Device and method for providing value document trays to a robot unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for providing value document trays (11, 21) to a robot unit (3). The device (1) comprises a set (10) of value document trays (11), wherein each value document tray (11) is configured to receive a plurality of value documents (5). The device (1) further comprises a support structure (30) configured to accommodate a first provisioning layer (31) for receiving the value document trays (11). The support structure (30) may allow a movement (35) of the value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) between a first access position (12) and a first handling position (13). The first access position (12) is representative for a position of the value document trays (11) in which each value document tray (11) is accessible by a robot unit (3), thereby allowing the robot unit (3) to remove the value documents (5) from each value document tray (11).

Description

[0001] Device and method for providing value document trays to a robot unit

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The disclosure generally relates to a logistic system for efficiently handling value document trays. In particular, the invention relates to a method and a device for providing value document trays to a robot unit. The invention also relates to an arrangement including said device, a robot unit as well as a value document processing device.

[0004] Technical Background

[0005] Value document processing devices are employed in a variety of applications, like for instance banknote processing devices. Such banknote processing devices may include banknote stacking systems, banknote sorting systems, banknote singling systems, or combinations thereof. Usually, value document trays are used to transport value documents to and from the respective value document processing device. Furthermore, a robot unit may be used to remove the value documents from the trays and place them into an input compartment of the value document processing device or, in the alternative, the robot unit may remove the value documents from an output stacker of the value document processing device to place them into the tray.

[0006] An input module for a value document processing device may be provided that carries filled value document trays and moves them, one after the other, to a removal position within the input module where the value documents are removed from the value document tray by means of the robot unit and where the value documents are inserted into an input compartment of the value document processing device. However, the removal of value documents from trays which are delivered one after the other may be inefficient due to time delays occurring as a result of removing the emptied trays from the removal position before a subsequent tray can be positioned at the removal position.

[0007] Summary

[0008] It may be seen as an object of the invention to improve the process flow during a value document processing.

[0009] A device and a method according to the features of the independent claims are provided. Further embodiments are evident from the dependent claims and from the following description.

[0010] According to an aspect, a device for providing value document trays to a robot unit is provided. The device comprises a support structure configured to accommodate a first provisioning layer with a first loading unit. The first loading unit is movable relative to the support structure within the first provisioning layer and is configured to receive a first set of value document trays. The first loading unit is further configured to allow a movement of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer between a first access position and a first handling position. The first access position is representative for a position of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer in which each value document tray of the first set of value document trays is accessible by a robot unit, thereby allowing the robot unit to remove the value documents from each value document tray of the first set of value document trays. In the first access position the position of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer is such that the / all value document trays of the first set of value document trays are simultaneously accessible by the robot unit.

[0011] With the inventive device, it is possible to simultaneously position multiple value document trays at an access position, i.e. within an access range of a neighboring robot unit, such that the robot unit can subsequently access all trays without having any of the trays being removed from the access position. In other words, all trays may remain at the first access position and can be subsequently emptied. In this manner, no time delay will result between the removal of value documents from two different value document trays. That is, after a first value document tray has been emptied by the robot unit, the first value document tray does not need to be removed from the access position and be replaced by a second value document tray, which first needs to be brought into the access position. Instead, the robot unit can immediately begin removing stacks of value documents from the second value document tray after it has removed the stacks of value documents from the first value document tray. No positional change is required for the trays during the subsequent emptying of the trays by the robot unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the inventive device provides many trays at one time which allows to have spare time until next operator activity is needed. In other words, it acts as a buffer for value document trays. By using a device with trays in at least two provisioning layers, the buffer effect is even larger. In addition, it provides several value document trays to a robot, that are accessible at the same time, combined with a minimum of space required.

[0013] The arrangement of several value document trays in one or more provisioning layers allows to configure the trays with different “tasks”, e.g. “empty tray to be filled” or “filled tray to be emptied”). Thus, the device is flexibly usable for different use cases, just by programming the arrangement for the required task and feeding the required empty or filled value document trays to the device.

[0014] The device enables an efficient processing flow for value documents and can be operated safely and ergonomically by an operator who inserts the value document trays into the device or removes the value document trays out of the device. In an example, the device may comprise a housing with automatically opening doors near a handling position at an operator side as will be explained in more detail below. As noted above, the device comprises a support structure which defines or accommodates one or more provisioning layers, wherein each provisioning layer may be equipped with a respective loading unit. The support structure may comprise a frame being configured to mount a transport mechanism, e.g., loading units, by means of which the value document trays may be moved within the one or more provisioning layers. On the first / second loading unit at least two value document trays are receivable next to each other, in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the respective loading unit. In particular, the first provisioning layer may represent a movement area where the first loading unit can move the first set of value document trays simultaneously, for example while the value document trays are arranged next to one another. The movement area may extend between the first access position, where the robot unit has simultaneous access to all value document trays of the first set of value document trays, and the first handling position, where an operator can have simultaneous access to all value document trays of the first set of value document trays. The value document trays of the first set of value document trays may be simultaneously moved between the first access position and the first handling position. During this movement, the value document trays of the first set of value document trays can be arranged on the first loading unit.

[0015] The support structure may comprise a rail system on which the first loading unit and thus the first set of value document trays may be moved within the first provisioning layer, i.e., between the first access position and the first handling position. The device may comprise a drive unit, e.g., a motor unit, which initiates the movement of the first loading unit and thus the first set of value document trays within the first provisioning layer. The movement of the first set of value document trays within the first provisioning layer may be a linear movement. The first loading unit may be a carriage, e.g., a sled-like carrier, onto which the value document trays of the first set of value document trays can be placed. The first loading unit may be movably attached at the support structure. For example, the first loading unit may linearly move with respect to the support structure such that the first loading unit and thus the trays placed thereon may be moved back and forth within the first provisioning layer between the first access position and the first handling position. In an example, the support structure may comprise a rail system on which the first loading unit can slide between the first access position and the first handling position.

[0016] It is noted that the support structure may comprise at least one further provisioning layer, e.g., a second provisioning layer as will be explained below. In an example, the support structure may comprise several provisioning layers, for example four or even more provisioning layers, wherein each provisioning layer may represent a movement area where a respective set of value document trays may be moved between a corresponding access position, where the robot unit has access to all value document trays of the respective set of value document trays, and a corresponding handling position, where the operator can have access to all value document trays of the respective set of value document trays. The different provisioning layers may be provided at different levels or heights within the device. In particular, the different provisioning layers may be arranged one above the other within the support structure of the device. In an example, the device may comprise four provisioning layers, each provisioning layer accommodating one respective loading unit and four trays such that 16 trays in total may be accommodated by the device.

[0017] The first access position may define a region or an area that is within a working range of the neighboring robot unit. In particular, a gripper of the robot unit may reach every point within said first access position such that the robot unit is able to grip value documents or stacks of value documents from trays present within the first access position. Therefore, if the device has moved the first set of value document trays to the first access position, all trays of this first set of value document trays may be located within the working range of the robot unit and may thus be reached by the gripper of the robot unit, such that the robot unit is able to remove the value documents from all value document trays within the first access position. The robot unit may selectively grip and / or remove value documents from one value document tray of the first set of value document trays but not necessarily from all value document trays of the first set of value document trays. In particular, if the first set of value document trays is located within the working range of the robot unit, the robot unit may, based on a selection, only grip value documents from one, two or more value document trays, but not necessarily from all of the value document trays.

