Patent Abstract:
The device for the processing of bank notes has a modular design. It has at least one inlet ( 311 ) and at least one outlet ( 361.1 361.2 ). The device contains a fixed part ( 1 ) and interchangeable mobile modules ( 31 - 36 ) each for performing a complete processing function upon the bank note-like objects to be processed. The modules ( 31 - 36 ) are insertable into the fixed part ( 1 ) in such a manner, that a desired work sequence for processing the bank notes is performable. To such an extent as is possible, electric lines, components and motors ( 41 ) are mounted on the fixed part ( 1 ); the forces and/or torques required by the modules ( 31 - 36 ) are transmitted to the modules by means of transmission ( 51.1, 52.1 ). The modules ( 31 - 36 ) are pluggable into pins ( 2.1, 2,2 , . . . ) attached to the fixed part ( 1 ), so that they are easily insertable, removable or interchangeable. The modules ( 31 - 36 ) are selectable from a set of different modules and are combinable in almost any possible manner, so that with this a multitude of freely selectable processing sequences is implementable.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The invention relates to a device that is suitable for reading, identifying, checking, verifying, examining, counting, sorting and/or stacking bank notes and/or bank note-like objects. Such “bank note-like objects” include bank notes, cheques, share certificates, documents with a security imprint, certificates, admission tickets or travel tickets, vouchers, credit cards, bank cards, identification cards, and access cards. The invention also relates to a contact pressure unit, a transport unit, a position sensor and a feeder device for processing bank note-like objects.  
           [0002]    Devices for processing bank note-like objects are known. Such devices carry out processing functions such as feeding, separation, transporting, deflecting, rotating, reading, sorting or stacking on the bank note-like objects. For this purpose, the processing devices are equipped with complex mechanical, electronic and/or optical components. These components, during installation, have to be brought into the correct position relative to one another, in order to carry out a desired processing sequence faultlessly and without interruption. The device is usually conceived designed for a certain processing sequence; if other processing functions are to be carried out, a new, different device has to be conceived and designed or else at least the existing device modified at great expense. Apart from this, most components require an electric power supply, which usually is implemented with the help of expensive, complicated wiring inside the device. Such wiring makes the manufacture and the maintenance of the device more difficult, is confusing and susceptible to defects.  
           [0003]    The bank note-like objects to be processed frequently transfer dirt, ink and/or dust to the device. As a result, the operability of individual components or of the whole device (e.g., through jamming of the bank note-like objects) can be seriously impaired. In order to, in such a case, repair known devices for the processing of bank note-like objects, the devices have to be dismantled, the jammed objects removed, cleaned and re-assembled again, which requires a lot of time and effort.  
           [0004]    In summary, the manufacture and maintenance of known devices for the processing of bank notes is usually associated with a relatively great effort and expense, which in turn leads to high manufacturing and operating costs.  
           [0005]    Apart from this, known devices for the processing of bank notes are frequently equipped with unsuitably complicated and expensive contact pressure and/or transport units with position sensors susceptible to contamination with dirt and with unreliable feeder units that deform the bank note-like objects.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    It is an object of the invention to create a device for processing bank note-like objects, which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages and which, in particular, has a clear design layout, can be easily and rapidly assembled and maintained and which is able to carry out a multitude of different processing sequences. It is also an object of the invention to create a simple, cost-effective contact pressure unit for the pressing of bank note-like objects against another element. It is furthermore an object of the invention to create a simple, cost-effective and defect-free transport unit for the transporting of bank note-like objects. Apart from this, it is an object of the invention to create a robust position sensor not susceptible to contamination with dirt for determining whether a bank note-like object at a certain time is in a certain position. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to create a feeder unit for drawing-in individual bank note-like objects, in which the bank note-like objects are not deformed and which guarantees individualised processing of the bank note-like objects.  
