EP1868928A1 - Pneumatic cartridge - Google Patents

Pneumatic cartridge

Info

Publication number
EP1868928A1
EP1868928A1 EP05850583A EP05850583A EP1868928A1 EP 1868928 A1 EP1868928 A1 EP 1868928A1 EP 05850583 A EP05850583 A EP 05850583A EP 05850583 A EP05850583 A EP 05850583A EP 1868928 A1 EP1868928 A1 EP 1868928A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cartridge
transfer device
hatch
cartridges
station
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05850583A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jean Laffay
Morad Addou
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1868928A1 publication Critical patent/EP1868928A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/04—Conveying the articles in carriers having a cross-section approximating that of the pipe or tube; Tube mail systems
    • B65G51/06—Despatch carriers for tube mail
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/04—Conveying the articles in carriers having a cross-section approximating that of the pipe or tube; Tube mail systems
    • B65G51/26—Stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cartridge and a pneumatic conveying network of this cartridge.
  • the conveying is done by means of a network of conduits which makes it possible to connect between them workstations, a storage center and a station of surrender.
  • a suction and blowing circuit is adapted to this network.
  • the invention applies to any type of pneumatic conveying, including the transportation of funds as practiced in motorway tolls, supermarkets, banks or casinos. It also applies to any other transport system using cartridges driven by a flow of air.
  • Such a conveyor system is described in document FR 2803584.
  • This network relates to a motorway toll station that can pneumatically carry money. This currency is first introduced into the cartridges at the toll stations that constitute workstations. It should be noted that these workstations are subject to a high risk of break-in.
  • the cartridges are then routed to a secure surrender station, often located in an armored vault.
  • a storage center also connected to the network ensures the reception and sending of empty cartridges.
  • a turbine associated with a flow variator makes it possible to pressurize or depressurize the air contained in the pipes constituting the conveyor network between the workstations, the surrender station and the storage center. This turbine thus makes it possible to ensure the displacement of the cartridges.
  • the cartridges are in the form of transparent plastic cylinders whose ends are each provided with an opaque plastic tip. These tips are provided with access covers. These covers are maneuvered by pivoting about an axis substantially coinciding with a generatrix of the casing of the cylinder. This allows complete clearance of the opening of the cylinder.
  • the two ends are surrounded by strips of a flexible material coming into contact with the inner wall of the pipes. These tapes facilitate the sliding of the cartridges during their movements. Because the diameter of the cylinder is smaller than that of the two ends, the cartridge can easily cross the bends presented by the pipes.
  • the first cover is held closed by a return means such as a spring which the plate against a bearing cornice formed in the thickness of the tip. Thus, it is not likely to open during transport.
  • the second cover is optionally articulated on a generatrix diametrically opposed to the first.
  • the turbine and the flow controller generate an air vacuum that sucks the cartridge from the workstation to a switchman.
  • the turbine and the flow variator generate an air overpressure which pushes the cartridge of the switchman towards the station of surrender. At this point, the cartridge falls into a receptacle. It can then be emptied or stored in a suitable place.
  • a public When a public is short of empty cartridges, it activates a command to supply an empty cartridge from the storage center to its workstation.
  • This command can be automated.
  • the turbine and the flow controller generate an air vacuum that sucks the cartridge from the storage center to the switchman.
  • the turbine and the flow controller generate an overpressure of air that pushes the cartridge of the switch to the workstation.
  • a similar path can be made by empty cartridges between the surrender station and the switchman, and then between the switchman and the storage center.
  • the cartridges do not circulate between the switch and the turbine.
  • the pipe separating them has the sole purpose of ensuring the pressurization or depression of the air ducts borrowed by the cartridges.
  • Such a device has a number of limitations at the workstation. First, when a public wants to send money to the station of surrender, it must not omit to close the lid of the cartridge before introducing the latter in the loading station.
  • US 4,620,577 teaches a cartridge provided with a transfer device which releases a filling opening of the cartridge when it is activated and which closes this opening automatically.
  • the opening is completely clear following the actuation of the device, which is essential in some applications. Indeed, when the opening is partially obstructed by the device, the size of the objects that can be introduced into the cartridge is seriously limited.
  • the transfer device inside the cartridge it is difficult to achieve. Indeed, the cartridge results from the assembly of two half-shells after this device has been mounted in one of these half-shells.
  • the return spring that is contained in the cartridge can hold prisoners certain objects that have been introduced, for example coins.
  • the diameter of the filler opening is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the cartridge, which limits the volume of objects that can be stored there.
  • the present invention thus relates to an easily achievable cartridge that offers great ease of use.
  • a pneumatic cartridge which consists of a cylinder equipped with two endpieces comprises at least one automatic closing transfer device designed to completely clear this opening; in addition, this device is arranged at one end of the cartridge.
  • this self-closing transfer device is centered on the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
  • the self-closing transfer device comprises a flap pivotally mounted on a hinge, this hinge being provided with a return means.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to secure the automation of the loading of the coin cartridges: when the lower part of a coin mechanism is no longer in contact with the self-closing transfer device of the cartridge, this self-closing transfer device is closed. and the currency can not in any case come out of the cartridge.
  • this hatch can evolve only towards the inside of the cartridge. According to a variant of the invention, this device is also automatic opening.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to automate the unloading of the cartridges in currency.
  • a movable locking member immobilizes the transfer device.
  • the transfer device comprising a hatch provided with a protrusion
  • the locking member consists of a retractable finger bearing on this protuberance.
  • the transfer device When the cartridge is provided with a lid, it is desirable to arrange the transfer device on this lid.
  • FIG. 1 represents a pneumatic conveying network of cartridges
  • FIG. 2 represents in section a cartridge being loaded on the loading station of a work station
  • FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of a cartridge without a lid or an upper self-closing transfer device
  • FIG. 4 represents a block diagram of a lid and a cartridge-top self-closing transfer device.
  • FIG. 5 shows in section the base of a cartridge being unloaded on the unloading station of a surrender station.
  • the elements present in several figures are assigned a single reference.
  • a network Dl conveying cartridges is shown in Figure 1.
  • This network Dl can for example be installed on a motorway toll. It includes a number of PT1, PT2 workstations occupied by tollers who collect money paid by users of the highway. These stations are connected by CT1, CT2 work lines to a CP main line through secondary circuit breakers SA1, SA2. This main pipe CP is also connected to a main switch Al.
  • the network D1 also comprises a secure SR surrender station.
  • This SR surrender station which is possibly in a shielded vault stores money from workstations PT1, PT2 as and when the CA cartridges arrive. It is connected by a CR surrender line to the main switchman Al.
  • the Dl network also includes a CE storage center for receiving and sending empty CA cartridges.
  • the storage center CS is connected by a storage line CS to the main switch Al. Its role is to feed the workstations PT1, PT2 into CA cartridges.
  • the air pressure in the pipes can be reduced or increased by means of a VF flow controller connected on the one hand to a turbine TU, and on the other hand to the switch Al by a driving line PN .
  • a VF flow controller connected on the one hand to a turbine TU, and on the other hand to the switch Al by a driving line PN .
  • the turbine TU When the turbine TU is used to compress the air contained in the pipes, the air borrows a discharge pipe RE between the turbine TU and the flow controller VF. He gains the network by PN driving.
  • the turbine TU When the turbine TU is used to depressurize the air contained in the pipes, the air is sucked from the network by the driving pipe PN. It uses an AS suction line between the VF flow controller and the TU turbine.
  • Exhaust air not shown can evacuate or introduce air at the ends of the various lines if necessary.
  • the network is depressed and the cartridge is sucked from the PT1 workstation to the main switch Al.
  • the depression downstream of the cartridge is compensated by an air intake through the arranged exhaust at the end of the working line CT1.
