EP2373560B1 - Device and method for preventing the output of overlapping securities - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value with at least one sensor for determining the thickness of the note (s) and with at least one transport element for transporting overlapping notes of value into a transport path for securities to be sorted out. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for avoiding the issue of overlapping banknotes.

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are preferably used in ATMs and automated cash safes. In ATMs, the banknotes to be dispensed are removed by means of deduction units from one or more cash boxes and transported via a transport path to an output unit for dispensing the banknotes to a user of the ATM. When transporting the banknotes, it may happen that two or more banknotes overlap at least partially. This overlapping can be effected in particular by a double trigger, ie by a simultaneous removal of at least two bank notes from a memory. This can lead to errors in the issue of banknotes. In particular, it may happen that the user of the ATM is not paid the desired amount of money. To avoid this, a distribution module can be arranged within the transport path of the ATM, with the help of which overlapping notes of value are determined and overlapping notes of value be sorted out by being transported out of the transport path for issuing the bank notes with the aid of the distributor module. Two overlapping banknotes are also referred to as double deduction, two or more overlapping banknotes as multiple deductions. Multiple methods are used to determine multiple prints.

From the document DE10233052A1 a method for detecting multiple copies is known in which banknotes are individually withdrawn from a stack, a withdrawn banknote is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, the radiation emitted by the withdrawn banknote radiation is detected, and is checked by the detected radiation, if more than one Banknote was deducted from the stack and thus if there is a multiple deduction.

From the document DE19841432C1 An apparatus for checking the thickness of sheet material, in particular banknotes in a cash dispenser, is known. The device comprises a feeler, which is deflected depending on the thickness of the bill transported by the device. The deflection is detected by a magnetic sensor. The sensor magnetic field and the magnetic sensor are arranged in the region of the Tastkufe.

A disadvantage of the from the DE10233052A1 known methods and from the document DE19841432C1 known device is that in both cases, the measurement at least over the length of the longest to be transported in the ATM Banknote, since only in this way all overlaps can be detected. As a result, a compact construction of the distribution module is made more difficult, since the distance between the element for determining the presence of a multiple deduction and the element for sorting the overlapping notes of value must be at least as long as the length of the longest banknote.
From the document WO 03/032229 A1 a device for issuing bank notes is known in which double deductions are recognized by means of a thickness measurement and the banknotes of the double deductions are sorted out. Furthermore, a length measurement of a deducted value note can take place.

From the documents US 2007/122023 A1 . US 4,255,651 A . US 5,174,562 A and US 2003/168308 A1 Further devices for handling sheet-shaped media are known in which a thickness measurement is carried out to determine double prints.
It is an object of the invention to provide a device for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value, which allows a simple and space-saving design and which is inexpensive to produce. It is further Object of the invention to provide a method for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value, are recognized in the overlapping notes of value quickly and reliably.

The object is achieved by a device having the features of patent claim 1 and a method having the features of patent claim 7. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the device comprises at least one first sensor for determining the length of an uninterrupted bank note sequence comprising at least one bank note and at least one second sensor for determining the thickness of the bank note or notes of value. Furthermore, the device has at least one transport element for transporting overlapping notes of value into a transport path for securities to be sorted out. The transport element can be controlled with the aid of a control unit at least as a function of the determined length of the banknote sequence and the determined thickness in order to feed the securities to be sorted out to the transport path for banknotes to be sorted out.

Under a bank note sequence either a bank note or two or more or overlapping notes of value is considered. The length of a note of value is considered to be the length of the edge of the note in the transport direction of the note. When transporting the notes with their short side ahead (short side first), the length of the note corresponds to the longer side length of the note. When transporting the notes with their longer side ahead (long side first), the length of a note corresponds to its shorter side length.

It is advantageous if the first sensor is a light barrier or a light sensor. Photocells and / or light scanners are often already present in the value note handling devices contained in the device, for example, to monitor the transport path for the transport of notes of value and to determine a jam of the notes of value. By using these existing sensors to determine the length of a banknote sequence further sensors are saved, thereby reducing effort, cost and the required space can be reduced.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second sensor comprises a magnet and a Hall sensor, if the note of value can be transported between the magnet and the Hall sensor or the notes of value can be transported between the magnet and the Hall sensor, and if the distance between the magnet and the magnet Hall sensor to one another depending on the thickness of the note or the notes of value is changeable. It is particularly advantageous if the Hall sensor is arranged stationary and the magnet is movable orthogonal to the transport direction of the notes of value. The notes of value are transported through a transport gap formed between the Hall sensor and the magnet. As a function of the thickness of the notes of value transported or transported, the distance of the magnet from the Hall sensor and thus also the field strength of the magnetic field of the magnet measured by the Hall sensor changes.

The banknotes are preferably banknotes. Alternatively, the notes of value may be, for example, other securities, such as checks.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cassette is provided for storing rejected banknotes. Overlapping notes of value are transported by means of the transport element into a transport path for securities to be sorted out. The banknotes to be sorted out are transported along this transport path into the cassette to be sorted out bank notes. By the cassette on the one hand a secure storage of the sorted banknotes is achieved and on the other hand a simple and fast removal of the sorted notes of value allows.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport element comprises a switch, which transports the overlapping notes of value into the transport path for securities to be sorted out in a first switch position. In a second point setting, the switch transports the non-overlapping bank notes into a transport path for issuing bank notes. As a result, overlapping notes of value can be sorted out quickly with proven means of transport, without a complicated mechanism being necessary.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value, wherein the length of at least one value note continuous uninterrupted bank note sequence is determined by means of at least one first sensor. Furthermore, the thickness of the banknote or notes of value is determined with the aid of at least one second sensor. A transport unit for transporting overlapping banknotes into a transport path for securities to be discarded is driven as a function of the determined length of the banknote sequence and / or the determined thickness in order to feed the banknotes to be sorted out to the transport path for banknotes to be sorted out.