[0018] The simultaneous arrangement of the first set of value document trays within the first access position allows each tray of the first set of value document trays to be emptied without changing the arrangement of any of the value document trays of said first set of value document trays. In other words, the robot unit has no idle time and can subsequently empty all value document trays of the first set of value document trays. Thus, no operator activity is required for feeding new trays. If all value document trays of the first set of value document trays have been emptied, the value document trays of first set of value document trays may be moved simultaneously to the first handling position, where they can be refilled or removed and exchanged with filled trays. In the meantime, a second set of value document trays may have been positioned at a second access position such that the robot unit can continue removing value documents from the second set of value document trays located in the second access position. The positioning of the different sets of value document trays may be carried out by the respective loading units. The movements of the loading units may be individually controlled. The movement control of the sets of value document trays in the different provisioning layers may be carried out by a control unit as will be explained in more detail below. All value document trays of the first set of value document trays may be oriented in the same direction when being positioned in the first access position, when being positioned in the first handling position, and / or when being moved between the first access position and the first handling position. The value documents trays may be part of the inventive device or may be provided separately. In particular, other containers or boxes similar to the first set of value document trays may be received by the first loading unit to be transported between the first access and handling position.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first handling position is representative for a position of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer in which each value document tray of the first set of value document trays is accessible by an operator of the device.

[0020] The first handling position may define a region or an area that is within an allowable working range of the operator. In particular, the operator may reach into said first handling position such that the operator is able to access the value document trays present within the first handling position. Therefore, if the device has moved the first set of value document trays to the first handling position, all trays of this first set of value document trays may be located within the working range of the operator and may thus be reached by the hands of the operator, allowing the operator to remove all value document trays present within the first handling position from the device, and / or to insert new value document trays into the device, i.e., placing them at the first handling position. It is noted that the operator may be a human or another robot unit.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first loading unit is configured to position at least one value document tray of the first set of value document trays so as to allow the robot unit to fill value documents into said at least one value document tray when the first set of value document trays in the first access position. This means that the arrangement of the value document trays of the first set of value document trays may be adjusted to allow a removal of value documents from all value document trays of the first set of value document trays, except the at least one value document tray of the first set of value document trays which is to be filled with value documents. In other words, the device, in particular the first loading unit, may be configured to carry the at least one filled value document tray of the first set of value document trays from the first access position to the first handling position where the at least one value document tray of the first set of value document trays may be emptied by the operator. For example, said at least one value document tray may transport rejected value documents to the first handling position which were output, e.g., rejected, by a value document processing device.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the first loading unit is configured to simultaneously move each value document tray of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer between the first access position and the first handling position.

[0023] The first loading unit may comprise a rigid frame-like structure on which all value document trays of the first set of value document trays are positioned. This allows the simultaneous movement of all value document trays of the first set of value document trays within the first provisioning layer.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the first loading unit comprises a plurality of separate receiving areas, each of the plurality of receiving areas being configured to receive a respective one of the value document trays of the first set of value document trays.

[0025] The receiving areas may be separated by a separation element, like for instance a wall or a frame-like element, which allows the value document trays to be securely received within their respective receiving areas. The separation elements may provide lateral stability to the value document trays such that an undesired sideward movement of trays is prevented when the trays are moved between the first access position and the first handling position. Additional features like hooks, recesses or protrusions may be formed on the first loading unit such that an undesired forward or backward movement of trays is prevented when the trays are moved between the first access position and the first handling position.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the first loading unit is configured to allow the movement of the first set of value document trays along a first movement direction such that, during the movement, the first set of value document trays are arranged next to each other along a first transverse direction perpendicular to the first movement direction.

[0027] The first movement direction may define the movement direction of the first loading unit and / or first set of value document trays when the first loading unit and / or first set of value document trays is moved from the first handling position to the first access position, or vice versa. During the movement of the first loading unit and thus the first set of value document trays along the first movement direction each of the trays may be positioned next to each other and all trays may be equally oriented. In this manner, all trays reach the first access position or the first handling position at the same time and / or in the same orientation.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the support structure is configured to accommodate a second provisioning layer with a second loading unit, wherein the second loading unit is movable relative to the support structure within the second provisioning layer and is configured to receive a second set of value document trays, wherein the second loading unit is configured to allow a movement of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer between a second access position and a second handling position, wherein the second access position is representative for a position of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer in which each value document tray of the second set of value document trays is accessible by the robot unit, thereby allowing the robot unit to remove the value documents from each value document tray of the second set of value document trays, wherein the second loading unit is preferably configured to simultaneously move each value document tray of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer between the second access position and the second handling position.

[0029] In other words, the support structure may at least provide two provisioning layers, wherein in each of the two provisioning layers respective sets of value documents trays can be moved in the same manner. Thus, all features and characteristics described with respect to the first provisioning layer, the first loading unit, the first set of value documents, the first access position and the first handling position may equally apply to the second provisioning layer, the second loading unit, the second set of value documents, the second access position and the second handling position, respectively.

[0030] It is possible that the first loading unit may be moved independently of the second loading unit. However, the movement of the second loading unit in the second provisioning layer may be parallel or antiparallel to the movement of the first loading unit in the first provisioning layer. Accordingly, it is possible that the first set of value documents trays may be moved independently of the second set of value document trays and that the movement of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer may be parallel or antiparallel to the movement of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer. The support structure may be designed to accommodate the provisioning layers such that the second provisioning layer is arranged above the first provisioning layer within the device. However, it may be possible that the second provisioning layer is arranged besides the first provisioning layer within the device. Such an arrangement allows the different provisioning layers to be alternately served by the robot unit. The second loading unit may be a carriage, e.g., a sled-like carrier, onto which the value document trays of the second set of value document trays can be placed. The second loading unit may be movably attached at the support structure. For example, the second loading unit may linearly move with respect to the support structure such that the second loading unit and thus the trays placed thereon may be moved back and forth within the second provisioning layer between the second access position and the second handling position. In an example, the support structure may comprise a rail system on which the second loading unit can slide between the second access position and the second handling position.

[0031] The robot unit may selectively grip and / or remove value documents from one value document tray of the second set of value document trays but not necessarily from all value document trays of the second set of value document trays. In particular, if the second set of value document trays is located within the working range of the robot unit, the robot unit may, based on a selection, only grip value documents from one, two or more value document trays, but not necessarily from all of the value document trays. According to an embodiment, the second handling position is representative for a position of the second provisioning layer in which each value document tray of the second set of value document trays is accessible by an operator of the device.

[0032] The second handling position may define a region or an area that is within an allowable working range of the operator. In particular, the operator may reach into said second handling position such that the operator is able to access value document trays present within the second handling position. Therefore, if the device has moved the second set of value document trays to the second handling position, all trays of this second set of value document trays may be located within the working range of the operator and may thus be reached by the hands of the operator, allowing the operator to remove all value document trays present within the second handling position from the device, and / or to insert new value document trays into the device, i.e., placing them at the second handling position.

[0033] It is possible that the device is configured to control the movement of the first and second sets of value document trays such that, if the second set of value document trays is located in the second handling position, the first set of value document trays may be located at the first access position or at a first intermediate position. In other words, the first set of value document trays and the second set of value document trays may be moved independently from each other. This may be achieved by a corresponding movement of the first loading unit with respect to the second loading unit.

[0034] As indicated above, the second loading unit may be particularly configured to simultaneously move each value document tray of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer between the second access position and the second handling position.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a control unit which is configured to control the movement of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer and the movement of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer such that, when the second set of value document trays is in the second access position, the first set of value document trays is moved away from the first access position, in particular such that, when the second set of value document trays is in the second access position, the first set of value document trays is located at the first handling position or at an first intermediate position being located between the first access position and the first handling position, or between the first handling position and the first intermediate position.

[0036] This means that the control unit may control a drive unit, e.g., a motor, in order to move the loading units and thus the sets of value documents within their respective layers. In an example, the control unit may be configured to control the movement of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer and the movement of the second set of value document trays in the second provisioning layer such that, when the second set of value document trays is in the second access position, the first set of value document trays is located at the first handling position. This allows the operator to remove the first set of value document trays from the device and / or to insert a new first set of value document trays into the device at second handling position while the second set of value document trays gets emptied by the robot unit at the second access position.

