Numbering unit with universal lower part for vertical and horizontal numbering units

Abstract

The invention relates to a numbering unit (1, 101, 102) comprising an upper part (2, 211, 212) and a lower part (3), said numbering unit having a universal lower part (3) which is designed to receive both an upper part (212) of a vertical numbering unit (102) as well as an upper part (211) of a horizontal numbering unit (101). The invention additionally relates to a universal lower part (3) for a numbering unit (1, 101, 102), to an upper part (212) for a vertical numbering unit (102), to an upper part (211) for a horizontal numbering unit (101), to a set consisting of a universal lower part (3), at least one vertical upper part (212), and at least one horizontal upper part (211), and to a numbering machine comprising a numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to the invention or a set according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a numbering device according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the numbering device comprises an upper part and a lower part.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a universal lower part designed for a numbering unit according to claim 12, an upper part designed for a vertical numbering unit or an upper part designed for a horizontal numbering unit according to claim 13, a set formed from the aforementioned parts according to claim 14, and a numbering machine according to claim 15 with a numbering unit or a set according to the invention.

[0003] Numbering systems are generally known from EP 2 657 022 A1, EP 0 718 112 A1, DE 295 01 349 U1, DE 44 46 273 A1, DE 10 2006 052 183 A1 and DE 10 2011 100 847 A1.

[0004] Such numbering devices are used primarily for applying, and especially printing, a security feature onto security documents. In this context, the numbering device can also be referred to as a numbering printing device or printing device.

[0005] In particular, well-known numbering systems are used to apply serial numbers to security documents, especially banknotes.

[0006] In a common arrangement, a numbering unit is reversibly mounted—that is, permanently fixed but detachable as needed—on a retaining ring of a numbering machine (printing press). The numbering unit sits on the outside of the retaining ring, and the typewheels of the unit are located on the side facing away from the retaining ring. The retaining ring is typically mounted on a numbering shaft of the numbering machine. Furthermore, the numbering units are located on the outside of the retaining ring.

[0007] The sheet to be printed (in particular a sheet of paper with banknotes to be numbered) is then fed to the numbering machine. In the numbering machine, the retaining ring with the numbering units fixed to the outside of the ring rolls along the sheet to be printed, whereby the individual security documents are each provided with a security feature, in particular a serial number, by the individual numbering units. Typically, a plurality of retaining rings per numbering shaft and a plurality of numbering units per retaining ring are provided, namely distributed around the circumference of the retaining ring. This is known in itself and is not the subject of the present invention.

[0008] In general, numbering units also have a mechanism that advances the set serial number by one unit at a desired position after each printing operation, or with each revolution of the unit including the retaining ring, so that the next document can be printed with a free or subsequent serial number. For this purpose, the relevant typewheel of the numbering unit is rotated one position. This is known in itself and is not the subject of the present invention.

[0009] The numbering mechanism can be divided into two parts, consisting of an upper and a lower section. The lower section can be securely but releasably fixed to the retaining ring, particularly by means of a clamp.

[0010] The upper part of the numbering unit typically contains the typewheels and the entire numbering mechanism, which is known in itself. These parts must be designed to be quickly removable from the retaining ring in order to avoid excessively long downtime of the numbering machine when a replacement of the numbering mechanism is necessary, e.g., due to defects, wear, or a change in the print job.

[0011] The lower part of the numbering mechanism can remain on the retaining ring, and only the upper part needs to be removed and, if necessary, replaced. This ensures that the position of the numbering mechanism on the retaining ring remains unchanged, and the clamping connection between the numbering mechanism and the retaining ring does not need to be loosened.

[0012] Removing the lower part from the retaining ring for the purpose of replacing a numbering unit is disadvantageous and should be avoided, as the positioning of the lower part on the retaining ring must be achieved with extremely tight tolerances. Therefore, replacing the entire numbering unit would require an unacceptably long time.

[0013] Furthermore, both vertical and horizontal numbering systems exist. A vertical numbering system places a string of characters on the document that extends in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring. A horizontal numbering system places a string of characters on the document that extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring.

[0014] The choice between a vertical or horizontal serial number depends on the orientation in which a string of characters must be printed on the document. Many banknotes bear both a vertically and a horizontally oriented serial number, so both types of serial numbers can be used in their production. Other banknotes bear only vertical or horizontal serial numbers.

[0015] When changing the print job, which involves a change between vertical and horizontal (or vice versa) numbering units, the entire numbering units, including the lower part, have previously had to be removed from the retaining ring and replaced by complete numbering units of the other type, including the lower part.

