EP3376480A1 - Device for aligning vouchers - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for aligning at least one note of value (12 to 18) along a transport path (10) comprises at least one transport element (230) driven by means of at least one first drive unit and at least one counter-pressure element (280, 282) arranged opposite the transport element (230) the transport path of the ticket (12 to 18) between the transport element (230) and the counter-pressure element (280, 282) extends. The counter-pressure element (280, 282) is spherical and freely rotatably mounted. Furthermore, the device comprises a second drive unit (210) for displacing the transport element (230) along its axis of rotation, so that a bill of exchange (12 to 18) arranged between the transport element (230) and counterpressure element (280, 282) during displacement of the transport element (230 ) is moved transversely to the transport direction (T1).

Description

The invention relates to a device for aligning banknotes during transport along a transport route, for example within an ATM or an automatic cash deposit or a cash register system. In particular, the banknote or checks may be in the banknote, which are to be supplied to a receiving area of a cassette for storing notes or these have been taken. The device contains at least one transport element for transporting the security note along the transport route. The transport element is driven by means of at least one first drive unit. The device further comprises at least one counter-pressure element arranged opposite the transport element. The transport element can be designed in particular as a roll, roller or belt.

In value-ticket machines, such as ATMs, automatic cash safes and automatic machines for issuing and / or receiving vouchers and tickets, banknotes to be entered are transported from an input tray into a receiving area and / or issued banknotes from a receiving area to an output tray. The receiving area may be provided by a transport cassette for storing and transporting the notes of value. To achieve the highest possible throughput throughput for the transport of notes of value and disruptions due to congestion To avoid the notes of value, so-called paper jams, the usually rectangular shaped banknotes are aligned with their longitudinal axis transversely to the transport direction. Such alignment is also referred to as long-side-first alignment. The risk of paper jamming is particularly high for used banknotes, as the stiffness of such banknotes decreases with use and the contamination of the surface of the banknotes increases. Especially with such used notes of value can lead to a Schiefeinzug or Schiefzug the notes of value during transport. As a result, the notes of value may have a lateral offset and / or an angular offset to a desired desired 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, lateral guide elements, such as those used for aligning and guiding single sheets in printers or copiers, are dispensed with. In the case of bank notes, the use of lateral guide elements would lead to misalignment and / or jamming due to paper jams due to the different stiffness and different edge quality of banknotes. Other devices for aligning notes 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.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for aligning a bill of exchange, by which at least one lateral offset of the banknote can be corrected during its transport along a transport path in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device for aligning at least one note of value along a transport path with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In the apparatus for aligning at least one note of value along a transport path with the features of claim 1, the counter-pressure element is in contrast to the known prior art spherical and freely rotatably mounted. Furthermore, a second drive unit is provided for displacing the spherical counter-pressure element oppositely arranged transport element along its axis of rotation, so that an arranged between the transport element and the counter-pressure value is moved when moving the transport element transversely to the transport direction. If the banknote is additionally moved in the direction of transport or in the opposite transport direction by means of a drive through the first drive unit with the aid of the transport element, a simultaneous transport of the bill of exchange proceeds obliquely to the transport direction, so that a lateral offset is generated. This is a very compact and robust construction of the device possible. The device according to the invention may alternatively or additionally be used in devices for handling banknotes, such as ATMs, automatic cash safes, ticket machines or POS systems.

