EP1300807B1 - Method and device for opening a security housing - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for opening a security housing according to the preamble of claim 1 and an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 11. The invention comes for franking machines, addressing machines and other printing Mail processing equipment with a security housing for use.

Applicant's thermal transfer postage meter T1000 has a fixed in the housing thermal transfer print head for printing a franking imprint. The franking imprint includes one previously entered and stored postal information including the Postage fee data for the carriage of the letter. A mounted on the housing Tray serves to accommodate a removable ribbon cassette (US 4,767,228). While a door leading to the compartment can be opened at any time, access to the security area prevents the printing device by a security case.

If a franking machine is to be opened for repair purposes, Tearing screws of the safety housing must be destroyed. In Franking machines and other mail processing equipment with a Security enclosures can also use seals or plastic parts as further access protection for the microprocessor control and the control lines the fixed printhead are used. To a repair that requires opening the safety enclosure, must tear screws of the safety housing, seals or the the access protection plastic parts are replaced.

The franking machine JetMail® of the Applicant is with a base and with equipped with a removable meter. Only the latter is by a appropriately trained housing protected against misuse. The meter contains a control to control printing and to Controlling peripheral components of the franking machine, as well as a Security module that comes with a Abrecheneinheit and a cryptographic Unit for securing postage data to be printed Is provided. An encapsulation of the security module by means of a additional housing provides additional mechanical protection. in the In contrast, the housing of the base does not have to have a protective function and can be designed to be easy to repair. The base contains a mail transport device and an inkjet printing device to print the postmark on the mail. An exchange The printhead is unnecessary because the ink tank is disconnected from the printhead is arranged and can be replaced. Also, no need special security measures for the printhead or for one Protection of the control and data signals are taken when with a special piezo inkjet printhead with a security print Mark is printed, which is a verification of the authenticity of the Security impression allowed (US 6,041,704). The generation of a spurious security imprint is thus only made more difficult and not prevented from the beginning.

In franking machines, bubble jet printing heads are also used in the printing module used (for example, in the mymail® the applicant, in the staff Post ™ by Pitney Bowes and the PortoStar by Neopost). The ink tank and bubble jet printhead are in a removable ink cartridge integrated, as for example from the ½ inch ink cartridges Hewlet Packard (HP) is already known. The contacting of the electrical Contacts of the print head of the replaceable ink cartridge can via a connector of a commercial pen driver board's Company HP done. Because of the easy interchangeability of the ink cartridge by the user, new opportunities can be Generation of a false security impression result, for example By further printing modules are operated with print data, the only for a specific pressure module are determined (replay attack). According to US 5,365,312 (Mannesmann AG) has an ink cartridge of the print module a chip with readable stored identity data to the ink cartridge to be authorized for printing when inserting into the printing module. Some postal authorities have stricter requirements for Admission of franking machines, which causes their manufacturer, To equip such ink cartridges with additional security means or to take appropriate protective measures, so that neither indirectly via manipulated ink cartridges or directly to the printing process Can be influenced to print franking imprints without to pay for it. The franking machine is intended to use a Exclude "foreign" ink cartridge. According to EP 875 862 A2 by means of reading means of the franking machine unique identity data of the Read the ink cartridge and verified the authorization to use the the latter in the franking machine. According to US 5,956,056 (or EP 881 599 A2) checks if an ink cartridge is installed. If not, then a billing module is blocked for token generation. Next The purely electronic solutions are already known, the mechanically prevent inadmissible during the printing process another print module is driven with the print data. After US No. 6,102,534 (or EP 875 861 A2) may be a franking machine for franking printing only be operated when a hatch is closed. Transverse movement means allow the printing module with the ink cartridge in an area adjacent to the printing area to move the Remove or replace the ink cartridge. The in the security case arranged hatch can only be opened if the pressure module with the ink cartridge moved to the adjacent area has been. In the other cases, the hatch is closed by means of closure. According to EP 875 865A2 an access to the printing module with the ink cartridge barricaded by a hatch and only in response The hatch can respond to an authorization signal that picks up the barricade to be opened, resulting in removal or replacement of the ink cartridge allowed. A direct access to the security area of the Device housing is not provided in any of the aforementioned solutions.

European patent application EP 881 086 A 2 discloses a security printing apparatus proposed with removable printhead, which during of printing on a rod is slidingly reciprocated. His replacement is possible outside the pressure range in a parking position, by sliding the printhead on the rod sideways to the record carrier is moved to the park position. This separates a resilient safety means the electrical contacts between printhead and control cable when reaching the park position and puts the electrical contacts after leaving the parking position again. After replacing the Printhead operation of the postage meter is prevented as long as the lid is not fully closed. The lid stays in operation the postage meter locks as long as the printhead is parked not yet resuming. The locking / unlocking is done by a electronic operated shutter.

The invention is based on the object, an arrangement and a Develop procedures to provide easy access for a service technician to substantial parts within the security enclosure Repair and maintenance allow. The user should be denied access. In addition, access protection is too develop, giving the user access to sensitive digital Leads for driving the ink jet print head of the ink cartridge denied. The user should still be able to get one Remove or replace the ink cartridge.

The object is achieved with the features of the method according to claim 1 and the features of the arrangement according to claim 11 solved.

