EP2304699B1 - Method and device for processing value documents - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for processing documents of value, in particular banknotes, checks, vouchers, tickets, etc.

Devices for processing value documents are known from the prior art, in which value documents are transported one after the other by a transport device and checked by means of a sensor device. The transport device used is, for example, a belt transport system with several transport belts running parallel to one another, which transport the documents of value past the sensor device along a transport direction and span a transport plane of the documents of value, cf. eg DE10256235 A1 , The distance between the outermost transport belts perpendicular to the transport direction of the documents of value defines an actively guided subarea in which the documents of value are actively guided by the transport belts and which has a specific guide width perpendicular to the transport direction. Usually, the guide width is chosen to be somewhat smaller than the extension of the smallest documents of value to be transported perpendicular to the transport direction, so that the documents of value on both sides of the guide region project slightly, ie protrude slightly beyond the outermost transport belts.

If value documents are also transported by the transport device whose extent perpendicular to the transport direction is significantly greater than the guide width, then these value documents are relatively far above the guide range, either on one or both sides of the management area. The protruding edge areas of these value documents are therefore not actively managed. Due to the lack of active guidance, it may happen when transporting these value documents that the marginal areas of the value documents stand out somewhat from the transport level or even flutter. If the value documents transported in this way are checked with the aid of a sensor device whose sensitivity depends on the distance of the checked value documents, the lifting or flapping of the edge regions of the value documents can falsify the measuring signal of the sensor device.

In addition, various pressing devices are known, which actively act on the transported documents of value, eg air nozzle lines, as shown in DE10256235 A1 known, or conveyor belts through which the documents of value can be pressed over a large area to a sensor. However, active pressure devices have a large footprint and are expensive to manufacture and install. In particular, it is associated with great effort to retrofit existing devices for processing documents of value with active pressing devices.

Furthermore, from the US5171980 A an optical scanner 21 known whose vertical position is fixed to the paper by rollers 22 which are pressed against an opposite support surface 26. A compressible damping element 28 causes the vertical position of the rollers 22 and the scanner 21 is variable. For thick paper, the damping element 28 is compressed and the rollers 22 and the optical scanner moves vertically upwards accordingly. However, the sensor device 21 and the damping element 28 are firstly not arranged on opposite sides but on the same side of the transported sheet material 30. Secondly, the damping element 28 is not a guide element. which is adapted to guide the document of value, since no mechanical contact between the damping element and the sheet 30 takes place. Third, the movement of the guide element also counteracts no restoring force. Fourth, the damping element 28 is not arranged and designed such that it is only moved as soon as a plurality of value documents are simultaneously transported past the sensor device. Because the damping element 28 is already compressed by a single thin sheet.

Moreover, from the FR2859806 A1 a device for checking documents of value is known, in which the document of value is checked by means of an image sensor 18. Opposite to the image sensor 18, an elastic guide element 20 is arranged, which presses the value document to the image sensor 18. The guide member 20 is fixed with its end 21 at an attachment point to the first base 11 of the device and is pressed against the opposite second base 13 of the device on which the image sensor 18 is arranged. Due to its elasticity, the end of the guide element 20 pressed against the image sensor 18 can execute a movement that is directed away from the image sensor 18. Since the guide element 20 is pressed against the image sensor 18, the guide element 20 is already moved by a single value document transported past. After being deflected by a single document of value transported past, the guide element 20 returns to its original position due to its elasticity, thereby striking the upper side of the image sensor 18. In the case of sensitive sensors, this can lead to disturbances of the measurement signal detected by the sensor. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that, in the case of the guide element 20, the frictional force between the guide element 20 and each individual value document conveyed past leads to wear of the guide element 20.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for processing value documents, by means of which value documents can be measured reliably and accurately without great effort.

This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. In dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are given.

The device according to the invention for processing value documents has at least one sensor device for checking the value documents and a transport device, by means of which the value documents are transported past the sensor device along a transport direction. The transport device is designed to be connected to the sensor device by transported value document, in particular a partial area of a past the sensor device transported past document of value to lead actively. Active guiding of the subarea is understood to mean that the transport device transports the value document by acting on the subarea and at the same time guides the subarea of the value document during the transport of the value document. Leading the value document or the subarea means that the value document or the subarea of the value document is influenced during the movement of the value document in its spatial position. By guiding, for example, the spatial position of the value document or of the subarea can be limited to the transport level of the value document.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sub-areas of the value documents are actively guided by transport belts which are moved along the sensor device and carry the value documents with them. In another embodiment, the subarea of the value documents are actively guided by means of transport rollers, whose rotation advances the value documents and transports them past the sensor device. The transport device can be designed either for transporting the value documents along the longitudinal direction of the value documents or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the value documents.

