Main latch mechanism for banknote processing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a main latch mechanism (1) for a banknote processing device (100). The first latch member (10) is configured to engage with the second latch member (20). The first latch part (10) comprises a lever arm (11) having a recess (12) and a guide surface (13), and the second latch part (20) comprises an engagement pin (21) and a guide pin (22). The recess (12) may receive an engagement pin (21) to provide a locked state (50). Upon movement (61) of the first latch member (10) relative to the second latch member (20), the guide surface (13) may establish contact with the guide pin (22), and the guide surface (13) may then slide along the guide pin (22) such that the engagement pin (21) is at least partially removed from the recess (12) to provide an unlocked state (52).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a latch mechanism for a banknote handling device. In particular, the present invention relates to a primary latch mechanism for a banknote handling device and a banknote handling device comprising said primary latch mechanism. BACKGROUND

[0002] Banknote handling systems are used in various applications. For example, banknote handling systems can exist in the form of banknote stacking systems, banknote sorting systems, banknote singling systems, etc. During a handling operation, these systems can acquire information about the banknotes, e.g. via sensors. The sensors can collect information as the banknotes move through the respective system. In particular, the banknotes can move sequentially on a transport path that guides the banknotes through the banknote handling system. Occasionally, it can happen that one or more banknotes get stuck or jammed at some location along the transport path, which can inhibit further handling operations of the banknote handling system. To reestablish proper functioning of the system, it can be required that an operator manually opens the transport path and removes the possibly stuck or jammed banknote. However, opening the transport path by manual interaction and providing access thereto often requires the operator to disengage a corresponding latch, which can sometimes be difficult or even exhausting. SUMMARY

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to facilitate maintenance of a banknote handling device.

[0004] A primary latch mechanism is provided according to the features of the independent claims. Further embodiments are apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] According to an aspect, a primary latch mechanism for a banknote handling device is provided. The primary latch mechanism comprises a first latch component and a second latch component. The first latch component is configured to engage with the second latch component upon movement of the first latch component relative to the second latch component. The first latch component comprises a lever arm having a recess and a guide surface. The second latch component comprises an engagement pin and a guide pin. The recess is configured to receive the engagement pin, thereby providing a locked state of the primary latch mechanism in which the first latch component is engaged with the second latch component. The guide surface is configured to establish contact with the guide pin upon a first partial movement of the first latch component relative to the second latch component. The guide surface is further configured to slide along the guide pin during a second partial movement of the first latch component relative to the second latch component, such that the engagement pin is at least partially removed from the recess, thereby providing an unlocked state of the primary latch mechanism in which the first latch component is disengaged from the second latch component.

[0006] The main latch mechanism of the present invention can be part of a banknote handling device, such as a banknote stacking device, a banknote sorting device, a banknote singling device, or a banknote conveying device. In particular, the main latch mechanism can be configured to hold the banknote handling device in a locked state during operation of the banknote handling device. In the closed state of the banknote handling device and thus in the locked state of the main latch mechanism, banknotes can be conveyed through a conveying path within the banknote handling device, while the locked main latch mechanism maintains a defined space and distance associated with the conveying path such that one or more sensors arranged at the conveying path can deliver accurate and reproducible information about the conveyed banknotes.

[0007] The main latch mechanism of the present invention can allow an operator to easily and quickly open the banknote handling device and in particular can facilitate the unlocking of the banknote handling device to provide access to the interior of the banknote handling device and thus to the conveying path. This can be achieved by an improved design of the main latch mechanism which avoids any mechanical coupling or connection with any secondary latch mechanism of the banknote handling device. In other words, the main latch mechanism can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state independently of the configuration or state of any other latch mechanism of the banknote handling device.

[0008] In the locked state, the first latch component of the main latch mechanism is engaged with the second latch component of the main latch mechanism, wherein the engagement pin can be positioned within the recess of the lever arm to prevent any unintentional movement of the first latch component relative to the second latch component.

