ES2962776T3 - Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like comprising a bill insertion control device - Google Patents

Abstract

An ATM, ATM and the like (1) is provided, comprising: a safe (2) defining an interior volume (2a), a conveyor device (3), suitable for transporting banknotes and valuables from the volume interior (2a) to the exterior, an opening (4) of the safe (2), suitable to allow the passage of the conveyor device (3), a security device (5) suitable to close, at least partially, the opening (4), security The device (5) comprises a first barrier (50) for the opening (4), the first barrier (50) being ready in: an open configuration, in which the first barrier (50) maintains the opening (4) open for the passage of the transport device (3), a closed configuration, in which the first barrier (50) completely closes the opening (4), a transport configuration, in which the opening (4 ) is only partially closed and an auxiliary opening (4a) remains open. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like comprising a bill insertion control device

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic teller machine, ATM and the like comprising a bill insertion control device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] Distributors of banknotes or securities are currently known, such as, in particular, automatic teller machines or ATMs or systems for dispensing and accepting banknotes.

[0003] These comprise a safe suitable for containing banknotes and securities and control means suitable for dispensing banknotes and securities to an authorized user. The dispensing of banknotes and securities is carried out once the user has been identified by means of code cards or similar, and takes place through a dispensing mouth, which communicates with the interior of the safe, suitable for dispensing banknotes or securities to the external user.

[0004] Therefore, dispensing mouths are generally designed for public areas, accessible to users.

[0005] This component constitutes the final part of a dispensing channel that comprises an elongated body for the passage of bills and securities entering or leaving the safe. Inside the safe, there is a dispenser where the bills are stored. An elongated body, corresponding to the exterior face exposed to the public, includes a slit or similar through which securities and banknotes are introduced, normally grouped in bundles.

[0006] Likewise, the dispensing channels comprise a transport device generally consisting of an element adapted to transport or push the banknotes along the elongated body in the direction of the external mouth on the customer's side.

[0007] Particularly in the case of automated teller machines or ATMs, these methods of moving and dispensing bills are efficient and extremely common.

[0008] However, they have a drawback: they allow explosive substances to be introduced into the safe through the dispensing mouth of the automatic dispenser.

[0009] In fact, a possible robbery attempt perpetrated on the armored casing of the automatic bill and value dispensers involves inserting, in this case, a fluid, powder or even an explosive substance directly into the safe through from the dispensing mouth.

[0010] In particular, criminals are equipped with special instruments or cables that have a length greater than the length of the elongated body, which allows the introduction of said substances passing through: the external mouth, the entire elongated body and the internal opening from the safe.

[0011] Various devices have been developed to overcome this drawback, which comprise a protective mechanical barrier suitable to prevent the introduction of gases or explosives that pass through the dispensing mouth. Said protective barrier does not serve to prevent such actions, since it must be open in correspondence with a disbursement of banknotes and securities.

[0012] Said additional drawback was remedied, in particular, in patent applications IT MI2004A001683 and IT MI2003A000342 and in other embodiments, again from the same applicant, with a double barrier, one in correspondence with the dispensing mouth and another in correspondence with the internal passage to and from the safe.

[0013] Normally, the two barriers are always closed and, in the dispensing phase, only one is opened at a time, so that one of the two openings is always closed.

[0014] However, said security always adapts poorly to the previously described models of automatic teller machines, ATMs and the like. Specifically, when shuttles or carrying bags are used, they are connected by cables or connections necessary to connect to the electronic components located inside the safe.

[0015] Therefore, this second barrier, which closes the safe, cannot always be completely closed in correspondence with a disbursement.

[0016] Solutions to improve the security of an ATM are also described in documents EP2648168 and EP2120222. In the first document, an ATM is described that has an elongated body that extends out of the safe of the ATM. The elongated body, which connects to the outer wall of the ATM, comprises a dispensing mouth and an obstructor for closing the mouth when not in use. In the second document, an ATM is provided with a mouth comprising a retractable dispensing slot. The mouth closes with a barrier when the dispensing slot is retracted.

[0017] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to develop an automatic teller machine, ATM and the like that comprises a bill insertion control device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the indicated drawbacks.

