Transport unit for a device for handling vouchers

Abstract

A transport unit (200, 400, 800, 1000) for a device (100) for handling banknotes comprises a first transport path limiting element (202, 1006) and a second transport path limiting element (204, 1008), which are arranged and spaced apart from each other such that a transport path (206, 1004) is formed between the transport path limiting elements (202, 204, 1006, 1008) and banknotes (13) can be transported along the transport path (206, 1004). Furthermore, the transport unit comprises at least one sensor (210, 1010) for detecting security features of the banknotes (13).Furthermore, the transport unit comprises at least one guide element (208, 1002) which is movably arranged and is movable between at least two positions, wherein in a first position the guide element (208, 1002) is at least partially arranged in the transport path (206, 1004) and is designed to limit the height of the transport path (206, 1004) in a detection area of ​​the sensor (210, 1010) to a first distance and in a second position the guide element (208, 1002) is not arranged in the transport path (206, 1004).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a transport unit for a device for handling notes of value, as well as to a method for removing a jam of notes of value in the transport unit.

[0002] In devices for handling valuables, the transport of valuables within the device can lead to valuables jams. These jams can occur, for example, due to jamming or diagonal pulling of one or more valuables in the device's transport unit. A valuables jam can then lead to a blockage of a transport path in the device's transport unit.

[0003] It is known that banknote jams can be largely avoided by generously dimensioning the device's transport paths. In particular, the transport paths can be designed so that they are high enough to transport even crumpled notes of value without causing a banknote jam. This also allows multiple notes of value that could not be separated to be safely transported along the transport paths without causing banknote jams.

[0004] However, it is not always possible to ensure a sufficient height for the transport path. To ensure the successful detection of security-relevant features, for example, it is necessary to guide valuables at a short distance over corresponding sensors. In some sections of the transport path, the height of the transport path must be significantly reduced. Depending on the condition of the valuables being transported, these bottlenecks offer a high potential for valuables jams. If a valuables jam occurs at these bottlenecks, the problem remains that these valuables jams cannot be cleared without intervention by maintenance personnel, thus rendering the device unusable and requiring interruption.

[0005] Document US 2016 / 335825 A1 discloses a transport unit with a roller element movably arranged in a transport path. Using the roller element, the height of the transport path can be varied within a detection range of a sensor.

[0006] Document US 2015 / 210495 A1 discloses a document inspection device with a ramp movably arranged in a transport path. The ramp allows the height of the transport path to be varied within a detection range of a sensor.

[0007] The object of the invention is to provide a transport unit for a device for handling notes of value and a method for clearing a note jam that can prevent or eliminate a note jam at narrow points. This object is achieved by a transport unit having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 11. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] A transport unit according to the invention for a device for handling notes of value comprises a first transport path limiting element and a second transport path limiting element, which are arranged and spaced apart from one another such that a transport path is formed between the transport path limiting elements and notes of value can be transported along the transport path. Furthermore, the transport unit comprises at least one sensor configured to detect at least one security feature of the notes of value transported along the transport path.Furthermore, the transport unit comprises at least one guide element which is movably arranged and movable at least between two positions, wherein the guide element is arranged at least partially in the transport path in a first position and is further designed to limit the height of the transport path in a detection range of the sensor to a first distance, wherein the guide element is not arranged in the transport path in a second position.

[0009] When transporting a note of value, the transport path limitation elements are located in particular opposite the front and back of the note of value.

[0010] The guide element allows a note of value to be guided particularly close to the sensor during transport along the transport route.

[0011] It is particularly preferred if the detection area of the sensor is directed at least through an opening in the first transport path limiting element onto the transport path. This allows security features of the note of value to be determined particularly accurately and reliably.

[0012] The sensor is preferably a magnetic sensor. This allows magnetic security features of the note, especially magnetic inks, to be detected.

[0013] Preferably, the sensor is arranged flush with a side of the first transport path limiting element facing the transport path. This ensures safe transport of the notes of value along the transport path.