[0009] From the locked state, the first latch component, in particular the lever arm of the first latch component, can be moved according to a first part movement until the guiding surface comes into contact with the guiding pin. The lever arm can generally have a longitudinal extension and can comprise an enlarged head portion in which the recess is located. The guiding surface can be an outer surface at the head portion of the lever arm which guides the movement of the lever arm during a second part movement. In particular, the direction of movement of the lever arm can change at the point in time when the guiding surface comes into contact with the guiding pin. This allows the lever arm comprising the recess to be forced away from the engagement pin, thereby unlocking the main latch mechanism. The point in time when the guiding surface comes into contact with the guiding pin can define a transition of the first latch component, in particular the lever arm, from the first part movement to the second part movement relative to the second latch component. In the unlocked state, a third part movement of the first latch component, in particular the lever arm, can subsequently further separate the lever arm from the engagement pin, for example during an opening process of the banknote handling device in which the main latch mechanism is integrated.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the engagement pin is movably arranged at the second latch component such that a distance between the engagement pin and the guiding pin is reduced during the first part movement of the first latch component relative to the second latch component.

[0011] Both the engagement pin and the guide pin can be mounted to a carrier element, such as a plate-like structure or a frame-like structure. The engagement pin can be movably mounted on the carrier element such that during the first part movement the engagement pin is pulled closer to the guide pin by the lever arm. In other words, the movable arrangement of the engagement pin at the second latching component allows the lever arm to be pulled closer to the guide pin, thereby enabling the guiding surface of the lever arm to establish the above-mentioned contact with the guide pin. During the first part movement, the engagement pin can still be at least partially arranged within the recess of the lever arm.

[0012] According to embodiments, the guide pin is arranged relative to the guiding surface such that when the contact between the guiding surface and the guide pin is established, the direction of movement of the lever arm changes.

[0013] The direction of movement of the lever arm can change such that the recess is disengaged from the engagement pin. In other words, the lever arm is forced away from the engagement pin to enable the first latching component to disengage from the second latching component. In this way, an unlocked state of the main latching mechanism can be achieved. Said unlocked state can be defined by the engagement pin being at least partially or completely outside of the recess.

[0014] According to embodiments, the lever arm is configured to move according to a first direction of movement during a first part movement of the first latching component relative to the second latching component, and the lever arm is configured to move according to a second direction of movement during a second part movement of the first latching component relative to the second latching component, wherein the first direction of movement is different from the second direction of movement.

[0015] The first part movement can be defined by a relatively short initial movement of the lever arm comprising the guiding surface towards the guide pin, i.e. in the first direction of movement. The second part movement can be defined by a relatively longer subsequent movement of the lever arm comprising the recess away from the engagement pin, i.e. in the second direction of movement. The second direction of movement is determined by the orientation of the guiding surface on the lever arm. In examples, the first direction of movement and the second direction of movement can enclose an obtuse angle. It is noted that the first part movement can be defined by a movement between the first latching component and the second latching component which only increases the pressure between the guiding surface and the guide pin. That is, in the locked state, the first part movement can not occur in the form of a perceptible translational movement, but in the form of a stronger pulling of the guiding surface towards the guide pin.

[0016] According to embodiments, the lever arm is rotatable about a rotation axis of the lever arm, wherein the lever arm is configured to rotate about the rotation axis of the lever arm during the second part movement of the first latching component relative to the second latching component.

[0017] It is possible that the lever arm moves with a substantially translational movement during the first partial movement until the guiding surface contacts the guiding pin, and then the lever arm moves with a substantially rotational movement during the second partial movement until the engagement pin has been at least partially or completely removed from the recess.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the lever arm is configured to slide along the engagement pin in the third movement direction during a third partial movement of the first latching component relative to the second latching component, such that the recess is spatially separated from the engagement pin.

[0019] The third partial movement can be defined by a movement of the lever arm after the second partial movement, i.e. during an unlocked state of the main latching mechanism. Thus, the third partial movement can pull the lever arm away from the engagement pin, which is for example the case when opening a banknote handling device in which the main latching mechanism can be integrated as described above.

[0020] According to an implementation, the second latching component comprises a carrier element to which the engagement pin is movably coupled and / or to which the guiding pin is fixedly coupled.

[0021] The carrier element can be a plate-like or frame-like structure which is coupled to or part of a support structure of the banknote handling device. The lever arm can be moved relative to the carrier element when the first latching component is engaged or disengaged from the second latching component.

