EP0167196A1 - Method of converting webs or sheets of securities into bundles of securities - Google Patents

Abstract

Processing is based on print carriers in the form of security paper webs or security paper sheets, containing security paper prints which are arranged in the manner of matrices in transverse rows and longitudinal rows and on which spoilt notes are identified by a mark which can be read by a reading instrument. The print carriers pass, in succession, by a reading instrument which detects the positions of the spoilt notes and feeds them into a computer for storage, a cancellation printer controlled by this computer, which provides spoilt notes with a cancellation print, and a numbering machine. The numbering mechanisms of this numbering machine are moved forward by the computer in such a way that always the satisfactory security paper prints, placed in succession in any longitudinal row, are serially numbered, the spoilt notes being neglected. Subsequently, the print carries, having passed by another reading instrument, are cut up into individual security papers, the spoilt notes are separated out in a separation device and the remaining, serially numbered individual security papers are assembled to form bundles, each having a complete numerical sequence. In this way, correct and complete numerical sequence of the security papers contained in the automatically produced security paper bundles and security paper parcels is ensured, in spite of the separation of spoilt notes.

Description

The invention relates to a method for processing printing media printed with security prints in the form of security tracks or sheets of security, the security prints of which are arranged in the form of a matrix in transverse rows and longitudinal rows, to bundles of security from numbered individual security certificates, after which the printing media pass through a numbering machine after marking the misprints determined on them and after the printing media have been cut, the misprints are eliminated.

One of the main problems in the production of banknotes, in particular in banknote production, is to obtain banknotes or banknotes in which the banknotes have a complete sequence of numbers, that is to say that they are numbered correctly consecutively - within a specific number series. Such a complete number sequence is very important both for the organization of production and as protection against counterfeiting.

In the essentially fully automatic production and processing of notes of value, as they have been developed and introduced in the past few years, it prepares because of the practically always occurring error prints that need to be discarded. Difficulty obtaining bundles of notes with a complete sequence of numbers. These difficulties are related to the usual way of numbering and processing.

A known method for processing sheets of notes is described, for example, in German Patents 2,502,987 or in US Patents 3,939,621 and 4,045,944. Thereafter, the freshly printed sheets of coupons, which have unnumbered security prints arranged in rows and columns in a matrix, are visually checked, and security prints recognized as misprints are provided with a marking for later disposal, to which a detector responds. After that, all sheets of notes pass through a numbering machine in which all sheets of security, including the misprints, are numbered on each sheet.

With the numbering that has been customary up to now, all those security impressions are provided with a consecutive number sequence that lie on the same value note positions of successive sheets, that is to say in the same row and in the same column. In the case of the sheet stack formed at the exit of the numbering machine, which generally contains 100 sheets, all superimposed banknotes which represent a bundle of notes of value after the sheet stack is subsequently cut have a sequential number sequence. All items of note on a sheet can have the same numbering and differ in different series specifications.

The numbered sheets are then cut into bundles of individual notes and only then are those that contain one or more misprints removed from the transport sequence of the individual note bundles. These separated bundles of notes of value are subjected to parallel processing, in which the misprint or misprints are removed and replaced by faultless notes of value; these substitute value notes are either numbered with the number of a special series or are previously given the number of the misprint removed in a hand-held numbering device, so that the complete number sequence within this bundle is guaranteed. The complete bundle thus restored is re-arranged in the transport sequence of the bundles which have been perfect from the start before the bundle packages are formed.

To form bundle packages in which all notes of value have a correct consecutive number sequence within the same number series, the bundles of notes of value that arise after cutting the sheet stacks must be sorted in such a way that the bundles belonging to the same number series are combined from successive sheet stacks. Such an automatic sorting and stacking and stacking device is described in the mentioned patents.

The above-mentioned known processing, with which complete number sequences are produced within the formed bundles of vouchers and bundles of vouchers despite the separation of misprints has not been practically implemented, however, because the special treatment of the badge bundles containing misprints is labor-intensive and time-consuming and therefore the normal working speed, with which perfect value bundles could be processed without misprints, has to be reduced.

Another known method used in practice, by means of which complete number sequences within the bundles of notes formed during the processing of note sheets, is to, after the visual inspection of the freshly printed note sheets, eliminate all sheets on which there is at least one misprint before the numbering has been identified and marked. In this case, only sheets with perfect security impressions are entered into the numbering machine and the resulting numbered sheet stacks are further processed as described above. A disadvantage is the fact that the misprinted sheets of note, if one does not want to destroy them altogether unprofitably, must be subjected to special processing. This consists in first cutting the unnumbered sheets into individual format notes to the final format, then separating out the marked misprints and numbering the remaining, correct value notes in a single value numbering machine, these numbers belonging to a special series.

