EP3376481B1 - Assembly and method for alignment of at least one document of value - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for aligning notes of value during transport along a transport route, for example within an automated teller machine or an automatic cash register or a cash register system. The notes of value can in particular be banknotes or checks which, for example, are to be fed to a receiving area of a cassette for storing notes of value or which have been removed therefrom. At least one transport element serves to transport the note of value along the transport route. The transport element is driven with the aid of at least one first drive unit. An alignment device is used to align the notes of value, in particular to reduce or correct a lateral offset of the note of value.

In the case of value note machines, such as ATMs, automatic cash registers and machines for issuing and/or receiving vouchers and tickets, notes of value to be entered are transported from an input compartment to a receiving area and/or notes of value to be issued are transported from an receiving area to an output compartment. The receiving area can be provided by a transport cassette for storing and transporting the notes of value. In order to achieve the highest possible value note throughput when transporting the value notes and disruptions due to traffic jams of the notes of value, so-called paper jams, to avoid, the usually rectangular formed notes of value are aligned with their longitudinal axis transverse to the direction of transport. Such an alignment is also referred to as long-side-first alignment. The risk of a paper jam is particularly high in the case of used notes of value, since the rigidity of such notes of value decreases with use and the contamination of the surface of the notes of value increases. It is precisely with such used notes of value that the notes of value can be drawn in crookedly during transport. As a result, the notes of value can have a lateral offset and/or an angular offset from a desired target position, so that they should be aligned.

A device for aligning notes of value is, for example, from the document DE 10 2004 060 191 A1 known. In this device, there are no lateral guide elements, such as those used for aligning and guiding single sheets in printers or copiers. In the case of notes of value, the use of lateral guide elements would lead to misalignment and/or to a disturbance as a result of a paper jam due to the different stiffness and the different edge quality of notes of value. Further devices for aligning notes of value are from the documents DE10 2008 050 534 A1 , DE 10 2008 038 771 A1 , DE 10 2011 000 783 A1 and DE 102 03 177 C1 known. Furthermore, from the document U.S. 2011/200341 A1 a device for aligning Sheet-shaped media are known in which an angular offset is detected with the aid of sensors and alignment rollers can be controlled at different rotational speeds to correct the angular offset. From the document U.S. 2013/03 07213 A1 a device for aligning media is also known, in which a sensor for detecting the passage of the media and a line sensor for detecting the lateral offset of the media are arranged on a transport path. The lateral offset is corrected with the help of a pair of transport rollers that can be moved perpendicularly to the transport direction.

The object of the invention is to specify an arrangement and a method for aligning a note of value, by means of which it is possible to align it simply and securely while it is being transported along a transport route.

This object is achieved by an arrangement for aligning at least one note of value with the features of patent claim 1 and by a method with the features of independent method claim 14 . Advantageous developments are specified in the dependent claims, with both the arrangement and the method being able to be developed by the features of the dependent claims.

An arrangement and a method for aligning at least one note of value along a transport route with the features of the respective independent claim ensures that the scanner line of the banknote reader is used to detect at least one position on the rear edge and preferably one position on the front edge of the note of value . Proceeding from this, the route can be monitored and/or controlled in a simple manner that the note of value has to be transported along the transport route before the aligning device can start the process of aligning the note of value. Furthermore, the route can be easily controlled or monitored, which can be transported along the transport route of the note of value up to the note using the Alignment device can be aligned without the value note being contacted by the second transport element. In this way, in particular, an angular offset of the note of value can also be taken into account when determining the available alignment path, so that a longer alignment path is available for a note of value with a small angular offset than for notes of value with a large angular offset. As a result, the alignment section can be optimally utilized without problems occurring due to the fact that the note of value is still in contact with the first transport element or already with the second transport element during the alignment process.

Starting with the detection of the exit of the rear edge of the note from the first and second scanning area, a control unit controls and/or monitors the transport of the note of value in the transport direction and the aligning device in such a way that the aligning device moves a preset first distance after the note of value has been transported in the transport direction, the alignment process begins at the earliest. This ensures that the note of value is no longer in contact with the first transport element when the aligning device aligns the note of value.

It is advantageous if the first distance is the distance between the scanner line of the bank note reader and a contact area of the first transport element for contacting the note of value when it is transported along the transport path plus a safety distance.

In other embodiments, the provision of a safety distance can be dispensed with. In this way, the position of the note of value can be controlled/monitored easily, so that it can be ensured that the note of value is no longer contacted by the first transport element when it is aligned with the aid of the alignment device.

In an advantageous embodiment, the bank note reader detects the front edge of the note in the first scanning area and in the second scanning area when the contact area of the second transport element on the first side of the central axis has the same lateral distance as the contact area of the first transport element and when the contact area of the second transport element on the second side of the central axis has the same lateral distance as the contact area of the first transport element. In this case, the front edge and the rear edge can be easily detected by the scanning areas or the corresponding detection areas if the contact areas of the first and second transport element are at the same lateral distance from the central axis.

In an alternative embodiment, in which the contact areas of the second transport element have a different lateral distance to the central axis than the contact areas of the first transport element, the bank note reader detects the front edge of the value note in a third scanning area and a fourth scanning area, with the third scanning area on the first side the central axis has the same lateral distance to the central axis of the transport path as the contact area of the second transport element and wherein the fourth scanning area on the second side of the central axis has the same lateral distance to the central axis of the transport path as the contact area of the second transport element. In this way, the start and end of the alignment process can be precisely controlled/monitored with the aid of the alignment device.

The end of the alignment process is generally the latest possible point in time at which the alignment of the note of value by the alignment device must be completed in order to ensure that the note of value can be moved for alignment, in particular transversely to the transport direction. However, if only a small alignment movement is required, the alignment process can also be completed prematurely.