           [0007]    These objects are achieved by the device according to the present invention, the contact pressure unit in accordance with the invention, the transport unit in accordance with the invention, the position sensor in accordance with the invention, and the feeder unit in accordance with the invention.  
           [0008]    Understood by the term “bank note-like objects” in this document are sheet-like, thin and usually bendable object with graphic printing, which represent a certain material value and, therefore, include bank notes in the actual sense and also other such objects. Examples of bank note-like objects are bank notes, bank cheques, share certificates, documents with a security imprint, certificates, admission tickets or travel tickets, vouchers, credit and/or bank cards, identity and/or access cards. When in this document “processing functions” are referred to, then the meaning is functions such as feeding, separating, individualising, transporting, reading, identifying, checking, verifying, examining, counting, sorting and/or stacking, which are carried out on the bank note-like objects. A “processing sequence” is composed of several such functions.  
           [0009]    The invention is based on the idea of designing a device for processing bank note-like objects in a modular way. The different completed processing functions are carried out by independent modules. Such modules are interchangeable mobile components, which can be utilised in a fixed part of the device such that a desired operating sequence for the processing of bank note-like objects is implementable. The modules have standardised interfaces, at which the bank note-like objects are transferred from one module to the next. The device has to be designed such that the interfaces are positioned correctly relative to one another and such that transfers of bank note-like objects are possible when modules are installed in the device. The modules are selectable from a set of different modules and can be combined in almost any manner, so that with this a multitude of freely selectable processing sequences can be implemented.  
           [0010]    The modules can easily be inserted into the device in accordance with the invention, for example, by plugging in or hooking on and can be equally easily removed and interchanged. Such a modular design therefore assures an exceedingly simple assembly and maintenance of the device. It also makes possible a rapid and easy changing of the desired processing sequence in that modules are easily added, removed, moved and/or exchanged. The device in accordance with the invention is expandable or extendable according to the requirements of the user. The individual modules are robust, because they contain only a necessary minimum of delicate electric, electronic and/or optical elements that are susceptible to contamination with dirt. If possible, such delicate elements are located outside the modules, so that the communication between the modules and the rest of the device is limited to mechanical signals. The maintenance of the device is simple and quick, because as a result of the modularity a jam can easily be rectified and individual modules are easily cleaned. The modularity, however, produces benefits not only for the user, but also for the manufacturer. For example, redesigning the device in accordance with the invention is significantly simpler, because only certain components have to be modified, while others can be taken over from existing devices.  
           [0011]    The device in accordance with the invention for the processing of bank note-like objects is preferably operated electrically and has at least one inlet as well as at least one outlet for the bank note-like objects. The device comprises a fixed part and interchangeable mobile components, whereby the mobile components are for carrying-out of respectively one complete processing function on the bank note-like objects to be processed. These modules can be installed in the fixed part such that between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet a desired operating sequence for processing bank note-like objects can be implemented.  
           [0012]    The fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention is preferably designed as a rigid supporting structure, for example, as a wall of the plate forming the device, a profile or as a grating of bars. The device preferably has mechanical means of connection, by means of which the modules can be fixed to the fixed part through a positive releasable mechanical connection. The modules, for example, can be plugged into or hooked onto the fixed part.  
