EP0764131B1 - Method and device for separating loose sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP96/01468 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 24, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 24, 1997 PCT Filed Apr. 3, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/31423 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 10, 1996A method for singling loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, wherein the sheet material is supplied in an input pocket in the form of a stack in a defined position for vertical feed of the sheet material to a singler. The sheet material is moved within the input pocket vertically from the feed position to a singling position. While the preceding stack is still being singled in the singler, the next stack to be singled is already supplied in the input pocket of the singler in the defined feed position.

Description

The invention relates to a method for separation of loose goods, especially banknotes, in which the Sheets of paper in an input tray in the form of a stack in a defined position for vertical tracking the sheet material is provided to a separator. The sheet material is within the input tray by the Tracking position vertically into a separation position moved and isolated. The invention further relates to a device for separating loose sheet material.

A method or a device of the above. Is kind known for example from EP 0 185 395 B1. In which known method is from a batch transport system a stack of sheets then to the separating device transported when the last sheet of the previous one Stack is isolated. As soon as the last one Sheet of a stack has been singled out, that will Transport system activated to feed another stack. As soon as the stack of sheets with its leading edge in a defined position for vertical tracking the sheet material lies on a stacking table, the separation process started.

The known method has the disadvantage that with Provision of the next stack of sheets to be separated Only then can they be started on the stacking table can if the last sheet of the previous stack has left the separating device. As a result, the separation must be to provide a new batch be interrupted, which is particularly the case with Isolation of large quantities turns out to be disadvantageous. Although in the known method for reduction the gaps in the separation process have already been proposed the next stack of sheets to be separated This solution is to provide as quickly as possible but not satisfactory because of the rapid transport of the stack of individual sheets Leaves can move, causing problems the positioning and thus the separation of the Can lead sheet stack.

EP 0 535 361 A2 describes a device for tracking a described a stack table to a separator. When the stack fed to the separator has decreased to a certain size has, this is by retractable and extendable screen from The stacking table is lifted and continues to be fed to the separator. The stacking table can then be lowered and loaded with a new stack. Then a new stack with the stacking table in the direction again Separator moved and below the one carried on the supporting screen, remaining stack provided. The screen will then become withdrawn, with the remaining stack on the new one provided below Stack deposited and fed to the separator together with this becomes. Those described in documents EP 0 604 770 A1 and DE 39 41 993 C1 Devices work on the same tracking principle. This However, the principle has the disadvantage that the one to be loaded with a new stack Then the stacking table cannot be loaded with new stacks, if this is just a stack including the remaining stack to the separator readjusts. Only when the stack of carrying rakes on the stacking table or corresponding devices are lifted off the stacking table, can be moved back to a loading position and loaded with new stacks become. The throughput of sheet material to be separated is thereby limited.

The invention has for its object a method to propose the separation of loose leaf material, the higher throughput with a trouble-free process in a separating device.

The task is carried out in the characterizing part of the Features specified independent claims solved.

The basic idea of the invention is that the next stack to be separated in the input tray of the Separator provided in a defined position while the previous stack in the Separator is still isolated. This will make the Throughput improved because the separation process is not to provide the next batch to be separated must be interrupted. By providing of the next stack to be separated overlapping with the previous batch is separated, there is enough time for correct, exact positioning of the stack in the input compartment of the separator. This can cause malfunctions, for example in the separation process due to an improper positioned stack can be avoided, making the Reliability is improved.

According to a development of the invention, the Separating batches that are already being processed of sheet material with the next stack to be separated the separating device are brought together, creating a continuous flow of the leaf material within of the input compartment of the separator is obtained.

This has the particular advantage that due to the continuous Tracking the sheet material within the Singling the singling process without interruption can be carried out. This can reduce the throughput rate can be further improved, whereby the invention, in particular for high-speed sorting machines, at to which the sheet material is fed loose, excellent suitable is.

For example, the invention can be used to test fresh printing Banknotes or to check the condition used banknotes, each in the input compartments of the separator are provided loose, used become. So several stacks can be freshly printed or also used banknotes combined into a billing unit which will then be on multiple input bins be distributed. The last sheet of the accounting unit can, for example, automatically from a retro-reflective sensor of the separator can be recognized.