[0022] According to an implementation, the lever arm is translatable relative to the carrier element of the second latching component and / or the lever arm is rotatable relative to the carrier element of the second latching component.

[0023] During the first partial movement, the lever arm can be moved mainly by translational movement, and during the second partial movement, the lever arm can be moved mainly by rotational movement. During the third partial movement, the lever arm can again be moved mainly with translational movement.

[0024] According to an implementation, the main latching mechanism further comprises a biasing element configured to maintain a locked state of the main latching mechanism in which the first latching component is engaged with the second latching component.

[0025] The biasing element can be a spring, for example a coil spring, which couples the lever arm to a support structure of the banknote handling device. In an example, the biasing element is coupled to one end of the lever arm and the recess is arranged at the other, opposite end of the lever arm.

[0026] According to an aspect, a banknote handling device is provided. The banknote handling device comprises a primary latch mechanism as described herein. Further, the banknote handling device comprises a first support structure and a second support structure. The first support structure and the second support structure together define an interior space of the banknote handling device, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are movable relative to each other from a closed configuration to an open configuration in order to allow access to the interior space of the banknote handling device. A first latch part of the primary latch mechanism is coupled to the first support structure and a second latch part of the primary latch mechanism is coupled to the second support structure.

[0027] The support structures can together define a base structure or a main body of the banknote handling device. The support structures can comprise frame parts and / or housing parts.

[0028] According to embodiments, the first support structure and the second support structure are movable relative to each other from the closed configuration to the open configuration when the primary latch mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0029] The relative movement can be a pivotal movement of the first support structure relative to the second support structure. In the locked state of the primary latch mechanism, movement of the first support structure relative to the second support structure can be blocked or inhibited due to the engagement of the first latch part coupled to the first support structure with the second latch part coupled to the second support structure.

[0030] According to embodiments, the interior space defines a banknote transport path for handling banknotes by the banknote handling device.

[0031] In other words, the banknote transport path can define a free space within the banknote handling device separating the first support structure from the second support structure. The transport path can comprise transport members, e.g. rollers, arranged along the transport path, wherein the transport members are configured to sequentially move banknotes through the banknote transport path.

[0032] According to embodiments, the banknote handling device further comprises a first sensor arranged at the first support structure and a second sensor arranged at the second support structure.

[0033] The sensors and further sensors or sensor modules can be distributed along the banknote transport path. The sensors can be configured to acquire information about banknotes moving through the banknote transport path.

[0034] According to embodiments, the banknote handling device further comprises a secondary latch mechanism having a first latch part and a second latch part, wherein the first latch part of the secondary latch mechanism is coupled to the first support structure and the second latch part of the secondary latch mechanism is coupled to the second support structure.

[0035] Preferably, no link or connecting rod coupling the secondary latch mechanism to the primary latch mechanism can be present. In particular, no rod or bar can couple the lever arm of the primary latch mechanism to the lever arm of the secondary latch mechanism. Thus, the two latch mechanisms are movably decoupled, which facilitates unlocking of the primary latch mechanism and / or the secondary latch mechanism, making it easier and more comfortable for an operator to manually open the banknote handling device for maintenance purposes. This improves the overall maintenance process for the banknote handling device.

[0036] According to embodiments, the first support structure and the second support structure are movable relative to each other from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the secondary latch mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0037] That is, when both the primary latch mechanism and the secondary latch mechanism are in their unlocked state, an opening process of the banknote handling device can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] The application will be described in the following with respect to the following drawings, wherein identical reference signs denote identical elements, and wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic view of the primary latch mechanism is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 A detailed view of the primary latch mechanism of Figure 1 is shown in the locked state.

[0041] Figure 3 A detailed view of the primary latch mechanism of Figure 1 is shown in the intermediate state.

[0042] Figure 4 A detailed view of the primary latch mechanism of Figure 1 is shown in the unlocked state.

[0043] Figure 5 A banknote handling device with a primary latch mechanism in the locked state and a secondary latch mechanism in the locked state is shown.

[0044] Figure 6 A banknote handling device of Figure 5 is shown, wherein the primary latch mechanism is in the locked state and the secondary latch mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0045] Figure 7 A banknote handling device of Figure 5 is shown, wherein the primary latch mechanism is in the unlocked state and the secondary latch mechanism is in the unlocked state.

