EP1128322B1 - Slit unit for card reader - Google Patents

Slit unit for card reader Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1128322B1
EP1128322B1 EP00122658A EP00122658A EP1128322B1 EP 1128322 B1 EP1128322 B1 EP 1128322B1 EP 00122658 A EP00122658 A EP 00122658A EP 00122658 A EP00122658 A EP 00122658A EP 1128322 B1 EP1128322 B1 EP 1128322B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
push button
circuit board
housing
unit
slit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00122658A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1128322A2 (en
EP1128322A3 (en
EP1128322B8 (en
Inventor
Anton Glück
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crane Payment Innovations GmbH
Original Assignee
National Rejectors Inc GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Rejectors Inc GmbH filed Critical National Rejectors Inc GmbH
Publication of EP1128322A2 publication Critical patent/EP1128322A2/en
Publication of EP1128322A3 publication Critical patent/EP1128322A3/en
Publication of EP1128322B1 publication Critical patent/EP1128322B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1128322B8 publication Critical patent/EP1128322B8/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/005Details or accessories

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a slot unit for a card reading device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Card readers are usually attached to a door of a vending machine or the like. They contain a slot for the card. There is a reading unit on the back of the door or wall. It picks up the card during the reading process and contains corresponding scanning means (contacting unit).
  • the reading unit has a printed circuit board which contains all the electrical and electronic components for the individual functions of the reading device.
  • the invention is based on the object, a slot unit with buttons for a card reading device in such a way that the button portion even in the dark front user is recognizable.
  • a probe portion of a stylus element is formed in an opening of the housing, which is formed of transparent material.
  • the stylus element has a prismatic section with an irradiation surface associated with the light source and an irradiation surface extending in the direction of the stylus section.
  • the button section is illuminated and can be detected by the user of a machine even in the dark. It is also possible to color the light source to generate a corresponding signal in the probe section.
  • the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).
  • another embodiment of the invention provides that the stylus section is surrounded at the radial distance by an axial collar which cooperates with a complementary guide on the inside of the housing.
  • the probe element has at least one support portion which limits the stroke of the stylus element by placing it on the circuit board of the slot unit.
  • a ring-cylindrical section or at least one leg can be used.
  • the button element it is also possible in this way to use the button element to close the opening in the housing when it is not needed for the operation of a push-button switch or merely to serve as a light indicator. In this case, the support portion rests against the circuit board the slot unit, and the button portion is retracted so far in the opening in the housing of the slot unit that an operation is no longer possible.
  • the housing will have multiple openings. It is therefore expedient if all push-button elements are integrally formed and connected to one another via a flexible section such that actuation of the push-button elements is possible independently of one another and an over-radiation from one push-button element to the other is excluded.
  • the one-piece design of the stylus elements is not only a simplification of the assembly, but also causes a correct arrangement and assignment of the stylus elements to the openings.
  • a slot unit is shown, as in principle also from the aforementioned DE 197 38 412 has become known. It has a housing 12 which comes against the front of a wall, a door or the like to the plant with a Einsteckschlitz 14 for a smart card.
  • the insertion slot 14 is provided to the front with concave recesses, which should facilitate the insertion of the card or their removal. However, this should not be discussed in detail.
  • the lugs are passed through a corresponding opening in the wall, not shown, and connected to jacks of the reading unit, not shown, on the back of the wall.
  • the approaches to a lateral recess 18.
  • Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the housing 12 in a row three openings 20, in each of which a cylindrical probe portion 22 is received.
  • the probe sections 22 belong to three stylus elements 24, which are formed from plastic and are each connected to each other by a flexible web 26. They are therefore formed as a unit.
  • the structure of the button elements 24 will be discussed in more detail below.
  • a printed circuit board 28 is inserted at the back and screwed therein, for example via the hole 30.
  • the circuit board has a number of connector pins 32. These are plugged into sockets of a printed circuit board, not shown, which belongs to the connected to the slot unit 10 reading unit. Therefore, when plugging the reading unit onto the slot unit 10, the described connector is automatically produced.
  • the printed circuit board on the reader contains all the components and components needed to do a read, including locking the card during the reading process, and so on.
  • the push-button elements 24 are associated with pushbutton switches on the printed circuit board 28, wherein a push-button switch is shown at 34. It has a plunger 36 which produces a conductive connection when pressed down. The operation of the push button will be discussed below.
  • Each pushbutton 34 or each pushbutton element 24 is assigned a light source 38, for example an LED. Their radiation direction is approximately perpendicular to the printed circuit board 28 away from this. Two further light sources 40, 42 on the circuit board 38 serve other illumination purposes; they radiate downwards in FIG. 2. These light sources will not be discussed in detail.
  • FIG. 3 is a section through the illustration of FIG. 1 can be seen, in particular the installation of the printed circuit board 28 and the probe elements 24. The latter are more apparent from the figures 4 and 5.
  • buttons 24 which are constructed identically, are connected via the webs 26 to each other. Since the webs 26 However, their connection is flexible, an actuation of a button element is independent of each adjacent.
  • annular collar 44 is disposed around each cylindrical probe portion 22, which, as shown in FIG. 3, cooperates with a corresponding annular cylinder portion 46 in the housing 12 so that a guide is formed for the probe element 24.
  • the collar serves as a seal together with the annular cylinder portion and thus protects the circuit board 28 from moisture.
  • the collar 44 extends from a ceiling plate 48 to which four legs 50 are formed on the opposite side. The legs 50 create a rectangle. Below the ceiling plate 48, a prism 52 is integrally formed thereon, wherein a triangular in cross-section portion projects beyond the plane of the adjacent legs. An inclined surface 54 of the projecting portion is used for beam deflection, which will be discussed below.
  • a further surface 56 is formed between the legs 50, which forms a second deflection surface.
  • a narrower web 58 is formed in extension of the prism section 52. As is apparent from Fig. 3, the web 58 serves to actuate the key switch 34 when the button member 24 is pressed down.
  • the legs 50 limit the touch stroke by resting on the circuit board 28.
  • the beam of the light source 38 extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the probe section 22 and enters the prism section 52 approximately perpendicularly. It is thereby deflected at the deflection surface 54 upwards against the second deflection surface 56, in such a way that it occurs approximately centrally through the probe portion to the outside, as indicated by the arrow. It is understood, of course, only then a beam may pass out when the material of the stylus element 24 is transparent and the baffles 54, 56 have a mirror effect.
  • a stylus element 24 can also be installed by constantly seated on the circuit board 28 so that the otherwise used as a probe section 22 closes the opening 20.
  • the probe portions 22 have a different length.
  • the design of the stylus element unit causes only a single orientation of the unit of the stylus elements in the housing 12 can be used. With a rotation, an assembly would not be possible.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Push-Button Switches (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Dry Development In Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
  • Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