• aus einer Heimposition in eine Druckposition zum Drucken,
• aus einer Heimposition oder aus der Druckposition in eine Entriegelungsposition zum Freigeben des Sicherheitsgehäuses oder des ersten Zuganges zum Sicherheitsgehäuse oder
• in eine Wechselposition zum Wechseln der Tintenkartusche.

Within the security enclosure there is at least one security area and at least one non-security area. Only authorized persons, such as service technicians, are authorized to access both areas. This is based on the consideration that a mechanical release is triggered inside the safety housing. Due to the force of a drive for a transverse movement of the printing module, the latter is brought into a special unlocking position, so that the printing module unlocks at least one safety housing part or access thereto. Advantageously, this eliminates an additional actuator for unlocking. The latter requires a prior authorization check, for example, by a franking machine or meter or by a remote data center. As a result, at least one first access to at least one locking means of a safety housing part can be mechanically released. It is further contemplated that with a mechanical release of the security housing or access to a drive of an ink jet print head of an ink cartridge is prevented. It is advantageous if a sensor is arranged and a check is made for release or locking of the security housing of the postal device. After checking the lock, the postal device can be operated to frank mailpieces when the lock has been made properly. It can be determined by a further sensor that a mechanically released access for changing an ink cartridge has been locked again before the operation of the postal device. The printing module can basically be traversed by means of transverse movement:

• from a home position to a print position for printing,
• from a home position or from the printing position to an unlocking position for releasing the security housing or the first access to the security housing or
• in a change position for changing the ink cartridge.

The print position and the unlock position form the endpoints of the travel of the print module with the ink cartridge change position between the print position and the unlock position or the home position and the unlock position.
The print module may first be moved in the X direction to the unlock position and then opposite to the X direction to the ink cartridge replacement position. Thus, on the one hand the locking of the safety housing is mechanically released directly or an unlocked state of access to the safety housing is present. On the other hand, with a print module parked in the change position, an ink cartridge can be removed or replaced.
It is envisaged that by a transverse movement of the print module in the unlocked position, a first access for an authorized person to components within the security housing for repair and maintenance purposes and a second access is mechanically released, the second access is accessible for changing an ink cartridge.

It is envisaged that the inkjet printhead is part of a postal ink cartridge having electrical and mechanical features that distinguishes it from the usual ink cartridges, the special features for automatic and / or easy recognition of the postal ink cartridge by the postal device and / or by the Users are trained. Further electronic and mechanical protective measures are provided in connection with the printing module, which must be brought into a predetermined change position to allow replacement of the ink cartridge.
The second access for changing an ink cartridge is already released mechanically when the print module traverses the change position in the transverse movement or if only a transverse movement of the print module takes place until the change position, ie if an unauthorized person a transverse movement of the print module, for example, before operating of the postal device for franking mailpieces triggers. The user thus only has access to non-safety areas of the device, for example for changing consumables, such as franking strips or ink cartridges, for changing the battery. In the upper part of the postage meter, there is a corresponding opening for changing the ink cartridge. After entering an (unauthorized) signal, the print carriage is moved with the ink cartridge to a change position, from which the ink cartridge can be removed or replaced. For the user, a flap is provided which covers the aforementioned opening. The flap may be opened at least if the print carriage has been moved to the ink cartridge change position or to the adjacent additional unlock position. Alternatively, the flap is not part of the security housing and / or can be opened or removed at any time. When the print carriage is brought to a print position for printing, a protective cap prevents access to the control lines during printing. The protective cap is attached to the carriage and closes the aforementioned opening in the housing, according to the movement of the carriage in the direction of the printing position. In any other position in which the print carriage can be brought, the aforementioned opening is not or not completely closed by the cap.

Alternatively, it is provided that a safety housing part to the user denied a first access to the interior of the mail processing device and a releasable further locking means covers, which on a in the interior of the security housing located wall of a housing base or upper part of the security housing is arranged to the Manually lock or unlock the safety housing on the safety enclosure at least one mechanical locking element is arranged, which with a hook nose at the end of a resilient Extension arm is equipped with the aforementioned in the interior of the security housing located wall is engageable, wherein the safety housing part is removable only by visible destruction, the safety enclosure upper part has an opening which corresponds to User to change an ink cartridge a limited second access into the interior of the mail processing device allows that the opening is closed by a flap, which with a Stop is equipped, which when opening the flap a switch actuated, which is arranged in the interior of the safety housing, wherein the power supply of a motor of the transverse movement means of the Print module is interrupted and that the pressure module Protective cover and a protective cap to prevent a unauthorized access to the ribbon conductor and to the control electronics unit are attached.

Figur 1a,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Frankiermaschine mit Klappe,

Figur 1b,

perspektivische Ansicht eines abnehmbaren Gehäuseoberteils,

Figur 2a,

Verriegelungsmittel des Sicherheitsgehäuses,

Figur 2b,

Schnitt durch die Frankiermaschine, wobei das Druckmodul in Druckposition positioniert ist,

Figur 2c,

Detailansicht eines Verbindungsmittels von Gehäuseober- und Unterteil,

Figur 3a,

Darstellung des geöffneten Verriegelungsmittels des Sicherheitsgehäuses,

Figur 3b,

Schnitt durch die Frankiermaschine, wobei das Druckmodul in einer zusätzlichen Entriegelungsposition positioniert ist,

Figur 4a,

Darstellung des geschlossenen Verriegelungsmittels des Sicherheitsgehäuses,

Figur 4b,

Schnitt durch die perspektivische Ansicht der Frankiermaschine im Bereich der Öffnung, wobei das Druckmodul in einer Tintenkartuschenwechselposition positioniert ist,