The sub-area in which the transport device actively carries the value document has a certain extent perpendicular to the transport direction, which is referred to as a guide width. The guide width is usually smaller than the extent of the value document transported past perpendicular to the transport direction, which is referred to below as the width of the value document. For example, the guide distance may be 80% or less of the width of the value document. Outside the actively managed Subarea is a border area of the value document arranged. The edge region is located at the edge of the value document, viewed perpendicular to the transport direction, and is not actively guided by the transport device. Depending on the position of the actively managed subarea, outside of the actively managed subarea there is either an edge area that is not actively guided or two border areas that are not actively managed. The value document can therefore, viewed perpendicular to the transport direction, either survive on one side or on both sides via the transport device.

The guide element according to the invention is designed to passively guide the document of value transported past the sensor device. For example, the guide element according to the invention may be configured to passively pass substantially an edge region of the value document transported past the sensor device, for example exactly one of the two edge regions of the value document or both edge regions of the value document. The edge area of the value document lies outside the actively guided subarea, so that the transport device exerts no force on the edge area of the value document. During the transport of the value document past the sensor device, the value document, in particular the edge region of the value document, is guided by the guide element. The guide element passes the value document, in particular the edge area of the value document, passively. This means that the guide element responds to a mechanical force that exerts the value document or the edge region of the value document on the guide element-in accordance with the physical laws of actio and reactio-by an opposing force on the value document or the edge region. However, the guiding element does not act, ie it does not exert itself any force - that is, no actio-force - on the value document transported by or on the border area of the value document. The guide element is also not part of the transport device. The value document or the edge region of the value document is passed passively by the guide element only during the transport of the value document past the sensor device. Preferably, the guide element is a passive element that can not perform any movement of its own, but can only be moved by the action of several documents of value transported past the sensor device at the same time.

The document of value or the edge region of the document of value strikes the guide element when it is transported past the sensor device, so that the document of value or the edge region makes mechanical contact with the guide element. The guide element can be designed such that the value document transported past, in particular the edge region of the value document, is moved towards the sensor device by an interaction with the guide element, in particular by the mechanical contact with the guide element, ie in an approximately perpendicular to a transport plane the value document extending direction. The guide element can be designed in such a way that the value document, in particular the edge region of the value document, slides along the guide element during transport past the sensor device. The value document or the edge region in particular slides along a surface of the guide element facing the value document. The guide element preferably influences the transport of the value document transported past the sensor device in such a way that the detection range of the value document, which the sensor device detects at a measurement time from the value document, lies substantially in one plane. For example, a line-shaped area of the value document is detected by the sensor device at each measurement time, which during the detection - due to the passive guidance of the guide element - essentially lies in one plane. It can thus be achieved that the entirety of the detection areas of the value document which the sensor device detects at the various detection times from the value document lie substantially in one plane.

In one embodiment, the guide element only guides the edge area of the value document, i. exactly one border area or the two border areas of the value document, without affecting the actively managed subarea of the value document. The guide element may be used for this purpose in addition to the transport device, i. perpendicular to the transport direction offset to the transport device, be arranged, in particular on one or both sides next to the transport device. In order to passively guide both edge regions of the document of value, the guide element may e.g. extend over the entire width of the value document, however, the document of value passes passively only in the two edge regions, outside the actively guided subregion, and does not act on the intermediate actively guided subregion. Alternatively, the two edge regions can also be passively guided by two guide elements according to the invention, each of which guides only one of the two edge regions.

In an alternative embodiment, the guide element can additionally be used to guide the value document in the actively guided subarea of the value document. For example, the guide element can be designed to guide the value document passively over substantially its entire width. If the guide element guides the value document in the actively guided subarea, it can also be arranged between the components of the transport device, for example between the Transport belt or between the transport rollers. It is also possible to use a plurality of guide elements, of which at least one passively guides the edge region of the value document and at least one other causes passive guidance of the value document in the actively guided subregion. The guide element can also be used for passively guiding the value document exclusively in the actively guided subarea of the value document.

