axis of rotation results in a corresponding rotation of the rotatable element 6122 about the same axis. This causes the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 to slide relative to the corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement region 6113, as will be described in more detail below. At the same time, because the common rotation axis of the rotating element 6122 and the driving wheel 6132 is not aligned with the individual main axes of the driving element 6121 , the driving element 6121 moves along an arcuate path around the axis of the rotating element 6122 and the driving wheel 6132 .

[0079] Figure 5A is another diagram of the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 as a part of the gate device 6100. Figure 4A Likewise, for the sake of clarity, these parts 6110, 6120 are shown, while the components of the drive device 6130 are not shown. Figure 5A Although the gate element 6111 and the engagement region 6113 of the actuable portion 6110 remain Figure 4A and Figure 4B Although the first position is shown, it can be seen that the drive element 6121 and rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 have been moved in a first direction to a first intermediate configuration by the drive device 6130. Specifically, the rotatable element 6122 has rotated relative to the curved surface 6133A1 of the engagement region 6133. Furthermore, the drive element 6121 has traveled along an arcuate path, no longer abutting the first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113, but instead partially engaging the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement region 6113. The engagement region 6113 and other components of the actuatable portion 6110 are no longer secured in the first position by the contact between the drive element 6121 and the first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113. Instead, the engagement between the drive element 6121 and the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement region 6113 places the gate device 6100 in a state in which the actuator portion 6120 is ready to move the actuatable portion 6110 out of the first position.

[0080] Figure 5B and Figure 5C Further showing Figure 5AThe arrangement of the gate device 6100 is shown. Figure 5B and Figure 5C , the drive element 6121 has moved to partially engage with the receiving part 6113D of the engagement region 6113 of the actuatable portion 6110. Figure 5A As shown, contact is maintained between the curved outer surface of the rotatable element 6122 and the corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement region 6113. Although rotation of the rotatable element 6122 has caused this curved surface to slide relative to the curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement region 6113, the close alignment between these two surfaces continues to support the actuatable portion 6110 in the first position as the drive element 6121 moves about its arcuate path.

[0081] like Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement region 6113 can be implemented as a single recess, such as a single slot, formed in the engagement region 6113. For example, the recess can be sized to receive a pin or other protrusion of the drive element 6121 so that the pin or other protrusion enters the recess when it is moved about its arcuate path by the drive device 6300 into alignment with the recess.

[0082] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The gate device 6100 is shown after the rotatable element 6122 and the drive element 6121 have continued to move in the first direction. In this second intermediate configuration, the drive element 6121 is fully engaged with the receiving part 6113D of the engagement area 6113 and has actuated the actuatable portion 6110 away from the Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5C For example, by comparing Figure 6A The structure shown and Figure 5B As can be seen in the previous configuration shown, the second side 6113C of the engagement region 6113 has been moved away from the previously adjacent portion 6141 of the gate device frame 6140. In addition, the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 has been released from contact with the corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement region 6113. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated construction, a single point of contact between the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 is provided by the physical engagement between the drive element 6121 and the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement portion 6113 .

[0083] In order to provide a degree of separation between the rotatable element 6122 and the engagement region 6113 in this configuration of the actuator portion 6120, the peripheral surface of the rotatable element may include a substantially straight section between the first and second ends of the curved surface. Figure 6A and Figure 6BAs shown, the peripheral surface of the rotatable element 6122 may include a first section that is curved in a manner concentric with the rotation axis of the rotatable element 6122 so as to match the corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement area 6113; and a second section that follows a substantially straight path between two points at both ends of the curved section. The substantially straight section of the peripheral surface is located between the rotation axis of the rotatable element 6122 and the drive element 6121, so that when the drive element 6121 is fully engaged with the receiving part 6113D of the engagement area 6113, the substantially straight section of the peripheral surface of the rotatable element 6122 faces the receiving part 6113D. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the curved section of the peripheral surface of the rotatable part 6122 faces away from the receiving part 6113D. Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5C Unlike the first locked configuration discussed above and the first intermediate configuration, the rotatable element 6122 is separated from the engagement region 6113 .

[0084] Stable movement of the engagement region 6113 away from the aforementioned first restricted region can be achieved via the hinge 6112 or the alternative pivot previously mentioned with respect to the gate element 6111. Specifically, the engagement region 6113 and the gate element 6111 can be fixedly coupled to the same hinge 6112 (or alternative pivot), thereby enabling them to move synchronously along the same axis. As the actuatable portion 6110 transitions between its range of travel of the first restricted region and a second restricted region, discussed further below, the gate element 6111 moves in a synchronized and corresponding manner.