[0014] It is advantageous if, in the first position, the guide element protrudes into the transport path through at least one opening in the second transport path limiting element. This allows the guide element to be positioned opposite the sensor in the transport path and guide notes of value close to the sensor.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous if the second transport path limiting element is set back from the transport path in the region of the opening, in particular is concave, and the guide element, in its second position, is arranged at least partially flush with a side of the second transport path limiting element facing the transport path in this region. This allows the guide element to variably either form a constriction or open the transport path.

[0016] It is advantageous if a contact region of the guide element for contact with the note of value is arranged so as to be movable transversely to a transport direction of the notes of value along the transport path between the first and second positions. In particular, the guide element extends substantially across the width of the transport path transversely to the transport direction. Furthermore, the contact region has a convex shape, particularly on a side facing the transport path. This allows the note of value to be guided past the sensor particularly reliably during transport along the transport path, especially when the guide element is in its first position.

[0017] It is advantageous if the guide element is held in the first position by a spring force exerted by a spring element, or if it is spring-mounted. This allows the guide element to be moved, particularly by bent notes or during multiple withdrawals, thus preventing a banknote jam in the area of the guide element.

[0018] It is advantageous if the guide element can be moved at least to the second position using a lifting magnet. This allows the guide element to be moved particularly flexibly.

[0019] It is advantageous if the guide element can be moved at least between the first and second positions by means of a motor. This allows the guide element to be moved particularly flexibly.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor and the guide element are arranged along a plane transversely or perpendicularly to the transport path. In particular, the detection range of the sensor extends across at least part of the width of the transport path. This ensures that the note of value is guided past the sensor particularly securely during transport along the transport path.

[0021] Preferably, the first distance has a value in a range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular 1 mm. In particular, this also corresponds to a distance between the sensor and the conducting element or the contact area of the conducting element. This enables particularly precise detection of the security features of the note by the sensor.

[0022] According to the invention, the first transport path limiting element is spaced from the second transport path limiting element in a first transport path region arranged upstream of the detection region of the sensor in the transport direction by a distance of 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, in particular 3 mm, and the first transport path limiting element is spaced from the second transport path limiting element in a second transport path region arranged downstream of the detection region in the transport direction by a distance of 1 mm to 2 mm, in particular 1.5 mm. This allows additional sensors downstream of the guide element in the transport direction to particularly reliably detect features of the note of value.

[0023] The transport unit preferably comprises a second sensor configured to detect at least one security feature of notes of value transported through the second transport path area. The second sensor can, in particular, be an optical sensor. This enables particularly secure verification of the note of value.

[0024] It is advantageous if the transport unit includes drive elements for transporting the notes of value along the transport path. For this purpose, transport elements, such as driven rollers or wheels, can protrude through the transport path limiting elements, particularly on both sides, into the transport path. This enables particularly secure transport of the notes of value along the transport path.

[0025] A further aspect relates to a method for removing a value note jam in a transport unit, comprising the following steps: detecting a value note jam with at least one value note along a transport path of the transport unit; moving a guide element of the transport unit from a first position within the transport path to a second position outside the transport path; and transporting the value note against a transport direction.

[0026] It is preferred if, in step a) of the method, the banknote jam is detected when a parameter of a drive motor for transporting the banknotes along the transport path deviates from an average value or when, after a predetermined time, the banknote is not detected by a sensor arranged downstream of the transport unit in the transport direction. This allows a banknote jam to be detected reliably and quickly.

[0027] A further aspect relates to a device for handling notes of value comprising at least one transport unit with a guide element having the aforementioned features.

[0028] Preferably, the device for handling notes of value comprises a control unit which is designed and configured to control at least the guide element according to the method.

[0029] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which explains embodiments in more detail in conjunction with the attached figures.