So far there is no sensible and practically applicable method for the banknotes produced in roll printing, the complete number sequence right to receive if misprints have to be rejected after the strips have been cut into individual value notes, as is practically always the case. For this reason, all banknotes including the misprints have been numbered in roll printing so far, and only the numbers of the misprints that have been separated out have been registered in order to have a check, while ensuring a complete sequence of numbers. to be issued.

The invention is based on the object of creating a processing method for both bill of value sheets and for sheet of note paper, with which a sequence of flawless bank notes with a complete, complete number sequence is obtained even if the bank note or bank note sheets processed have irregularly distributed misprints must be discarded as reject vouchers.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features specified in patent claim 1.

Appropriate configurations of the method according to the invention and of the device according to the invention for carrying out this method result from the dependent patent claims.

The method can be carried out by means of conventional numbering machines, which only have to be disengaged with special numbering units, and by means of devices and components which are also known from the automatic processing of banknotes, and in a simple manner avoids all previous methods with the Creating a complete sequence of related problems; At the same time, processing security is increased, since after the visual inspection, no sheets or bundles of notes from normal, practically fully automatic processing have to be removed and subjected to parallel processing, and because any misprint can still be marked with a clear cancellation within the automatic processing system .

Above all, it is possible to achieve a complete sequence of numbers of the completed, perfect banknotes for the first time with web printing, even if, as is practically always the case, the bill of value has irregularly distributed misprints.

• Figur 1a in schematischer Darstellung eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach der Erfindung im Falle einer Wertscheinbahn,
• Figur 1b eine Draufsicht auf diese Vorrichtung,
• Figur 2 schematisch eine numerierte Wertscheinbahn mit vier Langsreihen, wobei jedes Rechteck einen Wertscheinaufdruck mit der angegebenen Seriennummer bedeutet,
• Figur 3 das Blockschema zur Steuerung der Vorrichtung nach Figur 1 durch einen Rechner,
• Figur 4 in schematischer Darstellung eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens im Falle von Wertscheinbogen,
• Figur 5 schematisch einen numerierten Wertscheinbogen im Verlaufe seiner Verarbeitung,
• Figur 6 eine schematische Ansicht eines der an einem Numerierzylinder installierten Numerierwerke der Numeriermaschine.
• Figur 6a eine schematische Draufsicht auf dieses Numerierwerk, in vergrössertem Massstab, und
• Figur 6b eine Seitenansicht dieses Numerierwerks.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• FIG. 1 a shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention in the case of a bill of value,
• FIG. 1b shows a top view of this device,
• FIG. 2 shows schematically a numbered banknote with four long rows, each rectangle meaning a banknote with the specified serial number,
• 3 shows the block diagram for controlling the device according to FIG. 1 by a computer,
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an apparatus for carrying out the method in the case of sheets of note,
• FIG. 5 schematically shows a numbered note sheet in the course of its processing,
• Figure 6 is a schematic view of one of the numbering machines of the numbering machine installed on a numbering cylinder.
• Figure 6a is a schematic plan view of this numbering, on an enlarged scale, and
• Figure 6b is a side view of this numbering.

In the example considered according to FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, the method according to the invention is based on a freshly printed, two-sided printed value track K on which the not yet numbered security prints are arranged in four adjacent longitudinal rows. On one side, these security prints are to be provided with numbers. In FIG. 2, which shows the value-added path K with the security impressions M numbered on this page in the form of rectangles, and in FIG. 1b, the longitudinal rows are denoted by L1, L2, L3 and L4. A person skilled in the art has in the usual way carried out a visual quality check of all the security prints on both sides of the security track K, and all the misprints Mx which later have to be discarded have been provided with a marking which can be read by a detector. This marking is indicated schematically in FIG. 2 by a cross.

The value note path K unwound from a roll 1 first passes through a reading device 2 which has on each side of the value note path K four reading heads assigned to the longitudinal rows, which read the markings on the misprints Mx and enter their positions into a computer 20 (FIG. 3), where these misprint positions are stored. Then the bill of value K arrives in a cancelation printing unit 3, which is controlled by the computer 20 and prints all the misprints Mx on the side of the bill of value to be numbered with a cancellation stamp, which is applied to the places provided for the numbers and in FIG Representation of the number is indicated. The cancellation printing unit 3 is preferably installed inside the numbering machine 4.