[0085] As can be seen from the illustrated example, the engagement region 6113 can be formed by a planar element that is approximately triangular in shape. For example, the first side 6113B and the second side 6113C can be angled relative to each other so as to intersect near the axis of the hinge 6112 or other pivot fixedly coupled to the planar element of the engagement region 6113. Roughly opposite the intersection of the first side 6113B and the second side surface 6113C are the curved surface 6113A1 and the receiving member 6113D that cooperate with the actuator portion 6120. In this embodiment, when the actuatable portion 6110 moves between the first and second restricted areas at both ends of its range of travel, the intersection of the first outer side 6113B and the second outer side 6113C remains in a similar position relative to the hinge 6112 or alternative pivot. However, since the curved surface 6113A1 and the receiving part 6113D at the other end of the joint area 6113 are relatively far away from the hinge 6112 or other pivot, the curved surface 6113A1 and the receiving part 6113D at the other end of the joint area 6113 have a longer travel path. Figures 9A to 9CAs described above, the specific geometry and related design features of the joining region 6113, while consistent with the above description, may vary between different implementations of the joining region 6113.

[0086] 7A to 7C FIG. 6 shows the gate device 6100 after the rotatable element 6122 and the driving element 6121 continue to move in the first direction. Figure 4A and Figure 5A Same, in Figure 7A , for the sake of clarity, the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 are shown, and the components of the drive device 6130 are not shown. In this third intermediate configuration, for example, by comparing Figure 6B and Figure 7C It can be seen that the engagement region 6113 and associated gate element 6111 have been further actuated about the hinge 6112 or alternative pivot to another new orientation relative to the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100. More specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 7A As shown, the actuatable portion 6110 including the gate element 6111 and the engagement region 6113 has moved close to the limit of its travel range, ie, near the aforementioned second restricted region.

[0087] As with the first restricted area discussed above, the second restricted area may be formed by the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100. For example, Figure 7A As shown, the second restricted area can include a portion 6143 of the frame 6140 against which the distal end of the gate element 6111 abuts when the actuatable portion 6110 is in the second position. In the example shown, the portion 6143 of the frame 6140 is in the form of a lip, which serves as a second end stop for the actuatable portion 6120. The lip or optional second end stop is arranged to prevent the gate element 6111 from being actuated beyond the second position. In this embodiment, when the gate element 6111 is pushed against the second end stop, it can bend as described above.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the second end stop can include a region 6142 of the frame 6140 that abuts a first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113 when the actuatable portion 6110 is fully moved to the second position. Specifically, when actuated to the second position by the actuator portion 6120, a side edge 6113B of the engagement region 6113 can contact an adjacent region 6142 of the frame 6140, thereby preventing further movement in that direction.

[0089] like Figure 7B and Figure 7C Best shown in 7A to 7CIn the illustrated configuration, rotation of the toothed drive wheel 6132 has caused the drive element 6121 of the actuator portion 6120 to begin to disengage from the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement region 6113 . 7A to 7C Each of the illustrated views shows that as the drive element 6121 continues along its arcuate path around the toothed drive wheel 6132 and the axis of rotation of the rotatable element 6122, the drive element 6121 now only partially engages the recessed portion of the receiving feature 6113D. In the example shown, the drive element 6121 disengages from the receiving feature 6113D of the engagement region 6113 when the angle of the recess aligns with the arcuate path of the drive element 6121. As described below, continued movement of the drive element 6121 about its arcuate path will result in the drive element 6121 completely disengaging from the engagement region 6113.

[0090] exist 7A to 7C In the third intermediate configuration shown, the actuatable portion 6110 of the device 6100 has completed, or at least substantially completed, its travel between the first and second restriction regions. Figures 6A to 6B Continued rotation of the previous intermediate configuration shown has caused the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 to partially align with the second corresponding curved surface 6133A2 of the engagement area 6133.

[0091] from 7A to 7C As can be seen in the figure, the first curved surface 6113A1 and the second curved surface 6113A2 of the joint region 6133 are located on either side of the receiving member 6133D along the edge of the joint region 6113, which edge is opposite the hinge 6112 or alternative pivot axis. For example, as shown, the recess of the receiving member 6113D can be located approximately centered between the two curved surfaces 6113A1 and 6113A2. The two curved surfaces 6113A1 and 6113A2 themselves can have the same radius (but different center points). For example, the two curved surfaces 6113A1 and 6113A2 can be mirror images of each other. In this way, each curved surface 6113A1 and 6113A2 of the joint region 6113 matches the peripheral curvature of the rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 and receives a similar amount of support from the rotatable element 6112.

[0092] Figures 8A to 8C The gate device 6100 is shown after the rotatable element 6122 and the driving element 6121 of the actuator portion 6120 continue to move in the first direction. Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A and Figure 7A Again, for clarity, Figure 8A , the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 are shown, while the components of the drive device 6130 are not shown. Figures 8A to 8CIt can be seen that the actuatable portion 6110 including the gate element 6111 and the engagement region 6133 is in contact with the 7A to 7C A location similar to the one described in .