[0037] In an example, the control unit is configured to control the movement of the first loading unit in the first provisioning layer and the movement of the second loading unit in the second provisioning layer such that, when the second loading unit is in the second access position, the first loading unit is moved away from the first access position.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to stop the movement of the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer at an intermediate position that is located between the first access position and the first handling position, wherein the control unit configured to maintain the first set of value document trays at the intermediate position when the second set of value document trays is in the second access position.

[0039] This allows the first set of value document trays to be hold in a park position, i.e., the intermediate position, such that the first set of value document trays can be immediately forwarded to the first access position as soon as the robot unit has emptied or filled the second set of value document trays at the second access position. As soon as the trays of the second set of value document trays have been emptied or filled, they are removed from the second access position and the first set of value document trays may be delivered to the first access position, which allows the robot unit to immediately continue its operation on the first set of value document trays. This further reduces idle times for the robot unit and makes the process flow even more efficient.

[0040] In an example, the control unit is configured to stop the movement of the first loading unit in the first provisioning layer at the intermediate position and is further configured to maintain the first loading unit at the intermediate position when the second loading unit is in the second access position.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a housing unit having a door mechanism adjacent the first handling position, wherein the door mechanism is configured switch between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein, in the opened configuration, an access by an operator to the first handling position is enabled, and wherein, in the closed configuration, an access by an operator to the first handling position is prevented.

[0042] The door mechanism may actuate a first door which opens an access to the first handling position such that the operator can remove the first set of value document trays from the device when the first set of value document trays is located at the first handling position. The first door may remain opened until the operator has inserted and placed a new first set of value document trays at the first handling position.

[0043] Analogously, the door mechanism may actuate a second door which opens an access to the second handling space such that the operator can remove the second set of value document trays from the device when the second set of value document trays is located at the second handling position. The second door may remain opened until the operator has inserted and placed a new second set of value document trays at the second handling position. According to an embodiment, the door mechanism is configured to maintain the closed configuration when the first set of value document trays is moved away from the first handling position, wherein the door mechanism is configured to maintain the opened configuration when the first set of value document trays is in the first handling position.

[0044] In particular, the door mechanism may also be controlled by the control unit of the device. The control of the door mechanism may be performed, e.g., by controlling an opening or closing of a respective door, such that an access to a respective handling position is only enabled when trays are present in the respective handling position, i.e. when they are standing still in the handling position. Otherwise, access to the handling position may be blocked by the respective door. Thereby, the risk of injury for the operating person arising from moving value document trays is kept low.

[0045] In particular, the control of the door mechanism may be performed such that the doors open not before the value document trays, that should be removed by the operating person, have arrived in the handling position. In addition or alternatively, the control of the device or of the respective loading unit of the device may be performed such that the value document trays inserted in the device by the operating person at the handling position, do not start to move from the handling position towards the access position before the respective door is closed.

[0046] The housing may enclose the complete device such that the operator is prevented from inadvertently accessing parts of the device. This provides an improved safety to operators when working with the device.

[0047] In an example, the door mechanism is configured to maintain the closed configuration when the first loading unit is moved away from the first handling position, wherein the door mechanism is configured to maintain the opened configuration when the first loading unit is in the first handling position. According to an aspect, an arrangement is provided that comprises the inventive device, as described herein, and a robot unit. The robot unit is configured to remove value documents from one or more of the value document trays of the first set of value document trays when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position and to bring the removed value documents to another place inside or outside of the device and / or the robot unit is configured to bring value documents from another place inside or outside of the device and to insert these value documents into one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position.

[0048] In particular, the robot unit can transport the value documents from another device or compartment to the inventive device and / or the robot unit can transport the value documents from the inventive device to another device or compartment.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the arrangement further comprises a value document processing device, for example a banknote processing device, which is configured to process, in particular check, value documents, e.g., banknotes, received within a value document input compartment of the value document processing device, and to transport the processed, in particular checked, value documents to at least one output compartment of the value document processing device. The robot unit (the above described robot unit) is configured to remove the value documents from one or more or from each value document tray (filled or partly filled with value documents) of the first set of value document trays when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position of the device. The robot unit may be configured to provide the removed value documents to the value document input compartment of the value document processing device (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device). In an example, the robot unit may be configured to directly insert the value documents removed from one or more of the value document trays into the input compartment of the value document processing device. In another example, the robot unit may be configured to indirectly insert the value documents removed from the value document tray into the input compartment of the value document processing device, e.g., after an intermediate stop in an optional first intermediate station, in order to align and / or collect the value documents removed (by the robot unit) from the value document tray in the first intermediate station and then remove the aligned and / or collected value documents from the first intermediate station and insert them into the input compartment of the value document processing device (by the robot unit).

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, the robot unit may be configured to remove value documents processed by the value document processing device from one or more of several output compartments, in particular from a reject compartment or from an output stacker, of the value document processing device (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device), and to insert the processed / checked value documents into one or more (empty or partly filled) value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position. In an example, the robot unit may be configured to directly insert the value documents removed from the one or more output compartments into one or more of the value document trays. In another example, the robot unit may be configured to indirectly insert the value documents removed from the one or more output compartments into one or more of the value document trays, e.g., after an intermediate stop in an optional first intermediate station, in order to align and / or collect the value documents removed (by the robot unit) from the one or more output compartments in the first intermediate station and then remove the aligned and / or collected value documents from the first intermediate station and insert them into one of the value document trays (by the robot unit).

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the robot unit may be configured to provide the value documents removed from one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position, to a value document input compartment of an additional value document processing device provided in the working range of the robot, e.g. provided next to the value document processing device mentioned above (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device).

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the robot unit may be configured to remove value documents processed by an additional value document processing device from one or more of several output compartments, in particular from a reject compartment or from an output stacker, of the additional value document processing device (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device), and to insert the value documents, processed / checked by the additional value document processing device, into one or more (empty or partly filled) value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the robot unit is configured to remove value documents from one or more of the value document trays of the first set of value document trays when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position and to provide the removed value documents to the value document input compartment of the value document processing device, wherein the arrangement also comprises a further inventive device, as described herein, and a second robot unit which is configured to remove the value documents processed by the value document processing device from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device, and to insert the processed value documents into one or more value document trays received in the further device, in particular into one or more value document trays of a further first set of value document trays, when the further first set of value document trays of the further device is in a first access position of a further first loading unit of the further device. In other words, one or more additional inventive devices may be part of the inventive arrangement. One or more further robot units can interact with these additional inventive devices and / or the value document processing device.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the robot unit is configured to remove the value documents from one or more or from each value document tray (filled or partly filled with value documents) of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position of the device, and to provide the removed value documents

[0055] - to one or more other value document trays of the first provisioning layer of the device (to a “tray to be filled”) (as an example for the above mentioned another place inside of the device), or

[0056] - to one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device).

[0057] Additionally or alternatively, the robot unit may be configured to remove value documents from one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit (as an example for the above mentioned another place outside of the device), and to insert the removed value documents into one or more (empty or partly filled) value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position.

[0058] The other value document container that is arranged within the working range of the robot unit, to which the value documents removed from the first set of value document trays are provided or from which the value documents are removed, may be a value document tray that is received in a further one of the inventive devices described herein. The access position of a first set of trays of the further device is located within a working range of the robot unit and the respective value document tray is located in the access position of a provisioning layer of the further device.

[0059] According to an aspect, a method is provided for moving value documents using a device, in particular the inventive device as described herein, and a robot unit.