In an advantageous development, the first drive unit drives the transport element via at least one drive shaft. As a result, a simple drive of the transport element is possible. Further, the transport element can be easily moved together with or on the drive shaft by means of the second drive unit.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spherical counterpressure element presses a value note arranged between the transport element and the counterpressure element against the lateral surface of the transport element. Thereby, the transport element may be arranged in a constant distance with respect to a transport plane of the transport path, so that the transport element itself exerts no force on a arranged between the transport element and a counter-pressure value note orthogonal to the transport plane, whereas the counter-pressure element is a force on the note in the direction of the transport element exerts. This pressure force is substantially orthogonal or oblique to the transport plane. As a result, a simple and robust construction of the device is possible.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if, during a rotation of the transport element by means of a drive with the aid of the first drive unit, the second drive unit shifts the transport element, so that the transport of the currency note takes place at an angle to the transport direction. Thus, the note is simultaneously moved transversely to the transport direction and transported in the transport direction. As a result, the bill of exchange regardless of whether a transport of the bill of exchange transversely to the transport direction for reducing or correcting a lateral offset of the bill in the transport direction takes place or not continuously moved in the transport direction T1. Thus, the bill of exchange passes through the device at the same time, regardless of whether the bill of exchange is moved transversely to the transport direction during transport through the device by means of the second drive unit or not.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport element rotatably connected to at least one drive shaft and is axially displaceable on this. This results in a simple drive of the transport element at the same speed, with which the drive shaft is driven. Due to the axial displaceability of the transport element on the drive shaft, the transport element can be easily moved transversely to the transport direction by means of the second drive unit. As a result, a simple and compact construction of the device is achieved.

It is particularly advantageous if the transport element comprises at least one pair of rollers, whose roles over a Connecting element with circumferential toothing are connected in the manner of a rack and that the connecting element is arranged together with the rollers along the axis of rotation of the rollers slidably mounted on at least one drive shaft. As a result, a simple drive of the rollers and a simple power transmission from the second drive unit to the connecting element for moving the rollers of the roller pair in the direction of its axis of rotation is possible. The circumferential toothing is preferably in engagement with a toothed wheel which can be driven by means of the second drive unit. The second drive unit is preferably an electric motor, in particular a stepping motor. As a result, a simple drive and a simple power transmission to the connecting element for moving the rollers is possible. In particular, this also makes a compact design of the device possible.

It is particularly advantageous in this case if the toothing of the toothed wheel is in engagement with the circumferential toothing of the connecting element, so that an axial displacement of the transport element on the drive shaft takes place when the toothed wheel is rotated by the second drive unit. As a result, the rollers of the roller pair or the transport element can be easily moved along its axis of rotation on the drive shaft.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport path of the notes of value is limited by a first guide element and by a second guide element, wherein the first guide element the second guide element is arranged opposite to such that it can be pivoted from an operating position to a maintenance position. This results in the transport of the notes of value through the device a guide of the notes of value by the guide elements. Furthermore, easy access to the transport route and the transport elements is possible during paper jams or for maintenance purposes.

In other embodiments, the guide elements can not be arranged pivotally to each other.

In a further advantageous embodiment, at least two spherical counter-pressure elements are provided, which are preferably arranged in each case opposite a roller of a driven roller pair serving as a transport element. It is advantageous if the first spherical counter-pressure element is freely rotatably arranged in a first bearing unit and if the second spherical counter-pressure element is freely rotatable in a second bearing unit. The bearing units may in this case be pivotally connected to the first guide element, wherein the first spherical counter-pressure element protrudes through an opening of the first bearing unit, which is preferably dimensioned so that the first spherical counter-pressure element can not be moved completely through the opening. Further, it is advantageous if the second spherical counter-pressure element protrudes through an opening of the second bearing unit, which is preferably dimensioned so that the second spherical counter-pressure element is not completely through the Opening can be moved through. This ensures that the serving as a counter-pressure element balls can not fall out of the bearing units when the counter-pressure elements are lifted from the opposite transport element or from the opposite roles of the roller pair. In the bearing unit bearing shells may be provided in which the balls of the spherical counter-pressure elements are freely rotatably mounted.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises at least one elastically deformable element, which generates a pressing force of the spherical counter-pressure element on a between the transport element and the counter-pressure element arranged value note. As a result, it is easily possible to exert a desired pressure force on the spherical counter-pressure element and thus on an arranged between the counter-pressure element and the transport value note.

