EP2489617A2 - Device for aligning vouchers - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (100) has alignment elements (116,118) which are provided on the bearing region where sheet media is supported. The sensors (120,122,124,126) are provided for detecting sheet media in detection area. The drive unit is provided for moving the alignment element (118) for aligning sheet media in response to the detected result of the sensor.

Description

The invention relates to a device for aligning sheet-like media, which comprises a support region on which rests the at least one sheet-shaped medium to be aligned. Furthermore, the device has a first alignment element and a second alignment element which can be moved in the direction of the first alignment element and counter to this direction. For aligning the sheet-like medium, the second alignment element, when moving in the direction of the first alignment element, contacts an edge of the sheet-like medium and thus displaces the sheet-like medium in the direction of the first alignment element and / or rotates at least one corner of the sheet-like medium in the direction of the first alignment element. Furthermore, the device has a drive unit for moving the second alignment element.

In known devices for handling banknotes, the banknotes are entered by an operator in the form of a banknote stack in an input and / or output tray of the device. In order to ensure a secure further handling of the notes of value during the processing in the device, in particular a secure separation of the notes of value of the note stack, it is necessary that the notes of value of the entering value note stack are aligned at least approximately in a preset target orientation. Known devices for this purpose comprise two alignment elements, which are moved towards each other along a fixed preset travel path while the value note stack is arranged between them. The two alignment elements are in this case moved toward each other until they have a preset distance from each other, this preset distance corresponds to the edge length of the note with the largest edge length.

The problem with such alignment units is that with their help only bank notes with the largest edge length are aligned correctly. Under certain circumstances, notes of value with a smaller edge length can remain very distorted so that they can not subsequently be singulated and / or can lead to value jams during transport within the apparatus for handling notes of value.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for aligning sheet-like media, by means of which the sheet-like media are reliably aligned in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

By providing at least one sensor for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area, the position of the sheet-like medium and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium on the support area and by taking into account the detected presence, the detected position and / or the detected orientation Moving the second alignment element for aligning the sheet-shaped medium, it is achieved that even smaller sheet-like media can be reliably aligned, so that they can be handled reliably. In particular, there is no rigid actuation of the alignment elements, but rather a control of the alignment elements relative to the supplied sheet-like media, so that this can take place in accordance with the actual orientation, position and / or dimensions of the sheet-like medium.

The sheet-like media are in particular in the form of a stack of a plurality of sheet-like media on the support area. The sheet-like media are in particular banknotes, Checks, other notes of value and other sheet-shaped media. In this case, these different sheet-shaped media can be supplied in particular in a single stack of the device.

The device for aligning sheet-like media is used in particular in devices for handling banknotes, for example in automatic cash safes, automatic cash register systems and / or ATMs, such as deposit machines for depositing banknotes and checks. In a particularly preferred embodiment, such apparatus is used for registering notes of value in apparatus in which both banknotes and checks can be handled, whereby this apparatus for registering the banknotes allows banknotes and checks to be entered together in a stack can and still be handled reliably by the device.

The orientation of the sheet-shaped media is understood in particular to mean that the sheet-like media are brought into a preset orientation and / or at least their orientation is approximated to this preset orientation. The alignment is particular about the location of the longer edges of the sheet-shaped media with respect to a transport direction of the sheet-shaped media defined. Here, the preset orientation is preferably preset such that the longer edges of a sheet-shaped medium, which is aligned in the preset orientation, are arranged parallel to the transport direction. In addition, the orientation of a sheet-like medium may also include the position of a central axis of the sheet-like media directed parallel to the longer edges of the sheet-shaped media with respect to a transport axis-directed central axis of the support area. In this case, the preset orientation is in particular preset in such a way that the longitudinal axis of a sheet-like medium, which is aligned in the preset orientation, coincides with the longitudinal axis of the support area.

The transport direction is in particular the direction in which the sheet-like media are transported away from the support area for further processing. For this purpose, in particular one or more transport elements, such as rollers and / or belts, are provided.

The location of a note of value is understood to mean the concrete position at which the sheet-like medium is located the support area is arranged. Thus, when a sheet-shaped medium is transported in the transport direction, without being laterally displaced transversely to the transport direction and without twisting, although the position of the sheet-shaped medium but not its orientation changed.

In particular, the device comprises a control unit which activates the drive unit in such a way that it moves the second alignment element as a function of the determination of the presence, the determined orientation and / or the position determined.