It is advantageous to determine the thickness profile of the note of value or the notes of value with the aid of the second sensor. This ensures that with overlapping banknotes the overlap is detected directly at the beginning of the overlap. It is to compare the determined length of the ticket sequence with a preset maximum allowable length and to sort out the notes of the bank note sequence if the determined length is greater than the maximum allowable length. This ensures that a banknote sequence whose length is greater than the preset maximum allowable length, the transport path for auszuschortierende notes of value is supplied without a thickness measurement of the notes of Wertscheinsequenz is necessary or a thickness measurement does not need to be evaluated.
It is particularly advantageous to determine the maximum permissible length as the sum of the edge length of the largest value note to be issued in the transport direction of the notes of value and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the first sensor. The notes of value are preferably transported in a desired position, in which the edge of a note of value oriented in the direction of transport of the notes of value is parallel to the transport direction. If the actual position of a banknote deviates from this reference position in that the banknote is rotated by an angle relative to the transport direction, the distance between the foremost corner of the banknote seen in the direction of transport and the rearmost corner of the banknote seen in the direction of transport is greater than the length of the banknote value note. It is advantageous to add the maximum allowable length as the sum of this distance determine or preset the maximum permissible twist of the note of value and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the first sensor. Compare the determined thickness of the note (s) with a preset maximum allowable thickness and sort out the notes of value if the determined thickness is greater than the maximum allowable thickness. It is particularly advantageous to determine the maximum permissible thickness as the sum of the thickness of the thickest banknote to be issued and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the second sensor. If the determined thickness is greater than the sum of the thickness of the thickest note to be issued and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the second sensor, then it can be safely assumed that there must be an overlap of at least two notes of value. In this way, an overlap of at least two notes of value can be determined reliably in a simple manner. According to the invention, the determined thickness of the note or notes of value is only compared with a preset maximum allowable thickness if the determined length of the note slip sequence does not exceed the preset maximum allowable length. The banknotes of the banknote sequence are fed to the transport path for securities to be discarded if the determined thickness is greater than the maximum permissible thickness. In this way, an unnecessary effort for the evaluation of the determined thickness is avoided, if already due to the length measurement of the ticket sequence it is established that the notes of value of the bank note sequence are to be supplied to the transport path for securities to be sorted out. The notes of value are fed to the ticket sequence in the transport path for notes of value to be discarded if the maximum thickness of the note or notes determined within a preset range of the ticket sequence is greater than the preset maximum allowable thickness. This preset range is seen in the transport direction of the notes at the beginning of the ticket sequence. Since a ticket sequence whose length is greater than the preset maximum allowable length is already sorted by length, and the length of the smallest ticket to be transported is known, a minimum overlap can be determined which must be present if the determined length of a ticket sequence is smaller than the default maximum allowable length of a ticket sequence.
Preferably, this minimum overlap can be determined as the difference of twice the length of the smallest note of value and the length of the largest note of value. With the help of this minimum overlap, a range end value can be determined at which the overlap of the bank notes of the bank note sequence must begin at the latest. This range end value is preferably determined as the difference between the maximum permissible length of a banknote sequence and the minimum overlap. Since the overlap of two or more notes must thus begin between the beginning of the note sequence and this range end value, the thickness of a Wertschein sequence can be determined only within this range to determine with certainty whether an overlap of notes of value exists. This ensures that the distance between the second sensor and the transport element to be sorted notes can be reduced in the transport path for to be sorted notes of value and the time between the beginning of the thickness measurement and the decision whether to erase a bank note sequence is also reduced.

The method specified by the independent method claim can be developed in the same way as the device according to claim 1. In particular, the method can be developed with the features indicated in the dependent claims dependent on the device or corresponding method features.

The device specified by the independent device claim can be developed in the same way as the method according to claim 8. In particular, the device can be further developed with the features or corresponding device features indicated in the dependent claims dependent on the method.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which, in conjunction with the accompanying figures, the invention with reference to embodiments explained in more detail.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer entlang eines Transportpfades angeordneter Wertscheine;

Figur 2

einen Ausschnitt einer schematischen Darstellung eines Geldautomaten;

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Sensors zur Ermittlung der Dicke eines Wertscheins bzw. mehrerer Wertscheine, während mehrerer Betriebszustände des Sensors;

Figur 4

ein Diagramm des Signals des Sensor zur Ermittlung der Dicke eines Wertscheins bzw. mehrerer Wertscheine nach Figur 3 über der Zeit;

Figur 5

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer sich jeweils paarweise unterschiedlich überlappender Wertscheine;

Figur 6

ein schematisches Blockschaltbild einer Vorrichtung zur Vermeidung der Ausgabe von sich überlappenden Wertscheinen;

Figur 7

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer sich paarweise überlappender Wertscheine; und

Figur 8

eine schematische Darstellung sich paarweise überlappender Wertscheine und des Sensors zur Ermittlung der Dicke der Wertscheine.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of several along a transport path arranged notes of value;

