Patent Publication Number: US-11380156-B2

Title: Assembly having a card reader arranged in a housing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is the National Stage Entry of and claims priority to and the benefit of Application PCT/EP2019/055278, filed 4 Mar. 2019, which claims priority to and the benefit of Application DE102018105316, filed 8 Mar. 2018. 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY 
     The invention relates to an assembly with a card reader which is arranged in a housing. The housing comprises a pivotable flap which, in an open state, enables access to the card reader, and which, in a closed state, prevents access to the card reader. The flap has an opening, through which, in the closed state of the flap, a card can be fed to the card reader and/or can be dispensed by way of the card reader. 
     Document DE10 2011 118 319 A1 discloses a lottery terminal with a terminal housing. The terminal housing comprises a plurality of spatially separate functional unit receiving areas. A card reading unit is arranged in one of the functional unit receiving areas. The access to the card reading unit is prevented by way of a closure flap. A recess is configured in the closure flap, which recess permits the introduction and removal of a card into or from the card reading unit when the closure flap is in a closed state. In the case of the movement of the closure flap from an open state into a closed state, the recess of the closure flap has to be moved into a position which lies opposite the card reading unit, in order that an introduction and dispensing of a card are possible in the closed state of the flap. The position of the recess in relation to the card reading unit can change as a result of shape and positional tolerances, with the result that the introduction and dispensing of the card is no longer reliably possible. 
     Proceeding from the known prior art, it is an object of the invention to specify an assembly with a card reader which is arranged in a housing, in the case of which assembly an introduction and dispensing of a card into or from the card reader are particularly reliably possible in the closed state of the flap. 
     Said object is achieved by way of an assembly with the features of claim  1 . Advantageous developments are indicated in the dependent claims. 
     The assembly according to the invention has a card reader which is arranged in a housing. The housing comprises a pivotable flap which, in an open state, enables access to the card reader, and which, in a closed state, prevents access to the card reader. The flap has an opening, through which a card can be fed to the card reader and/or can be dispensed by way of the card reader in the closed state of the flap. The assembly has an elastically deformable element for resiliently mounting the card reader. Furthermore, the assembly has a first positioning element for positioning the card reader, which first positioning element is arranged on the flap so as to lie opposite the card reader in the closed state of the flap. The first positioning element moves the card reader, in the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state, in such a way that, in the closed state of the flap, the card reader is arranged in a predefined position relative to the flap. 
     In the present application, the position relative to the flap is understood to mean both the spatial arrangement and the orientation with regard to the flap. 
     Mechanically particularly simple resilient mounting of the card reader in the housing is realized by way of the elastically deformable element. The resilient mounting of the card reader enables the card reader to be moved by way of the first positioning element in the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state. The elastically deformable element and the first positioning element interact, in order to move the card reader into the predefined position relative to the flap. Tolerances, in particular shape and positional tolerances, in the case of the movement of the flap are compensated for by way of the resilient mounting of the card reader. Therefore, the card reader is moved reliably into the predefined position in the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state; as a result of which an introduction and dispensing of a card into or from the card reader in the closed state of the flap are particularly advantageously possible. 
     The card reader is preferably inclined in the direction of the opening in the closed state of the flap. Said inclination can be, for example, by between 2° and 7°, preferably 5°, with respect to a horizontal orientation of the card reader. In the present application, the horizontal orientation is understood to mean an orientation of the card reader, in which orientation the card is introduced horizontally into the card reader or dispensed again by way of said card reader. As a result, a penetration of liquids, in particular rainwater, into the card reader is prevented. 
     It is advantageous if the elastically deformable element has a second positioning element. In the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state, the first positioning element is brought into engagement with the second positioning element in order to position the card reader. In the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state, the first positioning element is moved on a circular path into a position which lies opposite the card reader. 