[0016] Therefore, a separate base unit must be procured for each numbering unit, which increases the investment costs.

[0017] Due to the unavoidable removal of the lower part from the retaining ring in the event of a replacement, the new numbering mechanism of the other type must always be laboriously repositioned on the retaining ring, even if it could remain in the same position as the previously used mechanism.

[0018] The present invention is based on the objective of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0019] Furthermore, the task is to ensure a simple, rapid, cost-effective and error-free consideration of changes between different numbering system types when using numbering systems.

[0020] This problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0021] A universal lower part according to the invention, designed for such a numbering device, is described with the features of claim 12.

[0022] An upper part according to the invention designed for a vertical numbering unit or an upper part according to the invention designed for a horizontal numbering unit is described with the features of claim 13.

[0023] Claim 14 describes a set comprising a universal lower part according to the invention, at least one upper part according to the invention designed for a vertical numbering unit, and at least one upper part according to the invention designed for a horizontal numbering unit.

[0024] Claim 15 specifies a numbering machine according to the invention, comprising a numbering unit or a set according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0025] The lower part according to the invention is designed in the connection area to the upper part in such a way that it can accommodate both the upper part of a vertical and the upper part of a horizontal numbering device.

[0026] The upper parts according to the invention are each designed in the connection area to the lower part in such a way that each upper part, be it that of a vertical or a horizontal numbering device, fits onto the lower part according to the invention and can be arranged or fixed there reversibly.

[0027] Therefore, only one sub-component needs to be procured at a time, which significantly reduces investment costs. The sub-components are interchangeable and essentially permanently reusable. No additional sub-components for numbering units of the other type need to be procured and stored.

[0028] Provided that the respective print job allows or provides for it, the respective lower part can remain in its position on the retaining ring when changing the type and therefore does not need to be repositioned.

[0029] This ensures that changes between different numbering system types are easily, quickly, cost-effectively and without errors when using numbering systems.

[0030] The following section will discuss the aspects of the invention in more detail, with reference in part to non-limiting advantageous embodiments, further developments and exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0031] Preferably, the lower part is fixed to a retaining ring of a numbering machine, but can be reattached in a way that allows it to be removed.

[0032] It is further preferred that the lower part of the numbering unit is designed in such a way that it can be clamped to a retaining ring of a numbering machine.

[0033] According to another advantageous embodiment, the lower part can remain on the retaining ring of a numbering machine in the event of a replacement of the upper part.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lower part has a clamping lever with an opposing clamping hook, the mutual tension of which allows the lower part to be fixed onto a retaining ring of a numbering machine. Preferably, screws extend through the clamping hook into the lower part.

[0035] A particularly preferred embodiment is one in which the lower part can remain on the retaining ring of a numbering machine in the event of a change in the type of numbering unit, namely between a vertical numbering unit and a horizontal numbering unit.

[0036] The numbering mechanism can be a vertical numbering mechanism and have a top part which applies a string of characters to a document to be printed, extending in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring.

[0037] Alternatively, the numbering device can be a horizontal numbering device and have a top part which applies a string of characters to a document to be printed, extending perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring.

[0038] Preferably, the respective upper part is designed in the connection area to the lower part in such a way that it fits onto the lower part and can be reversibly arranged and / or fixed there.

[0039] The universal lower part is designed in the connection area to the upper part in such a way that it can accommodate both the upper part of a vertical numbering unit and the upper part of a horizontal numbering unit.

[0040] It is further preferred that the lower part can be fixed in a single intended orientation on the retaining ring of a numbering machine, and in this orientation can accommodate both the upper part of a vertical numbering unit and the upper part of a horizontal numbering unit in order to provide a vertical numbering unit or a horizontal numbering unit.

[0041] A particularly preferred embodiment of the numbering device according to the invention is one in which the upper part has a numbering mechanism.

[0042] Preferably, the upper part of the numbering mechanism has type wheels.

[0043] Such typewheels, when the numbering unit is properly fixed to the retaining ring of a numbering machine, can be arranged side by side in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring. This results in a top part for a vertical numbering unit, or such a vertical numbering unit itself.

[0044] Alternatively, if the numbering unit is properly fixed to the retaining ring of a numbering machine, the type wheels can be arranged side by side, perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring. This results in a top part for a horizontal numbering unit, or such a horizontal numbering unit itself.

