DE10140101B4 - The sheet stacking - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet material stacking apparatus comprising a spiral tray stacker (10 to 16), a control device (1) and a sheet transport system (9), the spiral tray stacker (10 to 16), under the control of the control device (1), stacking sheet material, including the sheet material from the transport system (1). 9) is inserted in spiral compartments of the spiral compartment stacker (10 to 16), wherein means (1, 23) for adjusting the length of the spiral compartment into which the sheet material is introduced by the transport system (9) is provided, characterized in that the device (1, 23) for adjusting the length of the spiral tray a stop (23) which limits the length of the spiral tray, wherein the stop (23) is fixedly mounted, and that for adjusting the length of the spiral tray, the position of the spiral tray under the control of Control unit (1) is set.

Description

The invention relates to a sheet material stacking device with a spiral tray stacker.

Spiral tray stackers are used, for example, in sheet material checking and sorting devices in which sheet material stacks, for example banknote bundles, are first separated, then passed through a sensor system for testing purposes and finally stacked in one another by means of one or more spiral stackers in ordered stacks. The function of the spiral slot stacker is to decelerate the transported individual sheets by deflecting in a spiral path before their final filing. It is uncritical in most applications, if not every tray of the stacking wheel is covered with a sheet when destacking or if a storage compartment exceptionally covered with more than one sheet.

Care must be taken, however, that at the moment of transfer to the spiral forklift, the blades do not collide with a partition forming the spiral compartments. The leading edge of a sheet should therefore be fed to the spiral tray stacker between two partitions to ensure collision-free and complete run-in of the sheet into a spiral tray. Since the sheets do not always enter the spiral tray stacker at a synchronous time interval due to slippage in the transport system or due to different sheet formats, the problem of exact infeed control arises regardless of whether the spiral tray stacker rotates intermittently or continuously. In both cases, it is necessary to synchronize an asynchronous sheet feeder and the rotating spiral stacker so that each sheet is transferred completely and without collision to a spiral tray of the spiral tray stacker.

In the DE 27 56 223 C2 It is proposed to quantitatively determine the deviation of the individual sheet from its ideal position by means of a sensor at a given, constant rotational speed of the spiral tray stacker and press down the leading edge of the sheet by a finger at the moment of sheet transfer by an amount proportional to the determined deviation so far that the leading edge of the sheet enters the spiral tray at the ideal sheet input point. The quantitative measurement of the position deviation takes place at a distance in front of the transfer point, so that sufficient time is available for influencing the leading edge of the sheet by individually deflecting the finger.

In the GB 2 168 687 A and EP 0 082 195 131 Instead of influencing the leading edge of the sheet, it is proposed to influence the positioning of the spiral tray stacker by first detecting the sheet trailing edge of an approaching sheet at a certain distance before the transfer point and then causing the traverse infeed stack speed to be influenced in the short term depending on the transport speed of the sheet the leading edge of the sheet feeds into a spiral tray of the spiral tray stacker at the ideal entry point.

From the US 1,756,616 A and the EP 0 509 210 131 In addition, spiral slot stackers are known in which the spiral compartments are provided with mechanical means for lengthening the length of the spiral compartments.

In the periodic stacking of leaves with a Sprialfachstapler the distances of the sheets to be stacked to each other must be strictly adhered to. If the distance between successive sheets is too small, no new spiral tray can be made available for the following sheet. In this case, the spiral tray stacker is usually stopped and the succeeding sheet is fed to the previous sheet in the same spiral tray. However, stopping the spiral tray stacker presents a problem for the subsequent sheet to provide a new spiral tray since the limited acceleration capabilities require a relatively long period of time to set the stopped spiral tray stacker in motion.