           [0013]    On the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention drive means such as electric motors can be attached. In the mobile parts active means can be attached, which mechanically act on the bank note-like objects. Such means may be, for example, rollers for the transportation of the bank note-like objects. By means of transmission means, such as toothed (synchronous) belts, perforated wheels or perforated wheel rims, drawbars, levers, clutches, mechanical switches or shafts, forces and/or torques are transmittable to the active means from the drive means. It is advantageous not to incorporate the drive means in the mobile parts, but rather in the fixed part of the device. In this manner, one achieves a clear, consistent separation of the drive means and mobile parts. The separation has the advantage that the electric lines and components are attached to the fixed part in a clear layout, like on a printed circuit board of an electronic device, and can be more easily installed and maintained. Most mobile parts contain only mechanical components. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    These and further features of the invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 a perspective view from the front of the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention,  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 a perspective view from the back of the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention of FIG. 1,  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 a perspective view from the front of the partially opened device in accordance with the invention,  
         [0018]    [0018]FIGS. 4 and 5 front views of details of the fixing means of modules in the device in accordance with the invention,  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 a cross section through an interface between two modules of the device in accordance with the invention,  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 7-12 different modules for the utilization of the device in accordance with the invention,  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 13-14 a longitudinal view and a cross sectional view, respectively, through a transport unit in accordance with the invention,  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 15-16 longitudinal sections through a position sensor in accordance with the invention,  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 17 a perspective view of the position sensor of  15  and  16 ,  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 18-19 a longitudinal view and a cross sectional view, respectively, through a feeder unit and  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 20 a perspective view of a device in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]    The device in accordance with the invention contains a fixed part and interchangeable mobile parts. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the fixed part  1  of the device. The fixed part  1  is preferably designed as an essentially rigid supporting structure, for example, as a plate, which simultaneously serves as the back wall of the device. For better orientation, in the Figures Cartesian co-ordinates (x, y, z) are included, whereby the plate  1  always defines the x-y plane. On the plate  1 , at the fixing points  20 . 1 ,  20 . 2 , . . . pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . are attached. The pins, in essence, vertically protrude from a first side  11  of the plate  1 , therefore in z-direction. These pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . are used for plugging-in interchangeable modules (not shown in FIG. 1). On a first side  11  of the plate  1  other attachment points  20 . 51 ,  20 . 52 , . . . for pins are foreseeable. Preferably, these other attachment points  20 . 51 ,  20 . 52  . . . are arranged in a grid  21 , which is indicated in broken lines.. The attachment of the pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . is effected with known means of attachment, such as, for example, screws.  
         [0027]    On a first side  11  of the plate  1  elements are attached, which are necessary for the operation of the device. Such elements can be drive means  41 ,  42 , transmission means  51 - 56 , electric lines, electric and/or electronic components. Drive means  41 ,  42  produce forces and/or torques for the mechanical processing functions performed by the modules. For the processing function transportation, a single electric motor  41  is preferably present as a drive means. For the processing function sorting, at least one electro-magnetic switch  42  is present as a second drive means. Means of transmission  51 - 56  transmit forces and/or torques from the drive means  40 ,  41  into the modules and/or vice-versa. By the motor  41  toothed (synchronous) belts  51 . 1 ,  51 . 2  are driven as first means of transmission. The toothed (synchronous) belts  51 . 1 ,  51 . 2  run on deflection rollers  52 . 1 - 52 . 4  and move perforated wheels, resp., perforated wheel rims  53 . 1 ,  53 . 2 , . . . , which are preferably equipped with tapered bores  54 . The bores  54  receive correspondingly formed pins  55 . 1 ,  55 , 2 , . . . (illustrated in FIGS. 7-12), which are attached to the modules movably or rotatably. The tapered shape renders the relative positioning when inserting a module more easy. By the electromagnetic switch  42 , a lever  56  is driven as a further means of transmission. Means of transmission can be (not illustrated) drawbars, clutches, mechanical switches, shafts, pinions, gears, chains, etc. In the device in accordance with the invention it is attempted if at all possible to only transmit mechanical signals from the plate  1  to the modules; this ensures a high robustness of the device.  