  • the main switch Al is in the form of a rotary barrel in which each cylindrical compartment can be positioned at will in alignment with each pipe connected to the main switch Al. This enables a cartridge CA to be transferred from a pipe to another, by a simple rotation of the barrel, while ensuring the passage of air.
  • the network is put under overpressure and the cartridge is discharged from the main switch Al to the SR surrender station.
  • the excess of upstream air is evacuated by the exhaust air arranged at the end of the surrender pipe CR.
  • the CA cartridge is either emptied of its contents or placed in a secure place to be emptied later.
  • empty cartridges CA can be routed in two stages from the storage center CE to the workstation PTI through the main switch Al.
  • empty cartridges CA can be routed in two stages from the SR surrender station to the EC storage center while passing through the main switch Al.
  • Such a network is dimensioned so as to allow regular exchanges with a battery of workstations PT1, PT2 both with regard to the number of AC cartridges needed compared to the airflows required to deliver these AC cartridges.
  • a CA cartridge is shown in Figure 3.
  • the cover of the top nozzle EM1 is not shown.
  • This cover pivots about an axis FP1 materialized by a pin or a screw secured to a return spring and coinciding with a generatrix cylinder CY. It evolves in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL and is provided to completely clear the opening of the cylinder CY.
  • the seat is constituted by a support cornice formed in the thickness of the EM1 part of the tip, EM2 vis-à-vis.
  • Each endpiece EM1, EM2 is surrounded by a sliding strip BA1, BA2 coming into contact with the inner wall of the pipes and facilitating the passage of the cartridge CA in the latter.
  • the CY cylinder diameter is smaller than the two EMB1, EMB2 tips to facilitate the crossing of the pipes elbows.
  • FIG. 4 A lid PO1 provided with a transfer device CH1 with automatic closure is shown in FIG. 4.
  • This device is in the form of a hatch TA1 mounted on an articulation AR.
  • the hatch TA1 is of smaller dimensions than those of the lid PO1. It can be lowered into the CA cartridge by a force exerted from outside. In the absence of such a force, the hatch TA1 remains pressed against its seat under the effect of a return spring RR mounted on the axis of the articulation AR.
  • This seat consists of a flat support cornice arranged at the bottom of the lid PO1.
  • This assembly makes absolutely impossible any movement of the hatch TA1 towards the outside of the cartridge CA, as well as any exit of any object which would be inside the cartridge CA. Indeed, the return spring RR prevents the TA1 hatch remains open or ajar towards the inside of the cartridge CA.
  • Such a self-closing transfer device CH1, CH2 can be arranged on each of the lids PO1, PO2, which avoids the users of the network Dl to be concerned about the direction of the cartridge CA. According to another embodiment not shown, the self-closing transfer device CH1, CH2 can be arranged on the cylinder CY of the cartridge CA.
  • a loading station SC of a work station and a cartridge CA are shown in section in FIG.
  • the CA cartridge is located at the top of a work pipe CT1. It is in contact with this pipe by the two sliding strips BA1, BA2 disposed on its ends EM1, EM2. It is held in position by a locking system such as a GR claw.
  • the top of the working line CT1 opens into a summit space ES delimited by a moving flap CO around an axis AC. This shutter can be closed in the absence of cartridge.
  • An EA air exhaust can evacuate excess air if necessary or, conversely, to let in a certain amount of air.
  • the currency is evacuated. If it is introduced into a coin, it is easy to have the lower part of the latter overhanging the ES top space, and thus to be able to deliver money at will.
  • the lower part of the coin mechanism, or weir DE is in the form of a vertical tube extending a funnel. Its outer diameter is slightly less than that of the hatch TA1.
  • This weir DE is vertically movable. It can therefore go down and press the hatch TA1 which lowers by pivoting around its articulation AR1. The currency can then fall directly into the CA cartridge.
  • a presence sensor PR located opposite the cylinder CY stops the filling.
  • the CA cartridge reaches the end of the CTI working line with a speed that hits the base of the weir DE. Its advance causes the hatch TA1 to open. The The CA cartridge slows down to a stop position which causes activation of the blocking claw GR, and corresponds to the maximum opening of the hatch TA1.
  • the self-closing transfer device It is thought first of all a cone of elastic material whose cut end is inside the cylinder CY and the other end is sealed to a tip EM1, EM2 of the cartridge CA. One can even resort to a motorized system.
  • a transfer device CH1, CH2 with automatic opening.
  • An SD unloading station in the SR station and the lower part of a CA cartridge are shown in section in FIG. 5.
  • the CA cartridge reaches the SD unloading station via a CR reporting line and falls vertically.
  • a release member L1 axially aligned with the end of this pipe CR.
  • This member is in the form of an annular collar with beveled top. It is arranged at the top of a collector tube TC also vertical. This tube opens on a receptacle collecting money.
  • the CA cartridge is locked in position by unrepresented claws.
  • the lid PO3 of the cartridge CA is provided with a new transfer device CH3 which also includes a hatch TA3 mounted on an AT joint.
  • the hatch TA3 is smaller than those of the PO3 lid. It can penetrate to the inside of the CA cartridge by a force exerted from outside. In the absence of such a force, the trap
  • a DG locking member which is intended to immobilize the hatch TA3 is integral with the lid PO3. It comes in the form of a retractable finger. This finger, in the closed position, blocks a PN protuberance arranged at the periphery of the hatch TA3 to make any movement of the hatch TA3 towards the outside of the cartridge CA impossible.
  • the retractable finger DG is arranged radially in a cylindrical cavity CV disposed in the thickness of the tip EM3.
  • This cavity has a geometry that allows a radial movement of the finger. It is in particular provided with an orifice at each of its ends so that the finger can move on a certain stroke.
  • This finger is held in the closed position under the effect of a cylindrical spring RS working in compression.
  • this spring RS is supported on an annular shoulder SU1 of the finger DG. In the closed position, this shoulder SU1 comes into abutment on the first end of the cavity which is opposite the hatch TA3.
  • the spring RS is supported on the inner face SU2 of the second end of the cavity CV.
  • the external section EP of the finger the one that protrudes outside the second end of the cavity CV, opens into a circular recess EV formed at the periphery of the tip EM1. It takes the form of an ED chute.
  • the latter When the cartridge CA is blocked by the claws and the tip EM3 is in contact with the release member Ll, the latter enters the chute ED.
  • the release member being beveled, it presses laterally the inner edge of the chute EP, thus causing the removal of the finger DG at the first end of the cavity CV which releases the protrusion PN of the hatch TA3.
  • the hatch then pivots around the articulation AT to the outside under the effect of the return spring RR. It follows that the pieces fall into the receptacle of the unloading station SD.
  • the latter is preferably provided with an internal partition CL which has the shape of a funnel opening opposite the hatch TA3.
  • the release member L1 is then released from the cartridge CA, which has the effect of allowing the finger DG to return to the closed position.
  • the closure of the hatch TA3 is carried out by means of several plating compasses CM which consist of arc of metal circles fixed at the end of bars articulated on the outer face of the collector tube TC. These compasses are movable in a vertical plane. They can pivot and pass through the collector tube TC through appropriate holes. Whatever the angular position of the AC cartridge, one of the plating compasses will come into contact with the open hatch TA3, push it and accompany it in rotation to the closed position.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a pneumatic cartridge (CA) consisting of a cylinder (CY) provided with two end pieces and comprising at least one opening. Said cartridge comprises at least one transfer device (CH1, CH2, TR) with automatic closure to clear completely the opening. Moreover, the transfer device with automatic closure is arranged at one of its ends.

