KR20220075982A - A sealing member and a card reader including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A card reader is started. A card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a slot for accommodating a card, a reader module disposed in the housing, and capable of reading data from the card when the card is inserted into the slot; It may include a sealing member disposed between the housing and the reader module to block a fluid flowing in from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module.

Description

Sealing member and card reader including same {A SEALING MEMBER AND A CARD READER INCLUDING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a sealing member and a card reader including the same, and more particularly, to a sealing member having a waterproof function and a card reader including the same.

Credit cards, check cards, debit cards, cash cards, etc. (hereinafter, collectively referred to as cards) are widely used as a means of replacing cash payment in online/offline affiliated stores. The information on these cards is read through a card reader and transferred to a relay server or a VAN company server through an on/off dedicated line, whereby card payment is performed.

Card payments in environments where it is difficult to use dedicated payment terminals such as delivery services and food trucks are increasing rapidly. Accordingly, a recently developed reader is required to have a function of performing a card payment service in connection with a portable communication terminal such as a smart phone, and to be miniaturized for portability.

As an example of the technology underlying the present invention, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1143856 (registration date of April 24, 2012) discloses a connector connectable with a connection port including an earphone and microphone connection terminal of a mobile terminal, and a magnetic stripe that reads card information Disclosed is a card reader that includes a reader to encrypt card information and transmits the encrypted card information through a microphone connection terminal of a mobile terminal.

Recently, as card readers have been miniaturized and improved in portability, they are easily exposed to external shocks and contaminants such as dust and fluids.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a card reader with improved durability as a device for enabling card payment using a portable communication terminal.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a sealing member that can effectively prevent the card reader from being flooded.

A card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing having a slot for accommodating a card, a reader module disposed in the housing, and capable of reading data from the card when the card is inserted into the slot; It may include a sealing member disposed between the housing and the reader module to block the fluid flowing in from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module.

A sealing member that can be used in a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed on a base formed in a shape to surround a reader module disposed in the card reader, and a magnetic stripe on a card that is formed on the reader module and inserted into the card reader. It may include a first opening formed in a portion corresponding to the position of the first reader for reading the stored data. Here, the sealing member may block the fluid introduced from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module through the first opening.

A card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that enables card payment using a portable communication terminal, and durability may be improved.

The sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention can effectively prevent immersion of the card reader.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a card reader including a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 shows a reader module of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 shows a sealing member of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows a state in which a reader module of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention is sealed by a sealing member.
5 is a detailed view showing an operating state of a sealing member of a card reader according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, the principle of operation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, when it is determined that a detailed description of a related well-known function or configuration may obscure the gist of the present disclosure in describing an embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. And the terms used below are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or custom of the user or operator. Therefore, the definitions of the terms used should be interpreted based on the contents and corresponding functions throughout this specification.

1 is an exploded perspective view of a card reader including a sealing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a card reader 10 according to an embodiment may include a first housing 100 , a reader module 200 , a sealing member 300 , and a second housing 400 . Here, the sealing member 300 may be formed of a flexible material such as silicone or rubber.

The first housing 100 may include a slot 110 capable of accommodating a card. Here, the slot 110 may be formed to fix the card inserted to one side.

The reader module 200 may be disposed inside the first housing 100 . The reader module 200 may read data from the card when the card is inserted into the slot 110 .

For example, the reader module 200 may include a data input unit for reading information on the card. In addition, the reader module 200 may include a data processing unit that converts the personal information input through the data input unit into electrical data to be transmitted through the wireless Internet network.

The above-described data input unit may include a reading module that provides information read from at least one of the recognition methods provided to the portable communication terminal to the portable communication terminal. In this case, the reading module can recognize and read at least one of a credit card, MS magnetic, IC card, QR code, barcode, and RF tag.

The aforementioned portable communication terminal may be a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, various electronic devices such as a digital broadcasting terminal.