The bill of value K prepared in this way passes through the numbering machine 4, which in the example under consideration has two numbering printing units 4a and 4b, with which, as is generally customary, the bill of exchange numbers are printed at two different locations on each bill of exchange. These are essentially conventional numbering printing units, each with a numbering cylinder 5a or 5b, which in the example considered carries eight groups of numbering units 6a or 6b, evenly distributed over its circumference, and each with an impression cylinder 7a or 7b. Each numbering unit group has four numbering units arranged in a row parallel to the cylinder axis, which are assigned to the four longitudinal rows L1, L2, L3 and L4 of the security impressions (FIG. 1b). With each full revolution of the numbering cylinder 5a or 5b Therefore, eight consecutive transverse rows of security impressions are numbered in the direction of advancement of the security note path K, and, as will be explained in more detail later, in such a way that all correct security impressions lying in a row in a longitudinal row L1, L2, L3 or L4 are excluded, with the exception of misprints Mx get a consecutive numbering. In the example considered, the security impressions in each transverse row are given the same numerical number, but each row of lings is assigned a different number series, which is denoted by the large letters A, B, C and D in FIG. 2.

In order to carry out this novel method of continuous numbering of exclusively perfect security prints, the individual numbering units 6a and 6b can be switched individually and independently of one another and are constructed in such a way that they can be individually controlled by the computer 20. While previously all numbering units installed on a numbering cylinder of a numbering machine were inevitably shifted by one number at every full revolution of the numbering cylinder by a mechanical indexing lever, which is actuated by a fixed control cam, numbering units are provided for the method according to the invention, Numerical roller is switched by a small electric motor assigned to each numbering unit. This motor receives its electrical control signals from the computer 20 mentioned, in which the positions of the misprints are stored.

The numbering units are therefore not updated as before, inevitably with every revolution of the numbering cylinder by one unit, but with the help of individually controllable motors. The well-known indexing lever is used to advance the ten-digit roller and the numerical rollers printing the higher digits, but it is designed so that it only acts on the ten-digit and the higher-digit numerical rollers and is actuated by the control cam with each revolution of the numbering cylinder. However, its function is rendered ineffective by electrical blocking signals from the computer 20 if the tens digit roll is not to be switched on. An embodiment of such a numbering unit will be explained in more detail later with reference to FIGS. 6, 6a and 6b. The tens digit roll and the digit rolls representing the higher digits of a number are coupled in a known manner by the pawls of the indexing lever in such a way that the digit roll is switched on for the next higher digit when the digit roll of the next lower digit switches from 9 to 0. So if the tens digit roll is switched from 9 to 0 by the indexing lever, the hundreds digit roll is taken along by one number in a known manner, etc.

with the exception of the special control of the one-digit roller and the design and control of the indexing lever, the numbering units are of a known type.

The numbering units 6a, 6b are controlled by the computer 20 in such a way that - as long as no misprint arrives in the numbering machine - the consecutive notes of value within each longitudinal row L1 to L4 prints are numbered consecutively. If a numbering cylinder generally has N numbering unit groups distributed over its circumference and each assigned to a transverse row of security impressions, then each numbering unit 6a and 6b of a numbering unit group is advanced by N steps with each rotation of the numbering cylinder. In the example under consideration with N = 8, there is therefore a switching by eight units, since each individual numbering unit numbers every ninth security note within the relevant longitudinal row.

The arrangement is such that each one-digit scroll can be switched in both directions, so that e.g. 1 on 9 can be done in just two backward steps. A switchover generally requires a maximum of five switching steps in one direction or the other to set any desired number.

If a misprint Mx occurs in a long row, then all numbering units of the respective long row are controlled by the computer 20 in such a way that the numbering of the perfect banknotes following a misprint continues the correct number sequence of the perfect banknotes numbered before the misprint. In the course of the continuous numbering, every misprint is simply skipped. The number printed on the misprint is irrelevant because it is illegible due to the overprinting applied previously.

The example of numbering will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2; for better ver In the left column of FIG. 2, the numbering units 6a and 6b of the eight numbering unit groups of a numbering cylinder that print the specified numbers in the transverse rows are designated with the Roman numerals I to VIII.