This results in the case described the problem that two or more sheets are inserted into a spiral tray. This can lead, in particular with leaves of different sizes, to one or more sheets being folded or wrinkled upon insertion into the spiral pocket, resulting in disturbances in the stacking or stacking of the sheets. Likewise, this can lead to the order of the stored leaves being reversed. This is particularly disadvantageous if the leaves are banknotes and make various deposits. If various deposits are to be processed, they are usually separated from one another by release agents, so-called header cards. If, in this case, the order of deposit of banknotes and separating means is reversed, the exchanged banknote is assigned to another deposit as a result of its changed position relative to the release agent.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a sheet material stacking device with a spiral tray stacker, which avoids problems occurring during the stacking of sheets or at least reduced so much that a proper stacking is made possible.

This object is achieved by a sheet material stacking device with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of influencing the length of the spiral fans in order to avoid problems that arise when inserting more than one piece of sheet material into a spiral tray, in particular if the sheet material has different sizes.

The invention has the overall advantage that the stacking of sheet material is significantly improved and safer. This problem can be compensated, resulting from disturbances in the separation, such as separation of more than one piece of sheet material, separation with too little gap between the sheet material, etc., and / or the transport of the sheet material, eg. B. due to slippage, etc., and / or caused by the sheet itself, for example, because the sheet material has anomalies such as cracks, creases, edges, wrinkles, etc.

The invention will be described by way of example with reference to figures. In the figures, only the essential components of a sheet material stacking device in connection with the present invention are shown. In the figures, the sheet material stacking device according to the invention is an example of a part of a bank note processing machine.

It shows:

1 a basic structure of a sheet material stacking device according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of a spiral pocket stacker according to the invention at a first time,

3 the embodiment of the spiral tray stacker according to the invention 2 at a second time, and

4 A second embodiment of a Spiralfachstaplers invention.

1 shows a basic structure of a sheet material stacking device according to the invention. banknotes 7 be in a singler 18 inserted, which of a drive 19 , For example, a motor is driven. The singler 18 separates the banknotes and hands them over to a transport system 2 . 3 . 5 . 9 , A first transport path 2 of the transport system 2 . 3 . 5 . 9 leads through a test facility 11 which different sensors to check the banknotes 7 contains. Depending on the test by the test facility 11 become the banknotes 7 from the transport system 2 . 3 . 5 . 9 transported further. In the example shown, the banknote 7 from a switch 3 in a second transport path 9 which has become a spiral forklift 10 to 16 leads. Indicates the switch 3 another position, banknotes can by means of a third transport path 5 to other trucks and / or other processing units, such. B. a shredder to be transported.

The spiral forklift 10 to 16 is powered by a stacking wheel with spirally arranged partitions 12 formed between which spiral fans 10 are included, in which the banknotes 7 over the second transport path 9 be introduced. By a rotation of the stacking wheel by means of a drive 14 , z. As an engine, the banknote 7 deflected and from a stripping element 13 which is in the partitions 12 engages and / or encloses, out of the spiral tray and in a tray 16 filed in the example shown already some banknotes 15 are stored.

If the spiral forklift is working properly, the banknotes are lying 15 clean stacked in the tray 16 and have a sequence that corresponds to the order of transportation. To ensure this, the stacking wheel is controlled so that the banknotes 7 always in a spiral tray 10 and not on one of the partitions 12 to meet. This is a control unit 1 , z. As a microcomputer, provided which the signals of a sensor 4 , For example, a light barrier, which evaluates along the second transport path 9 is arranged. The signal of the sensor 4 indicates the leading edge of a banknote. Due to the known transport speed of the banknote 7 and the length of the route of the second transport path 9 from the sensor 4 up to the stacking wheel, the control unit can 1 the engine 14 the stacking wheel such that at the time at which the leading edge of the bill 7 reaches the stacking wheel, a spiral tray is present at this point. The exact positioning of the stacking wheel is thereby by means of a position sensor 8th ensured the angular position of the motor 14 or the stacking wheel to the control device 1 reports. Instead of the described use of the sensor 4 in the second transport path 9 or in addition to this can be a sensor 6 in the first transport path 2 be used. This offers the advantage that information about the banknotes to be stacked is already available higher, leaving more time to position the stacking wheel.