In a further embodiment, it is advantageous if the transport element comprises a first roller and a second roller, wherein the first roller is rotatably mounted on a first drive shaft and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the first drive shaft and when the second roller rotatably on a second drive shaft and is arranged axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the second drive shaft. The first drive shaft can be driven by means of the first drive unit. The second drive shaft can be driven by means of a third drive shaft. The first roll and the second roll are over a connecting element coupled to each other such that they are displaceable together with the connecting element along the axis of rotation of the rollers or along the central axis of the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft. The connecting element preferably has a circumferential toothing in the manner of a rack. At least one of the rollers is freely rotatably arranged to the connecting element, so that the rollers are driven at different speeds. The first drive unit and the third drive unit can be controlled so that they have different speeds, so that at different speeds, a rotation of the bank note about a perpendicular to the transport plane of the transport path axis of rotation takes place. As a result, an angular offset can also be corrected or at least reduced at the same time as a lateral offset of the note of value relative to a desired position.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a banknote reader which detects the position of the banknote. The banknote reader or a control unit determines from the detected position a lateral offset to a preset desired position. The orientation of the banknote then takes place in that the second drive unit for moving the transport element is actuated depending on the determined lateral offset such that the lateral offset is reduced or corrected. As a result, a simple detection of the lateral offset is possible. Since banknote readers are generally used for authenticity checks in ATMs, it is advantageous to have them already in the ATM to use existing device to capture the position of the bill of lading, in order to determine from this a lateral offset of the bill of exchange.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the direction of rotation of the transport element can be changed. This is done in particular by changing the direction of rotation of the first drive unit. This allows bidirectional transport of the notes of value along the transport path in a first transport direction and in a second transport direction opposite to the first transport direction. In this way, it is possible, in particular, to transport notes of value to be deposited in the first transport direction through the apparatus and to pay out notes of value in the second transport direction. Furthermore, it is possible to transport a bill of exchange in the first transport direction through the device and to carry out a first correction of the lateral offset and, during a transport of the same banknote in the second transport direction by the device, a second correction of the lateral offset. As a result, the possibility of correction for correcting a determined lateral offset is further improved.

A second aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement comprising a first apparatus according to claim 1 or to claim 1 or to one of the above-mentioned embodiments and to a second apparatus according to claim 1 or to claim 1 relating back or a further development mentioned above. Of the A bill of exchange is fed to the first device and the second device in succession. In this case, a first orientation of the banknote by the first device and a second orientation of the banknote by the second device take place. As a result, with respect to arrangements with only one device for correcting a lateral offset of a note of value, a twice as large lateral offset can be corrected.

The transport path is preferably limited by a plurality of transport elements, of which at least one part is arranged one behind the other in the transport direction. Furthermore, the transport path can be arranged between a first guide element and a second guide element. In particular, the transport elements can be arranged and the guide elements can be designed so that the transport plane in the transport direction has a curved or curved course. A bill of exchange transported along the transport path is transported along the transport path so that its front side is arranged opposite a contact region of the first guide element and its rear side is arranged opposite a contact region of the second guide element.

The transport elements may comprise driven and / or non-driven rotating transport rollers, conveyor belts and / or rollers.

The banknote can in particular be a banknote, a check, a voucher or a ticket.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which, in conjunction with the accompanying figures, the invention using an exemplary embodiment explained in more detail.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung mehrerer entlang einer Transportstrecke transportierter Wertscheine,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht einer Transporteinheit mit einer Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform der Erfindung,

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf die Transporteinheit nach Figur 2,

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht von unten der Transporteinheit nach den Fig. 2 und 3,

Fig. 5

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung der Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen der Transporteinheit nach den Fig. 1 bis 4,

Fig. 6

eine Ansicht der Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach Figur 5 von unten,

Fig. 7

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Teils der Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen nach den Fig. 1 bis 6,

Fig. 8

eine Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Erfindung von unten, und

Fig. 9

eine Draufsicht einer Transporteinheit mit einer ersten Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen und mit einer zweiten Vorrichtung zum Ausrichten von Wertscheinen gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 2

a side view of a transport unit with a device for aligning notes of value according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 3

a top view of the transport unit of Figure 2,

Fig. 4

a bottom view of the transport unit after the Fig. 2 and 3 .