FIG. 2

a detail of a schematic representation of an ATM;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a sensor for determining the thickness of a note or several notes of value, during a plurality of operating states of the sensor;

FIG. 4

a diagram of the signal of the sensor for determining the thickness of a note or multiple notes of value FIG. 3 over time;

FIG. 5

a schematic representation of several pairs of differently overlapping notes of value;

FIG. 6

a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value;

FIG. 7

a schematic representation of several pairs overlapping notes of value; and

FIG. 8

a schematic representation of pairs of overlapping notes of value and the sensor for determining the thickness of the notes of value.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of several along a transport path 10 arranged notes of value 12 to 18 shown. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported by means of transport means, not shown, in particular rollers, rollers, belts and / or switches along the transport path 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow P1 transport direction. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported in a transport plane formed by the transport path 10. The dashed line 20 indicates the center axis of the transport path 10.

The notes of value 12 to 18 should have a desired position for the transport path 10. From this target position, the positions of the notes 12 to 18 should differ only within small tolerances. In the desired position, the longer side of the banknotes 12 to 18 is aligned orthogonal to the transport direction P1 and the short central axis of the banknote 12 to 18 is located on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Of the in FIG. 1 shown value note 12 to 18 is only the note 18 in target position. The longer side 22 of the note 18 is orthogonal to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Die short side 24 of the note 18 is aligned parallel to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10.

The longer sides of the notes of value 12 to 18 are aligned in the present embodiment, at least in the desired position substantially transversely to the transport direction P1. Such an orientation of the longer side of the banknotes 12 to 18 orthogonal to the transport direction P1 is also referred to as long-side-first (LSF) orientation. Alternatively, the banknotes 12 to 18 can also be transported in such a way that the shorter sides are aligned orthogonally to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10, and the longer sides of the banknotes 12 to 18 run parallel to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Such alignment is also called short-side-first (SSF) alignment.

The in FIG. 1 shown value note 14 is not in target position. Its longer sides are indeed aligned perpendicular to the transport direction P1, but its short central axis is not on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. The short center axis of the note 14 is offset to the right, so that the note 14 has no angular offset but a lateral offset.

The note 12 has about the same lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 as the note 14. However, the note 12 is additionally rotated by an angle φ to an orthogonal of the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Such a deviation by one Angle from the nominal position is also referred to as angular misalignment. The note 16 has an angular offset of - φ and a lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 in the transport direction P1 seen to the left.

If a banknote 12 to 18 has only a small angular and / or lateral offset, it is transported with this angular and / or lateral offset until it is issued to the user of the ATM in which the transport path 10 is arranged. However, if the angular and / or lateral offset exceeds a preset tolerance, the orientation of the banknote 12 to 18 is changed by means of an alignment station until the banknote 12 to 18 is in the desired position.

As a result of the angular offset φ of the banknote 12, the distance between the foremost corner 26 of the bank note 12 and the leftmost corner 28 of the bank note 12 in the direction of transport P1 is greater than the length of the short side of the bank note 12.

In the description of the following figures, it is assumed that the banknotes are transported in long-side-first orientation. Furthermore, for the sake of better understanding, it is assumed that the short sides of the shortest note to be transported have a length of 58 mm and the short sides of the longest note to be transported have a length of 85 mm. Furthermore, in the following, the length of a banknote 12 to 18 denotes the length of those sides of the banknote 12 to 18 which run parallel to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 in the desired position. In the long-side first orientation of the notes 12 to 18, the length of the notes 12 to 18 is thus the length of a short side of the note 12 to 18.
Alternatively, the notes of value 12 to 18 can also be transported in short-side first orientation. Likewise, the following descriptions apply accordingly to banknotes 12 to 18 with other dimensions. The banknotes 12 to 18 are in particular banknotes or securities, such as checks.
In FIG. 2 is a section of a schematic representation of an ATM shown. Elements with the same structure or the same function have the same reference numerals. The ATM comprises four cash boxes 30a to 30d, in which the banknotes 12 to 18 are stored stacked. Each cash box 30a to 30d is associated with a respective withdrawal unit 32a to 32d, by means of which the notes of value 12 to 18 stored in the cash boxes 30a to 30d can be removed one by one from the cash boxes 30a to 30d and one in FIG. 2 not shown transport path can be fed. The withdrawn notes of value 12 to 18 are supplied via the transport path to a distributor module 34. Alternatively, the deduction units 32a to 32d can each be integrated in a money withdrawal and delivery module, with the aid of which the money cassettes 30a to 30d also notes of value 12 to 18 can be fed.

It can happen that vouchers 12 to 18 taken from the cash boxes 30a to 30d and located in the transport path overlap. An overlap is taken to mean the complete or partial superposition of two or more notes 12 to 18. The overlap of two banknotes 12 to 18 may be caused in particular by a double deduction. The deduction of two and more than two banknotes 12 to 18 is generally referred to as a multiple deduction. Due to the overlapping of banknotes 12 to 18, it may happen that a user of the ATM is not spent the amount of money desired by him output tray of the ATM. For this reason, overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 are sorted out and only non-overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 transported in the output tray of the ATM.

