WO2010079094A1

WO2010079094A1 - Device and method for preventing the output of overlapping securities

Info

Publication number: WO2010079094A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/067766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Dietz; Wilfried Schnelle
Original assignee: Wincor Nixdorf International Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-01-07
Filing date: 2009-12-22
Publication date: 2010-07-15
Also published as: EP2373560B1; DE102009003989A1; EP2373560A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (78) for preventing the output of overlapping securities (12 to 18). The device according to the invention has at least one first sensor (80) for determining the length of a continuous sequence of securities comprising at least one security (12 to 18). The device further comprises at least one second sensor (46) for determining the thickness of the security (12 to 18) or of the securities (12 to 18). The device further has a transport element (86) for transporting overlapping securities (12 to 18) in a transport path (36) for securities (12 to 18) to be sorted out. The transport element (86) can be controlled depending on at least the determined length of the sequence of securities and the determined thickness by means of a control unit (88) to supply the securities (12 to 18) to be sorted out to the transport path (36) for securities (12 to 18) to be sorted out. The invention further relates to a method for preventing the output of overlapping securities (12 to 18).

Description

Apparatus and method for avoiding the issue of overlapping banknotes

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

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

From document DE10233052A1 a method for Erken ^¬ voltage of multiple picks is known in which bills are individually withdrawn from a stack, a withdrawn banknote with electromagnetic radiation is irradiated, the radiation emanating from the withdrawn banknote radiation is detected and verified on the detected radiation is whether more than one banknote has been deducted from the stack and thus whether there is a multiple deduction.

From document DE19841432C1 a device for checking the thickness of sheet material, in particular banknotes in a cash dispenser, is known. The pre ^¬ device comprises a sensing skid which is deflected depending on the Di ^¬ blocks the transported through the apparatus banknote. The deflection is detected by a magnetic sensor. The sensor magnetic field and the magnetic sensor are arranged in the region of the Tastkufe.

A disadvantage of the method known from DE10233052A1 and the device known from DE19841432C1 is that in both cases the measurement must be carried out at least over the length of the longest in the ATM. the banknote, since only in this way all overlaps can be detected. As a result, a compact construction of the distribution module is made more difficult, since the distance between the element for determining the presence of a multiple deduction and the element for sorting the overlapping notes of value must be at least as long as the length of the longest banknote.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device for avoiding ^¬ tion of the issue of overlapping notes of value, which allows a simple and space-saving design and which is inexpensive to produce. It is another object of the invention to provide a method for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value, are recognized in the overlapping notes of value quickly and reliably.

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

According to the invention, the device comprises at least ei ^¬ NEN first sensor for determining the length of at least one value note comprehensive uninterrupted Wertschemse- quence and at least one second sensor for determining the thickness of the banknote or notes of value. Furthermore, the device has at least one transport ^element for trans ^¬ port overlapping notes of value in a transport path for securities to be sorted out. The transport element can be controlled with the aid of a control unit at least as a function of the determined length of the banknote sequence and the determined thickness in order to feed the securities to be sorted out to the transport path for banknotes to be sorted out.

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

It is advantageous if the first sensor is a light ^barrier or a light sensor. Photoelectric sensors and / or light ^¬ buttons are often already in the apparatus contained Wertschemhandhabungsgeraten to monitor, for example, the transport path for the transport of notes and to determine a jam of notes of value. By using these existing sensors to determine the length of a bank note sequence further sensors are saved, thereby reducing effort, cost and the required space can be reduced. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second sensor ei ^¬ nen magnet and a Hall sensor comprises, if the bill of exchange between the magnet and the Hall sensor is transported through or the notes of value between the magnet and the Hall sensor are transported through and if the distance of the magnet and the Hall sensor to one another depending on the thickness of the note or notes of value is variable. It is particularly advantageous if the Hall sensor is arranged stationary and the magnet is movable orthogonal to the transport direction of the notes of value. The notes of value are transported through a transport gap formed between the Hall sensor and the magnet. As a function of the thickness of the notes of value transported or transported, the distance of the magnet from the Hall sensor and thus also the field strength of the magnetic field of the magnet measured by the Hall sensor changes.

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

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cassette for storing rejected banknotes is provided. Overlapping notes of value are transported by means of the transport element m a transport path for auszusortie ^¬ rende notes of value. The banknotes to be sorted out are transported along this transport path until the cassette is to be sorted out for storage. Through the cassette a si ^¬ chere storage of sorted banknotes is achieved on the one hand, and on the other hand a simple and fast removal of the sorted notes of value allows.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the transport element comprises a switch which, in a first switch position, transports the overlapping bank notes into the transport path for bank notes to be sorted out. In a second switch position, the switch transfers the not overlapping banknotes to a transport path to Ausga ^¬ be of value. As a result, overlapping notes of value can be sorted out quickly with proven means of transport, without a complicated mechanism being necessary.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value, wherein the length of at least one value note continuous uninterrupted bank note sequence is determined by means of at least one first sensor. Furthermore, the thickness of the banknote or notes of value is determined with the aid of at least one second sensor. A transport unit for transport of overlapping banknotes to a transport path for auszusortierende notes of value is controlled in dependence on the determined length of the banknote sequence and / or thickness determined to supply the for For ^¬ sorted banknotes to the transport path for auszusortie ^¬ Rende notes of value.