The input compartments are in a preferred further development designed to be portable and can be placed in a loading position filled with leaf material and one or more Separators are transported. For transporting the input compartments a corresponding transport system is provided, that comprise one or more transport routes can that can be connected. In the Transport route can have several input compartments in a row be arranged, with which the transport route a Has memory function.

The input compartments can be filled with sheet material manually or automatically with the help of robots be carried out, with the latter filling and the transport of the input compartments and the separation automatically controlled from a central control center become. This central control center or computer can, for example also keeping records of the individual Settlement units, e.g. B. for a shift, being the operator at any time through the protocol Can receive information about whether a billing unit has been properly processed.

The invention also relates to a device for separating of loose sheets, especially banknotes, with an input tray for that provided in the form of a stack Sheet material and means for tracking the an edition of the input tray arranged sheet material to a facility that made the stack sheet by sheet isolated out of the input tray.

The device is characterized in that the means trained to track the sheet material are that they are related to the input tray inside and can be moved vertically and horizontally outside the input compartment are. For example, the means for Tracking the sheet material at least one rake-shaped Gripper that has a protruding area, which interacts with the retaining wall of the input compartment in such a way that slipping of a sheet between the retaining wall and the protruding area of the gripper is prevented.

In a further education, the prominent area of the gripper can also be rotated. It can also Height of the input tray can be adjustable, what is particularly advantageous when different Batch sizes are to be processed. This can For example, the size of the input tray is optimal the stack size can be adjusted, thereby reducing the return the one in the separating position Gripper in the tracking position below the support Reduced time required and thus the Throughput can be increased.

For tracking the sheet material to the singler also two rake-shaped, each vertically and horizontally movable grippers are provided which interact in such a way that within the input tray is a continuous Tracking the sheet material to the separating device is obtained. By using two independently a movable gripper is a continuous one Stream of sheet material in the separator possible so that there is no interruption of the separation Provision of the sheet material during processing a billing unit is necessary.

In a further development, the tracking means, in particular the rake-shaped grippers, each rotatably mounted, so that the first one, for example, in the separating position located gripper by the second the gripper rotated vertically and is operated electromechanically so that the Tracking movement of the second gripper stopped and the in the separating position gripper from the Input tray is pulled out. The rotating version the gripper has the advantage that a proper automatic tracking of the sheet material regardless of the respective stack height is guaranteed. To capture the rotation is each gripper with appropriate Microswitches provided the appropriate signals deliver to a control unit. The control unit then controls the movement sequence of the Gripper in such a way that a continuous tracking of the sheet material is obtained.

The input compartment provided in the separating device comprises at least one support and a retaining wall for the sheet material to be separated. In addition can also a side wall can be provided, which like the edition for example of parallel bars is formed.

According to a further development, the input compartment can consist of two Parts consist, the upper part in the separating device is stationary and the lower part is designed to be transportable and with the help of a Transport system from the loading position for filling the Input compartments for the singler or several singlers can be transported. The transportable lower part of the input pocket can be used to identify the last input bin belonging to a billing unit provided with a corresponding mechanical flag be, the electromechanical actuation of a control unit is evaluated accordingly.

Further advantages and developments of the invention result itself from the dependent claims and the following Description based on the figures.

Fig. 1

eine erste Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Vereinzeln von Blattgut,

Fig. 2a, 2b

ein Mittel zum Nachführen des Blattguts,

Fig. 3a, 3b

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Mittels zum Nachführen des Blattguts,

Fig. 4a - 4f

ein Verfahren zur Vereinzelung von losem Blattgut mit Vereinzelungslücke,

Fig. 5a - 5f

ein Verfahren zur kontinuierlichen Vereinzelung von losem Blattgut,

Fig. 6a, 6b

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Vereinzeln von Blattgut in unterschiedlichen Arbeitsstellungen,

Fig. 7, 7a, 7b

weitere Ausführungsbeispiele eines Mittels zum Nachführen von Blattgut,

Fig. 8

Transportsystem mit Eingabefach.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a first embodiment of a device for separating sheet material,

