ES1305403U - Automatic payment machine (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Automatic payment machine, comprising: - at least one money entry (1), through which the user introduces money; - a reading unit (2) to read the money inserted into the machine and determine its value and validity; - a recycling unit (5), where money is stored that is used to provide change to the user; - a money outlet (4), which provides change to the user or returns money to the user; - a transport unit (3), which transports the money inside the machine; - a central control unit (18), which manages the operation of the machine; and - an increased security area (7) in which money is kept; characterized in that: the increased security zone (7) comprises a security zone control unit (9) communicated with the central control unit (18) through an encrypted communication. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

automatic payment machine

The present invention refers to an automatic payment machine, which allows the amount of a purchase to be automatically collected and, if necessary, to provide the corresponding change.

Background of the invention

Currently, automatic collection machines are known on the market for collection in businesses when customers pay in cash, which facilitate and ensure the correct handling of cash by the establishment's collector, or can even act without the intervention of establishment personnel. , so that only the client's intervention is necessary.

These automatic payment machines determine the amount of money introduced by the customer, whether in bills and/or coins, check the validity of said bills and/or coins and provide the customer with the corresponding change, all in an automated manner.

To this end, automatic payment machines include a recycling unit in which bills and coins are stored to provide the corresponding change. This unit is made up of several recyclers, each recycler with the assignment of one or more denominations of banknote or coin,

Furthermore, these self-cashing machines also comprise a storage unit, where money that is not used to provide change to customers is kept.

These automatic collection machines also comprise a recognition unit, which recognizes the banknotes inserted into the machine, a central control unit that determines the transport of the banknotes, through a transport module, between the input and output of banknotes, the recycling unit and the storage unit. And likewise for coins, with a coin recognition unit, a central control unit that controls the transport of coins, a transport module, a coin input and output, a recycling unit and a storage unit.

A drawback of this type of payment machines is that it requires regular maintenance.

First of all, it is necessary to remove money from the storage unit frequently, since it has a limited capacity, and although it has a certain degree of security, it could be subject to unauthorized manipulation, which is why it is advisable that the amount of money in said storage unit is not very high.

For this reason, it is common for these machines to include a safe where a certain amount of money is kept, but these safes are not connected to the rest of the machine.

An example of this type of machine with a safe is described in patent application EP3598402 A1. This document describes a safe located at the bottom of the machine, which can be opened via a keypad by entering a code. However, this safe does not comprise any control unit connected to the central control unit of the entire machine.

Secondly, the use of used bills moving through the machine can lead to jams, and if any jam occurs, the user must stop the operation of the machine and remove the jammed bill, which requires a certain period of time.

Description of the invention

Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic collection machine that allows a greater amount of money to be stored than conventional machines, this amount of money being stored in an area with greater security than the rest of the machine and that is additionally highest safety zone is safely connected to the rest of the machine.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic payment machine that can be customized in a modular manner based on the user's needs.

Another additional objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic charging machine that can be easily accessed when a jam occurs and without the need to loosen electrical connectors, which can deteriorate with handling or be connected incorrectly, causing the machine to be damaged. Out of service.

With the automatic payment machine of the invention, the aforementioned drawbacks are solved, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

The automatic charging machine according to the present invention comprises:

- at least one money input, through which the user inputs money;

- a reading unit to read the money inserted into the machine and determine its value and validity;

- a recycling unit, where money is stored that is used to provide change to the user;

- a money outlet, which provides change to the user or returns money to the user;

- a transport unit, which transports the money inside the machine; and

- an increased security zone, in which money is kept.

Said increased security zone comprises a security zone control unit communicated with the central control unit through encrypted communication.

Thanks to this feature, there is an increased security or high security zone to prevent access to unauthorized persons, allowing the storage of an adequate amount of money in the safe to extend the money collection service.

As the security zone control unit is inside the increased security zone, it cannot be intervened to alter the operation of this increased security zone, for example, to force its opening.

Additionally, when the establishment has this type of security in the machine, it can arrange money collection services with companies specialized in the transportation and securing of cash, guaranteeing the entire money cycle from the moment the money passes into the area. increased security until it is deposited in the bank.

Furthermore, the safe comprises an introduction slot through which the money from the transport unit is introduced and a money container in which the money is stored in a stack for as long as necessary. The money container may be a removable bag, usually with some type of closure, a heat-sealable bag, or some type of removable cassette.

Furthermore, said introduction slot has a shutter with the ability to close and open the slot; The shutter is advantageously connected to the control unit of the security zone of the safe, in this way the control unit of the security zone of the safe can control the opening and closing of the slot.