[0046] Figure 8 A banknote handling device of Figure 5 is shown in the open configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The representations and illustrations in the accompanying drawings are schematic and not to scale. A better understanding of the above-described main latch mechanism and banknote handling device can be achieved by reviewing the illustrated figures and the subsequent detailed description. In all the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or at least similar elements.

[0048] Figure 1 A main latching mechanism 1 is shown. The main latching mechanism 1 includes a first latching member 10 and a second latching member 20, wherein the first latching member 10 is configured to engage or disengage from the second latching member 20 as the first latching member 10 moves relative to the second latching member 20. The first latching member 10 includes a lever arm 11 having a recess 12 and a guide surface 13. The second latching member 20 includes an engaging pin 21 and a guide pin 22. The lever arm 11 may be a longitudinal element extending between a first end 16 and a second end 17. The lever arm 11 may be rotatably coupled to a surrounding support structure, such as a first support structure of a banknote handling device, into which the main latching mechanism 1 may be integrally formed. Therefore, the lever arm 11 can rotate about a rotation axis 14. The recess 12 of the lever arm 12 may provide a hook-like structure at the first end 16 of the lever arm 11. In particular, the lever arm 11 may include an enlarged head portion at the first end 16 where the recess 12 is located. At the second end 17 of the lever arm 11, the biasing element 30 can bias the lever arm 11 to maintain a specific locked state 50 of the main latch mechanism 1, in which the first latching member 10 engages with the second latching member 20. The guide surface 13 can be the outer surface of the head portion of the lever arm 11, which guides the movement of the lever arm 11 relative to the second latching member 20. The second latching member 20 may include a support element 23, such as a plate or frame, on which the engaging pin 21 and guide pin 22 are arranged.

[0049] Figure 2 The image shows the state 50 under lock. Figure 1 A detailed view of the main latch mechanism 1. Specifically, Figure 2A detailed view showing the arrangement of the head portion of the lever arm 11 and the pins 21, 22 of the second latch component 20 is shown. As mentioned above, the second latch component 20 can comprise a carrier element 23, e.g. a plate-like or frame-like structure, which is integrally formed into or forms a part of the second support structure of the banknote handling device. The carrier element 23 comprises an engagement pin 21 and a guide pin 22, both of which can protrude from a flat surface of the carrier element 23 of the second latch component 20. In the locked state 50, the engagement pin 21 is located within the recess 12, i.e. the first latch component 10 is engaged with the second latch component 20. The engagement pin 21 can be movably arranged with respect to the carrier element 23 such that the engagement pin 21 can be pulled by the lever arm 11 towards the guide pin 22 when the lever arm 11 performs a first partial movement in a first movement direction 61 (indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 ). The maximum of the first partial movement is preferably 3 mm. During the pulling, a distance d between the guide pin 22 and the engagement pin 21 can be reduced. The first partial movement of the lever arm 11 can be an initial movement which allows the outer surface 13 of the lever arm 11 to establish contact with the guide pin 22. The guide pin 22 can be fixedly arranged at the carrier element 23 of the second latch component 20 in comparison to the engagement pin 21.

[0050] As can be seen from Figure 3 , after establishing the contact between the guide pin 22 and the guide surface 13, the guide surface 13 slides along the guide pin 22 according to a second partial movement in a second movement direction 62 (indicated by the arrow in Figure 3 ). Thus, the head portion of the lever arm 11 can be moved in the second movement direction 62 with respect to the second latch component 20, e.g. with respect to the carrier element 23. It is to be noted that Figure 3 a detailed view of the main latch mechanism 1 of Figure 1 is shown in an intermediate state 51, wherein the lever arm 11 has been moved in the second movement direction 62. The corresponding second partial movement is generated by forcing the head portion of the lever arm 11 away from the engagement pin 21 such that the engagement pin 23 is at least partially removed from the recess 12. Thus, the second partial movement occurs due to the sliding of the guide surface 13 along the guide pin 22. This sliding can be achieved by further pulling the lever arm 11 in the first movement direction 61 (see Figure 2 ), while the guide pin 22 has been brought into contact with the guide surface 13, which forces or pushes the head portion of the lever arm 11 in the second movement direction 62. As can be seen from Figure 2 and Figure 3The guiding surface 13 can exist in the form of a protrusion on the lever arm 11 that protrudes laterally from the longitudinally shaped lever arm 11, as derived from the guiding pin 22. The intermediate state 51 can define a state of the main latch mechanism 1 in which the main latch mechanism 1 is neither fully locked nor fully unlocked. The intermediate state 51 can be defined by any position of the lever arm 11 during sliding along the guiding pin 22.