[0018] Within the scope of said technical task, an important object of the invention is to obtain an automatic teller machine, ATM and the like that comprises a security device, which is safe both during the dispensing phase and in the return phase of banknotes. the safe and that it is capable of resisting in the case of attacks using significant quantities of explosives.

[0019] The specified technical task and objectives are achieved with an automatic teller machine, ATM and the like comprising a bill insertion control device, as claimed in the attached claim 1.

[0020] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] The features and advantages of the invention are made clear below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of an automatic teller machine, ATM or the like according to the invention;

Fig. 2a represents a portion of the automatic teller machine, ATM or similar according to the invention in a first configuration;

Fig. 2b is the portion of Fig. 2a in a second configuration;

Fig. 2c shows the portion of Fig. 2a in a third configuration;

Figures 3a-3h show the sequence of operations performed by the bill insertion control device according to the invention;

Fig. 4a represents a portion of a second embodiment of an automatic teller machine, ATM or the like according to the invention in a first configuration;

Fig. 4b is the portion of Fig. 4a in a second configuration;

Fig. 4c shows the portion of Fig. 4a in a third configuration;

Fig. 5a represents a portion of the second embodiment of an automatic teller machine, ATM or the like according to the invention in a first configuration;

Fig. 5b is the portion of Fig. 5a in a second configuration.

[0022] In this document, when associating geometric measurements, values, shapes and references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) with words, such as "approximately" or other similar terms, for example, "practically" or "substantially", they must be understood as excepting measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, excepting a slight divergence from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, if such terms are associated with a stock, they preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% from the stock itself.

[0023] Likewise, when terms such as "first(s)", "second(s)", "superior(s)", "inferior(s)", "principal(s)" and "secondary(s)", these do not necessarily identify an order, priority relationship or relative position, but are simply used to distinguish different components more clearly.

[0024] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data contained in this document should be considered as performed in ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533:1975).

[0025] With reference to the figures, the automatic teller machine, ATM or similar according to the invention is indicated together with the number 1.

[0026] In summary, it comprises a safe 2 to contain a dispenser or a device for recycling banknotes and securities that defines an interior volume 2a, and an exterior face 7.

[0027] More specifically, the safe 2 is known per se and comprises drawers, suitable for containing the various denominations of banknotes. Likewise, the safe 2 is not always located in direct contact with the outer face 7, but, in many cases, it is approximately half a meter away from it.

[0028] The outer face 7 comprises means for interacting with the public of a known type, such as a screen, a keyboard, a slot for inserting a card and a slot for inserting and withdrawing banknotes and securities described below, as well as others. The automatic teller machine, ATM or similar 1 comprises a transport device 3, suitable for transporting banknotes and securities from the interior volume 2a to the exterior and vice versa, in particular in correspondence with the exterior face 7. Preferably, the transport device 3 consists substantially in a mobile body moved by special guides 10 or moving racks or belts driven, in turn, by electric motors. In many cases, the transport device 3 is also connected by electrical connections or cables 6 to electrical and/or electronic control devices housed inside 2a of the safe 2. Said electrical connection 6 consists of a cable or electrical conductors. Said cable is preferably a flat cable, in other words, a flat type cable, preferably arranged with the main extension direction of the normal section preferably vertical. In this way, the cable is bent and wound and unwound on itself, when the transport device extends in direction 7, passing through the opening 4.

[0029] The safe 2 normally comprises an opening 4, suitable to allow the passage of the transport device 3 and, consequently, the transfer of banknotes and securities from the interior volume 2a, passing through the first barrier towards the second. 9, located on the external side of the client.

[0030] The opening 4 is preferably crossed by an elongated body 8 that defines a passage between the opening 4 and a dispensing mouth 9, located on the outer face 7. More specifically, the elongated body 8 is a body whose dimensions are suitable for allow the transport of banknotes, which defines an interior channel 8a. Therefore, the elongated body 8 is the space along which the transport device 3 moves.

[0031] The automatic teller machine, ATM or similar 1 preferably comprises a security device 5 suitable for closing, at least partially, the opening 4.

[0032] The security device comprises a first barrier, inside or outside the safe 50, for the opening of the passage 4, and a second barrier 59, suitable for closing the dispensing mouth 9.

[0033] Advantageously, the first barrier 50 is ready, awaiting a dispensing request at will in: a closed configuration and in an open configuration, waiting for the passage of the shuttle, and a transport configuration or partially closed configuration after the passage of means of transportation 3.