Description

Cartouche pneumatique Pneumatic cartridge
La présente invention concerne une cartouche et un réseau de convoyage pneumatique de cette cartouche. Le convoyage se fait au moyen d'un réseau de conduites qui permet de raccorder entre eux des postes de travail, un centre de stockage et une station de reddition. De plus, un circuit d'aspiration et de soufflage est adapté à ce réseau.The present invention relates to a cartridge and a pneumatic conveying network of this cartridge. The conveying is done by means of a network of conduits which makes it possible to connect between them workstations, a storage center and a station of surrender. In addition, a suction and blowing circuit is adapted to this network.
L'invention s'applique à tout type de convoyage pneumatique, notamment au transport de fonds tel que pratiqué dans les péages autoroutiers, les grandes surfaces, les banques ou les casinos. Elle s'applique également à tout autre système de transport faisant appel à des cartouches entraînées par un flux d'air.The invention applies to any type of pneumatic conveying, including the transportation of funds as practiced in motorway tolls, supermarkets, banks or casinos. It also applies to any other transport system using cartridges driven by a flow of air.
Un tel réseau de convoyage est décrit dans le document FR 2803584. Ce réseau concerne un poste de péage autoroutier qui permet de transporter pneumatiquement de la monnaie. Cette monnaie est préalablement introduite dans les cartouches aux stations de péage qui constituent des postes de travail. Il convient de souligner que ces postes de travail sont soumis à un fort risque d'effraction.Such a conveyor system is described in document FR 2803584. This network relates to a motorway toll station that can pneumatically carry money. This currency is first introduced into the cartridges at the toll stations that constitute workstations. It should be noted that these workstations are subject to a high risk of break-in.
Les cartouches sont ensuite acheminées vers une station de reddition sécurisée, souvent située dans une chambre forte blindée. Par ailleurs, un centre de stockage également raccordé au réseau permet d'assurer la réception et l'envoi des cartouches vides. De plus, une turbine associée à un variateur de flux permet de mettre en surpression ou en dépression l'air contenu dans les conduites constituant le réseau de convoyage entre les postes de travail, la station de reddition et le centre de stockage. Cette turbine permet ainsi d'assurer le déplacement des cartouches.The cartridges are then routed to a secure surrender station, often located in an armored vault. In addition, a storage center also connected to the network ensures the reception and sending of empty cartridges. In addition, a turbine associated with a flow variator makes it possible to pressurize or depressurize the air contained in the pipes constituting the conveyor network between the workstations, the surrender station and the storage center. This turbine thus makes it possible to ensure the displacement of the cartridges.
A la façon dont fonctionne un réseau ferré, des aiguilleurs permettent d'acheminer une cartouche d'un endroit à un autre. Dans un premier temps, la cartouche est aspirée de son point de départ vers un aiguilleur, puis dans un deuxième temps elle est refoulée de ce dernier vers son lieu de destination.The way a rail network works, signal operators can route a cartridge from one place to another. At first, the cartridge is sucked from its starting point to a switchman, then in a second time it is pushed from the latter to its destination.
Les cartouches se présentent sous la forme de cylindres plastiques transparents dont les extrémités sont chacune munie d'un embout en plastique opaque. Ces embouts sont munis de couvercles d'accès. Ces couvercles se manoeuvrent par pivotement autour d'un axe coïncidant sensiblement avec une génératrice de l'enveloppe du cylindre. Ceci permet le dégagement complet de l'ouverture du cylindre. Les deux embouts sont cerclés par des bandes d'un matériau souple venant en contact avec la paroi interne des conduites. Ces bandes facilitent le glissement des cartouches lors de leurs déplacements. Du fait que le diamètre du cylindre est inférieur à celui des deux embouts, la cartouche peut franchir aisément les coudes que présentent les conduites. Le premier couvercle est maintenu fermé par un moyen de rappel tel un ressort qui le plaque contre une corniche d'appui ménagée dans l'épaisseur de l'embout. Ainsi, il ne risque pas de s'entrouvrir au cours du transport. Le deuxième couvercle est éventuellement articulé sur une génératrice diamétralement opposée à la première. Lorsqu'un péager désire envoyer des fonds de son poste de travail vers la station de reddition, il ouvre un des couvercles de la cartouche, introduit la monnaie et referme le couvercle. Après s'être assuré du positionnement adéquat de la cartouche dans la station de chargement qui figure à l'extrémité de la conduite du poste de travail, le péager déclenche l'envoi de la cartouche pleine vers la station de reddition.The cartridges are in the form of transparent plastic cylinders whose ends are each provided with an opaque plastic tip. These tips are provided with access covers. These covers are maneuvered by pivoting about an axis substantially coinciding with a generatrix of the casing of the cylinder. This allows complete clearance of the opening of the cylinder. The two ends are surrounded by strips of a flexible material coming into contact with the inner wall of the pipes. These tapes facilitate the sliding of the cartridges during their movements. Because the diameter of the cylinder is smaller than that of the two ends, the cartridge can easily cross the bends presented by the pipes. The first cover is held closed by a return means such as a spring which the plate against a bearing cornice formed in the thickness of the tip. Thus, it is not likely to open during transport. The second cover is optionally articulated on a generatrix diametrically opposed to the first. When a public wants to send funds from his work station to the surrender station, he opens one of the cartridge covers, introduces the change and closes the cover. After ensuring proper positioning of the cartridge in the loading station at the end of the pipe of the workstation, the public triggers the sending of the full cartridge to the station of surrender.
Dans un premier temps la turbine et le variateur de flux génèrent une dépression d'air qui aspire la cartouche du poste de travail vers un aiguilleur. Dans un deuxième temps la turbine et le variateur de flux génèrent une surpression d'air qui refoule la cartouche de l'aiguilleur vers la station de reddition. Arrivée à cet endroit, la cartouche tombe dans un réceptacle. Elle peut ensuite être vidée ou rangée dans un endroit idoine.At first, the turbine and the flow controller generate an air vacuum that sucks the cartridge from the workstation to a switchman. In a second step, the turbine and the flow variator generate an air overpressure which pushes the cartridge of the switchman towards the station of surrender. At this point, the cartridge falls into a receptacle. It can then be emptied or stored in a suitable place.
Lorsqu'un péager se trouve à court de cartouches vides, il actionne une commande de fourniture d'une cartouche vide du centre de stockage vers son poste de travail. Cette commande peut être automatisée. Dans un premier temps, la turbine et le variateur de flux génèrent une dépression d'air qui aspire la cartouche du centre de stockage vers l'aiguilleur. Dans un deuxième temps, la turbine et le variateur de flux génèrent une surpression d'air qui refoule la cartouche de l'aiguilleur vers le poste de travail.When a public is short of empty cartridges, it activates a command to supply an empty cartridge from the storage center to its workstation. This command can be automated. At first, the turbine and the flow controller generate an air vacuum that sucks the cartridge from the storage center to the switchman. In a second step, the turbine and the flow controller generate an overpressure of air that pushes the cartridge of the switch to the workstation.
Un trajet analogue peut être effectué par des cartouches vides entre la station de reddition et l'aiguilleur, puis entre l'aiguilleur et le centre de stockage.A similar path can be made by empty cartridges between the surrender station and the switchman, and then between the switchman and the storage center.
Les cartouches ne circulent pas entre l'aiguilleur et la turbine. La conduite les séparant a pour unique but d'assurer la mise en pression pu en dépression de l'air des conduites empruntées par les cartouches.The cartridges do not circulate between the switch and the turbine. The pipe separating them has the sole purpose of ensuring the pressurization or depression of the air ducts borrowed by the cartridges.
Un tel dispositif présente un certain nombre de limitations au niveau du poste de travail. Tout d'abord, lorsqu'un péager désire envoyer de la monnaie vers la station de reddition, il ne doit pas omettre de refermer le couvercle de la cartouche avant d'introduire cette dernière dans la station de chargement.Such a device has a number of limitations at the workstation. First, when a public wants to send money to the station of surrender, it must not omit to close the lid of the cartridge before introducing the latter in the loading station.