[0030] They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a device for handling notes of value, Figure 2 shows a side view of a transport unit of the device for handling notes of value, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a guide element and a transport path limiting element of the transport unit, Figure 4 shows a side view of the transport unit with the guide element in a first position and a lifting magnet, Figure 5 shows a side view of the transport unit according to Figure 4 with the guide element in a second position, Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the guide element of the transport unit in the first position, Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the guide element of the transport unit in the second position, Figure 8 shows a side view of the transport unit according to a second embodiment, not according to the invention, with the guide element in a first position and a motor, Figure 9 shows the transport unit according to Figure 8with the guide element in a second position, Figure 10 a perspective view of the transport unit according to the invention with a guide element in a first position, Figure 11 a perspective view of the transport unit according to Figure 10 with the guide element in a second position, Figure 12 a detailed view of the guide element of the transport unit according to Figure 10 in a first position, Figure 13 a detailed view of the guide element of the transport unit according to Figure 12 in a second position, and Figure 14 shows a time course diagram with parameters of actuators and sensors of a transport unit.

[0031] Figure 1shows a schematic side view of a device 100 for handling notes of value. The device 100 serves both for the deposit of notes of value by an operator and for the dispensing of notes of value to an operator and is also referred to as a recycling ATM. Alternatively, the device 100 can also serve exclusively for the dispensing of notes of value or the deposit of notes of value. Furthermore, the device 100 can be an automatic cash register system, a self-checkout cash register, or a so-called automatic safe deposit box.

[0032] The device 100 comprises a safe 10 in which four cash cassettes 12a to 12d are arranged and which protects the cash cassettes 12a to 12d from unauthorized access, in particular from theft and attempts at manipulation. The safe 10 has a safe door 34, which can be opened and closed via a locking unit 36. The cash cassettes 12a to 12d are each arranged in a receiving compartment 32a to 32d in the safe 10. The cash cassettes 12a to 12d are in the embodiment according to Figure 1 arranged horizontally in the device 100. In other devices for handling notes of value, the cash cassettes 12a to 12d can alternatively be arranged vertically.

[0033] The cash cassettes 12a to 12d can be removed from the device 100 and serve for the storage and transport of notes of value, in particular banknotes and / or checks. The notes of value are stored in the cash cassettes 12a to 12d in the form of a stack. One of these stacks is indicated, for example, in the first cash cassette 12a. One of the notes of value in this stack of notes is designated, for example, by the reference numeral 13. In the Figure 1 In the operating position of the cash cassettes 12a to 12d shown, the notes of value 13 in the cash cassettes 12a to 12d are arranged standing on one of their edges, preferably on one of their longitudinal edges.

[0034] Each cashbox 12a to 12d has an opening for feeding in notes of value 13 and for removing notes of value 13. In front of the opening of a cashbox 12a to 12d, a separating and stacking unit 14a to 14d is arranged, with the aid of which, on the one hand, notes of value 13 can be fed into the cashboxes 12a to 12d and, on the other hand, notes of value 13 stored in the cashboxes 12a to 12d can be separated from stacks of notes of value held in the cashboxes 12a to 12d and removed from the cashbox 12a to 12d. In front of each separating and stacking unit 14a to 14d, a switch 16a to 16d is arranged, with the aid of which a note of value 13 to be fed to the cash cassettes 12a to 12d is branched off from a transport path 18 and fed to the separating and stacking unit 14a to 14d which is arranged in front of the cash cassette 12a to 12d into which the note of value 13 is to be transported.

[0035] Likewise, the switches 16a to 16d serve to transport notes of value 13 removed from the cash boxes 12a to 12d to the transport path 18. The safe 10 further has an opening 20 through which notes of value 13 transported along the transport path 18 can be transported into or out of the safe 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the device 100 comprises an input and output compartment 22 through which notes of value 13 to be deposited into the device 100 and dispensed can be dispensed to an operator. In a pure dispensing ATM, only the dispensing of notes of value 13 takes place via the input and output compartment 22; in a pure deposit ATM, only the depositing of notes of value 13 takes place via the input and output compartment 22.

[0037] The notes of value 13 deposited via the input and output compartment 22 are separated and individually fed along the transport path 24 to a reading unit 26, with the aid of which, for example, the authenticity, the nominal value, and / or the serial number of each deposited note of value 13 can be determined. Furthermore, notes of value 13 that have been deposited and / or are to be dispensed can be temporarily stored in a buffer 30. In particular, the buffer 30 can temporarily store notes of value 13 that are unsuitable for dispensing and / or notes of value 13 that have been deposited and / or identified as non-authentic by the reading unit 26, or notes of value 13 that have not been removed by an operator.