2a, 2b

a means for tracking the sheet material,

3a, 3b

another embodiment of a means for tracking the sheet material,

4a - 4f

a method for separating loose sheet material with a separation gap,

5a - 5f

a process for the continuous separation of loose leaf material,

6a, 6b

A second embodiment of a device for separating sheet material in different working positions,

7, 7a, 7b

further exemplary embodiments of a means for tracking sheet material,

Fig. 8

Transport system with input compartment.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view Device according to the invention for separating loose Sheets, especially banknotes. The device comprises essentially an input compartment 10 for the in the form of Stack 1, 2 present within the input tray Sheets and a vertically and horizontally movable means 20 for tracking the sheet material to a device 30, which separates the sheet material from the input tray and a further transport device 35 supplies. The input tray 10 includes a height adjustable Edition 11 for the one in the tracking position Stack 2, guide rods 12 and a retaining wall 15, which have a corresponding fixation 13, 14 are attached. The means 20 and the one arranged on it Stack 1 of banknotes is in the singling position here shown. The means 20 can, however, from the Separation position between the guide rods 12 sideways, d. H. moved horizontally out of the input tray to move into an outside of the input tray Position defined below the support 11 for tracking of the stack 2 to be moved.

FIG. 2a shows the means 20 from FIG. 1 in a top view in the extended position outside the input tray 10. The means 20 comprises a rake-shaped gripper as well as one not shown for the sake of clarity Guide linkage including drive for vertical and horizontal movement of the gripper. The gripper embraces several rods 21 attached to a frame 22 are. At least the on the retaining wall 16 of the Input-adjacent bar has one Projection 23, which serves to slide through a sheet between the retaining wall 15 and the projection 23 to prevent the gripper when this in the Input slot is retracted, as shown in Fig. 2b is.

3a and 3b show another in the supervision Embodiment of a means 20 in which at least a rod has teeth 24 along its entire length, which can be interlocked with the retaining wall 16, like this is shown in Fig. 3b. So that the teeth Rod in and out of the input tray can, the rod is rotatably arranged on the frame 22. It can also several or all rods 21 of the gripper can be rotated and executed with teeth, creating a partially or completely closed contact surface of the gripper is obtained.

4a-4f show the functional sequence for separation of loose sheets with a gripper. 4a shows the Gripper 20 in the tracking position below the support 11, on which a stack 1 of banknotes is arranged. Fig. 4b shows the gripper 20, as this by the support 11 vertically into the separation position is moved, which is shown in Fig. 4c. In Fig. 4d the next stack 2 is already in the tracking position in the input tray. If the in the isolation position stack has been separated, the gripper is moved horizontally out of the input compartment and moved vertically to below the support, as shown in FIGS. 4e and 4f.

5a-5f show the functional sequence during the separation of loose leaf material, two grippers being used become. 5a shows the first gripper 20 in its tracking position and the second gripper 40 in the upper position extended from the input tray. 5b now shows the first gripper 20 in the separating position and the second gripper 40 in the lower one extended position. 5c is the upper one Gripper 20 during the separation of the stack 1 and the lower gripper 40 in its tracking position below edition 11 shown. Fig. 5d now shows how the lower gripper 40 vertically through the support is moved upwards, the stack 2 with the still merged into individual sheets of the stack 1 becomes. 5e shows how the next stack 3 already is placed on the pad 11 in the input compartment and the gripper 20 is moved out of the input compartment. The gripper 20 is then vertical to below the edition is lowered and is then placed in the input tray moved into its tracking position while the stack 2 is still isolated. Then it goes with Fig. 5c further.

6a shows a perspective view of a Another embodiment of a device for separating of loose leaf matter. The means 20, 40 for tracking the Sheets also include rake-shaped grabs, whereby the upper gripper 20 in the separating position and the lower gripper 40 below the support 11 of the input tray 10 is in the tracking position. For the sake of clarity, these are guide rods and the drive means for vertical and horizontal Movement of the grippers has been omitted. The input tray 10 has the pad 11, the guide rods 12 and the Retaining wall 15, each over the fixations 13 and 14 are attached. As can be seen in Fig. 6a, is the input tray 10 in two levels to the horizontal Level so inclined that safe transportation the sheet material is guaranteed.