Ensuite, les sociétés exploitantes d'autoroutes visent un passage rapide des véhicules aux péages. L'opération de chargement des cartouches provoque l'arrêt du passage des véhicules au poste de péage concerné du fait de l'indisponibilité du péager. La durée de cette opération pénalise le trafic routier.Second, highway operators aim for a rapid change of vehicles to tolls. The operation of loading the cartridges causes the stopping of the passage of the vehicles to the toll station concerned because of the unavailability of the public. The duration of this operation penalizes road traffic.
Par ailleurs, il y a de plus en plus de péages automatiques sur les autoroutes. Pour effectuer l'acheminement de la monnaie des postes de travail vers la station de reddition, il faut déplacer du personnel afin de procéder au chargement de la monnaie dans les cartouches. Le trafic peut être interrompu et le personnel est exposé aux agressions.In addition, there are more and more automatic tolls on highways. To move money from workstations to the surrender station, staff must be moved to load the currency into the cartridges. The traffic can be interrupted and the staff is exposed to aggression.
Ainsi, apparaît clairement le besoin d'automatiser le remplissage des cartouches, que ces dernières soient destinées au transport de monnaie ou de tous autres objets.Thus, it is clear the need to automate the filling of the cartridges, that the latter are for the transport of money or other objects.
A ce sujet, le document US 4,620,577 enseigne une cartouche munie d'un dispositif de transfert qui libère une ouverture de remplissage de la cartouche lorsqu'il est activé et qui referme cette ouverture automatiquement. L'ouverture est totalement dégagée suite à l'actionnement du dispositif, ce qui est primordial dans certaines applications. En effet, lorsque l'ouverture est partiellement obstruée par le dispositif, la taille des objets susceptibles d'être introduits dans la cartouche se trouve sérieusement limitée.In this regard, US 4,620,577 teaches a cartridge provided with a transfer device which releases a filling opening of the cartridge when it is activated and which closes this opening automatically. The opening is completely clear following the actuation of the device, which is essential in some applications. Indeed, when the opening is partially obstructed by the device, the size of the objects that can be introduced into the cartridge is seriously limited.
Cependant, le dispositif de transfert figurant à l'intérieur de la cartouche, celle-ci est difficile à réaliser. En effet, la cartouche résulte de l'assemblage de deux demi-coques après que ce dispositif ait été monté dans l'une de ces demi- coques. De plus, le ressort de rappel qui figure au sein de la cartouche peut retenir prisonniers certains objets qui y ont été introduits, des pièces de monnaie par exemple. En outre, le diamètre de l'ouverture de remplissage est sensiblement plus petit que le diamètre interne de la cartouche, ce qui limite le volume des objets qui peuvent y être stockés.However, the transfer device inside the cartridge, it is difficult to achieve. Indeed, the cartridge results from the assembly of two half-shells after this device has been mounted in one of these half-shells. In addition, the return spring that is contained in the cartridge can hold prisoners certain objects that have been introduced, for example coins. In addition, the diameter of the filler opening is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the cartridge, which limits the volume of objects that can be stored there.
La présente invention a ainsi pour objet une cartouche aisément réalisable qui offre une grande facilité d'utilisation.The present invention thus relates to an easily achievable cartridge that offers great ease of use.
Selon l'invention, une cartouche pneumatique qui est constituée d'un cylindre muni de deux embouts comporte au moins un dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique prévu pour dégager totalement cette ouverture ; de plus, ce dispositif est agencé à l'une des extrémités de la cartouche. Cet agencement simplifie considérablement la fabrication de la cartouche et permet d'obtenir une grande ouverture de remplissage, compte tenu de ses dimensions.According to the invention, a pneumatic cartridge which consists of a cylinder equipped with two endpieces comprises at least one automatic closing transfer device designed to completely clear this opening; in addition, this device is arranged at one end of the cartridge. This arrangement considerably simplifies the manufacture of the cartridge and makes it possible to obtain a large filling opening, given its dimensions.
En outre, ce dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique est centré sur l'axe longitudinal de la cartouche.In addition, this self-closing transfer device is centered on the longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
Cette disposition permet d'automatiser le chargement des cartouches en monnaie : la partie inférieure d'un monnayeur peut pénétrer au travers du dispositif de transfert à fermeture et délivrer directement la monnaie dans le volume intérieur de la cartouche. Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, le dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique comporte une trappe montée pivotante sur une articulation, cette articulation étant munie d'un moyen de rappel.This arrangement makes it possible to automate the loading of the coin cartridges: the lower part of a coin mechanism can penetrate through the closing transfer device and deliver the coin directly into the inner volume of the cartridge. According to a preferred embodiment, the self-closing transfer device comprises a flap pivotally mounted on a hinge, this hinge being provided with a return means.
Cet agencement permet de sécuriser l'automatisation du chargement des cartouches en monnaie : lorsque la partie inférieure d'un monnayeur n'est plus en contact avec le dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique de la cartouche, ce dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique est fermé et la monnaie ne peut en aucun cas sortir de la cartouche.This arrangement makes it possible to secure the automation of the loading of the coin cartridges: when the lower part of a coin mechanism is no longer in contact with the self-closing transfer device of the cartridge, this self-closing transfer device is closed. and the currency can not in any case come out of the cartridge.
Suivant une caractéristique additionnelle, cette trappe peut évoluer uniquement vers l'intérieur de la cartouche. Selon une variante de l'invention, ce dispositif est également à ouverture automatique.According to an additional feature, this hatch can evolve only towards the inside of the cartridge. According to a variant of the invention, this device is also automatic opening.
Cette disposition permet d'automatiser le déchargement des cartouches en monnaie.This arrangement makes it possible to automate the unloading of the cartridges in currency.
De préférence, un organe de blocage mobile immobilise le dispositif de transfert.Preferably, a movable locking member immobilizes the transfer device.
De plus, le dispositif de transfert comportant une trappe pourvue d'une protubérance, l'organe de blocage consiste en un doigt rétractable venant en appui sur cette protubérance.In addition, the transfer device comprising a hatch provided with a protrusion, the locking member consists of a retractable finger bearing on this protuberance.
Lorsque la cartouche est munie d'un couvercle, il est souhaitable d'agencer le dispositif de transfert sur ce couvercle.When the cartridge is provided with a lid, it is desirable to arrange the transfer device on this lid.
Outre le fait qu'il suffit d'adapter une seule partie de la cartouche pour mettre en œuvre l'invention, à savoir le couvercle, cette disposition permet de pouvoir travailler de façon manuelle lorsque nécessaire, que ce soit lors de l'introduction ou de la récupération de la monnaie. La présente invention apparaîtra avec plus de détails dans le cadre de la description qui suit d'exemples de réalisation donnés à titre illustratif en se référant aux dessins joints dans lesquels :In addition to the fact that it is sufficient to adapt a single part of the cartridge to implement the invention, namely the lid, this arrangement makes it possible to work manually when necessary, whether during the introduction or of the recovery of the currency. The present invention will appear in more detail in the context of the following description of exemplary embodiments given by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- la figure 1 représente un réseau de convoyage pneumatique de cartouches,FIG. 1 represents a pneumatic conveying network of cartridges,
- la figure 2 représente en coupe une cartouche en cours de chargement sur la station de chargement d'un poste de travail,FIG. 2 represents in section a cartridge being loaded on the loading station of a work station,
- la figure 3 représente un synoptique d'une cartouche sans couvercle ni dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique supérieurs, - la figure 4 représente un synoptique d'un couvercle et d'un dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique supérieur de cartouche.FIG. 3 represents a block diagram of a cartridge without a lid or an upper self-closing transfer device, FIG. 4 represents a block diagram of a lid and a cartridge-top self-closing transfer device.