It is advantageous to ermit- with the aid of the second sensor the Di ^¬ ckenverlauf value of the note or notes of value stuffs. Hereby is achieved that in each overlap area ^¬ penden notes of value, the overlap is detected directly at the beginning of the overlap.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to compare the determined length of the value ^{sequence ¬} apparent sequence with a preset maximum allowable length and to sort out the notes of Wertschemse- frequency, if the determined length is greater than the maximum allowable length. This ensures that a banknote sequence whose length is greater than the preset maximum allowable length, the transport path for sorted out notes of value is supplied without a thickness measurement of the notes of value ^{¬ apparent} sequence is necessary or a thickness measurement does not need to be evaluated.

It is particularly advantageous to use the maximum allowable long as the sum of the directed in transport direction of the notes of value of the largest edge length to be output value ticket and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the first sensor to he ^¬ means. The notes of value are preferably transported in a position in which the edge of a note in the transport direction of the notes of value is parallel to the transport direction. If the actual position of a security deviates from this desired position by the value ^¬ slip being rotated by an angle relative to the transport direction, the distance between the foremost corner of the banknote seen in the direction of transport and the rearmost corner of the banknote seen in the direction of transport is greater than that Long of the note. It is advantageous to add the maximum allowable length as the sum of this distance determine or preset the maximum allowable rotation of the note of value and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the first sensor.

Moreover, it is advantageous to compare the determined thickness of the note or notes with a preset maximum allowable thickness and to sort out the notes of value if the determined thickness is greater than the maximum allowable thickness. It is particularly advantageous to determine the maximum permissible thickness as the sum of the thickness of the thickest banknote to be issued and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the second sensor. If the determined thickness greater than the sum of the thickness of the thickest value to be output certificate and the maximum Messungenauig ^¬ ness of the second sensor, it can be assumed with confidence that an overlap of at least two notes of value must be present. In this way, an overlap of at least two notes of value can be determined reliably in a simple manner.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the inven ^¬ tion, the determined thickness of the note or notes of value is compared only with a preset maximum allowable thickness, if the determined length of the bank note sequence does not exceed the preset maximum allowable length. The banknotes of the banknote ^¬ sequence are fed to the transport path for auszusortierende notes of value if the detected thickness is greater than the maximum allowable thickness. In this way, an unnecessary expense for the evaluation of the determined thickness is avoided, if already due to the long measurement of the value translucent sequence is established to be supplied that the notes of value, the value ^¬ translucent sequence the transport path for valuable documents auszusortierende ^¬.

It is advantageous if the banknotes of the Wertscheinse- quence are supplied to your transport path to be sorted notes of value when the maximum determined within a preset range of the ticket sequence thickness of the note or notes of value is greater than the voreinge ^¬ provided maximum allowable thickness. This preset range is seen in the transport direction of the notes at the beginning of the ticket sequence. Since a value note sequence whose length is greater than the preset maximum for ^¬ lassige Lange is already sorted out due to the long, and the length of the smallest to be transported value bill is known, a Mmdestuberlappung can be found, which must be present if the length determined a Wertscheinsequenz is smaller than the preset maximum allowable length of a ticket sequence.

Preferably can be determined as Diffe ^¬ ence the double length of the minimum value ticket and the length of the largest value appearances this Mmdestuberlappung. With this minimum overlap a range value can be determined where the overlap of the notes of value of the value note ^¬ sequence must begin at the latest. This range end value is preferably determined as the difference between the maximum permissible length of a banknote sequence and the random overlap. Since the overlap of two or more notes must thus begin between the beginning of the note sequence and this range end value, the thickness of a Wertscheinsequenz also be determined within this range ^¬ only to determine with certainty whether an overlap of notes of value exists. Hereby is achieved that the distance between the second sensor and the transport element for transporting auszusortierender notes of value m seem transport path for auszusortierende value ^¬ can be reduced and the time between the loading ^¬ beginning of the thickness measurement and the decision to sort out whether a value translucent sequence is , is also reduced.

The specified by the independent method claim method can be further formed in the same manner as the apparatus of claim 1. In particular, the drive Ver ^¬ with that specified in the claims referring back to the device dependent patent claims and corresponding method features may be further formed.

