Device For Processing Sheet-Like Valuable Documents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing sheet-shaped documents of value, in particular bank notes, comprising a device for diverting sheet material ( 4 ) by means of at least one diverting element ( 1, 2 ) defining a diverting axis ( 9 a, 9 b ) for diverting the sheet material from one transport plane to a different transport plane. Therein the diverting axis ( 9 a, 9 b ) of the at least one diverting element ( 1, 2 ) is oriented obliquely to a transport direction (A, C) of the sheet material ( 4 ). In an arrangement comprising two such obliquely oriented diverting elements ( 1, 2 ) and a diverting roller ( 3 ) in between, the sheet material ( 4 ) transported along a transport path can be turned over by 180° without any interruption of transport, using up little space. In a different aspect of the invention the obliquely oriented diverting elements ( 1, 2 ) are static and are provided with means ( 7; 10; 11, 12 ) for reducing the dynamic friction of a transport belt ( 5 ) or of the sheet material ( 4 ) on the diverting element ( 1, 2 ).

1 . Apparatus for processing sheet-shaped documents of value, for example bank notes, comprising a device for diverting sheet material by means of at least one diverting element defining a diverting axis arranged to divert the sheet material from one transport plane to a different transport plane, wherein the diverting axis is oriented obliquely to a transport direction of the sheet material. 
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , including two such obliquely arranged diverting elements along a transport path of the sheet material. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , including a third diverting element with a further diverting axis arranged to divert the sheet material, said third diverting element being disposed between the first two recited obliquely arranged diverting elements. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the diverting axis of the third diverting element is oriented transversely to the transport direction. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the third diverting element oriented transversely to the transport direction comprises a rotatable roller. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the first two recited obliquely oriented diverting elements are oriented under +45° and −45° relative to the transport direction. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the transport plane upstream from the first recited obliquely oriented diverting element extends parallel to the transport plane downstream from the second recited obliquely oriented diverting element. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the two transport planes lie in one plane. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second recited obliquely oriented diverting elements is movable forth or back in relation to the transport direction. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the oblique orientation of the diverting axis of at least one diverting element is adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , including a transport device arranged to move the sheet material along the at least one diverting element. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the transport device comprises at least one flat or round belt or a plurality of rotatable rollers. 
     
     
         13 . Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the transport device comprises at least one endless belt guiding the sheet material on both sides in the diverting device. 
     
     
         14 . Apparatus for processing sheet-shaped documents of value, according to  claim 1 , comprising a device for diverting sheet material by means of at least one diverting element defining a diverting axis for diverting the sheet material from one transport plane to a different transport plane and having a diverting surface, wherein the at least one diverting element comprises a friction reducer arranged to reduce friction forces on the diverting surface. 
     
     
         15 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein a diverting surface of the at least one diverting element is provided with air ducts. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , including an air introducing arrangement arranged to enable introduction of air through the air ducts to an area between the diverting surface and the sheet material. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the at least one diverting element comprises rollers in the diverting surface, whose axes of rotation are arranged obliquely to the diverting axis. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the diverting surface is disposed rotatably around the diverting axis and comprises rollers in the diverting surface, whose axes of rotation are arranged transversely to the diverting axis. 
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the diverting surface comprises a plurality of rotation elements, which are arranged in a row along the diverting axis and which are rotatable around the diverting axis, and which carry the rollers.