[0051] Figure 4 A detailed view of the main latch mechanism 1 in the unlocked state 52 is now shown. This unlocked state 52 can be achieved after the lever arm 11 has been moved into the second movement direction 62 (see Figure 1 ). Figure 3 In the unlocked state 52, the first latch part 10 is disengaged from the second latch part 20, because the lever arm 11 has been moved to a position in which the engagement pin 21 of the second latch part 20 is no longer located in the recess 12 of the first latch part 10, i.e. the engagement pin 21 has been removed from the recess 12. From the unlocked state 52, the lever arm 11 can be further moved according to a third part movement, i.e. in a third movement direction 63 (indicated by an arrow in Figure 4 ).

[0052] It can be seen from Figures 1 to 4 that the lever arm 11 can be moved in parallel with respect to the carrier element 23, wherein the movement of the lever arm 11 can consist of a translational movement and a rotational movement. There can be a change in movement direction between the first part movement and the second part movement and between the second part movement and the third part movement. In particular, Figures 2 to 4 a sequence of movements of the lever arm 11 with respect to the carrier element 23 of the second latch part 20 is shown in order to bring the main latch mechanism 1 from a locked state 50, in which the first latch part 10 is engaged with the second latch part 20, into an unlocked state 52, in which the first latch part 10 is disengaged from the second latch part 20. In particular, the lever arm 11 is configured to move according to a first movement direction 61 during a first part movement of the first latch part 10 with respect to the second latch part 20 (see Figure 2 ).

[0053] During the first part movement, which can be a very short initial movement, the lever arm 11 can be moved essentially in a translational movement. Thereafter, the head portion of the lever arm 11 is moved along a second movement direction 62 during a second part movement of the first latch part 10 with respect to the second latch part 20 (see Figure 3The transition between the first movement direction 61 and the second movement direction 62 is defined by the contact between the guide surface 13 and the guide pin 22, such that there is a change in movement direction between the first part movement and the second part movement. It is noted that the first part movement can be defined by a movement between the first latch part 10 and the second latch part 20 that only increases the pressure between the guide surface 13 and the guide pin 22. That is, the first part movement can not occur in the form of a perceptible translational movement in the locked state 50, but in the form of the guide surface 13 pressing more strongly against the guide pin 22, which then forces the guide surface 13 to slide along the guide pin 22. During the second part movement, the lever arm 11 can substantially move in the form of a rotational movement. Thereafter, the lever arm 11 moves according to a third movement direction 63 during a third part movement of the first latch part 10 relative to the second latch part 20 (see Figure 4 ). Again, there can be a change in movement direction between the second part movement and the third part movement. During the third part movement, the lever arm 11 can substantially move in the form of a translational movement.

[0054] Figures 5 to 8 Now a banknote handling device 100, for example Figures 1 to 4 , is shown incorporating the above described main latch mechanism 1 therein. Figure 5 The main latch mechanism 1 is shown in the locked state 50. The banknote handling device 100 comprises a first support structure 110 and a second support structure 120, as already indicated above. The first support structure 110 and the second support structure 120 are the two main components providing the banknote handling device 100, and together define an inner space 130 in the form of a banknote transport path through which a banknote can be transported during operation of the banknote handling device 100. The first support structure 110 and the second support structure 120 are movable relative to each other from a closed configuration 150 (shown in Figures 5 to 7 ) to an open configuration 152 (shown in Figure 8 ), so as to allow access to the inner space 130 of the banknote handling device 100. The first latch part 10 of the main latch mechanism 1 is coupled to the first support structure 110, and the second latch part 20 of the main latch mechanism 1 is coupled to the second support structure 120.