[0038] In particular, banknote jams can occur when transporting banknotes 13 along transport paths 18, 24. Banknote jams can occur particularly when banknotes already in circulation that are crumpled, dirty, or stuck together are transported along transport paths 18, 24.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a side view of a transport unit 200, in particular for the device 100 for handling notes of value. The transport unit 200 can, for example, be arranged along one of the transport paths 18, 24. In particular, the transport unit 200 can be part of the reading unit 26, which serves to recognize security features of the notes of value 13.

[0040] The transport unit 200 comprises a first transport path limiting element 202 and a second transport path limiting element 204, between which a transport path 206 is formed. Along the transport path 206, notes of value 13 can be transported, in particular in a transport direction along the arrow P1. When transporting notes of value 13 along the transport path 206, the transport path limiting elements 202, 204 are located opposite the front or the back of the respective note of value 13. Furthermore, the transport unit 200 comprises a guide element 208, which is arranged in a Figure 2shown first position, protrudes through an opening in the second transport path delimiting element 204 into the transport path 206. Furthermore, the transport unit 200 comprises at least one sensor 210 that can detect security features of the notes of value 13 transported along the transport path 206. In particular, the sensor 210 is arranged in an opening in the first transport path delimiting element 202, so that the sensor 210 is arranged flush with a side of the first transport path delimiting element 202 facing the transport path 206. Thus, the sensor 210 is arranged opposite the guide element 208 with respect to the transport path 206. A detection range of the sensor 210 is located in the transport path 206.

[0041] The first transport path limiting element 202 has a distance 211 from the second transport path limiting element 204 in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, in particular of 3 mm. In the Figure 2 In the first position of the guide element 208 shown, a contact area 212 of the guide element 208 is spaced from a side of the sensor 210 facing the transport path 206, in particular in the detection range of the sensor 210, or from the side of the first transport path limiting element 202 facing the transport path 206, in a range of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular 1 mm. The distance is designated by reference numeral 214. Thus, the distance 214 between the sensor 210 and the guide element 208 in its first position is in particular smaller than the distance between the transport path limiting elements 202, 204.

[0042] Normally, notes of value 13 are guided along the transport path 206 in the direction of arrow P1 through the transport unit 200. In particular, there is no contact between the notes of value 13 and the transport path limiting elements 202, 204, the sensor 210, or the guide element 208, since the notes of value 13 are each separated from the elements 202, 204, 208, 210 by an air gap. Only if the notes of value 13 to be transported are, for example, severely bent or if several notes of value 13 are transported at once along the transport path 206 due to multiple withdrawals, can a fundamentally undesirable contact with the elements 202, 204, 208, 210 occur. Due to the reduced distance 214 compared to distance 211, it is therefore possible that notes 13 get stuck at this bottleneck and a jam of notes occurs.

[0043] Nevertheless, the reduced distance 214 is necessary to reliably detect or read security features of the notes of value 13 using the sensor 210. The sensor 210 can, in particular, be a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic features of the notes of value 13 as the notes of value 13 are transported past the sensor 210. For example, the notes of value 13 can be printed with magnetic printing ink, so that the printed images made of magnetic printing ink are detected using the sensor 210.

[0044] The transport unit 200 can comprise driven wheels 216, 218, 220, 222, by means of which the notes of value 13 can be transported along the transport path 206 and past the sensor 210. The guide element 208 can preferably be spring-mounted. For this purpose, the transport unit 200 comprises a spring 224, which holds the guide element 208 in the first position by means of a spring force.

[0045] Figure 3shows a perspective view of the second transport path limiting element 204 with the guide element 208 in a second position. Elements with the same structure and the same function have the same reference numerals. In the second position, the guide element 208 is pivoted out of the transport path 206. In this second position, the guide element 208 is arranged flush with the side of the second transport path limiting element 204 facing the transport path 206. In particular, the contact surface 212 of the guide element 208 is arranged flush. Furthermore, the guide element 208 can comprise a plurality of finger-shaped regions, each with one of the contact regions 212, which are each arranged between rib-shaped regions 300 of the second transport path limiting element 204.The rib-shaped regions 300 of the second transport path limiting element 204 are thus openings through which the finger-shaped regions of the guide element 208 can be introduced into the transport path 208. Furthermore, the rib-shaped regions 300 of the second transport path limiting element 204 can be set back on the side of the second transport path limiting element 204 facing the transport path 206 and can thereby be designed in particular to be concave.