It is particularly advantageous if the control unit, starting with the detection of the entry of the front edge of the note of value into the first scanning area or into the second scanning area or alternatively into the third scanning area or the fourth scanning area, controls the transport of the note of value in the transport direction T1 and also the alignment device in such a way controls and/or monitors that the alignment device ends the alignment process at the latest after the note of value has been transported by a preset second distance in the transport direction. This ensures that the alignment process is safely completed before the note of value is contacted by the second transport element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second distance is the distance between the scanner line of the banknote reader and a contact area of the second transport element for contacting the note of value when it is transported along the transport path minus a safety distance. In other embodiments, a safety distance can also be dispensed with here.

It is particularly advantageous if the note of value can also be moved transversely to the direction of transport during transport through the alignment device. As a result, this lateral offset can be corrected or at least reduced, in particular when a lateral offset of the note of value has been detected.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the scanner line of the banknote reader detects at least one position of the note to determine a lateral offset of the note of value, with a control unit determining the lateral offset from a preset target position. The value note can be aligned in particular by the alignment device being controlled as a function of the determined lateral offset in such a way that the lateral offset is reduced or corrected. The control unit can be a separate control unit of the arrangement or a control unit of the bill reader. This makes it easy to use the banknote reader that may be used in ATMs to check authenticity used for banknotes, can also be used to detect the lateral offset of a note of value from a target position. The banknote reader is used both to record all types of notes of value, in particular banknotes, checks, vouchers and tickets, and can also be used to determine parameters of the note of value, such as the nominal value of a banknote or the amount of a check or note of value, as well as to to determine the authenticity of the note of value, in particular the authenticity of a banknote or a check or a voucher.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the point of the contact area of the first transport element with the greatest lateral distance from the central axis defines the lateral distance of the first scanning area from the central axis of the transport path. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the point of the contact area of the second transport element with the greatest lateral distance from the central axis defines the lateral distance of the second scanning area from the central axis of the transport path. This ensures that the leading edge and the trailing edge of the security note are detected in a scanning area with the same lateral distance at which it is subsequently contacted by the contact area of the first transport element or by the contact area of the second transport element.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the arrangement has at least one first drive unit which drives at least one transport element of the alignment device, the transport element driving the note of value in the transport direction of the transported through the alignment running transport route. It is particularly advantageous if the alignment device also includes a second drive unit which, when activated, also moves the note of value transversely to the direction of transport. A lateral offset of the note of value can thus be corrected, reduced or, if desired, generated by the second drive unit.

It is advantageous here if the second drive unit, when activated, displaces the transport element along its axis of rotation. As a result, a simple lateral movement of the note of value can take place during its transport through the alignment device.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the alignment device moves the note of value at an angle to the transport direction when the first drive unit and the second drive unit are activated at the same time. This allows the note of value to be easily aligned, in particular in order to reduce or correct a lateral offset of the note of value.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport elements comprise driven and/or non-driven rotating transport rollers, transport belts and/or cylinders. As a result, simple and robust transport elements are available, which ensure safe transport of the note of value along the transport route.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the direction of rotation of the transport elements can be changed, so that a bidirectional passage of the notes of value in the first transport direction and in a second transport direction opposite to the first transport direction through the arrangement is possible.

It is particularly advantageous if the note of value passes through the aligning device in a first transport direction, with the note of value being oriented in a first aligning process as it passes through, and if the note of value is oriented in a second aligning process in a second aligning process as it passes through the aligning device in the second direction, which is opposite to the first transport direction. The result of this is that a multiple alignment of the same note of value is easily possible using the same aligning device, as a result of which larger misalignments, in particular a relatively large lateral offset of the note of value, can also be corrected easily.

The lateral distances and the routes to be controlled or monitored are preferably determined or fixed in a transport plane defined by the transport route.

Both in the process and in the arrangement, two alignment devices can be used along the transport route be arranged one behind the other, so that a first alignment process takes place using the first alignment device and a subsequent second alignment process using the second alignment device.

The transport section is preferably delimited by a plurality of transport elements, at least some of which are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Furthermore, the transport path can be arranged between a guide element and a second guide element. In particular, the transport elements can be arranged and the guide elements can be designed in such a way that the transport plane has a curved or curved course in the transport direction. A note of value can be transported along the transport route in such a way that its front side is arranged opposite a contact area of the first guide element and that its rear side is arranged opposite a contact area of the second guide element. The contact areas of the guide elements run in a plane parallel to the plane of transport, which preferably have a relatively small distance from the plane of transport.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description, which explains the invention in more detail using exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the attached figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer entlang einer Transportstrecke transportierter Wertscheine,

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach Figur 2,

Fig. 4a

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figuren 2 und 3,

Fig. 4b

eine Vorderansicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figur 4a,

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figuren 2 bis 4b,

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figuren 2 bis 5,

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf eine Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 8

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach Figur 7,

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figuren 7 und 8,

Fig. 10

eine Draufsicht auf die Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 11

eine Seitenansicht zweier Sensorelemente der Anordnung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Figuren 7 bis 10,

Fig. 12

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Sensoranordnung, die alternativ zu der in Figur 11 gezeigten Sensoranordnung, und

Fig. 13

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausrichtvorrichtung zum Einsatz bei einer Anordnung nach den Figuren 2 bis 10.

It shows:

1

a schematic representation of several notes of value transported along a transport route,

2

a plan view of an arrangement for aligning notes of value,

3

a top view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value figure 2 ,

Figure 4a

a plan view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to figures 2 and 3 ,

Figure 4b

a front view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to Figure 4a ,

figure 5

a plan view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to Figures 2 to 4b ,

6

a plan view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to Figures 2 to 5 ,

7

a plan view of an arrangement for aligning notes of value according to a second embodiment of the invention,

8

a top view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value figure 7 ,

9

a plan view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to figures 7 and 8th ,

10

a plan view of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to a third embodiment of the invention,

11

a side view of two sensor elements of the arrangement for aligning notes of value according to FIG Figures 7 to 10 ,

12

a schematic perspective representation of a sensor arrangement, which is an alternative to the sensor arrangement shown in FIG. 11, and

13

a schematic perspective view of an alignment device for use in an arrangement according to the Figures 2 to 10 .