     In one alternative refinement, the card reader has a second positioning element. In the case of the movement of the flap from the open state into the closed state, the first positioning element is brought into engagement with the second positioning element in order to position the card reader. 
     Furthermore, it is advantageous if the elastically deformable element is prestressed in such a way that the second positioning element is pressed against the first positioning element in the closed state of the flap. This prevents an undesired movement of the card reader in the closed state of the flap, for example as a result of shaking of the assembly. Therefore, the card reader is held particularly reliably in the predefined position relative to the flap. 
     Furthermore, it is advantageous if the elastically deformable element is prestressed by way of the weight of the card reader. As a result, an undesired movement of the card reader in the open state of the flap is prevented, by way of which undesired movement the card reader, for example, might come into contact with other components of the assembly which are arranged in the housing and might damage them. The elastically deformable element is preferably prestressed in such a way that, in the open state, the card reader is inclined by between 2° and 5°, preferably 3°, in the direction of the flap with respect to the horizontal orientation of the card reader. 
     The elastically deformable element is preferably of single-piece configuration. As a result, the assembly can be produced particularly simply and inexpensively. 
     It is particularly advantageous if the elastically deformable element comprises a spring plate. A spring plate is a mechanically simple and inexpensive possibility for producing an elastically deformable element. In particular, the elastically deformable element can be formed by way of a spring plate. Here, the second positioning element can be formed by a section of the spring plate which faces the first positioning element. The elastically deformable element preferably has holes, through which screws can be guided, with the aid of which the card reader can be fastened to the spring plate. 
     Furthermore, it is advantageous if the elastically deformable element enables a pivoting movement of the card reader which is coupled to the elastically deformable element, preferably about a rotational axis. As a result, a simple lever arrangement for pivoting the card reader is provided, which simple lever arrangement is of mechanically particularly simple construction. 
     Furthermore, it is advantageous if the elastically deformable element is connected releasably to the housing or fixedly to a frame element which is connected to the housing. For example, the elastically deformable element can be fastened to the housing or the frame element with the aid of screws. As a result, the elastically deformable element can be removed from the housing for maintenance, preferably together with the card reader. 
     The assembly preferably comprises a frame element which is arranged in an interior space of the housing and to which the elastically deformable element is connected. The frame element can be configured as a trough, in which the elastically deformable element is arranged. The elastically deformable element can be connected fixedly or releasably to the frame element. Furthermore, further components of the assembly can be arranged on and/or at the frame element. The frame element can be disconnected, in particular, from further frame elements and/or the housing, and can be removed through a maintenance opening which is arranged on that side of the housing which faces the flap. As a result, simple maintenance of the components, in particular of the card reader, which are arranged on and/or at the frame element is possible. 
     The assembly can be a self-service machine, in particular an ATM, a lottery terminal, a fuel terminal or an automated pay station. 
     The flap of the housing preferably comprises further openings, for example for dispensing a printed receipt, dispensing coupons or arranging a display and/or input element. 
     On an outer side, the flap can comprise covering elements for covering and/or bordering components and modules which are integrated into the flap. The covering elements can be, in particular, injection molded parts, preferably made from a plastic. 