Fig. 5

a schematic perspective view of the device for aligning notes of the transport unit according to the Fig. 1 to 4 .

Fig. 6

a view of the device for aligning notes after FIG. 5 from underneath,

Fig. 7

a schematic perspective view of a portion of the device for aligning bank notes after the Fig. 1 to 6 .

Fig. 8

a view of an apparatus for aligning notes from below according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

Fig. 9

a top view of a transport unit with a first device for aligning notes of value and with a second device for aligning notes of value according to a third embodiment of the invention.

In FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of several arranged along a transport plane 10 notes of value 12 to 18 shown. The banknotes 12 to 18 are using means not shown, such as rollers, Rolls, belts and / or switches along the transport path 10 transported in the transport direction T1. The dashed line 20 indicates the central axis of the transport path 10. The banknotes 12 to 18 are transported in a transport plane formed by the transport path 10. In the following, such a transport plane is also designated by the reference numeral 10.

The notes of value 12 to 18 should have a desired position relative to the transport path 10. From this target position, the positions of the notes 12 to 18 should deviate only within small tolerances. In the desired position, the long sides of the banknote 12 to 18 are aligned orthogonal to the transport direction T1 and the short central axis of the banknote 12 to 18 is located on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Of the in FIG. 1 shown banknotes 12 to 18 is only the note 18 in the desired position. The longitudinal sides of the notes of value 12 to 18 are aligned in the present embodiment, at least in the desired position substantially transverse to the transport direction T1. Such an orientation of the longitudinal sides of the notes of value 12 to 18 orthogonal to the transport direction T1 is also referred to as long-side-first (LSF) orientation. Furthermore, it is advantageous if two successive banknotes 12 to 18 each have the same distance Y from each other. Of particular importance is an alignment of the notes of value 12 to 18 in the desired position when the notes of value 12 to 18 are transported at high speed along the transport path 10 of an ATM or an automatic cash deposit. To align the notes 12 to 16, their location of the target position deviates laterally, a device for aligning these notes 12 to 16 is provided according to the invention. The structure and function of the device for aligning notes 12 to 18 will be described below in connection with the FIGS. 2 to 9 described in more detail. The notes of value 12 to 18 pass through the device at the same transport speed as during their transport along other transport paths 10 in the ATM or in the automatic POS system or vault. With the help of a Wertscheinprüfeinheit not shown for checking the authenticity of the notes 12 to 18, the deviation of the position of the banknote 12 to 18 is determined by the desired positions in the present embodiment. The value check unit is arranged in the transport direction T1 upstream of the device for aligning the notes 12 to 18. Such Wertscheinprüfeinheit is also referred to as a banknote reader.

Deviations of the position of the banknotes 12 to 18 from the target position, in particular in the removal of banknotes 12 to 18 from value ticket cassettes with poorly stacked banknotes 12 to 18, in an incorrect entry of banknotes 12 to 18 by a customer and / or at a Schiefzug of banknotes 12 to 18 during collection or during transport along the transport path 10 occur. When such deviations occur, it is necessary that the banknotes 12 to 18 are brought into their desired position by means of the device for adjusting banknotes 12 to 18 in order to correct at least one detected lateral offset.

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

The in FIG. 1 shown note 14 is not in the desired position. Although its longitudinal sides are aligned perpendicular to the transport direction T1, but its short central axis is not on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. The short center axis of the note 14 is offset to the right, so that the note 14 has no angular offset but a lateral offset. The note 14 must therefore be moved so far to the left until the short center axis of the note 14 is located on the central axis 20 of the transport plane 10 to bring the note 14 in the desired position.