         [0028]    A first type of electric lines  71  (FIG. 2) serves for the supply of electric power to the components, a second type of electric line  72  (FIG. 1) for the transmission of information between certain components; the two types of lines  71 ,  72  can also coincide. For example, the switch  42  of the sorting module needs information from the reading modules in order to decide which stack a certain bank note is to be brought to. The information processing, for example the processing of data from and to the user, the identification or examination of bank notes, the calculation of run times, control of switches, etc., takes place in at least one electronic component, for example, a micro-processor  81 . For the reasons outlined further above, it is advantageous if at all possible to avoid the use of electric cables. For this purpose, on the first side of the plate preferably printed circuit boards  82 . 1 - 82 . 3  with sockets  83  are attached, into which corresponding plugs fixed to certain modules (not illustrated) can be plugged.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the partially opened device of FIG. 1, but from the opposite or backside. On a second side  12  of the plate  1  further elements are attached which are necessary for the operation of the device. These can be means of transmission such as toothed (synchronous) belts  51 . 3 - 51 . 7  on deflection rollers  52 . 5 ,  52 . 6 , . . . These can also be electric components, e.g., a power supply unit  84 , which supplies the voltage required by other elements, and/or a further printed circuit board  82 . 4 . It is advantageous, if as many elements as possible are attached to the second side  12  of the plate  1 . This is because it is more easily accessible so that during maintenance work not even modules have to be removed from their places.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 in the same perspective view as FIG. 1 illustrates the plate  1  with inserted modules  31 - 36 . The modules  31 - 36  are interchangeable mobile parts, which can be inserted into the fixed part  1  of the device such that a desired operating sequence for the processing of the bank note-like objects (not shown on FIG. 3) can be carried out. In the example of FIG. 3, the desired operating sequence is as follows: the bank note-like objects, for example, different bank notes, initially are present in the form of a stack (not illustrated) in an inlet compartment  311  of an inlet and separating module  31 . The bank note-like objects are drawn into the device and separated from one another, read, deflected and transported, deflected once again, sorted and issued stacked.  
         [0031]    This processing sequence is composed of a sequence of completed processing functions, which respectively are carried out by one module  31 - 36 . Corresponding modules  31 - 36  are schematically illustrated in FIG. 3: an inlet and separating module  31  with an inlet compartment  311 , which serves as entrance of the device, a first transport module  32 . 1 , a first reading module  33 . 1 , a second reading module  33 . 2 , a first deflection module  34 . 1 , a second transport module  32 . 2  and a third transport module  32 . 3 , a second deflection module  34 . 2 , a sorting module  35 , a first stacking module  36 . 1  with an outlet compartment  361 . 1  and a second stacking module  36 . 2  with an outlet compartment  361 . 2 . The outlet compartments  361 . 1 ,  361 . 2  serve as exits from the device. A single reading module is sufficient, if only one side of the bank notes has to be read; this can be the case, if the bank notes only have to be identified, for example, for the purpose of subsequent sorting in the sorting module  35 . Two reading modules  33 . 1 ,  33 . 2  are necessary, if both sides of the bank notes have to be read. This is necessary, for example, if the bank notes have to be verified, i.e., examined. It is applicable in general that several reading modules  33 . 1 ,  33 . 2  increase the redundancy and with this the faultless operation and the security of the processing sequence.  
         [0032]    Protruding from the plate  1  are pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . , onto which the modules  31 - 36  can be plugged. For this purpose, the modules  31 - 36  are equipped with mouldings (grooves/contours) and/or apertures  22 . 1 ,  22 . 2 , . . . , into which the pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . are inserted. Such a plugging-in results in a simply, releasable, but nonetheless stable mechanical connection between the plate  1  and the modules  31 - 36 . The plate  1  in preference has a standardized or uniform grid  21  of attachment points  20 . 51 ,  20 . 52 , . . . for further pins. If so required, further pins can also be attached to the plate  1  and, vice-versa, others can be removed from the plate  1 . The distances between the mouldings and/or apertures  22 . 1 ,  22 . 2 , . . . in the modules  31 - 36  correspond to the spacing, preferably a standardized grid spacing, of the attachment points for pins  2 . 1 ,  2 . 2 , . . . The modules  31 - 36  therefore can be arranged on the plate  1  in a modular system with a great degree of freedom. For modules that require electric power such as, for example, a reading module  33 . 1 ,  33 . 2 , corresponding (outlined in FIG. 1) electrical means of connection  83 , for example sockets, are provided on the plate  1 , on printed circuit boards  82 . 1 - 82 . 3  or on other elements fixed to the plate  1 .  