Slot unit housing (12) contains circuit board with push button and connector for reader unit circuit board. Housing has openings (20) to take up actuation section (22) of push buttons, made of transparent plastic. Buttons have prismatic section with entrance surface directed towards LED light source and deflecting surface directed to actuation section so light is emitted through the button.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Schlitzeinheit für eine Kartenlesevorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to a slot unit for a card reading device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Kartenlesevorrichtungen sind üblicherweise an einer Tür eines Automaten oder dergleichen angebracht. Sie enthalten einen Einsteckschlitz für die Karte. An der Rückseite der Tür oder der Wand ist eine Leseeinheit angebracht. Sie nimmt die Karte während des Leseprozesses auf und enthält entsprechende Abtastmittel (Kontaktiereinheit). Die Leseeinheit weist eine Leiterplatte auf, welche sämtliche elektrischen und elektronischen Bauelemente enthält für die einzelnen Funktionen der Lesevorrichtung.Card readers are usually attached to a door of a vending machine or the like. They contain a slot for the card. There is a reading unit on the back of the door or wall. It picks up the card during the reading process and contains corresponding scanning means (contacting unit). The reading unit has a printed circuit board which contains all the electrical and electronic components for the individual functions of the reading device.

Aus DE 197 38 412 A1 ist bekannt geworden, den Einsteckschlitz der Kartenlesevorrichtung in einer separaten Einheit auszubilden, die von vorn an der Wand anliegt und über Ansätze durch eine Öffnung in der Wand hindurchgeführt ist. Die Ansätze wirken teleskopisch mit Steckfassungen der Leseeinheit zusammen. Die Leseeinheit kann dadurch von der Schlitzeinheit gelöst werden, die an der Wand angebracht bleiben kann. Die Montage bzw. Demontage der Leseeinheit ist äußerst einfach. Dies erleichtert den Austausch und die Wartung.Out DE 197 38 412 A1 It has become known to form the insertion slot of the card reading device in a separate unit, which bears against the wall from the front and is guided over projections through an opening in the wall. The lugs cooperate telescopically with jacks of the reading unit. The reading unit can thereby be released from the slot unit, which can remain attached to the wall. The assembly or disassembly of the reading unit is extremely simple. This facilitates replacement and maintenance.