In particular, when the spiral tray stacker is used for destacking rejected banknotes, additional problems arise. Rejected banknotes are spoken of when checking the banknotes by the checking device 11 Problems have occurred. such Problems may be due, for example, to the fact that the banknote could not be recognized and assigned, or that deviations in the singling by the singler 18 appeared. Examples of such deviations in the separation are the simultaneous separation of more than one banknote, a so-called double deduction, the shingled separation of banknotes, ie banknotes overlap within a certain range, or the separation of banknotes with too small a gap between the individual banknotes.

Such disturbances in the singulation can by means of a sensor 17 For example, a photoelectric sensor near the singler 18 is arranged, detected and to the control device 1 be passed on. Based on the signals of the sensor 17 , which is preferably located immediately after the separator, it is determined what type of disorder is. Based on the amount of residual light passing through one or more banknotes, it can be judged, for example, whether one or more banknotes have been singled out. Likewise, from the signal of the sensor 17 be closed, whether banknotes were peeled off scaled. In this case, one results from the sensor 17 determined length of the banknote, which is greater than the length of the largest allowable banknote. Similarly, the distances or gaps between individual banknotes by means of the sensor 17 be determined to determine if they are sufficiently large. If such a disturbance is detected, the stacking wheel is stopped or at least slowed down to the point where the banknotes of the disturbance are introduced into a spiral tray at the time the corresponding bill is introduced into a spiral tray. Because the sensor 17 near the singler 18 is appropriate, early detection of the disorder is possible, ie long before the introduction of the bill in a spiral tray. This allows the singulation by the singler 18 from the control unit 1 After a fault has been detected, stop or delay, to which the control unit 1 on the engine 19 acts. In this way, a larger gap arises after the detected disturbance, which makes it possible to accelerate the braked or stopped stacking wheel again and to provide a spiral tray for the after the disturbance and the larger gap following banknote.

2 shows an embodiment of a Spiralfachstaplers invention at a first time. The spiral forklift 10 to 16 has a structure similar to that of the in 1 represented Spiralfachstapelrs corresponds.

In the spiral compartment, which is located in the area of the outlet of the transport path 9 is already a first banknote 22 inserted. A second banknote 7 at the illustrated first time in the same spiral tray to the already existing first banknote 22 added. This may be necessary, for example, for the case described above, that the distance between the two banknotes 22 and 7 It was so small that it is not possible to continue turning the stacking wheel to the next spiral tray. Thus the second banknote 7 can be introduced without problems in the spiral tray, the first banknote 22 preferably in the region of the tip of the lying in the direction of rotation R partition. In this way it can be avoided that the first banknote 22 the spiral compartment is blocked, which is why upsetting, folding or creasing of the first and / or second banknote 22 . 7 can be avoided. In that the first banknote 22 is applied to the lying in the direction of rotation R dividing wall, it is also ensured that the order of the banknotes 22 . 7 in the storage 16 as it is maintained in the transport route 9 was given, namely first the first banknote 22 and then the second banknote 7 , The keeping of the order is - as described above - particularly important in the processing of various deposits, which are separated by means of separation cards, of importance, in order to avoid erroneous settlements caused by the exchange of the assignment to banknotes belonging to different deposits.

To achieve that the trailing edge of the first banknote 22 in the region of the top of the partition, must when processing different sized banknotes 22 . 7 be taken care of that for the banknotes 22 . 7 available length of the spiral tray is adapted in each case the first banknote. This is a stop 23 provided, for example, an extension of the Ausstreifelements 13 can be. As in 2 represented by the control device 1 selected position of the stacking wheel selected such that the stop 23 that in the area of the outlet of the transport path 9 Spiral compartment located limited in its length, so that the leading edge of the first banknote 22 on the stop 23 gets up. The control device determines for the corresponding positioning 1 the length of the respective banknotes, for example, by evaluating the signals of one or more of the in 1 illustrated sensors 4 . 6 . 17 , This will ensure that when inserting a second banknote 7 in the spiral tray with the first banknote 22 does not come to the described problems. In this way it is also possible to introduce more banknotes in the spiral tray. After the banknotes have been inserted into the spiral tray, the engine becomes 14 the stacking wheel started again.