The distributor module 34 comprises a transport element, with the aid of which sorting notes of value 12 to 18 are transported in a transport path 36 for securities to be sorted 12 to 18 and non-overlapping notes of value 12 to 18 are transported in a transport path 38 for issued notes of value. This transport element preferably comprises a switch which transports the overlapping bank notes 12 to 18 into the transport path 36 for securities to be discarded 12 to 18 in a first switch position and the non-overlapping bank notes 12 to 18 in a second switch position in the transport path 38 for issued notes of value 12 to 18 transported. The overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 to be sorted out are transported along the transport path 36 for securities to be sorted out 12 to 18 into a storage unit 40 for sorted banknotes 12 to 18. The storage unit 40 is preferably a cassette. Alternatively, as a storage unit 40, a thin-walled transport container, in particular a bag, can be used.

The determination of overlapping notes of value 12 to 18 takes place at least with the aid of a first sensor for determining the length of an uninterrupted bank note sequence comprising at least one banknote 12 to 18 and / or with the aid of a second sensor for determining the thickness of banknote 12 to 18 or Banknotes 12 to 18 of a bank note sequence. A banknote sequence is understood to mean either a single banknote 12 to 18 or at least two overlapping bank notes 12 to 18.

At least one light barrier 80 and / or one light sensor is preferably used as the first sensor for determining the length of a bank note sequence. The light barrier 80 comprises a transmitter 82 for emitting light beams and a receiver 84 for receiving the light beams emitted by the transmitter 82. The transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 may be arranged such that the notes of value 12 to 18 are transported through between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 during transport along the transport path. Alternatively, the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 of the light barrier 80 can be arranged on one side of the transport path and the light radiation emitted by the transmitter 82 can be reflected to the receiver 84 by means of a reflector arranged on the other side of the transport path. In this case, the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 may preferably be integrally formed.

If a bank note sequence with its front edge seen in the direction of transport P1 enters the light barrier 80, the light radiations are interrupted so that the receiver 84 no longer receives the light beams emitted by the transmitter 82. If the banknote sequence leaves the light barrier 80 with its rear edge seen in the direction of transport P1, then the light beams emitted by the transmitter 82 can again be received by the receiver 84. The time period in which the receiver 84 could not receive light beams is determined, and with the aid of the knowledge of the transport speed of the bank notes 12 to 18 in the transport direction P1, the length of the banknote sequence can be determined therefrom. The front edge of the banknote sequence is understood to mean that edge which, viewed in the direction of transport P1, at the beginning of the banknote sequence, i. downstream, is arranged. The back edge of the banknote sequence is accordingly understood to mean that edge of the banknote sequence which, as seen in the direction of transport P1, at the end of the banknote sequence, i. upstream, is arranged.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more light sensors can be used instead of one or more light barriers 80. In the case of a light sensor, light radiation is emitted by the light sensor and the light radiation reflected by an object transported along the light sensor is measured. If the banknote sequence with its leading edge enters the light radiation emitted by the light scanners during transport along the transport path, then at least part of the emitted light radiation is reflected. The reflected light radiation is determined by the light scanner. At least part of the light radiation emitted by the light sensor is reflected until the rear edge of the banknote sequence has left the light radiation emitted by the light sensor. The time interval is determined in which at least a part of the light radiation was reflected on the basis of the ticket sequence and with the aid of the knowledge of the transport speed of the bank notes 12 to 18 determines the length of the banknote sequence.

In the following, it is assumed that a light barrier 80 is used as the first sensor for determining the length of a banknote sequence. The light barrier 80 can be arranged, for example, in the distributor module 34. Alternatively, in each case one light barrier 80 can be arranged in each of the withdrawal modules 32a to 32d. In this case, the light barriers 80 can be used at the same time to determine a value slip. Advantageously, the light barrier 80 is used for determining the length of a banknote sequence which is assigned to the deduction unit 32a arranged closest to the distributor module 34. Since most ATMs such photocells 80 within the trigger units 32a to 32d already included for the determination of Wertscheinstaus, no further sensor for determining the length of a bank note sequence must be installed, whereby effort and cost can be saved.

The second sensor for determining the thickness of a banknote 12 to 18 or the banknotes 12 to 18 of a banknote sequence is preferably arranged in the distributor module 34. The second sensor for determining the thickness of a banknote 12 to 18 or several banknotes 12 to 18 is also referred to as a thickness sensor. The thickness sensor is arranged behind the sensor in the direction of transport P1 for determining the length of a banknote sequence.

In FIG. 3 a schematic representation of two overlapping notes of value 42, 44 and a thickness sensor 46 in three operating states of the thickness sensor 46 is shown. The thickness sensor 46 comprises a stationary Hall sensor 48 and a magnet 50 movable orthogonally to the transport direction P1. The banknotes 42, 44 are transported in the transport direction P1 in such a way that they are transported between the Hall sensor 48 and the magnet 50.

In FIG. 3a are the two notes of value 42, 44 seen in the transport direction P1 in front of the thickness sensor 46. The notes of value 42, 44 are transported in the direction of the thickness sensor 46. In FIG. 3b the two banknotes 42, 44 transported so far that a part of the front in the direction of transport P1 bank note 44 is located within the thickness sensor 46. Due to the thickness of the front note 44, the displaceable magnet 50 is moved away from the Hall sensor 48 orthogonal to the transport plane of the notes of value 42, 44. The distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 is compared to that in FIG. 3a shown enlarged operating state. As a result, the strength of the magnetic field caused by the magnet 50 in the region of the Hall sensor 48 changes. Thus, a signal generated by the Hall sensor 48 also changes.