     The cards which are introduced into the card reader and/or are dispensed by way of the card reader can be user cards, identification cards or bank cards (also called debit cards). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following description which explains the invention in greater detail on the basis of one exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the appended figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of an assembly with a card reader in accordance with one exemplary embodiment which is arranged in a housing, 
         FIG. 2  shows a further perspective illustration of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective illustration of an elastically deformable element of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective illustration of a first positioning element of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 , and 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective sectional illustration of a part of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective illustration of an assembly  10  with a card reader  12  in accordance with one exemplary embodiment which is connected to a frame element  106  of the assembly  10 . Furthermore, the assembly  10  comprises an elastically deformable element  14  and a first positioning element  16 . Furthermore, the assembly  10  comprises a pivotable flap  102  which is connected to the frame element  106  via further frame elements or housing elements (not shown) of a housing  100  of the assembly  10 , and can be pivoted about a rotational axis D. The housing  100  is indicated in  FIG. 3  by way of a dashed line. The rotational axis P is likewise shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The flap  102  can be pivoted about the rotational axis D from an open state into a closed state. The movement of the flap  102  from the open state into the closed state and from the closed state into the open state is shown in  FIG. 3  on the basis of a first double arrow P 1 . In the open state, access is possible to an interior space of the housing  100 , in particular to the card reader  12 . In the closed state, the access to the interior space of the housing  100  is prevented.  FIG. 1  shows the flap  102  in the closed state. The flap  102  has an opening  104 , through which a card can be fed to the card reader  12  and can be dispensed by way of the card reader  12  in the closed state of the flap  102 . Furthermore, the flap  102  has further openings for arranging, for example, a display element and an input element, in particular a keyboard for inputting a PIN code, and for dispensing a printed receipt and coupons. The further openings are denoted in general by way of the designation  105 . 
     The frame element  106  has two internal threads  108  which are shown in  FIG. 2  and into which in each case one screw  24  is screwed for releasably fastening the elastically deformable element  14 . With the aid of the screws  24 , the elastically deformable element  14  is connected fixedly to the frame element  106 . The card reader  12  is connected to the elastically deformable element in such a way that a card input slot  50  of the card reader  12  points in the direction of the opening  104  of the flap  102 . 
     The elastically deformable element  14  is formed by way of a spring plate which is bent substantially in a step-shaped manner and has an upper step-shaped part  18  which faces the flap  102  and a lower step-shaped part  20  which faces away from the flap  102 , which parts  18 ,  20  are connected to one another via a connecting region  19 . The upper step-shaped part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14  is arranged at a spacing from and above the frame element  106 . By way of deformation of the region  19 , the upper part  18  and therefore the card reader  12  which is connected to it can be pivoted. 
     The deformation can bring about, in particular, pivoting of the upper step-shaped part about a pivot axis S. In the case of other embodiments, the pivot axis can be at another location, or the pivoting takes place via arcuate bending of the region  19  and/or the parts  18 ,  20 . A lever, by way of which the card reader  12  is held, is formed by way of the step-shaped configuration of the elastically deformable element  14 . 
     The upper step-shaped part  18  has a second positioning element  26  as a bracket at that end of the upper step-shaped part  18  which faces the flap  102 , and two internal threads  32  which are shown in  FIG. 4  and into which in each case one screw is screwed, with the aid of which the card reader  12  is arranged on the upper side of the upper step-shaped part  18  and is connected fixedly to the latter. 
     In the exemplary embodiment which is shown, the upper step-shaped part  18  has, furthermore, four stiffening elements  28 . The four stiffening elements  28  might be omitted in alternative refinements of the elastically deformable element  14 . 
     As a result of the weight of the card reader  12 , the upper step-shaped part  18  and the card reader  12  which is arranged on the upper step-shaped part  18  are inclined in the direction of the opening  104  of the flap  102  in the open state of the flap  102 . The inclination of the upper step-shaped part  18  and the card reader  12  is shown on the basis of  FIG. 3 . The lower step-shaped part  20  of the elastically deformable element  14  lies substantially on the frame element  106 , and has two slots  22  which, in the exemplary embodiment which is shown, have a widened region for guiding through a screw head. In each case one screw  24  which is screwed into one of the two internal threads  108  of the frame element  106  is guided through the two holes  22 . As a result, the elastically deformable element  14  is connected releasably to the frame element  106 . The elastically deformable element  14  will be described in greater detail in the following text in conjunction with  FIG. 4 . 