[0045] A preferred embodiment is one in which a clamping fixation can be produced or is produced between the upper part and the lower part of the numbering mechanism.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the upper part can be fixed to the lower part, in particular the lower part being arranged on a retaining ring of a numbering machine, by forming a clamping connection, and can be removed from the lower part by releasing the clamping connection.

[0047] Preferably, the upper part can have at least one, preferably two, more preferably two opposing, clamping levers.

[0048] It proves advantageous if the clamping levers extend from the upper part into a recess, undercut, groove or the like in the lower part, and can thus fix, secure or clamp the upper part to the lower part.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the lower part can also have at least one, preferably two, more preferably two opposing, clamping levers.

[0050] The clamping levers can preferably extend from the lower part into a recess, undercut, groove or the like in the upper part, thus fixing, securing or clamping the upper part to the lower part.

[0051] It is advantageous if two tiltable clamping levers are arranged diagonally opposite each other on the upper part and / or on the lower part.

[0052] In a further preferred embodiment, a spring is arranged between a clamping lever and the part, i.e. upper part or lower part, to which the clamping lever is assigned, which preloads the clamping lever and thus prevents the upper part or lower part from detaching from the opposite part (lower part or upper part) when the clamping lever is engaged.

[0053] Preferably, by actuating the clamping lever against the force of the spring, the clamping lever can be pivoted away from the opposite part, and thus the upper part and the lower part can be removed from each other.

[0054] Preferably, in the event of removal of the actuation of the clamping lever, the clamping lever can pivot into the opposite part and can thus fix and / or clamp the upper part to the lower part.

[0055] Advantageously, the clamping levers can each have an actuating section for actuation by a user and a hook section for engagement with the opposite part.

[0056] Preferably, a clamping lever can engage with its hook section in a lateral recess in the lower part.

[0057] Preferably, the clamping levers can be arranged essentially vertically.

[0058] For defined positioning, the underside of the upper part can engage with a nose in a central groove of the lower part. Figuren

[0059] In addition to the already discussed advantageous designs and further developments of the teaching, the drawing will show, to the extent of Figuren 1A , 1B , 2A und 2BFurther embodiments of the invention, as illustrated, are explained in more detail below. However, the examples discussed with reference to the drawing do not limit the invention to those shown. The discussion of the embodiments with reference to the drawing also generally highlights preferred embodiments and further developments of the teaching.

[0060] Further developments of the advantageous embodiments described above, incorporating features of the exemplary embodiments described below, constitute, just like further developments of the exemplary embodiments described below incorporating features of the embodiments described above, expressly further advantageous embodiments of the invention and are thus part of the present disclosure.

[0061] Regarding the following explanation of the figures, it should be noted that reference symbols already shown in previous figures and explained above have, for the sake of clarity, sometimes not been repeated in subsequent figures and / or are not explained again with reference to these subsequent figures. For the explanation of such reference symbols and their associated technical characteristics, please refer in full to the descriptions of the corresponding preceding figures to avoid repetition. They show:

[0062] Figur 1A A preferred embodiment of the numbering device according to the invention, which here is a horizontal numbering device and has an upper part and a universal lower part according to the invention. Figur 1B the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1A in an exploded view, with the upper and lower parts of the numbering mechanism shown separated from each other, Figur 2A Another preferred embodiment of the numbering device according to the invention, wherein a vertical numbering device is implemented, and Figur 2B the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2A in an exploded view, with the upper and lower parts of the numbering mechanism shown separated from each other.

[0063] Fig. 1A Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a numbering device 1 according to the invention, comprising an upper part 2 and a lower part 3. The numbering device 1 is here a horizontal numbering device 101 and thus has a horizontal upper part 211 and a universal lower part 3 according to the invention.

[0064] The universal base 3 is shown here reversibly fixed to the retaining ring 4 of a numbering machine (not shown). Screws 5 extend through the clamping hook 6A on the front side. The clamping lever 6B on the opposite side clamps the clamping hook 6A and the clamping lever 6B against each other, thus fixing the universal base 3 to the retaining ring 4.

[0065] In the upper part 2, 211, two diagonally opposed clamping levers 7 are arranged to tilt. The clamping levers 7 run essentially vertically and have an actuating section 701 for the user at the top and a hook section 702 at the bottom (see figure). Fig. 1B ) for the intervention in the lower part 3.

[0066] Between the upper part 2, 211 and the clamping levers 7, at least one spring 8 acts, which pre-tensions a clamping lever 7 in a suitable manner.

