EP1777015A1 - Cleaning element - Google Patents

Abstract

A cleaning element (1) for magnetic strip- and/or chip card- and/or optical reading units, comprises a flat carrier (2) with upper and lower sections, a cleansing region (3) and a cleaning material (4). The cleansing region is located on the upper and/or lower side of the carrier. The cleansing material is in the form of a flock layer. The carrier is in the form of a flexible fleece type material, eg polyethylene.

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning element for readers, with which stored data from a magnetic track or a chip card or via optical sensors are detected.

Such readers are known in particular for cash cards or other, a specific user maps assigned. On these cards data is stored in special magnetic strips or chips and readable by suitable sensors. A typical application is a cash card for use in ATMs.

Furthermore, readers are known that additionally or alternatively read data via optical sensors. In the simplest case, this can be a barcode, but even more complicated codings which are not readily discernible by the human eye can be stored or read out.

Such readers must be cleaned occasionally. It is known from the WO 98/44449 a cleaning card and a corresponding manufacturing method, this card has a special cleaning area in several places. This cleaning area gets in touch with the sensors there when inserting the card into the reader to be cleaned and cleans them. This can be supported by moving the card back and forth. The cleaning areas are flocked with individual fibers, which allow a good cleaning effect without damage to the sensitive sensors with good stability.

This type of cleaning card has the disadvantage that it has a narrow range of use and in particular is not suitable for devices in which banknotes are introduced and thereby for example also be checked visually for authenticity. The flexible banknotes are thinner than the known cards. Furthermore The transport paths of the banknotes within the readers are often not linear and have more or less strong areas of curvature.

The object of the invention is therefore to present a cleaning element for banknote readers, which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and is able to clean different sensors within a banknote reader with good cleaning properties. Task is also to make the banknotes transporting elements within the reader cleanable.

The object is achieved by a cleaning element according to claim 1.

The invention is based on the recognition that a cleaning element for use in banknote readers advantageously has a flexible, fleece-like carrier. On the one hand, such a support enables flexible guidance of the cleaning element within the banknote reader, on the other hand, the nature of the fleece also permits the cleaning of transport elements, which can take place simultaneously with the cleaning of the sensors. Analogously, with the cleaning element in addition to reading sensors, of course, also write heads of the banknote reader for the potential storage of data on banknotes be cleaned.

A simplest embodiment of the cleaning element which can be used for any type of banknote readers (automatic deposit machines, slot machines, change machines, etc.) has a flat carrier with a top side and a bottom side. The carrier is coated for cleaning of reading sensors in at least one predetermined cleaning area with a cleaning material. The cleaning area is assigned to at least one, possibly also a plurality of reading sensors, which are located within the banknote reader. The cleaning area can be arranged on the top or the bottom of the carrier. If several cleaning areas are provided, they can of course also be provided on both sides of the carrier and also in a different arrangement. Conceivable is in particular the case that within the banknote reader different sensor types on different sides of the banknote (or the inserted cleaning element) are arranged. In this case, a specially arranged cleaning area on the top or bottom of the carrier is to be provided for each sensor.

The cleaning material of the cleaning areas is formed as a flock layer and comprises a plurality of individual fibers. The fibers extend upwardly away from the carrier, which is preferably, but not exclusively, perpendicular to the carrier.

According to the invention, the carrier for use in banknote readers essentially consists of a flexible nonwoven material. This type of carrier design allows the flexible guidance of the cleaning element within the banknote reader. Due to the flexibility of the carrier, the cleaning element can also be moved on curved conveying paths within the bank telephone reader. The rigid nature of the cards known from the prior art is thereby advantageously overcome.

A further advantage is that the fleece per se has a cleaning effect for conveying elements, which transport the banknote in the banknote reader. Such rollers, pressure rollers, etc., come into contact with the fleece-like material solely by the insertion or removal of the cleaning element (necessarily) and are thereby cleaned. Such a cleaning element thus allows in a very simple and advantageous manner the careful and extensive cleaning of banknote readers, in particular in the area of the transport paths of the banknotes or the reading position or read sensors and / or write heads.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the fleece-like material of the carrier is formed substantially tear-resistant. This ensures that the cleaning element does not experience any unintentional length or width expansion when it is used inside the banknote reader. While thus the Cleaning ability of the web is maintained unchanged, the tear-resistant design ensures the dimensional stability and optionally multiple applicability of the cleaning element.