[0060] The method may comprise providing a first set of value document trays, wherein each value document tray of the first set of value document trays is configured to receive a plurality of value documents.

[0061] The method may further comprise receiving the first set of value document trays in a first handling position of a first provisioning layer, the provisioning layer being accommodated by a support structure.

[0062] The method may further comprise moving the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer from the first handling position to a first access position within a working range of the robot unit.

[0063] A step of the method comprises removing value documents from one or more value document trays of a first set of value document trays using the robot unit, when the first set of value document trays is in a first access position within the device and bringing the removed value documents to another place inside or outside of the device using the robot unit, in particular to a value document input compartment of a value document processing device configured to process value documents, or to one or more other value document trays of the first provisioning layer, or to one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit.

[0064] An additional or alternative step of the method comprises bringing value documents from another place inside or outside of the device using the robot unit and inserting these value documents into one or more value document trays of a first set of value document trays using the robot unit, when the first set of value document trays is in a first access position.

[0065] The step of bringing the value documents from the other place inside or outside of the device by the robot unit in particular includes the steps of

[0066] - removing, by the robot unit, value documents processed by a / the value document processing device from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device, and inserting, by the robot unit, the processed value documents into one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position, or

[0067] - removing, by the robot unit, value documents from one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit, and inserting, by the robot unit, the removed value documents into one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position.

[0068] According to an example, a first method for providing value document trays to a robot unit is provided. In a step of the method, a robot unit and a first set of value document trays is provided, wherein each value document tray of the first set of value document trays is configured to receive a plurality of value documents. In another step, the first set of value document trays is received in a first handling position of a first provisioning layer, the provisioning layer being accommodated by a support structure. In another step, the first set of value document trays is moved in the first provisioning layer from the first handling position to a first access position within a working range of the robot unit, wherein the first set of value document trays may be stopped and positioned at the first access position. In another step, after the first set of value document trays has been moved to the first access position, the robot unit removes the value documents from one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays and provides the removed value documents

[0069] - to a value document input compartment of a value document processing device configured to process value documents or

[0070] - to one or more other value document trays of the first provisioning layer (being in its access position), or

[0071] - to one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit.

[0072] In the first method, the robot unit may remove the value documents from at least two value document trays of the first set of value document trays consecutively one after another while the first set of value document trays is in the first access position (i.e. without moving the first set of value documents).

[0073] In the first method, value document containers of the first set of value document trays, that are provided by device, are fully or partly filled with value documents and the robot unit removes value documents from value document trays provided by the device.

[0074] According to an example, a second method for providing value document trays to a robot unit is provided, comprising the following steps: providing a robot unit; providing a first set of value document trays, wherein each value document tray of the first set of value document trays is configured to receive a plurality of value documents; receiving the first set of value document trays (e.g. provided by an operating person) in a first handling position of a first provisioning layer, the provisioning layer being accommodated by a support structure; moving the first set of value document trays in the first provisioning layer from the first handling position to a first access position within a working range of the robot unit; optionally the robot unit may remove value documents from the value document trays being in the first access position, in particular to empty the value document trays if not yet empty; and removing, by the robot unit, value documents processed by the value document processing device from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device, and inserting, by the robot unit, the processed value documents into one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position, or removing, by the robot unit, value documents from one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit, and inserting, by the robot unit, the removed value documents into one or more value document trays of the first set of value document trays, when the first set of value document trays is in the first access position.

[0075] In the second method, the robot unit may insert the value documents in at least two value document trays of the first set of value document trays consecutively one after another while the first set of value document trays is in the first access position (i.e. without moving the first set of value documents).

[0076] In the second method, value document containers of the first set of value document trays, provided by device to the robot, are empty or partly filled and the robot unit fills value documents into the value document trays provided by the device.

[0077] The method steps may be performed in the indicated order.

[0078] Brief description of the drawings The present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

[0079] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for providing value document trays to a robot unit.

[0080] Fig. 2 shows a top view of an arrangement comprising the device of Fig. 1.

[0081] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a support structure of the device of Fig. 1.

[0082] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement of Fig. 2 with a value document tray in an access position.

[0083] Fig. 5 shows the arrangement of Fig. 2 with a value document tray in an offset position.

[0084] Fig. 6 shows the arrangement of Fig. 2 with a value document tray in a handling position.

[0085] Fig. 7 shows the arrangement of Fig. 2 with a value document tray in an intermediate position.

[0086] Fig. 8 shows a door mechanism of the device of Fig. 1.

[0087] Fig. 9 shows the device of Fig. 1 with a first door in an opened configuration and a second door in a closed configuration.

[0088] Fig. 10 shows an arrangement comprising the device of Fig. 1 and a further device. Fig. 11 shows a flow diagram of a method for moving value documents using a robot unit.

[0089] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0090] The representations and illustrations in the drawings may be schematic and not to scale. A better understanding of the device, the arrangement and the method described above may be obtained through a review of the shown illustrations together with a review of the detailed description that follows. Throughout the Figures, same reference numerals denote the same or at least similar elements.

[0091] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for providing value document trays 11, 21 to a robot unit 3. The device 1 comprises a support structure 30 which accommodates a first or lower provisioning layer 31 and a second or upper provisioning layer 32.

[0092] The support structure 30 supports a first loading unit 33, for example a carriage or sledlike carrier, on which a first set 10 of value document trays 11 can be received and which is movable relative to the support structure 30 within the first provisioning layer 31. In particular, the first set 10 of value document trays 11 can be moved within the first provisioning layer 31 between a first access position 12 and a first handling position 13. For a better illustration, Fig. 1 only shows one value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value documents trays 11. However, it should be understood that the first set 10 of value documents trays 11 may include multiple value document trays 11 being arranged next to one another as can be seen in Fig. 2. The entire first set 10 of value document trays 11 may be simultaneously moved in the first provisioning layer 31 between the first access position 12 and the first handling position 13.

[0093] When the first set 10 of value documents trays 11 is in the first access position 12, a robot unit 3 which is arranged adjacent the device 1 can access each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11, thereby allowing the robot unit 3 to remove the value documents from each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11, or to fill value documents into at least one value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11. For example, the robot unit 3 may grip value documents from any of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 and insert them into a neighboring value document processing device 2 which is only partially indicated in Fig. 1. However, the robot unit 3 may also grip value documents from an output compartment of the value document processing device 2, for example a reject compartment of the value document processing device 2, and may subsequently insert the rejected value documents into one or more of the trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11.

[0094] When the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in the first handling position 13, each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 may be accessible by an operator 50 of the device 1 such that the operator 50 is able remove each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 from the device 1 and / or to insert a new first set 10 of value document trays 11, each containing value documents to be processed by the value document processing device 2, into the device 1. It is noted that, in the first handling position 13, the operator 50 may also remove one or more filled (reject) value document trays 11 from the device 1 in case the robot unit 3 has filled rejected value documents into the trays 11 at the first access position 13.

[0095] The support structure 30 further supports a second loading unit 34, for example a carriage or sled-like carrier, on which a second set 20 of value document trays 21 is received and which is movable relative to the support structure 30 within the second provisioning layer 32. In particular, the second set 20 of value document trays 21 can be moved within the second provisioning layer 32 between a second access position 22 and a second handling position 23. For a better illustration, Fig. 1 only shows one value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value documents trays 21. However, it should be understood that the second set 20 of value documents trays 21 may include multiple value document trays 21 being arranged next to one another as can be seen in Fig. 2. The entire second set 20 of value document trays 21 may be simultaneously moved in the second provisioning layer 32 between the second access position 22 and the second handling position 23.