The specified by the independent apparatus Claim device can be further formed in the same manner as the method of claim 8. In particular, the device indicated in the the method ruckbezo ^¬ genes dependent patent claims and the corresponding device characteristics can be further formed.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description which, in conjunction with the accompanying figures, the invention by means of Ausfüh- approximately explained examples. Show it :

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of several along a transport path arranged notes of value;

Figure 2 is a detail of a schematic representation of an ATM;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a sensor for determining the thickness of a note or the value of exemplary meh ^¬ notes of value, while a plurality of operating states of the sensor;

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the signal of the sensor for determining the thickness of a banknote or several banknotes of FIG. 3 over time;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of several pairs of different overlapping notes of value;

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a Vorrich ^¬ processing to avoid the output of themselves overlap area ^¬ penden notes of value; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of several pairs ^¬ overlapping notes of value; and

Figure 8 is a schematic representation in pairs of overlapping notes of value and the sensor for He ^¬ averaging the thickness of the notes of value.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a plurality of notes of value 12 to 18 arranged along a transport path 10. The banknotes 12 to 18 are transported by means of means of transport, not shown, in particular Rol ^¬ len, rollers, belts and / or switches along the transport path 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow Pl transport direction. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported in a transport plane formed by the transport path 10. The point line 20 indicates the center axis of the transport path 10.

The notes of value 12 to 18 should have a desired position for the transport path 10. From this sol position, the positions of notes 12 to 18 should differ only within narrow tolerances. In the desired position, the longer side of the banknotes 12 to 18 is oriented orthogonal to the transport direction Pl and the short center axis of the banknote 12 to 18 lies on the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Of the banknote shown in Figure 1 12 to 18 is only the bank note 18 in nominal position. The longer side 22 of the note 18 is orthogonal to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Die short side 24 of the note 18 is aligned parallel to the center axis ^¬ 20 of the transport path 10.

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

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

The note 12 has approximately 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 ei ^¬ NEN angle φ to an orthogonal of the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. Such a deviation NEN angle of the target position is also referred to as angular misalignment. The note 16 has an angular offset of - φ and a lateral offset transversely to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10 seen in the transport direction Pl to the left.

If a banknote 12 to 18 has only a small angular and / or lateral offset, it will be transported with this angular and / or lateral offset until it is issued to the user of the ATM, in which the transport path 10 is located. However, the angular and / or lateral offset exceeds a preset tolerance, the alignment of the certificate value of 12 to 18 with the aid of an off ^¬ is directing station changed until the value note is 12 to 18 in the desired position.

Due to the angular offset φ of the note of value 12, the distance of the foremost corner 26 of the note of value 12 seen in the transport direction Pl to the rearmost corner 28 of the note 12 is greater than the length of the short side of the note 12.

In describing the following figures will be gone away from ^¬ that the banknotes are transported in Long-side-first orientation. In addition to a better understanding, it is assumed that the short sides of the shortest to be transported value certificate have a length of 58 mm and have the short sides of the longest to transpor ^¬ animal proper value warrant a length of 85 mm. Wei ^¬ direct is referred to as a Long value note 12 to 18 denotes the length of those sides of the banknote 12 to 18, dxe run in the desired position parallel to the central axis 20 of the transport path 10. In the long-side first orientation of the notes 12 to 18, the length of the notes 12 to 18 is thus the length of a short side of the note 12 to 18.

Alternatively, the notes of value 12 to 18 can also be transported in the short-side first way. Likewise, the following descriptions apply accordingly to banknotes 12 to 18 with other dimensions. The banknotes 12 to 18 are in particular banknotes or securities, such as checks.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of a schematic representation of an ATM. Elements with the same structure or the same function have the same reference numerals. The ATM comprises four cash boxes 30a to 30d in which the banknotes 12 to 18 are stacked. Each cash cassette 30a to 3OD is assigned to a ^trailing zugseinheit 32a to 32d, by whose means the m the currency cassettes 30a to 30d stored banknotes 12 to 18 one by one from the currency cassettes 30a to 3OD removed and a transport path, not shown in Figure 2 zufύhr- bar are. The withdrawn notes of value 12 to 18 are supplied via the transport path to a distributor module 34. Age ^¬ natively the extraction units 32a to 323d can each m and a Geldabzugs- supply module may be integrated with the aid of the cash cassettes 30a to 3OD also notes of value 12 to 18 are zufuhrbar. It may happen that vouchers 12 to 18, taken from the cash boxes 30a to 30d and located in the transport path, overlap. An overlap is taken to mean the complete or partial superposition of two or more notes 12 to 18. The overlap of two banknotes 12 to 18 may be caused by a Dop ^¬ pelabzug particular. The deduction of two and more than two banknotes 12 to 18 is generally referred to as a multiple deduction. Due to the overlapping of banknotes 12 to 18, it may happen that a user of Geldau ^¬ tomatoes not his desired amount of money is spent on Ausga ^¬ befach the ATM. For this reason, overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 are sorted out and only non-overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 transported in the output tray of the ATM.