The initial setting of the numbering units 1 to VIII for numbering the first eight security prints in each longitudinal row L1 to L4 is preferably already carried out automatically as a function of the reading by the reading device 2. As long as the reading device 2 does not detect any misprint in a longitudinal row, the numbering devices I assigned to this longitudinal row become , II, III, .... VIII, which number the security impressions in the first to eighth row, set to the sequential number sequence 1, 2, 3, etc., before the passage of the area of the security note K having the security impressions M through the numbering machine 4 begins. As soon as a misprint is reported, the cancellation printing unit 3 comes into operation as it passes this misprint, and the numbering unit, which numbers the security print following the misprint, is set to the same number as the numbering unit, which prints the number on the misprint; the following numbering units are set again to consecutive number sequence.

According to FIG. 2, the fourth security print in the longitudinal row L1 is a canceled misprint Mx, which receives the consecutive number 4, which, however, cannot be read due to the overprint. The numbering unit V of the same longitudinal row L1, which numbers the fifth security print, and the three following numbering units V, VI have been set to the same number 4 and VII then continue the sequential numbering.

There are two misprints Mx in each of the first eight security prints of the longitudinal series L2 and L4 and one misprint under those of the long series L3. In all cases, the correct security prints following the misprint were numbered with a number one unit smaller, that is, with the same number that the misprint received.

The numbering unit I of the longitudinal row L1, after it has printed the first number 1, is not increased by eight steps during the following rotation of the numbering cylinder. but because of the misprints Mx that has occurred in the meantime, only adjusted by seven steps to number 8; the three following numbering units 11, III and IV are also switched to the numbers 9 to 11 by seven steps in order to generate a correct number sequence. All in all, all eight numbering units V to VIII and I to IV belonging to the longitudinal series L1, which number the eight flawless security prints following the misprint (with the number 4), were set to one number. which is one unit smaller than in the absence of misprint. Only the numbering unit V and the following are switched on again by eight steps, provided that no further misprint occurs. Since, in the example under consideration, a further misprint Mx occurs in the longitudinal row L1, which has received the number 14 made illegible by the overprint, only the numbering units V, VI and VII were incremented by eight steps, whereas the numbering unit VIII was only increased by seven steps.

In the longitudinal rows L2, L3 and L4, the misprints are distributed in a different way and, accordingly, the numbering units of these Lingseries are also switched in a different way. Since two misprints appear at the fifth and seventh place in the longitudinal row L2 among the first eight security prints, the numbering units I to V are used only by six steps to number the second group of eight security impressions, which in the example under consideration do not have any misprinting VI and VII by seven steps and the numbering VIII by eight steps. Analogous switching takes place in the longitudinal rows L3 and L4.

Since the numbers printed on the misprints are meaningless and also illegible, any number of numbers could be applied to the misprints, in other words, for example, the same number that the preceding perfect security print received. It would also be possible to dispense with the forwarding of a numbering unit that numbered a misprint, and to directly set the number which the next perfect security impression to be numbered by this numbering unit is to receive. It is only essential that the faultless security print following a misprint always receives the number immediately following the number of the previous faulty security print.

The manner of numbering described continues and is illustrated in the example according to FIG. 2 up to the sixteenth transverse row and then again for the last three transverse rows of a numbering sequence which is interrupted as soon as in one Long series of perfect notes of value up to a certain maximum number of the relevant number series, in the example considered up to 100,000.

In the example considered in FIG. 2, it is assumed that the number series B in the longitudinal series L2 has been numbered first up to the end number of the cycle in question, that is to say B 100,000, while the three other number series A, C and D in the longitudinal series L1, L3 and L4 were numbered up to the number A 99.425, C 99.227 and D 99.731. It should be noted that the number of security impressions missing in the longitudinal rows L1, L3 and L4 up to the respective final number 100,000 has no relation to the number of misprints in the respective longitudinal row and is not roughly equal to the number of these misprints. Rather, the number of numbers that are missing in a longitudinal series up to the final number considered 100,000 is equal to the number of misprints in the already numbered longitudinal series minus the number of misprints in the considered, not yet fully numbered longitudinal series. If, by chance, the same number of misprints is always present once in every longitudinal row within a certain, complete numbering sequence, the relevant end number is of course reached simultaneously for all four longitudinal rows with the same last transverse row. However, this case is extremely unlikely.