[0093] However, the actuator portion 6120 has been 7A to 7C The third intermediate configuration shown, in which the drive element 6121 is partially engaged with the receiving portion 6113D of the engagement region 6113, progresses to a second locked configuration in which the drive element 6121 secures the actuatable portion 6110 in the second position by locking the actuatable portion 6110 against the second restricted area. In the example shown, this may involve securing the gate element 6111 against a lip portion 6143 of the frame 6140. Additionally or alternatively, locking the actuatable portion 6110 in the second position may involve securing the first side 6133B of the engagement region 6133 against an adjacent region 6142 of the frame 6140.

[0094] In this second locked configuration, the curved outer surface of the rotatable element 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 engages the second corresponding curved surface 6113A2 of the engagement region 6113 to further support the engagement region 6113. To achieve the second locked configuration, the drive element 6121 is rotated from 7A to 7C The illustrated third intermediate configuration continues to travel along its arcuate path in the first direction until contacting the second side 6113C of the engagement region 6113 of the actuatable portion 6110. At this point, possibly after the drive element 6121 has moved a small amount further in the same direction along its arcuate path, the drive element 6121 and the associated rotation of the rotation element 6122 are stopped. The process of stopping the movement of the drive element 6121 in the second locked configuration will be further described below in conjunction with the operation of the motor 6133 by the control device.

[0095] With Figures 4A to 4B In a manner corresponding to the first locked configuration shown, in the second locked configuration of the actuator portion 6120, the actuatable portion 6110 can be maintained locked in its second position by a plurality of contact points with other elements of the device 6100. A first of these contact points can be provided by abutment between the drive element 6121 and the second side 6113C of the engagement region 6113. A second of these contact points can be provided by contact between the actuatable portion 6110 and the second restriction region. For example, as described above and as Figure 8AAs shown, the lip portion 6143 of the gate device frame 6140 can provide a second end stop against which the distal end of the gate element 6111 is secured by the actuator portion 6120. Alternatively, the second end stop can be provided by abutment between a first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113 and an adjacent region 6142 of the frame 6140. A third of the contact points can be provided by sliding contact between a curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 and a corresponding curved surface 6113A2 on a third side of the engagement region 6113. Figures 8A to 8C In the second locked configuration shown, the actuatable portion 6110 including the engagement region 6113 and the gate element 6111 is not free to move out of the second position.

[0096] In a similar manner as outlined above with respect to the first restriction region, the second restriction region may additionally or alternatively comprise a region of the actuator portion 6120. For example, the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 mentioned above may be shaped such that when the actuatable portion 6110 reaches Figures 8A to 8C In the second position shown, this curved surface engages the second curved surface 6113A2 of the engagement region 6113. As previously described, this engagement can take the form of increased frictional engagement between the curved surface of the rotatable element 6122 and the second curved surface 6113A2 of the engagement region 6113 when the actuatable portion 6110 reaches the first position, or direct abutment (e.g., between the two curved surfaces) caused by one or more surface discontinuities. In either case, the degree of engagement between the actuatable portion 6110 and the restricted area on the actuator portion 6120 is sufficient to prevent further movement of the actuatable portion 6110, thereby providing a consistently repeatable second position for the actuatable portion 6110. In this embodiment, abutment between the actuatable portion 6110 and the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100, as described above with respect to the exemplary end stop, is not required.

[0097] Consistent with the previously discussed implementation, Figures 8A to 8C In the second position of the actuatable portion 6110 shown, the gate element 6111 blocks the gravity-fed entrance to the first currency item channel 6300 and opens the entrance to the second currency item channel 6400. In this position, currency items entering the gate arrangement 6100 from the entrance 2000 of the system 1000 are directed by the gate element 6111 past the entrance to the first channel 6300 and into the second channel 6400.

[0098] The consistently repeatable second position of the actuable portion 6110, which can be achieved by fixing the actuable portion 6110 on the second restricted area in the above-described manner, ensures that the currency items are optimally fed into the second channel 6400 of the gate device 6100. Specifically, avoiding uncertainty in the specific position and orientation of the gate element 6111 means that the gate element 6111 always facilitates the smooth flow of currency items into the second channel 6400 without causing any risk of interruption. For example, the possibility of currency items being interrupted by the actuation position of the actuable portion 6110 (e.g., Figure 7A Any risk of a currency item striking the distal end of the gate element 6111 due to slight changes in the position shown in FIG. 1 is also avoided. Furthermore, the risk of a currency item entering the first channel 6300 through the gap between the distal end of the gate element 6111 and the frame 6140 of the gate device 6100 is avoided.