The distributor module 34 comprises a transport element, with the aid of which sorting notes of value 12 to 18 are transported into a transport path 36 for securities to be sorted out 12 to 18 and non-overlapping notes of value 12 to 18 m are transported a transport path 38 for issued notes of value. This transport element preferably comprises a soft, 12 to 18 transported in a first Wei ^¬ chenstellung the overlapping notes of value in the transport path 36 for auszusortierende notes of value 12 to 18 and in a second switch position, the not overlapping notes of value 12 to 18 in the transport path 38, for Issued notes of value transported 12 to 18. The overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 to be sorted out are transported along the transport path 36 for securities to be sorted out 12 to 18 into a storage unit 40 for sorted banknotes 12 to 18. The storage unit 40 is preferably a cassette. Alternatively, as a storage unit 40, a thin-walled transport container, in particular a bag, can be used.

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

As a first sensor for determining the length of a sequence of notes at least one light ^¬ barrier 80 and / or a light scanner is preferably used. The light ^¬ barrier 80 comprises a transmitter 82 for emitting light beams and a receiver 84 for receiving the radiation emitted by the transmitter 82 light beams. The transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 may be arranged such that the notes of value 12 to 18 are transported through between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 during transport along the transport path. Alternatively, the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 of the photocell 80 may be disposed on one side of the transport path and are reflected by the Sen ^¬ the 82 light emitted radiation by means of a arranged on the other side of the transport path reflector and the receiver 84th In this case, the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 may preferably be integrally formed. If a bank note sequence with its front edge seen in the direction of transport P1 enters the light barrier 80, the light radiations are interrupted so that the receiver 84 no longer receives the light beams emitted by the transmitter 82. If the banknote sequence leaves the light barrier 80 with its rear edge seen in the transport direction P1, then the light beams emitted by the transmitter 82 can again be received by the receiver 84. The period of time in which the receiver 84 could not receive light beams is determined, and with the aid of the knowledge of the transport speed of the bank notes 12 to 18 in the transport direction Pl, the length of the banknote ^¬ sequence can be determined from this. The front edge of the ticket sequence is understood to mean that edge which, as seen in the transport direction Pl, is arranged at the beginning of the ticket sequence, ie downstream. Under the rear edge of the banknote ^¬ ren sequence is that edge of the security paper is meant sequence corresponding to the m transport direction Pl seen at the end of the banknote sequence, ie upstream arranged.

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 3 a, the two banknotes 42, 44 are located in front of the thickness sensor 46 as seen in the transport direction Pl. The banknotes 42, 44 are transported in the direction of the thickness sensor 46. In Figure 3b, the two banknotes 42, 44 so far transported, that part of the saw in Trans ^¬ port direction Pl front value bill 44 is located within the thickness sensor 46th Due to the thickness of the front note 44, the displaceable magnet 50 is moved away from the Hall sensor 48 orthogonal to the transport plane of the notes of value 42, 44. The distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 is increased in comparison to the operating state shown in Figure 3a. In this way, the strength of the magnet 50 caused by the magnetic field changes in the region of the Hall sensor 48. Thus, also a signal generated by the Hall sensor 48 Sig nal ^¬ changes. In FIG. 3c, the two banknotes 42, 44 are transported in the transport direction Pl so far that both the front banknote 44 and the rear banknote 42 are located partly within the detection range of the thickness sensor 46. The distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 is increased due to the overlap of the two banknotes 42, 44 compared to the gezeig ^¬ th in Figure 3b operating condition. If the two banknotes 42, 44 are identical banknotes, the distance between the Hall sensor 48 and the magnet 50 in FIG. 3c is approximately twice as large as the distance between the Hall sensor 48 and the magnet 50 in FIG. 3b. Due to the greater distance of the Hall sensor 48 to the magnet 50, the thickness sensor to another sensor signal as in the example shown in Figure 3b Be generated operating state ^¬ 46 wherein m 3c shown operating state.

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

4 shows a diagram with the time profile of the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46 during the three in FIG. gur 3 shown operating states of the thickness sensor 46 ^{¬ presented} . The transition from the operating state shown in Figure 3a to the operating state shown in Figure 3b at time 52. At time 52, seen in the transport direction Pl front edge of the front note 44 occurs in the formed by the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 transport gap of the thickness sensor 46. By changing the distance between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 and thereby caused change in the magnetic field strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnet 50 in the region of the Hall sensor 48, the sensor signal output by the pressure sensor 46 changes. The sensor signal generated by the thickness sensor 46 while the front note 44 and ^¬ finally the front note 44 is located within the thickness ^¬ sensor 46 rst in the diagram after Frgur 4 by the Volllime 54 shown. Shortly after the entry of the front note of value 44 in the thickness sensor 46, there is a brief oscillation process 56 of the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46. The duration of this oscillation process 56 is also referred to as settling time. The settling time is about three milliseconds in the present embodiment.