In figure 1 a schematic representation of several notes of value 12 to 18 arranged along a transport plane 10 is shown. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported along the transport route 10 in the transport direction T1 with the aid of transport means, not shown, such as rollers, cylinders, belts and/or switches. The chain line 20 indicates the central axis of the transport section 10 . The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported in a transport level formed by the transport section 10 . Such a transport plane is also denoted by the reference numeral 10 below.

The notes of value 12 to 18 should have a target position relative to the transport path 10 . The positions of the notes of value 12 to 18 should only deviate from this target position within small tolerances. In the desired position, the long sides of the note of value 12 to 18 are aligned orthogonally to the transport direction T1 and the short central axis of the note of value 12 to 18 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 figure 1 illustrated notes of value 12 to 18 is only the note of value 18 in the target position. In the present exemplary embodiment, the long sides of the notes of value 12 to 18 are aligned essentially transversely to the transport direction T1, at least in the target position. Such an alignment of the long sides of the notes of value 12 to 18 orthogonal to the transport direction T1 is also referred to as long-side-first (LSF) alignment. It is also advantageous if two consecutive notes of value 12 to 18 each have the same distance y to each other. Aligning the notes of value 12 to 18 in the desired position is particularly important when the notes of value 12 to 18 are transported at high speed along the transport path 10 of an automated teller machine or an automatic cash register. In order to align the notes of value 12 to 16 whose position deviates laterally from the desired position, a device for aligning these notes of value 12 to 16 is provided according to the invention. The structure and function of the device for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 is described below in connection with the Figures 2 to 9 described in more detail. The notes of value 12 to 18 pass through the device at the same transport speed as when they are transported along other transport routes 10 in the automated teller machine or in the automatic cash register system or cash register. In the present exemplary embodiment, the deviation of the position of the note 12 to 18 from its desired position is determined with the aid of a note checking unit (not shown) for checking the authenticity of the note 12 to 18 . The value note checking unit is arranged upstream of the device for aligning the value notes 12 to 18 in the transport direction T1. Such a value note checking unit is also referred to as a bank note reader.

Deviations in the position of notes of value 12 to 18 from the target position can occur, in particular when notes of value 12 to 18 are removed from note cassettes with poorly stacked notes of value 12 to 18, when notes of value 12 to 18 are incorrectly entered by a customer and/or when a Skewing of notes 12 to 18 occur when feeding or during transport along the transport route 10. When such deviations occur, it is necessary for the notes of value 12 to 18 to be brought into their target position with the aid of the device for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 in order to correct at least one detected lateral offset.

Furthermore, by aligning the notes of value 12 to 18 in the desired position, the alignment of the notes of value 12 to 18 in stacks for issuing the notes of value 12 to 18 as a bundle or for storing the notes of value 12 to 18 as a stack, for example in a note cassette, is improved. In this way, the notes of value 12 to 18 can be stored in a space-saving manner. Furthermore, the notes of value 12 to 18 can be issued to a customer as an ordered bundle in an appealing and convenient manner.

the inside figure 1 The value note 14 shown is not in the desired position. Although its long sides are aligned perpendicular to the transport direction T1, its short central axis does not lie on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. The short central 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 of value 14 must therefore be shifted to the left until the short central axis of the note of value 14 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport plane 10 in order to bring the note of value 14 into the desired position.

The note of value 12 has approximately the same lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport route 10 as the note of value 14 . Such a deviation by an angle from the target position is also referred to as an angular offset. The note of value 12 would have to be rotated by the angle -A and additionally shifted to the left, viewed in the transport direction T1, until the short central axis of the note of value 12 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 in order to bring the note of value 12 exactly into the target position .

The note of value 16 has an angular offset of -A and a lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport section 10 viewed in the transport direction T1 to the left. In order to bring this note of value 16 into the target position, it must be rotated by the angle A and shifted to the right until the short central axis of the note of value 16 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport plane 10 . It has been recognized that in many cases it is sufficient to correct the lateral offset of a security note. A correction of the angular offset is not absolutely necessary in many cases.

figure 2 shows a top view of an arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18. Elements with the same structure or the same function have the same reference symbols. The arrangement 200 includes a bank note reader with a scanner line 210, two transport elements and one Alignment device 500. Alignment device 500 is arranged after the first and before the second transport element in transport direction T1. The first transport element comprises a shaft 214 and two transport rollers 212 and 216, which contact the note of value 12 for transport along the transport route 10 and feed it to the alignment device 500. The second transport element comprises a shaft 220 and two transport rollers 218 and 220, which contact the note of value 12 for transport and transport the note of value 12 away from the alignment device 500 in transport direction T1 during transport. The shafts 214 and 220 are driven by a drive unit, not shown. The outer edges of the rollers 212, 216, 218 and 222 all have the same distance x to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. The dashed lines 110 and 112 mark the extension of the outer edges of the rollers 212, 216, 218, 222 along the transport path 10.

The scanner line 210 includes a large number of detection areas. In figure 2 the position of two detection areas is denoted by the reference symbols D1 and D2. The distance from D1 to the central axis 20 and the distance from D2 to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 correspond to the distance x that the outer edges of the rollers 212, 216, 218 and 222 have to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. The detection area D1 scans a scanning area A1 in the transport plane of the transport route 10 , the detection area D2 scans a scanning area A2 in the transport plane of the transport route 10 .

A control unit (not shown) uses the detection areas D1 and D2 of the scanner line 210 to monitor the scanning areas A1 and A2. As soon as the front edge of the note of value 12 arrives in a first scanning area A1 or A2 of the bank note reader, the detection areas D1, D2 detect this event. Starting with the first detection of the front edge of the note 12 in the detection area D1 or in the detection area D2, the transport path covered by the front edge of the note 12 in the transport direction T1 is controlled and/or monitored. In particular, the transport of the note of value 12 over a distance LD2 is monitored starting with the detection of the front edge of the note of value 12 in the scanning area A1, A2, preferably by controlling at least one drive unit for transporting the note of value 12 in such a way that the note of value 12 covers the distance LD2. After the distance LD2 has been covered, the alignment of the note of value 12 in the aligning device 500 is stopped and the note of value 12 is transported away from the aligning device 500 with the aid of the second transport element.