[0034] In the open configuration (Figures 2b, 3b, 3g), the first barrier 50 keeps the opening 4 completely open for the passage of the transport device 3. In the closed configuration (Figures 2a, 3a, 3h), the first barrier 50 completely closes the opening 4, or at least by 70% or, better by 80%, or even better by 90%. In the transport configuration (fig. 2c, 3c-3f), the opening 4 is closed and at least one auxiliary opening 4a is kept open.

[0035] The auxiliary openings 4a may comprise a first auxiliary opening 40a and/or a second auxiliary opening 40b. The auxiliary opening 4a is kept open, in the case of the first auxiliary opening 40a, so as not to compress or cut the electrical connection 6 connected to the interior volume 2a of said transport device 3 and, in the case of the auxiliary opening 40b, to allow the movement of the first portion 51 while avoiding the interference of other objects, that is, the guides 10, in the path of the first portion 51.

[0036] The first auxiliary opening 40a is preferably suitable to allow the passage of a vertical flat cable, and is preferably at the top of the first barrier 50.

[0037] The second auxiliary opening 40b is preferably suitable to allow movement of the first portion 51 while avoiding interference from other objects, that is, the guides 10, in the path of the first portion 51. Therefore, it is preferably located on the sides of barrier 50.

[0038] Structurally, the first barrier 50 preferably comprises: a first portion 51 consisting of a barrier movable with respect to the opening 4, suitable for partially closing the opening 4 and preferably comprising a slit defining the auxiliary opening 4a and at least one auxiliary portion 52 consisting of a barrier movable with respect to both the opening 4 and the first portion 51 and suitable for closing the auxiliary opening 4a. The first portions 51 are preferably close to the wall of the safe 2, so they may be restricted to the same wall of the safe 2 or also arranged internally in the basket or the like.

[0039] The auxiliary portion 52 comprises at least a first auxiliary portion 53a.

[0040] The first auxiliary portion 53a is suitable for closing the first auxiliary opening 40a, and preferably moves substantially parallel with the first portion 51 and also in the same direction.

[0041] The first auxiliary portion 53a is also preferably close to the wall of the safe 2, so it may be restricted to the same wall of the safe 2 or also arranged internally in the basket or the like.

[0042] The second auxiliary portion 53a is suitable for closing, at least partially, the second auxiliary opening 40b, and preferably does not move parallel, more preferably substantially perpendicular, to the first portion 51 and also preferably in the same direction.

[0043] Preferably, the two portions 51 and 52 or 53 are respectively connected by first and second movement means 51a and 52a integrated with a device adjacent to the wall, or within the wall, of the safe 2e. The first and second movement means 51a and 52a are preferably linear actuators, preferably of the worm type.

[0044] Preferably, the second movement means 52a of the second auxiliary portion 53b are fixed to said first portion 51.

[0045] The security device 5 may also comprise manipulation sensing means and/or alarm means, known per se, such as, for example, those described in the patent of the same applicant EP-B-2648168 from paragraph 17 through paragraph 55 and in Figures 1a-4 and considered incorporated herein by reference. The sensor means can be selected, for example, from one or more of: system with photocells, accelerometers, tilt sensors, sensor along the bill presentation path, sensors on the external face of the ATM, ATM and the like. The operation of automatic teller machines, ATMs and similar 1, previously described in structural terms, is as follows. This operation defines an innovative security procedure for safes, ATMs, ATMs and similar 1.

[0046] When not in use, while a user does not request banknotes or securities from the ATM, ATM and the like 1, the first barrier 50 is in a closed configuration (Fig. 3A) and, therefore, the opening 4 It is completely closed, with no easy access points to introduce explosives or for mechanical or other forcing.

[0047] Likewise, in such conditions, the transport device 3 is within the interior volume 2a and, therefore, the electrical connection 6 does not have to pass through the opening 4. Furthermore, again, when not in use, the second barrier 59 remains closed and closes the dispensing mouth 9.

[0048] When a user requests banknotes and securities and performs the usual identification procedures in front of the exterior face 7 of the automatic teller machine, ATM and similar 1, the system authorizes the issuance of legally requested securities and banknotes. In this case, conveniently, the second outer barrier 59 remains closed with the dispensing mouth 9 closed, while the first barrier 50 is placed in an open configuration (Figures 2b, 3b), to allow free passage of the transport device 3 to through opening 4.