The guide element is, with respect to the transport plane of the value documents, arranged on the side opposite the sensor device, that is to say on the side of the value documents transported past the sensor device. On the opposite side of the sensor device, one or more guide elements can be arranged, which are arranged on a common shaft or which are arranged one after the other in the transport direction. On the side opposite the sensor device, the guide element can be arranged directly opposite the sensor device, e.g. centrally opposite the center of the sensor device or offset from the center of the sensor device, i. viewed in the transport direction, before or after the center of the sensor device. Alternatively, the guide element may also be arranged immediately before or immediately after the sensor device, as viewed in the transport direction. In this case, the guide element, viewed in the transport direction, is preferably located within a distance from the sensor device which corresponds to the length of the document of value transported in the transport direction.

In one embodiment, the guide element is arranged directly adjacent to a component of the transport device, which is arranged opposite to the sensor device and the actively guided portion the value documents actively leads, for example, immediately adjacent to one or more conveyor belts and / or to transport rollers, through which the value documents are actively guided on the side opposite the sensor device. The value documents are transported along the sensor device in a transport gap in which the transport plane of the value documents runs. The guide element, for example, at least partially limits that section of the transport gap which is effective for the edge region of the value documents.

As soon as several value documents are transported past the sensor device at the same time, the guide element is moved. In particular, the guide element is moved by a force directed in the transport direction, which exert the value documents transported simultaneously past the sensor device to the guide element. The guide element preferably performs no active movement, but is moved passively. In particular, the guide element is arranged and designed such that it is moved by a plurality of documents of value simultaneously transported past the sensor device. For example, the guide element only moves as soon as at least two value documents are transported past the sensor device at the same time. In alternative embodiments, the guide element only moves as soon as at least three or as soon as at least four or as soon as a certain larger number of value documents are transported past the sensor device at the same time or as soon as a certain common thickness of the value documents transported simultaneously past is exceeded. The documents of value transported past at the same time can lie completely on one another or can also be offset relative to one another, whereby they overlap one another at least at one point. Due to the movement of the guide element, the distance between the guide element and the surface of the sensor device increased. As a result, the superimposed value documents can easily be transported past the sensor device, ie without the risk of a transport interruption, eg a transport jam of the value documents. For example, the transport gap between the guide element and the surface of the sensor device is increased by the movement of the guide element in comparison to the original height only by approximately the thickness of the value documents additionally transported past the sensor device. Alternatively, the transport gap compared to the original height can also be significantly increased, for example, if a plurality of documents of value at the same time be transported past the sensor device or if the guide element is actively moved. If the original height is chosen to be relatively small, the transport gap can increase by the movement of the guide element to a multiple of the original height.

Alternatively, the guide element can also be actively moved in order to enable the transport of several superimposed value documents past. For example, the active movement may be initiated by a thickness sensor or multiple-trigger sensor disposed in the device along the transport direction in front of the sensor device. This sends a corresponding signal to an adjusting device of the guide element, which moves the guide element when several documents of value are simultaneously expected at the sensor device.

As a result of the movement, the guide element is deflected out of a rest position of the guide element. In its rest position, the guide element passively guides the (properly) individually transported value documents or their edge areas. By the movement of the guide member from its rest position into a deflected position can also (not properly transported) superimposed value documents are easily transported past the sensor device. Preferably, the movement of the guide element counteracts a restoring force, in particular a spring force, which returns the guide element after its deflection into the rest position. In particular, the rest position of the guide element can be defined by a mechanical stop, against which the guide element is pressed or tightened in its rest position, in particular by the restoring force.

The movement of the guide element is preferably a rotational movement, in particular a rotational movement about an axis of rotation, which is oriented perpendicular to the transport direction of the documents of value. The rotational movement is caused in particular by the force exerted by the plurality of documents of value transported on the guide element. The arrangement and the shape of the guide element are chosen so that the rotational movement of the guide element causes an increase in the distance between the guide element and the surface of the sensor device, for example an enlargement of that portion of a transport gap which is effective for the edge region of the document of value. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation is arranged eccentrically to a center of the guide element, in particular offset upwards compared to the center of a main portion of the guide element. In this way it can be achieved that the distance between the guide element and the surface of the sensor device increases automatically by the rotational movement.