Aus der genannten Schrift ist auch bekannt, im Gehäuse der Schlitzeinheit Öffnungen vorzusehen und an der Leiterplatte einen Tastschalter vorzusehen und mindestens eine Lichtquelle anzubringen, welche über die Öffnung nach außen strahlt. Die Leiterplatte ist über eine Steckverbindung mit der Leiterplatte der Leseeinheit verbindbar. Damit kann der Funktionszustand der Lesevorrichtung angezeigt werden.It is also known from the cited document to provide openings in the housing of the slot unit and to provide a push-button switch on the printed circuit board and to attach at least one light source which radiates outwards through the opening. The printed circuit board can be connected via a plug connection to the printed circuit board of the reading unit. Thus, the functional state of the reading device can be displayed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Schlitzeinheit mit Tastern für eine Kartenlesevorrichtung so auszubilden, dass der Tasterabschnitt auch bei Dunkelheit vorn Benutzer erkennbar ist.The invention is based on the object, a slot unit with buttons for a card reading device in such a way that the button portion even in the dark front user is recognizable.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is solved by the features of patent claim 1.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Schlitzeinheit ist in einer Öffnung des Gehäuses ein Tasterabschnitt eines Tasterelements angeordnet, das aus transparentem Material geformt ist. Das Tasterelement weist einen prismatischen Abschnitt auf mit einer Einstrahlfläche, welche der Lichtquelle zugeordnet ist und einer Ausstrahlfläche, welche in Richtung des Tasterabschnitts verläuft. Auf diese Weise ist der Tasterabschnitt beleuchtet und kann vorn Benutzer eines Automaten auch bei Dunkelheit erkannt werden. Es ist auch möglich, die Lichtquelle farbig auszulegen, um ein entsprechendes Signal im Tasterabschnitt zu erzeugen. Vorzugsweise ist die Lichtquelle eine Licht emittierende Diode (LED).In the slot unit according to the invention, a probe portion of a stylus element is formed in an opening of the housing, which is formed of transparent material. The stylus element has a prismatic section with an irradiation surface associated with the light source and an irradiation surface extending in the direction of the stylus section. In this way, the button section is illuminated and can be detected by the user of a machine even in the dark. It is also possible to color the light source to generate a corresponding signal in the probe section. Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

Um eine ausreichende Führung des Tasterelements zu erhalten, sieht eine andere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung vor, dass der Tasterabschnitt im radialen Abstand von einem axialen Bund umgeben ist, der mit einer komplementären Führung an der Innenseite des Gehäuses zusammenwirkt.In order to obtain a sufficient guidance of the stylus element, another embodiment of the invention provides that the stylus section is surrounded at the radial distance by an axial collar which cooperates with a complementary guide on the inside of the housing.

Eine andere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass das Tasterelement mindestens einen Stützabschnitt aufweist, der den Hub des Tasterelements durch Aufsetzen auf die Leiterplatte der Schlitzeinheit begrenzt. Hierfür kann ein ringzylindrischer Abschnitt oder mindestens ein Bein verwendet werden. Es ist auf diese Weise auch möglich, das Tasterelement dazu zu verwenden, die Öffnung im Gehäuse zu verschließen, wenn sie für die Betätigung eines Tastschalters nicht benötigt wird oder lediglich als Leuchtanzeige dienen soll. In diesem Fall ruht der Stützabschnitt an der Leiterplatte der Schlitzeinheit, und der Tasterabschnitt ist so weit in der Öffnung im Gehäuse der Schlitzeinheit zurückgezogen, dass eine Betätigung nicht mehr möglich ist.Another embodiment of the invention provides that the probe element has at least one support portion which limits the stroke of the stylus element by placing it on the circuit board of the slot unit. For this purpose, a ring-cylindrical section or at least one leg can be used. It is also possible in this way to use the button element to close the opening in the housing when it is not needed for the operation of a push-button switch or merely to serve as a light indicator. In this case, the support portion rests against the circuit board the slot unit, and the button portion is retracted so far in the opening in the housing of the slot unit that an operation is no longer possible.