[0096] When the second set 20 of value documents trays 21 is in the second access position 22 the robot unit 3 can access each value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21, thereby allowing the robot unit 3 to remove the value documents from each value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21, or to fill value documents into each value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21. For example, the robot unit 3 may grip value documents from any of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 and insert them into the neighboring value document processing device 2. However, the robot unit 3 may also grip value documents from an output compartment of the value document processing device 2, for example a reject compartment of the value document processing device 2, and may subsequently insert the rejected value documents into one or more of the trays 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21.

[0097] When the second set 20 of value document trays 21 is in the second handling position 23, each value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 may be accessible by the operator 50 of the device 1 such that the operator 50 is able remove each value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 from the device 1 and / or to insert a new second set 20 of value document trays 21, each containing value documents to be processed by the value document processing device 2, into the device 1. It is noted that, in the second handling position 23, the operator 50 may also remove one or more filled (reject) value document trays 21 from the device 1 in case the robot unit 3 has filled rejected value documents into the trays 21 at the second access position 23.

[0098] In an example, the first set 10 of value document trays 11 may comprise four value document trays 11 arranged next to one another. Accordingly, the second set 20 of value document trays 21 may comprise four value document trays 11 arranged next to one another. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the second loading unit 34 provides four separate receiving areas 21a, 21b, 21c, 2 Id, wherein each of the four receiving areas 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d is configured to receive a respective one of the value document trays 21 of the first set 20 of value document trays 21. The first loading unit 33 may be configured in the same way as can be derived from Fig. 2.

[0099] The device 1 may further include a housing unit 70 which may comprise a frame-like structure with walls and a door mechanism (cf. Figures 8 and 9 below). In addition, the device 1 may include a control unit 60 which is communicatively coupled to the device

[0100] I and is configured to control the movement of the first loading unit 33 and thus the first set 10 of value document trays 11 within the first provisioning layer 31 as well as the movement of the second loading unit 34 and thus the second set 20 of value document trays 21 within the second provisioning layer 32.

[0101] Fig. 2 shows a top view of an arrangement 100 comprising the device 1 of Fig. 1. The arrangement 100 further comprises the robot unit 3 and the value document processing device 2 as already described with respect to Fig. 1. The value document processing device 2 is configured to feed single value documents received within a value document input compartment 201, to identify them and to sort them by transporting them to different output compartments. In the configuration shown in Fig. 2, the second set 20 of value document trays 21 is located at the second access position 22 (indicated by the dashed rectangular line on the lefthand side) and the first set 10 of value document trays

[0102] I I is located at the first handling position 13 (indicated by the dashed rectangular line on the righthand side). The robot unit 3 is thus able to reach all value documents 5 received within any of the second set 20 of value document trays 21, and to remove the value documents 5 from any value document tray 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21. It is noted that in this top view of Fig. 2, the first access position 12 is covered by the trays 21 in the second access position 22 since the second access position 22 lies above the first access position 12 (cf. again Fig. 1 showing the second provisioning layer 32 being arranged above the first provisioning layer 31). Since the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is located at the first handling position 13, the operator 50 is able to reach any of the value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in order to remove the value document trays 11 from the first provisioning layer 31 and / or to insert new value document trays 11 into the first provisioning layer 31. It is noted that in this top view of Fig. 2, the first handling position 13 lies below the second handling position 23, however the first set 10 of trays 11 can be recognized since the trays 21 of the second set 20 of trays 21 are currently in the second access position 22 and thus do not cover the first handling position 13 (cf. again Fig. 1 showing the second provisioning layer 32 being arranged above the first provisioning layer 31). For illustrational purposes, Fig. 2 exemplarily shows only one portion of each value document tray 11, 21 of the first and second sets 10, 20 of value document trays 11, 21 as being filled with value documents 5.

[0103] Fig. 2 also shows the receiving areas 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d provided by the second loading unit 34 (cf. also Fig. 1), wherein the receiving areas 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d are separated by a frame-like or rod-like structure. Each of the receiving areas 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d may receive a respective one of the value document trays 21 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21. In the same manner, receiving areas I la, 11b, 11c, l id may be provided by the first loading unit 33 (cf. also Fig. 1), wherein the receiving areas I la, 11b, 11c, l id are separated by a frame-like or rod-like structure. Each of the receiving areas I la, 11b, 11c, l id may receive a respective one of the value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11. The support structure 30 is configured to allow a movement 35 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 between the first access position 12 and the first handling position 13. This movement 35 may be a linear movement 35 as indicated by arrows in Fig. 2. The support structure 30 may also be configured to allow a movement 36 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 in the second provisioning layer 32 between the second access position 22 and the second handling position 23. This movement 36 may also be a linear movement 36 as indicated by arrows in Fig. 2.

[0104] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a support structure 30 of the device 1 of Fig. 1. As can be seen, the support structure 30 may comprise a rail system having rails 37 on which the first set 10 of value document trays 11 may be moved within the first provisioning layer 31, i.e., between the first access position 12 and the first handling position 13 (cf. also Figs. 1 and 2). The support structure 30 may further comprise a rail system having rails 38 on which the second set 20 of value document trays 21 may be moved within the second provisioning layer 32, i.e., between the second access position 22 and the second handling position 23 (cf. also Figs. 1 and 2). The housing unit 70 which may enclose the device 1 may be arranged on a wheel system as shown in Fig. 3 such that the entire device 1 can be moved within a value document processing environment.

[0105] As can be derived from Figs. 1 to 3, the arrangement of the first provisioning layer 31 and the second provisioning layer 32 enables an alternating processing of trays 11 at the first access position 12 and trays 21 at the second access position 22 by the robot unit 3, i.e., at different levels. For example, while a robot gripper of the robot unit 3 accesses the value document trays 21 of the second provisioning layer 32, i.e., the trays 21 in the second access position 22 being located within the working range of the robot gripper, the trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 can be moved to the first handling position 13 in which the operator 50 removes value document trays 11 from the first provisioning layer 31 and places other (filled) value document trays 11 into the first provisioning layer 31 of the device 1 at the first handling position 13. The new trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 can then be moved towards the first access position 12 and thus into the working range of the robot gripper. After the robot gripper has finished its operation on the value document trays 21 located within the second provisioning layer 32, it continues its operation with the new value document trays 11 just arrived at the first access position 11.

[0106] Figures 4 to 7 show the arrangement 100 of Fig. 2 with different positions of one value document tray 11, 21 (indicated by a thick solid line) of the first set 10 or the second set 20 of value document trays 11, 21 within the first provisioning layer 31 or second provisioning layer 32 of the device 1. In other words, the exemplary value document tray 11, 21 can be either a value document tray 11 of the first set 10 or a value document tray 21 of the second set 20, and Figures 4 to 7 are meant to explain into which specified positions the value document trays 11, 21 can be brought within the device 1. It is thus understood that the following considerations regarding Figures 4 to 7 may equally apply to both the value document trays 11 of the first set 10 and the value document trays 21 of the second set 20. In Figures 4 to 7 the value documents contained in filled trays are not shown

[0107] Fig. 4 shows the arrangement 100 of Fig. 2 with the (filled or empty) value document tray 11, 21 being located in the access position 12, 22. The respective loading unit 33, 34 may thus be arranged at the access position 12, 22 which allows the robot unit 3 to empty or fill the tray 11, 21.