The second alignment element may have a substantially planar contact surface which contacts the sheet-like medium during alignment. The normal vector of this contact surface is directed in particular in the direction in which the drive unit moves the second alignment element for aligning the sheet-like medium. In this way, it is achieved that, by a corresponding movement of the second alignment element, the sheet-shaped medium is rotated in the direction of the first alignment element when the longer edges of the sheet-like medium are not aligned parallel to the contact surface. In this case, the second alignment element contacted when moving with the contact surface facing him edge of the leaf-shaped medium in the region of one of the corners of the sheet-like medium and rotates the note of value by the contact with this edge in the direction of the first alignment element. If, on the other hand, the edge of the sheet-like medium facing the second alignment element is already aligned transversely to the normal vector, then the contact surface contacts this edge over its entire length, so that the sheet-like medium is displaced toward the first alignment element without rotation in the direction of the normal vector.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the second alignment element is moved transversely to the transport direction, in which a transport unit for transporting the sheet-like media transports them. Thus, it is achieved via the corresponding movement of the second alignment element that the sheet-like medium is rotated and / or shifted so that its longer edges are directed in the transport direction, so that the sheet-like medium can be safely transported via the transport unit in the transport direction, without a Tilting with other elements is to be feared. In particular, a so-called short-side-first transport of the sheet-like media is thus possible, in which the short edges of the banknote are oriented orthogonally to the transport direction and the long edges of the banknote parallel to the transport direction.

The sensor is in particular fixedly connected to the second alignment element, so that it is moved together with the second alignment element. A control unit controls the drive unit in particular in such a way that it moves the second alignment element together with the sensor in the direction of the first alignment element until the sensor detects the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area. As a result, the method of the second alignment element in the first direction of the first alignment element is effected as a function of the width and / or the extent of the rotation of the sheet-like medium to be aligned so that it is reliably aligned.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a first sensor and at least one second sensor fixedly connected to the second alignment element for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area, the position of the sheet-like medium and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium provided on the support area. In this case, the control unit controls the drive unit in particular in such a way that it moves the second alignment element together with the two sensors in the direction of the first alignment element, until both sensors Detect presence of a sheet-shaped medium in their respective detection area. As a result, it is achieved that the second alignment element is moved in the direction of the first alignment element until the longer edge of the sheet-like medium facing it is aligned parallel to the second alignment element and thus parallel to the transport direction. This ensures that the sheet-like medium, regardless of its width, is rotated in such a way that its longer edges run parallel to the transport direction, so that the sheet-like medium can be transported in a simple manner.

If more than one sheet-shaped medium, in particular a stack of sheet-like media, rest on the support area, it is achieved via the corresponding method of the second alignment element until both sensors detect the presence of a sheet-like medium in their detection area that at least the sheet-like media belonging to all stacked sheet media have the greatest width aligned in the preset orientation. Nevertheless, leaf-shaped media with a smaller width can still be twisted relative to the transport direction.

A counterforce necessary for rotating the sheet-like medium is applied, in particular, by the first alignment element, against which the second alignment element presses the sheet-like medium when moving the second alignment element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first alignment element is also movable in the direction of the second alignment element and counter to this direction, the first alignment element, when moving in the direction of the second alignment element, contacting an edge of the sheet-like medium and displacing the sheet-like medium in the direction of the second alignment element and / or at least one corner of the sheet-shaped medium rotates in the direction of the second alignment element. A drive unit rotates the first alignment element in the direction of the second alignment element as a function of the presence detected by the sensor, the detected position or the detected orientation. The drive unit may be the same drive unit that also moves the second alignment element or another drive unit. The drive unit or the drive units preferably each comprise an electric motor for moving the alignment elements.

The sensor comprises, for example, a camera, with the aid of which at least one image is recorded with an image of the sheet-like medium to be aligned. With the aid of preset image processing algorithms, the orientation, position and / or dimensions thereof are determined as a function of the determined image of the sheet-like medium. Depending on the determined orientation, dimension and / or position, the control unit then controls the drive unit for moving the second alignment element and / or the drive unit for moving the first alignment element, such that depending on the actual orientation, position and / or dimensions of the sheet-like medium moving the alignment elements toward each other. In particular, the control unit determines, depending on the determined orientation and / or position of the sheet-shaped medium, a travel path by which the second alignment element is to be moved in the direction of the first alignment element and / or a travel path by which the first alignment element is moved in the direction of the second alignment element should. Subsequently, the control unit controls the drive unit or the drive units such that the second alignment element and / or the first alignment element are moved through them accordingly.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first alignment element also does not depend on the same sensor as the second alignment element can be controlled, but it can be provided a third sensor which is fixedly connected to the first alignment member and is moved together with this. The alignment unit moves in this embodiment, the first alignment element in response to detected by means of the third sensor presence of a sheet-shaped medium in the detection range of the third sensor, the determined using the third sensor position of the sheet-shaped medium and / or determined using the third sensor Alignment of the leaf-shaped medium.

Also in this embodiment, the first and the second alignment element can be moved over the same drive unit or it can be provided two drive units, wherein in each case a drive unit is used to move one of the alignment elements.

The movement of the first alignment element as a function of the third sensor can in particular be developed with the same features as previously described in connection with the movement of the second alignment element as a function of the first sensor. Likewise, the first alignment element can be developed with the features previously described in connection with the second alignment element. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and the second alignment element are identical.