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

The signal provided by the thickness sensor 46 is proportional to the thickness of the or the thickness of the disposed within the Di ^¬ ckensensors 46 notes of value 42, 44. From the sensor signal of the thickness sensor 46 may in a simple manner the thickness of the value of bill 42, 44, and the notes of value 42, 44 are determined. The determined thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or the banknotes 42, 44 is compared with a pre ^{¬ given} maximum allowable thickness. The sensor signal which the thickness sensor 46 was able to deliver in the case of a value note 42, 44 with the maximum permissible thickness is represented in the diagram according to FIG. 4 by the stub line 62. The maximum permissible thickness 62 is preferably determined as the sum of the thickness of the thickest value to be transported 42, 44 and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the thickness sensor 46. For different Wertschemlangen and different Wertheindicken can be pre ^¬ sets. When comparing the thickness determined by means of the thickness sensor 46 and the maximum permissible thickness 62, the thicknesses of the value note (s) 42, 44 determined during the oscillation processes 56, 60 are not taken into account in the present embodiment. The maximum admissible ^¬ ge thickness 62 is compared only with the determined thicknesses of 54, 58 in the steady state of the thickness sensor 46th If the determined thickness 58 is above the maximum permissible thickness 62, then it is assumed that there is an overlap of at least two banknotes 42, 44, and the banknotes 42, 44 are used with the aid of the transport elernents in the transport path 36 for auszusortierende value ^¬ bills 42, 44 transported and the storage unit 40, respectively. The determined maximum thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or of the bank notes 42, 44 of the banknote sequence is considered below the determined thickness of the banknote 42, 44 or the banknotes 42, 44 of a banknote sequence.

FIGS. 5a to 5c show schematic representations of several pairs of overlapping notes of value 64 to 74. In FIG. 5a, two identically long notes of value 64, 66 are shown, which completely overlap. In FIG. 5b, the bank notes 68, 70 shown overlap approximately halfway. In Figure 5c there are two security papers 72, 74 shown with modulating ^¬ cher length which overlap only in a small area.

Since in the determination of the thickness of the or the notes of value 64 to 74 with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 for determining overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 is not previously ^¬ known, how large the range of overlap between the overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 , the determination of the thickness of the note or the value of the notes of value must be at least over a region 64 to 74, the length of the length of the longest to be transported value ^¬ sheen 64-74 corresponds. Has the longest to be transported ^¬ animal end of notes a length of 85 mm, the thickness of the or the value of bills 64-74 must by means of the thickness sensor 46 at least over a range having a length of 85 mm from entry of the leading edge of the leading value bill 64 68, 72 are determined in the thickness sensor 46 in order to also ne minimum overlap of two notes of value 72, 74 using the thickness sensor 46 to determine. The minimum necessary distance between the thickness sensor 46 and the transport element for the transport of overlapping notes of value 64 to 74 in the transport path 36 for auszusortierende notes of value 64 to 74 need be at least as large as the length of the Läng ^¬ most value bill 64 to 74. The time over the thickness of a banknote 64 to 74 or the banknotes 64 to 74 must be determined from the entry of the front edge of the front note 64, 68, 72 in the thickness sensor 46, can be calculated as the quotient of the length of the longest to be transported note 64th to 74 and the transport speed of the notes 64 to 74 determine. The transport ^element for transporting overlapping value ^¬ notes 64 to 74 m, the transport path 36 for auszusortie ^¬ rende notes of value 64 to 74 can be controlled only after this period of time.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a device 78 according to the invention for avoiding the output of overlapping banknotes 12 to 18. The notes of value 12 to 18 are transported along the transport path 76 in the transport ^¬ direction Pl. The notes of value 12 to 18 themselves are not shown in FIG. The thickness sensor 46 in turn has a magnet 50 and a stationary Hall sensor 48. The magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path 76, so that along the Transport paths 76 transported in the direction of transport Pl notes of value 12 to 18 are transported between the magnet 50 and the Hall sensor 48. The photocell 80 urnfasst a transmitter 82 and a Emp ^¬ catcher 84. The transmitter 82 emits light radiation in the direction of the receiver 84 and the light radiation is received by the receiver 84th The transmitter 82 and the receiver 84 are disposed on opposite sides of the transport path 76. The notes of value 12 to 18 are thus transported through between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84. While a bill of quantities 12-18 is being transported between the transmitter 82 and the receiver 84, the light radiation emitted by the transmitter 82 is interrupted and thus can not be received by the receiver 84. The light barrier 80 is used to measure the length of a ^value sequence transported in the direction of the transport path 76. Instead of the light barrier 80, as already mentioned in the description of FIG. 2, another ^{sensor may also be provided} for determining the length of an uninterrupted bank note sequence comprising at least one value note. The light barrier 80 is seen in the transport direction Pl in front of the thickness sensor 46, that is arranged upstream of the thickness sensor 46. In the transport direction Pl sailed ^¬ hen behind the thickness sensor 46, ie downstream of the thickness sensor 46, a switch 86 is arranged, with the aid of overlapping banknotes are transported 12 to 18 in the transport path 36 for auszusortierende notes of value 12 to 18 themselves. Further, the apparatus 78 includes egg ^¬ ne control unit 88. The control unit 88 serves at least the actuation of the switch 86th