3 shows the embodiment of the spiral tray stacker according to the invention 2 at a second time, to which a first banknote 21 located in the spiral compartment. Unlike the first banknote 22 out 2 indicates the first banknote 21 a longer length. The position of the stacking wheel is therefore by the control device 1 have been chosen such that the spiral tray the influence of the stop 23 has left. Thus, the entire length of the spiral tray stands for the reception of the first banknote 21 to disposal. The trailing edge of the first banknote 21 is therefore, as required, in the region of the tip of the lying in the direction of rotation R dividing wall, where the banknote 21 , as also necessary, also applied. The second banknote 7 can therefore without problems in the spiral tray to the first banknote 21 be introduced. In this way it is also possible to introduce more banknotes in the spiral tray. After the banknotes have been inserted into the spiral tray, the engine becomes 14 the stacking wheel started again. Was the first banknote 22 as above for 2 described, a short note inserted into the spiral tray and is the subsequent second banknote 7 a long banknote, the engine can 14 after the beginning of the introduction of the second banknote 7 operated at least until the spiral tray from the influence of the attack 23 moved out. This allows the second banknote 7 completely insert into the spiral tray.

The stop 23 can also be designed wedge-shaped, the stop 23 towards the storage 16 must be inclined. This makes it possible not only to limit the length of the spiral fans to a fixed length, as above for the 2 and 3 but depending on the by the control device 1 selected position of the stacking wheel or the respective spiral tray in the region of the outlet of the transport path 9 to set to any length.

In addition to the described fixed stops, it is also possible to provide a stop which has a drive which is provided by the control device 1 is controlled, wherein the control device 1 the positioning of the stop from that of the sensor signals 4 . 6 . 17 Derived derived length of the first bill in such a way that the trailing edge of the first bill comes to rest in the region of the tips of the partitions. Once the leading edge of the second, possibly longer bill has been inserted into the spiral tray below the trailing edge of the first bill, the stop may be under control of the controller 1 be removed. Likewise, a combination of movable stop 23 and positioning the spiral tray.

4 shows a second embodiment of a Spiralfachstaplers invention. The spiral forklift 10 to 16 has a structure similar to that of the in 1 represented Spiralfachstapelrs corresponds. In the area of the outlet of the transport path 9 that does not fit seamlessly with the dividing walls 12 connect the stacking wheel or even reach into this, otherwise it would come to collisions with the partitions, is a preferably passive element 20 attached, which ensures that the leading edges of the banknotes 7 be inserted into the spiral compartments of the stacking wheel. Thus, it is surely prevented that problematic banknotes, z. B. bills with cracks or kinks in the front edge of the bill, passed over the tips of the partitions away and thus not properly in the tray 16 be stored or stacked. The element 20 can be designed as an elastic member, that the gap between the outlet of the transport path 9 and bridged the stacking wheel. For example, the element 20 as in 4 be designed as a finger wheel with elastic fingers. The elastic fingers of the finger wheel 20 Press against the relatively stiff partitions of the stacking wheel, without deforming them, so that they press all banknotes safely in the spiral fan. The circumference circles of fingerwheel 20 and stacking wheel overlap, the fingers and the partitions are toothed, whereby the radial pressure of the fingers can be kept relatively low. The fingerwheel 20 is not actively driven, but it is moved through the partitions of the stacking wheel. Thus, a larger area for the positioning of the spiral compartments for the introduction of banknotes is made possible.