In contrast to the first embodiment, this exists Input compartment made of two separable parts, with the guide rods 12 and the retaining wall 15 of the input compartment 10 are separably connected. The top 17 is fixed to the fixation 14, whereas the lower part 18 of the input compartment is portable is executed. The transportable lower part of the input compartment 18 is with a mechanically operated flag 19 provided to identify the last input bin 18 serves a billing unit. The last Sheet of the billing unit can then by means of a Reflex light barrier 34 can be recognized.

Fig. 6b shows the same device, the lower one Gripper 40 the stack 2 arranged thereon with the in the separation of the stack 1 merges and the upper gripper 20 horizontally laterally from the input compartment is moved.

7 shows the means 20 for tracking the sheet material, as is the case, for example, in the device according to FIG. 6a, 6b is used. The means 20 coincides with the means 40 in Fig. 6a, 6b identical and includes a rake-shaped Gripper with a frame 22 and on it attached tines 21, at least one prong one Has projection 23, the function coincides with the projection shown in Fig. 2a. The rake-shaped gripper is on a rotatable Lever arm 25 attached, which in turn on a guide plate 28 is arranged. The gripper can over the Rods 29 from a drive means, not shown on the one hand horizontally and on the other hand moved vertically be like this B. in Fig. 6a and 6b is.

Corresponding grippers are used to control the movement sequence Microswitches 26 and 27 are provided, which caused by the tracking of the lower gripper on the in the upper separating position of the gripper detect the rotary movement caused. With sufficient rotation of the upper gripper then becomes the microswitch 26 opened and the microswitch 27 closed. by virtue of the electromechanical actuation caused by the rotation the switch is then from a not shown Control unit the tracking movement of the lower Gripper stopped and the upper gripper out of the input compartment pulled out, as shown in Fig. 6b is.

7a shows a further exemplary embodiment of a By means of 60 for tracking the sheet material, as z. B. in 6a, 6b can be used. The means 60 also includes one vertically and horizontally movable rake-shaped gripper with several Prongs 61 attached to a frame 62. in the Difference from the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is the rake-shaped gripper via a lever arm 65 rigid with the guide plate, not shown here connected. At least one prong 61 of the rake-shaped The gripper has a slot into which one with a Mechanical finger-shaped spring force Scanner 64 protrudes. The scanning finger 64 is inside of the slot movable, the movement of a sensor, e.g. B. an inductive proximity switch 66 can be detected.

Fig. 7b shows a sectional view along the Line A-A the prong 61 with the slot and the scanning finger 64. This is rotatably attached to the frame 62 and is represented by the springs 67 in FIG Isolation position held. Through the tracking movement not shown here for the sake of clarity lower gripper comes the one located on this Sheet material in contact with the scanning finger 64, thereby scanning finger 64 from the singulation position is moved in the direction of the tine 61. by virtue of the electromechanical caused by the rotation of the scanning finger Actuation of the switch 66 is then the tracking movement stopped. Because in this Embodiment only the scanning finger 64, however the entire rake-shaped gripper is not moved, can control due to the lower inertia the tracking movement is more accurate and faster. The rake-shaped gripper is also in this embodiment constructed more simply and therefore less susceptible to wear.

8 shows a transport system 50 with a route 51 to transport the lower parts 18 from a charging station a Vereinzeier not shown. At the charging station the lower parts 18 are filled with sheet material and then then transported to the singler, whereby the lower part 18, as shown in Fig. 6a, with the upper part of the input compartment, not shown here can be. The filling of the lower parts 18 with Sheet material can be manually or automatically z. B. with help done by robots. Movable to reduce noise Flaps 52 provided an acoustic decoupling effect the transport route from the separator. Several such lower parts can be in the transport route be arranged one behind the other so that the Transport route fulfills a storage function.

Of course, several such transport routes can also be used be provided, over which then several Separators are automatically supplied with sheet material can, the transport filling and emptying the input trays completely automatically from controlled a central control computer, not shown can be.