Figur 5a,

Darstellung des mit dem Zugangsschutzteil verschlossenen Zuganges zum Verriegelungsmittel,

Figur 5b,

Darstellung eines Zuganges zum Verriegelungsmittel sowie Mittel zur mechanischen Freigabe des Zuganges,

Figur 6,

Darstellung eines Betätigungsmechanismus für das Zugangsschutzteil,

Figur 7,

perspektivische Ansicht einer Chassisanordnung in gesprengter Darstellung,

Figur 8,

Schutzummantelung für einen Bandleiter,

Figur 9,

Sicherheitsgehäuseteil zum Verwehren und Schutzanordnung zum Beschränken des Zuganges in das Innere zum Wechseln einer Tintenkartusche.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are presented in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1a,

Perspective view of a franking machine with flap,

FIG. 1b,

perspective view of a removable housing top,

FIG. 2a,

Locking means of the safety housing,

FIG. 2b,

Section through the franking machine, wherein the printing module is positioned in printing position,

FIG. 2c,

Detail view of a connecting means of housing upper and lower part,

FIG. 3a,

Representation of the opened locking means of the safety housing,

FIG. 3b,

Section through the franking machine, wherein the printing module is positioned in an additional unlocking position,

FIG. 4a,

Representation of the closed locking means of the safety housing,

FIG. 4b,

Section through the perspective view of the franking machine in the region of the opening, wherein the printing module is positioned in an ink cartridge changing position,

FIG. 5a,

Representation of the locked with the access protection part access to the locking means,

FIG. 5b,

Representation of an access to the locking means and means for the mechanical release of the access,

FIG. 6,

Illustration of an actuating mechanism for the access protection part,

FIG. 7,

perspective view of a chassis assembly in exploded view,

FIG. 8,

Protective coating for a strip conductor,

FIG. 9,

A security enclosure part for blocking and a protection arrangement for restricting access to the interior for changing an ink cartridge.

FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a franking machine with a removable housing upper part 2, which in the Y direction over a housing lower part 1 is arranged. The front 25, the inbox side 27 and the mail exit side (not visible) of the housing top 2 have a slot-shaped opening 21 for a franking Postgut, which can be fed in the Z direction. The housing top has a front side 25 towards inclined surface 22, which is suitable to record a - not shown - user interface. On the Housing top 23, which in the X direction to the inclined housing surface 22 connects, a lid-shaped flap 3 is arranged. The housing rear side 26 is suitably formed to a - In the figures 2a, 3a and 4a Shown - locking means to receive, which can lock or unlock the housing parts 1, 2. The sectional area A located in the XY plane is shown only in FIG. 1a. FIGS. 2a to 4b show an interior view of the franking machine shown, the latter being cut in the XY plane.

FIG. 1b shows a perspective view of the removable one Upper housing part 2 with the slot-shaped opening 21 on the front side 25, Inbox 27 and Outbox Page (not visible) of the upper housing part 2, with the rear side of the housing 26, with the inclined Housing surface 22 and the housing top 23. The latter is shown without the flap and has an opening 24 which of the inclined housing surface 22 is limited. Additionally, at least a releasable safety housing part 4 may be provided which must be released before the upper housing part 2 is removable. The removable upper housing part 2 is open at the bottom and has a equally trained circumferential edge B2, with the exception of the edge H2 on the front, whose embodiment with reference to FIG. 2c closer is explained. Before the upper housing part 2 can be removed, must have an authorization check by the franking machine or meter the franking machine or via postage meter or meter by a remote data center performed weden. The authorization check can advantageously by means of the data center and the control unit of the franking machine respectively. The control unit can work between authorized Opening (service, inspection) and unauthorized opening (manipulation intention) distinguish, in conjunction with those of the data center transmitted data and a signal detected by a sensor, such as under the title: Procedure for improving the security of franking machines against manipulation, in EP 969 421 A2 (or in the US 5,671,146) has already been described.

In Figure 2a, the locking means 29 of the safety housing in an embodiment in the locked state shown in more detail. In the predetermined Distance D2 from an edge B2 of the removable housing top 2, a ridge 291 is disposed parallel to the XZ plane at which opposite to the Y direction, a spring leaf 292 connects. The spring leaf 292 is parallel to the YZ plane, wherein at the opposite to Y-direction end of a hook nose 293 is arranged. Of the Edge B2 of the removable housing upper part 2 has one on the back and on both sides encircling U-shaped groove. A matching one Spring is incorporated in the edge D1 of the lower housing part 1. At the predetermined distance D1 from the edge B1 of the lower housing part 1 is a ridge 294 arranged parallel to the XZ plane, at the right angles in the Y direction a stop 295 connects. The stop 295 is parallel to YZ plane, with a hook 296 at the Y-direction end of the stop 295 is arranged. When mounting the upper housing part 2 on the lower housing part 1 is the spring leaf 292 in the X direction deflected, due to the slope of the hooked nose 293, the on the hook 296 entlag slides. The locking means 29 locks the Security case when the spring leaf 292 abuts the hook 296. This embodiment is also referred to as a "snap in" connection.

FIG. 2b shows a section through the franking machine. In the cut Housing is a printing device visible. A mail piece (not shown) is in the transport direction Z by a driven Transport drum 12 transports, which opposite at least one sprung counter-pressure roller 11 is arranged, which is not driven.