In Figure 3c the two notes of value 42, 44 are transported in the direction of transport P1 so far that both the front note 44 and the rear note 42 are partly within the detection range of the thickness sensor 46. The distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 is due to the overlap of the two banknotes 42, 44 compared to the in FIG. 3b shown enlarged operating state. If the two notes of value 42, 44 are identical notes of value, then the distance between the Hall sensor 48 and the magnet 50 is in Figure 3c about twice as large as the distance of the Hall sensor 48 to the magnet 50 in FIG. 3b , Due to the greater distance of the Hall sensor 48 to the magnet 50, the thickness sensor 46 generates at the in Figure 3c shown operating state, a different sensor signal than in the FIG. 3b shown operating state.

Alternatively, a thickness sensor 46 may be used in which the magnet 50 is stationary, and the Hall sensor 48 is movable orthogonal to the transport plane of the notes of value 42, 44. Likewise, a thickness sensor 46 can be used, in which both the Hall sensor 48 and the magnet 50 are orthogonal to the transport plane of the notes of value 42, 44 movable. Furthermore, the thickness measurement of a note of value 42, 44 or several notes of value 42, 44 can take place with the aid of other thickness measuring sensors, in particular with the aid of capacitive thickness measuring sensors.

In FIG. 4 FIG. 12 is a graph showing the timing of the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46 during the three in FIG 3 shown operating states of the thickness sensor 46. The transition from the in FIG. 3a shown operating state to the in FIG. 3b At the time 52, the front edge of the front note 44 seen in the transporting direction P1 enters the transport gap of the thickness sensor 46 formed by the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48. By changing the distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 and the resulting change in the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 50 in the region of the Hall sensor 48, the sensor signal output by the thickness sensor 46 changes. The sensor signal generated by the thickness sensor 46 while the front note 44 and only the front note 44 is located within the thickness sensor 46 is shown in the diagram FIG. 4 represented by the solid line 54. Shortly after the entry of the front note of value 44 in the thickness sensor 46, there is a brief oscillation process 56 of the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46. The duration of this oscillation process 56 is also referred to as settling time. The settling time is about three milliseconds in the present embodiment.

The transition from the in FIG. 3b shown operating state to the in Figure 3c shown operating state takes place at the time indicated by the dashed line 56. At this time 56, the leading edge of the back ticket 42 enters the thickness sensor 46, so that the magnet 50 is further moved away from the Hall sensor 48. Due to the changed distance of the magnet 50 to the Hall sensor 48, the sensor signal output by the thickness sensor 46 changes. The sensor signal in the third operating state in which the overlap of the two banknotes 42, 44 is disposed within the gap formed by the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 is shown in the diagram FIG. 4 represented by the solid line 58. Shortly after the time 56 there is again a swinging process 60.

The signal delivered by the thickness sensor 46 is proportional to the thickness of or to the thickness of the notes of value 42, 44 arranged inside the thickness sensor 46. The thickness of the note 42, 44 or the notes of value 42, can easily be determined from the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46. 44 are determined. The determined thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or the notes of value 42, 44 is compared with a preset maximum allowable thickness. The sensor signal which the thickness sensor 46 would deliver in the case of a value note 42, 44 with the maximum permissible thickness is shown in the diagram FIG. 4 represented by the dashed line 62. The maximum permissible thickness 62 is preferably determined as the sum of the thickness of the thickest value to be transported 42, 44 and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the thickness sensor 46. For different value lengths, different denominations can be preset. When comparing the thickness determined by means of the thickness sensor 46 and the maximum permissible thickness 62, the thicknesses of the note or notes 42, 44 determined during the oscillation processes 56, 60 are not taken into account in the present exemplary embodiment. The maximum permissible thickness 62 is only compared with the determined thicknesses 54, 58 in the steady state of the thickness sensor 46. If the determined thickness 58 is above the maximum permissible thickness 62, then it is assumed that there is an overlap of at least two banknotes 42, 44, and the banknotes 42, 44 are formed with the aid of the transport element transported in the transport path 36 to be sorted notes of value 42, 44 and the storage unit 40, respectively. The determined maximum thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or of the bank notes 42, 44 of the banknote sequence is considered below the determined thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or the banknotes 42, 44 of a banknote sequence.

In the FIGS. 5a to 5c are schematic representations of several pairs overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 shown. In FIG. 5a two equal notes of value 64, 66 are shown, which completely overlap. In FIG. 5b overlap the notes of value shown 68, 70 about halfway. In FIG. 5c two notes 72, 74 are shown with the same length, which overlap only in a small area.

In determining the thickness of the note (s) 64 to 74 using the thickness sensor 46 to determine overlapping notes 64 to 74, it is not known beforehand how large the overlap area between the overlapping notes 64 to 74 is the determination of the thickness of the banknote or the notes of value 64 to 74 at least over a range, the length of which corresponds to the length of the longest to be transported note 64 to 74. If the longest value to be transported has a length of 85 mm, the thickness of the note (s) 64 to 74 must be determined by means of the thickness sensor 46 at least over an area of 85 mm from the front edge of the front note 64, 68, 72 are determined in the thickness sensor 46 to a minimal overlap of two notes 72, 74 using the thickness sensor 46 to determine. The minimum necessary distance between the thickness sensor 46 and the transport element for transporting overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 into the transport path 36 for withdrawable notes 64 to 74 must be at least as long as the length of the longest note 64 to 74. Die Zeit, über die Thickness of a note of value 64 to 74 or the notes of value 64 to 74 must be determined from the entry of the front edge of the front note 64, 68, 72 in the thickness sensor 46, can be calculated as the quotient of the length of the longest to be transported note 64 to 74 and determine the transport speed of the notes of value 64 to 74. The transport element for transporting overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 into the transport path 36 for securities to be sorted out 64 to 74 can only be actuated after this time has expired.