[0055] The banknote handling device 100 further comprises a secondary latch mechanism 2 having a first latch part 210 and a second latch part 220, wherein the first latch part 210 of the secondary latch mechanism 2 is coupled to the first support structure 110, and the second latch part 220 of the secondary latch mechanism 2 is coupled to the second support structure 120. The biasing element 30 (see also Figure 1 ) and the corresponding mounting features 31 at the lever arm 11 and at the first support structure 110 are also inFigures 5 to 8 As shown in the image.

[0056] In addition, Figures 5 to 7 The diagram illustrates a sensor arrangement including a first sensor 111 disposed at a first support structure 110 and a second sensor 121 disposed at a second support structure 120. When the banknote processing device 100 is in closed configuration 150, these sensors 111, 121 can be configured to provide information about banknotes moving through the transfer path of the banknote processing device 100 during operation. Sensors 111, 121 can be disposed within respective sensor housings. In closed configuration 150, the main latching mechanism 1 and the secondary latching mechanism 2 maintain a defined distance or gap between the first support structure 110 and the second support structure 120, such that sensors 111, 121 also maintain a defined distance or gap between themselves, enabling sensors 111, 121 to acquire accurate and reproducible information.

[0057] Figure 5 The diagram shows a configuration where the main latching mechanism 1 is in a locked state 50 and the secondary latching mechanism 2 is in a locked state 250. The latching components 10 and 20 of the main latching mechanism 1 are engaged with each other, and the latching components 210 and 220 of the secondary latching mechanism 2 are also engaged with each other. In this configuration, the first support structure 110 and the second support structure 120 are in a closed configuration 150, wherein the banknote processing device 100 is closed, i.e., the banknote processing device 100 is in its operational state. In this operational state, the distance or gap between the housing of the first sensor 111 and the housing of the second sensor 121 is approximately 0.2 mm.

[0058] Figure 6 The diagram shows a configuration where the first latching member 210 of the secondary latching mechanism 2 is disengaged from the second latching member 220, while the first latching member 10 of the primary latching mechanism 1 remains engaged with the second latching member 20. In other words, the primary latching mechanism 1 remains in its locked state 50, while the secondary latching mechanism 2 is in its unlocked state 252. Figure 6 In the illustrated configuration, the distance or gap between the housing of the first sensor 111 and the housing of the second sensor 121 is approximately 1 mm. During this phase of the unlocking process, as the secondary latching mechanism 2 is unlocked and the housing of the first sensor 111 begins to rotate about its pivot axis, the housing of the second sensor 121 can move upwards approximately 3 mm in the vertical direction 71 of the banknote processing device 100, wherein the first support structure 110 is pivotally connected relative to the second support structure 120. The housing of the second sensor 121 may be spring-loaded to aid in initiating the movement of the first latching member 10 relative to the aforementioned first portion of the second latching member 20 of the main latching mechanism 1. At this point, the guide surface 13 may begin to slide along the guide pin 22 (see also...). Figure 3 ).

[0059] Figure 7 A configuration is shown in which the first latching component 210 of the secondary latching mechanism 2 is disengaged from the second latching component 220 of the secondary latching mechanism 2 and the first latching component 10 of the primary latching mechanism 1 is also disengaged from the second latching component 20 of the primary latching mechanism 1. In other words, the primary latching mechanism 1 is now in its unlocked state 52 and the secondary latching mechanism 2 is also in its unlocked state 252. In this configuration, the first support structure 110 can be further pivoted relative to the second support structure 120, which further facilitates the disengagement of the first latching component 10 from the second latching component 20 of the primary latching mechanism 1. At this stage of the unlocking process, the housing of the first sensor 111 can be rotated by approximately 4.5 degrees relative to the housing of the second sensor 121. Now, the housing of the second sensor 121 can be moved again by approximately 3 millimeters in the vertical direction 71 of the banknote handling device 100. Then, the first latching component 10 can be moved away from the engagement pin 22 and, as a result, the first latching component 10 will be disengaged from the second latching component 20.

[0060] Figure 8 A configuration is shown in which the primary latching mechanism 1 is in its unlocked state 52 and the secondary latching mechanism 2 is also in its unlocked state 252, and in which the first support structure 110 has been pivoted relative to the second support structure 120 such that an entrance is provided to the interior space 130 of the banknote handling device 100, e.g. to the banknote transport path. In this fully open configuration, an operator can easily access the interior space 130 of the banknote handling device 100 for maintenance purposes.