         [0033]    In FIG. 4 a frontal view of a detail IV of FIG. 3 is depicted. This shows the attachment, resp., hooking on of two modules, for example, of the second transport module  32 . 2  and of the third transport module  32 . 3 . The two modules  32 . 2 ,  32 . 3  are plugged into two pins  2 . 5 ,  2 . 6  (as well as into other pins, which are not visible in FIG. 4), in that the pins  2 . 5 ,  2 . 6  are slid into mouldings  22 . 51 ,  22 . 52 ,  22 . 61 ,  22 . 62 . Each one of the two pins  2 . 5 ,  2 . 6  connects both modules  32 . 2 ,  32 . 3  with the plate  1 . Vice-versa, for the stable attachment of a module normally two, sometimes also more than two pins are required.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 5 shows, in the same view as FIG. 4, a detail V of the FIG. 3. Here one of the pins  2 . 7  connects the four modules  36 . 1 ,  36 . 2 ,  34 . 3 ,  35  with the plate  1 . Such an arrangement in a certain sense is even more advantageous than that of FIG. 4, because with it fewer pins are necessary for the attachment of the modules.  
         [0035]    The modules have standardized interfaces, at which the bank notes are transferred from one module to another. An exemplary embodiment of such an interface  30 , say between the inlet and separating module  31  and the first transport module  32 . 1  of the device of FIG. 3, is illustrated in cross section in FIG. 6. A bank note  100  is transported in the first transport module  32 . 1  through a first slot  312  in the inlet and separating module  31  and through a second slot  322  adjoining it. The direction of travel of the bank note  100  is indicated with an arrow  101 . The two slots  312 ,  322  communicate through the interface  30 . At the interface  30 , the inlet and separating module  31  has a wedge-shaped, elongated ridge  301 . The first transport module  32 . 1  at the corresponding place is equipped with an elongated groove  302  for accommodating the ridge  301 . The inter-meshing of ridge  301  and groove  302  provides an additional positioning aid for the two modules  31 ,  32 . 1  and ensures an impeccable transfer of the bank notes  100  from one module  31  into the other module  32 . 1  at the interface  30 . The device is conceived and built such that the interfaces  30  are correctly positioned relative to one another and such that transfers of bank notes are possible when the modules  31 - 36  are inserted into the device.  
         [0036]    The FIGS. 7-12 illustrate examples of different modules  31 - 36  that can be inserted into the device in accordance with the invention. In doing so, a movement of the (not depicted in FIG. 7-12) bank note-like objects, for example bank notes  100 , is schematically indicated with arrows  102 . The bank notes  100  typically move through the device with a speed of 600 to 1500 mm/sec; in doing so, the space between them amounts to approx. 20 to 50 mm. With these values, a typical flow rate of four to ten bank notes per second results. In part, mouldings or apertures for the plugging into pins  2 . 1 .,  2 . 2 , . . . (for example, shown in FIGS. 1-3) are visible. Also visible in part are pegs  55 . 1 ,  55 . 2 , . . . , which engage (visible in FIG. 1) perforated wheels, resp., wheel rims  53 . 1 ,  53 . 2 , . . . and in this manner transmit torques from the plate  1  into the modules  31 - 36 . Driven by these means of transmission are transport shafts  551 . 1 ,  551 . 2 , . . . and finally transport rollers  552 . 1 ,  552 . 2 , . . . which, by means of adhesive friction, effect the transportation of the bank notes  100 .  