In addition, the reader module 200 may include a transmission unit for transmitting personal information processed into electrical data through the data processing unit to a wireless transmission module to be described later.

Here, the wireless transmission module may include software for enabling access to a wireless Internet network.

For example, the wireless transmission module and the reader module 200 may be integrally formed.

The sealing member 300 may be disposed to be sealed on one side of the reader module 200 . Also, the sealing member 300 may be disposed inside the first housing 100 in a state in which it is sealed to the reader module 200 .

The sealing member 300 may block the fluid flowing into the first housing 100 from being transferred to the reader module 200 .

In general, various openings may be formed in the first housing 100 so that components such as a first reader unit or a second reader unit to be described later come into contact with the card in order to read data from the card. Such an opening may be a passage of a fluid (eg, moisture or sweat) introduced into the first housing 100 .

That is, the fluid flowing in from the outside of the card reader 10 may move into the housing and flow into the reader module 200 . Such a structure is a major cause of malfunction and damage to the reader module 200 composed of a circuit board or the like.

On the other hand, as in the card reader 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, by additionally disposing the sealing member 300 in close contact with the reader module 200 between the first housing 100 and the reader module 200, It is possible to effectively block the movement of the fluid flowing from the outside of the first housing 100 onto the reader module 200 .

Such a structure corresponds to a mechanism that can significantly reduce malfunction and damage of the reader module 200 composed of a circuit board or the like.

2 shows a reader module of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the reader module 200 includes a first reader unit 210 , a second reader unit 220 , a power supply unit 230 , a charging port unit 240 , and a switch unit for controlling on/off of the power supply unit. 250 and a guide 260 may be included.

The first reader unit 210 may read data stored in a magnetic stripe on the card. Here, the first reader unit 210 may be a magnetic stripe reader (MSR) head 210 .

For example, when the card is swiped, the magnetic stripe moves in proximity to the MSR head 210 . Movement of the magnetic stripes, including the alternating polarity of the magnetic domains, creates a magnetic field fluctuation in the narrow sensing aperture of the MSR head 210 . In this case, the MSR head 210 may convert the magnetic field fluctuation into an equivalent electric signal.

The second reader unit 220 may read card information by connecting to an IC chip on the card.

The power supply unit 230 may be configured as a battery that provides power to the reader module 200 .

The charging port unit 240 may be coupled to an external power source for charging the power supply unit.

The switch unit 250 may control the on/off of the power unit according to a user's input.

The guide 260 may guide a stop position of the card inserted into the first housing 100 . Specifically, the guide unit 260 may accurately guide the position of the card so that the IC chip provided in the inserted card is in contact with the second reader unit 220 .

For example, the guide unit 260 may be used in the card reader 10 having a hybrid structure for reading information from a card in which an IC chip is inserted or a card in which a magnetic stripe is formed.

3 shows a sealing member of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the sealing member 300 may be formed in a shape surrounding one surface of the power supply unit 230 , the charging port unit 240 , the switch unit 250 , and the guide unit 260 of the reader module 200 . have.

On the other hand, the sealing member 300 has openings in portions corresponding to the positions of the first and second leaders 210 and 220, respectively, so that the first and second leaders 210 and 220 are provided. can be exposed.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 3 , the sealing member 300 may include a first opening 310 , a second opening 320 , and a protrusion 330 .

The first opening 310 may be formed in a portion corresponding to the position of the first reader unit 210 of the reader module 200 .

The second opening 320 may be formed in a portion corresponding to the position of the second leader unit 220 .

The protrusion 330 may include a portion 330 protruding by a preset height to surround the power supply unit 320 .

The sealing member 200 may further include an edge portion 311 of the first opening 310 , a first groove 312 , and a second groove 313 .

For example, the first groove 312 may be formed in a shape surrounding the circumference (or the edge portion 311 ) of the first opening 310 . Also, the second groove 313 may be formed to surround the first groove 312 .

Here, the sealing member 200 is bent from the edge 311 of the first opening 310 to the first groove 312 and the second groove 313 to have elasticity like a so-called bellows.