Monitoring with the help of sensors is not necessary, but optionally possible.

The distance LD2 corresponds to the difference between the distance between the scanner line 210 and the contact areas K3 and K4 of the rollers 218 and 222 and the safety distance Δ2, which corresponds to the radius of the rollers 218 and 222 in the present exemplary embodiment. The safety distance Δ2 ensures that the aligning device 500 ends the process of aligning the note of value 12 as soon as the note of value 12 is contacted by the rollers 218 and 222 . In In other embodiments, other, in particular smaller, correction values can be used. If, in a special embodiment, a stepper motor is used as the drive unit, the distance LD2 corresponds to a number of steps of the stepper motor. Beginning with the first detection of the front edge of the note of value in the detection area D1, D2, the steps of the stepping motor can be detected during the transport of the note of value 12 along the route LD2. When the preset number of steps is reached, the alignment device 500 ends the alignment process. The alignment process by the alignment device 500 is thus always ended in good time before the transport rollers 218, 220 of the second transport element make contact with the note 12 of value.

figure 3 12 shows a top view of the arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value figure 2 . The trailing edge of the note 12 meets in the in figure 3 illustrated position of the note 12 from the scanning area A2 of the bank note reader, whereby the detection area D2 of the bank note reader detects this event. The emergence of the trailing edge of the note 12 from the scanning area A1 is shown in FIG figure 3 shown position of the note 12 has already been previously detected by the detection area D1. Starting with the exit of the rear edge of the note of value 12 from the scanning area A2, the transport path covered by the rear edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T1 is controlled and/or monitored. The control and / or monitoring of the The transport path covered by the trailing edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T1 thus only begins when the trailing edge has exited the two scanning regions A1, A2. In particular, the transport of the note of value 12 over a distance LD1, starting when the rear edge of the note of value 12 emerges from the second scanning area A2, is monitored, preferably by controlling at least one drive unit for transporting the note of value 12 in such a way that the note of value 12 covers a distance LD1. After the distance LD1 has been covered, the alignment of the note of value 12 by the alignment device 500 begins.

The distance LD1 corresponds to the sum of the distance between the scanner line 210 and the contact areas K1 and K2 of the rollers 212 and 216 and a safety distance Δ1, which corresponds to the radius of the rollers 212 and 216 in the present exemplary embodiment. The safety distance Δ1 ensures that the note of value 12 is no longer contacted by the rollers 212 and 214 at the beginning of the alignment in the aligning device 500, so that the aligning device 500 can start the process of aligning the note of value 12 without any problems. In other embodiments, other, in particular smaller, safety distances Δ1 can be used.

Figure 4a shows a plan view of the arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to FIG figures 2 and 3 . Figure 4b shows a front view of the arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to the figures 4a. In the Figures 4a and 4b the elements of the alignment device 500 are shown schematically. The alignment device 500 comprises at least one driven by means of the first drive unit, not shown, transport element 530 and at least one of the transport element 530 arranged opposite, in the Figures 4a and 4b not shown back pressure element. The transport section 10 of the note of value 12 runs between the transport element 530 and the counter-pressure element. In this exemplary embodiment, the counter-pressure element is spherical and freely rotatable. In other exemplary embodiments, other counter-pressure elements, in particular rollers, cylinders, belts or guide elements such as guide plates, can also be used.

Alignment device 500 also includes a second drive unit 510 for displacing transport element 530 along its axis of rotation, so that a note of value 12 arranged between transport element 530 and counter-pressure element is moved transversely to transport direction T1 when transport element 530 is displaced.

As in Figure 4b can be seen, the scanner line 210 of the banknote reader with the detection areas D1, D2 is arranged at a distance from the transport plane of the transport section 10. The scanning areas A1, A2 lie in the transport plane of the transport route 10. In other embodiments, the detection areas D1, D2 can also be arranged in the transport plane of the transport route 10.

figure 5 FIG. 12 shows a top view of the arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to FIG Figures 2 to 4b . Starting from the in figure 3 shown position of the note 12, this is further in the transport direction T1 to the in figure 5 shown position has been transported. Thus, the trailing edge of the note 12 is from the in figure 3 shown position has been transported by the distance LD1 in the transport direction T1. The security note 12 is in the in figure 5 shown position no longer in engagement with the transport rollers 212 and 216 of the first transport element, so that the alignment process can begin by the alignment device 500. The alignment process by the alignment device 500 is thus released when the note of value 12 has covered the distance LD1.

figure 6 FIG. 12 shows a top view of the arrangement 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to FIG Figures 2 to 5 . Starting from the in figure 2 shown position of the note 12, the front edge of the note 12 with the help of the first drive unit, the first transport element and the transport element 530 of the aligning device 500 further in the transport direction T1 by the distance LD2 up to the in figure 6 shown position has been transported.

With the aid of the aligning device 500, the note of value 12 has also been moved by the distance y in a transport direction T3 running transversely to the transport direction T1 during transport in the transport direction T1. This displacement transverse to the transport direction T1 causes the front edge of the note 12 to be transported by a distance Δ3 in the transport direction T1 in addition to the distance LD1 before it comes into the area of the safety distance Δ2 of the transport roller 218 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the distance Δ3 is not taken into account and the alignment process is carried out by the alignment device 500 at the latest in figure 6 shown position of the note 12 ended.