Claims (18)

1. A method for singling loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, wherein

   the sheet material is disposed in an input pocket (10) in the form of a stack (1) on a rest (11) of said input pocket (10),

   the stack (1) disposed on the rest (11) in moved within the input pocket (10) vertically to a singling position in which the stack (1) is singled, and

   a further stack (2) to be singled is disposed on the rest of the input pocket (10) while the stack (1) located in the singling position in the input pocket is still being singled,

   characterized in that the motion of stacks (1, 2, 3) disposed on the rest (11) to the singling position is effected by two means (20, 40) which are successively

   run from one side into the input pocket (10) to a feed position provided below the rest (11),

   moved from the feed position provided below the rest (11) through the rest (11) vertically to the singling position provided above the rest (11), thereby moving the stack (1) disposed on the rest (11) to the singling position, and

   run from the singling position laterally out of the input pocket (10) and moved outside the input pocket (10) to the feed position.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that while the stack (1) located in the singling position is being singled the further stack (2) disposed on the rest (11) is moved vertically and brought together in the input pocket (10) with the stack (1) located in the singling position, resulting in a continuous feed of sheet material.
3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of stacks of sheet material are combined into one accounting unit which can be distributed over a plurality of input pockets (10), the last input pocket (10) belonging to the accounting unit being recognized automatically by a feeling device.
4. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the last sheet of the accounting unit is detected automatically by means of a reflected light barrier.
5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of input pockets (10) are made available and filled with sheet material at a loading position and are transported to a singler or a plurality of singlers.
6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the filling of the input pockets (10) with sheet material is performed by robots automatically and the filling and the transport of the input pockets (10) are controlled from a central control station.
7. An apparatus for singling loose sheet material, in particular bank notes, having

   an input pocket (10) with a rest (11), and

   means (20, 40, 60) for feeding sheet material disposed in the form of a stack (1, 2, 3) on the rest (11) of the input pocket (10) to a device (30) which singles the stack (1, 2, 3) sheet by sheet out of the input pocket,

   characterized in that two means (20, 40)

   are adapted to be run from one side into the input pocket (10) to a feed position provided below the rest (11),

   are adapted to be moved from the feed position provided below the rest (11) through the rest (11) vertically to a singling position provided above the rest (11), and

   are adapted to be run from the singling position laterally out of the input pocket (10) and moved outside the input pocket to the feed position.
8. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet feeding means (20, 40) include two rakelike grippers each movable vertically and horizontally relative to the input pocket which cooperate with the input pocket (10) in such a way as to obtain a continuous feed of sheet material to the device (30).
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said means (20, 40) are each rotatably mounted, the first gripper located in the singling position being operated electromechanically by the second gripper following from the feed position in such a way that the feed motion of the second gripper is stopped and the first gripper run horizontally out of the input pocket (10).
10. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that microswitches (26, 27) are provided on each of the grippers (20, 40) for detecting the rotation.
11. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the rest (11) and at least one side wall of the input pocket (10) are formed by parallel rods (12).
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the rest (11) of the input pocket (10) is vertically adjustable.
13. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the input pocket (10) includes an upper part (17) stationary in the apparatus and a lower part (18) transportable outside the apparatus, said parts being adapted to be brought together.
14. An apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the sheet feeding means (20, 40) include at least one rakelike gripper movable vertically and horizontally relative to the input pocket (10) and having at least one protruding area (23, 24) which borders on a retaining wall (15, 16) of the input pocket (10) when the gripper has run into the input pocket (10) in such a way as to prevent a sheet from sliding through between the retaining wall and the protruding area of the gripper.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the protruding area (24) of the gripper is of rotatable design.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that a plurality of rotatable protruding areas (24) are provided, resulting in a closed supporting surface of the gripper.
17. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the rakelike grippers each have a mechanical feeler (64), the feeler of a first gripper located in the singling position being operated electromechanically by a second gripper following from the feed position in such a way that the feed motion of the second gripper is stopped and the first gripper run horizontally out of the input pocket.
18. An apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the mechanical feelers (64) are of fingerlike design, and inductive proximity switches (66) are provided for detecting the rotation of each feeler (64).

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