[0099] Figures 9A to 9C is another series of views of the actuatable portion 6110 and the actuator portion 6120. Figures 4A to 8C The discussion is consistent, Figures 9A to 9C Further views in show the transition of the actuator portion 6110 between the first locked configuration and the second locked configuration. Figures 9A to 9C Also shown is the corresponding movement of the actuatable portion 6110 including the engagement region 6113 between the first and second restriction regions. Figure 9A The actuator portion 6120 is shown in a position similar to Figures 4A to 4B The first locking configuration, Figure 9B The actuator portion 6120 is shown in a position similar to Figures 6A to 6B The intermediate structure of Figure 9C The actuator portion 6120 is shown in a position similar to Figures 8A to 8C The second locking configuration.

[0100] exist Figures 9A to 9C In the embodiment of the present invention, the first and second confinement regions are provided by at least portions 6141, 6142 of the frame 6140 that are directly adjacent to the joining region 6113. Figures 4A to 4B The discussion is consistent, Figure 9A14. A situation is shown in which the drive element 6121 of the actuator portion 6120 has pushed a portion 6113C1 of the side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113 into contact with an end stop provided by an adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140 and, in the process, has locked the actuatable portion 6110 in the first position. On the other side of the engagement region 6113, a portion 6113B2 of the side edge 6113B is angled such that when the drive element 6121 pushes the engagement region 6113 against the end stop 6141, the direction of the force applied by the drive element 6121 to the engagement region 6113 is substantially perpendicular to this portion 6113B2 of the side edge 6113B of the engagement region 6113. In other words, when the drive element 6121 pushes the engagement area 6113 against the end stop 6141 , the shape and configuration of the engagement area 6113 is such that a portion 6113B2 of the side edge 6113B is angled substantially perpendicular to a tangent to the rotational path of the drive element 6121 .

[0101] Similarly, with Figures 8A to 8C The discussion is consistent, Figure 9C A situation is shown in which the drive element 6121 of the actuator part 6120 has pushed a portion 6113B1 of the side edge 6113B of the engagement region 6113 into contact with an end stop provided by an adjacent portion 6142 of the frame 6140 and, in the process, locked the actuatable part 6110 in the second position. Figures 9A to 9C In the illustrated embodiment, like the portion 6113B2 of the opposing side edge 6113B described above, the portion 6113C2 of the side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113 is angled such that when the drive element 6121 pushes the engagement region 6113 against the end stop 6142, the direction of the force applied by the drive element 6121 to the engagement region 6113 is substantially perpendicular to the portion 6113C2 of the side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113. In other words, when the drive element 6121 pushes the engagement region 6113 against the end stop 6142, the shape and configuration of the engagement region 6113 is such that the angle of the portion 6113C2 of the side edge 6113C is substantially perpendicular to a tangent to the rotational path of the drive element 6121.

[0102] In this way, Figures 9A to 9C The illustrated embodiment ensures that in both the first and second restriction regions, the entire magnitude of the force applied by the drive element 6121 to the engagement region 6113 is used to push the engagement region 6113 against the end stops 6141 and 6142 in the frame 6140 .

[0103] In order to supplement the information explained above, the operating phase of the self-fixing actuator device comprising the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 described above when implemented as a part of the gate device 6100 will now be described. Figure 10 .

[0104] In the first stage S1, the actuator portion 6120 is in Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A The first locking configuration is shown. The actuatable portion 6110 is locked in place by the actuator portion 6120. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A For example, in the gate arrangement embodiment described above, the actuatable portion 6110 includes a gate element 6111 that is secured in a first position to hold the entrance to the first currency item passageway 6300 open and to hold the entrance to the second currency item passageway 6400 closed.

[0105] As described above, the disengagement of the actuatable portion 6110 from the first position is dependent upon the movement of the actuatable portion 6110 from the Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A To do this, it is first necessary to move the drive element 6121 away from the first side 6113B of the engagement region 6113 by means of the power drive mechanism 6130. Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A In the illustrated configuration, the actuatable portion 6110 remains locked in the first position. This is true even when the electric drive motor 6133 of the drive device 6130 is de-energized. In other words, when the drive device 6130 is at rest, Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A The illustrated first locked configuration can be maintained passively. No power is required to maintain the first locked configuration of the actuator portion 6120 and the corresponding first position of the actuatable portion 6110.

[0106] In the second stage S2, the actuator portion 6120 moves relative to the actuatable portion 6110 from Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A The first locking configuration shown is moved to Figures 5A to 5CThe first intermediate configuration is shown. As described above, this involves the drive element 6121 following its arcuate path away from the first side 6113B of the engagement portion 6113 and engaging the receiving part 6113D on the other side of the engagement area 6113. In addition, the rotatable element 6122 rotates relative to the engagement area 6113. This causes the curved peripheral surface of the rotatable element 6122 to move along the first corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the engagement area 6113. As previously described, the movement of these components of the actuator portion 6120 is caused by the power drive device 6130. For example, referring to Figure 11 , the control device 7000 in communication with the drive device 6130 can send an instruction to the drive device 6130 to actuate the actuatable portion 6110 to the second position. In response, the drive device 6130 can begin to move the actuator portion 6120 in the first direction, from Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A The first locking configuration shown is initially transitioned to Figures 5A to 5C A first intermediate configuration is shown.