If the note of value 12 is moved by the distance y with the aid of the alignment device 500 in a transport direction opposite to the transport direction T3, the front edge of the note of value 12 reaches the area of the safety distance Δ2 of the roller 218 as soon as the front edge of the note of value 12 has been transported by a distance which results from the difference between the transport distance LD2 and the distance Δ3. However, the safety distance Δ2 is dimensioned in the present exemplary embodiment such that the note of value 12 does not come into the contact area K3 of the roller 218, even if the alignment is only ended after the front edge of the note of value 12 has been transported by the distance LD2. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance Δ3 is not taken into account, in other embodiments the distance Δ3 can be calculated and the alignment process can be lengthened or shortened by the distance Δ3 depending on the direction of the alignment in the alignment station 500 .

figure 7 shows a plan view of an arrangement 300 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Compared to the arrangement 200 according to Figures 2 to 6 the arrangement 300 according to FIG. 7 additionally comprises two sensor elements 310 and 320, which are arranged after the second transport element in the transport direction T1. The sensor elements 310, 320 each comprise an optical transmitter for emitting light and an optical receiver for receiving the light emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter and the receiver are arranged in such a way that when the note of value 12 passes between the optical transmitter and the optical receiver, the light beam emitted by the transmitter is interrupted. This interruption is detected by the receiver. In the exemplary embodiment, the two sensor elements 310, 320 are arranged on two opposite sides of the central axis 20 at the same distance z from the central axis. Thus, two known light barrier arrangements can be used, each with a transmitter and a receiver. Alternatively, a known light scanner arrangement can also be used, in which the transmitter and receiver are arranged on the same side of the transport plane. The light emitted by the transmitter is reflected by a reflector element arranged opposite the transmitter, or deflected by an optical element, so that at least part of it impinges on the detector element.

The sensor elements 310, 320 serve to detect the leading edge and the trailing edge of the note of value 12 when this passes through the arrangement 300 in a direction T2 opposite to the transport direction T1. The sensor elements 310, 320 each generate a sensor signal when the front edge is detected and a sensor signal each when the rear edge of the note 12 is detected. The signals generated by the sensor elements 310, 320 are evaluated by the control unit.

In addition to the already described scanning areas A1 and A2 of the banknote reader, in figure 7 Arrangement 300 shown, two further scanning areas A3 and A4 of the banknote reader are provided. The scanning areas A3 and A4 lie on extension lines 114 and 116 of the sensor elements 300, 320 at a distance z from the central axis. In addition to the in the Figures 2 to 6 described monitoring of the scanning areas A1 and A2 by the detection areas D1 and D2, the detection areas D3 and D4 are used to monitor the scanning areas A3 and A4.

The front edge of the note of value 12 is detected by the detection area D3 in figure 7 illustrated position I of the note 12 after the note 12 has covered a distance Δ4 from the point in time when the front edge of the note 12 was detected in the scanning area A1. The distance Δ4 is therefore dependent on the angular offset A of the security note 12. The detection of the trailing edge of the note of value 12 through the detection area D2 takes place starting from the in figure 7 illustrated position II of the note 12 after the note 12 has covered a distance Δ4 from the time of detection by the detection area D4.

figure 8 FIG. 3 shows a top view of the arrangement 300 according to FIG figure 7 . Starting from the in figure 7 In position I shown, the note of value 12 has been transported with the aid of the first drive unit, the first transport element, the alignment device 500, the second transport element and with the aid of further transport elements (not shown) in the transport direction T1 to behind the sensor elements 310, 320. The note of value 12 has not been aligned in the alignment device 500 in the transport direction T1. The note of value 12 is then transported with the aid of the transport elements in direction T2 to the in figure 8 Position I shown has been transported back.

The leading edge and the trailing edge are related to the respective transport direction T1, T2, with the leading edge being arranged downstream of the trailing edge. Thus, the leading edge of the note 12 in the Figures 2 to 7 in the Figures 8 to 10 to the trailing edge of the note 12 and the trailing edge of the note 12 in the Figures 2 to 7 in the Figures 8 to 10 to the front edge of the security note 12.

in the in figure 8 Illustrated position I of the note 12 is the front edge of the note 12 in the detection range of the sensor element 320, so that the light beam emitted by the optical transmitter is interrupted. This interruption is detected by the optical receiver of the sensor element 320. In the same way, the second sensor element 310 detects the front edge of the note of value 12 when it is in the detection range of the sensor element 310 . Beginning with the first detection of the passage of the front edge of the note 12 by the sensor element 310 or by the sensor element 320, the transport path covered by the front edge of the note 12 in the transport direction T2 is controlled and/or monitored by the control unit. In particular, the travel of the distance that determines the end of the alignment in the alignment device 500 is monitored. This corresponds to the difference between a distance PD2 and that associated with figure 7 explained route Δ4.

The distance PD2 corresponds to the difference between the distance between the sensor elements 310 and 320 and the contact areas K1 and K2 of the rollers 212 and 216 and the safety distance Δ1, which corresponds to the radius of the rollers 212 and 216 in the present exemplary embodiment. The safety distance Δ1 ensures that the alignment of the note of value 12 with the aid of the alignment device 500 is complete as soon as the note of value 12 is contacted by the rollers 212 and 216 . In other embodiments, other safety distances Δ1, in particular smaller ones, can be used. in the in figure 8 position shown is II the front edge of the note 12 opposite the in figure 8 Position I shown is transported by the distance that results from the difference between the distance PD2 and the distance Δ4. As in connection with figure 6 explained, the note of value 12 is additionally moved by the distance y in a transport direction T4 running transversely to the transport direction T1 by the alignment with the aid of the alignment station 500 during transport in the transport direction T1. This displacement transverse to the transport direction means that the front edge of the note of value 12 can be transported by a distance Δ3 in the transport direction T1, in addition to the distance that results from the difference between LD2 and Δ4, before it reaches the area of the safety distance Δ1 of the transport roller 216 comes. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance Δ3 is not taken into account and the alignment process is carried out by the alignment device 500 in FIG figure 8 shown position II of the note 12 ended.

figure 9 shows a plan view of the arrangement 300 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to FIG figures 7 and 8th . in the in figure 9 In position I of the note of value 12 shown, the rear edge of the note of value 12 has exited the detection range of the sensor element 310, so that the light beam emitted by the optical transmitter strikes the optical receiver again after the light beam was interrupted while the note of value 12 was passing through. The trailing edge of the note of value 12 has already passed through the sensor element 320 at an earlier point in time in the illustrated position I of the note of value, so that the light beams of both Sensor elements 310 and 320 are received again by the optical receivers. Starting with the detection of the light beam by the receiver of the sensor element 310, the transport path covered by the rear edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T2 is controlled and/or monitored. In particular, the transport of the note 12 is monitored over a distance that results from the sum of a distance PD1 and the distance Δ4.