The control unit controls the drive unit for moving the first alignment element in particular in such a way that it moves the first alignment element together with the third sensor in the direction of the second alignment element until the third sensor detects the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one fourth sensor fixedly connected to the first alignment element is provided for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area, the position of the sheet-like medium and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium. The fourth sensor is displaced in this case as well as the third sensor together with the first alignment element. The control unit controls the drive unit to move the first alignment element in such a way that it moves the first alignment element in the direction of the second alignment element together with the third sensor and the fourth sensor until both the third sensor and the fourth sensor detect the presence of a sheet-like medium detect their respective detection areas. This ensures that the first and the second alignment are moved towards each other until all four sensors the presence a sheet-like medium in their respective detection area detect. In this case, at least that sheet-shaped medium of the stack of sheet-like media, which has the largest width of the sheet-like media, must be aligned such that its longer edges abut the two alignment elements and are thus aligned parallel to the transport direction.

By both sides twisting and / or moving the sheet-like medium by the two-sided Aufeinanderzubewegen both aligning an even more reliable and accurate alignment of the sheet-like medium is achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the two alignment elements are moved towards each other until all four sensors each detect the presence of a sheet-like medium in their respective detection range. The two alignment elements are in this case moved in particular by the same travel path length. The movement of both alignment elements in this case preferably takes place via the same drive unit. Alternatively, two drive units can be provided, wherein in each case a drive unit is used for moving an alignment element.

The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor preferably each comprise a light barrier with the aid of which the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection areas can be detected in a simple manner. In this case, in particular, the presence of a sheet-like medium is detected when a light beam of the light barrier is interrupted by the sheet-shaped medium. The light barrier comprises in particular a deflection prism. Thus, a particularly cost-effective and space-saving construction is achieved.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, in addition to or as an alternative to the light barriers, the sensors may also include sensors for measuring the force with which the respective alignment element presses against the sheet-like medium and detect the presence of a sheet-like medium as a function of the determined force.

The first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor are preferably each arranged in an end region of the alignment elements. The first sensor and the second sensor are in particular at opposite end regions of the second alignment element and / or third sensor and the fourth Sensor disposed on opposite end portions of the first alignment member. An end region is understood in particular to be the first and last quarter of the alignment elements, as seen in the transport direction. The distance between the sensors in the transport direction is in each case smaller than the length of the longer edge of the shortest permissible value note.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sheet-like medium is part of a stack of different or similar sheet-like media and the first alignment and / or the second alignment also change the position and / or orientation of at least one other sheet-like medium of the stack. Thus, it is achieved that a plurality of sheet-shaped media can be aligned together.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, after a first alignment process, at least one sheet-shaped medium arranged on the end face of the stack is drawn off from the stack by means of a draw-off unit. Subsequently, the control unit activates the drive unit for moving the second alignment element in such a way that it drives the second alignment element in the direction of the first alignment element moves when the first sensor and / or the second sensor no longer detect the presence of a sheet-like medium in their respective detection area after removing the one sheet-shaped medium. Additionally or alternatively, the drive unit for moving the first alignment element can be controlled by the control unit such that this drive unit moves the first alignment element in the direction of the second alignment element, if the third sensor and / or the fourth sensor in their respective detection area after removal of the one leaf-shaped medium no longer detect the presence of a sheet-like medium.

In this way, it is ensured that in each case after the removal of a sheet-like medium is checked whether the removal of this sheet-like medium is possible to further align the notes of value of the remaining value note stack, so that a kind of readjustment is achieved by the optimal possible orientation of the Stack is achieved. When all of the highest value banknotes have been deducted from the note stack, this also aligns the remaining smaller sized sheet media with the default orientation.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, such a readjustment of the remaining stack takes place after each withdrawal of a sheet-like medium. Alternatively or additionally, the readjustment can also be carried out in each case after removing a preset number of sheet-like media.

In this context, an alignment process is understood in particular to be the displacement of the first and / or second alignment element in the direction of the respective other alignment element until all the sensors moved together detect the presence of a sheet-like medium in their respective detection area.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, more than two sensors can also be fixedly arranged on each alignment element and moved along with the respective alignment element. The more sensors are provided, the more accurate the orientation of the sheet-like media can be.

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

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zur Handhabung von Wertscheinen;

Figur 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Kopfmoduls der Vorrichtung nach Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausschnitts des Kopfmoduls nach Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine schematische, perspektivische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von blattförmigen Medien der Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 1 bis 3;

Figur 5

eine weitere schematische, perspektivische Darstellung der Vorrichtung nach Figur 4;

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht eines Ausschnitts der Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 4 und 5;

Figur 7

eine stark vereinfachte Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 4 bis 6 in einem ersten Betriebszustand;

Figur 8

eine stark vereinfachte Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 4 bis 7 in einem zweiten Betriebszustand;

Figur 9

eine stark vereinfachte Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 4 bis 8 in einem dritten Betriebszustand; und

Figur 10

eine stark vereinfachte Draufsicht auf die Vorrichtung nach den Figuren 4 bis 9 in einem vierten Betriebszustand.