[0108] A first sensor unit may be arranged at the access position 12, 22 to detect the arrival or presence of a tray 11, 21 at the access position 12, 22. The sensor information may then be used to control the operation of the robot unit 3. Fig. 5 shows the exemplary (filled or empty) value document tray 11, 21 in an offset position which is slightly shifted towards the handling position 13, 23, but this offset position may still be considered as being part of the access position 13, 22 such that the robot unit 3 can still access the tray 11, 21 in the offset position. The offset position may be due to the arrangement of the robot unit 3 with respect to the device 1, meaning that there may be shift of the tray 11, 21 of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm towards the handling position 13, 23 for improving the access situation of the robot unit 3 with respect to the tray 11, 21 that is located nearest to the robot unit 3, , especially in order to enlarge the distance of the closest portion of the tray (located at the side of the robot unit 3 in the tray 11) to the robot.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows the exemplary value document tray 11, 21 in the handling position 13, 23. The respective loading unit 33, 34 may thus be arranged at the handling position 13, 23 which allows the operator 50 (cf. Fig. 2) to remove the (empty or filled) tray 11, 21 and / or to insert a new (empty or filled) tray 11, 21.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows the arrangement 100 of Fig. 2 with the (empty or filled) value document tray 11, 21 in an intermediate position 14, 24. For example, the value document trays 11 of the first set 10 may be stopped at a first intermediate position 14 and the value document trays 21 of the second set 20 may be stopped at a second intermediate position 24. In an example, the control unit 60 (cf. Fig. 1) may be configured to stop the movement 35 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 at the first intermediate position 14 that is located between the first access position 12 and the first handling position 13. Accordingly, the control unit 60 may be configured to stop the movement 36 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 in the second provisioning layer 32 at the second intermediate position 24 that is located between the second access position 22 and the second handling position 23. The intermediate positions 14, 24 may herein also be referred to as park positions. Fig. 8 shows a door mechanism 73 of the device 1 of Fig. 1. As explained above, the device 1 comprises a housing unit 70 to which the door mechanism 73 may be mounted in the vicinity of the first and second handling positions 13, 23. The door mechanism 73 is configured switch between an opened configuration and a closed configuration 75. For example, Fig. 8 shows a configuration in which a first door 71 is currently switching from the closed configuration to an opened configuration while a second door 72 is in the closed configuration 75. In this situation, it is not possible for the operator 50 (cf. Figs. 1 and 2) to access the inside of the housing 70. The door mechanism 73 may be configured as a garage door mechanism. In an alternative example, curtains may be provided to open or close the handling positions 13, 23.

[0111] A second sensor unit may be installed near the of the doors 71, 72 in order to detect the presence of trays at the handling positions 13, 23. The doors 71, 72 may be controlled using the information gathered by the second sensor unit. The second sensor unit may also supervise the current configuration of each of the doors 71, 72, i.e., whether they are opened or closed. In this manner, the door mechanism 73 may be controlled automatically using the information from the second sensor unit.

[0112] Additional limiters 77, 78 in the form of bars or rods may be integrated into the housing 70. These limiters 77, 78 may limit the access of the operator 50 into the device 1 which increases safety during the operation of the device 1. In addition, the limiters 77, 78 may facilitate the removal of trays 11, 21 from or facilitate the introduction of trays 11, 21 into the handling positions 13, 23 for an operator.

[0113] Fig. 9 shows the device 1 of Fig. 1 with the first door 71 in the opened configuration 74 and the second door 72 in the closed configuration 75. In this situation, the operator 50 (cf. Figs. 1 and 2) can access or reach into the first handling position 13 to remove the trays 11 from the device 1 or to insert new trays 11 into the device 1 in the first handling position 13. However, the operator 50 is prevented from accessing or reaching into the second handling position 23 since the corresponding second door 72 is closed. This may enhance the safety for the operator 50 working with the device 50 as the operator 50 can only access the handling positions 13, 23 when the respective trays 11, 21 are present at the handling positions 13, 23.

[0114] Fig. 8 further shows control elements 61, 62 corresponding to the provisioning layers 31, 32, respectively. The first control element 61, for example a first button, may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 60 (cf. Fig. 1) to initiate the movement 35 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 towards the first access position 12, which may also encompass switching the first door 71 into the closed configuration before moving the trays 11 away. The second control element 62, for example a second button, may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 60 (cf. Fig. 1) to initiate the movement 36 of the second set 20 of value document trays 21 towards the second access position 22, which may also encompass switching the second door 72 into the closed configuration before moving the trays 21 away.

[0115] Fig. 10 shows an arrangement 100 comprising the device 1 of Fig. 1 and a further device 1’. In particular, Fig. 10 shows a configuration of the arrangement of 100 of Fig. 2 in which a further (second) device 1’ and a second robot unit (3’) are present.

[0116] As described above, the robot unit 3 is configured to remove value documents 5 from one or more of the value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in the first access position 12 and to provide the removed value documents 5 to the value document input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2. In this example, the arrangement 100 further comprises the further device 1’, which may be a device having the same construction and features as the device 1. The arrangement 100 further comprises the second robot unit 3’ which is configured to remove the value documents 5 processed by the value document processing device 2 from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device 2, and to insert the processed value documents 5 into one or more value document trays 11 ’ received in the further device 1’, in particular into one or more value document trays 11’ of a further first set 10’ of value document trays, when the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’ of the further device 1’ is in a first access position 12’ of a further first loading unit 33’ of the further device 1’.

[0117] In an example, the robot unit 3 may be configured to directly insert the value documents 5 removed from the value document tray 11 into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2. In another example, the robot unit 3 may also be configured to indirectly insert the value documents 5 removed from the value document tray 11 into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2, e.g., after an intermediate stop in a first intermediate station 4, wherein the value documents 5, removed from the value document tray 11 by the robot unit 3, are aligned and / or collected by means of the first intermediate station 4, and then the robot unit 3 removes the aligned and / or collected value documents 5 from the first intermediate station 4 and inserts them into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2.

[0118] In another embodiment the indirect inserting (of the value documents 5 removed from the value document tray 11 into the input compartment 201) via the intermediate station 4 can also be conducted without providing the further device 1 ’ and without providing the second robot unit 3’, e.g. in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 2 using the intermediate station 4 for aligning and / or collecting the value documents removed from the value document tray 11 and transport them to and from the intermediate station 4 by the robot unit 3 as described above.

[0119] Additionally or alternatively, the robot unit 3 may be configured to remove value documents 5 processed by the value document processing device 2 from one or more of several output compartments, in particular from a reject compartment or from an output stacker, of the value document processing device 2, and to insert the processed / checked value documents 5 into one or more (empty or partly filled) value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11, when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in the first access position 12.

[0120] In an example, the robot unit 3 may be configured to directly insert the value documents 5 removed from the one or more output compartments into one of the value document trays 11. In another example, the robot unit 3 may also be configured to indirectly insert the value documents 5 removed from the one or more output compartments into one of the value document trays 11, e.g., after an intermediate stop in the first intermediate station 4, wherein the value documents 5, removed from the one or more output compartments by the robot unit 3, are aligned and / or collected by means of the first intermediate station 4 and then the robot unit 3 removes the aligned and / or collected value documents 5 from the first intermediate station 4 and inserts them into one of the value document trays 11.

[0121] In another embodiment the indirect inserting (of the value documents 5 removed from the one or more output compartments into one of the value document trays 11) via the intermediate station 4 can also be conducted without providing the further device 1’ and without providing the second robot unit 3’, e.g. in connection with the embodiment of Fig. 2 using the intermediate station 4 for aligning and / or collecting the value documents removed from the one or more output compartments and transport them to and from the intermediate station 4 by the robot unit 3 as described above.

[0122] The second robot unit 3’ may work in the same or similar way as the (first) robot unit 3. In particular, the second robot unit 3’ may be configured to directly insert the value documents 5 removed from a value document tray 11’ of the further device 1 ’ into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2. In another example, the second robot unit 3’ may also be configured to indirectly insert the value documents 5 removed from a value document tray 11’ of the further device 1 ’ into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2, e.g., after an intermediate stop in a second intermediate station 4’, wherein the value documents 5, removed from the value document tray 11’ by the robot unit 3’, are aligned and / or collected by means of the second intermediate station 4’ and then the robot unit 3' removes the aligned and / or collected value documents 5 from the second intermediate station 4’ and inserts them into the input compartment 201 of the value document processing device 2.