Claims

1. A main latching mechanism (1) for a banknote processing device (100), comprising: First latching component (10); Second latching component (20); The first latching member (10) is configured to engage with the second latching member (20) when the first latching member (10) moves relative to the second latching member (20); The first latching component (10) includes a lever arm (11) having a recess (12) and a guide surface (13). The second latching component (20) includes an engaging pin (21) and a guide pin (22). The recess (12) is configured to receive the engagement pin (21) to provide a locked state (50) of the main latch mechanism (1), in which the first latch member (10) engages with the second latch member (20). The guide surface (13) is configured to establish contact with the guide pin (22) when the first latching member (10) moves (61) relative to a first portion of the second latching member (20); The guide surface (13) is configured to slide along the guide pin (22) during a second partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (20), such that the engaging pin (21) is at least partially removed from the recess (12), thereby providing an unlocked state (52) of the main latching mechanism (1), in which the first latching member (10) is disengaged from the second latching member (20).

2. The main latch mechanism (1) according to claim 1. in, The engagement pin (21) is movably arranged at the second latching member (20) such that the distance (d) between the engagement pin (21) and the guide pin (22) decreases during the first partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (10).

3. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The guide pin (22) is arranged relative to the guide surface (13) such that when contact is established between the guide surface (13) and the guide pin (22), the direction of movement of the lever arm (11) changes.

4. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The lever arm (11) is configured to move in a first direction of movement (61) during the first partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (20); The lever arm (11) is configured to move in a second direction of movement (62) during the second partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (20); The first moving direction (61) is different from the second moving direction (62).

5. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. The lever arm (11) is rotatable about the rotation axis (14) of the lever arm (11); in, The lever arm (11) is configured to rotate about the axis of rotation (14) of the lever arm (11) during the second partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (20).

6. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The lever arm (11) is configured to slide along the engagement pin (21) in a third movement direction (63) during a third partial movement of the first latching member (10) relative to the second latching member (20), such that the recess (12) is spatially separated from the engagement pin (21).

7. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. in, The second latching component (20) includes a carrier element (23), to which the engagement pin (21) is movably coupled, and / or to which the guide pin (22) is fixedly coupled.

8. The main latch mechanism (1) according to claim 7. in, The lever arm (11) is translatably movable relative to the bearing element (23) of the second latching member (20); and / or The lever arm (11) is rotatably movable relative to the bearing element (23) of the second latching member (20).

9. The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A biasing element (30) is configured to maintain the main latch mechanism (1) in the locked state (50), in which the first latch member (10) engages with the second latch member (20).

10. A banknote processing device (100), comprising: The main latch mechanism (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; First support structure (110) and second support structure (120); The first support structure (110) and the second support structure (120) together define the internal space (130) of the banknote processing device (100). The first support structure (110) and the second support structure (120) are movable relative to each other from the closed structure (150) to the open structure (152) to allow access to the interior space (130) of the banknote processing device (100). The first latching component (10) of the main latching mechanism (1) is connected to the first support structure (110). The second latching component (20) of the main latching mechanism (1) is connected to the second support structure (120).

11. The banknote processing apparatus (100) according to claim 10. in, When the main latch mechanism (10) is in the unlocked state (52), the first support structure (110) and the second support structure (120) can move relative to each other from the closed structure (150) to the open structure (152).

12. The banknote processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 11. The internal space (130) defines a banknote transport path for banknotes processed by the banknote processing device (100).

13. The banknote processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: A first sensor (111) is arranged at the first support structure (110). A second sensor (121) is arranged at the second support structure (120).

14. The banknote processing apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising: Sub-latch mechanism (2), the sub-latch mechanism having a first latching component (210) and a second latching component (220); The first latching component (210) of the secondary latching mechanism (2) is connected to the first support structure (110). The second latching component (220) of the secondary latching mechanism (2) is connected to the second support structure (120).

15. The banknote processing apparatus (100) according to claim 14. in, When the secondary latching mechanism (2) is in the unlocked state (252), the first support structure (110) and the second support structure (120) can move relative to each other from the closed structure (150) to the open structure (152).

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