- la figure 5 représente en coupe la base d'une cartouche en cours de déchargement sur la station de déchargement d'une station de reddition. Les éléments présents dans plusieurs figures sont affectés d'une seule et même référence.- Figure 5 shows in section the base of a cartridge being unloaded on the unloading station of a surrender station. The elements present in several figures are assigned a single reference.
Un réseau Dl de convoyage de cartouches est représenté figure 1. Ce réseau Dl peut par exemple être installé sur un péage autoroutier. Il comprend un certain nombre de postes de travail PT1 , PT2 occupés par des péagers qui encaissent les sommes versées par les utilisateurs de l'autoroute. Ces postes sont reliés par des conduites de travail CT1 , CT2 à une conduite principale CP par l'intermédiaire d'aiguilleurs secondaires SA1 , SA2. Cette conduite principale CP est par ailleurs reliée à un aiguilleur principal Al.A network Dl conveying cartridges is shown in Figure 1. This network Dl can for example be installed on a motorway toll. It includes a number of PT1, PT2 workstations occupied by tollers who collect money paid by users of the highway. These stations are connected by CT1, CT2 work lines to a CP main line through secondary circuit breakers SA1, SA2. This main pipe CP is also connected to a main switch Al.
Le réseau Dl comprend aussi une station de reddition SR sécurisée. Cette station de reddition SR qui se trouve éventuellement dans une chambre forte blindée permet de stocker la monnaie provenant des postes de travail PT1 , PT2 au fur et à mesure de l'arrivée des cartouches CA. Elle est reliée par une conduite de reddition CR à l'aiguilleur principal Al.The network D1 also comprises a secure SR surrender station. This SR surrender station which is possibly in a shielded vault stores money from workstations PT1, PT2 as and when the CA cartridges arrive. It is connected by a CR surrender line to the main switchman Al.
Le réseau Dl comprend également un centre de stockage CE permettant la réception et l'envoi de cartouches CA vides. Le centre de stockage CS est relié par une conduite de stockage CS à l'aiguilleur principal Al. Son rôle est d'alimenter les postes de travail PT1 , PT2 en cartouches CA.The Dl network also includes a CE storage center for receiving and sending empty CA cartridges. The storage center CS is connected by a storage line CS to the main switch Al. Its role is to feed the workstations PT1, PT2 into CA cartridges.
La pression de l'air dans les conduites peut être diminuée ou augmentée à l'aide d'un variateur de flux VF raccordé d'une part à une turbine TU, et d'autre part à l'aiguilleur Al par une conduite motrice PN. Lorsque la turbine TU est utilisée pour comprimer l'air contenu dans les conduites, l'air emprunte une conduite de refoulement RE entre la turbine TU et le variateur de flux VF. Il gagne le réseau par la conduite motrice PN.The air pressure in the pipes can be reduced or increased by means of a VF flow controller connected on the one hand to a turbine TU, and on the other hand to the switch Al by a driving line PN . When the turbine TU is used to compress the air contained in the pipes, the air borrows a discharge pipe RE between the turbine TU and the flow controller VF. He gains the network by PN driving.
Lorsque la turbine TU est utilisée pour mettre en dépression l'air contenu dans les conduites, l'air est aspiré du réseau par la conduite motrice PN. Il emprunte une conduite d'aspiration AS entre le variateur de flux VF et la turbine TU.When the turbine TU is used to depressurize the air contained in the pipes, the air is sucked from the network by the driving pipe PN. It uses an AS suction line between the VF flow controller and the TU turbine.
Des échappements d'air non représentés permettent d'évacuer ou d'introduire l'air aux extrémités des différentes conduites si cela s'avère nécessaire.Exhaust air not shown can evacuate or introduce air at the ends of the various lines if necessary.
Lorsque le péager désire transférer une cartouche CA contenant des espèces, il actionne une commande d'envoi.When the public wants to transfer a CA cartridge containing cash, it activates a shipment order.
Dans un premier temps, le réseau est mis en dépression et la cartouche est aspirée du poste de travail PT1 vers l'aiguilleur principal Al. La dépression en aval de la cartouche est compensée par une admission d'air au travers de l'échappement agencé à l'extrémité de la conduite de travail CT1. L'aiguilleur principal Al se présente sous la forme d'un barillet rotatif dont chaque compartiment cylindrique peut être positionné à volonté dans l'alignement de chaque conduite reliée à l'aiguilleur principal Al. Ceci permet de transférer une cartouche CA d'une conduite à une autre, par une simple rotation du barillet, tout en assurant le passage de l'air.At first, the network is depressed and the cartridge is sucked from the PT1 workstation to the main switch Al. The depression downstream of the cartridge is compensated by an air intake through the arranged exhaust at the end of the working line CT1. The main switch Al is in the form of a rotary barrel in which each cylindrical compartment can be positioned at will in alignment with each pipe connected to the main switch Al. This enables a cartridge CA to be transferred from a pipe to another, by a simple rotation of the barrel, while ensuring the passage of air.
Dans un deuxième temps, le réseau est mis en surpression et la cartouche est refoulée de l'aiguilleur principal Al vers la station de reddition SR. L'excès d'air amont est évacué par l'échappement d'air agencé à l'extrémité de la conduite de reddition CR.In a second step, the network is put under overpressure and the cartridge is discharged from the main switch Al to the SR surrender station. The excess of upstream air is evacuated by the exhaust air arranged at the end of the surrender pipe CR.
La cartouche CA est alors soit vidée de son contenu soit placée dans un endroit sécurisé pour être vidée ultérieurement.The CA cartridge is either emptied of its contents or placed in a secure place to be emptied later.
De façon analogue, des cartouches vides CA peuvent être acheminées en deux temps depuis le centre de stockage CE vers le poste de travail PTI en transitant par l'aiguilleur principal Al.Similarly, empty cartridges CA can be routed in two stages from the storage center CE to the workstation PTI through the main switch Al.
De même, des cartouches vides CA peuvent être acheminées en deux temps depuis la station de reddition SR vers le centre de stockage CE en transitant par l'aiguilleur principal Al.Similarly, empty cartridges CA can be routed in two stages from the SR surrender station to the EC storage center while passing through the main switch Al.
Un tel réseau est dimensionné de façon à permettre des échanges réguliers avec une batterie de postes de travail PT1 , PT2 tant en ce qui concerne le nombre de cartouches CA nécessaires qu'au regard des débits d'air requis pour l'acheminement de ces cartouches CA.Such a network is dimensioned so as to allow regular exchanges with a battery of workstations PT1, PT2 both with regard to the number of AC cartridges needed compared to the airflows required to deliver these AC cartridges.
Une cartouche CA est représentée sur la figure 3.A CA cartridge is shown in Figure 3.
Elle se compose d'un cylindre creux CY d'axe longitudinal AL réalisé en un matériau plastique transparent et dont chaque extrémité est obturée par un embout EM1 , EM2 supportant un couvercle d'accès PO2. Le couvercle de l'embout supérieur EM1 n'est pas représenté. Ce couvercle pivote autour d'un axe FP1 matérialisé par une goupille ou une vis solidaire d'un ressort de rappel et coïncidant avec une génératrice du cylindre CY. Il évolue dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal AL et est prévu pour dégager complètement l'ouverture du cylindre CY. Le siège est constitué par une corniche d'appui ménagée dans l'épaisseur de la partie de l'embout EM1 , EM2 en vis-à-vis.It consists of a hollow cylinder CY of longitudinal axis AL made of a transparent plastic material and each end of which is closed by a tip EM1, EM2 supporting an access cover PO2. The cover of the top nozzle EM1 is not shown. This cover pivots about an axis FP1 materialized by a pin or a screw secured to a return spring and coinciding with a generatrix cylinder CY. It evolves in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL and is provided to completely clear the opening of the cylinder CY. The seat is constituted by a support cornice formed in the thickness of the EM1 part of the tip, EM2 vis-à-vis.