Alternatively, the axis of rotation of the guide element can also be arranged centrically to the center of the guide element (or to the middle of the main section) and the shape of the guide element (or the main section) so be chosen that the distance between the guide element and the surface of the sensor device is automatically increased by the rotational movement. A guide element with a suitable shape may, for example, have an elliptical or elliptical cross-section. In order for the rotational movement in this case to automatically lead to an enlargement of the transport gap, the larger semiaxis of the elliptical or elliptical cross-section with the transport plane of the value documents must form an acute angle whose vertex points in the transport direction.

The time duration for the return of the guide element in the rest position is preferably less than or approximately equal to the time interval between two consecutively transported past the sensor device value documents. The time duration may also be slightly greater than the time interval of the value documents, but then the guide element is only limited to the guidance of the subsequent value document available after a deflection from its rest position.

In a specific embodiment, the guide element has a main portion, on which it is suspended, and an input portion, which, viewed in the transport direction of the documents of value, is arranged at the beginning of the guide element. Viewed in the transport direction, the input section forms an acute angle with the transport plane of the document of value, the vertex of which points in the transport direction. The length of the input section and the acute angle are chosen so large that the incoming document of value does not thread or hang on the guide element. For this reason, the distance of the (considered in the transport direction) beginning of the input section of the transport plane of the documents of value is chosen sufficiently large, it is for example at least 2 mm, preferably at least 4 mm. The input section can be used for stripping be formed by donkey ears of the past transported value document. On its side facing the value document, the input section may have a flat surface or a curved surface. The curved surface may have, for example, a variable profile in the transport direction, which facilitates the stripping of dog-eared documents of value.

Moreover, the invention relates to a method for processing a value document by means of a device according to the invention. Moreover, the invention relates to a guide module for receiving the guide element according to the invention. The guide module is provided for installation in a device for value document processing and can be designed for attachment in the device. In addition to the guide element, the guide module may have a shaft on which the guide element is suspended and a spring which exerts the restoring force for returning the guide element to its rest position, and a holder for receiving the shaft and the guide element, which is used for fastening the guide module in the Device is formed. The position of the holder in the device can be adjustable. The bracket can also be suspended suspended on the device if necessary.

Figuren 1a, b

einen Ausschnitt aus einer Vorrichtung zur Wertdokumentbearbeitung ohne Führungselement (1a) bzw. mit einem Führungselement (1b),

Figuren 2a, b

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung der Figuren 1a, b mit dem Führungselement in Ruhelage (2a) bzw. in ausgelenkter Lage (2b),

Figuren 3a, b

eine in Transportrichtung gerichtete Ansicht der Vorrichtung der Figuren 2a, b mit dem Führungselement in Ruhelage (3a) bzw. in ausgelenkter Lage (3b),

Figur 4a, b,

c Seitenansichten analog zu Figur 2a mit alternativen Ausgestaltungen des Führungselements: ein zentrisch aufgehängtes Führungselement (4a), ein Federelement (4b) als Führungselement und einer Bürste als Führungselement (4c),

Figur 5a, b,

c eine in Transportrichtung gerichtete Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels mit mehreren Führungselementen (5a), eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels bei Rollentransport (5b) und eine in Transportrichtung gerichtete Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels mit einem breiten Führungselement (5c).

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures, in which:

FIGS. 1a, b

a section of a device for value document processing without guide element (1a) or with a guide element (1b),

FIGS. 2a, b

a side view of the device of FIGS. 1a, b with the guide element in the rest position (2a) or in the deflected position (2b),

FIGS. 3a, b

a directed in the transport direction view of the device of FIGS. 2a, b with the guide element in the rest position (3a) or in the deflected position (3b),

FIG. 4a, b,

c side views analogous to FIG. 2a with alternative embodiments of the guide element: a centrally suspended guide element (4a), a spring element (4b) as a guide element and a brush as a guide element (4c),

FIG. 5a, b,

c is a directed in the transport direction view of another embodiment with a plurality of guide elements (5a), a side view of another embodiment of roller transport (5b) and directed in the direction of transport view of another embodiment with a wide guide element (5c).