Particularly advantageous is a non-woven material made of polyethylene has been found. More preferably, the nonwoven material is Tyvek offered by Dupont. This material combines on the one hand the fleece-like character with the associated special cleaning potential and on the other hand a nearly foil-like flexibility, which makes the use in banknote readers particularly easy and safe.

In principle comes as a material for the cleaning element in particular fleece, Tyvek, plastic (PVC) or fabric in question, which does not preclude other suitable materials.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the cleaning material has regular or irregular coating interruptions. In this case, a basically coherent cleaning area, which is provided on the carrier for example for the cleaning of a specific sensor, is traversed by a plurality or a plurality of interruptions. This means that the substantially contiguous cleaning area is broken down into a plurality of individual coating sections, which are arranged at a predeterminable distance from one another.

Such a design of the coating advantageously effects an interval-like cleaning of the respective components to be cleaned. The fibers of a single coating section arrive at a longitudinal movement of the cleaning element to the components to be cleaned (magnetic read head, optical lens, chip contacts, etc.) and are passed to these components until the coating section is terminated by a coating interruption. The fibers of the adjacent next The coating section, as the cleaning element continues to advance, again reaches the cleaning components, so that overall the fibers of the continuous cleaning region are brought into contact with the components to be cleaned at individual intervals. Such an interval-like or jerky action on the components to be cleaned with the fibers of the individual coating sections results in better cleaning than a flocked cleaning layer formed continuously.

The fibers of the individual, separated by interruptions coating sections are lighter and more individually movable than those of a continuous or homogeneously formed cleaning coating. As a result of the jerky action on the components to be cleaned, which is effected, for example, by advancing or recoiling fibers of a single coating section, more thorough cleaning is achieved overall.

In the event that individual, to be cleaned components or sensors are arranged in recesses within the reader, the regularly interrupted cleaning layer causes the periodic snapping the fibers into the recess and a corresponding periodic cleaning of the recessed sensor. This intermittent contact provides significantly better cleaning than using a homogeneous, uninterrupted coating area.

The interruptions may be regular or irregular in shape and may depend on a suitable manufacturing process. In particular, the formation of geometrically regular surface shapes of the individual coating sections (triangular, square, diamond-shaped, circular, etc.) is conceivable, these sections being separated from one another by correspondingly interposed recesses or interruptions in the coating.

In order to meet the cleaning requirements for different sensors in each case, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the fibers of different cleaning areas (or also the fibers of individual coating sections within a contiguous cleaning area) can be designed differently. Variations in the arrangement density, the length, the diameter or even the orientation of the fibers relative to the carrier are advantageously possible. Thus, it is conceivable to apply a first sensor with relatively long and closely spaced fibers, while another sensor is to be cleaned by short, thick and rather widely spaced individual fibers.

In particular, it may also be useful to choose the orientation or inclination of the individual fibers relative to the carrier for the different coating sections or cleaning areas differently. A substantially perpendicular arrangement of the fiber on the carrier ensures that a movement of the carrier in its two main directions (which determine the substantially flat shape of the carrier) achieves an approximately equal cleaning effect. In contrast, fibers may also preferably be arranged inclined in a certain direction on the carrier. In this case, the fibers make different cleaning resistance depending on the direction of movement. If the direction of movement with the inclined fiber is an angle smaller than 90 °, the resistance to movement in this direction is greater than if the included angle is greater than 90 °. Accordingly, the cleaning force can be made dependent on the direction of movement and thus allows the flexible insertion of the cleaning element depending on the cleaning requirement.

As mentioned, such fiber orientation can be uniformly selected for all fibers of a contiguous cleaning area. However, it is also conceivable to choose different fiber orientations in the individual coating sections, even for a coherent cleaning area. Thus, for example, at an angle against each other directed fibers make different coating sections times in the one, sometimes in the other direction of movement in each case the higher cleaning resistance, so that when moving the cleaning element back and forth overall a higher cleaning effect is achieved than when all fibers from the carrier vertically upwards and clean direction independent.

To operate the cleaning element, a handle section is advantageously provided, on which the cleaning element can be introduced into the banknote reader.

Furthermore, it is provided to provide at least one identification area on the cleaning element in order to apply visual information there. These may be manufacturer or usage instructions that can convey information to the user accordingly.

Furthermore, the cleaning element is advantageously designed so that cleaning material and / or carrier can be impregnated with a cleaning liquid. Such a liquid, which can be applied in particular shortly before the cleaning operation, increases the cleaning effect. Depending on the nature or absorbency of the fleece-like carrier material or the flock coating results in a high or selectable capacity for the cleaning liquid. This allows the cleaning process to be optimized.