The distance PD1 corresponds to the sum of the distance between the sensor elements 310, 320 and the contact areas K1 and K2 of the rollers 218 and 222 and a safety distance Δ2, which corresponds to the radius of the rollers 218 and 222 in the present exemplary embodiment. The safety distance Δ2 ensures that the note of value 12 is no longer contacted by the rollers 218 and 222 at the start of the alignment by the aligning device 500, so that the aligning device 500 can start the process of aligning the note of value 12 without any problems. In other embodiments, other, in particular smaller, safety distances Δ2 can be used.

in the in figure 9 shown position II of the security note 12, this was compared to in figure 9 Position I shown is transported by a distance which corresponds to the sum of the distances PD1 and Δ4. Alignment using alignment fixture 500 begins.

figure 10 shows a plan view of an arrangement 400 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to a third embodiment of the invention. In the transport direction T1, the value note 12 has been aligned with the aid of the alignment device 500, as in connection with FIG figure 6 explained. After alignment, the note of value 12 has been transported via the second transport element and other transport elements (not shown) in the transport direction T1 to behind the sensor elements 310, 320 and then with the aid of the transport elements in the direction T2 to the in figure 10 shown position has been transported back.

in the in figure 10 shown position of the note 12, the trailing edge of the note 12 has emerged from the detection range of the sensor element 310, so that according to the explanations figure 9 control and/or monitoring of the transport path covered by the rear edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T2 begins. In particular, the transport of the trailing edge of the note 12 is monitored by a distance that results from the sum of the distances PD1, Δ4 and Δ3. The range PD1 is in connection with figure 9 , the distance Δ4 in connection with figure 7 and the distance Δ3 associated with figure 6 been explained. In contrast to the first embodiment according to the invention figure 6 In which the distance Δ3 is not taken into account, the distance Δ3 is determined in the present exemplary embodiment and the alignment of the note 12 using the alignment device 500 begins as soon as the trailing edge of the note 12 around the Route is transported, which results from the sum of the routes PD1, Δ3 and Δ4.

The control and/or monitoring of the leading edge of the bill 12 begins as explained in connection with FIG figure 8 , as soon as the front edge of the note of value 12 is in the detection range of the sensor element 320 or 310. Beginning with the first detection of the front edge of the note of value 12 by the sensor element 310 or by the sensor element 320, the covering of the distance that determines the end of the possible alignment in the alignment device 500 is monitored. This corresponds to the difference of the distance PD2 with the sum of the distances Δ4 and Δ3, the distance PD2 in connection with figure 8 has been explained.

figure 11 shows a side view of a sensor arrangement with the sensor elements 310 and 320, as in the arrangements 300, 400 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18 according to the Figures 7 to 10 has been deployed. The two sensor elements 310, 320 are arranged on two opposite sides of the central axis 20 at the same distance z from the central axis 20. The sensor elements 310, 320 each comprise an optical transmitter 312, 322 for emitting a light beam 316, 326 and an optical receiver 314, 324 for receiving at least part of the light beam 316, 324 emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter 312, 322 and the receiver 314, 324 are arranged in such a way that when the note of value 12 passes between the optical transmitter 312, 322 and the optical receiver 314, 324 the light beam 316, 324 emitted by the transmitter 312, 322 is interrupted.

When the leading edge of the note of value 12 passes through the sensor element 320, according to the figure 8 shown position I of the note 12, the light beam 326 is interrupted. As in connection with figure 8 described above, the receiver 324 detects the event, so that starting with this first detection, the control and/or monitoring of the transport path covered by the front edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T2 takes place.

If the note of value 12 is in the in figure 9 Position I shown, the rear edge of the note 12 has exited the sensor element 310, so that the light beam 316 is detected again by the receiver 314 after it was interrupted during the passage of the note 12. The trailing edge of the note of value 12 passed through the sensor element 322 at an earlier point in time, so that starting with the second detection by the receiver 314, the transport path covered by the trailing edge of the note of value 12 in the transport direction T2 is controlled and/or monitored, such as this already in connection with figure 9 has been described.

figure 12 shows a schematic perspective view of a further sensor arrangement 350, which is alternative to the in figure 11 sensor arrangement shown can be used in the arrangements 300, 400. This sensor arrangement 350 comprises an optical transmitter 352 for emitting a light beam 356, an optical receiver 354 for receiving the light beam 356, and a prism arrangement 358 for deflecting the light beam 356, with the transmitter 352 and the receiver 354 being arranged on the same side of the transport path 10 and the prism arrangement 358 is arranged on the opposite side of the transport path 10 . The transmitter 352 and the receiver 354 are arranged on two opposite sides of the central axis 20 at the same distance z from the central axis 20 . The prism arrangement 358 deflects the light beam 356 emitted by the transmitter 352 so that it hits the optical receiver 354 at least in part. If the note of value 12 is located between the optical transmitter 352 and the prism arrangement 358, the light beam 356 is interrupted. The light beam 356 is also interrupted when the note of value 12 is located between the receiver 354 and the prism arrangement 358 .