Show it:

FIG. 1

a schematic representation of a device for handling bank notes;

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a head module of the device according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of a section of the head module according to FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4

a schematic, perspective view of an apparatus for aligning sheet-like media of the device according to the FIGS. 1 to 3 ;

FIG. 5

a further schematic perspective view of the device according to FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6

a side view of a section of the device according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 ;

FIG. 7

a greatly simplified plan view of the device according to the FIGS. 4 to 6 in a first operating state;

FIG. 8

a greatly simplified plan view of the device according to the FIGS. 4 to 7 in a second operating state;

FIG. 9

a greatly simplified plan view of the device according to the FIGS. 4 to 8 in a third operating condition; and

FIG. 10

a greatly simplified plan view of the device according to the FIGS. 4 to 9 in a fourth operating state.

In FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a device 10 for handling banknotes is shown. The device 10 is in particular an automatic cash deposit, an automatic cash register system and / or an ATM, such as a deposit machine for depositing banknotes and checks.

The device 10 comprises a head module 12 and a vault 14. The structure of the head module 12 is associated with FIG. 2 described in more detail. In the vault 14 four note cassettes 16a to 16d are arranged, in which the notes of value can be recorded. In this case, one of the value-ticket cassettes 16a to 16d for receiving checks and the other three value-ticket cassettes 16a to 16d for receiving banknotes are provided in particular. The picking up of the banknotes takes place especially sorted, that is to say that banknotes of a denomination are always received in a banknote cassette 16a to 16d. Alternatively, a mixed storage can take place, that is to say that notes of value of different denominations are received mixed in a value note cassette 16a to 16d. In an alternative embodiment, more than four or less than four, in particular two, value ticket cassettes 16a to 16d may also be provided in the vault 14. In particular, a so-called reject cassette may be provided, are recorded in the notes of value, which are suspected of forgery and / or damage. In a preferred embodiment, two note cassettes 16a to 16d, namely one for receiving checks and one for receiving banknotes, are provided.

The notes of value may in this case be accommodated in the receipt cassettes 16a to 16d both in a stacked form in a receiving area, and also stored wound up between two foil tapes on a roll storage. It is also possible to use different types of note cassettes within the safe 14.

The device 10 may be formed in the present embodiment as a pure deposit device in which only notes of value can be recorded. Alternatively, it can also be designed as a recycling device, in which both notes of value can be entered and notes of value can be issued again.

The vault 14 has a transfer slot 18, through which the notes of value are supplied from the head module 12 to the vault 14. From the transfer slot 18, the notes of value are transported via a transport unit designated by the reference numeral 21 to the value note cassettes 16a to 16d.

In FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the head module 12 after FIG. 1 shown. The head module 12 has an input and output unit 20 via which the Notes can be entered in the form of a value note stack. Furthermore, individual notes of value and / or value note stack can also be output to the operator of the device 10 via this input and output unit 20. The input and output unit 20 has in particular a so-called shutter 22, via which an opening for supplying and dispensing the notes of value can be opened and closed.

A value-added stack entered via the input and output unit 20 is transported by means of a transport unit 24 to a first alignment unit 100. With the aid of the first alignment unit 100, the banknotes of the banknote stack are aligned in a preset orientation, or at least the orientation of a part of the banknotes of the banknote stack is changed in such a way that it approximates the preset alignment. The aligned value note stack is fed by means of a transport unit 26 to a separation unit 200, which singles the notes of value of the note stack and feeds the separated notes of value to a first sensor unit 300.

The first sensor unit 300 comprises an image acquisition unit, with the aid of which each is supplied At least one picture with a picture of this note is taken. A control unit 28 of the device 10 determines at least one feature of the security note in dependence upon the representation of the security note in the image and classifies the security note into checks, banknotes of a preset currency and other sheet media depending on this feature. The other sheet-like media may, for example, be banknotes of a currency other than the default currency and / or other sheet-shaped media that has been erroneously entered by the operator of the device. For example, these can be business cards or bank statements. The default currency is, in particular, that currency which is to be handled by means of the device 10, in particular to be recorded in the value note cassettes 16a to 16d.

Those notes of value, which were classified neither as checks nor as banknotes of the preset currency, are transported via a switch 400 into a second buffer 500 for intermediate storage of sheet-like media and in this buffer, preferably as a second value note stack. On the other hand, the checks and the banknotes of the preset currency are supplied to a second alignment unit 600 via the switch 400. With the help of this second alignment unit 600, the checks aligned in a first preset target orientation and aligned the banknotes in a deviating from the first target orientation second target orientation. In particular, several different target orientations for banknotes of different denominations are preset and the second alignment unit 600 aligns the banknotes not only depending on whether they are checks or banknotes in different preset target orientations, but also additionally depending on the denomination the banknotes.