The printing module 30 is movable in the X-direction and opposite thereto and thus arranged transversely movable to the transport direction Z and has at least one interchangeable ink cartridge 31, which projects in part into a transport drum 12 in the printing position. Further details are the non-prepublished German patent application 100 32 855.5 removable, which bears the title: Device for printing a print carrier.
The opening 24 for changing the ink cartridge 31 is hidden by the lid 3. There is no closure means for such a flap 3 is provided. Although the transversely movable pressure module is arranged in the region of the opening 24 for changing the ink cartridge 31, the latter can not be changed in the printing position. The printing module 30 consists of a Ansteuerelektronikeinheit 38, which is connected via a belt 34 to the - not shown - control unit of the Fankiermaschine and a example on rails (not shown) guided print carriage 36, which is known from a home position in a printing position or to change the Ink cartridge can be moved into a change position. When the print carriage is brought to a print position for printing, the protective cap 33 prevents access to the tape conductor 34 and the control lines in the drive electronics unit 38 during printing. The protective cap 33 has an actuating finger 35 and is attached to the printing carriage 36. Upon movement of the print carriage 36 in the printing position, the aforementioned opening 24 is closed in the housing, wherein the protective cap 33 is pushed under the opening 24. In any other position, in which the printing module 30 can be brought, the aforementioned opening 24 is not or not completely closed by the protective cap 33. The inner wall of the housing rear side 26 is formed with at least one locking means 29 which, for example, locks or unlocks the upper housing part 2.

FIG. 2c shows a detailed view of a connection means 19 of FIG Housing upper and lower part on the front 25. The edge H1 of Housing base 1 is formed as an inwardly curved bead 191, which is U-shaped enclosed by the edge H2 of the upper housing part 2.

As long as the locking means 29 of the upper housing part 2 is locked, there is a positive and non-positive connection. The U-shaped opening of the enclosing means 192 at the edge H2 of the housing upper part 2 is incorporated in the X direction and gives the edge H2 of the upper housing part 2 a hinge function, for unfolding when turning over the Edge H1 after the locking means 29 of the upper housing part. 2 was unlocked. Only when the upper housing part 2 to a predetermined Angle opposite the housing base 1 is opened, can the connection to the lower housing part 1 are completely released.

FIG. 3 a shows a representation of the opened locking means 29 of the security case. If the pressure module reaches the additional unlocking position, passes - as shown - the finger 35 of the slider 33 in abutment with the spring leaf 292, wherein at the end of the spring leaf 292 arranged hook nose 293 on the hook 296 aushakt.

FIG. 3b shows a section through the franking machine, wherein the Print module is positioned in an unlocked position. The to the transport direction transversely movable pressure module 30 with at least one removable ink cartridge 31, was previously during a transverse movement from the print position or a home position near the Transport drum 12 in the X direction close to the unlocked position the case back 26 move. The flap 3 can indeed be opened but the ink cartridge 31 still can not be replaced become. The moving in the X direction pressure module 30 is through Opening 24 still visible, because the aforementioned opening 24 through the Protective cap 33 is not closed. Nevertheless, through the opening 24 through neither the leads of the strip conductor 34 nor the Ansteuerelektronikeinheit 38 achievable when the print module 30 in the unlocking position is located. The housing upper part 2 is through the formed on the inner wall of the housing rear side 26 at least a locking means 29 unlocked as soon as the pressure module 30 in the Entriegelungsposition passes and the finger 35 of the cap 33 the Spring leaf 292 deflects and thus opens the "snap in" connection. The Safety housing is now hinged in Y-direction when turning the Housing shell 2 to a parallel to the Z-direction (along the Connecting means 19) located axis of rotation.

In the figure 4a is the locking means 29 of the security housing again shown in the locked state, based on the figure 2a has already been explained in more detail. When the printing module 30 (as shown in FIG is shown) moved only in a change position for ink cartridges has been locked, the locked state still exists. A user can thus change only the ink cartridges.

FIG. 4b shows a section through the perspective view of FIG Postage meter in the region of the opening 24, wherein the pressure module 30th is positioned in the ink cartridge changing position. It is intended that the printing position and the unlocking position are the endpoints of the Traverse path of the print carriage 36, wherein the ink cartridge change position between the printing position and the unlocking position or the home position and the unlocking position is set. The Ink cartridge change position is so between the printing position and the unlocking position or the home position and the unlocking position, so that the opening 24 in the housing top side 23 just so far above the ink cartridge 31 is that the latter can be changed. This created by the opening 24 second Access is at least partially closed by the protective cap 33 formed when the printing module 30 outside the ink cartridge changing position is positioned. Thus, with the door open 3 neither the leads of the stripline 34 nor the control electronics unit 38 accessible through the opening 24. The housing lower part 1 and the upper housing part 2 are connected by the connecting means 19 and the locked locking means 29 connected to each other.

When the printing module 30 first moves to the unlocking position (in Fig. 3a, b shown) and then moved to the change position for ink cartridges was, is an unlocked state for the housing parts 1 and 2 as well for the flap 3 before. As a result, a service technician can not only do that Open the security case, but also change the ink cartridge.