Fig. 1a shows a section of a device for processing value documents 1, in which the value documents 1 are transported along a transport direction T. In this example, the value documents 1 are actively guided by means of transport belts 4 and transported past a sensor device 2, which, for example, checks the authenticity, the state or the type of value documents 1. The sensor device 2 can use, for example, an optical, magnetic, electrical or ultrasonic measuring principle. Opposite lying to the conveyor belt 4 2 transport rollers 3 are arranged immediately before and after the sensor device, which are designed as transport rollers and to which the documents of value 1 are pressed by the transport belt 4. In the sub-area 18 of the value document 1 in which the transport belts 4 engage, the value document 1 is actively guided by the transport belts 4 (cf. FIG. 3a ). The (right) edge region 19 of the document of value 1 lies outside the transport belt 4 and is therefore not actively guided. Due to the missing Guidance, this edge region 19 can stand out during the transporting the value document 1 out of the transport plane and flutter. So that the edge region 19 of the document of value 1, at least during the transporting of the value document 1 past the sensor device 2, remains in the transport plane, a guide element 5 is arranged opposite to the sensor device 2, cf. FIG. 1b , The guide element 5 has the function of passively guiding the edge region 19 of a value document 1 during the transport on the sensor device 2. If the edge region 19 protrudes from the transport plane, for example, before it reaches the sensor device 2, it can be returned to the transport plane by the guide element.

In FIG. 2a is a side view of the arrangement FIG. 1b illustrated, wherein the value document 1 along the transport direction T arrives in the detection range of the sensor device 2. Instead of the transport rollers 3 simplified drawn transport rollers 13 are shown. The value document 1 is transported in a transport gap which is formed between the surface of the sensor device 2 and the transport belt 4 or and the guide element 5, cf. this too FIG. 3a , Opposite lying to the sensor device 2, the conveyor belt 4 are arranged, which guide the actively guided portion 18 of the document of value 1 from above, while the transport rollers 13 lead the actively guided portion 18 of the document of value 1 from below. In an alternative embodiment, the value document 1 can also be guided on both sides by transport rollers, cf. FIG. 5b , Above the transport belt 4, the guide module is arranged, which is attached by means of the holder 12 to the device for value document processing. The edge region 19 of the document of value 1 is passively guided by the guide element 5, specifically only in the transport section along the transport direction T, in which the Value document 1 is transported directly past the sensor device 2 over. The axis of rotation of the guide element 5 is formed by a shaft 11, on which the guide element 5 is rotatably mounted. In FIG. 2a is the guide member 5 - in relation to its rotational movement - in a rest position. In the rest position, the guide element is held by a spring which holds the guide element to a mechanical stop.

FIG. 3a shows a directed in the direction of transport T view in which the holder 12 of the guide member 5 are drawn only schematically and simplified transport rollers 13. When transported past the sensor device 2, the value document 1 is transported in a transport gap which runs between the sensor device 2 and the transport belt 4. The transport gap has a first section, which is effective for the actively guided portion 18 of the document of value 1 and (perpendicular to the transport plane) has a first height 8, which denotes the shortest distance between the sensor device 2 and the opposite transport means (conveyor belt 4) , The second section of the transport gap is effective for the edge region 19 of the value document 1 and has a second height 9, which denotes the shortest distance between the guide element 5 in its rest position and the sensor device 2. In the example shown, the second height is approximately equal to the first height 8, wherein the first height 8 in this example indicates the distance of the transport belts 4 from the sensor device 2 in the case of a single (properly) conveyed value document 1. Alternatively, the second height 9 may also be slightly larger than the first height 8, so that the distance between the guide element 5 and the sensor device 2 is slightly larger than the distance between the conveyor belt 4 and the sensor device 2. The heights 8, 9 of the transport gap depending on the application to choose and depending on the type of used Transport device, the transport speed and the type and the measuring principle of the sensor device 2. The heights 8, 9 may for example be between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. When transporting the value document 1 along the sensor device 2, it can be provided that a mechanical contact is established between the value document 1 and the sensor device 2. In other sensor devices 2, however, the mechanical contact is undesirable. The guide element 5 can be used in both cases. The heights 8, 9 of the transport gap must be adjusted accordingly.