     The first positioning element  16  is arranged substantially on the inner side of the flap  102 . The first positioning element  16  has a wedge-shaped first guide element  17  which protrudes through the opening  104  and serves to guide the card in the direction of the card input slot  50  of the card reader  12 . In the case of the movement of the flap  102  from the open state into the closed state, the first positioning element  16  is brought into engagement with the second positioning element  26  of the elastically deformable element  14 . Here, the upper step-shaped part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14  is moved downward into a predefined position. Said movement is illustrated in  FIG. 3  by way of a second double arrow P 2 . The predefined position is likewise shown in  FIG. 3 . The first positioning element  16  will be described in greater detail in the following text in conjunction with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a further perspective illustration of the assembly  10  in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 . The perspective illustration in  FIG. 2  is selected in such a way that the inner side of the flap  102  can be seen. In  FIG. 2 , an illustration of the two screws  24  for releasably fastening the elastic element  14  has been dispensed with, with the result that the two internal threads  108  of the frame element  106  can be seen. 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of the assembly  10  in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  shows a first axis A which is parallel to a lateral edge  107  of the frame element  106 , and is horizontal in the intended state of the assembly  10 . Furthermore,  FIG. 3  shows a second axis B which is parallel to a lateral edge  13  of the card reader  12 . In the intended state of the assembly  10 , the inclination of the second axis B corresponds to the inclination of the card reader  12  relative to a horizontal plane, in which the axis A runs. The first axis A and the second axis B intersect at an inclination angle α, the value of which indicates the inclination of the card reader  12  relative to the frame element  106  or to the horizontal plane. In the open state of the flap  102 , the inclination angle α has the value of, for example, 3° and, in the closed state of the flap  102 , that is to say when the card reader  12  is situated in the predefined position, the inclination angle α has the value of, for example, 5°. A penetration of rainwater through the card input slot  50  into the card reader  12  is prevented, in particular, by way of the inclination of the card reader  12  in the direction of the flap  102 . Furthermore,  FIG. 3  shows the movement of the flap  102  from the open state into the closed state by way of the first double arrow P 1 . The movement of the front part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14  in the case of the first positioning element  16  being brought into engagement with the second positioning element  26  of the elastically deformable element  14  is shown in  FIG. 3  by way of the second double arrow P 2 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective illustration of the elastically deformable element  14  of the assembly in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  shows, in particular, two fastening elements  30  which are arranged laterally on the front part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14 . The fastening elements  30  are configured by way of example as L-shaped brackets which in each case have a horizontal limb  31  which is arranged above the front part  18 . In each case one of the two internal threads  32  of the elastically deformable element  14  is configured in the horizontal limb  31 . With the aid of the fastening elements  30 , the card reader  12  can be arranged simply by way of screws on the upper side of the upper step-shaped part  18 , and can be connected fixedly to the upper step-shaped part  18 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective illustration of the first positioning element  16  of the assembly  10  in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  shows the positioning element  16  as viewed from the interior space of the housing  100 . The positioning element  16  has a second guide element  34  which comprises wedge-shaped struts  35 . In the case of the movement of the flap  102  from the open state into the closed state, the second positioning element  26  comes into contact with the second guide element  34  and, as a result, presses the front part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14  downward. Furthermore, the positioning element  16  has a through hole  36  which is arranged below the second guide element  34 . A screw can be guided through the through hole  36 , which screw is screwed into an internal thread which is provided in the flap  102 , in order to connect the positioning element  16  fixedly to the flap  102 , with the result that it is a constituent part of the flap  102 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective sectional illustration of a part of the assembly  10  in accordance with the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1 . The sectional plane is perpendicular with respect to the flap  102 , and runs centrally through the card reader  12 .  FIG. 6  shows a part of the card reader  12  which faces the flap  102 , the front part  18  of the elastically deformable element  14 , and the first positioning element  16 . The second positioning element  26  comes into contact with the webs  35  of the first guide element  34  of the first positioning element  16 . As a result, the second positioning element  26  is in engagement with the first positioning element  16 , as a result of which a movement of the second positioning element  26  upward and downward is prevented reliably.