[0049] When the transport device 3, which carries the banknotes and securities, passes through the opening 4 and is placed in the elongated body 8, the electrical connection 6 also passes through the opening 4.

[0050] Under such conditions, while the second barrier 59 remains closed, the first barrier 50 is placed in a transport configuration (Figures 2c, 3c), so that the auxiliary opening 4a remains open and the electrical connection 6 is not interrupted. between the transport means 3 and the interior volume 2a. At the same time, the majority of the surface of the opening 4 is closed by the first portion 51. Operationally, to arrange the first barrier 50 in a transport configuration (Fig. 2c), only the first movement means 51a are activated. , which move the first portion 51, while the auxiliary portion 52 remains stationary.

[0051] Therefore, the transport device 3, which carries the banknotes and securities, passes through the entire elongated body 8 and reaches the second barrier 59 (fig. 3d). Therefore, the latter is opened (fig. 3e) to allow the disbursement of the banknotes and securities to the plaintiff. At the same time, the first barrier 50 remains in a transport configuration (fig. 2c) and, sealing most of the opening 4 and interposed between the transport means 3, prevents the introduction of substances into the interior volume 4a. Substantially, during the passage of the transport device 3 from the inner volume 2a to the dispensing mouth 9, at least one of the second barrier 59 and the first portion 51 of the first barrier 50 is in a closed position.

[0052] Once the banknotes have been dispensed, the transport device 3 is removed, the second outer barrier 59 is closed (fig. 3f) and remains closed until the next disbursement, the transport device 3 passes through the elongated body 8, the The first barrier 50 is placed in an open configuration (fig. 2b) and the transport device 3 passes through the opening 4 (fig. 3g) and remains in the interior volume 2a. Next, the first barrier 50 is placed in a closed configuration (fig.

2a). Substantially, the device returns to a waiting state for a new disbursement (fig. 3h).

[0053] If, during the operation of the ATM, ATM and the like 1, the first barrier 50 was in a transport configuration (fig. 2c, 4c), or also in an open configuration (fig. 2b, 4b), and the alarm means and/or manipulation sensors, such as accelerometers or optical sensors or others, that serve said ATM, ATM and similar 1, signaled a state of danger or a disturbance or unjustified movement, the first barrier 50 is immediately places it in a closed configuration (fig. 2a, 4a) regardless of the presence or not of the electrical connection 6 through the auxiliary opening 4a. The term "position" means that if the barrier was in a closed configuration, it remains in this configuration, or if the barrier was in other configurations, it moves and closes in the closed configuration.

[0054] Furthermore, this closure also uses rapid actuation means, such as pyrotechnic activators and/or a piston and/or pressure activators, and at the cost of breaking or damaging the electrical connection 6 itself.

[0055] The automatic teller machine, ATM and the like 1 according to the invention provides important advantages.

[0056] In fact, this makes it possible to maintain maximum security of the safe in all conditions.

[0057] In particular, if the theft attempt is carried out skillfully, also during the transport operations of the banknotes and securities, the double alternation of the first barrier 50 and the second barrier 59 prevents explosives from being introduced into the box. strong 2.

[0058] Said mobile barriers, described in this way, can be made using superimposed ballistic steel and puncture-proof steel, in order to resist robbery attempts carried out by heavy vehicles and explosives placed outside ATMs, ATMs. or similar, keeping the safe inaccessible.

Claims (14)