The note 12 has about the same lateral offset transverse to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 as the note 14. However, the note 12 is additionally rotated by an angle A to an orthogonal to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Such a deviation by one Angle from the nominal position is also referred to as angular misalignment. The banknote 12 would have to be rotated by the angle -A and additionally be moved to the left as seen in the transport direction T1 until the short central axis of the banknote 12 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 in order to bring the banknote 12 exactly in the desired position ,

The note 16 has an angular offset of -A and a lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 in the transport direction T1 seen to the left. To bring this note 16 in the desired position, it must be rotated by the angle A and moved to the right until the short central axis of the bill of exchange 16 is located 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 note of value. A correction of the angular offset is not necessarily required in many cases.

In FIG. 2 FIG. 3 shows a side view of a transport unit 30 with a device 200 for aligning notes 12 to 18. The transport path 10 of the notes of value 12 to 18 is limited by a top part serving as the first guide element 60 and by a lower part serving as a second guide element 80.

The transport unit 30 comprises a plurality of drive shafts, of which in FIG. 2 three drive shafts 102, 108 and 220 are shown. The direction of rotation of the drive shafts 102, 108 and 220 determines the transport direction T1 of the banknotes 12 to 18. The drive shafts 102, 108 and 220 are freely rotatably mounted in the lower part 80 via bearings, so that the value rail 12 to 18 in a transport direction T1 or opposite to the transport direction T1 can be transported by the transport unit 30.

The transport unit 30 also comprises two non-driven transport shafts 104 and 106, which are freely rotatably mounted in the upper part 60 via bearings and the drive shafts 102 and 108 are arranged opposite one another.

About gears 40 to 56, the drive shafts 102, 108 and 220 are engaged with each other, so that the drive shafts 102, 108 and 220 by a first drive unit (not shown) can be driven. The first drive unit may be a central drive unit of the transport unit.

Furthermore, the first guide element 60 has three openings 62a to 62c and the second guide element 80 six openings 82a to 82f, which serve to receive and storage of further drive and transport shafts (not shown).

The device 200 for aligning notes of value comprises a second drive unit 210 which drives a gearwheel 212 and which is fixedly connected to the lower part 80 via a holding device 214.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the transport unit after FIG. 2 , With the first guide element 60 two pressure units 260 and 262 are pivotally connected about a pivot axis D. In the interior of the pressure units 260, 262, in each case a ball is freely rotatably mounted, which serves as a spherical counterpressure element 280 and 282. The spherical counter-pressure elements 280, 282 are shown in the illustration FIG. 3 hidden, their arrangement is in FIG. 5 shown. The pressure units 260, 262 are also commonly referred to as storage units.

Furthermore, two pairs of rolls are visible. The first pair of rollers comprises the rollers 120 and 122 and the second pair of rollers comprises the rollers 124 and 126. The first pair of rollers is fixedly connected to the transport shaft 104 and the second pair of rollers fixed to the transport shaft 106.

The rollers 120, 122, 124 and 126 are arranged on the transport shafts 104 and 106, that the lateral distance of the rollers 120 and 124 to the central axis 20, is equal to the lateral distance, the on the opposite side of the central axis 20th arranged rollers 122 and 126 to the central axis 20 have. The rollers 120 to 126 are not driven and therefore they only rotate when they are pressed on respectively opposite drive rollers 128 to 134, or on a between the respective roller 120 to 124 and the opposite drive roller 128 to 134 arranged value note 12 to 18. The drive rollers 128 to 134 are shown in the illustration FIG. 3 obscured by the rollers 120 to 124, their exact arrangement is in FIG. 4 shown. In other embodiments, the rollers may be freely rotatable and non-displaceable on the transport shafts 104, 106 in the axial direction.