It is explicitly pointed out that the cleaning element can also provide at least one cleaning area which is provided for a magnetic read head or a readable chip. This is particularly intended to be able to clean corresponding banknote readers, which have such sensors. Although the use of magnetic strips or readable memory chips on banknotes is currently not prior art, the cleaning element should explicitly also be designed for cleaning such sensors within banknote readers.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that at least one area for data storage is provided on the cleaning element in order to store data in this area or to make it readable from the area. These data can embody a wide variety of contents and in particular interact with the reader into which the cleaning element is to be inserted. The data storage area may initially be arranged at any point of the cleaning element. The data can also be read out or stored at arbitrary times, but in particular in the state introduced into the reading device.

A further advantageous embodiment provides that the data storage area is designed in the form of a magnetic strip. Magnetic strips are known per se from the prior art and allow the storage of data in a simple manner. In addition, the magnetic strip is relatively flat, so that the thickness of the cleaning element is not or only slightly increased.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one magnetic strip is arranged on the edge region of the cleaning element. In particular, when the cleaning element is inserted with its narrow side ahead in the reader, the arrangement of the magnetic strip at the edge of this narrow side offers. In this way, data can be read out or also stored without the cleaning element, for example, having to be completely inserted into a reading device.

A particularly advantageous further development of this idea is to provide the magnetic strip arranged at the edge with access information or an access code which can be checked upon insertion into the reading device. For example, it can be ensured that the reader opens an insertion slot only with a specific coding of the magnetic strip and allows the use of the cleaning element. If the coding is incorrect, the non-opening slot blocks the insertion. It makes sense to work with the magnetic strip on the edge a reading unit, which is located directly in the vicinity of the insertion slot on the reader and so can read the data before the cleaning element would be partially or even completely inserted into the reader.

If the memory area or magnetic strip is arranged on the immediate edge of the cleaning element, it is thus possible to ensure that a corresponding opening slot is only released for insertion of the element if the data stored on the element are already checked by appropriate reading mechanisms immediately before insertion so as to open the insertion slot.

As shown above, an embodiment of the cleaning element is conceivable in which this does not have to be completely inserted into the reading device. Alternatively, however, it is also possible to form an embodiment of the cleaning element which absolutely requires the complete introduction into the reading device. Conceivable here is an embodiment in which the cleaning element at the front and at the rear edge (in the insertion) each comprises a magnetic strip as a storage area. The associated reading device is able to check whether the card has been completely inserted, ie that both memory areas can be read out by correspondingly arranged reading elements or can be checked with regard to the stored content. If the card is not fully inserted, or if the correspondingly arranged data area is missing or contains incorrect data, the card can be used to end the reuse or the card can be reissued. The transport within the device to a collection area for faulty cleaning elements or cards is conceivable. In this way it can be ensured that only complete and approved for the particular purpose cleaning elements are introduced into the reader.

The cleaning element according to the invention should in principle be suitable for all readers in which means of payment (banknotes, cards, vouchers) can be inserted. Also readers on platforms, for tickets or for ships, etc. are here to take into account, so that the cleaning element according to the invention is to be provided for such devices.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform des Reinigungselements,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine weitergebildete Form des Reinigungselements und

Fig. 4

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungselements und

Fig. 5

eine gegenüber Fig. 3 leicht abgewandelte Form eines Reinigungselements.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to a figure example. From the figures show

Fig. 1

a schematic plan view of a first embodiment of the cleaning element,

Fig. 2

a schematic side view of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a schematic plan view of a further developed form of the cleaning element and

Fig. 4

a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of a cleaning element according to the invention and

Fig. 5

a comparison with FIG. 3 slightly modified form of a cleaning element.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, a cleaning element 1 is shown, which is essentially formed by a flat carrier 2. The carrier 2 consists of a nonwoven material V. A cleaning area 3 extends over the entire width of the carrier 2 and serves to clean at least one sensor within a banknote reader.

As can be seen in Fig. 2 in side view, a total of two cleaning areas are provided, which are each realized by a cleaning material 4 in the form of a flock layer. Thus, on the upper side O and the lower side U of the carrier 2 there is a respective cleaning area, which is coated with cleaning material 4. Thereby can be cleaned on both sides of the bill in the reader arranged sensors or writing heads.