[0046] The guide element 208, in particular the contact areas 212, preferably have a rounded or convex shape, so that when the guide element 208 is arranged in the first position, in particular no edges on which notes of value 13 can get caught protrude into the transport path 206 in and against the transport direction P1.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5show a side view of a transport unit 400 with a lifting magnet 402, which is connected to the guide element 208 via a lever 404 and moves the guide element 208 from the position shown in Figure 4 shown first position about a rotation axis 406 into the Figure 5 shown second position. The preferably spring-mounted guide element 208 can in particular also be moved into the second position when the lifting magnet 402 does not move the guide element 208 and a force opposite to and greater than the spring force acts on the guide element 208.

[0048] Figures 6 and 7 show detailed views of the guide element 208 of the transport unit 400 according to Figures 4 or 5. Figure 6shows the guide element 208 in the first position. The transport path 206 is limited to a distance of 214 at the point where the guide element 208 extends into the transport path 206 in order to guide notes of value 13 close to the sensor 210, as already described above.

[0049] In the Figure 7In the second position of the guide element 208 shown, the distance 700 between the sensor 210 and the contact area 212 of the guide element 208 is increased compared to the first position. The distance 700 is in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, in particular 3 mm. Likewise, the transport path 206 is widened in the area between the guide element 208 and the sensor 210 and has a height equal to the distance 700. Thus, the height of the transport path 206 in the area between the guide element 208 and the sensor 210 is increased to the distance 700 when the guide element 208 is in the second position. Compared to the distance 211 between the first transport path limiting element 202 and the second transport path limiting element 204, the transport path 206 increases in the area between the guide element 208 and the sensor 210.The constriction that occurs when the guide element 208 is in its first position can thus be avoided or eliminated by pivoting the guide element 208 into its second position.

[0050] Figure 8 and Figure 9 show a transport unit 800. In contrast to the transport unit 400, the guide element 208 of the transport unit 800 is made of the Figure 8 shown first position into the Figure 9 shown second position can be moved by means of a motor via a gear or pivoted about the rotation axis 406.

[0051] Figures 10 to 13show sectional views of a transport unit according to the invention with a guide element 1002. The transport unit 1000 has the same functions as already described above for the transport units 200, 400, 800. In Figures 10 and 12, the guide element 1002 is in a first position in which the guide element 1002 protrudes into a transport path 1004 for notes of value 13 between a first transport path delimiting element 1006 and a second transport path delimiting element 1008. Furthermore, the transport unit 1000 comprises a sensor 1010 that can detect security features of the notes of value 13 transported along the transport path 1004.

[0052] In Figures 11 and 13 the guide element 1002 is in a second position in which the guide element 1002 is arranged outside the transport path 1004.

[0053] The guide element 1002 can be moved between the positions of the guide element 1002 by means of a lifting magnet 1011.

[0054] In contrast to the transport units 200, 400, 800, the transport path limiting elements 1006, 1008 of the transport unit 1000 are variably spaced from one another. In a first transport path region, which is arranged upstream of the guide element 1002 in the transport direction P2, the transport path limiting elements 1006, 1008 are spaced 1200 apart. In a second transport path region, which is arranged downstream of the guide element 1002 in the transport direction P2, the transport path limiting elements 1006, 1008 are spaced 1202 apart. The space 1200 is in a range from 2 mm to 4 mm, preferably in a range from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm, in particular 3 mm. The space 1202 is in a range from 1 mm to 2 mm, in particular 1.5 mm. Thus, the guide element 1002 is located at a transition between the distances 1200 and 1202 of the transport path limiting elements 1006, 1008.A distance 1204 of a contact region 1206 of the guide element 1202 in its first position from the sensor 1010, in particular a side of the sensor 1010 facing the transport path 1004 or in a detection range of the sensor 1010, is in a range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular 1 mm. Thus, here too, the guide element 1002 forms a constriction along the transport path 1004 in order to guide notes of value close to the sensor 1010. When the guide element 1002 is in its second position (in particular as shown in FIG. Figure 13 shown), the height 1302 of the transport path 1004 in the detection range of the sensor 1010 corresponds to the distance 1200 between the transport path limiting elements 1006, 1008 in the first transport path region. The constriction generated by the guide element 1002 in its first position is thus increased or eliminated in its second position.