In FIG. 6 FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a device 78 according to the invention for avoiding the output of overlapping banknotes 12 to 18. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported along the transport path 76 in the transport direction P1. The notes 12 to 18 themselves are in FIG. 6 not shown. The thickness sensor 46 in turn has a magnet 50 and a stationary Hall sensor 48. The magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path 76, so that along the transport path 76th In the transport direction P1 transported notes of value are transported 12 to 18 between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48.

The light barrier 80 comprises a transmitter 82 and a receiver 84. The transmitter 82 emits light radiation in the direction of the receiver 84 and the light radiation is received by the receiver 84. The transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path 76. The notes of value 12 to 18 are thus transported through between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84. While a bill of quantities 12-18 is being transported between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84, the light radiation emitted by the transmitter 82 is interrupted and thus can not be received by the receiver 84. The light barrier 80 serves to measure the length of a value-added sequence transported in the direction of the transport path 76. Instead of the light barrier 80, as already in the description to FIG. 2 mentions another sensor for determining the length of a continuous value ticket sequence comprising at least one value note. The light barrier 80 is seen in the transport direction P1 in front of the thickness sensor 46, that is arranged upstream of the thickness sensor 46. In the direction of transport P1 behind the thickness sensor 46, ie downstream of the thickness sensor 46, a switch 86 is arranged, with the aid of which overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 are transported into the transport path 36 for sorting banknotes 12 to 18. Furthermore, the device 78 comprises a control unit 88. The control unit 88 serves at least to activate the switch 86.

With the help of the photocell 80, as already in connection with the description FIG. 2 explained in detail, the length of a transported along the transport path 76 Wertscheinsequenz determined. The determined length is transmitted to the control unit 88. The determined length of the banknote sequence is compared with the aid of the control unit 88 with a preset maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence. The maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence is preferably determined as the sum of the length of the longest banknote to be transported 12 to 18 and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the light barrier 80. When using a light barrier 80 with a very high measurement accuracy can be dispensed with the consideration of the measurement inaccuracy. Alternatively, the maximum allowable length of the banknote sequence as the sum of the distance between the frontmost edge of the banknote 12 and the rearmost edge 28 of the banknote 12 in the transport direction P1 at the maximum allowable deviation of the position of the banknote 12 from the desired position and the maximum measurement inaccuracy Photocell 80 can be determined. In this way it is achieved that even with a maximum allowable angular offset of the banknote 12 no errors in the determination of overlapping banknotes arise 12 to 18.

If the determined length of the banknote sequence is greater than the maximum permissible length, the control unit 88 activates the diverter 86 in such a way that the banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence are transported into the transport path 36 for the banknotes 12 to 18 to be sorted out and thus sorted out. If the length of the longest bank note 12 to 18 has been preset as the maximum permissible length of a bank note sequence and if the determined length of the bank note sequence is greater than this maximum permissible length of the bank note sequence, at least two bank notes 12 to 18 must overlap.

Furthermore, the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or of the notes of value 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence transported along the transport path 76 is determined with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 and the determined thickness or the determined thickness profile is transmitted to the control unit 88. The determined thickness with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 is compared with the stored in the control unit 88, preset maximum allowable thickness 62 of the banknote 12 to 18 and the notes of value 12 to 18, compared. If the comparison of the ascertained length of the ticket sequence with the preset maximum permissible length has already shown that the determined length is greater than the maximum permissible length, and thus there is an overlapping of the bank notes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence, then a comparison can be made with the aid of FIG Thickness sensor 46 determined thickness can be dispensed with the preset maximum allowable thickness 62. Alternatively, the determination of the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or of the banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence can only take place if the comparison of the determined length of the banknote sequence with the preset maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence has shown that the determined length of the banknote sequence the maximum permitted length does not exceed.

If the ascertained length of the ticket sequence is not greater than the preset maximum permissible length of the ticket sequence, the maximum thickness of the ticket (s) 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence is compared to the maximum permissible thickness 62. If this comparison shows that the ascertained maximum thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or the bank notes 12 to 18 of the bank note sequence is greater when the preset maximum allowable thickness 62 is the control unit 88 controls the switch 86 so that the notes of value of the ticket sequence are transported in the transport path 36 to be sorted notes. If the comparison of the ascertained length of the banknote sequence with the preset maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence results in the ascertained length of the banknote sequence not exceeding the preset maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence, and the determined maximum thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or of the banknotes 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence is not greater than the preset maximum allowable thickness 62, the control unit 88 controls the switch 86 so that the ticket 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence is transported in the transport path 38 for issue notes 12 to 18.