Normalerweise wird das Gehäuse mehrere Öffnungen aufweisen. Es ist daher zweckmäßig, wenn alle Tasterelemente einteilig geformt und über flexible Abschnitt so miteinander verbunden sind, dass die Betätigung der Tasterelemente unabhängig voneinander möglich und auch eine Überstrahlung von einem Tasterelement zum anderen ausgeschlossen ist. Die einteilige Ausbildung der Tasterelemente stellt nicht nur eine Montageerleichterung dar, sondern bewirkt auch eine lagerichtige Anordnung und Zuordnung der Tasterelemente zu den Öffnungen.Normally, the housing will have multiple openings. It is therefore expedient if all push-button elements are integrally formed and connected to one another via a flexible section such that actuation of the push-button elements is possible independently of one another and an over-radiation from one push-button element to the other is excluded. The one-piece design of the stylus elements is not only a simplification of the assembly, but also causes a correct arrangement and assignment of the stylus elements to the openings.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines in Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt perspektivisch eine Schlitzeinheit nach der Erfindung.
Fig. 2
zeigt perspektivisch eine Leiterplatte für eine Schlitzeinheit nach Fig.
Fig. 3
zeigt einen Querschnitt durch die Schlitzeinheit nach Fig. 1.
Fig. 4
zeigt eine Tasterelementeneinheit für die Schlitzeinheit nach Fig. 1.
Fig. 5
zeigt perspektivisch ein einzelnes Tasterelement.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings.
Fig. 1
shows in perspective a slot unit according to the invention.
Fig. 2
shows in perspective a circuit board for a slot unit of FIG.
Fig. 3
shows a cross section through the slot unit of FIG. 1st
Fig. 4
1 shows a stylus element unit for the slot unit according to FIG. 1.
Fig. 5
shows in perspective a single button element.

In Fig. 1 ist eine Schlitzeinheit dargestellt, wie sie vorn Prinzip auch aus der erwähnten DE 197 38 412 bekannt geworden ist. Sie weist ein Gehäuse 12 auf, das gegen die Vorderseite einer Wand, einer Tür oder dergleichen zur Anlage kommt mit einem Einsteckschlitz 14 für eine Chipkarte. Der Einsteckschlitz 14 ist nach vorn mit konkaven Ausnehmungen versehen, welche das Einstecken der Karte bzw. deren Herausnahme erleichtern sollen. Hierauf soll im Einzelnen jedoch nicht eingegangen werden.In Fig. 1, a slot unit is shown, as in principle also from the aforementioned DE 197 38 412 has become known. It has a housing 12 which comes against the front of a wall, a door or the like to the plant with a Einsteckschlitz 14 for a smart card. The insertion slot 14 is provided to the front with concave recesses, which should facilitate the insertion of the card or their removal. However, this should not be discussed in detail.

Nach hinten aus der Schlitzeinheit 10 stehen zwei Ansätze vor, von denen einer bei 16 dargestellt ist. Die Ansätze werden durch eine entsprechende Öffnung in der nicht gezeigten Wand hindurch geführt und mit Steckfassungen der nicht gezeigten Leseeinheit auf der Rückseite der Wand verbunden. Zur Erzielung einer Schnappverbindung weisen die Ansätze eine seitliche Ausnehmung 18 auf.Towards the rear of the slot unit 10 are two approaches, one of which is shown at 16. The lugs are passed through a corresponding opening in the wall, not shown, and connected to jacks of the reading unit, not shown, on the back of the wall. To achieve a snap connection, the approaches to a lateral recess 18.

In Fig. 1 ist ferner zu erkennen, dass das Gehäuse 12 in einer Reihe drei Öffnungen 20 aufweist, in denen jeweils ein zylindrischer Tasterabschnitt 22 aufgenommen ist. Die Tasterabschnitte 22 gehören zu drei Tasterelementen 24, die aus Kunststoff geformt sind und jeweils durch einen flexiblen Steg 26 miteinander verbunden sind. Sie werden daher als Einheit geformt. Auf den Aufbau der Tasterelemente 24 wird weiter unten noch näher eingegangen.In Fig. 1 it can also be seen that the housing 12 in a row three openings 20, in each of which a cylindrical probe portion 22 is received. The probe sections 22 belong to three stylus elements 24, which are formed from plastic and are each connected to each other by a flexible web 26. They are therefore formed as a unit. The structure of the button elements 24 will be discussed in more detail below.