• Zum einen kann die Steuerung der Numerierwerke der Numeriermaschine mit Hilfe des Rechners 20 so durchgeführt werden, dass alle Numerierwerke einer Längsreihe. sobald die Endnummer 100.000 in die Längsreihe ausgedruckt wurde, automatisch ausser Betrieb gesetzt werden, während die Wertscheinbahn K ohne Unterbrechung weiter vorgeschoben wird und alle Numerierwerke der anderen Längsreihen so lange in der beschriebenen Weise weiterarbeiten, bis jeweils die betreffende Endnummer 100.000 ausgedruckt worden ist. Erst dann schaltet sich die Numeriermaschine ab. Bei der individuellen Ausserbetriebsetzung eines Numerierwerks ist die Anordnung so getroffen, dass dieses Numerierwerk aus seiner druckenden Arbeitsstellung herausgerückt wird und daher beim Passieren des Gegendruckzylinders von diesem abgehoben ist. Diese Hassnahme erfordert, dass die Numerierwerke individuell verschiebbar am Numerierzylinder montiert sind. Bei der beschriebenen Arbeitsweise einer vollautomatischen Numerierung in jeder Längsreihe bis zur Endnummer der betreffenden Nummernserie fallen natürlich in den Längsreihen - mit Ausnahme der zuletzt fertig numerierten - unnumerierte Wertscheindrucke an, die später ausgesondert, zur Kontrolle gezählt und einfach vernichtet werden; gegebenenfalls können sie auch in einem Sonderarbeitsgang mit den Nummern einer Sonderserie numeriert werden.

If, after reaching the end number in one of the longitudinal rows, the numbering of the notes in the other longitudinal rows has not yet reached the end number because these longitudinal rows have larger numbers of misprints, then you can complete the Carry out numbering in two different ways:

• On the one hand, the numbering units of the numbering machine can be controlled with the aid of the computer 20 in such a way that all numbering units in a longitudinal row. as soon as the end number 100,000 has been printed out in the longitudinal series, it is automatically put out of operation, while the value track K is pushed forward without interruption and all numbering units of the other longitudinal series continue in the manner described until the relevant end number 100,000 has been printed out. Only then will the numbering machine switch itself off. When an individual numbering unit is decommissioned, the arrangement is such that this numbering unit is moved out of its printing working position and is therefore lifted off the counterpressure cylinder when it passes it. This hate taking requires that the numbering units are mounted on the numbering cylinder so that they can be moved individually. With the described method of fully automatic numbering in each longitudinal row up to the final number of the relevant number series, there are of course in the longitudinal rows - with the exception of the last numbered - unnumbered security impressions, which are separated out later, counted for control and simply destroyed; if necessary, they can also be numbered in a special process using the numbers of a special series.

On the other hand, one can proceed in such a way that using single value note numbering units, each of the not yet fully numbered longitudinal rows (in the example considered according to FIG. 1, the longitudinal rows A, C and D). be assigned the security impressions of this longitudinal rows without omitting the misprints until the end number 100,000 is reached, which can be carried out in particular semi-automatically or, if necessary, also by hand.

After leaving the numbering machine 4, the value track K passes through a reading device 8 (FIGS. 1a and 1b) reading the markings or cancellation markings, and is then in a known strip cutting machine 9, which works as a longitudinal cutter with circular knives, in strip S and behind it in one Known bundle cutting machine 10 cut into single value notes W finished format, the so-called single use. This bundle cutting machine 10 is a cross cutting unit, the knife 11 of which is indicated schematically in FIG. 1b.

The individual value notes W pass in rows through a device 12, which is also known per se, for eliminating the misprints. This device 12 is controlled by the reader 8, which emits a correspondingly delayed rejection signal for switching over the device 12 when an incorrect pressure is detected. The positions of the misprints determined by the reader 8 must of course match the positions stored in the computer 20, taking into account the known transport speed, so that the results of the reader 8 ensure additional checking of the misprints.

The device 12 for eliminating the misprints, which in the example under consideration cooperates with the drum of the bundle cutting machine 10, works with suction rolls which, when the suction effect is turned off allow flawless notes of value to pass without being distracted, so that these notes of value can reach a conveyor system 13, while when the suction effect is switched on, the misprints on the circumference of the suction rolls are carried along and are fed to a collecting point 14. A separation device working with such suction rollers is described, for example, in published European patent application No. 80201063.7. according to U.S. Patent 4,299,325. Other automatically controllable separating devices for notes of value are known, for example, from DE patents 1,499,514 and 1,524,627 corresponding to USA patent 3,412,993.

The discarded misprints are counted for control purposes and compared with the number of misprints stored in the computer before they are destroyed.