Through the use of a sensor 80 for determining the length of the banknote sequence and a further sensor 46 for determining the thickness of the banknote or notes of value 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence, as will be described below in connection with FIGS FIGS. 7 and 8th is explained in more detail, achieved that even if the determined length of the banknote sequence does not exceed the preset maximum allowable length, not the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or the notes 12 to 18 must be determined over the entire length of the banknote sequence. Rather, it is sufficient to determine the thickness along a preset range of the ticket sequence, this preset area in the transport direction P1 of the notes 12 to 18 seen at the beginning of the ticket sequence. By comparing the determined within this range maximum thickness of the bill of exchange 12th to 18 or the banknotes 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence with the maximum allowable thickness 62 can be decided with certainty, if there is an overlap of at least two banknotes 12 to 18, ie whether the Wertschiensequenz includes one or more than a ticket 12 to 18.

In the FIGS. 7a to 7c are schematic representations of several pairs of overlapping banknotes 90 to 100 shown. The distance between the two dashed lines 102, 104 corresponds to the length of the longest security note 90, 92 to be transported. It is assumed below that the length of the longest security to be transported 90, 92 is 85 mm.

In Figure 7a two overlapping banknotes 90, 92 are shown, both banknotes 90, 92 each having a length of 85 mm. Thus, the banknotes 90, 92 are banknotes 90, 92 of the banknote type with the longest length of the banknotes to be transported 90 to 100. Although the banknotes 90, 92 almost completely overlap, the total length of the banknotes 90, 92 formed Wertscheinsequenz longer than the length of the longest to be transported note 90, 92, that is greater than 85 mm. Will, as in connection with FIG. 6 described, as the maximum allowable length of a banknote sequence the length of the longest to be transported banknote 90, 92 preset, so the value certificate formed from the banknotes 90, 92 on the basis of the comparison of the determined using the light barrier 80 length of the banknote sequence and the maximum allowable length transported in the transport path 36 for auszusortierende notes of value.

In FIG. 7b two notes of value 94, 96 are shown, whereby the notes of value 94, 96 are notes of value with the shortest length of all notes of value 90 to 100 to be transported. In the following it is assumed that the length of the shortest notes of value to be transported 94, 96 is 58 mm. The banknotes 94, 96 overlap only in a small area, so that the total length of the banknote sequence formed from the banknotes 94, 96 is greater than 85 mm and thus greater than the maximum permissible length. The banknote sequence formed from the banknotes 94, 96 is thus sorted out on the basis of the comparison of the length of this banknote sequence with the maximum permissible length ascertained with the aid of the light barrier 80.

In FIG. 7c two notes of value 98, 100 are shown, each with a side length of 58 mm. The banknotes 98, 100 overlap in such a large area that the length of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 98, 100 is less than 85 mm and thus smaller than the preset maximum allowable length of 85mm. The banknote sequence formed from the banknotes 98, 100 is thus not sorted out on the basis of the comparison of the length of the banknote sequence determined with the aid of the light barrier 80 with the maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence. In order to determine the overlap of the banknotes 98, 100, the thickness of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 98, 100 must be determined with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 become. In the overlapping area of the banknotes 98, 100, the thickness of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 98, 100 is greater than the preset maximum permissible thickness, so that the control unit 88 controls the bank 86 based on this comparison in such a way that it the notes of value 98, 100 in the transport path 36 for sorting notes of value 90 to 100 passes. As in connection with the Figure 8a, 8b will be explained in detail, not the thickness of the banknotes 98, 100 of the banknote sequence over the entire length of the value certificate sequence formed from the notes of value 98, 100 must be determined.

In the FIGS. 8a and 8b are schematic representations of several pairs overlapping notes of value 106 to 112 shown. The banknotes 106 to 112 each have a length of 58 mm, and thus belong to the banknotes 106 to 112 with the shortest side length. The banknotes 106, 108 and 110, 112 each overlap on a length of 31 mm. The total length of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 106, 108 and 110, 112 is thus 85 mm in each case, and thus corresponds to the length of the longest banknote to be transported. If the length of the longest banknote to be transported is selected as the preset maximum permissible length of a banknote sequence, the banknotes 106 to 112 would be based on the comparison of the length of the banknote sequence determined from the banknotes 106, 108 or 110, 112 with the aid of the light barrier 80 sorted out with the preset maximum allowable length, provided that the overlap length of the notes of value 106, 108 or 110, 112 is smaller than 31 mm. The in the FIGS. 8a and 8b The overlap shown on a length of 31 mm thus represents exactly the limiting case in which the value note sequences formed from the banknote 106, 108 or 110, 112 would not be sorted out in each case on the basis of the comparison of their respective length determined by means of the photoelectric barrier 80 with the maximum permissible length.

The beginning of the overlapping of the notes of value 106 and 108 or 110 and 112 must begin at the latest 27 mm in the direction of transport P1, so that the banknote sequence formed from the notes of value 106, 108 or 110, 112 would not be sorted out on the basis of the length comparison. Thus, the thickness of the banknote 106 to 112 or the notes of value 106 to 112 must be determined only within the first 27 mm of the respective ticket sequence with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 and compared with the preset maximum allowable thickness 62 to an overlap of the banknotes 106 and 108th or 110 and 112 reliably determine and to sort out the overlapping notes of value 106 to 112. In general, the length of this area, in which the thickness of the ticket sequences must be determined, can be determined as the difference between twice the length of the shortest value to be transported and the length of the longest value to be transported. This area is the area in which the thickness must be determined in order to be able to ascertain with certainty whether there is an overlap of at least two banknotes 106, 108, 110, 112.