If, in a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor elements 310 and 320 according to the Figures 7 to 10 described embodiments are replaced by the sensor arrangement 350, with the transmitter 352 being placed in the position of the transmitter 312 and the receiver 354 being placed in the position of the transmitter 322, and the note of value 12 being in the in figure 8 Position I shown, the receiver 354 can detect that the front edge of the note 12 passes through the sensor element 350 . Recipient 354 cannot detect whether the light beam 356 is interrupted in the transmission range of the transmitter 352 or in the reception range of the receiver 354. However, when the front edge of the note of value 12 passes through the receiver 354, it is known whether the rear edge of the note of value 12 passes through the sensor arrangement at an angle A or −A. This information regarding the direction of the angular offset A is detected when the front edge of the note of value 12 passes through the bank note reader and corresponding information is transmitted to the control unit. With the interruption of the light beam 356, the control and/or monitoring of the transport path covered by the front edge of the note of value 12 begins. In particular, the transport of the leading edge of the security note 12 is monitored by a distance resulting from the sum of the distances PD2 and Δ4, as described in connection with FIG figure 8 has been explained.

The light beam 356 strikes the receiver 354 again as soon as the trailing edge of the note 12 has exited both the transmission range of the transmitter 352 and the reception range of the receiver 354 after the light beam 356 was interrupted during the passage of the note 12. The receiver 354 cannot detect whether the light beam 356 has been released in the transmission range of the receiver 352 or in the reception range of the receiver 354 . When the trailing edge of the note of value 12 passes through the receiver 354, however, it is known whether the trailing edge of the note of value 12 passes through the sensor arrangement 350 at an angle A or −A. This information regarding the direction of the angular offset A is detected when the note of value 12 passes through the banknote reader and a transmit corresponding information to the control unit. When the light beam 356 is detected by the receiver 354, the control and/or monitoring of the transport path covered by the rear edge of the note of value 12 begins. In particular, the transport of the trailing edge of the security note 12 is monitored by a distance resulting from the sum of the distances PD1 and Δ4, as described in connection with FIG figure 9 has been explained.

figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of an alignment device 500 for use in an arrangement 200, 300, 400 according to FIGS Figures 2 to 10 . The device 500 includes a transport element 530 with the rollers 522 and 524 and with a connecting element 526, a drive shaft 520, which is already in connection with the Figures 2 to 10 mentioned first, not shown drive unit is driven and the second drive unit 510, which drives a gear 512 which engages in a circumferential toothing of the connecting element 526. The rotation of gear wheel 512 causes an axial displacement of transport element 530 on drive shaft 520 along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft or along the axis of rotation of rollers 522 and 524 of the axis of rotation of transport element 530.

Furthermore, the device 500 comprises two spherical counter-pressure elements 580 and 582, which are each arranged opposite a roller 522 and 524 of the transport element 530 and are each mounted in a bearing unit 560 and 562 so that they can rotate freely. The bearing units 560 and 562 are each in engagement with an elastically deformable element 540 and 542, which thereby cause a pressing force of the spherical counter-pressure elements 580 and 582 on a note of value 12 arranged between the transport element 530 and the counter-pressure elements 580 and 582.

If a note of value 12 is arranged between the rollers 522, 524 of the transport element 530 and the counter-pressure elements 580, 582 during transport along the transport route 10, it is pressed against the outer surface of the rollers 522, 524 by the counter-pressure elements 580, 582. During the rotation of the transport element 530 via the drive shaft 520, the rollers 522, 524 of the transport element 530 are displaced axially on the drive shaft 520 with the aid of the second drive unit 510, so that the note of value 12 is transported through the alignment device 500 at an angle to the transport direction T1.

Reference List

10

transport route

12, 14, 16, 18

note of value

20

central axis

110, 112, 114, 116

line

200, 300, 400

arrangement

210

scanner line

212, 216, 218, 222, 522, 524

role

214, 220

Wave

310, 320

sensor element

312, 314, 322, 324, 352, 354

diode

316, 326, 356

beam of light

350

sensor arrangement

358

prism

500

contraption

510

drive unit

526

fastener

530

transport element

540, 542

elastically deformable element

560, 562

storage unit

580, 582

back pressure element

A1, A2, A3, A4

scanning areas

D1, D2, D3, D4

detection areas

K1, K2, K3, K4

contact areas

Δ4, LD1, LD2, PD1, PD2

Route

Δ1, Δ2

safety distance

Δ3, x, y, z,

Distance

R

radius

T1, T2, T3, T4

transport direction

A

angle

Claims (14)

1. Assembly for the alignment of at least one document of value (12 to 18) along a transport path (10),

   having at least one banknote reader, which has at least one scanner line (210) with a large number of detection areas (D1, D2) along the scanner line (210) for scanning the document of value (12 to 18), wherein each detection area (D1, D2) is designed to scan a scanning area (A1, A2) in the transport plane of the transport path (10), wherein the scanning areas (A1, A2) are arranged along a line orthogonal to a central axis (20) of the transport path (10),

   having a first transport element (212, 214, 216) and having at least one second transport element (218, 220, 222) for transporting the document of value (12 to 18) along the transport path (10) in at least one transport direction (T1), wherein the transport elements (212 to 222) each contact the document of value (12 to 18) in a contact area (K1 to K4),

   having at least one alignment device (500) for aligning the document of value (12 to 18), which is arranged between the first transport element (212, 214, 216) and the second transport element (218, 220, 222) and which forms a section of the transport path (10),

   wherein the banknote reader is arranged upstream of the alignment device (500) in the transport direction (T1), characterized

   in that the banknote reader is designed to detect the trailing edge of the document of value (12 to 18) in a first scanning area (A1) and in a second scanning area (A2),

   in that the first scanning area (A1) on a first side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing (x) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K3) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222),

   in that the second scanning area (A2) on a second side of the central axis (20), opposite to the first side, has the same lateral spacing (x) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222), and