The present in the transport direction T1 after the transport shaft 106 openings 140 to 144 are used to hold sensor elements for detecting the position and location of the notes 12 to 18. The signals generated by the sensor elements are evaluated in a control unit, not shown, and there will be a possible or current page and / or angular offset and / or paper jam of the supplied notes of value 12 to 18 determined and / or it is carried out a Wertscheinverfolgung.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the transport unit 30 after the Fig. 2 and 3 in which the second guide element 80 and the underside of the device 200 for aligning bank notes 12 to 18 is visible. The device 200 comprises a transport element 230, consisting of the rollers 222, 224 and their connecting element 226. The rollers 222, 224 and the connecting element are rotatably connected to the drive shaft 220 and axially on this displaceable. The connecting element 226 comprises a circumferential toothing in the manner of a toothed rack, in which a gear 212 engages, which is driven by the second drive unit 210. If the gear 212 is rotated by means of the second drive unit, there is an axial displacement of the transport element 230 on the drive shaft 220.

Furthermore, two drive roller pairs are visible, the first comprises the drive rollers 128 and 130 fixedly connected to the drive shaft 102 and the second comprises the drive rollers 132 and 134 fixedly connected to the drive shaft 108.

The drive rollers 128 to 134 are preferably each one of in FIG. 3 shown rollers 120 to 126 arranged exactly opposite. Thus, the drive roller 128 is disposed opposite the roller 122, the drive roller 130 opposite the roller 120, the drive roller 132 opposite to the roller 126 and the drive roller 134 opposite to the roller 124.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the device 200 for aligning notes of value 12 to 18, which is part of the transport unit 30 after the Fig. 1 to 4 is.

The device 200 comprises a transport element 230 with rollers 222 and 224 and with a connecting element 226, a drive shaft 220, which is driven by a first, not shown drive unit and a drive unit 210 which drives a gear 212, which engages in a circumferential toothing of the connecting element 226. The rotation of the gear 212 causes an axial displacement of the transport element 230 on the drive shaft 220 along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and the rotational axis of the rollers 222 and 224th

Furthermore, the device 200 comprises two spherical counter-pressure elements 280 and 282, which are each arranged opposite a roller 222 and 224 of the transport element 230 and are each freely rotatably mounted in a bearing unit 260 and 262. The bearing units 260 and 262 are pivotally connected to the first guide member 60 about the pivot axis D. The bearing units 260 and 262 are respectively engaged with an elastically deformable element 240 and 242, thereby causing a counter-pressure force of the spherical reaction elements 280 and 282 on a bill 12 disposed between the transport element 230 and the counter-pressure elements 280 and 282.

If a bill of exchange 12 is arranged during transport along the transport path 10 between the rollers 222, 224 of the transport element 230 and the counter-pressure elements 280, 282, this is pressed by the counter-pressure elements 280, 282 against the lateral surface of the rollers 222, 224. During the rotation of the transport element 230 via the drive shaft 220, the rollers 222, 224 of the transport element 230 with Help the second drive unit 210 axially displaced on the drive shaft 220, so that the bill of exchange 12 is transported obliquely to the transport direction T1.

FIG. 6 FIG. 12 shows a view of the device 200 for aligning notes 12 to 18 FIG. 5 from underneath.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bearing units 260 and 262, inside which the two formed as balls spherical counter-pressure elements 280 and 282 in a bearing shell (not shown) are freely rotatably mounted. Thus, the spherical counter-pressure element 280 is mounted in the bearing unit 260, the spherical counter-pressure element 282 is mounted in the bearing unit 262. In this case, the spherical counter-pressure elements 280 and 282 protrude through an opening of the respective bearing unit 260 and 262, which is dimensioned so that they can not be moved completely through the opening.

The bearing units 260 and 262 are each coupled to an elastically deformable element 240 and 242 which generates a counter-pressure force of the spherical reaction elements 240 and 242 on a banknote 12 to 18 arranged between the transport element 230 and the counter-pressure elements 280 and 282, as already described With FIG. 5 has been described.

The elastically deformable members 240 and 242 are coupled to a cover plate 160 of the first guide member 60 of the transport unit 30 so as to generate a force on the bearing units 260, 262 toward the transport plane. They are rotated about the pivot axis D. In order to move the bearing units 260, 262 away from the transport plane, they must be moved against the pressing force of the elastically deformable elements 240, 242. The elastically deformable elements 240, 242 are designed as helical springs in the present embodiment. In other embodiments, the elastically deformable elements may also include other springs or an elastomeric block.