Accordingly, the edge 311 of the first opening 310 strongly adheres to the circumference of the first leader 210 even when the first leader 210 of the reader module 200 flows up, down, left, and right. This can be prevented from flowing into the inside.

In addition, the edge portion 311 of the first opening 310 may be formed to be narrower or shorter than the diameter or circumference of the first leader portion 210 of the reader module 200 . Also, the edge 310 of the first opening 310 may be formed to become narrower toward the inside of the first opening 310 . Also, the tip of the edge portion 310 of the first opening 310 may protrude toward the inside of the first opening 310 .

Accordingly, the edge portion 311 of the first opening 310 is more strongly adhered to the circumference of the first leader portion 210 of the reader module 200 to prevent the fluid from flowing through the first opening 310 . can do.

In addition, the sealing member 200 may further include a third groove 321 . The third groove 321 may be formed in a shape surrounding the second opening 320 . In addition, the outer surface of the third groove 321 may be formed in a stepwise manner to match the shape of the second leader part 220 .

By disposing a groove extending in a direction surrounding the opening around the opening in this way, the adhesion between the sealing member and the first leader unit 210 or the second leader unit 220 can be improved, and accordingly, the fluid Inflow into the first leader unit 210 or the second leader unit 220 can be effectively prevented.

However, the number of grooves provided as described above may be added or reduced as necessary.

In addition, an additional opening into which a fastening element such as a screw can be inserted to be fastened to the reader module 200 , the first housing 100 , and the second housing 400 may be formed on the sealing member 300 . have.

When the sealing member 300 is disposed on the reader module 200 having the above configurations, the structure shown in FIG. 4 may be formed.

4 shows a state in which a reader module of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention is sealed by a sealing member.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the sealing member 300 is disposed in a shape that can completely wrap one surface of the charging port unit 240 , the switch unit 250 , and the guide unit 260 of the reader module 200 .

However, each of the first reader unit 210 or the second reader unit 220, which is a component in which the card is inserted into the slot 110 of the first housing 100 and has to substantially contact the card to read information from the card, is sealed. It may be exposed through the first opening 310 or the second opening 320 formed on the member.

5 is a detailed view showing an operating state of a sealing member of a card reader according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , when the sealing member 300 is in close contact between the first housing 100 and the reader module 200 , the first formed around the first opening 310 . One side of the groove 312 forms a surface contact with the side of the first leader unit 210 .

That is, when the sealing member 300 is in close contact with the leader module 200 , the sealing member 300 is contracted, and accordingly, the outer surface of the first groove 312 facing the first leader unit 210 . (A) (or the edge portion 311 of the first opening 310 described above) may stand up in a direction parallel to the side surface B of the first leader portion 210 . In this case, the outer surface (A) of the first groove (312) and the side surface (B) of the first leader portion as a whole form a surface contact.

In this way, an effective sealing structure can be derived by forming a surface contact between the first leader part 210 and a portion of the sealing member closest to the first opening 310 as a whole, and furthermore, the fluid toward the leader module 200 side can be effectively prevented from being transmitted.

The structure and mechanism described above may be applied equally or similarly between the second opening 320 and the third groove 321 .

That is, when the sealing member 300 is in close contact with the leader module 200, the sealing member 300 is contracted, and accordingly, the third groove 321 facing the outer surface of the second leader unit 220 is The outer surface rises in a direction parallel to the side surface of the second leader unit 220 , and the outer surface of the third groove 321 and the side surface of the second leader unit 220 form a surface contact as a whole.

5 (a) and (b), the sealing member 300 is disposed on the opposite side to the outer surface (A) of the first groove (312) the other side (A') facing the reader module (200) ) and may further include a sensor element 340 that can detect the presence or absence of a fluid.

As such, by further including the sensor element 340 disposed on the other side surface A', the outer surface A of the first groove 312 of the sealing member 300 and the side surface of the first leader part 210 are further included. A situation in which the fluid flows toward the reader module 200 through (B) can be recognized immediately.