In another - not shown - variant is at least a locking means 29 on the inside of one of the walls of the security housing as a snap connection or in a suitable other Way trained. The inside of the walls on the front 25, Back side 26 or inbox side 27 or outgoing mail side, upper or underside are in a corresponding manner with an operable from the inside Lock formed, wherein the driving force of the transverse movement means for the transverse movement of the printing module 30 via power transmission means transferred to the at least one locking means 29 when the printing module 30 is brought to the unlocking position. This will provide at least one safety enclosure part or access mechanically released for this purpose. The power transmission means is, for example a lever, a cable or a similar acting means.

In an alternative - not shown - variant is at least a locking element with a hook on a resilient Extension arm formed on a safety housing part 4 is mounted and deflected by the transverse movement of the print module 30 in the unlocked position. Upon actuation of the locking element becomes the security housing part 4 and thus an access to a further locking means of the safety housing mechanically Approved. The further locking means is at least at one of Walls (front side 25, back side 26, inbox side 27 or post exit side, Top or bottom) of the security housing provided to manually lock or unlock at least one safety enclosure part. As access is a - not shown - opening 28 in one of Housing surfaces of any safety housing part provided. The safety housing part 4 for closing the access is for example, an access protection part 40 with protective cover.

FIG. 5 a shows an access protection part in perspective from below, which gives access to at least one detachable further Locking means of a security housing from the outside covers. Of the Access is for example on the back of the case 26, from the only one section is shown. Access to detachable others Locking means is designed as a compartment 280 with a bottom 281, which has further openings 282, 283, 284 and 285. The openings 284 and 285 are for the releasable further locking means of Security housing provided. In the simplest case, screws (not shown) used as a releasable locking means further.

The access protection part 40 has an access protection panel 41 in the Size of the window-like opening 28 (not visible on the back of the housing 26) and directed into the housing interior guide and locking elements 42, 43 on. The locking element 43 is resilient and that Guide element 42 is rigidly attached to the access protection panel 41. The openings 282, 283 in the bottom 281 are according to the shape of the Guiding and locking elements 42, 43 shaped. The guide element 42 has a predetermined length, for example, an L-shaped or U-shaped shape, which increases its stiffness. The locking element 43 is plate-shaped and consists of a the access protection panel molded spring leaf 431 with a hook nose 432, which is spaced from the access protection panel 41 is, wherein the spring blade 431 at an increasing distance from the access protection panel 41 merges into a plate-shaped stop 433. The Hook nose 432 can be engaged in a corresponding housing edge 2831 or a hook (not shown) the access protection part 40 in Lock safety housing: The access protection panel 41 is included provided, the window-like opening 28 on the rear side 26 to close.

FIG. 5b shows an illustration of an access to the locking means. Of the opening 28 concealing access protection part 40 are only the guiding and locking elements visible and means for mechanical release of access to the compartment 280. The hook nose 432 of the locking element is in a corresponding housing edge 2831 of the opening 283 engaged. Through the plate-shaped stop 433, the spring leaf 431 deflected in height with the hook nose 432 so that the hook nose 432 is disengaged from the housing edge 2831 or with the - not shown - hook passes. The access protection part 40 is then unlocked and can be removed. The means to For example, mechanical release of the access 280 is a lever 37 with a finger 378, 433 on the plate-shaped stop the force K presses as soon as the lever 37 by the transverse movement of the Push carriage 36 is sufficiently deflected. The transverse movement of the Push carriage 36 (not shown) is for mechanical release of the Access protection part 40. The access protection part 40 and the lever 37 can be manufactured as plastic parts. As a further mechanical Protection can be an outer layer (not shown) made of a hard Material are applied to the access protection panel 41.

In an alternative - not shown - variant of the Lever 37 omitted when the means of the plate-shaped stop 433 extended spring leaf 431 by the transverse movement of the with a corresponding finger 35 equipped print carriage 36 sufficient is deflected to the mechanical release of the access protection part 40 to effect.

Alternatively, (as shown in Fig. 3a, b) the am Carriage 36 fixed cap 33 a finger 35 for the Release of the security housing or access thereto.

FIG. 6 shows an illustration of an actuating mechanism for the Access protection part in plan view. An access protection part 40, with access protection panel 41 and the housing interior directed guiding and locking elements 42, 43 is in a compartment-like depression of the rear wall of the housing 26 shown engaged. The latter is for example by screwing attached to the chassis part 18. To clarify is a cut represented by the screws 16 on the bottom 281 of the compartment-like depression. The access protection part 40 can only be released from the inside. By the driving force of the motor 5 is fixed on the axis 6 Drive spindle 7 is rotated and the printing module 30 is moved.