Im Gehäuse 12 wird an der Rückseite eine Leiterplatte 28 eingesetzt und darin verschraubt, beispielsweise über das Loch 30. Die Leiterplatte weist eine Anzahl von Steckerstiften 32 auf. Diese werden in Steckbuchsen einer nicht gezeigten Leiterplatte eingesteckt, die zur mit der Schlitzeinheit 10 verbundenen Leseeinheit gehört. Daher wird beim Aufstecken der Leseeinheit auf die Schlitzeinheit 10 automatisch die beschriebene Steckverbindung hergestellt. Die Leiterplatte auf der Leseeinheit enthält alle Bauteile und Komponenten für die Durchführung eines Lesevorgangs einschließlich der Verriegelung der Karte während des Lesevorgangs usw.In the housing 12, a printed circuit board 28 is inserted at the back and screwed therein, for example via the hole 30. The circuit board has a number of connector pins 32. These are plugged into sockets of a printed circuit board, not shown, which belongs to the connected to the slot unit 10 reading unit. Therefore, when plugging the reading unit onto the slot unit 10, the described connector is automatically produced. The printed circuit board on the reader contains all the components and components needed to do a read, including locking the card during the reading process, and so on.

Die Tasterelemente 24 sind Tastschaltern auf der Leiterplatte 28 zugeordnet, wobei ein Tastschalter bei 34 dargestellt ist. Er weist einen Stößel 36 auf, der beim Herunterdrücken eine leitende Verbindung herstellt. Auf die Betätigung der Tastschalter wird weiter unten noch eingegangen.The push-button elements 24 are associated with pushbutton switches on the printed circuit board 28, wherein a push-button switch is shown at 34. It has a plunger 36 which produces a conductive connection when pressed down. The operation of the push button will be discussed below.

Jedem Tastschalter 34 bzw. jedem Tasterelement 24 ist eine Lichtquelle 38 zugeordnet, beispielsweise eine LED. Deren Abstrahlrichtung ist annähernd senkrecht zur Leiterplatte 28 von dieser fort. Zwei weitere Lichtquellen 40, 42 auf der Leiterplatte 38 dienen anderen Beleuchtungszwecken; sie strahlen in Fig. 2 nach unten ab. Auf diese Lichtquellen soll im Einzelnen nicht eingegangen werden.Each pushbutton 34 or each pushbutton element 24 is assigned a light source 38, for example an LED. Their radiation direction is approximately perpendicular to the printed circuit board 28 away from this. Two further light sources 40, 42 on the circuit board 38 serve other illumination purposes; they radiate downwards in FIG. 2. These light sources will not be discussed in detail.

In Fig. 3 ist ein Schnitt durch die Darstellung nach Fig. 1 zu erkennen, insbesondere der Einbau der Leiterplatte 28 und der Tasterelemente 24. Letztere gehen deutlicher aus den Figuren 4 und 5 hervor.In Fig. 3 is a section through the illustration of FIG. 1 can be seen, in particular the installation of the printed circuit board 28 and the probe elements 24. The latter are more apparent from the figures 4 and 5.

In Fig. 4 ist zu erkennen, dass drei Tasterelemente 24, die identisch aufgebaut sind, über die Stege 26 aneinander angebunden sind. Da die Stege 26 bzw. ihre Anbindung jedoch flexibel ist, ist eine Betätigung eines Tasterelements jeweils unabhängig vom benachbarten.In Fig. 4 it can be seen that three button elements 24, which are constructed identically, are connected via the webs 26 to each other. Since the webs 26 However, their connection is flexible, an actuation of a button element is independent of each adjacent.