Furthermore, when the sensor element 340 detects that the fluid has flowed into the reader module 200, the switch unit immediately turns off the power supply to prevent an electric shock accident, and excessive damage to the card reader 10 can be prevented in advance.

In addition, the structure and mechanism described above may be equally or similarly applied to the third groove 321 side. That is, the sealing member 300 is disposed on the opposite side to the outer surface of the third groove 321 and is disposed on the other side facing the reader module 200 to further include an additional sensor element capable of detecting the presence or absence of a fluid. can do.

The card reader 10 according to an embodiment including the above-described configurations can improve durability by preventing in advance that the circuit is damaged by the inflow of fluid, and the sealing member 300 according to an embodiment Inundation of the card reader 10 can be effectively prevented.

As described above, although the embodiments have been described with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art may apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in an order different from the described method, and/or the described components of the system, structure, apparatus, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components Or substituted or substituted by equivalents may achieve an appropriate result.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims are also within the scope of the following claims.

first housing: 100
Reader module: 200
First leader unit: 210
Second leader unit: 220
Power supply: 230
Charging port part: 240
Switch part: 250
Concierge: 260
Sealing member: 300
first opening: 310
second opening: 320
Overhang: 330
Sensor element: 340

Claims (11)

In the card reader,
a housing having a slot for receiving a card;
a reader module disposed in the housing and capable of reading data from the card when the card is inserted into the slot; and
and a sealing member disposed between the housing and the reader module to block the fluid flowing in from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module.
According to claim 1,
The reader module is
a first reader unit capable of reading data stored in a magnetic stripe on the card;
The sealing member,
A card reader comprising a; a first opening formed in a portion corresponding to the position of the first reader of the reader module.
3. The method of claim 2,
The sealing member,
a first groove formed in a shape surrounding the first opening; and
A card reader comprising a; a second groove formed in a shape to surround the periphery of the first groove.
4. The method of claim 3,
When the sealing member is in close contact between the housing and the leader module, one side of the first groove is in surface contact with the side of the first leader unit,
The sealing member blocks the fluid introduced from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module through the first opening, a card reader.
3. The method of claim 2,
The reader module is
A second reader unit for communicating with the card by connecting to the IC chip on the card; further comprising,
The sealing member,
The card reader further comprising a; a second opening formed in a portion corresponding to the position of the second reader of the reader module.
6. The method of claim 5,
The sealing member,
A card reader, wherein a third groove is formed to wrap around the second opening.
3. The method of claim 2,
The reader module is
It further includes; a power supply for providing power to the reader module;
The sealing member,
The card reader further comprising;
8. The method of claim 7,
The reader module is
a charging port for charging the power supply;
a switch unit for controlling on/off of the power unit; and
Further comprising; a guide for guiding the stop position of the card inserted into the housing;
The sealing member,
The charging port part, the switch part and the card reader formed in a shape surrounding one surface of the guide part.
In the sealing member that can be used in a card reader,
The sealing member,
a base formed in a shape surrounding the reader module disposed in the card reader; and
a first opening formed on the reader module and formed in a portion corresponding to a position of a first reader for reading data stored in a magnetic stripe on a card inserted into a card reader;
The sealing member blocks the fluid introduced from the outside from being transmitted to the reader module through the first opening.
10. The method of claim 9,
a first groove formed in a shape surrounding the first opening; and
A second groove formed in a shape surrounding the first groove; further comprising,
When the sealing member is in close contact with the leader module, one side of the first groove is in surface contact with a side surface of the first leader unit, the sealing member.
11. The method of claim 10,
a second opening formed on the reader module and formed in a portion corresponding to a position of a second reader unit that is connected to an IC chip on a card inserted into the card reader and communicates with the card; and
The sealing member further comprising a; third groove formed in a shape surrounding the periphery of the second opening.

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