Chaque embout EM1, EM2 est cerclé par une bande de glissement BA1, BA2 venant en contact avec la paroi interne des conduites et facilitant le passage de la cartouche CA dans ces dernières.Each endpiece EM1, EM2 is surrounded by a sliding strip BA1, BA2 coming into contact with the inner wall of the pipes and facilitating the passage of the cartridge CA in the latter.
Le diamètre du cylindre CY est inférieur à celui des deux embouts EMB1, EMB2 afin de faciliter le franchissement des coudes des conduites.The CY cylinder diameter is smaller than the two EMB1, EMB2 tips to facilitate the crossing of the pipes elbows.
Une ouverture accidentelle du couvercle PO2 est impossible lorsque la cartouche CA se trouve dans une conduite, car il est quasiment en contact avec la paroi interne de cette dernière.An accidental opening of the lid PO2 is impossible when the cartridge CA is in a pipe, because it is almost in contact with the internal wall of the latter.
Un couvercle PO1 muni d'un dispositif de transfert CH1 à fermeture automatique est représenté sur la figure 4. Ce dispositif se présente sous la forme d'une trappe TA1 montée sur une articulation AR. La trappe TA1 est de dimensions inférieures à celles du couvercle PO1. Elle peut s'abaisser vers l'intérieur de la cartouche CA sous l'effet d'une force exercée depuis l'extérieur. En l'absence d'une telle force, la trappe TA1 reste plaquée contre son siège sous l'effet d'un ressort de rappel RR monté sur l'axe de l'articulation AR. Ce siège est constitué par une corniche d'appui plane aménagée à la partie inférieure du couvercle PO1. Ce montage rend absolument impossible tout mouvement de la trappe TA1 vers l'extérieur de la cartouche CA, ainsi que toute sortie d'un quelconque objet qui se trouverait à l'intérieur de la cartouche CA. En effet, le ressort de rappel RR s'oppose à ce que la trappe TA1 demeure ouverte ou entrouverte vers l'intérieur de la cartouche CA.A lid PO1 provided with a transfer device CH1 with automatic closure is shown in FIG. 4. This device is in the form of a hatch TA1 mounted on an articulation AR. The hatch TA1 is of smaller dimensions than those of the lid PO1. It can be lowered into the CA cartridge by a force exerted from outside. In the absence of such a force, the hatch TA1 remains pressed against its seat under the effect of a return spring RR mounted on the axis of the articulation AR. This seat consists of a flat support cornice arranged at the bottom of the lid PO1. This assembly makes absolutely impossible any movement of the hatch TA1 towards the outside of the cartridge CA, as well as any exit of any object which would be inside the cartridge CA. Indeed, the return spring RR prevents the TA1 hatch remains open or ajar towards the inside of the cartridge CA.
Un tel dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique CH1, CH2 peut être disposé sur chacun des couvercles PO1 , PO2, ce qui évite aux utilisateurs du réseau Dl de se préoccuper du sens de la cartouche CA. Selon un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, le dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique CH1, CH2 peut être disposé sur le cylindre CY de la cartouche CA.Such a self-closing transfer device CH1, CH2 can be arranged on each of the lids PO1, PO2, which avoids the users of the network Dl to be concerned about the direction of the cartridge CA. According to another embodiment not shown, the self-closing transfer device CH1, CH2 can be arranged on the cylinder CY of the cartridge CA.
Une station de chargement SC d'un poste de travail ainsi qu'une cartouche CA sont représentés en coupe sur la figure 2.A loading station SC of a work station and a cartridge CA are shown in section in FIG.
La cartouche CA se trouve disposée au sommet d'une conduite de travail CT1. Elle est en contact avec cette conduite par les deux bandes de glissement BA1 , BA2 disposées sur ses embouts EM1, EM2. Elle est maintenue en position par un système de blocage tel une griffe GR. Le sommet de la conduite de travail CT1 débouche dans un espace sommital ES délimité par un volet CO mobile autour d'un axe AC. Ce volet peut être fermé en l'absence de cartouche. Un échappement d'air EA permet d'évacuer au besoin l'air excédentaire ou, inversement, de laisser pénétrer une certaine quantité d'air.The CA cartridge is located at the top of a work pipe CT1. It is in contact with this pipe by the two sliding strips BA1, BA2 disposed on its ends EM1, EM2. It is held in position by a locking system such as a GR claw. The top of the working line CT1 opens into a summit space ES delimited by a moving flap CO around an axis AC. This shutter can be closed in the absence of cartridge. An EA air exhaust can evacuate excess air if necessary or, conversely, to let in a certain amount of air.
En période de travail, le péager est occupé à encaisser et à rendre la monnaie aux usagers. La monnaie s'entasse dans un réceptacle, ou bien est introduite au fur et à mesure dans un monnayeur. Pour des raisons de sécurité, il convient en effet de ne pas conserver trop de monnaie dans le poste de travailDuring work, the public is busy cashing and giving change to users. The currency is piled up in a receptacle, or is introduced as a coin. For security reasons, it is advisable not to keep too much money in the workstation
PT1 , PT2. A intervalles de temps réguliers, la monnaie est donc évacuée. Si elle est introduite dans un monnayeur, il est facile de disposer la partie inférieure de ce dernier en surplomb de l'espace sommital ES, et donc de pouvoir délivrer à volonté de la monnaie.PT1, PT2. At regular intervals of time, the currency is evacuated. If it is introduced into a coin, it is easy to have the lower part of the latter overhanging the ES top space, and thus to be able to deliver money at will.
La partie inférieure du monnayeur, ou déversoir DE, se présente sous forme d'un tube vertical prolongeant un entonnoir. Son diamètre extérieur est légèrement inférieur à celui de la trappe TA1. Ce déversoir DE est mobile verticalement. Il peut donc descendre et appuyer sur la trappe TA1 qui s'abaisse en pivotant autour de son articulation AR1. La monnaie peut alors tomber directement dans la cartouche CA. Un capteur de présence PR situé en regard du cylindre CY permet de stopper le remplissage.The lower part of the coin mechanism, or weir DE, is in the form of a vertical tube extending a funnel. Its outer diameter is slightly less than that of the hatch TA1. This weir DE is vertically movable. It can therefore go down and press the hatch TA1 which lowers by pivoting around its articulation AR1. The currency can then fall directly into the CA cartridge. A presence sensor PR located opposite the cylinder CY stops the filling.
Inversement, lorsque le déversoir DE remonte, la trappe TA1 pivote autour de son articulation AR1 sous l'effet du ressort de rappel RR jusqu'au plaquage sur son siège. La monnaie ne peut pas s'échapper de la cartouche CA.Conversely, when the spillway DE rises, the hatch TA1 pivots around its articulation AR1 under the effect of the RR retraction spring until the plating on its seat. The currency can not escape from the CA cartridge.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation non représenté, il est également possible de concevoir un déversoir DE fixe. La cartouche CA parvient à l'extrémité de la conduite de travail CTI avec une certaine vitesse heurte la base du déversoir DE. Son avance provoque l'ouverture de la trappe TA1. La cartouche CA ralentit sur son erre jusqu'à une position d'arrêt qui provoque l'activation de la griffe GR de blocage, et correspond à l'ouverture maximale de la trappe TA1.According to another embodiment not shown, it is also possible to design a fixed DE weir. The CA cartridge reaches the end of the CTI working line with a speed that hits the base of the weir DE. Its advance causes the hatch TA1 to open. The The CA cartridge slows down to a stop position which causes activation of the blocking claw GR, and corresponds to the maximum opening of the hatch TA1.