With the aid of the light barrier 80, as already described in detail in connection with the description of FIG. 2, the length of a transport path 76 along the transport path 76 is explained in detail. determined value certificate sequence determined. The determined length is transmitted to the control unit 88. The determined length of the bank note sequence is compared by means of the control unit 88 with a preset maximum permissible length of the bank note sequence. The maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence is preferably determined as the sum of the length of the longest banknote to be transported 12 to 18 and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the light barrier 80. When using a light barrier 80 with a very high measurement accuracy can be dispensed with the Berück ^¬ view of the measurement inaccuracy. Alter ^¬ natively, the maximum allowable length of the Wertscheinse- quence as the sum of the distance between the front in the transport direction Pl seen edge of the bill of exchange 12 and the rearmost edge 28 of the bill of exchange 12 at the maximum permissible deviation of the position of the bill of exchange 12 from the target position and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the photocell 80 can be determined. In this way it is achieved that even with a maximum allowable angular offset of the banknote 12 no errors in the determination of overlapping banknotes 12 to 18 arise.

If the determined length of the banknote sequence is greater than the maximum permissible length, the control unit 88 controls the diverter 86 in such a way that the banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence are transported into the transport path 36 for the banknotes 12 to 18 to be sorted out and thus sorted out of ^¬ . If the length of the longest banknote 12 to 18 has been preset as the maximum permissible length of a bank note sequence and if the determined length of the bank note sequence is greater than this maximum permissible length of the bank note sequence, at least two bank notes 12 to 18 must overlap. Furthermore, the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or of the notes of value 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence transported along the transport path 76 is determined with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 and the determined thickness or the determined thickness profile is transmitted to the control unit 88. The thickness ascertained with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 is compared with the m control unit 88 stored, preset ^¬ maximum allowable thickness 62 of the banknote 12 to 18 and the notes of value 12 to 18, compared. If the comparison of the determined length of the value ticket sequence with the preset maximum permissible length has already shown that the determined length is greater than the maximum permissible length, and thus there is an overlap of the bank notes 12 to 18 of the bank note sequence, then a comparison can be made with the aid of FIG Thickness sensor 46 determined thickness can be dispensed with the preset maximum allowable thickness 62. Alternatively, the determination of the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or of the banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence can only take place if the comparison of the determined length of the banknote sequence with the presel ^¬ posed maximum permissible length of the banknote sequence revealed that the determined length of Value sequence frequency does not exceed the maximum permissible length.

Is the length of the sequence of notes determined not greater than the preset maximum length of the banknote sequence, the maximum thickness is compared of the or the value of ^¬ seem 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence with the maximum thickness ^¬ lassigen 62nd If this comparison shows that the ascertained maximum thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or the bank notes 12 to 18 of the bank note sequence is greater is the preset maximum allowable thickness 62, the control unit 88 drives the diverter 86 so that the notes of value of the note sequence are transported into the transport path 36 for sorting notes. If the comparison of the determined length of the banknote sequence with the preset maximum permissible length of the value note sequence that the length of the value ^¬ translucent sequence determined does not exceed the preset maximum length of the banknote sequence, and the determined maximum thickness of the value of bill 12 to 18 or the value of notes 12 to 18 of the ticket sequence is not greater than the preset maximum allowable thickness 62, the control unit 88 controls the switch 86 such that the ticket 12 to 18 of the ticket is transported in the trans ^¬ port path 38 for issue notes 12 to 18.

By using a sensor 80 for determining the length of the banknote sequence and a further sensor 46 for determining the thickness of the banknote or banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence, as in the following in connection with the figures 7 and 8 even closer he ^¬ is explained, that even if the determined length of the ticket sequence does not exceed the preset maximum allowable length, not the thickness of the banknote 12 to 18 or the notes 12 to 18 must be determined over the entire length of the banknote sequence. Rather, it is sufficient to determine the thickness along a portion of the set before ^¬ sequence of notes, and this preset range, m is the transport direction Pl notes of value 12 to 18 seen at the beginning of the sequence of notes. By comparing the determined within this range maximum thickness of the bill of exchange 12th to 18 or the banknotes 12 to 18 of the banknote sequence with the maximum allowable thickness 62 can be decided with certainty, if there is an overlap of at least two banknotes 12 to 18, ie whether the Wertschiense- quency one or more than a banknote 12 to 18 um - sums up.