The guide element 5 has an input section 7, which is arranged on that side of the guide element 5 at which the value document 1 arrives in the detection range of the sensor device 2, cf. FIG. 2a , The edge region 19 of the transported past value document 1, from the transport plane (up in FIG. 2a protrudes first, at the input portion 7 of the guide member 5, the input portion 7 (in FIG. 2a from below) and slides along the entry section 7 until the guide of the edge region 19 is taken over by the main section 6 of the guide element. During this sliding along, the edge region 19 of the value document 1 is passively guided and moved in the direction of the sensor device 2 (in FIG FIG. 2a downward). Ideally, the edge region 19 is pushed downwards by the guide element 5 such that it lies approximately in the transport plane of the value document 1, at least in a short transport section along the transport direction T, which includes the detection region of the sensor device 2. The guide element 5 is preferably arranged on the device for value-document processing such that the shortest distance between the guide element 5 and the sensor device 2 lies in the detection range of the sensor device 2.

The input section 7 can serve to strip donkey ears of the value document 1. In the example shown, the input section 7 is straight, so that it provides a flat surface through which the value document 1 is passively guided. In order to optimize the stripping of dog-ears, the entry section 7 may alternatively also be curved, so that it provides a convex surface for guiding the document of value 1. The surface of the input section 7 may be bent about an axis which is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the input section 7. For example, the shape of the input section 7 at the beginning of the input section 7 to the in FIG. 1a be shown adapted shape of the raised edge portion 19 of the document of value 1 and pass along the transport direction T in a flat surface.

The guide element 5 is preferably arranged such that a single document of value 1 which has been transported properly past it is passively guided, but this does not cause movement of the guide element 5 when it is transported past. When simultaneously transporting a plurality of superposed value documents 1, 1 ', these may cause a movement of the guide element 5 if the common thickness of the superimposed value documents or the force exerted on the guide element 5 in this case is sufficient. The FIGS. 2b . 3b show the guide member 5 in a deflected position, in which it is rotated by the two documents of value 1, 11 'transported one above the other. The rotational movement takes place against a restoring force, in particular against a spring force, which can act on the shaft 11 of the guide element 5 and / or on the guide element 5 itself. In the example shown, the guide member 5 is firmly seated on the shaft 11 and the spring force is provided by a spring which is seated between the shaft 11 and the holder 12 and a common rotational movement of the guide member 5 and the shaft 11 counteracts. Alternatively, the guide member 5 may be mounted on the shaft 11 and the spring force may be provided by a spring which sits between the guide member 5 and the shaft 11. As a spring, for example, a coil spring can be used in both cases.

In the example of FIGS. 2b . 3b the guide element 5 is arranged and the spring force adjusted so that it performs a rotational movement as soon as at least two documents of value 1,1 'are simultaneously transported past the sensor device 2. In this example, the guide element 5 is deflected out of the rest position by the two value documents 1, 1 'so far that the input section 7 of the guide element lies in the horizontal. Alternatively, the guide element 5 can also be arranged so that two superimposed value documents 1, 1 'lead to a slight deflection from the rest position, and only three or four value documents cause a complete deflection of the guide element 5, in which the input section 7 of the guide element in the horizontal lies.

The shaft 11 is arranged eccentrically in this example with respect to the center of the main portion 6 of the guide member 5, ie, the shaft 11 is not located in the center of the main portion 6 of the guide member 5, but to offset. At the in FIG. 2a As shown, the eccentric shaft 11 is offset upward and leftward as compared with the center of the main section 6. The direction of the eccentricity or the offset of the shaft 11 is selected so that the transport gap increased by the rotational movement of the guide member 5.

As a result of the rotational movement or the deflection of the guide element 5, the transport gap which is responsible for the edge region 19 of the value documents 1, 1 'is effective, increased to a height 9'. Like a comparison of FIGS. 3a and 3b shows, the height 9 'of the transport gap, which dictates the deflected guide element 5, slightly larger than the original height 9, which dictates the guide element 5 in its rest position. For example, the height 9 'is greater than the original height 9 approximately by the thickness of the value document 1' additionally transported past the sensor device 2. The increased transport gap allows the value documents 1, 1 'lying one above the other to be easily transported past the sensor device 2 , After the superposed value documents 1,1 'have left the area between the guide element 5 and the sensor device 2, the guide element 5 returns to its rest position due to the spring force (cf. FIG. 2a ). In the area of the transport belts 4, the transport gap is also increased by a plurality of superimposed value documents 1, 1 'to a greater height 8'. Due to their elasticity and / or due to their mechanical suspension within the device, the transport belts 4 can be easily deflected or stretched in accordance with the common thickness of the value documents 1, 1 '.