[0067] Similarly, the clamping lever 6B of the lower part 3, which acts on the retaining ring 4, is pre-tensioned by its own springs. Therefore, a reversible fixing of the lower part 3 on the retaining ring 4 is also provided here.

[0068] The upper part 2, 211 includes the numbering mechanism 21 with the type wheels 22.

[0069] By actuating the clamping lever 7 against the force of the spring 8, the user can pivot the clamping lever 7 away from the lower part 3 and thus very quickly remove the upper part 2, 211 from the lower part 3. Conversely, the upper part 2, 211 can be brought towards the lower part 3 and positioned or locked onto it. By releasing the actuating force on the clamping lever 7, they then pivot into the lower part 3, thus fixing and / or clamping the upper part 2, 211 to the lower part 3. This connection between the upper part 2, 211 and the lower part 3 can also be established in just a few seconds.

[0070] The type wheels 22 of the upper part 2 are arranged here such that they print a string of characters on the document to be printed (not shown), which extends perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the retaining ring 4. Therefore, this is a horizontal numbering unit 101 with a horizontal upper part 211.

[0071] Fig. 1B shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 1A in an exploded view, showing upper part 2, 211 and lower part 3 of the numbering unit 1, 101 separated from each other.

[0072] Here it can be clearly seen that the underside 201 of the upper part 2, 211 engages with a lug 202 in a central groove 301 of the lower part 3. The clamping levers 7, whose lower hook section 702 is clearly visible here, also engage in further suitable lateral recesses 302 or grooves in the lower part 3.

[0073] The universal lower part 3 has a total of four suitably shaped projections, pins or hooks on its upper surface. These form a total of three longitudinal and one transverse grooves 301 or recesses 302 in which the upper part 2, 211 or the clamping levers 7 can engage in a suitable manner.

[0074] Specifically, both the nose 202 and the middle groove 301 have a corresponding cross shape, meaning that the nose 202 and the middle groove 301 each have portions oriented at right angles to each other. When brought into contact with the lower part 3, this inevitably leads to an exact positioning of the upper part 2, 211 relative to the lower part 3, since, at right angles to the underside 201 of the upper part 2, 211, there are no longer any degrees of freedom in positioning the upper part 2, 211.

[0075] Fig. 2A Figure 1 shows another preferred embodiment of the numbering device 1 according to the invention. The type wheels 22 of the upper part 2 are, in contrast to Fig. 1A and 1B Here, however, they are arranged such that they print a string of characters on the document to be printed (not shown), which extends in the circumferential direction of the retaining ring 4. Therefore, this is a vertical numbering unit 102 with a vertical upper part 212 on a universal lower part 3 according to the invention.

[0076] The numbering mechanism 1, 102 thus has an upper part 212, which differs from the upper part 211. Fig. 1A and 1B differs. The upper part 212 is, however, mounted and fixed on the same universal lower part 3 as the upper part 211 of the horizontal numbering unit 101 from the Fig. 1A and 1B .

[0077] Thus, the size and shape of the underside 201 correspond to the upper part 212. Fig. 2A exactly the size and shape of the underside 201 of the upper part 211 from the Fig. 1A and 1B This allows either the upper part 211 of the horizontal numbering unit 101 or the upper part 212 of the vertical numbering unit 102 to be placed on the same universal lower part 3 and fixed or clamped there.

[0078] Fig. 2B shows the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2A in an exploded view, where the upper part 2, 212 and the lower part 3 of the numbering unit 1, 102 are shown separated from each other. Here it becomes particularly clear that the correlation or fit between the upper part 212 and the universal lower part 3 of the vertical numbering unit 102 is exactly the same as that between the upper part 211 and the universal lower part 3 of the horizontal numbering unit 101. Fig. 1A and 1B corresponds. Bezugszeichenliste

[0079] 1numbering unit 101horizontal numbering unit 102vertical numbering unit 2Top part, upper part (numbering unit) 211horizontal top part 212vertical top part 21Numbering mechanism (top part) 22Type wheel (top part) 201Bottom (top part) 202Nose (top part) 3 Lower part, universal lower part (numbering unit) 301 Middle groove (lower part) 302 Side recess (lower part) 4 Retaining ring (numbering machine) 5 Screw (lower part) 6 A Clamping hook (lower part) 6 B Clamping lever (lower part) 7 Tension lever 701 Actuating section (tension lever) 702 Hook section (tension lever) 8 Spring (tension lever)