In FIG. 8 is a view of a device 200 'for aligning notes 12 to 18 according to a second embodiment of the invention shown. The device 200 'differs from the device 200 of FIG FIGS. 1 to 8 in that, in addition to a central drive unit, which drives the drive shaft 220 ', and to the drive unit 210, a further third drive unit, not shown, is provided, which drives the drive shaft 232. Elements having the same structure or function have the same reference numerals.

The roller 222 is rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 220 'and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 220'.

The roller 224 is rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 232 and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 232.

The rollers 222 and 224 are coupled to each other by a connecting element 226 with a toothed rod-like toothing such that they are displaceable together with the connecting element 226 along the axis of rotation of the rollers 222 and 224. In this case, at least one of the rollers 222 and 224 is freely rotatable relative to the connecting element 226, so that the rollers 222 and 224 can be driven at different speeds.

The correction of the lateral offset of a banknote 12 to 18, which is located between the spherical counter-pressure elements 280 and 282 and the rollers 222 and 224, takes place as in the first embodiment, which in conjunction with FIGS. 1 to 7 has been described by the displacement of the transport element 230, ie by the displacement of the rollers 222, 224 along the axis of rotation thereof.

In addition to the correction of the lateral offset, an angle correction of the angle A is possible. To do so, the drive unit rotating the drive shaft 220 'and the third drive unit rotating the drive shaft 232 drive the shafts 222, 232 at different speeds, so that a rotation of the banknote 12 to 18 takes place about a plane perpendicular to the transport path 10 axis of rotation.

FIG. 9 11 shows a plan view of a transport unit 30 with a first device 200 "for aligning bank notes 12 to 18 and with a second device 200"'arranged in the transporting direction T1 downstream of the first device for aligning bank notes 12 to 18 according to a third embodiment of the invention. The first device 200 "may be formed like the device 200 or as the device 200. Likewise, the second device 200" may be formed like the device 200 or the device 200 '. Elements having the same structure or function have the same reference numerals

A bill 12 to 18 is successively fed in the transporting direction T1 to the apparatus 200 "and the apparatus 200"'. In this case, a first orientation of the notes of value 12 to 18 supplied to the device takes place through the device 200 "and a second orientation of the notes of value 12 to 18 through the device 200"'. In FIG. 9 the position of two notes 12 and 14 is shown by a dashed line.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

transport distance

12, 14, 16, 18

of notes

20

central axis

30

transport unit

40 to 56, 212

gear

60, 80

vane

62a to 62c, 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, 82e, 82f, 140 to 144

openings

102, 108, 220, 220 ', 232

drive shafts

104, 106

transport shafts

120, 122, 124, 126

roll

128, 130, 132, 134, 222, 224

drive rollers

160

cover

200, 200 ', 200 ", 200"'

contraption

210

drive unit

214

holder

226

connecting element

230

transport element

240, 242

elastically deformable element

260, 262

storage unit

280, 282

Counterpressure element

Y

distance

T1

transport direction

A

angle

D

swivel axis

Claims (15)