FIG. 4a schematically shows a side view analogous to FIG. 2a to a further embodiment in which, as an alternative to the guide member 5, a guide member 15 is used. The guide element 15 is used for the passive guidance of a value document 1, which is transported in the transport direction T past the sensor device 2. The guide element 15 has an input section 17 and an elliptical main section 16. The shaft 11, on which the guide element 15 is rotatably mounted, is arranged centrally relative to the center of the main section 16. When simultaneously transporting several value documents 1, 1 ', the guide member 15 rotates counter to a spring force in the with the Arrow indicated manner relative to the shaft 11, so that the transport gap for the documents of value 1,1 'increases.

Alternatively, guide elements can be used which are elastically deformable. For passive guidance of the value document 1, for example, a guide element 25 may be used, which has a spring element 22 which is fixed at one of its ends in a holder 21. The spring element 22 forms an acute angle to the transport direction T of the document of value, whose apex points in the transport direction T. The holder 21 is, analogously to the guide elements 5,15, rotatably mounted on a shaft 11. When simultaneously transporting several documents of value 1,1 ', the spring element 22 elastically springs away, approximately perpendicular to the transport plane. At the same time, the guide element 25 is caused to rotate about the shaft 11 by the value documents 1, 1 ', so that the transport gap effective for the value documents 1, 1' increases, cf. FIG. 4b , The spring stiffness of the spring element 22 can be chosen differently depending on the needs compared to the spring force, which counteracts the rotational movement. For example, the enlargement of the transport gap may be caused mainly by the rotational movement, or mainly by the spring-biasing of the spring element 22, or both.

In another embodiment, a brush element is used for the passive guidance of the value document 1 as a guide element 35, cf. Figure 4c , During the simultaneous transport of several value documents 1, 1 ', the value documents 1, 1' elastically press out the movable bristles 32 of the brush element from the transport plane, so that the transport gap effective for the value documents 1, 1 'increases. At the same time, the guide element 35 is replaced by the value documents 1.1 'causes a rotational movement about the shaft 11, so that the effective for the value documents 1,1' transport gap increases, see. Figure 4c , Analogous to the example from FIG. 4b Here, too, the hardness of the bristles 32 compared to the spring force, which counteracts the rotational movement, can be selected differently depending on need. The bristles 32 of the brush element are mounted in a holder 31 and can be arranged approximately perpendicular to the transport plane or 1 form an acute angle to the transport plane of the document of value, the apex points in the transport direction T. Due to their elasticity, the spring element 22 and the bristles 32 move back into their rest position after the simultaneous transport of several value documents back, so that the guide element 25 or 35 is again available for the passive guidance of the subsequent value documents.

FIG. 5a shows a further embodiment in which for the passive guidance of the value document 1, a plurality of guide elements 5 are used, which are mounted on a common shaft 11. The spring force which returns the guide elements 5 to its rest position is provided in this example by means of linear springs 10, for example helical springs. In its rest position, the guide elements 5 are pulled by the linear springs 10 to a stop. In the example shown, each guide element 5 is sprung individually, wherein each of the springs 10 is fixed to the holder 12 and engages in each case on the input section 7 of a guide element 5, cf. this too FIG. 5b , Instead of the linear springs 10, it is also possible in each case to use a spiral spring, which sits between the guide element 5 and the shaft 11, for the individual suspension of the guide elements 5. Alternatively, the plurality of guide elements 5 may also be fixedly arranged on the shaft 11 and the shaft 11 may be sprung relative to the holder 12, cf. Example from the FIGS. 2a . 3a ,

In FIG. 5b is a side view of another embodiment shown in which the documents of value are transported not with transport belt, but exclusively with opposite transport rollers 13 on the sensor device 2 over, which carry the documents of value active on both sides. For example, the value document 1, analogous to the example of the FIGS. 3a, b , actively guided in a subarea 18. To guide the edge region 19 of the value document 1, which is not actively guided, a guide element 5 is used, which is mounted on the shaft 11 and whose rotational movement, analogous to the example FIG. 5a , a linear spring 10 counteracts.