[0123] Additionally or alternatively, the second robot unit 3’ may be configured to remove value documents 5 processed by the value document processing device 2 from one or more of several output compartments, in particular from a reject compartment or from an output stacker, of the value document processing device 2, and to insert the processed / checked value documents 5 into one or more (empty or partly filled) value document trays 11’ of the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’ in the further device 1’, when the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’ is in the first access position 12’ of the further device 1’.

[0124] In an example, the second robot unit 3’ may be configured to directly insert the value documents 5 removed from the one or more output compartments into one of the value document trays 11’ of the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’. In another example, the second robot unit 3’ may also be configured to indirectly insert the value documents 5 removed from the one or more output compartments into one of the value document trays 11’ of the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’, e.g., after an intermediate stop in the second intermediate station 4’, wherein the value documents 5, removed from the one or more output compartments by the robot unit 3’, are aligned and / or collected by means of the second intermediate station 4’ and then the robot unit 3' removes the aligned and / or collected value documents 5 from the second intermediate station 4’ and inserts them into one of the value document trays 11’ of the further first set 10’ of value document trays 11’. The arrangement of Fig. 10 can also be provided without the first intermediate station 4, i.e. only the second intermediate station 4’ for the further device 1’ is provided.

[0125] The (first) device 1 and the further device 1 ’ may be housed in a common housing. A separation element 6, for example a separation wall, may be arranged between the (first) device 1 and the further device 1 ’ .

[0126] Fig. 11 shows a flow diagram of a method for moving value documents 5 using a device, for example the device 1 as described above, and using a robot unit, for example the robot unit 3, as described above.

[0127] The method may comprise providing a first set 10 of value document trays 11, wherein each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is configured to receive a plurality of value documents 5.

[0128] The method may further comprise receiving the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in a first handling position 13 of a first provisioning layer 31, the first provisioning layer 31 being accommodated by a support structure 30.

[0129] The method may further comprise moving the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 from the first handling position 13 to a first access position 12 within a working range of the robot unit 3.

[0130] A step SI of the method comprises removing value documents 5 from one or more value document trays 11 of a first set 10 of value document trays 11 when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in a first access position 12 within the device 1, and a step S2 of the method comprises bringing the removed value documents 5 to another place inside or outside of the device 1 using the robot unit 3, in particular to a value document input compartment 201 of a value document processing device 2 configured to process value documents 5, or to one or more other value document trays 11 of the first provisioning layer 31, or to one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit 3.

[0131] An additional or alternative step S3 of the method comprises bringing value documents 5 from another place inside or outside of the device 1 and a step S4 of the method comprises inserting these value documents 5 into one or more value document trays 11 of a first set 10 of value document trays 11, when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in a first access position 12. The steps S3 and S4 may be carried out in addition to the steps SI and S2 or in the alternative to steps SI and S2.

[0132] The step S3 of bringing the value documents from the other place inside or outside of the device 1 by the robot unit 3 in particular includes the steps of:

[0133] - removing, by the robot unit 3, value documents 5 processed by a / the value document processing device 2 from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device 2, and inserting, by the robot unit 3, the processed value documents 5 into one or more value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11, when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in the first access position 12, or

[0134] - removing, by the robot unit 3, value documents 5 from one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit 3, and inserting, by the robot unit 3, the removed value documents 5 into one or more value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11, when the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is in the first access position 12. In an example, there may be a method for providing value document trays to a robot unit. The method may be carried out by the device 1 or the arrangement 100 as described with respect to Figures 1 to 9 above. A step of the method comprises providing a first set 10 of value document trays 11, wherein each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 is configured to receive a plurality of value documents 5. A step of the method comprises receiving the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in a first provisioning layer 31 accommodated by a support structure 30. A step of the method comprises moving the first set 10 of value document trays 11 in the first provisioning layer 31 from a first handling position 13 to a first access position 12. A step of the method comprises providing a robot unit 3 with an access to each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 after the first set 10 of value document trays 11 has been moved to the first access position 12, thereby allowing the robot unit 3 to remove the value documents 5 from each value document tray 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11.

[0135] The value documents 5 may be removed from the trays in 11 in stacked manner. That is, several value documents 5 may be simultaneously removed by the robot unit 3, for example as a value document stack.

[0136] In an example, the method may comprise further steps. For example, the robot unit 3 may remove stacks of value documents 5 from only some of the provided value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 and places the stacks of value documents 5 into the input compartment 201 of a value document processing device 2. Other trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 which are empty or only partially filled with value document stacks can be filled by the robot unit 3 when these trays 11 are located in the first access position 12. These empty or only partially filled trays 11 may be filled with value document stacks by the robot unit 3. In particular, the robot unit 3 may therefore grip rejected value documents 5, i.e., value documents 5 being collected in a reject compartment of the value document processing device 2 or value documents 5 from other devices like an alignment device for value document stacks, a collecting device or an accumulator for value documents 5. Afterwards, the robot unit 3 may place these value documents 5 into said other trays 11.

[0137] In another example, several value document trays 11 of the first set 10 of value document trays 11 with value documents 5 may be emptied by the robot unit 3 at the first access position 12 while one tray 11 will be filled with rejected value documents 5 by the robot unit 3 at the first access position 12.

[0138] For example, in the context of Figures 1 to 9, the first set 10 of trays 11 has four trays 11. In this case, three trays 11 (also referred to as filling trays) will be emptied by the robot unit 3 at the first access position 12 and as soon as the robot unit 3 has finished emptying said three trays 11, the robot unit 3 may continue with filling or partially filling the one remaining tray 11 (also referred to as reject tray) with rejected value documents 5.

[0139] Afterwards, the first set of trays 11, which now includes three empty trays 11 and one filled or partially filled tray 11 may be moved within the first provisioning layer 31 from the first access position 12 to the first handling position 13 so that the robot unit 3 may continue with the second set 20 of value document trays 21 that has, in the meantime, moved from the second handling position 23 or from the second intermediate position 24 to the second access position 22.

[0140] In the context of Figures 1 to 9, also the second set 20 of trays 21 has four trays 21. In this case, three trays 21 (again referred to as filling trays) will be emptied by the robot unit 3 at the second access position 22 and as soon as the robot unit 3 has finished emptying said three trays 21, the robot unit 3 may continue with filling or partially filling the one remaining tray 21 (again referred to as reject tray) with rejected value documents 5. Afterwards, the second set of trays 21, which now includes three empty trays 21 and one filled or partially filled tray 21 may be moved within the second provisioning layer 32 from the second access position 22 to the second handling position 23 so that the robot unit 3 may continue with a third set of value documents that has in the meantime been provided via a third provisioning layer to a third access position, or the robot unit 3 may continue again with the first set 10 of value document trays 11 that has in the meantime been provided via the first provisioning layer 31. This process may be performed in a repeated manner.

[0141] In yet another example, the robot unit 3 may remove the value documents 5 from value document trays 11, 21 and, instead of placing them into the value document processing device 2, the robot unit 5 may place the removed value documents 5 into one or more other value document trays in the working range of the robot unit 3, e.g. in a tray standing beside the robot or in a tray provided by a further one or the inventive devices 1’, e.g. standing close to the inventive device 1 and the robot unit 3. During the placement of the value documents 5 into the other value document trays, the robot unit 3 may sort the value documents 5 according to at least one of a value document type (denomination and / or currency), a value document orientation (one of the possible four orientations) or a value document state (e.g. fit, unfit, ATM-fit).