[0107] During the first phase of movement, the elements 6121 and 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 are free to move without experiencing any significant load from the actuatable portion 6110. This is because, during this phase, the drive element 6121 is not engaged with the engagement region 6113 of the actuatable portion 6110, and therefore, the movement of the two elements 6121 and 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 is minimally resisted. This effect is beneficial for the entire device 6100, and in particular for the drive device 6130. Starting from a resting position in the first locked configuration, the drive device 6130 is able to accelerate the elements 6121, 6122 of the actuator portion 6120 and its own moving components, such as the worm and gears 6131, 6132, to full speed before the drive element 6121 engages the receiving portion 6113D of the engagement region 6113 and encounters any significant load. In addition to enabling faster movement of the actuatable portion 6110 between the first and second positions described above, this feature may also increase the lifespan and durability of the device 6100 .

[0108] In the third stage S3, the actuator portion 6120 moves in the same direction from Figures 5A to 5C The first intermediate configuration shown is further moved to Figures 6A to 6B and Figure 9BAs described above, this involves the drive element 6121 following its arcuate path to fully engage the receiving portion 6113D of the engagement region 6113 and pushing the engagement region 6113 about the hinge 6112 (or alternative pivot) out of the first restricted area and toward the second restricted area. In addition, continued rotation of the rotatable element 6122 relative to the engagement region 6113 causes the curved peripheral surface of the rotatable element 6122 to rotate in a manner similar to that described above in conjunction with the present invention. Figures 6A to 6B In the manner described, the first corresponding curved surface 6113A1 of the bonding area 6133 is out of alignment.

[0109] During this phase, the drive device 6130 is subjected to a load from the actuatable portion 6110 as the engagement region 6113 and the gate element 6111 move toward the second position.

[0110] In the fourth stage S4, the actuator portion 6120 moves in the same direction from Figures 6A to 6B and Figure 9B The second intermediate configuration shown is further moved to 7A to 7C The third intermediate configuration is shown. This involves the drive element 6121 further following its arcuate path to push the engagement region 6113 and associated gate element 6111 into the second position of the actuatable portion 6110. In the second position of the actuatable portion 6110, the angle of the recess in the receiving feature 6113D is aligned with the arcuate path of the drive element 6121, so that the actuatable element 6121 begins to smoothly disengage from the receiving feature 6113D without pushing the engagement region 6113 further away from the first restriction region and the previously adjacent portion 6141 of the frame 6140. In fact, as described above, in this third intermediate configuration of the actuator portion 6120, the actuatable portion 6110 does not need to move significantly further because the gate element 6111 is already very close to the second end stop provided by the lip portion 6143 (or the optional second restriction region, such as the frame portion 6142).

[0111] In the initial portion of the fourth stage S4, prior to the aforementioned disengagement process, as the engagement region 6113 and the gate element 6111 move toward the second position, the drive device 6130 continues to bear the load from the actuatable portion 6110. Furthermore, continued rotation of the rotatable element 6122 relative to the engagement region 6113 causes the curved peripheral surface of the rotatable element 6122 to partially align with the second corresponding curved surface 6113A2 of the engagement region 6113.

[0112] In the fifth stage S5, the actuator portion 6120 moves in the same direction from 7A to 7C The third intermediate position shown is further moved to Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9CThe second locked position is shown. This involves the drive element 6121, now completely disengaged from the engagement region 6113 and free to move as in the initial stage S2 of the movement described above, further following its arcuate path away from the receiving portion 6113D of the engagement portion 6113 and toward the second side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113, opposite the side where the arcuate path began in the first stage S1. Here, the drive element 6121 contacts the second side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113 and, by pushing the first edge 6113B of the engagement region 6113 toward the newly adjacent region 6142 of the frame 6140, again exerting force on the engagement region 6113. Simultaneously, the distal end of the gate element 6111 is pushed toward the lip portion 6143.

[0113] This final movement of the actuatable portion 6110 into contact with the second restriction area (or the optional second restriction area described above) provided by the lip portion 6143 ensures that the actuatable portion 6110 of the device 6100 is fully in the aforementioned second position and is secured in place by the actuator portion 6120. If the gate element 6111 is already optimally positioned adjacent to the lip portion 6143 by the time the drive element 6121 reaches abutment against the second side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6133, no final movement of the actuatable portion 6110 will occur, simply securing the actuatable region 6110 in the second position. However, if any looseness exists, the final push of the drive element 6121 against the second surface 6113C of the engagement region 6113 will eliminate it. As previously discussed, such looseness can arise from a variety of reasons, such as manufacturing tolerances in plastic components, wear from prior system operation, or expansion or contraction of system components due to temperature or other environmental factors.