In FIG. 5c another embodiment is shown, in which opposite to the sensor device 2, a guide member 45 is arranged, which is analogous to the guide member 5 and is sprung, but has a much greater width. For example, essentially the entire width of the value document 1 is guided passively by the guide element 45. Before and after the sensor device 2 transport rollers 13 are arranged, which carry the value document 1 on both sides actively, of which, however, only the front lower and the rear upper transport rollers 13 are located.

Overall, the examples given only show a selection of possible combinations according to the invention. The options shown the design, width, number and arrangement of the guide elements and their suspension and the various transport devices can, depending on the requirements of the application, be combined with each other.

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for processing value documents (1) having at least the following:

   - a sensor device (2) for checking the value documents (1),

   - a transport device (3, 13, 4) by means of which the value documents (1) are transported past the sensor device (2) along a transport direction (T), wherein the transport device (3, 13, 4) is configured to actively guide a value document (1) transported past the sensor device (2),

   - a guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) disposed on a side opposite the sensor device (2), the guide element being configured to passively guide the value document (1), wherein the guide element reacts to a mechanical force exerted by the value document on the guide element through a contrary force on the value document, wherein the distance between the guide element and a surface of the sensor device can be increased by a motion of the guide element and wherein the motion of the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is counteracted by a restoring force,

   characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is so disposed and configured that it is moved only as soon as several value documents (1, 1') are simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2).
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is moved by the value documents (1,1') simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2), in particular by a force directed in the transport direction (T), exerted by the value documents (1, 1') simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2) on the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45).
3. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is deflected from an idle position by the value documents (1, 1') simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2).
4. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motion of the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is counteracted by a spring force.
5. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the motion of the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is a rotational motion, in particular a rotational motion around a rotation axis that is oriented perpendicularly to the transport direction (T) of the value documents (1).
6. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (3, 13, 4) is configured to actively guide a partial region (18) of the value document (1) transported past the sensor device (2) and the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is configured to passively guide an edge region (19) of the value document (1), said edge region being disposed outside the actively guided partial region (18) of the value document (1).
7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is so configured and/or disposed that the edge region (19) of the value document (1) is moved towards the sensor device (2) by an interaction with the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45), in particular by a mechanical contact with the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45).
8. The apparatus according to any of the claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) substantially passively guides the edge region (19) of the value document (1) transported past, in particular exactly one or both edge regions of the value document (1) transported past.
9. The apparatus according to one or several of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is employed for the passive guidance of the value document (1) in the actively guided partial region (18) of the value document (1), wherein the guide element is for example configured to passively guide the value document (1) substantially over its complete width.
10. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is disposed next to the transport device (3, 13, 4), in particular on one or on both sides next to the transport device (3, 13, 4).
11. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) influences the transport of the value document (1) in such a fashion that the capture region of the value document (1) that is captured by the sensor device (2) of the value document (1) at a time of measurement substantially lies in one plane.
12. The apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 45) has an input portion (7, 17) which, viewed in the transport direction (T) of the value document (1), is disposed at the start of the guide element (5, 15, 45), wherein the input portion (7, 17) forms an acute angle to the transport plane of the value document (1).
13. A guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) for guiding value documents in an apparatus according to one or several of the preceding claims, which is configured to passively guide the value document (1) transported past the sensor device (2), wherein the guide element reacts to a mechanical force exerted by the value document on the guide element through a contrary force on the value document, wherein the distance between the guide element and a surface of the sensor device can be increased by a motion of the guide element and wherein the motion of the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is counteracted by a restoring force, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is so disposed and configured that it is moved only as soon as several value documents (1, 1') are simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2).
14. A guide module having a guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) according to claim 13 and being provided for installation in an apparatus according to any of the claims 1 to 12.
15. A method for processing a value document (1), in which the value document (1) is processed by means of an apparatus according to one or several of the claims 1 to 12, wherein the value document (1) transported past the sensor device (2) is passively guided by the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45), wherein the guide element reacts to a mechanical force exerted by the value document on the guide element through a contrary force on the value document, wherein the distance between the guide element and a surface of the sensor device can be increased by a motion of the guide element and wherein the motion of the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is counteracted by a restoring force, characterized in that the guide element (5, 15, 25, 35, 45) is so disposed and configured that it is moved only as soon as several value documents (1, 1') are simultaneously transported past the sensor device (2).

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