1. Automatic teller machine, ATM and similar (1) that includes: - a safe (2) that defines an interior volume (2a), - a transport device (3), suitable for transporting banknotes and securities from said interior volume (2a) to the exterior and/or vice versa, - an opening (4) of said safe (2), suitable to allow the passage of said transport device (3), - a security device (5) suitable to at least partially close said opening (4), and characterized by - said safety device (5) comprises a first barrier (50) for said opening (4), said first barrier (50) comprising: - a first portion (51) consisting of a barrier movable with respect to said opening (4), suitable for partially closing said opening (4) and comprising at least one auxiliary opening (4a), - at least one auxiliary portion (52) consisting of a barrier movable with respect to said opening (4) and with respect to said first portion (51) and suitable for closing at least one of said auxiliary opening (4a), - where said first barrier (50) is available in: - an open configuration, in which said first barrier (50) keeps said opening (4) open for the passage of said transport device (3), when said transport device passes through said opening, - a closed configuration, wherein said first barrier (50) completely closes, or at least 70%, said opening (4), when said transport device is in the interior volume, - a transport configuration, in which said opening (4) is only partially closed, and an auxiliary opening (4a, 4b) is kept open, when said transport device is outside. 2. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said auxiliary opening (4a) comprises a first auxiliary opening (40a) suitable for allowing the passage of an electrical connection (6) from said interior volume ( 2a) to said transport device (3). 3. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said first portion (51) comprises a slit that defines said first auxiliary opening (40a). 4. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one previous claim, wherein said auxiliary opening (4a) comprises a second auxiliary opening (40b) suitable to allow the movement of said first portion (51) avoiding interference from others objects in the path of said first portion (51). 5. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said auxiliary portion (52) comprises a second auxiliary portion (53b), suitable to cover, at least partially, said second auxiliary opening (40b) and mobile in direction not parallel to the trajectory of said first portion (51). 6. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second auxiliary portion (53b) is movably fixed on said first portion (51). 7. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising first movement means and auxiliary movement means (51a, 52a) respectively connected to said first portion and auxiliary portion (51, 52) and in proximity to a wall of said safe (2), said first and second movement means (51a, 52a) being suitable to move said respective portion (51, 52) independently of each other. 8. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one previous claim, comprising an exterior interaction side (7) with the public, a dispensing mouth (9) for said banknotes and securities, located on said exterior side ( 7), and an elongated body (8), which connects said opening (4) with said dispensing mouth (9) and which defines a main space along which said transport device (3) moves. 9. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a second barrier (59), suitable for closing said dispensing mouth (9). 10. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one of claims 2-7, comprising quick actuation means for said auxiliary portion (52) suitable for closing said auxiliary opening (4a) quickly in the event of an alarm. 11. Automatic teller machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said quick actuation means of said auxiliary portion (52) are selected from pyrotechnic activators and pressure activators. 12. Method of activating an ATM, ATM and the like (1), comprising said ATM, ATM and the like (1), - a safe (2) that defines an interior volume (2a), - a transport device (3), suitable for transporting banknotes and securities from said interior volume (2a) to the exterior and/or vice versa, - an opening (4) of said safe (2), suitable to allow the passage of said transport device (3), - a security device (5) suitable for at least partially closing said opening (4), and characterized in that said security device (5) comprises a first barrier (50) for said opening (4), said first barrier (50) comprising: - a first portion (51) consisting of a barrier movable with respect to said opening (4), suitable for partially closing said opening (4) and comprising at least one auxiliary opening (4a), - at least one auxiliary portion (52) consisting of a barrier movable with respect to said opening (4) and with respect to said first portion (51) and suitable for closing at least one of said auxiliary opening (4a), where said first barrier (50) is available in: - an open configuration, in which said first barrier (50) keeps said opening (4) open for the passage of said transport device (3), when said transport device passes through said opening, - a closed configuration, in which said first barrier (50) completely closes, or at least 70%, said opening (4), when said transport device is in the interior volume, - a transport configuration, in which said opening (4) is only partially closed, and an auxiliary opening (4a) is kept open, when said transport device is outside, said activation method being characterized in that, in conditions of non-use, said first barrier (50) is arranged in the closed configuration. 13. Method of activating an ATM, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said ATM, ATM and the like (1) comprises alarm means and/or manipulation sensors and/or accelerometers or the like and where , when said means signal a condition of danger or manipulation, said first barrier (50) is arranged in the closed configuration regardless of the position of said electrical connection (6). 14. Method of activating an ATM, ATM and the like (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said ATM, ATM and the like (1) comprises an exterior interaction face (7) with the public, a dispensing mouth (9) for said banknotes and securities, located on said outer face (7), an elongated body (8), connecting said opening (4) with said dispensing mouth (9) and defining a main space along which it moves said transport device (3) and a second barrier (59), suitable for closing said dispensing mouth (9), and where, during the passage of said transport device (3) from said interior volume (2a) to said dispensing mouth (9), at least one of said second barrier (59) and said first portion (51) is in the closed position.