[0114] As described above, once the actuatable portion 6110 is actuated to the position indicated by the instruction received from the control device 7000, Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9C The second position shown in FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. 6A and remains fixed in this position until the drive element 6121 disengages the second side edge 6113C of the engagement portion 6113. Maintaining the second position does not require power to the drive device 6130. Instead, the power supply to the drive device 6130 can be turned off to reduce power consumption. For example, when the drive element 6121 contacts the second side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113 and applies a thrust to the second restriction region, the control device 7000 can detect, via a feedback signal from the drive device 6130, a current or voltage indicating that the actuating portion 6120 has reached the second locked configuration. If there are no further instructions to move the actuatable portion 6110 back to the first position, the control device 7000 can de-energize the drive device 6130 until such return movement is required.

[0115] As described above, during the fifth stage of operation S5, the drive element 6121 initially moves freely about its arcuate path without being subjected to any significant load from the actuatable portion 6110. The corresponding effect is felt by the drive mechanism 6130. Specifically, during this free-running period, the current consumed by the motor 6133 of the drive mechanism 6130 (e.g., from a mains power source or battery power source associated with the currency item handling system) is significantly lower than the current consumed during the period when the drive element 6121 is applying a force to the engagement region 6113 to move the actuatable portion 6110 between the first position and the second position (or vice versa).

[0116] When this free run period ends and e.g. Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9C As shown, by abutting the second side edge 6113C of the engagement region 6113, the drive element 6121 again contacts the engagement region 6113, significantly increasing the load on the motor. Specifically, when the actuatable portion 6110 is pushed against the second restricted region by the actuator portion 6120, the current consumed by the motor 6133 may increase significantly (a corresponding effect also occurs when the actuatable portion 6110 is pushed against the first restricted region by the actuator portion 6120). This increase in the current drawn by the motor 6133 can be observed as a current peak and can be detected by the control device 7000 as part of the aforementioned feedback signal from the drive device 6130. The control device 7000 can use the detection of the increase in motor current as a trigger condition for stopping the operation of the drive device 6130.

[0117] As described above, the free-running period and the associated low motor current prior to the sharp increase in current may facilitate accurate detection of the moment when the drive device 6133 should cease operation when the actuatable portion 6110 is urged against the first and second restriction zones. This is because the low motor current prior to the current increase makes the current increase more noticeable and, therefore, more accurately detectable by the control device 7000. This allows the motor 6133 to cease operation sooner after the gate element 6111 reaches the predetermined position, thereby protecting the motor 6133 from excessive wear while ensuring that the actuatable portion 6110 is secured in its optimal end position.

[0118] Combined with the above Figure 10 and Figure 11The first to fifth stages S1-S5 described may be implemented as continuous movement of the actuator portion 6120 in the first direction between the first locked configuration and the second locked configuration. In other words, the actuator portion 6120 may be moved by the drive device 6130 without pause or interruption through each of the stages S1-S5, thereby unlocking the actuatable portion 6110 from its first position, actuating the actuatable portion 6110 to its second position, and locking the actuatable portion in the second position. It will be appreciated that the actuatable portion 6110 may be moved from, for example, the first position to the second position. Figures 8A to 8C and Figure 9C The second position of the lock shown to e.g. Figures 4A to 4B and Figure 9A The reverse movement of the illustrated locked first position may be implemented in a corresponding manner by performing a corresponding reverse operation, ie by continuously moving the actuator portion 6120 in the opposite (second) direction.

[0119] These movements of the actuatable portion 6110 can be accomplished by a single drive element 6121, as described above and illustrated. Drive element 6121 not only engages with a single recess in receiving member 6113D to facilitate actuation of the actuatable portion 6110 between the first and second positions (and vice versa), but also engages with edge surfaces 6113B and 6113C on the other side of engagement region 6113 to ensure that the actuatable portion 6110 is fully urged against the first and second restriction regions corresponding to these positions. Furthermore, drive element 6121 secures the actuatable portion 6110 in place.

[0120] These functions are achieved without requiring very precise motor control, which in other cases might be required to ensure that the actuatable portion 6110, particularly the distal end of the gate element 6111, is accurately stopped in the second (or first) position. For example, by including the fifth stage S5, the drive element 6121 moves to a position from which it can apply a final thrust to the engagement region 6113 to move the actuatable portion 6110 into contact with the second (or first) restriction region, thereby obviating the need for the drive element 6121 to precisely disengage from the receiving portion 6113D of the engagement region 6113 at the final (desired) position of the actuatable portion 6110, such as a position fully abutting the lip portion 6143 or an optional end stop. While such precise disengagement may be preferred, if necessary, the final stage S5 of the operation can be relied upon to fully and securely abut the actuatable portion 6110 against the restriction region after the drive element 6121 has disengaged from the receiving portion 6113D at the conclusion of the fourth stage S4.