Inversement, le lancement de la procédure de départ de la cartouche CA donne lieu simultanément à la désactivation de la griffe GR de blocage, à la chute de la cartouche CA et à son aspiration vers la conduite principale CP. La fermeture automatique de la trappe TA1 est concomitante au départ de la cartouche CA, et donc à son désengagement de la base du déversoir DE.Conversely, the start of the starting procedure of the CA cartridge simultaneously gives rise to the deactivation of the claw GR blocking, the fall of the cartridge CA and suction to the main pipe CP. The automatic closing of the hatch TA1 is concomitant from the CA cartridge, and therefore to its disengagement from the base of the weir DE.
Lorsque la cartouche CA est munie de deux dispositifs de transfert à fermeture automatique CH 1 , CH2, il est possible de l'utiliser indifféremment dans les deux sens.When the AC cartridge is equipped with two self-closing transfer devices CH 1, CH 2, it can be used in both directions.
La mise en œuvre de telles cartouches CA au sein d'un réseau Dl de convoyage pneumatique de cartouches est d'autant plus aisée qu'elle ne nécessite aucune modification du réseau Dl. II convient de préciser que l'invention s'intègre parfaitement dans une automatisation des procédures de chargement des cartouches.The implementation of such cartridges CA within a network Dl pneumatic conveying cartridges is all the easier that it does not require any modification of the network Dl. It should be noted that the invention fits perfectly into an automation of cartridge loading procedures.
De nombreux autres modes de réalisation du dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique peuvent être envisagés. On pense en premier lieu à un cône en matière élastique dont l'extrémité coupée figure à l'intérieur du cylindre CY et dont l'autre extrémité est scellée à un embout EM1 , EM2 de la cartouche CA. On peut même recourir à un système motorisé.Many other embodiments of the self-closing transfer device can be envisaged. It is thought first of all a cone of elastic material whose cut end is inside the cylinder CY and the other end is sealed to a tip EM1, EM2 of the cartridge CA. One can even resort to a motorized system.
On a étudié jusqu'ici le chargement de la cartouche CA. Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, il est également possible de mettre en œuvre un dispositif de transfert CH1 , CH2 à ouverture automatique. Une station de déchargement SD figurant dans la station de reddition SR ainsi que la partie inférieure d'une cartouche CA sont représentées en coupe sur la figure 5. La cartouche CA parvient à la station de déchargement SD par une conduite de reddition CR et tombe verticalement sur un organe de libération Ll axialement aligné avec l'extrémité de cette conduite CR. Cet organe se présente sous la forme d'une collerette annulaire à sommet biseauté. Elle est disposée au sommet d'un tube collecteur TC également vertical. Ce tube débouche sur un réceptacle collectant la monnaie. La cartouche CA est bloquée en position par des griffes non représentées.So far the loading of the CA cartridge has been studied. According to another embodiment of the invention, it is also possible to implement a transfer device CH1, CH2 with automatic opening. An SD unloading station in the SR station and the lower part of a CA cartridge are shown in section in FIG. 5. The CA cartridge reaches the SD unloading station via a CR reporting line and falls vertically. on a release member L1 axially aligned with the end of this pipe CR. This member is in the form of an annular collar with beveled top. It is arranged at the top of a collector tube TC also vertical. This tube opens on a receptacle collecting money. The CA cartridge is locked in position by unrepresented claws.
Le couvercle PO3 de la cartouche CA est muni d'un nouveau dispositif de transfert CH3 qui comporte lui aussi une trappe TA3 montée sur une articulation AT. La trappe TA3 est de dimensions inférieures à celles du couvercle PO3. Elle peut pénétrer vers l'intérieur de la cartouche CA sous l'effet d'une force exercée depuis l'extérieur. En l'absence d'une telle force, la trappeThe lid PO3 of the cartridge CA is provided with a new transfer device CH3 which also includes a hatch TA3 mounted on an AT joint. The hatch TA3 is smaller than those of the PO3 lid. It can penetrate to the inside of the CA cartridge by a force exerted from outside. In the absence of such a force, the trap
TA3 reste en position fermée sous l'effet d'un ressort de rappel RR monté sur l'axe de l'articulation AT. Un organe de blocage DG qui est destiné à immobiliser la trappe TA3 est solidaire du couvercle PO3. Il se présente ici sous la forme d'un doigt rétractable. Ce doigt, en position fermeture, vient bloquer une protubérance PN agencée à la périphérie de la trappe TA3 afin de rendre impossible tout mouvement de la trappe TA3 vers l'extérieur de la cartouche CA.TA3 remains in the closed position under the effect of a return spring RR mounted on the axis of the AT joint. A DG locking member which is intended to immobilize the hatch TA3 is integral with the lid PO3. It comes in the form of a retractable finger. This finger, in the closed position, blocks a PN protuberance arranged at the periphery of the hatch TA3 to make any movement of the hatch TA3 towards the outside of the cartridge CA impossible.
Le doigt rétractable DG est agencé radialement dans une cavité cylindrique CV disposée dans l'épaisseur de l'embout EM3. Cette cavité a une géométrie telle qu'elle permet un déplacement radial du doigt. Elle est notamment pourvue d'un orifice à chacune de ses extrémités de sorte que le doigt puisse se déplacer sur une certaine course. Ce doigt est maintenu en position fermeture sous l'effet d'un ressort cylindrique RS travaillant en compression. En premier lieu, ce ressort RS prend appui sur un épaulement annulaire SU1 du doigt DG. En position fermeture, cet épaulement SU1 vient en butée sur la première extrémité de la cavité qui est en regard de la trappe TA3. En second lieu, le ressort RS prend appui sur la face interne SU2 de la deuxième extrémité de la cavité CV. La section externe EP du doigt, celle qui fait saillie à l'extérieur de la deuxième extrémité de la cavité CV, débouche dans un évidement circulaire EV ménagé à la périphérie de l'embout EM1. Elle prend la forme d'une goulotte ED.The retractable finger DG is arranged radially in a cylindrical cavity CV disposed in the thickness of the tip EM3. This cavity has a geometry that allows a radial movement of the finger. It is in particular provided with an orifice at each of its ends so that the finger can move on a certain stroke. This finger is held in the closed position under the effect of a cylindrical spring RS working in compression. In the first place, this spring RS is supported on an annular shoulder SU1 of the finger DG. In the closed position, this shoulder SU1 comes into abutment on the first end of the cavity which is opposite the hatch TA3. Second, the spring RS is supported on the inner face SU2 of the second end of the cavity CV. The external section EP of the finger, the one that protrudes outside the second end of the cavity CV, opens into a circular recess EV formed at the periphery of the tip EM1. It takes the form of an ED chute.
Lorsque la cartouche CA est bloquée par les griffes et que l'embout EM3 est au contact de l'organe de libération Ll, ce dernier pénètre dans la goulotte ED. L'organe de libération étant biseauté, il presse latéralement le bord interne de la goulotte EP, provoquant donc le retrait du doigt DG à la première extrémité de la cavité CV qui libère ainsi la protubérance PN de la trappe TA3. La trappe pivote alors autour de l'articulation AT vers l'extérieur sous l'effet du ressort de rappel RR. II s'ensuit que les pièces tombent dans le réceptacle de la station de déchargement SD. Pour éviter que certaines pièces ne restent coincées dans la cartouche CA, cette dernière est de préférence munie d'une cloison interne CL qui a la forme d'un entonnoir débouchant en regard de la trappe TA3.When the cartridge CA is blocked by the claws and the tip EM3 is in contact with the release member Ll, the latter enters the chute ED. The release member being beveled, it presses laterally the inner edge of the chute EP, thus causing the removal of the finger DG at the first end of the cavity CV which releases the protrusion PN of the hatch TA3. The hatch then pivots around the articulation AT to the outside under the effect of the return spring RR. It follows that the pieces fall into the receptacle of the unloading station SD. To prevent certain parts from getting stuck in the AC cartridge, the latter is preferably provided with an internal partition CL which has the shape of a funnel opening opposite the hatch TA3.