The printing module 30 is moved in the X direction, for example, and sequentially passes from the printing position P home position H, the change position C and the unlocking position E.
The print carriage 36 of the print module 30 is reciprocably mounted on a slide rail, not shown, and carries two ½ inch bubble jet ink cartridges 31 and 32. On the print carriage 36, a protective cap 33 and a finger 35 are attached. Through the protective cap 33, access to the driving means of the ink cartridges 31 and 32 is blocked when the printing module 30 is positioned outside of the ink cartridge changing position or in the printing position P or home position H. A deflectable at its one end in the Z direction lever 37 has at its other end a rotation axis 374 in the Y direction near wall on the front side of the security housing. The lever 37 has in the X direction in the propriety of the axis of rotation an extension 376. The latter carries a spring 376 for resilient support of the lever 37 on the chassis side part 17, so that the lever 37 with its link 371, 372, 373 to the finger 35 of the Print carriage 36 of the printing module is pressed. The finger 35 is moved in the X direction and slides along the gate section 371 along when the printing module 30 reaches the change position C.
It is envisaged that the opening 24 is closed by a flap 3, which is provided with a stop 39 which is lockably arranged on the flap 3 by a second finger 379 of the lever 37, wherein the lock is released, if if the pressure module 30 is positioned in the ink cartridge changing position C or in the unlocking position E. The lever 37 carries at the opposite end to the rotation axis of a first finger 378 and the second finger 379 and is deflected according to the sliding block shape of the gate section 371 against the spring force. The second finger 379 moved thereby releases the stopper 39 of the door 3 (not shown) so that the door 3 can be moved from a closed initial state to an open state.
However, if the print module 30 leaves the change position C - in a manner not shown - with the print module 30 moved further in the X direction and now the finger 35 slides along the link section 372, then the lever 37 will become the cam shape due to the spring force of the gate section 372 in the Z direction and the stop 39 of the flap 3 is again held by the second finger 379 in the initial state.

In an alternative - not shown - variant is the Flap 3 can not be locked and the opening 24 accessible at any time, because through the protective cap 33, the second access is already limited.

If the printing module 30 by further movement in the X direction in the Unlocked position E brought, the finger 35 on the gate section Slide 373 along and the lever 37 is corresponding to the Sliding cam shape of the gate section 372 against the Z direction and the spring force action deflected. The finger 378 directs the locking element 43, whereby the access protection part 40 unlocked and the first access (opening 28) to the safety housing upper part 2 is freed becomes. The upper housing part 2 is released in an indirect way after the mechanical locking element 43 inside the Security housing on the arranged on a lever 37 first Finger 378 was pressed by the print carriage 36.

In an alternative - not shown - variant for the Transverse means, a motor 5 acts on a toothed belt on the Pressure module 30 drive mechanically.

With reference to a perspective view of a chassis assembly shown in exploded view in Figure 7, a mechanical protection of a printed circuit board is shown, which is arranged in the inner security area of a franking machine and carries a control unit of the Fankiermaschine. An upper shell 15, which is correspondingly shaped for protection and support purposes, is disposed above a lower shell 13, which is formed for protection and support purposes, and a printed circuit board 14 on which the components of the inner security area are interconnected. The chassis shells 13 and 15 may comprise a group of arranged in a row outer ventilation openings, which are preferably slot-shaped incorporated on the outer edge. The lower shell 13 consists of a parallel to the lower housing part 1 shielding and support plate 131 and a rear side of the housing 26 parallel angled rear shield and support plate part 136, which has at least openings for power supply via a power plug cable and for discharging a heated air flow to the outside. The safety-related components arranged on the printed circuit board 14 are covered in a box-like manner by the chassis components in the assembled state. In the assembled state, the printed circuit board 14 is located on the front side of the skirt 134 of the lower shell 13. On the circuit board 14, the chassis upper shell 15 is supported with its side walls.
The upper chassis shell 15 is limited poststromein- or post-stream exit side by a respective side wall 157 and 158 and by a front side wall 155 and by a side wall 152 parallel thereto. An inner cavity is divided into a lower cavity 50 and an upper cavity 60 by a plate 156 lying parallel to the shielding and support plate 131. The lower cavity 50 is provided for receiving an inner security area control electronics for printing. The upper cavity 60 is provided for receiving a pressure mechanism for the mailpiece transport. In addition, a box 159 is arranged on the upper chassis shell 15, which extends, for example, in the X direction to the rear housing wall 26. If the box 159, as shown, a box bottom 1590, then in the latter at least one opening 1591 for electrical cables of the circuit board 14 in the form of a strip conductor 34 is provided. Above the upper chassis shell 15, a support frame 10 (FIG. 8) is arranged as a further chassis part for supporting the pressure mechanism.

FIG. 8 shows a protective jacket 9 for a strip conductor 34, which is guided from the chassis arrangement through the support frame 10 to a control electronics unit 38 (not shown). The support frame 10 has postflow on the output side limited by side walls rectangular boxes with a bottom plate 100. The latter has opposite to the X direction near the front an opening 101 for the - not shown - pressure mechanism for the carriage of a mail item in the transport direction Z on.
The protective casing 9 consists of a flattened piece of hose 94 and merges at the one end into a cap 90 for covering the control electronics unit 38. The tube piece 94 is designed to receive a strip conductor 34 and preferably has a releasable positive connection with the cap 90, which is designed for strain relief. For example, a bead-shaped collar 95 is formed on the tube piece 94 and the cap 90 has a hidden opening 91 for the passage of the tube piece 94 through the cap 90 from the side of the control electronics unit 38 to the side of the circuit board 14 hinführend. The cap 90 is adapted for attachment to the printing module 30, the means for attachment being arranged so that the latter are inaccessible from access through the opening 24. The cap 90 has, for example, side walls 92, 93 with an opening 96. A screw 97 which can be screwed into the opening serves for fastening to the printing module 30.
The protective sheath 9 leads at the other end to a cover plate 99, which is fastened to the support frame 10 and which is designed for strain relief and for covering the openings in the upper chassis part 15. The - not shown - means for fixing the cover plate 99 on the support frame 10 are also arranged inaccessible from access through the opening 24. A slot-shaped opening 98 in the cover plate 99 is provided for the passage of the hose piece 94, wherein the cover plate 99 is formed in the opposite direction to the Y direction for strain relief. The tubular piece 94 is positively and non-positively connected to the cover plate 99, for example, by a special shape or S-shaped passageway between the cover plate 99 and the box bottom 1590 of the box 159 of the upper chassis shell 15. The hose piece 94 is made for example of a particularly resistant plastic and is flexible.

