Device for processing bank note-like objects

#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.

#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.

#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.

#These and further features of the invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 a perspective view from the front of the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention,

#FIG. 2 a perspective view from the back of the fixed part of the device in accordance with the invention of FIG. 1,

#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.

#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 electromagnetic 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.

#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.