L'organe de libération Ll est ensuite dégagé de la cartouche CA, ce qui a pour effet de laisser revenir le doigt DG en position fermeture. La fermeture de la trappe TA3 est réalisée au moyen de plusieurs compas de plaquage CM qui sont constitués d'arc de cercles métalliques fixés à l'extrémité de barreaux articulés sur la face extérieure du tube collecteur TC. Ces compas sont mobiles dans un plan vertical. Ils peuvent pivoter et traverser le tube collecteur TC par des orifices adéquats. Quelle que soit la position angulaire de la cartouche CA, un des compas de plaquage va entrer en contact avec la trappe ouverte TA3, la pousser et l'accompagner en rotation jusqu'à la position fermeture.The release member L1 is then released from the cartridge CA, which has the effect of allowing the finger DG to return to the closed position. The closure of the hatch TA3 is carried out by means of several plating compasses CM which consist of arc of metal circles fixed at the end of bars articulated on the outer face of the collector tube TC. These compasses are movable in a vertical plane. They can pivot and pass through the collector tube TC through appropriate holes. Whatever the angular position of the AC cartridge, one of the plating compasses will come into contact with the open hatch TA3, push it and accompany it in rotation to the closed position.
La face du doigt DG au contact de la protubérance PN étant biseautée, la force exercée par cette dernière chasse latéralement le doigt pour laisser la trappe TR3 atteindre la position fermeture. Le doigt DG reprend sa position de blocage et les compas CM peuvent sont dégagés du tube collecteur TC.The face of the finger DG in contact with the protuberance PN being beveled, the force exerted by the latter laterally drives the finger to let the hatch TR3 reach the closed position. The DG finger resumes its locking position and CM compasses can be released from the collector tube TC.
Il convient de préciser à nouveau que l'opération de vidage de la cartouche peut être entièrement automatisée. Ce mode de réalisation n'est donné qu'à titre indicatif parmi de nombreux montages mécaniques existants. En particulier il serait possible de coupler les actions de l'organe de libération Ll et des compas CM du tube collecteur TC, ici séparées.It should be clarified again that the emptying operation of the cartridge can be fully automated. This embodiment is given only as an indication among many existing mechanical assemblies. In particular it would be possible to couple the actions of the release member L1 and CM compasses of the collector tube TC, here separated.
Les exemples de réalisation de l'invention présentés ci-dessus ont été choisis eu égard à leur caractère concret. Il ne serait cependant pas possible de répertorier de manière exhaustive tous les modes de réalisation que recouvre cette invention. En particulier, tout moyen décrit peut être remplacé par un moyen équivalent sans sortir du cadre de la présente invention. The embodiments of the invention presented above have been chosen in view of their concrete nature. It would not be possible, however, to exhaustively list all the embodiments covered by this invention. In particular, any means described may be replaced by equivalent means without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1) Cartouche pneumatique CA, constituée d'un cylindre CY muni de deux embouts EM1, EM2 et comportant au moins une ouverture, cartouche comprenant au moins un dispositif de transfert CH1 , CH2, TR à fermeture automatique prévu pour dégager complètement ladite ouverture, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de transfert à fermeture automatique est agencé à l'une de ses extrémités.1) AC pneumatic cartridge, consisting of a CY cylinder provided with two ferrules EM1, EM2 and having at least one opening, cartridge comprising at least one transfer device CH1, CH2, TR self-closing designed to completely clear said opening, characterized in that said self-closing transfer device is arranged at one of its ends.
2) Cartouche selon la revendication 1 , caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de transfert CH1 , CH2, TR à fermeture automatique est centré sur son axe longitudinal AL.2) Cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that said transfer device CH1, CH2, TR self-closing is centered on its longitudinal axis AL.
3) Cartouche selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de transfert CH1, CH2, TR à fermeture automatique comporte une trappe TA1, TA2, TA3 montée pivotante sur une articulation AR, AT, cette articulation AR, AT étant munie d'un moyen de rappel.3) Cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that said transfer device CH1, CH2, TR self-closing comprises a hatch TA1, TA2, TA3 pivotally mounted on a joint AR, AT, this joint AR, AT being provided with a return means.
4) Cartouche selon la revendication 3, caractérisée en ce que ladite trappe TA1 , TA2 peut évoluer uniquement vers l'intérieur de cette cartouche CA.4) Cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that said hatch TA1, TA2 can evolve only towards the inside of this cartridge CA.
5) Cartouche selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que ledit dispositif de transfert TR est à ouverture automatique.5) Cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said transfer device TR is self-opening.
6) Cartouche selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comporte un organe de blocage mobile DG pour immobiliser ledit dispositif de transfert.6) Cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a mobile locking member DG for immobilizing said transfer device.
7) Cartouche selon la revendication 6 caractérisée en ce que, ledit dispositif de transfert comportant une trappe TA3 pourvue d'une protubérance PN, ledit organe de blocage consiste en un doigt rétractable DG venant en appui sur cette protubérance. 8) Cartouche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes caractérisée en ce que, étant munie d'au moins un couvercle PO1 , PO2, ledit dispositif de transfert CH1, CH2, TR est agencé sur ce couvercle PO1 , PO2. 7) Cartridge according to claim 6 characterized in that, said transfer device comprising a hatch TA3 provided with a protuberance PN, said locking member consists of a retractable finger DG abutting on this protuberance. 8) Cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that, being provided with at least one lid PO1, PO2, said transfer device CH1, CH2, TR is arranged on the lid PO1, PO2.
EP05850583A 2004-12-24 2005-12-21 Pneumatic cartridge Withdrawn EP1868928A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0413900A FR2880006B1 (en) 2004-12-24 2004-12-24 PNEUMATIC CARTRIDGE
PCT/FR2005/003242 WO2006070114A1 (en) 2004-12-24 2005-12-21 Pneumatic cartridge

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EP1868928A1 true EP1868928A1 (en) 2007-12-26

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EP05850583A Withdrawn EP1868928A1 (en) 2004-12-24 2005-12-21 Pneumatic cartridge

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US (1) US20080232908A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1868928A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2880006B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2006070114A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE534604C2 (en) * 2009-12-22 2011-10-18 Graniten Engineering Ab Device for automatic handling of objects suitable for transport with pneumatic pipe mail systems

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US1604882A (en) * 1925-03-16 1926-10-26 Lamson Co Message carrier for pneumatic-dispatch systems
US3059875A (en) * 1960-07-12 1962-10-23 John A Kelley Article carrier
US3189297A (en) * 1962-06-01 1965-06-15 Mosler Safe Co Pneumatic tube conveyer system
US4620577A (en) * 1982-08-25 1986-11-04 Oy Partek Ab Enclosed material shuttle system
DE8434379U1 (en) * 1984-11-23 1986-03-27 Tesch, Klaus, 2000 Hamburg Capsule for the delivery of free-flowing goods, especially bulk goods
DE4409354A1 (en) * 1994-03-18 1995-09-21 Kloeckner Humboldt Deutz Ag Pneumatic tube conveyor can for reception and transport of material sample
GB2290770B (en) * 1994-07-01 1998-05-27 Lamson D D Plc Pneumatic conveyor system and carrier for use in such system and cash handling system
DE10238902A1 (en) * 2002-08-24 2004-03-04 Hörtig Rohrpost Container for transporting bulk goods in pneumatic tube conveyor system has lid attached to rod passing through its base, spring pressing against base holding container shut
US7077604B1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2006-07-18 Morgan Fowler Article carrier apparatus and system comprising same

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Title
See references of WO2006070114A1 *

Also Published As

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WO2006070114A1 (en) 2006-07-06
FR2880006A1 (en) 2006-06-30
FR2880006B1 (en) 2008-08-08
US20080232908A1 (en) 2008-09-25

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