[0142] In yet another example, the robot unit 2 may remove value documents from an output compartment of a value document processing device or remove value documents from one more other value document trays in the working range of the robot unit 3 (e.g. from a tray standing beside the robot or from a tray provided by a further one or the inventive devices 1’) and place the removed documents in the value document trays 11 provided in the access position of the device 1. During the placement of the value documents 5 into the value document trays of the device, the robot unit 3 may sort the value documents 5 according to at least one of a value document type (denomination and / or currency), a value document orientation (one of the possible four orientations) or a value document state (e.g. fit, unfit, ATM-fit).

Claims

Claims1. A device (1) for providing value document trays (11, 21) to a robot unit (3), comprising: a support structure (30) configured to accommodate a first provisioning layer (31) with a first loading unit (33); wherein the first loading unit (33) is movable relative to the support structure (30) within the first provisioning layer (31) and is configured to receive a first set (10) of value document trays (11); wherein the first loading unit (33) is configured to allow a movement (35) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) between a first access position (12) and a first handling position (13); wherein the first access position (12) is representative for a position of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) in which each value document tray (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is accessible by a robot unit (3), thereby allowing the robot unit (3) to remove the value documents (5) from each value document tray (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first handling position (13) is representative for a position of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) in which each value document tray (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is accessible by an operator (50) of the device (1).

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first loading unit (33) is configured to position at least one value document tray (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) so as to allow the robot unit (3) to fill value documents (5) into said at least one valuedocument tray (11) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12).

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first loading unit (33) is configured to simultaneously move each value document tray (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) between the first access position (12) and the first handling position (13).

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first loading unit (33) comprises a plurality of separate receiving areas (I la, 1 lb, 11c, l id), each of the plurality of receiving areas (I la, 1 lb, 11c, l id) being configured to receive a respective one of the value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11).

6. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first loading unit (33) is configured to allow the movement (35) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) along a first movement direction such that, during the movement (35), the first set (10) of value document trays (11) are arranged next to each other along a first transverse direction perpendicular to the first movement direction.

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (30) is configured to accommodate a second provisioning layer (32) with a second loading unit (34); wherein the second loading unit (34) is movable relative to the support structure (30) within the second provisioning layer (32) and is configured to receive a second set (20) of value document trays (21);wherein the second loading unit (34) is configured to allow a movement (36) of the second set (20) of value document trays (21) in the second provisioning layer (32) between a second access position (22) and a second handling position (23); wherein the second access position (22) is representative for a position of the second set (20) of value document trays (21) in the second provisioning layer (32) in which each value document tray (21) of the second set (20) of value document trays (21) is accessible by the robot unit (3), thereby allowing the robot unit (3) to remove the value documents (5) from each value document tray (21) of the second set (20) of value document trays (20); wherein the second loading unit (34) is preferably configured to simultaneously move each value document tray (21) of the second set (20) of value document trays (21) in the second provisioning layer (32) between the second access position (22) and the second handling position (23).

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, comprising: a control unit (60) configured to control the movement (35) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) and the movement (36) of the second set (20) of value document trays (21) in the second provisioning layer (32) such that, when the second set (20) of value document trays (21) is in the second access position (22), the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is moved away from the first access position (12), wherein the control unit (60) is preferably configured to stop the movement (35) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) in the first provisioning layer (31) at a first intermediate position (14) that is located between the first access position (12) and the first handling position (13) and / or wherein the control unit (60) is preferably configured to maintain the first set (10) of value document trays (11) at the first intermediate position (14) whenthe second set (20) of value document trays (21) is in the second access position (22).

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a housing unit (70) having a door mechanism (73) adjacent the first handling position (13); wherein the door mechanism (73) is configured switch between an opened configuration (74) and a closed configuration (75); wherein, in the opened configuration (74), an access by an operator (50) to the first handling position (13) is enabled; wherein, in the closed configuration (75), an access by an operator (50) to the first handling position (13) is prevented, wherein the door mechanism (73) is preferably configured to maintain the closed configuration (75) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is moved away from the first handling position (13) and / or wherein the door mechanism (73) is preferably configured to maintain the opened configuration (74) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first handling position (13).

10. An arrangement (100), comprising:- the device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; and- a robot unit (3); wherein the robot unit (3) is configured to remove value documents (5) from one or more of the value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12) and to bring the removed value documents (5) to another place inside or outside of the device (1) and / or the robot unit (3) is configured to bring value documents (5) from another place inside or outside of the device (1) and to insert these valuedocuments (5) into one or more value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12).

11. The arrangement (100) according to claim 10, further comprising: a value document processing device (2) configured to process, in particular check, value documents (5) received within a value document input compartment (201) of the value document processing device, and to transport the processed, in particular checked, value documents to at least one output compartment of the value document processing device;- wherein the robot unit (3) is configured to remove value documents (5) from one or more value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12) and to provide the removed value documents (5) to the value document input compartment (201) of the value document processing device (2) and / or- wherein the robot unit (3) is configured to remove the value documents processed by the value document processing device (2) from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device (2), and to insert the processed value documents into one or more value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12).

12. The arrangement (100) according to claim 11, wherein the robot unit (3) is configured to remove value documents (5) from one or more of the value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12) and to provide the removed value documents (5) to thevalue document input compartment (201) of the value document processing device (2), the arrangement (100) further comprising- a further device (1’) according to any of claims 1 to 9, and- a second robot unit (3’) which is configured to remove the value documents (5) processed by the value document processing device (2) from the output compartment, in particular reject compartment, of the value document processing device (2), and to insert the processed value documents (5) into one or more value document trays (11’) received in the further device (1’), in particular into one or more value document trays (11’) of a further first set (10’) of value document trays, when the further first set (10’) of value document trays (11’) of the further device (1’) is in a first access position (12’) of a further first loading unit (33’) of the further device (1’).

13. The arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein:- the robot unit (3) is configured to remove the value documents (5) from one or more of the value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12), and to provide the removed value documents (5)- to one or more other value document trays of the first provisioning layer of the device (1), or- to one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit, in particular received in a further device (1’) according to any of claims 1 to 9, and / or- the robot unit (3) is configured to remove value documents from one or more other value document containers, e.g. value document trays, arranged within a working range of the robot unit (3), in particular received in a further device(T) according to any of claims 1 to 9, and to insert the removed value documents into one or more value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in the first access position (12).

14. The arrangement (100) according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the arrangement (100) further comprises a first intermediate station (4) provided in a working range of the robot unit (3) and / or a second intermediate station (4’) provided in a working range of the second robot unit (3’), wherein the robot unit (3) is configured to indirectly insert the value documents (5) removed from one or more of the value document trays (11) of the first set (10) of value document trays (11) into the input compartment of the value document processing device (2) after an intermediate stop in the first intermediate station (4) and / or the robot unit (3) is configured to indirectly insert the value documents (5) removed from the one or more output compartments of the value document processing device (2) into one or more of the value document trays (11) received in the device (1) after an intermediate stop in the first intermediate station (4), and / or a second robot unit (3’) is configured to indirectly insert the value documents (5) removed from the one or more output compartments of the value document processing device (2) into one or more value document trays (11’) of a further first set (10’) of value document trays (11’) received in a further device (1’) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 after an intermediate stop in the second intermediate station (4’).

15. A method for moving value documents (5) using a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 anda robot unit (3), the method comprising the steps: removing value documents (5) from one or more value document trays(11) of a first set (10) of value document trays (11) using the robot unit (3), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in a first access position(12) within the device (1, SI) and bringing the removed value documents (5) to another place inside or outside of the device (1) using the robot unit (3, S2), and / or bringing value documents (5) from another place inside or outside of the device (1) using the robot unit (3, S3) and inserting these value documents (5) into one or more value document trays (11) of a / the first set (10) of value document trays (11) using the robot unit (3), when the first set (10) of value document trays (11) is in a first access position (12, S4).

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