Rotating path switch
View Patent ↗The invention provides a track arrangement for guiding a media carrier in a self-service terminal between a home position and one of a second and a third position. The track arrangement comprises: a first track length defining the home position of the media carrier; a second track length associated with the second position; a third track length associated with the third position; and a switch arranged to be rotatable around a central axis adjacent the convergence of the three track lengths, the switch having a portion of track extending across the switch. The second track length is positioned such that the angle between the second track length at an end adjacent to the switch, and the home position of the media carrier, is greater than 90°. The second track length is positioned such that the angle between the third track length at an end adjacent to the switch and the home position of the media carrier is greater than 90°.
1. A track arrangement for guiding a media carrier in a self-service terminal between a home position and one of a second and a third position, the track arrangement comprising:
a first track length defining the home position of the media carrier;
a second track length associated with the second position;
a third track length associated with the third position; and
a switch arranged to be rotatable around a central axis adjacent the convergence of the three track lengths, the switch having a portion of track extending across the switch;
wherein a first angle between the second track length at an end adjacent to the switch, and the home position of the media carrier, is greater than 90°; and
wherein a second angle between the third track length at an end adjacent to the switch and the home position of the media carrier is greater than 90°.
2. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the switch is rotatable between a first and a second position, wherein
in the first position, the portion of track is aligned with the first and second lengths of track, and
in the second position, the portion of track is aligned with the third length of track.
3. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the first angle is approximately 120° and the second angle is approximately 120°.
4. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the home position of the media carrier is defined as extending between an end of the first track length distal from the switch and the central axis of the switch.
5. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the second position is a media dispensing position.
6. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the third position is a media purging position.
7. A track arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the home position is a media receiving position.
8. A dispenser for media comprising: a track arrangement according to claim 1 ; and a media carrier.
9. A dispenser for media according to claim 8 , wherein the media carrier comprises a body, a guide wheel, a drive wheel and a motor connected to the drive wheel, and wherein the guide wheel and the drive wheel move along the track arrangement.
10. A dispenser for media according to claim 9 , wherein in the home position of the media carrier, the drive wheel is located in the first track length and the guide wheel is located at the central axis of the switch.
11. A dispenser for media according to claim 9 , wherein in the second position of the media carrier, the drive wheel and the guide wheel are located in the second track length.
12. A dispenser for media according to claim 9 , wherein in the third position of the media carrier, the drive wheel is located at the central axis of the switch.
13. A dispenser for media according to claim 12 , wherein
the third track length comprises a movable portion, and wherein in the third position of the media carrier, the guide wheel is located on the movable portion and the movable portion has moved from a first position in line with the third track length and a second position below the third track length.
14. A method of moving media from a home position to a purge position within a self-service terminal, the self service terminal comprising:
a media carrier including a drive wheel and a guide wheel; and
a track arrangement comprising:
a first track length defining the home position of the media carrier;
a second track length associated with a dispensing position;
a third track length associated with the purge position; and
a switch arranged to be rotatable around a central axis adjacent the convergence of the three track lengths, the switch having a portion of track extending across the switch;
wherein a first angle between the second track length at an end adjacent to the switch, and the home position of the media carrier, is greater than 90°; and
wherein a second angle between the third track length at an end adjacent to the switch and the home position of the media carrier is greater than 90°, and
wherein the drive and guide wheels are guided by the track arrangement, the method comprising:
receiving media in the media carrier at the home location, wherein in the home location the drive wheel is located in the first track length and the guide wheel is located at the central axis of the switch;
moving the switch into a first position in which the portion of the track is aligned with the third length of track;
moving the media carrier such that the guide wheel enters the third length of track;
moving the switch to a second position in which the portion of track is aligned with the first length of track; and
moving the media carrier along the third length of track until the drive wheel is located at the central axis of the switch.
15. A method according to claim 14 , wherein the third track length comprises a moveable portion and wherein the method further comprises:
moving the moveable portion through an arc; and
moving the guide wheel with the moveable portion such that the guide wheel remains resting on the moveable portion.