         [0037]    In FIG. 7, a module  31  for the insertion and separation of bank notes  100  is illustrated. The bank notes  100  are placed in an inlet compartment  311  as a stack, individually drawn in by the module  31  and therefore separated from the stack and from one another. FIG. 8 shows a transport module  32  for the linear transportation of the bank notes  100 . By the module  33  of FIG. 9, the bank notes  100  are optically read, for example, with the help of (not visible in FIG. 9) CCD arrays and/or CCD matrices. FIG. 10 illustrates a deflection module  34 , which deflects the bank notes  100  by a certain angle α, for example, α=90°, relative to their original direction of movement  101 . 1 . The module  35  of FIG. 11 is a branching module, a sorting module or a switch point. Depending on the position of a switch  42  (depicted in FIG.  1 ), the movements of which are transmitted with the help of (indicated in FIG. 1) means of transmission  56  into the module  35 , the module  35  transfers a bank note  100  onwards in a first direction  101 . 2 , for example, undeflected, or in a second direction  101 . 3 , for example, deflected by 90°. Finally, in FIG. 12 a stacking module  36  is shown. The bank notes  100  are stacked in an outlet compartment  361  and can then be removed from this outlet compartment  361 .  
         [0038]    It is naturally contemplated that other modules, which are not described here, can be inserted into the device in accordance with the invention. Also the connection between modules and the fixed part can be implemented with other means.  
         [0039]    In the FIGS. 13-19, some details of certain modules of the device in accordance with the invention are dealt with.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a transport unit for the transportation of the bank note-like objects  100  within a module. It contains a (not indicated in FIGS. 13, 14) transport shaft  551  driven by drive means  41  and possibly present means of transmission  51 - 55  with preferably several transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4 , which act on the bank note-like objects  100  and effect their transportation through the transport unit. The transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4 , resp., their active surfaces, consist of a material that has a high adhesive friction coefficient versus the bank note-like objects  100 , for example, an elastomer. In order for an adhesive friction force on the bank note-like objects  100  in the direction of transport  101  to be able to become effective, the bank note-like objects  100  are, by means of several pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 2  acting in conjunction with the transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4  on preferably (not driven) pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4 , pressed against the transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4 . The gap between the transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4  and pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 4  has to be variable by at least the thickness d of the bank note-like objects  100 . For this purpose, the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 3  are suspended individually and movable perpendicular to the direction of transport  101  and relative to the pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4 . The direction of movement of the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 3  is indicated by a double arrow  555 . Such movable suspensions can be approximated by small rotations  555 ′ of the pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4  around a suspension axis  557  fixed in the device. The pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4  can be rotatably supported, for example, in suspension elements  556 . 1 - 556 . 4 , which are hooked onto the suspension axis  557 . In a particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4  can also be manufactured as a single part together with the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 4  and made, for example, from a plastic material.  
         [0041]    On the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 4 , the pressure shafts  553 . 1 - 553 . 4 , resp., the suspension elements  556 . 1 - 556 . 4 , in the direction of the transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4  retro-acting or biasing forces F R  should be exerted. Usually in the case of known devices the retro-acting forces F R  are exerted with several helical springs. Such an arrangement, however, is complicated, expensive and susceptible to malfunction. In the device in accordance with the invention, the retro-acting forces F R  are produced by a reversibly compressible foam material element  558 . The foam material element  558  is in preference at least as long (in the z-direction) as the total length of all rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4 , resp.,  554 . 1 - 554 . 4 . The foam material element  558  is held in a holder  559  and supported versus a module housing  371 . This pressure unit in accordance with the invention has the advantages of being simple, cheap and not susceptible to malfunction. A single foam material element  558  is sufficient to exert retro-acting force F R  on every pressure roller  554 . 1 - 554 . 4  individually. Apart from this, the foam material element  558  not only supplies the retro-acting forces F R , but also desirable damping, so that the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 4  maintain the desired, variable working gap to the transport rollers  552 . 1 - 552 . 4  without vibrating.  