In the case of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, the thickness of the banknote 106 to 110 or of the banknotes 106 to 110 of the bank note sequence only has to be determined within this preset range at the beginning of the ticket sequence, the minimum distance between the thickness sensor 46 and the switch 86 must be only the length of the preset range. In this way, a compact, simple construction of the distributor module 34 is achieved. Furthermore, in this way the time between the beginning of the thickness measurement of the ticket sequence and the activation of the switch 86 can be reduced. This time is also referred to as switching time.
The smaller the difference between the length of the note with the shortest side length and the value with the longest side length, the smaller the preset range can be. If the longest side length is 85 mm and the shortest side length is 70 mm, then the thickness of a bank note sequence must be determined only along the first 15 mm at the beginning of the banknote sequence in order to reliably identify and sort out overlapping banknotes.
In an advantageous development of the invention, the region in which the thickness must be determined, depending on the determined length of the banknote sequence can be further shortened. The smaller the determined length of the ticket sequence, the less in the length of this area in which the thickness must be determined in order to determine with certainty whether an overlap of at least two notes of value 106, 108, 110, 112 is present.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

• 10 transport path
• 12 to 18, 42, 44, 64 to 74, 90 to 100, 106 to 112 notes of value
• 20 central axis
• 22 long side
• 24 short page
• 26, 28 corner
• 30a to 30d cashbox
• 32a to 32d trigger unit
• 34 distribution module
• 36, 38, 76 Transport path
• 40 storage unit
• 46 thickness sensor
• 48 Hall sensor
• 50 magnet
• 52, 56 time
• 54, 58 signal
• 56, 60 oscillation process
• 62 maximum allowable thickness
• 78 device
• 80 photocell
• 82 stations
• 84 recipients
• 86 switch
• 88 control unit
• 102, 104 distance line

Claims (12)

1. A device for preventing the output of overlapping notes of value (12 to 18), comprising
   at least one first sensor (80) for determining the length of an uninterrupted value note sequence comprising at least one note of value (12 to 18),
   at least one second sensor (46) for determining the thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18),
   at least one transport element (86) for transporting overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) in a transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out,
   wherein the transport element (86) is controllable by means of a control unit (88) at least dependent on the determined length of the value note sequence and the determined thickness in order to feed the notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out to the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out,
   wherein the control unit (88) compares the determined length of the value note sequence with a preset maximum permissible length and controls the transport element (86) such that the transport element (86) transports the notes of value (12 to 18) of the value note sequence into the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out when the determined length is greater than the preset maximum permissible length,
   wherein the control unit (88) controls the transport element (86) such that the transport element (86) feeds the notes of value (12 to 18) of the value note sequence to the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out when the determined thickness is greater than the maximum permissible thickness,
   characterized in that
   the control unit (88) compares the determined thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) only with a preset maximum permissible thickness (62) when the determined length of the value note sequence does not exceed the preset maximum permissible length.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor (80) is a light barrier or a light sensor.
3. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sensor (46) comprises a magnet (50) and a Hall sensor (48), that the note of value (12 to 18) is transportable through between the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor (48) or the notes of value (12 to 18) are transportable through between the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor (48) and that the distance of the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor (48) to each other is variable dependent on the thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18).
4. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notes of value (12 to 18) are banknotes.
5. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cash box (40) is provided for storing sorted-out notes of value (12 to 18).
6. The device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (86) comprises a switch which in a first switch position transports the overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) into the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out and in a second switch position transports the non-overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) in a transport path (38) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be output.
7. A method for preventing the output of overlapping notes of value,
   in which by means of at least one first sensor (80) the length of an uninterrupted value note sequence comprising at least one note of value (12 to 18) is determined,
   in which by means of at least one second sensor (46) the thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is determined, and
   in which a transport unit (86) for transporting overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) into a transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out is controlled dependent on the determined length of the value note sequence and/or the determined thickness in order to feed the notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out to the transport path (36) for notes of value to be sorted out,
   wherein the determined length of the value note sequence is compared with a preset maximum permissible length and the notes of value (12 to 18) of the value note sequence are transported into the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out when the determined length is greater than the preset maximum permissible length,
   wherein the notes of value (12 to 18) of the value note sequence are fed to the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out when the determined thickness is greater than the maximum permissible thickness (62),
   characterized in that
   the determined thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is only compared with a preset maximum permissible thickness when the determined length of the value note sequence does not exceed the preset maximum permissible length.
8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that by means of the second sensor (46) the thickness profile of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is determined.
9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the preset maximum permissible length is determined as a sum of the edge length, directed in transport direction (P1) of the notes of value (12 to 18), of the largest note of value (12 to 18) to be output and the maximum measuring inaccuracy of the first sensor (80).
10. The method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is compared with a preset maximum permissible thickness (62) and the notes of value (12 to 18) are sorted out when the determined thickness is greater than the preset maximum permissible thickness (62).
11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the preset maximum permissible thickness (62) is determined as the sum of the thickness of the thickest note of value (12 to 18) to be output and the maximum measuring inaccuracy of the second sensor (46).
12. The method according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the notes of value (12 to 18) of the value note sequence are fed to the transport path (36) for notes of value (12 to 18) to be sorted out when the maximum determined thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) within a preset area of the value note sequence is greater than the preset maximum permissible thickness (62), wherein this preset area is at the beginning of the value note sequence as viewed in transport direction (P1) of the notes of value (12 to 18).

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