The aligned notes of value are then fed to a second sensor unit 29, with the help of which the authenticity of the banknotes is determined and with the aid of which magnetic information of the checks is read out. The sensor unit 29 comprises a banknote sensor unit 29a, by means of which the authenticity of the banknotes is checked, and a check sensor unit 29b, by means of which the authenticity of the checks is checked and information printed on the checks is read out. The first sensor unit 300 and the second sensor unit 29 form together with the control unit 28 in particular a real money and check recognition module. In determining the authenticity of the banknotes and / or checks, information determined using the sensor unit 300 is preferably taken into account.

Subsequently, the notes of value are transported in the direction of a second switch 700 with the aid of further transport elements, one of which is designated by the reference numeral 30 by way of example. Via the second switch 700, all banknotes of the previously entered banknote stack, which have been classified as checks or banknotes of the preset currency, are first supplied to a first buffer 32 and temporarily stored therein. The intermediate storage 32 is designed in particular in the form of a roller storage, in which the recorded notes of value are taken up wound up between two film strips. After all banknotes of the entered value note stack are received in the first temporary memory 32 or the second temporary memory 500, at least one piece of information about the bank notes received in the first temporary store 32 and / or the second temporary store 500 is output to the operator via a display unit 34. This information comprises, in particular, information about the number of entered banknotes and / or the value of the sum of the denominations of the entered banknotes which are recorded in the first temporary storage 32. Furthermore, the operator is particularly requested to enter an acknowledgment information via an input unit 36.

If, in a preset time interval after the request, the operator does not enter the confirmation information via the input unit 36 and / or if the operator makes a negative input, the notes of value received in the first buffer 32 are transported out of this and fed to a stacking unit 40, with the aid of which a first value note stack is formed from all notes of value received in the first temporary store 32. Furthermore, the second value stack received in the second buffer 500 is taken from the second buffer 500. Both the first value note stack and the second value note stack are fed to a stack merge unit 802, with the aid of which a single merged value note stack is formed from the first and the second value note stack. This assembled value stack is then output via the input and output unit 20 back to the operator.

If, on the other hand, the operator enters the confirmation information in the pre-set time interval after the corresponding request, the second value-dept stack is taken from the second temporary storage 500 and output to an operator via the input and output unit 20.

On the other hand, the notes of value cached in the first intermediate storage 32 are supplied along a transport path 38 to the safe 14 and received in the value note cassettes 16a to 16d. The checks temporarily stored in the first cache 32 are invalidated by printing a cancellation print image in a predetermined print area of the check before being transported to the vault 40. For this purpose, a printing unit 900 for printing the checks is provided between the second switch 700 and the transport path 38. Via the switch 700, the checks are in this case fed to the printing unit 900 in such a way that the printing area to which the cancellation information is to be printed faces the print head of the printing unit 900 so that the print head can print this printing area with the cancellation print image.

The above-described head module 12 ensures that checks and banknotes can be handled together in a device 10 and that these can be mixed in any desired way in a stack of the device 10. As a result, a particularly high ease of use for an operator of the device 10 is achieved, since this must make any manual pre-sorting of notes in checks and banknotes and not, as in known devices, must preset, which type of banknotes is supplied.

In FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a section of the head module 12 is shown. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 each show a schematic perspective view of the first alignment unit 100.

The first alignment unit 100 comprises a support element 102, wherein the value note stack to be aligned rests on a support region 104 of the support element 102 during the alignment. Furthermore, the first alignment unit 100 has a transport unit 106, with the aid of which the value-bundle of values coming from the input and / or output compartment 20 can be transported in a transport direction P1 and thus supplied to the support area 104. After alignment, the transport unit 106 transports the value-note stack further in the transport direction P1 in the direction of the singulation unit 200.

The transport unit 106 comprises a plurality of driven rollers, one of which is designated by the reference numeral 108 by way of example. In addition, the transport unit 106 comprises two driven belts 110, 112, wherein the belts 110, 112 are arranged such that the value-added stack to be transported is arranged between them, so that it is transported uniformly by the belts in the transporting direction P1. Both the belts 110, 112 and the rollers 108 are preferably driven via a central main drive of the device 10, which drives a plurality of transport elements of the device 10. The rollers 108 and belts 110 and 112 are mounted for this purpose in particular on driven shafts 114.

The alignment unit 100 comprises a first alignment element 116 and a second alignment element 118, wherein the support region 104, on which the value note stack to be aligned rests on the support element 102 during alignment, is formed between these two alignment elements 116, 118. The alignment elements 116, 118 are each displaceably arranged in the direction of the double arrows P2 or P3 by means of drive units. In this case, a first drive unit can be provided for displacing the first alignment element 116, and a second drive unit can be provided for displacing the second alignment element 118. Alternatively, only one drive unit can be provided, via which two alignment elements 116, 118 can be moved. The displacement directions P2, P3 of the alignment elements 116, 118 are directed in particular orthogonal to the transport direction P1.