         [0042]    Such a pressure unit with at least one foam material element can of course be utilized not only in a transport unit, but also in other units. Thus, the pressure rollers  554 . 1 - 554 . 4  can also push the bank note-like objects  100  against other elements, such as, for example, a reading window of a reading module  33 .  
         [0043]    At certain points of the device, position sensors are required in order to determine whether a bank note-like object is present at a certain point at a certain time. Known devices utilize optical light barriers for this purpose. The disadvantage of such light barriers is that they are mounted close to the passage of the bank note-like objects and, as a result, are quickly contaminated with dirt, which impairs their operability. The invention solves this problem, in that the presence of a bank note-like object is mechanically detected. Optical sensors are located at a distance from the passage of the bank note-like objects or screened, in preference even attached outside a module.  
         [0044]    An embodiment of such a position sensor  60  of the device in accordance with the invention is depicted in the FIGS. 15 and 16 in longitudinal section, similar to the depiction of FIG. 14, and in FIG. 17 in a perspective view. The position sensor  60  contains mechanical detection elements  62 . 1 - 62 . 5 , and at least one proximity element  64  connected with the detecting elements  62 . 1 - 52 . 5 . The detecting elements  62 . 1 - 62 . 5  and the proximity element  64  in this exemplary embodiment are located on a detecting shaft  61 , rigidly connected with it and rotatable. The detecting elements  62 . 1 - 62 . 5 , for example, have the shape of sensing fingers bent towards their ends. Apart from this, the position sensor  60  contains a measuring element  63 , which acts in conjunction with the proximity element  64  and transmits an electric output signal dependent on the position of the proximity element  64  to an electric line  634 . In doing this, the measuring element  63 , e.g., as in the FIGS. 15-17, can be a light barrier with a light source  631 , a photo-detector  633  and a light path  632  between them. The light path  632  is interruptible by the proximity element  64 . The measuring element  63 , however, can also be implemented as a proximity switch, etc. Important is the fact that the measuring element  63  is located at a distance from the passage of the bank note-like objects  100  or else screened and inaccessible to contamination with dirt. In the present invention this is achieved by locating the measuring element  63  on the first side  11  of the plate  1  (refer to FIG. 1), for example, oil a printed circuit board  82 . 1 - 82 . 3 . The proximity element  64  therefore transmits a mechanical signal from the respective module to the plate  1  and only on the plate  1  is the mechanical signal converted into an electric one. Contamination with dirt of the mechanical detecting elements  62 . 1 - 62 . 5  does not impair the function of the robust position sensor  60 .  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 15 and 17 illustrate the position sensor  60  in a position of rest wherein no bank note-like object  100  is at the measuring point  65 , i.e., in the zone of the rollers  552 ,  554 . The measuring element  63  is in a first condition, in this example of an embodiment the light path  632  of the light barrier is not interrupted. FIG. 16 shows the position sensor  60  in a deflected position, in which a bank note-like object  100  is located at the measuring point  65 . The measuring element  63  is in a second condition wherein the light path  632  of the light barrier is interrupted by the proximity element  64 , and the output signal of the measuring element  63  is a different one from that in the first condition. In the deflected position, a retro-acting or biasing torque on the detecting elements  62 . 1 - 62 . 5 , indicated with an arrow  66 , is present. Therefore, as soon as the bank note-like object  100  is removed from the measuring point  65 , the position sensor returns to the rest position shown in FIGS. 15 and 17.  