This is particularly advantageous if the elastic element or the finger wheel 20 in combination with the above-described adjustment of the length of the spiral compartments ( 2 and 3 ) is used. Likewise, a combination of the elastic element or finger wheel 20 with the described control of singulation ( 1 ) possible. In addition, it is also possible to control the separation ( 1 ) with the adjustment of the length of the spiral fans ( 2 and 3 ) to combine. In this case, the elastic element or finger wheel 20 additionally used.

In certain cases, it may still be possible under certain circumstances to incorrect stacking, z. For example, the stacking device could be designed so that the stop 23 two different lengths allowed. These lengths allow the correct stacking of banknotes z. B. the length 100 mm to 125 mm (short tray length) and 130 mm to 180 mm (long tray length). This leaves a length range for the first banknote, in which there can be false stacking, if a second banknote comes so close behind the first, that no further spiral tray can be controlled.

This leads, especially in conjunction with the header cards mentioned above, to possible misallocations of banknotes. To avoid this, the control device 1 In these specific cases, stop the stacker wheel before the affected spiral tray stops the stripper 13 happened. Thus, the banknotes and the header card are still in the spiral tray. Because the controller 1 the correct order of the two documents from the results of the test facility 11 knows, the controller can 1 the operator for example via an interface, eg. For example, a display and a keyboard will display the expected order and request that the order of the two documents be checked and, if necessary, corrected.

The review and / or correction of the order of the stacking can also be done by machine. For this purpose, for example, a camera in the region of the stacking wheel is arranged, which with the control device 1 connected is. By evaluating the image signals of the camera can then be checked the order of the sheet material in the spiral tray of the stopped stacking wheel. Represents the controller 1 determined that the determined by the evaluation of the image signals of the camera sequence does not match the due to the evaluation of the signals of the test device 11 expected order, a machine corrector of the order can be made. This correction can be done physically by means of appropriate facilities, ie in the storage 16 finally stored sheet material has the correct order. In addition or in addition, it is also possible for the correction by the control unit 1 to let carry out, that the order of assignment of the sheet material is corrected in a settlement, ie in the above-described settlement of various deposits, which are separated by header cards, an exchange of the order of a billed bill by the control unit 1 corrected by attributing the banknote to the deposit to which it actually belongs.

The described apparatus and methods for improving the quality of the stacking to be achieved by means of a spiral pocket stacker are suitable both for sheet material transported along its longitudinal edges and for sheet material transported along its transverse edges.

Claims (5)

Sheet stacking device with a spiral tray stacker ( 10 to 16 ), a control device ( 1 ) and a transport system ( 9 ) for the sheet material, wherein the spiral tray stacker ( 10 to 16 ), controlled by the control device ( 1 ) Sheet material destacked, to which the sheet material from the transport system ( 9 ) in spiral compartments of the spiral tray stacker ( 10 to 16 ), whereby a body ( 1 . 23 ) for adjusting the length of the spiral compartment, in which the sheet material from the transport system ( 9 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 . 23 ) to adjust the length of the spiral tray a stop ( 23 ), which limits the length of the spiral tray, wherein the stop ( 23 ) is fixedly mounted, and that for adjusting the length of the spiral tray, the position of the spiral tray under control of the control unit ( 1 ). Sheet stacking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device ( 1 ) stops the stacking wheel for the purpose of checking and / or correcting the order of stacking of the sheet material before the sheet material to be checked by a stripping ( 13 ) is removed from the spiral tray. Sheet stacking device according to claim 2, characterized by a user interface controlled by the control device ( 1 ) prompts an operator to review and / or correct the stacking. Sheet material stacking device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the checking and / or correction of the sequence of stacking takes place mechanically, in particular by means of a camera in the region of the stacking wheel, which is connected to the control device ( 1 ) connected is. Sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the correction is thereby effected by the control unit ( 1 ) is performed, that the order of assignment of the sheet material is corrected in a settlement.

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