On the second alignment element 118, a first sensor 120 and a second sensor 122 are arranged and firmly connected to the second alignment member 118. When the second alignment element 118 is displaced in the direction of the double arrow P3, the sensors 120, 122 are thus also moved. Analogous to this, a third sensor 124 and a fourth sensor 126 are arranged on the first alignment element 116, which are likewise firmly connected to the first alignment element 116 and thus are displaced together with the latter in the direction of the arrow P2.

The four sensors 120 to 126 each include a light barrier with the aid of which a presence of a sheet-like medium in the detection range of the respective sensor 120 to 126 can be determined. Each of the light barriers of the four sensors 120 to 126 comprises two diodes 128, 138 and a prism 130 to 136. The structure and function of the light barriers are exemplary of the light barrier of the first sensor 120 in FIG FIG. 6 and will be described in more detail below. The statements apply analogously to the other three sensors 122 to 126.

The first diode 128 of the sensor 120 serves as a transmitting diode, with the aid of which a light beam 140 is emitted. This is deflected by the prism 130 in such a way that it is parallel to the side facing the support region 104 of the second alignment element 118 Contact surface 142 of the second alignment member 118 over which the banknotes of the stack are contacted during alignment, is guided. At the upper side of the prism 128, the light beam 140 is again deflected and directed to a second diode 138, which serves as a receiver diode. As long as no sheet-shaped medium is arranged in the detection area 144 of the first sensor 120, the light beam 140 emitted by the transmitting diode 128 can be received by the receiving diode 138. On the other hand, if a sheet-shaped medium is arranged in the detection area 144, the light beam 140 is interrupted so that the receiving diode 138 detects the presence of a sheet-like medium in its detection area when the emitted light beam is not received.

The four sensors 120 to 126 are respectively arranged in end regions of the alignment elements 116, 118, wherein the first sensor 120 at the front end of the second alignment element 118 viewed in the transport direction P1, the second sensor 120 at the end region of the second alignment element 118 in the transport direction P1 3, the third sensor 124 is arranged on the front end region of the first alignment element 116 viewed in the transport direction P1 and the fourth sensor 126 on the rear end region of the first alignment element 116 viewed in the transport direction P1.

The functioning of the alignment unit 100 will be described below in connection with FIGS FIGS. 7 to 10 described, wherein the FIGS. 7 to 10 each represent highly simplified plan views of the alignment unit 100. Furthermore, to simplify the explanation of the operation in the FIGS. 7 to 10 only a bill 150 is shown, whose orientation is brought by means of the alignment unit 100 in the preset orientation. The statements apply analogously to a value note stack consisting of a plurality of security notes 150.

At the in FIG. 7 illustrated initial value of the bill of 150 is disposed in the support portion 104 of the support member 102 and is in this support portion 104 on the support member 102. Here, the actual orientation of the bill of exchange 150 is such that its longer edges 152, 154 are not arranged parallel to the transport direction P1. The default orientation is preset so that the edges 152, 154 are aligned parallel to the transport direction P1 and that the longer central axis 156 of the bill 150 coincides with the central axis of the support element 102.

At the in FIG. 7 shown starting position are the alignment elements 116, 118 at the edge of the support element 102 arranged. Since none of the sensors 120 to 126 detects the presence of the sheet-shaped medium in its respective detection range, both the first alignment member 116 and the second alignment member 118 are moved toward each other in the direction of arrows P4 and P5, respectively.

At the in FIG. 8 In the state shown, the alignment elements 116, 118 are moved towards one another so far that the presence of the sheet-like medium or security note 150 in its detection area is detected with the aid of the first sensor 120. Thus, the contact surface 142 of the second alignment member 118 contacts the edge 154 of the currency bill 150. The second alignment member 118 is moved further in the direction of the arrow P4 and the first alignment member 116 is also moved further in the direction of the arrow P5. As a result, the second alignment element 118 rotates, via contact with the edge 154, the corner 160 of the banknote 150 in the direction of the arrow P6.

At the in FIG. 9 In the state shown, the bill of exchange 150 has been rotated with the aid of the second alignment element 118 so far that its edges 152, 154 are aligned parallel to the transport direction P1. Here, the edge 154 of the bill 150 contacts the contact surface 142 of the second alignment member 118, so that both the first sensor 120 and the second sensor 122 each detect the presence of a sheet-like medium 150 in the respective detection area.

The third sensor 124 and the fourth sensor 126, on the other hand, do not yet detect the presence of the sheet-shaped medium 150 in its detection area, so that the alignment elements 116, 118 are moved further toward one another. Here, via the contact of the second alignment element 118 to the edge 154 of the security note 150, it is moved together with the alignment element 118 in the direction of the arrow P4 in the direction of the first alignment element 116.

At the in FIG. 10 In the state shown, the bill of exchange 150 is moved in the direction of the first alignment element 116 so far that the bill of exchange 150 is aligned in the preset orientation. The edges 152, 154 are aligned parallel to the transport direction P1 and the central axis 156 of the bill of exchange 150 coincides with the central axis 158 of the support element 102. All four sensors 120 to 126 now detect the presence of the bill of exchange 150 in their respective detection range, so that the alignment elements 116, 118 are not further moved towards each other.