         [0046]    A further aspect of the invention concerns a feeder -, resp., individualizing unit for the bank note-like objects  100 . 1 ,  100 . 2 , . . . An embodiment of such a feeder unit, with which the inlet and separating module  31  is equipped, is illustrated in the FIGS. 18 and 19. Bank note-like objects, e.g., bank notes  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . lie on an inlet ramp  380  in form of a stack. By a pressure force F A  the bank note-like objects  100 . 3 ,  100 . 4 , . . . are pressed against feeder rollers located at the height of the bank notes, preferably several feeder rollers  382 . 1 - 382 . 4 . The pressure force F A  can be produced by a suitable mechanism or also by the force of gravity. The bank note in front  100 . 1  by means of feeder rollers  382 . 1 - 382 . 2  driven by the feeder shaft  381  by sliding or adhesive friction is accelerated in the direction of several transport rollers  384 . 1 - 384 . 4 . The transport rollers  384 . 1 - 384 . 4  are driven by a transport shaft  383  and, similar as in the transport unit of the FIGS. 13 and 14, work in conjunction with pressure rollers  386 . 1 - 386 . 4 . The pressure rollers  386 . 1 - 386 . 4  are movably suspended, and retro-acting or biasing forces F R  in the direction of the transport rollers  384 . 1 - 384 . 4  act on them. The retro-acting forces F R  are in preference produced by the mechanism in accordance with the invention described on the occasion of the FIGS. 13 and 14 (not illustrated here anymore).  
         [0047]    In order to ensure that only a single bank note  100 . 1  and not several bank notes together are drawn in, the feeder unit in preference is equipped with several, in essence stationary, not rotating retaining rollers  388 . 1 - 388 . 4 . The retaining rollers  388 . 1 - 388 . 4  are located on a retaining shaft  387  and are sporadically or continually, but very slowly (compared with the rotation speed of the transport rollers  384 . 1 - 384 . 4 ) rotated, in order to prevent a non-uniform wear of their surface. The retaining rollers  388 . 1 - 388 . 4  usually by sliding or adhesive friction, prevent more than a first bank note  100 . 1 , i.e., a second (and further) bank note  100 . 2 , from being drawn in. In the known feeder units, the retaining rollers and the transport rollers are offset relative to one another, and only the pressure rollers lie opposite the transport rollers (such as in FIG. 14). This leads to the fact, that a drawn-in bank note is undulated or deformed in the z-direction, which represents a considerable disadvantage for the subsequent processing functions, such as transportation or reading. Apart from this, it happens from time to time, that undesirably several bank notes are drawn in at the same time.  
         [0048]    The feeder unit in accordance with the invention avoids these disadvantages, in that every retaining roller  388 . 1 - 388 . 4  lies opposite a transport roller  384 . 1 - 384 . 4 . In this, the gap a between the retaining rollers  388 . 1 - 388 . 4  and the transport rollers  384 . 1 - 384 . 4  has to be adjusted fairly accurately to the bank note thickness d, i.e., in any case it must be applicable, that:  
           d≦a&lt; 2 d.    
         [0049]    This requirement for enhanced precision at first sight would appear to be disadvantageous in comparison with the prior art. However, one the foregoing equation one acquires two essential advantages: first of all no waviness of the drawn-in bank notes, and secondly a guaranteed individualization of the bank notes when drawn in.  
         [0050]    In the example of an embodiment illustrated here, one pressure roller  386 . 1  and one retaining roller  388 . 1  are respectively located opposite a transport roller  384 . 1 . It would also be possible that, for example, a pressure roller would be alternately located opposite a first transport roller and subsequently a retaining roller would be located opposite a second transport roller. It goes without saying, that in accordance with the invention also more than four feeder, transport, pressure, and/or retaining rollers can be present.  
         [0051]    What an embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention could look like from outside, is illustrated in FIG. 20. The device is enclosed by a housing  9 . Visible from outside are the inlet compartment  311  and, for example, two outlet compartments  361 . 1 ,  361 . 2 . For communication with a user, an operating unit  90  can be foreseen. The operating unit  90  can contain an output unit, for example, a monitor screen or an LCD display, and/or an input unit, for example, a keyboard. In the example of an embodiment presented here, input and output unit are combined and implemented as a touch-sensitive screen  91  (touch-screen).

Technology Classification (CPC): 1