   in that a control unit is designed, beginning with the detection of the exit of the trailing edge of the document of value (12 to 18) from the first scanning area (A1) and from the second scanning area (A2), to control and/or to monitor the transport of the document of value (12 to 18) in the transport direction (T1) and the alignment device (500) in such a way that the alignment device (500) begins the alignment process at the earliest after the document of value (12 to 18) has been transported in the transport direction (T1) by a preset first distance (LD1).
2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first distance (LD1) is the distance between the scanner line (210) of the banknote reader and a contact area (K1) of the first transport element (212, 214, 216) for contacting the document of value (12 to 18) during the transport along the transport path (10), plus a safety margin (Δ1).
3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the banknote reader is designed to detect the leading edge of the document of value (12 to 18) in the first scanning area (A1) and in the second scanning area (A2) if the contact area (K3) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222) on the first side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing (x) as the contact area (K1) of the first transport element (212, 214, 216), and if the contact area (K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222) on the second side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing (x) as the contact area (K2) of the first transport element (212, 214, 216),
   or in that the banknote reader is designed to detect the leading edge of the document of value (12 to 18) in a third scanning area and a fourth scanning area, wherein the third scanning area on the first side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K3) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222), and wherein the fourth scanning area on the second side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222).
4. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that the control unit is designed, beginning with the detection of the entry of the leading edge of the document of value (12 to 18) into the first scanning area (A1) or into the second scanning area (A2) or into the third scanning area or into the fourth scanning area, to control and/or to monitor the transport of the document of value (12 to 18) in the transport direction (T1) and the alignment device (500) in such a way that the alignment device (500) ends the alignment process at the latest after the document of value (12 to 18) has been transported in the transport direction (T1) by a preset second distance (LD2).
5. Assembly according to Claim 4, characterized in that the second distance (LD2) is the distance between the scanner line (210) of the banknote reader and a contact area (K3, K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222) for contacting the document of value (12 to 18) during the transport along the transport path (10), minus a safety margin (Δ2).
6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the transport by the alignment device (500), the document of value (12 to 18) can be moved in the transport direction (T1) along the transport path (10) and additionally transversely to the transport direction (T1).
7. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the banknote reader is designed to detect the position of the document of value (12 to 18), wherein the banknote reader or a control unit is designed to determine a lateral offset from a preset target position, wherein, depending on the determined lateral offset, the document of value (12 to 18) is aligned in that the alignment device (500) is activated in such a way that the lateral offset is reduced or corrected.
8. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the point of the contact area (K1, K2) of the first transport element (212, 214, 216) with the greatest lateral distance from the central axis (20) defines the lateral spacing (x) of the first scanning area (A1) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10), and in that the point of the contact area (K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222) with the greatest lateral distance from the central axis (20) defines the lateral spacing (x) of the second scanning area (A2) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10).
9. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the assembly (200, 300, 400) has at least a first drive unit, which is designed to drive at least one transport element (530) of the alignment device (500), wherein the transport element (530) transports the document of value (12 to 18) in the transport direction (T1) of the transport path (10) running through the alignment device (500),
   in that the alignment device (500) comprises a second drive unit (510) which, when activated, is designed to additionally move the document of value (12 to 18) transversely to the transport direction (T1).
10. Assembly according to Claim 9, characterized in that the second drive unit (510), when activated, is designed to displace the transport element (530) along its axis of rotation.
11. Assembly according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the alignment device (500) is designed to move the document of value (12 to 18) obliquely with respect to the transport direction (T1) when the first drive unit and the second drive unit (510) are activated simultaneously.
12. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the transport elements (212 to 222, 530) can be changed, so that a bidirectional passage of the documents of value (12 to 18) through the assembly (200, 300, 400) in the transport direction (T1) and in a direction (T2) opposite to the transport direction is possible.
13. Assembly according to Claim 12, characterized in that the document of value (12 to 18) passes through the alignment device (500) in a first direction (T1), wherein the alignment device (500) is designed to align the document of value (12 to 18) in a first alignment process during the passage in the transport direction (T1) and to align the document of value (12 to 18) in a second alignment process during the passage in the direction (T2) opposite to the transport direction (T1).
14. Method for the alignment of at least one document of value (12 to 18) along a transport path (10),

    in which the document of value (12 to 18) is scanned with the aid of at least one scanner line (210) of at least one banknote reader, wherein the scanner line (210) has a large number of detection areas (D1 to D4) along the scanner line (210), wherein each detection area (D1 to D4) scans a scanning area (A1 to A4) in the transport plane of the transport path (10), wherein the scanning areas (A1 to A4) are arranged along a line orthogonal to a central axis (20) of the transport path (10),

    the document of value (12 to 18) is transported along the transport path (10) in a transport direction (T1) with the aid of a first transport element (212, 214, 216) and with the aid of at least one second transport element (218, 220, 222), wherein the transport elements (212 to 222) each contact the document of value (12 to 18) in a contact area (K1 to K4),

    and in which the document of value (12 to 18) is fed to at least one alignment device (500), which is arranged between the first transport element (212, 214, 216) and the second transport element (218, 220, 222) and which forms a section of the transport path (10), wherein the banknote reader is arranged upstream of the alignment device (500) in the transport direction (T1),

    characterized in that with the aid of the scanner line (210) of the banknote reader, the trailing edge of the document of value (12 to 18) is detected in a first scanning area (A1) and in a second scanning area (A2), in that the first scanning area (A1) on a first side of the central axis (20) has the same lateral spacing (x) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K3) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222), and

    in that the second scanning area (A2) on a second side of the central axis (20), opposite the first side, has the same lateral spacing (x) from the central axis (20) of the transport path (10) as the contact area (K4) of the second transport element (218, 220, 222),

    in that with the aid of a control unit, beginning with the detection of the exit of the trailing edge of the document of value (12 to 18) from the first scanning area (A1) and from the second scanning area (A2), the transport of the document of value (12 to 18) in the transport direction (T1) and the alignment device (500) is controlled and/or monitored in such a way that the alignment device (500) begins the alignment process at the earliest after the document of value (12 to 18) has been transported in the transport direction (T1) by a predefined first distance (LD1).

Images