Claims

1. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) comprising an upper part (2, 211, 212) and a lower part (3), characterized by a universal lower part (3) which is configured to receive both an upper part (212) of a vertical numbering unit (102) and an upper part (211) of a horizontal numbering unit (101), wherein a vertical numbering unit (102) applies to a document to be printed a character string which extends in the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, and a horizontal numbering unit (101) applies to a document to be printed a character string which extends perpendicularly to the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, when the respective numbering unit (102, 101) is arranged on the mounting ring (4) of the numbering machine, and wherein the connecting portion, namely the upper side, of the universal lower part (3) to the upper part (2, 211, 212) is designed in such a way that it can receive both the upper part (212) of a vertical numbering unit (102) and the upper part (211) of a horizontal numbering unit (101), wherein the size and shape of the underside (201) of the vertical upper part (212) correspond exactly to the size and shape of the underside (201) of the horizontal upper part (211), so that the fit between the vertical upper part (212) and the universal lower part (3) of the vertical numbering unit (102) corresponds exactly to the fit between the horizontal upper part (211) and the universal lower part (3) of the horizontal numbering unit (101).

2. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower part (3) is configured be fixed firmly, but detachably, to a mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, and / or that the lower part (3) is configured be clamped to a mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, in particular wherein the lower part (3) comprises a clamping lever (6B) with an opposing clamping hook (6A), through the mutual tensioning of which the lower part (3) can be fixed to a mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine.

3. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper part (2, 211, 212) of the numbering unit (1, 101, 102) is replaceable while the lower part (3) is arranged on the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, in particular wherein a change in the type of numbering unit (1, 101, 102), namely between a vertical numbering unit (102) and a horizontal numbering unit (101), is executable while the lower part (3) is arranged on the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine.

4. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the numbering unit (1) is a vertical numbering unit (102), and comprises an upper part (212) which applies to a document to be printed a character string which extends in the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4), or that the numbering unit (1) is a horizontal numbering unit (101), and comprises an upper part (211) which applies to a document to be printed a character string which extends perpendicularly to the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4).

5. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to claim 4, characterized in that the respective upper part (211, 212) is reversibly arrangeable and fixable on the lower part (3).

6. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lower part (3) is configured to be fixed in a single intended orientation on the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, and in this orientation receive both the upper part (212) of a vertical numbering unit (102) and the upper part (211) of a horizontal numbering unit (101), in order to provide a vertical numbering unit (102) and a horizontal numbering unit (101), respectively.

7. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the upper part (2, 211, 212) comprises a numbering mechanism (21), and / or that the upper part (2, 211, 212) comprises type wheels (22).

8. Numbering unit (1, 102) according to claim 7, characterized in that the type wheels (22) are arranged side by side as seen in the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, or that the type wheels (22) are arranged side by side as seen perpendicularly to the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine.

9. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the upper part (2, 211, 212) is configured to be fixed to the lower part (3), in particular to the lower part (3) being arranged on a mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, by establishing a clamping connection, and is configured to be removed from the lower part (3) by releasing the clamping connection, wherein the upper part (2, 211, 212) comprises at least one, preferably two, more preferably two opposing, tensioning levers (7), and / or wherein the lower part (3) comprises at least one, preferably two, more preferably two opposing, tensioning levers (7).

10. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to claim 9, characterized in that tensioning levers (7) each extend from the upper part (2, 211, 212) into a recess (302), an undercut, or a groove in the lower part (3), and can thus secure, fix or clamp the upper part (2, 211, 212) on the lower part (3), and / or that tensioning levers (7) each extend from the lower part (3) into a recess, an undercut, or a groove in the upper part (2, 211, 212), and can thus secure, fix or clamp the upper part (2, 211, 212) on the lower part (3).

11. Numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the underside (201) of the upper part (2, 211, 212) engages with a lug (202) in a central groove (301) of the lower part (3).

12. Universal lower part (3) configured for a numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Upper part (212) configured for a vertical numbering unit (102) according to claim 4, which is configured to apply to a document to be printed a character string which extends in the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine, or upper part (211) configured for a horizontal numbering unit (101) according to claim 4, which is configured to apply to a document to be printed a character string which extends perpendicularly to the circumferential direction of the mounting ring (4) of a numbering machine.

14. Set comprising a universal lower part (3) according to claim 12, at least one upper part (212) according to the first alternative of claim 13, and at least one upper part (211) according to the second alternative of claim 13.

15. Numbering machine, characterized by a numbering unit (1, 101, 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or by a set according to claim 14.

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