FIGS. 7a to 7c show schematic representations of several pairs of overlapping banknotes 90 to 100. The distance of the two stπchlinien 102, 104 corresponds to the length of the longest to be transported banknote 90, 92. In the following it is assumed that the length of the longest value to be transported ^¬ ticket 90, 92 amounts to 85 mm.

In FIG. 7a, two overlapping banknotes 90, 92 are shown, with both banknotes 90, 92 each having a length of 85 mm. Thus, the banknotes 90, 92 are banknotes 90, 92 of the banknote type with the longest length of the banknotes 90 to 100 to be transported. Although the banknotes 90, 92 almost completely overlap, the total length of the banknotes 90, 92 formed Wertscheinsequenz longer than the length of the longest to be transported note 90, 92, that is greater than 85 mm. If, as pre-set in connection with Figure 6 be ^¬ written, to be transported as the maximum permissible length of a note of value sequence, the length of the longest value bill 90, 92, so the banknote sequence formed by the notes of value 90, 92 based on the comparison of the means is the photocell 80, the length of the banknote sequence and the maximum permissible ge transported in the transport path 36 for to be sorted notes of value.

In FIG. 7b, two banknotes 94, 96 are shown, whereby the banknotes 94, 96 are banknotes with the shortest length of all banknotes 90 to 100 to be transported. In the following it is assumed that the length of the shortest notes of value to be transported 94, 96 amounts to 58 mm. The notes of value 94, 96 overlap only in a small area, so that the total length of the value-order sequence formed from the notes of value 94, 96 is greater than 85 mm and thus greater than the maximum permissible length. The value of the notes 94, 96 fabric ^¬ te value note sequence is thus sorted out based on the comparison of the data obtained through the light barrier 80 Lange this value note sequence with the maximum permissible length.

FIG. 7c shows two banknotes 98, 100, each with a side length of 58 mm. The banknotes 98, 100 overlap in such a large area that the length of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 98, 100 is less than 85 mm and thus smaller than the preset maximum permissible length of 85 mm. The sequence of notes formed by the notes of value 98, 100 is thus not sorted on the basis of comparison of the data obtained through the light barrier 80 ^¬ length of the sequence of notes with the maximum permissible length of the sequence of notes. In order to determine the overlap of the banknotes 98, 100, the thickness of the banknote sequence formed by the banknotes 98, 100 must be determined with the aid of the thickness sensor 46 become. In the overlapping area of the banknotes 98, 100, the thickness of the banknote sequence determined by the thickness sensor 46 is greater than the preset maximum permissible thickness, so that the control unit 88 controls the gate 86 based on this comparison in such a way that it the banknotes 98, 100 in the transport path 36 for ausscheildierende Wertschei ^¬ ne 90 to 100 passes. As will be explained been extensively below in connection with Figure 8a, 8b, this is not the thickness of the banknotes 98, 100 of the Wertscheinse ^acid sequence over the entire length has to be determined to the value note sequence formed from the security papers 98, 100th

FIGS. 8a and 8b show schematic representations of several pairs of overlapping banknotes 106 to 112. The banknotes 106 to 112 each have a length of 58 mm, and thus belong to the banknotes 106 to 112 with the shortest page length. The notes of value 106, 108 or 110, 112 each overlap on a length of 31 minutes. The entire length of the sequence of notes formed by the notes of value 106, 108 or 110, 112 respectively thus amounts to 85 rnm, and thus corresponds to the length of the Läng ^¬ sten to be transported value certificate. If the length of the longest banknote to be transported is selected as the preset maximum permissible length of a banknote sequence, the banknotes 106 to 112 have become the banknote sequence formed from the banknotes 106, 108 and 110, 112, respectively, on the basis of the comparison of the length determined with the aid of the light barrier 80 sorted out with the preset maximum permissible length, provided that the overlap length of the bank notes 106, 108 or 110, 112 is smaller than 31 mm. The overlap on a length of 31 mm shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b thus represents precisely the limiting case in which the value note sequences formed from the bank note 106, 108 or 110, 112 would not be sorted out in each case based on the comparison of their respective determined with the aid of the photocell 80 length with the maximum allowable length.

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

In the case of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, the thickness of the banknote 106 to 110 or of the banknotes 106 to 110 of the bank note sequence only has to be determined within this preset range at the beginning of the ticket sequence, the minimum distance between the thickness sensor 46 and the switch 86 must be only the length of the preset range. In this way, a compact, simple construction of the distributor module 34 is achieved. Furthermore, in this way the time between the beginning of the thickness measurement of the ticket sequence and the activation of the switch 86 can be reduced. This time is also referred to as switching time.