[0121] Using the above combination Figures 2 to 9CThe self-retaining actuator device described herein can actuate a gate element or other type of component between two fully fixed positions in a highly reliable and energy-efficient manner. Furthermore, the durability provided by the operational characteristics of device 6100 makes it superior to other systems. For example, solenoid-based systems, in which a solenoid is arranged to move a gate element between a first position and a second position, typically require a continuous supply of power to maintain the gate element in at least one of its two positions (e.g., otherwise, the gate would naturally return to its lowest potential energy state under the influence of gravity). Solenoid-based systems also generate significant excess heat, which can adversely affect the operation of other system components and consume electrical energy.

[0122] While the self-retaining actuator device, including the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110, has been described in the context of a gate device 6100 for controlling the flow of currency items between two different channels 6300, 6400 of a currency item handling system 1000, the self-retaining actuator device may also be applied to many other types of systems requiring movement of an element between two fixed positions. The use of the actuator portion 6120 and the actuatable portion 6110 generally described herein is not limited to currency item handling systems or gate devices.

[0123] As mentioned above about Figure 2 As described, when implemented as part of the access control apparatus 6000 of the currency item handling system 1000, the self-retaining actuator assembly and associated gate assembly 6100 may be provided with a flow restricting device 6200. The flow restricting device 6200 may be configured to perform a variety of different functions depending on its selected mode of operation. Figure 12 As can be seen from the figure, the flow restriction device 6200 includes a flow restriction element 6201, which is operable to selectively block or open any inlet hole 6202 of the inlet control device 6000. Figure 12 In the illustrated mode of operation, the flow restricting element 6201 is actuated to a fully closed position such that currency items are completely prevented from entering the gate arrangement 6100 and, in turn, the interior area of ​​the currency item handling system 1000 .

[0124] Figure 13 6200 is shown in a second mode of operation. In this figure, the flow restricting element 6201 is actuated to a fully open position so that the maximum flow of currency items through the gate arrangement 6100 is limited only by the size and shape of the inlet aperture 6202. Figure 14 6200. In this figure, the flow limiting element 6201 is actuated to a partially open position so that the maximum flow of currency items through the gate device 6100 is relatively Figure 13The second mode of operation shown is significantly restricted. For example, in the third mode, the position of the flow restricting element 6201 is such that currency items can only enter the gate device 6100 one by one.

[0125] These different operating modes of the current limiting device 6200 can provide significant functional flexibility and advantages to the system 1000. For example, in normal operation, the current limiting device 6200 can be Figure 14 The third mode of operation is to ensure that large pieces of debris or other non-currency items cannot enter the system 1000. However, in order to allow trusted personnel such as maintenance personnel to quickly perform bulk filling operations, the flow limiting device 6200 can be operated in a Figure 13 The second mode of operation of the current limiting device 6200 allows for loading a large number of currency items into the system 1000 in a short period of time. This improves the security of the system 1000 and the personnel involved in bulk filling operations. The first mode of operation of the current limiting device 6200 is useful when it is temporarily undesirable to insert new currency items into the system 1000. For example, if the system is out of service or has lost power, it may be desirable to prevent a potential user from mistakenly inserting a new currency item into the system 1000 while attempting a transaction. Other situations in which it may be beneficial to prevent a user from inserting a new currency item into the system 1000 include when the system 1000 is performing internal operations between transactions and is not yet ready to initiate a new transaction.

[0126] Refer again Figure 11 The operation of the self-retaining actuator device, the associated access control device 6000, and other powered components of the system 1000 can be controlled by the control device 7000. For example, the control device may include a computing device that selectively controls the actuation of the actuatable portion 6110 and / or the current limiting element 6201 between the various positions and operating modes described above by providing appropriate control signals to the corresponding drive devices (not shown) of the drive device 6130 and the current limiting device 6200. The control device 7000 may also selectively control the movement of the conveyor and other components of the currency item handling system 1000, such as the exit gate, using other appropriate control signals.

[0127] The control device 7000 may be communicatively coupled to the power supply 8000 of the system 1000. The power supply 8000 facilitates movement and control of the aforementioned system components according to the requirements and instructions of the control device 7000.

[0128] Control device 7000 includes at least one computer processor and at least one computer memory. The processor executes computer-readable instructions stored in the memory to control the movement and functions of system 1000, including the components specifically mentioned above. For the avoidance of doubt, the control device may include a single processor or one or more architectures employing a multi-processor design to enhance computing power. The computer memory may include, for example, one or more read-only memories (ROMs), random-access memories (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, flash memories, magnetic or optical cards, or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Additionally or alternatively, the computer memory may include any type of storage disk, such as one or more floppy disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and / or magneto-optical disks, or any other type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions executable by a processor. The memory is coupled to the processor and other components of the computing device architecture via a computer system bus. The processor is configured to execute instructions under the control of the computer-readable instructions to operate system 1000.