Subsequently, the bill of quantities 150 is transported away with the aid of the transport unit 106 in the transport direction P1 from the support area 104 and fed to the singling unit 200. By moving the alignment elements 116, 118 together until all four sensors 120 to 128 detect the presence of a sheet-like medium 150 in the respective detection area, it is achieved that the sheet-like medium 150 is reliable in a simple manner regardless of its dimensions and its initial orientation and starting position can be brought into the preset orientation, so that a reliable further handling of the sheet-like medium 150 is achieved.

As already described above, the apparatus 100 does not generally insert individual sheet-shaped media 150, but stacks of sheet-like media 150. In particular, these sheet-shaped media 150 have different dimensions, with the media 150 being able to differ both in length and in width. The input of the stack is in particular short-side-first, ie that the sheet-like media are entered such that their longer sides are aligned parallel to the transport direction. The alignment of such fed stack is done in the same way as before in connection with the FIGS. 7 to 10 described for the one value 150.

After the alignment elements 116, 118 have been approached to each other so far that all sensors 120 to 126 detect the presence of a sheet-like medium 150 in their respective detection area, that sheet-shaped medium 150 resting on the support element 106 is withdrawn with the aid of the singulation unit 200 and on transported in the transport direction P1. If all four sensors 120 to 126 still detect the presence of a sheet-like medium 150 in their respective detection range, another sheet-shaped medium 150 is gradually removed from the stack until at least one of the sensors 120 to 126 no longer has the presence of a sheet-shaped medium Medium 150 detected in its detection range. In this case, the alignment elements 116, 118, as described above, again moved toward each other again until all four sensors 120 to 126 detect the presence of a sheet-shaped medium 150 in its detection range. In this way, with differently wide sheet-like media 150, a reorientation of the stack is achieved, in which, when all the sheet-like media are drawn off with a greater width, the sheet-like media 150 with a smaller width are also brought into the preset orientation.

The width of a sheet-like medium 150 is understood in particular to mean the dimension of this sheet-like medium 150 directed transversely to the transport direction P1.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, more or fewer than four sensors 120 to 126 may be provided. Likewise, it is alternatively possible that one of the alignment elements 116, 118 is fixedly arranged and only the other alignment element 116, 118 is movable and is moved to align the sheet-like media 150 on the fixed alignment element 116, 118.

In a further alternative embodiment, instead of photoelectric sensors, force measuring sensors can also be used with the aid of which the force necessary for displacing the aligning elements 116, 118 in the direction of the arrows P4 or P5 is determined. By means of this determined force, it is detected whether at least one of the sheet-like media of the stack is already aligned in a preset orientation or whether a shifting or twisting of the sheet-like media is necessary to align them in the preset orientation.

Furthermore, as an alternative, a camera may be provided as a sensor with the aid of which the alignment and / or position of at least one sheet-like medium 150 of the stack, in particular of all sheet-shaped media 150 of the stack, is determined. Subsequently, the control unit 28 of the device 10 determines therefrom, which travel paths the alignment elements 116, 118 must be moved in order to align the sheet-like medium or the sheet-like media 150 in the preset orientation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

12

head module

14

safe

20

Input and output unit

21

transport unit

22

shutter

24

transport unit

26

transport unit

28

control unit

29, 29a, 29b

sensor unit

30

transport element

32

cache

34

display unit

36

input unit

38

transport path

40

stacker

100

alignment

102

support element

104

support area

106

transport unit

108

role

110, 112

belt

114

wave

116, 118

aligning

120 to 126

sensor

128, 138

diode

130 to 136

prism

140

light

142

contact area

144

detection range

150

of notes

152, 154

edge

156, 158

central axis

160

corner

200

separation unit

300

sensor unit

400

switch

500

cache

600

alignment

700

switch

802

Stack merge unit

900

printing unit

P1

transport direction

P2, P3, P4, P5, P6

direction

Claims (15)