This preset range can be smaller, the smaller the difference between the length of the note with the shortest page length and the value with the longest page length. Is the longest side length 85 mm and the shortest side length 70 mm, the thickness of a note of value sequence has to be determined only along the first 15 mm at the beginning of the banknote sequence to identify overlapping banknotes reliably and auszusor ^¬ animals.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the region in which the thickness must be determined, depending on the determined length of the bank note sequence can be further shortened. The smaller the determined length of the ^banknote sequence, the smaller the length in this area in which the thickness must be determined in order to be able to determine with certainty whether an overlap of at least two banknotes 106, 108, 110, 112 is present. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Transport path up to 18, 42, 44, 64 to 74, 90 to 100, 106 to 112 Certificate Middle axis long side short side, 28 Corner a to 30d Cash box a to 32d Deduction unit Distributor module, 38, 76 Transport path Storage unit Thickensensor Hall sensor

Magnet, 56 point in time, 58 signal, 60 oscillation maximum allowable thickness 78 device

80 photocell

82 stations

84 recipients

86 switch

88 control unit

102, 104 Äbstandslime

Claims

claims

1. Device for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value (12 to 18),

with at least a first sensor (80) for He ^¬ averaging the length of a least one value ^¬ translucent (12 to 18) comprising continuous value note sequence,

with at least one second sensor (46) for determining the thickness of the banknote (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18),

with at least one transport element (86) for the transport of overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) in a transport path (36) for auszusortie ^¬ Rende notes of value (12 to 18),

wherein the transport element (86) by means of a control unit (88) at least in dependence on the determined length of the banknote sequence and the thickness detected is controlled to ^¬ seem to be sorted out notes of value (12 to 18) the transport path (36) for auszusortierende value (12 to 18).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in ^¬ net, that the first sensor (80) is a light ^{barrier ¬} ke or a light sensor.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second sensor (46) comprises a magnet (50) and a Hall sensor

(48) comprises the bill of exchange (12 to 18) between the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor

(48) is transportable through or the notes of value (12 to 18) between the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor (48) are transported therethrough, and that the distance of the magnet (50) and the Hall sensor (48) to each m depending on the thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is changeable.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notes of value (12 to 18) are banknotes.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cassette (40) for storing sorted notes of value (12 to 18) is provided.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport ele- ment (86) comprises a switch, which in a the first switch position, the overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) transported in the transport path (36) for sorting banknotes (12 to 18) m and a second set point the non-overlapping banknotes (12 to 18) m a transport path (38) for ausge ^¬ transacting notes (12 to 18).

7. Method for avoiding the issue of overlapping notes of value,

in which by means of at least one first sensor (80) the length of an uninterrupted banknote sequence comprising at least one note of value (12 to 18) is determined,

in which with the aid of at least one second sensor (46) the thickness of the banknote (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is determined, and

in which a transport unit (86) for transporting overlapping notes of value (12 to 18) is actuated in a transport ^path (36) for securities to be discarded (12 to 18) depending on the determined length of the ticket sequence and / or the determined thickness, to sort out the banknotes (12 to 18) the Transport path (36) for auszusortierende value ^¬ notes.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that by means of the second sensor (46) of the thickness profile of the banknote (12 to 18) or the notes of value (12 to 18) is determined.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined length of the bank note sequence is compared with a voreinge ^¬ set maximum allowable length and the notes of value (12 to 18) of Wertschemse- quency in the transport path (36) for to be sorted banknotes ( 12 to 18) are transported if the determined length is greater than the preset maximum allowable length.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in ^¬ net, that the preset maximum allowable length as the sum of m transport direction (Pl) of the notes (12 to 18) directed edge length of the largest issued note (12 to 18) and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the first Sensor (80) is determined.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determined thickness of the banknote (12 to 18) or the Wert- notes (12-18) is compared to a preset maximum allowable thickness (62) and the bills (12-18) are sorted out if the determined thickness is greater than the preset maximum allowable thickness (62).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the preset maximum permissible thickness (62) is determined as the sum of the thickness of the thickest ^{¬ out to} give notes of value (12 to 18) and the maximum measurement inaccuracy of the second sensor (46).

13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the determined thickness of the banknote (12 to 18) or notes of value (12 to 18) is compared with a preset maximum allowable thickness (62) only if the determined length of the banknote sequence the preset maximum allowable length is not exceeded ^¬ tet, and that the notes of value (12 to 18) of the ticket sequence to the transport path (36) for sorting notes (12 to 18) are supplied, if the determined thickness is greater than the maximum thickness (62) is.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the banknotes (12 to 18) the value of ^¬ translucent sequence the transport path (36) for For ^¬ sorted notes of value (12 to 18) is fed if the thickness of the note of value (12 to 18) or of the notes of value (12 to 18) determined within a preset range of the ticket sequence is greater than the preset maximum allowable thickness (62), this preset range in the direction of transport (Pl) of the notes of value (12 to 18) seen at the beginning of the ticket sequence.