Device for aligning at least one note of value (12 to 18) along a transport path (10),
with at least one transport element (230) driven by means of at least one first drive unit,
with at least one counter-pressure element (280, 282) arranged opposite the transport element (230),
the transport path (10) of the banknote (12 to 18) extending between the transport element (230) and the counter-pressure element (280, 282),
wherein the transport element (230) driven in a first direction of rotation moves a banknote (12 to 18) arranged between the transport element (230) and the counterpressure element (280, 282) in a transport direction (T1),
characterized in that the counter-pressure element (280, 282) is mounted spherical and freely rotatable, and
a second drive unit (210) is provided for displacing the transport element (230) along its axis of rotation, so that a bill of exchange (12 to 18) arranged between the transport element (230) and counterpressure element (280, 282) during displacement of the transport element (230) is moved transversely to the transport direction (T1). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first drive unit drives the transport element (230) via at least one drive shaft (220, 232). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the counter-pressure element (280, 282) between the transport element (230) and the counter-pressure element (280, 282) arranged value note (12 to 18) presses against the lateral surface of the transport element (230). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during a rotation of the transport element (230) by a drive with the aid of the first drive unit, the second drive unit (210) shifts the transport element (230), so that a transport of the note of value (12 to 18 ) takes place obliquely to the transport direction (T1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (230) rotatably connected to at least one drive shaft (220, 232) and is axially displaceable on this. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport element (230) comprises at least one pair of rollers whose rollers (222, 224) are connected to a circumferential toothing in the manner of a rack, and that the connecting element (226) together with the rollers (222, 224) along the axis of rotation of the rollers (222, 224) slidably disposed on at least one drive shaft (220,232). Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the second drive unit (210) is an electric motor which drives a gear (212) which is in engagement with the peripheral toothing of the connecting element (226). Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the toothing of the toothed wheel (212) with the peripheral toothing of the transport element (230) is engaged, so that in an effected by the electric motor (210) rotation of the gear (212) an axial displacement of the transport element ( 230) takes place on the drive shaft (220, 232). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport path of the notes of value (12 to 18) by a first guide element (60) and a second guide element (80) is limited, wherein the first guide element (60) relative to the second Guide element (80) is arranged such that it is pivotable from an operating position to a maintenance position. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that at least two spherical counter-pressure elements are provided (280, 282),
the first spherical counter-pressure element (280) is freely rotatably arranged in a first housing (260),
in that the second spherical counterpressure element (282) is freely rotatably arranged in a second housing (262) such that the housings (262, 262) are each pivotably connected to the first guide element (60),
the first spherical counterpressure member (280) protruding through an aperture of the first housing (260) dimensioned such that the first spherical counterpressure member (280) can not be fully moved through the aperture,
wherein the second spherical counterpressure member (282) protrudes through an opening of the second housing (262) sized so that the second spherical counterpressure member (282) can not be fully moved through the aperture. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one elastically deformable element (240, 242) has, which generates a counter-pressure force of the spherical counter-pressure element (280, 282) on a between the transport element (230) and the counter-pressure element (280,282) arranged note (12 to 18). Device according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the first roller (222) on a first drive shaft (220 ') rotatably and along the longitudinal axis of the first drive shaft (220') is arranged axially displaceable,
in that the second roller (224) is rotationally fixed on a second drive shaft (232) and axially displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the second drive shaft (232),
the first drive shaft (220 ') being drivable by means of the first drive unit, the second drive shaft (232) being drivable by means of a third drive unit,
wherein the first roller (222) and the second roller (224) are coupled together by a circumferential toothing member (226) so as to be slidable along the axis of rotation of the rollers (222, 224) together with the connector (226) and at least one of the rollers (222, 224) is freely rotatable relative to the connecting element (226), so that the rollers (222, 224) can be driven at different speeds,
wherein the first drive unit and the third drive unit are driven at different speeds, so that at different speeds, rotation of the banknote (12 to 18) about a perpendicular to the plane of the transport path (10) extending axis of rotation takes place. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a banknote reader which detects the position of the banknote (12 to 18), wherein the banknote reader or a control unit determines a lateral offset to a preset nominal position,
wherein the orientation of the banknote (12 to 18) is effected in that the second drive unit (210) for moving the transport element (230) is controlled in dependence on the determined lateral offset such that the lateral offset is reduced or corrected. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the transport element (230) can be changed so that a bidirectional transport of the notes of value (12 to 18) in a first transport direction T1 and in a direction opposite to the first transport direction T1 second transport direction through the Device is possible. Arrangement with a first device according to one of the preceding claims and with a second device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the note of value (12 to 18) is fed successively to the first device and the second device, a first orientation of the note of value (12 to 18 ) by the first device and a second orientation of the banknote (12 to 18) by the second device.

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