Device for aligning sheet-shaped media, in particular bank notes,
with a support area (104) on which the at least one sheet-shaped medium (150) to be aligned rests,
a first alignment element (116),
a second alignment element (118) movable in the direction of the first alignment element (116) and counter to this direction, which for aligning the sheet-like medium (150) moving in the direction of the first alignment element (118) has an edge (154) of this sheet-like medium (150) and the sheet-like medium (150) in the direction of the first alignment member (116) moves and / or the sheet-shaped medium (150) rotates so that at least one corner (160) of the sheet-like medium (150) in the direction of the first alignment member (116 ), and
a drive unit for moving the second alignment element (118),
characterized in that at least one sensor (120) for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144), the position of the sheet-like medium (150) and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium (150) on the support area ( 104) is provided,
and in that the drive unit moves the second alignment member (118) to align the sheet media (150) in response to the detected presence, the detected location, and / or the detected orientation. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, characterized in that the second alignment member (118) has a substantially planar contact surface (142) contacting the sheet media (150) when aligned, such that the drive unit aligns the second alignment member (118) of the sheet-like medium (150) moves in the direction of the normal vector of the contact surface (142). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a transport unit (106) for transporting the sheet-like medium in a transport direction (P1) is provided, wherein the transport direction (P1) preferably perpendicular to the direction (P4), in the the second alignment member (118) is moved to align the sheet (150). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (120) is fixedly connected to the second alignment element (118). Device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that a control unit (28) drives the drive unit such that it moves the second alignment element (118) together with the sensor (120) so far in the direction of the first alignment element (116) the sensor (120) detects the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144). Device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensor is a first sensor (120) that at least one second sensor (122) fixedly connected to the second alignment element (118) for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144), the position of the sheet-like medium (150) and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium (150) on the support area (104) is provided, and that a control unit (28) drives the drive unit such that this second Alignment element (118) together with the sensors (120, 122) in dependence on the presence detected by means of the second sensor (122), the position detected with the aid of the second sensor (122) and / or with the aid of the second sensor (122) moved detected orientation, in particular such that the drive unit, the second alignment member (118) together with the sensors (120, 122) as long in the direction of the first alignment element (116) until both sensors (120, 122) detect the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in their respective detection areas (144). Device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first sensor (120) at a front in the transport direction (P1) seen End region of the second alignment member (118) and the second sensor (122) on a in the transport direction (P1) seen rear end portion of the second alignment member (1118) is arranged. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second alignment element (118) presses the sheet-like medium (150) against the first alignment element (116). Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first alignment element (116) is movable in the direction of the second alignment element (118) and counter to this direction, that the first alignment element (116) moves in the direction of the second alignment element (116). 118) contacts an edge (152) of the sheet (150) and shifts the sheet (150) towards the second alignment member (118) and / or rotates the sheet (150) to form at least one corner (160). of the sheet-like medium (150) in the direction of the first alignment member (116) moves, and that a drive unit, the first alignment member (116) for aligning the sheet-like medium (150) in dependence the detected presence, the detected position and / or the detected orientation moves. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first alignment element (116) is movable in the direction of the second alignment element (118) and counter to this direction, that the first alignment element when moving in the direction of the second alignment element (118 ) contacts an edge (152) of the sheet (150) and shifts the sheet (150) towards the second alignment member (118) and / or rotates the sheet (150) so that at least one corner (160) of the sheet-like medium (150) in the direction of the first alignment member (116) moves that at least one third sensor (224) fixedly connected to the first alignment member (116) for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144) Position of the sheet-like medium (150) and / or the orientation of the sheet-like medium (150) on the support area (104) is provided, and that a drive unit that first alignment member (116) for aligning the sheet-like medium (150) in response to the presence detected by the third sensor (124) detected by the third sensor (124) Position and / or the detected by means of the third sensor (124) alignment moves. Device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit (28) drives the drive unit for moving the first alignment element (116) such that the first alignment element (116) together with the third sensor (124) so far in the direction of the second alignment member (118) until the third sensor (124) detects the presence of a sheet media (150) in its sensing area (144). Device (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that at least one fourth sensor (126) fixedly connected to the first alignment element (116) for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144), the position of the sheet-like medium (150) and / or the alignment of the sheet-like medium (150) on the support area (104) is provided, and in that the control unit (28) drives the drive unit for moving the first alignment element (116) such that the first alignment element (116 ) together with third sensor (124) and the fourth sensor (126) moves toward the second alignment member (118) until the third sensor (124) and the fourth sensor (124) detect the presence of a sheet media (150) in their respective sensing regions (144). Device (100) according to Claim 10, characterized in that at least one fourth sensor (126) fixedly connected to the first alignment element (116) for detecting the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its detection area (144), the position of the sheet-like medium (150) and / or the alignment of the sheet-like medium (150) on the support area (104) is provided, and that the drive unit or the drive units, the alignment elements (116, 118) moves toward each other until the first sensor (120) in that the second sensor (122), the third sensor (124) and the fourth sensor (126) each detect the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in its respective detection area (144). Device (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the drive unit or drive units comprise the first alignment element (116). and the second alignment member (118) moves the same distance. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet-like medium (150) is part of a stack of different and / or similar sheet-like media (150), that after a first alignment process at least one arranged at one end of the stack sheet-shaped Medium (150) is withdrawn from the stack, and that the control unit (28) drives the drive unit for moving the second alignment member (118) such that this moves the second alignment member (118) in the direction of the first alignment member (116) first sensor (120), the second sensor (122), the third sensor (124) and / or the fourth sensor (126) in their respective detection area (144) do not detect the presence of a sheet-like medium (150), and / or the Drive unit for moving the first alignment element (116) in such a way that it moves the first alignment element (116) in the direction of the second alignment element (118), if the first sensor (120), the second sensor (122), the third sensor (124) and / or the fourth sensor (126) do not detect the presence of a sheet-like medium (150) in their respective detection area (144).

Images