[0129] It will be appreciated that various modifications and adjustments may be made to the specific aspects of the system 1000 described above. The above aspects may be used individually or in combination. In this specification, the term "monetary item" refers to, for example, a specially minted coin or other token intended to have monetary value.

Claims

1. A currency item gate device, comprising: an actuatable portion; an actuator portion comprising at least one drive element configured to move along an arcuate path between a first configuration and a second configuration; as well as At least one restricted area, The at least one driving element is configured to: moving along a first segment of the arcuate path to engage a receiving member of the actuatable portion at a first position of the actuatable portion; moving along a second segment of the arcuate path to actuate the actuatable portion from the first position of the actuatable portion to a second position; moving along a third segment of the arcuate path to disengage the receiving member at the second position of the actuatable portion; and Moving along a fourth segment of the arcuate path secures the actuatable portion in the second position with the actuatable portion abutting the at least one restricted area.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The at least one drive element is configured to secure the actuatable portion in the second position by applying a force to the actuatable portion to abut the at least one restricted region.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The at least one drive element is configured to apply the force to the actuatable portion by applying a pushing force to a first outer edge of the actuatable portion to cause the first outer edge of the actuatable portion to abut against the at least one restricted area.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The first outer edge of the actuatable portion is located on a different side of the actuatable portion than the receiving member.

5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The first outer edge of the actuatable portion is located on a side of the actuatable portion that is substantially opposite the second outer edge of the actuatable portion.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein In the second position, the second outer edge of the actuatable portion abuts the at least one restricted area.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein In the second position, the gate element of the actuatable portion abuts the at least one restricted area.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The at least one restricted area comprises a first end stop.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The apparatus includes at least one further restricted area; and In the first position, the actuatable portion abuts the at least one further restricted area.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein The at least one further restriction region comprises a second end stop.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein Movement of the at least one drive element along the first segment of the arcuate path begins in a first locked configuration of the actuator portion, in which the at least one drive element secures the actuatable portion in the first position.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein In the first locked configuration, the actuatable portion is fixed in the first position by contact with the at least one drive element.

13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: Movement of the at least one drive element along the fourth segment of the arcuate path terminates in a second locked configuration of the actuator portion in which the at least one drive element secures the actuatable portion in the second position.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein In the second locked configuration, the actuatable portion is fixed in the second position by contact with the at least one drive element.

15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The actuatable portion includes a planar engagement area including the receiving feature.

16. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The receiving member includes a recess in the actuatable portion, the at least one drive element being configured to move into the recess at the end of the first segment of the arcuate path.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein The at least one drive element is configured to disengage the groove at an end of a third segment of the arcuate path.

18. The device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The at least one drive element includes a pin that fits in the groove and applies a rotational force to the actuatable portion when the actuatable portion moves between the first position and the second position.

19. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The actuatable portion is mounted on a pivot to facilitate stable movement of the actuatable portion between the first position and the second position.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein The actuatable portion comprises a gate element which, in the first position, facilitates the flow of money items into the first money item channel and, in the second position, facilitates the flow of money items into the second money item channel.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein In the first position, the gate element blocks currency items from entering the second passage; and / or In the second position, the gate element blocks currency items from entering the first passage.

22. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The actuator portion further includes a rotatable element having a curved peripheral surface for cooperating with at least one corresponding curved surface on the actuatable portion adjacent the receiving member.

23. The device according to claim 22, wherein The mating of the curved peripheral surface of the rotatable element with the at least one corresponding curved surface of the actuatable portion includes the curved peripheral surface sliding relative to the corresponding curved surface of the actuatable portion as the at least one drive element moves along the arcuate path.

24. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising an electric drive arrangement configured to selectively move the at least one drive element along the arcuate path.

25. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The at least one drive element is configured to move continuously and uninterruptedly along the arcuate path in a first direction to move the actuatable portion from the first position to the second position.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein The at least one drive element is configured to move continuously and uninterruptedly along the arcuate path in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the actuatable portion from the second position to the first position.

27. A method of operating a currency item gate device, comprising: moving at least one drive element of the currency item gate arrangement along a first section of an arcuate path to engage a receiving member of the actuatable portion at a first position of the actuatable portion, wherein the at least one drive element is configured to move along the arcuate path between a first configuration and a second configuration; moving the at least one drive element along a second segment of the arcuate path to actuate the actuatable portion from a first position of the actuatable portion to a second position; moving the at least one drive element along a third segment of the arcuate path to disengage the receiving member at a second position of the actuatable portion; and Moving the at least one drive element along a fourth section of the arcuate path to secure the actuatable portion in the second position against at least one restricted area of ​​the currency item gate arrangement.

28. Computer readable instructions that, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the at least one computing device to perform the method of claim 27.

29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one computing device, cause the at least one computing device to perform the method according to claim 27.

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