In Fig. 3, a development of the cleaning element 1 is shown. A first cleaning area 3 can again be seen, with second cleaning areas 3 'and a third cleaning area 3 "being provided adjacent thereto. Each cleaning area 3, 3', 3" serves to clean one or more special sensors within a banknote reader. The design of the cleaning material in each of the aforementioned cleaning areas can be selected identical or different, depending on the cleaning requirements for the respective sensor.

At both ends of the support V of the cleaning element, two gripping portions 7 are provided to facilitate handling of the support for the user.

In the illustration according to FIG. 4, it can be seen that coating interruptions 5 are provided in the first cleaning area 3. These interruptions 5 pass through the coating in the manner of a cross-shaped grid, so that individual coating sections 6 are formed, which have a substantially square cross-section. This results in the use of the cleaning element an interval-like action on at least the sensor, for which the cleaning area 3 is provided. Of course, a corresponding interruption of the other cleaning areas (3 ', 3 ", 3'" etc.) is conceivable, if this makes cleaning sense.

Furthermore, in the area of the carrier 2, which is not coated for cleaning sensors, an identification area 8 is provided on which information on the use of the cleaning element, manufacturer's instructions or other information can be applied.

The illustration according to FIG. 4 can also represent the underside of FIG. 3, so that FIGS. 3 and 4 show a total of one and the same cleaning element from two different sides. It can also be seen that in FIG. 4 a further cleaning area 3 "" is provided, which in turn is assigned to a special sensor.

FIG. 5 shows a slightly modified form of a cleaning element compared to FIG. Two magnetic strips 3 "on the immediate front and rear edge of the cleaning element 1 can be seen there. Such an arrangement ensures that the data stored in the magnetic strip 3" can be queried and checked immediately upon insertion of the cleaning element into the reading device, if necessary before a closing mechanism opens a corresponding inlet slot. The two magnetic strips 3 "can furthermore be used to check the completely assumed and correct insertion position of the cleaning element in the reading device, for example, assume this position only if the cleaning element has been drawn into the reader so far that the cleaning element is also located at the other end Magnetic stripe is sufficiently far in the device, for example, so that its data are verifiable.Thus, in particular ensures that the cleaning element is fully inserted, otherwise the second magnetic strip or its data does not enter the corresponding reading area.

Claims (15)

Cleaning element (1) for magnetic track and / or chip card and / or optical readers, a) with a flat support (2) having an upper side (O) and a lower side (U), b) wherein the carrier (2) for cleaning of reading sensors in at least one predetermined cleaning area (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3'", 3 "") is coated with a cleaning material (4), and c) wherein the cleaning area (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"', 3 "") on the top and / or bottom (O, U) of the carrier is arranged, and d) wherein the cleaning material (4) is formed as a flock layer comprising a plurality of individual fibers extending away from the carrier (2), characterized in that c) the carrier (2) for use in banknote readers substantially of a flexible nonwoven material (V) is formed. Cleaning element according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-woven material is formed substantially tear-resistant. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-woven material is polyethylene. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nonwoven material is Tyvek®. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for interval-like cleaning the coating with cleaning material (4) in at least one continuous cleaning area (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"', 3 "") regular or irregular coating interruptions (5) having. Cleaning element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the coating discontinuities (5) are formed by a predeterminable distance between individual coating sections (6), the coating sections (6) preferably having regular geometric surface forms. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fibers a) different cleaning areas (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"', 3 "") or b) individual coating sections (6) within a continuous cleaning area (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"', 3 "") with respect to arrangement density and / or length and / or diameter and / or orientation relative to the carrier (2) are formed differently. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cleaning region (3, 3 ', 3 ", 3"', 3 "") assigned to this sensor is provided on the carrier for each type of reading sensor within a banknote reader. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one handle portion (7) is provided on the carrier in order to introduce the cleaning element in the banknote reader can. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one identification area (8) is provided for optical information on the carrier. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning material and / or the carrier can be impregnated with a cleaning liquid. Cleaning element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning material has at least one data storage area which is designed for storing and reading constant or variable data. Cleaning element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the at least one data storage area is in the form of a magnetic strip. Cleaning element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the magnetic strip is arranged on the edge, preferably on the edge of the narrow side of the cleaning element. Cleaning element according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the magnetic strip or strips arranged at the edge are designed to receive data with which the authorization to import into a reading device and / or the assumption of a predefinable insertion position within the reading frame can be coded and checked.

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