[0055] Just as for Figure 3As described, the guide element 1002 may have finger-shaped elements arranged between rib-shaped regions 1300 of the second transport path limiting element 1008.

[0056] The transport units 200, 400, 800, 1000 may further comprise additional sensors, in particular light barriers and cameras. Figures 10 to 13, in which a camera, in particular a spectral camera, with a first camera module 1012 and a second camera module 1014 of the transport unit 1000 is shown. The first camera module 1012 is arranged in an opening of the first transport path delimiting element 1006 and directed toward the transport path 1004. The second camera module 1014 is arranged in an opening of the second transport path delimiting element 1008 and directed toward the transport path 1004. The front and back of notes of value 13, which are transported along the transport path 1004, can thus be recorded simultaneously with the aid of the camera modules 1012, 1014.

[0057] Figure 14shows a time-dependent diagram with parameters of actuators and sensors of one of the transport units 200, 400, 800, 1000. Actuators can be, for example, drive motors for the driven wheels 216, 218, 220, 222. The sensors can be, for example, light barriers, the camera 1012, 1014, or the sensors 210, 1010. Using the parameters of actuators and sensors, banknote jams can be detected, and based on this, the position of the guide elements 208, 1002 can be changed, in particular from the first to the second position. In this way, the bottleneck can be eliminated. The banknote jam can then be cleared by transporting the banknote(s) 13 causing the banknote jam in the opposite direction to the transport direction P1, P2.

[0058] For example, parameters from light barriers or the camera 1012, 1014 can be used to detect banknote jams. For this purpose, it can be determined whether a light barrier arranged in the transport direction P1, P2 downstream of the bottleneck or the guide elements 208, 1002 is triggered by banknotes 13 that were transported along the transport direction P1, P2 by the transport unit 200, 400, 800, 1000. If the light barrier is not triggered after a predetermined time despite the banknote 13 being expected, a banknote jam can be detected.

[0059] In Figure 14 The graph shows the light barrier signal patterns that are regularly interrupted by properly transported notes of value 13. In the time periods 1400, 1402, and 1404, the light barriers are not interrupted despite a transported note of value 13, so that a note jam is detected.

[0060] Additionally or alternatively, a banknote jam can be detected by an increase 1406 in the motor current of the driven wheels 216, 218, 220, 222. Furthermore, a banknote jam can be detected by a deviation 1408 in the rotational speed of the driven wheels 216, 218, 220, 222 or the motor for the driven wheels 216, 218, 220, 222.

[0061] As soon as a banknote jam is determined based on the parameters, the guide element 208, 1002 can be moved into the second position and the banknote jam can thus be resolved, in particular by transporting the banknotes 13 causing the banknote jam against the transport direction P1, P2. List of reference symbols

[0062] 10 Safe 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Cashbox 13 Value note 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d Separation and stacking unit 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d Switch 18, 24 Transport path 20 Safe opening 22 Input and output compartment 26 Reading unit 30 Buffer 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d Storage compartment 34 Safe door 36 Locking unit 100 Device for handling values notes 200, 400, 800, 1000 Transport unit 202, 1006 First transport path limiting element 204, 1008 Second transport path limiting element 206, 1004 Transport path 208, 1002Guide element 210, 1010Sensor 211Distance between transport path limiting elements 212, 1206Contact area 214, 700, 1204Distance between guide element and sensor 216, 218, 220, 222Driven wheels 224Spring 300, 1300Ribbed area 402, 1011Lifting magnet 404Lever 406Rotary axis 802Gearbox 1012,1014Camera 1200Distance of the transport path limiting elements in a first area 1202Distance of the transport path limiting elements in a second area 1302Distance of the sensor from the second transport path limiting area 1400, 1402, 1404Period with uninterrupted light barrier 1406Period with increased motor current 1408Period with deviation in speed P1, P2Transport direction,