Alternatively, cover plate 99 and cap 90 may be attached to the protective cover 9 already formed during manufacture and from the same material can be produced.

In the figure 9 an alternative embodiment is shown, with a safety housing part 4 ', which denies the user a first access to the inside of the mail processing device and with a protective device 8', 9 ', 33', the second limited access at any time for changing a Ink cartridge granted. The safety housing part 4 'covers a releasable further locking means, which is arranged on a wall located in the interior of the safety housing, for example, the housing upper part to manually lock or unlock the safety housing. The releasable further locking means is for example a screw 16 'which can be inserted into the support frame 10' or into a chassis part. The safety housing part 4 'at least one mechanical locking element 43' is arranged, which consists of a resilient extension arm with a hook nose 432 'at its end, which is engageable with the aforementioned wall located in the interior of the safety housing, wherein the safety housing part 4' only by visible destruction is removable. Compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 5a, 5b thus eliminates the plate-shaped stopper 433 on the locking element 43 and the lever 37. The safety housing part 4 'preferably has an access protection panel 41' and guiding and locking elements 42 ', 43'.
In combination with this alternative embodiment, it is further provided that the safety housing upper part has an opening 24 ', which allows the user to change an ink cartridge 31', 32 'a second access to the interior of the mail processing device, that the opening 24' closed by a flap is, which is equipped with a stop 39 'which actuates when opening the flap a switch 8', which is arranged inside the safety housing, wherein the power supply to a motor 5 'of the transverse movement means of the printing module 30' is interrupted. Compared with the embodiment shown in Figure 6 thus eliminates the lever 37th

When opening the flap 3 (Fig.1a) Beispeilsweise a microswitch used as a switch 8, inside the security case arranged and electrically connected to the circuit board 14 (Fig.7). The latter carries the control electronics for printing, for example a Fankiermaschine and can the power supply of a motor 5 'of Transverse movement means of the print module 30 'interrupt to the print module 30 'to prevent a transverse movement. The engine 5 'is with the Circuit board connected by control. In a subversion is the Motor 5 'via the switch 8' electrically connected to the circuit board and can be switched off directly when the flap is open becomes. The ink cartridge 31 ', 32' can not then only in the one case be replaced when the latter near the printing position or directly has been positioned in the latter. In any other case, the transversely movable printing module in a position outside the printing position has been moved and the flap is then opened, one in the area the opening 24 'positioned ink cartridge 31', 32 'replaced become. An empty or incapable ink cartridge 31 ', 32' may be replaced at any time. To protect against manipulation of Franking machine via the opening 24 'and to cover the control electronics unit 38 'from above prevents the cap 33' access on the strip conductor 34 'and the control lines in the control electronics unit 38 '. In every position, in which the printing module 30 'brought can be and access to the strip conductor 34 'and the control lines would be possible, the aforementioned opening 24 'by the Protective cap 33 'at least partially or completely closed.

The invention is not limited to the present embodiments limited. Rather, a number of variants in the context of Claims conceivable. So obviously others can Embodiments of the invention are developed or used by the the same basic idea of the invention, starting from the to the appended claims.

Claims (27)