Wie aus den Figuren 4 und 5 hervorgeht, ist um jeden zylindrischen Tasterabschnitt 22 ein ringförmiger Kragen 44 angeordnet, der, wie Fig. 3 zeigt, mit einem entsprechenden Ringzylinderabschnitt 46 im Gehäuse 12 zusammenwirkt, so dass für das Tasterelement 24 eine Führung gebildet ist. Außerdem dient der Kragen zusammen mit dem Ringzylinderabschnitt als Dichtung und schützt somit die Leiterplatte 28 vor Feuchtigkeit. Der Kragen 44 erstreckt sich von einer Deckenplatte 48 fort, an die auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite vier Beine 50 angeformt sind. Die Beine 50 spannen ein Rechteck auf. Unterhalb der Deckenplatte 48 ist ein Prisma 52 an dieser angeformt, wobei ein im Querschnitt dreieckförmiger Abschnitt über die Ebene der benachbarten Beine hinaussteht. Eine schräge Fläche 54 des überstehenden Abschnitts dient zur Strahlumlenkung, worauf weiter unten noch eingegangen wird. Parallel zur Fläche 54 ist eine weitere Fläche 56 zwischen den Beinen 50 geformt, welche eine zweite Ablenkfläche bildet. In Verlängerung des Prismaabschnitts 52 ist ein schmalerer Steg 58 geformt. Wie aus Fig. 3 hervorgeht, dient der Steg 58 zur Betätigung des Tastschalters 34, wenn das Tasterelement 24 herunter gedrückt wird. Die Beine 50 begrenzen den Tasthub, indem sie auf der Leiterplatte 28 aufsetzen.As is apparent from Figures 4 and 5, an annular collar 44 is disposed around each cylindrical probe portion 22, which, as shown in FIG. 3, cooperates with a corresponding annular cylinder portion 46 in the housing 12 so that a guide is formed for the probe element 24. In addition, the collar serves as a seal together with the annular cylinder portion and thus protects the circuit board 28 from moisture. The collar 44 extends from a ceiling plate 48 to which four legs 50 are formed on the opposite side. The legs 50 create a rectangle. Below the ceiling plate 48, a prism 52 is integrally formed thereon, wherein a triangular in cross-section portion projects beyond the plane of the adjacent legs. An inclined surface 54 of the projecting portion is used for beam deflection, which will be discussed below. Parallel to the surface 54, a further surface 56 is formed between the legs 50, which forms a second deflection surface. In extension of the prism section 52, a narrower web 58 is formed. As is apparent from Fig. 3, the web 58 serves to actuate the key switch 34 when the button member 24 is pressed down. The legs 50 limit the touch stroke by resting on the circuit board 28.

Man erkennt aus Fig. 3, dass der Strahl der Lichtquelle 38 annähernd parallel zur Längserstreckung des Tasterabschnitts 22 verläuft und annähernd senkrecht in den Prismaabschnitt 52 eintritt. Er wird dabei an der Ablenkfläche 54 umgelenkt nach oben gegen die zweite Ablenkfläche 56, und zwar in der Weise, dass er annähernd mittig durch den Tasterabschnitt nach außen tritt, wie durch den Pfeilverlauf angedeutet. Es versteht sich, dass natürlich nur dann ein Strahl nach außen treten kann, wenn das Material des Tasterelements 24 transparent ist und die Ablenkflächen 54, 56 einen Spiegeleffekt haben.It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the beam of the light source 38 extends approximately parallel to the longitudinal extent of the probe section 22 and enters the prism section 52 approximately perpendicularly. It is thereby deflected at the deflection surface 54 upwards against the second deflection surface 56, in such a way that it occurs approximately centrally through the probe portion to the outside, as indicated by the arrow. It is understood, of course, only then a beam may pass out when the material of the stylus element 24 is transparent and the baffles 54, 56 have a mirror effect.

Wenn ein Tastschalter 34 nicht vorhanden ist, kann ein Tasterelement 24 ebenfalls eingebaut werden, indem es auf der Leiterplatte 28 beständig aufsitzt, damit der sonst als Tasterabschnitt verwendete Abschnitt 22 die Öffnung 20 verschließt.If a pushbutton 34 is not present, a stylus element 24 can also be installed by constantly seated on the circuit board 28 so that the otherwise used as a probe section 22 closes the opening 20.