Claims

1. Transport unit (200, 400, 800, 1000) for a device (100) for handling notes of value, having a first transport path limiting element (202, 1006) and a second transport path limiting element (204, 1008), which are arranged and spaced apart relative to each other such that a transport path (206, 1004) is formed between the transport path limiting elements (202, 204, 1006, 1008) and notes of value (13) can be transported along the transport path (206, 1004), having at least one sensor (210, 1010), which is designed to identify at least one security feature of the notes of value (13) transported along the transport path (206, 1004), having at least one guide element (208, 1002), which is movably arranged and can be moved at least between two positions, wherein, in a first position, the guide element (208, 1002) is at least partially arranged in the transport path (206, 1004) and is designed to limit the height of the transport path (206, 1004) in a detection region of the sensor (210, 1010) to a first distance and, in a second position, the guide element (208, 1002) is not arranged in the transport path (206, 1004), wherein the first transport path limiting element (202, 1006) is at a distance in a range of from 2 mm to 4 mm from the second transport path limiting element (204, 1008) in a first transport path region arranged upstream of the detection region in the transport direction (P1, P2), and wherein the first transport path limiting element (202, 1006) is at a distance in a range of from 1 mm to 2 mm from the second transport path limiting element (204, 1008) in a second transport path region arranged downstream of the detection region in the transport direction (P1, P2).

2. Transport unit according to Claim 1, wherein the detection region of the sensor (210, 1010) is directed to the transport path (206, 1004) at least through an opening in the first transport path limiting element (202, 1006).

3. Transport unit according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor (210, 1010) is arranged flush with a side of the first transport path limiting element (202, 1006) facing the transport path (206, 1004).

4. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (208, 1002) protrudes into the transport path (206, 1004) through at least one opening in the second transport path limiting element (204, 1008) in the first position.

5. Transport unit according to Claim 4, wherein the second transport path limiting element (204, 1008) is recessed out of the transport path (206, 1004) in the region of the opening and the guide element (208, 1002), in its second position, is arranged flush with a side of the second transport path limiting element (204, 1008) facing the transport path (208, 1002) in this region.

6. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a contact region (212, 1206) of the guide element (208, 1002), for contact with the note of value (13), is arranged movably between the first and the second position transversely to a transport direction (P1, P2) of the notes of value (13) along the transport path (206, 1004), in particular the guide element (208, 1002) extends substantially over the width of the transport path (106, 1004) transversely to the transport direction (P1, P2).

7. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (208, 1002) is held in the first position by means of a spring force exerted by a spring element (224).

8. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (208, 1002) can be moved at least to the second position by means of a lifting magnet (402, 1011).

9. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (208, 1002) can be moved at least between the first position and the second position by means of a motor (802).

10. Transport unit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first distance has a value in a range of from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, in particular of 1 mm.

11. Method for clearing a note-of-value jam in a transport unit (200, 400, 800, 1000) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: a) determining a note-of-value jam containing at least one note of value (13) along a transport path (206, 1004) of the transport unit, b) moving a guide element (208, 1002) of the transport unit from a first position within the transport path (206, 1004) to a second position outside the transport path (206, 1004), and c) transporting the note of value (13) against a transport direction (P1, P2).

12. Method according to Claim 11, wherein in step a) the note-of-value jam is determined if a parameter of a drive motor for transporting the notes of value (13) along the transport path (206, 1004) deviates from an average value or if the note of value (13) is not determined by a sensor arranged downstream of the transport unit in the transport direction (P1, P2) after a predetermined time.

13. Device (100) for handling of notes of value, comprising at least one transport unit (200, 400, 800, 1000) having a guide element (208, 1002) according to any of Claims 1 to 10.

14. Device for handling of notes of value according to Claim 13, wherein the device comprises a control unit which is designed and configured to control at least the guide element (208, 1002) in line with the method according to either of Claims 11 and 12.

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