The transport sequence of the remaining, perfect banknotes now has a correct, complete number sequence within the relevant number series. It is therefore sufficient to stack the consecutive notes on the conveyor system 13 within each longitudinal row in a manner known per se in a bundling station 15 into bundles of notes Z of 100 notes each, as indicated schematically in FIG. 1a. The bundles of notes Z are then fed to a buffer station 18 and finally to an automatic packaging station 19, where the bundles of notes Z are banded, a certain number of bundles of notes, generally ten bundles, are stacked into bundles of notes and these bundles of notes are banded after the banknotes have been counted again and packaged into packages. This ensures that each package has a predetermined number of notes that have a complete number sequence within a certain number series. The buffer station 18 allows a large number of bundles of notes to be stored before they reach the banding and packaging station 19. As a result, the normal speed of the preceding operations of numbering, cutting and rejection can be maintained even if the operation of the station 19 has to be interrupted for a certain time for some reason or can only be delayed.

In principle, numbering mechanisms can also be used to number the security prints, in which all the number rolls can be electrically controlled independently of one another. In this case, the tens digit rolls and the digit rolls printing the higher digits are also individually controlled by the computer 20. The digit rolls can be designed so that, in addition to the ten digits, they have a non-printing gap or a cancellation mark; then they can be set in the presence of a misprint so that no printing takes place at all or that the cancellation marks are printed. This measure can of course also be applied to those security prints of a longitudinal series which, as described earlier, still run through the numbering machine after complete numbering of this longitudinal series until the security prints in all other long series have also been numbered to the final number. When using the numbering mechanisms described above, the digit rolls Ent have valuation marks, the special cancellation printing unit 3 may be dispensed with.

On the other hand, it is also possible in principle to prevent the numbering of a misprint by temporarily moving the numbering unit in question out of its working position when it passes this misprint, that is to say shifting it somewhat radially into the interior of the numbering cylinder, so that the misprinting of the numbering unit in question passes through without touching the numbering unit. For this purpose, all numbering units of a numbering cylinder must be assembled so that they can be moved out of their working position. This disengagement could then be carried out mechanically with the aid of an eccentric mechanism or else electromagnetically, the control signals in question being given by the computer 20 to adjust the position of the numbering unit.

In the case of sheets of note produced in sheet printing, the method according to the invention is explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In FIG. 4, those processing stations which correspond to the stations in the example according to FIG. 1a are indicated by the same reference symbols. In FIG. 5, which illustrates a modification of the processing method according to FIG. 4, these reference numerals designate only the processing points concerned.

The still unnumbered sheets of security F provided with security impressions are first checked for incorrect security impressions, the misprints being marked. These marked misprints are marked with a cross in FIG.

The sheets thus checked then pass through the device in the direction of the arrows indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 and first pass, one after the other, a reading device 2, a cancellation printing unit 3 and a numbering machine 4, which can be constructed in exactly the same way as in the example in FIG. 1a. The positions of the marked misprints are read by the reading device 2 and stored in a computer which controls the cancellation printing unit 3 for canceling the misprints and the numbering machine 4 in the manner already described for the case of a bill of value. In the example considered, each sheet F has 4 x 8 security impressions, which are arranged in four longitudinal rows and eight transverse rows, based on the direction of the passage through the numbering machine 4. Accordingly, each numbering cylinder of the numbering machine has eight groups of numbering units distributed uniformly over its circumference, which number one sheet with each revolution of the numbering cylinder and of which each group has four numbering units arranged side by side for simultaneous numbering of a transverse row. The security prints in each longitudinal row of a sheet belong to a number series A, B, C or D (FIG. 5) and are numbered consecutively, but to the exclusion of misprints. In the example according to FIG. 5, the sheet has a misprint in the longitudinal series having the number series A and two misprints in the longitudinal series having the number series B and D. In the following sheet, the number sequence is continued in each longitudinal row.

At the output of the numbering machine 4, no sheet stacks are formed, as is the case with a conventional Ver work is common, but the sheets are processed individually one after the other. The sheets pass through a reading device 8, which reads the cancellation stamps, and are cut into strips S in a strip cutting machine 9, which in turn is a slitter. The strips S are cut into individual value notes W in a bundle cutting machine 10. In the example according to FIG. 4, this bundle cutting machine 10 is also a longitudinal cutting unit, while in the example according to FIG. 5 a cross cutting unit is used for the bundle cut.