Bei drei Löchern 20 gemäß Fig. 1 sind drei Tasterelemente 24 vorgesehen, die in einer vorgegebenen Reihenfolge angeordnet sind, entsprechend der Anordnung der Öffnungen 20, welche gemäß Fig. 1 nicht in einer Ebene liegen. Daher haben die Tasterabschnitte 22 eine unterschiedliche Länge. Die Ausbildung der Tasterelementeneinheit bewirkt jedoch, dass nur eine einzige Ausrichtung der Einheit der Tasterelemente in das Gehäuse 12 eingesetzt werden kann. Bei einer Verdrehung würde eine Montage nicht erfolgen können.In three holes 20 as shown in FIG. 1, three push-button elements 24 are provided, which are arranged in a predetermined order, corresponding to the arrangement of the openings 20, which are not in a plane according to FIG. Therefore, the probe portions 22 have a different length. The design of the stylus element unit, however, causes only a single orientation of the unit of the stylus elements in the housing 12 can be used. With a rotation, an assembly would not be possible.

Claims (7)

  1. Slit unit for a card reader which may be attached in a wall or a door of a vending machine or the like, a housing of the slit unit bearing against the front face of the wall, which may, moreover, be detachably connected to a reader unit on the rear face of the wall, the reader unit comprising a circuit board with the electrical and/or electronic components for the individual functions of the reader and which comprises an insertion slit via which a chip card may be inserted for the purpose of being received in a contact unit arranged in the reader unit, and the housing (12) receiving a circuit board (28) which contains at least one push button switch (34) and which may be connected via a plug connection (32) to the circuit board of the reader unit, characterized in that the housing (12) comprises an opening (20) oriented towards the push button switch (34), which receives an actuating portion (22) of a push button element (24) made of a transparent plastic for actuating the push button switch (34) and the push button element (24) comprises a prismatic portion (52) with an entrance surface oriented towards the light source (38) and a deflecting surface (56) oriented towards the actuating portion (22).
  2. Slit unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the light source (38) comprises a light emitting diode (LED).
  3. Slit unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuating portion (22) is surrounded at a radial distance by an axial flange or collar (44), which sealingly cooperates with a complementary guide (46) on the inside of the housing (12).
  4. Slit unit according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the push button element (24) comprises at least one support portion (50) which limits the travel of the push button element (24) by being positioned on the circuit board (28).
  5. Slit unit according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two or more openings (20) are provided in the housing (12) and the push button elements (24) are formed in one piece and are connected via flexible portions (26), such that the actuation of one push button element is independent from the remainder and illumination from one push button element (24) to the other is prevented.
  6. Slit unit according to Claim 5, characterized in that the receiving of the push button element unit in the housing (12) and/or the circuit board (28) is configured such that the installation is carried out only at a predetermined orientation.
  7. Slit unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the prismatic portion (52) is configured at its ends facing the light source (42) as a projection which also serves for the correctly positioned orientation.
EP00122658A 1999-12-10 2000-10-18 Slit unit for card reader Expired - Lifetime EP1128322B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19959459A DE19959459C2 (en) 1999-12-10 1999-12-10 Slot unit for a card reader
DE19959459 1999-12-10

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1128322A2 EP1128322A2 (en) 2001-08-29
EP1128322A3 EP1128322A3 (en) 2002-07-24
EP1128322B1 true EP1128322B1 (en) 2007-11-07
EP1128322B8 EP1128322B8 (en) 2008-03-26

Family

ID=7932053

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00122658A Expired - Lifetime EP1128322B8 (en) 1999-12-10 2000-10-18 Slit unit for card reader

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1128322B8 (en)
AT (1) ATE377807T1 (en)
DE (2) DE19959459C2 (en)
ES (1) ES2293882T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7810734B2 (en) 2004-05-05 2010-10-12 Utc Fire & Security Corporation Anti-skimming card reader surface configuration
US7374084B2 (en) 2004-06-18 2008-05-20 Computerized Security Systems Electronic lock with visual interface
NL1030421C2 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-05-15 Tokheim Netherlands B V Device for verifying an identification code.

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4134537A (en) * 1977-04-25 1979-01-16 Transaction Technology, Inc. Transaction terminal
FI84945C (en) * 1990-03-29 1992-02-10 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd KNAPPSATS.
DE19738412C2 (en) * 1997-09-03 2003-01-02 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Card reader

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2293882T3 (en) 2008-04-01
EP1128322A2 (en) 2001-08-29
EP1128322A3 (en) 2002-07-24
EP1128322B8 (en) 2008-03-26
DE50014762D1 (en) 2007-12-20
DE19959459C2 (en) 2002-04-25
ATE377807T1 (en) 2007-11-15
DE19959459A1 (en) 2001-06-21

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