1. A method for opening a security housing, with authorization and unlocking, with an exchangeable ink cartridge with integrated print head that can be alternatively moved to a print position for printing or to an exchange position for exchanging the ink cartridge under an opening , characterized by a transverse movement of a print module (30) by means of transverse movement means, wherein the print module (30) is moved transversely to the transport direction Z of the postal item into an unlocking position E for unlocking the security housing or to an exchange position C; wherein, by moving the print module (30) to the unlocking position E, at least one component of the security housing or an access to it is mechanically released; and wherein, by moving the print module (30) to the exchange position C, an access for exchanging the ink cartridge is mechanically released.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that, by a transversal movement of the print module (30) to the unlocking position, a first access for an authorized person to components inside the security housing for repair and maintenance purposes and a second access are mechanically released, wherein said second access is provided for exchanging an ink cartridge.
3. A method according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the second access for exchanging an ink cartridge is mechanically released when the print module (30) is transversely moved to the exchange position.
4. A method according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that at least one first access to at least one locking means of the security housing is mechanically released.
5. A method according to any of the claims 1 to 3 or 4, characterized in that, in case of a mechanical release of the security housing or of an access to it, an activation of an ink-jet print head of an ink cartridge is prevented.
6. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the postal appliance is checked as to release or locking of the security housing.
7. A method according to any of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that, after checking the locking, the postal appliance is used for franking postal items if it has been properly locked.
8. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an access for exchanging an ink cartridge is mechanically released and is locked before operating the postal appliance.
9. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the print module (30) is moved from a home position or from a print position to an unlocking position for releasing the upper part (2) of the security housing or of a first access (28) to the security housing and then to an exchange position for exchanging the ink cartridge (31).
10. A method according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the print position and the unlocking position form the end points of the moving path of the print module (30), wherein the ink cartridge exchange position is located between print position and unlocking position or between home position and unlocking position.
11. An arrangement for opening a security housing containing a mechanical locking devise with a print module (30) arranged movable transversely to transport direction (Z) by means of transverse movement means (5, 6, 7), characterized in that the print module (30) is designed transversely movable to an unlocking position (E), said unlocking position (E) being located at the end of the movement path; that at least one mechanical locking means (29) or locking element (43) is arranged inside the security housing at a security housing component (1, 2) or (4); and that the print module (30) comprises a finger (35) for operating the mechanical locking means (29) or locking element (43).
12. An arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanical locking means (29) is a snap connection and that the finger (35) is designed for directly operating the mechanical locking means (29) for the mechanically release of at least one security housing component (1, 2).
13. An arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the mechanical locking means (29) is a snap connection that is arranged on the inside of at least one of the walls of the security housing; and that the finger (35) is designed for indirectly operating the mechanical locking means (29) for the mechanically release of at least one security housing component, wherein the moving force of the transverse movement means (5, 6, 7) for the transverse movement of the print module (30) is transmitted by power transmission means to the at least one locking means (29) when the print module (30) is brought to the unlocking position (E).
14. An arrangement according to claim 13, characterized in that said power transmission means is a lever, a cable control or a similarly acting means.
15. An arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that there is provided at least one locking element (43) of the security housing (4), wherein said locking element (43) is provided with a hooked nose (432) on a spring extension arm that can be directly operated by the transversal movement of the print module (30) into the unlocking position, wherein, upon operation of the locking element (43), an access to a further releasable locking mechanism of the security housing is mechanically released, said further locking means being provided at least at one wall of the security housing for manually locking or unlocking at least one security housing component.
16. An arrangement according to claim 11, characterized in that the security housing component (4) with the mechanical locking element (43) is an access-protection component (40) by means of which an access to a housing part (1, 2) that is releasable by further releasable locking means can be closed; that the finger (35) is designed for indirect operation of the mechanical locking element (43) via a power transmission means arranged between the finger (35) and the mechanical locking element (43).
17. An arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the mechanical locking element (43) is designed in a plate-shaped manner and arranged with a hooked nose (432) that can be elastically engaged in a compartment-like recess or in a compartment (280) of the releasable security housing component; that the mechanical locking element (43) is arranged on an access-protection shutter (41) of the access-protection component (40), wherein openings (282, 283) are provided in the bottom (281) of the compartment (280) that are shaped according to the form of the locking element (43) and a further guide element (42), the latter being rigidly fixed to the access-protection shutter (41) of the access-protection component (40).
18. An arrangement according to claim 17, characterized in that the locking element (43) is a spring blade (431) formed on the access-protection shutter (41) and that the hooked nose (432) is arranged in a distance from the access-protection shutter (41), wherein the spring blade (431), in an increasing distance from the access-protection shutter (41), turns into a plate-shaped stop (433).
19. An arrangement according to claims 16 and 18, characterized in that the power transmission means is a lever (37) swingable in Z direction at its one end with a finger (378) that presses on the plate-shaped stop (433) of the mechanical locking element (43) with the force (A) as soon as the lever (37) is sufficiently swung by the transverse movement of the print module (30) in X direction up to the unlocking position; that the lever (37) has, on its other end, a swivelling axis (374) in Y direction near the wall on the front side of the security housing and, in X direction at a distance from the swivelling axis, an attachment piece (376) bearing a spring (377) for an elastic support of the lever (37) on the lateral part of the chassis (17) so that the lever (37) is pressed with its connecting link (371, 372, 373) against the finger (35) of the print module (30).
20. An arrangement according to claim 16, characterized in that the access to the at least one releasable security housing component (1, 2) is designed closable by an access-protection shutter (41) of the access-protection component (40), wherein the access-protection component (40) is provided with the guide and locking elements (42) and (43) pointing to the inside of the housing.
21. An arrangement according to claims 15 or 16, characterized in that there are provided screws (16) as further releasable locking means for fixing a releasable security housing component (1, 2) to the support frame (10) or chassis component (13, 15, 18).
22. An arrangement according to any of the above claims 11 to 13, 15 to 17, 20 and 21, characterized in that the releasable security housing component is an upper part of the security housing (2).
23. An arrangement according to claim 22, characterized in that the releasable upper part (2) of the security housing has an opening (24) through which a second access for exchanging the ink cartridge is accessible when the print module (30) is located at the ink-cartridge exchange position (C), wherein the print module (30) is provided with a print carriage (36) with a control electronics unit (38) and a strip conductor (34) and a protective cap (33); that said second access can be at least partially closed by the protective cap (33) so that neither the connecting lines of the strip conductor (34) nor the control electronics unit (38) can be accessed through the opening (24) when the print module (30) is located outside the ink-cartridge exchange position (C).
24. An arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that protective cap (33) fixed to the print carriage (36) or the print carriage (36) is provided with a respective finger (35) for effecting the mechanical release of the upper part of the security housing or of an access to it.
25. An arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that the opening (24) is closable by a flap (3) provided with a stop (39) that is arranged on the flap (3) in a manner lockable by a second finger (379) of the lever (37), wherein the locking is released when the print module (30) is located at the ink-cartridge exchange position (C) or at the unlocking position (E).
26. An arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that the flap (3) is not lockable and the opening (24) is always accessible.
27. An arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that a protective cover (9) is fixed to the print module (30) for avoiding unauthorized access to the strip conductor (34) and to the control electronics unit (38).

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