In a rejection device 12, which can be controlled by the reading device 8 or the computer in the same way as described in the first exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the misprints are rejected and fed to a collecting station 14. Then, in a bundling station 15, the flawless individual value notes W originating from the same longitudinal row are combined to form value note bundles Z of 100 value notes each with a complete number sequence. These bundles of banknotes Z are banded in a banding station 16 and fed via a transport path 17 to a buffer station 18 and then to an automatic packaging station 19, where ten bundles of banknotes are stacked, banded and packaged with the banknotes belonging to the same number series and consecutively numbered banknotes.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the mounting of one of the numbering units 6a on the numbering cylinder 5a, which is fastened on the shaft 4 'of the numbering printing unit 4a of the numbering machine 4. The numbering mechanism 6a has been considered Example 6 according to Figure 6a six digit rolls 21 to 26, namely a one-digit roll 21, a tens digit roll 22, a hundreds digit roll 23, etc. All digit rolls 21 to 26 are rotatably mounted about a common axis 27 in the numbering frame 28. The one-digit roller 21 is kinematically independent of the other digit rollers 22 to 26 and is advanced by a small electric motor 29 (FIGS. 6 and 6b) controlled by the computer 20 in the manner described, a gearwheel 30 seated on the motor shaft having an intermediate gearwheel 31 combs, which engages in a corresponding toothing of the one-digit roller 21.

To advance the remaining number rollers 22 to 26, a known two-armed indexing lever 32 (FIGS. 6a and 6b) is provided which can be pivoted about the axis 27 and has an actuating roller 33 at one end and a pawl carrier 34 at the other end with molded pawls 35, the so-called front grippers. This pawl carrier 34 with the pawls 35 is pivotally mounted about an axis 36 on the relevant arm of the indexing lever 32 and is biased by a spring, not shown, in such a way that the pawls 35 are pressed in the direction of the toothings attached to the numbered rollers 22 to 26. The depth of the tooth gaps of the various toothings of the number rollers 22 to 26 and the lengths of the assigned pawls 35 are designed and dimensioned in a known manner so that the switching pawl 35 assigned to the tens digit roller 22 always engages in the toothing of this digit roller, which the hundreds Numerical roller 23 assigned pawl 35, however, only then in their teeth can grip when the tens dial 22 is set to the number 9. In an analogous manner, the other pawls 35 for the digit rolls 24 to 26 of the next higher digits are always out of engagement with the toothing in question if the digit roll of the next lower digit is not set to the number 9, but with the relevant toothing in engagement if this Digit roll of the next lower digit is set to 9. In the case. that all the number rollers 22 to 26 are set to the number 9, but only then, are all five pawls 35 in engagement with the toothings in question.

With each revolution of the numbering cylinder 5a, the actuating roller 33 of the indexing lever 32 runs on a control cam 37 fixedly mounted on the numbering printing unit 4a, whereby the indexing lever 32 temporarily pivots in the direction of the arrows F1 according to FIG. 6b and thereby the tens digit roller 22 and possibly those additional digit rollers be advanced by a step, in which the associated pawls 35 are in engagement with the relevant toothing. However, in order to avoid advancing the ten-digit roller 22 when the indexing lever 32 is actuated by the control cam 37 whenever the tens position of the number to be printed is not to be changed, an electromagnet 38 is fixed in the area of the pawl trigger 34 on the numbering frame 28 or mounted on the numbering cylinder, which, when excited, pawl trigger 34 with its pawls 35 against the action of the spring mentioned in the direction of arrow F2 according to FIG. 6b, rotates about axis 36 and thus all pawls 35 from the ver serrations of the digit rolls. In this way, the indexing lever 32 inevitably executes its indexing stroke when it approaches the control cam 37, but because of the shifted pawl 35, the tens digit roller 22 or the other digit rollers for the next higher digits are not advanced. If the electromagnet 38 is not energized, on the other hand, when the indexing lever 32 is actuated, the ten-digit roller 22 is advanced one step; if it is thereby switched from the number 9 to the number zero, the hundreds of digit roller 23 is simultaneously taken by one step by the adjacent pawl 35, etc.

The device according to the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described, but rather allows multiple variants, in particular with regard to the design of the individual stations, especially the numbering units and their control.

Claims (10)

_1st Process for processing print media printed with security prints in the form of sheets of paper or sheets of paper, the security prints of which are arranged in the form of a matrix in transverse rows and longitudinal rows, to bundles of notes from numbered individual security certificates, according to which the print media, after marking the misprints found on them, pass through a numbering machine and after the printing media have been cut up the misprints are discarded, characterized in that only the perfect security impressions, excluding the misprints, are numbered consecutively on the print media and after the formation of the individual security notes cut to format, the misprints are removed and the remaining, consecutively numbered individual security certificates are combined into bundles, each with a complete number sequence will. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the misprints are provided with cancellation stamps before the cutting of the print carriers, which are preferably applied in the area of the number prints or the locations provided for the number prints. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positions of all misprints are scanned before the numbering of the printing triggers by a detector system and stored in a computer, that the control of the numbering units of the numbering machine is carried out individually by electrical signals from this computer, and that if En _t - valuation imprints are applied to the misprints, this operation is also controlled by the computer. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein N numbering units are used for numbering the security prints in each longitudinal row N extending in the direction of advance of the printing medium, said numbering units being distributed over the circumference of the numbering cylinder of a numbering machine and being switchable with each revolution of the numbering cylinder, characterized in that only the perfect security impressions lying behind one another in each longitudinal row are numbered consecutively and for this purpose the N numbering units assigned to a longitudinal row are set to consecutive numbers as long as there is no misprint, and are incremented by N numbers with each revolution of the numbering cylinder However, in the presence of a misprint, the numbering of the correct security prints following a misprint continues the correct number sequence of the correct security prints numbered before the misprint, and the numbering in each r The longitudinal series is ended individually when the last number of the relevant number series assigned to this longitudinal series has been printed out. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that after the numbering of the security prints in at least one longitudinal row, the numbering machine continues to work in such a way that the security prints in all other longitudinal rows are numbered continuously until the last number of the relevant number series in question is printed out and each numbering unit is deactivated individually after printing out this last number. and that after the printing medium has been cut into individual value notes, the non-numbered value notes which have passed the numbering machine after the numbering unit in question has been taken out of service are separated out. 6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the simultaneous consecutive numbering of the security prints of all longitudinal rows is interrupted when the last number of the relevant number series has been printed in at least one of the longitudinal rows, and that the completion of the numbering of the security prints in the rest Longitudinal rows up to the last number are then made using auxiliary numbering units. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the printing of a number on a misprint is prevented by the numbering machine in question of the numbering machine is temporarily moved out of its working position when this misprint is passed or the number rolls of the numbering machine on a cancellation mark or be set to a non-printing gap. 8. Apparatus for carrying out the method according to claim 1 or 4, with a numbering machine (4), with at least one reading device (2) for reading the marked misprints, with cutting machines (10.11) for cutting the print medium (K, F) into individual value notes, with a rejection device (12) for eliminating the misprints from the transport sequence and with a station (19) for the formation and packaging of value note packages, characterized in that the reading device (2) is arranged in front of the numbering machine (4) in the transport direction of the print carriers (K, F) and is set up to determine the positions of the misprints that a computer ( 20) is provided, in which the misprint positions determined by the reading device (2) can be stored, so that the numbering machine (4) can be controlled by the computer (20) in such a way that only perfect security impressions, excluding the misprints, are continuously numbered before the cutting machines (9, 10) are controlled by the computer (20) controlled cancellation printing unit (3) for the misprints and that the rejection device (12) is installed behind the cutting machines (9, 10,) by the computer (20) or another reading device (8) is controllable and is set up to separate out the individual value notes marked as misprints. 9. The device according to claim 8, with a numbering machine (4), the numbering units (6a, 6b) and one with each revolution of the numbering cylinder actuating lever (32) for these numbering units, characterized in that the numbering units (6a, 6b) of the indexing lever (32) and of the adjacent tens digit roller (22) have kinematically independent one digit rollers (21), which can be switched electrically by control signals, preferably in both directions, that the indexing lever (32) only on the tens digit roller ( 22) and (23 affects the the _h bheren locations corresponding numeric rolls to 26), and that in spite of operation of the shift lever extension (32) made its switching function inactive by an electric blocking signal of the computer (20) can be, in particular by electromagnetic removal of its pawls from the toothing of the digit rollers (22 to 26), the tens digit roller (22) with the other digit rollers (23 to 26) printing the higher digits in a conventional manner kinematically coupled or detachable is, in particular due to the shifting knobs (35) of the indexing lever (32) interacting with the toothing of the digit rolls, that if a digit roll is switched from digit 9 to digit 0, the digit roll assigned to the next higher position is taken one step. 10. The device according to claim 8, characterized. that all digit rolls of a numbering unit of the nuaneration machine can be switched independently of one another by electrical signals.

Images