Preferably, the increased security zone is accessible by means of an electronic lock. The lock will open when the money collection personnel are registered at the machine, at which time the machine, from the central control unit, will communicate with the control unit of the increased security zone through an encrypted communication to indicate that the opening of the increased security zone is enabled. At this time, the collection staff can enter the code or card or the appropriate opening mode into the electronic lock (already enabled) and will be able to access the increased security area.

Preferably, the increased security zone comprises a sealing element of the money container.

Furthermore, in the automatic payment machine according to the present invention, the security zone control unit can detect the positions or states of:

- the opening and closing shutter of the introduction slot,

- the opening and closing of a door in the increased security zone,

- external power supply to the security zone control unit,

- the filling level of the money container,

- the position, correct or not, of the money container in its location, and/or

- the state of the sealing element of the money container,

and said security zone control unit informs the central control unit of said positions or states through encrypted communication.

According to a preferred embodiment, the recycling unit is formed by a plurality of recycling modules and the transport unit comprises a plurality of transport modules, their number being variable and allowing the automatic collection machine to be easily configured depending on the requirements. user needs.

The automatic cashing machine according to the present invention may also comprise a storage unit, where money is stored outside the increased security zone.

Furthermore, the transport unit comprises a valve that determines the transport to or from the recycling unit, the safe, the storage unit or the money outlet.

Advantageously, each transport module comprises a removably mounted access cover that facilitates access to the interior of the transport modules, through which the banknote circulates, allowing a banknote jam to be resolved or maintenance cleaning of the equipment to be carried out easily.

In addition, the access cover of each transport module includes a direct electronic connection, by positioning the cover in its location, without the need to disconnect electrical cable connectors to remove or open the covers and reconnect cable connectors. electrical for lid relocation.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are attached in which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, a practical case of implementation is represented.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic charging machine according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic side elevation view of the automatic charging machine according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the modular transport unit of the automatic payment machine according to the present invention, with the access cover of a transport module removed;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a detail of the connection between an access cover and a transport module;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the modular transport unit and the modular recycling unit of the automatic collection machine according to the present invention, where the valve can also be seen; and

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the modular transport unit and the modular recycling unit of the automatic charging machine according to the present invention.

Description of a preferred embodiment

As shown in Figure 1, the automatic cashing machine according to the present invention comprises a banknote input 1, through which a customer or a collector introduces banknotes for payment, a coin input 19, a through which a customer or a collector introduces coins for payment, a bill exit 4 and a coin exit 20, to return the change.

It should be noted that, for reasons of simplicity, in the following description money is referred to generically to refer to banknotes and coins. However, the processing of banknotes and coins is carried out separately, so it is evident to an expert that the different units managing banknotes and coins will be different.

The money inserted into the machine is read by a reading unit 2, where its value and validity are determined. If it is determined that the money is valid, that is, they are legal tender bills or coins and the currency that the machine accepts, the money goes to a transport unit 3.

Otherwise, if it is determined that any bill or coin is counterfeit or not accepted by the machine for any reason, the bill or coin is returned to the customer through output 4, or it can also be returned through input 1 itself, depending on the reason for rejecting the bill and its position.

The automatic payment machine also comprises a recycling unit 5, where money used for returns is stored, a storage unit 6, where money is stored, and an increased security zone 7, which is mainly constituted by a cash register. strong.

Said transport unit 3, which comprises a valve 8, for example, a three-way bidirectional valve, which determines the transport of money. An example of this valve 8 is described in European patent application EP20382144, not published at the date of filing of the present application.

As shown by the arrows in Figure 2, when a bill is introduced through input 1, it enters reading unit 2, where the value of the bill and whether it is a valid bill is determined.

If the bill is determined to be valid, it passes to transport unit 3, in which valve 8 determines where the bill goes.

The ticket can be directed to recycling unit 5, for later use for a return. In this recycling unit 5, the banknote will be placed in a recycling module corresponding to the value of the banknote, since the recycling unit 5 comprises a plurality of recycling modules, each of which has a pre-assignment of the denomination of the banknote. or bills to store.

From this recycling unit 5, when used for a return, it will make the reverse path, through the transport unit 3 towards the outlet 4, determined by said valve 8.

Another option is for the note to go to storage unit 6, where it is stored with other notes, being stacked together, where they will remain until an authorized user removes them.

A third option is for the note to be directed to enhanced security zone 7, where it will remain with other notes until an authorized user collects them.

It should be noted that the coins are processed in a similar way, in a circuit independent of the banknotes, as indicated above.

The management of money inside the machine is regulated by a central control unit 18, and the possible movements of money are shown by the arrows shown in Figure 2.

In particular, the central control unit 18 of the machine, which is preferably located in the reading unit 2, is responsible for managing the transport unit 3, the reading unit 2, the recycling stations 5, and the storage 6.

The increased security zone 7 comprises a security zone control unit 9 housed inside it, to control the elements inside the increased security zone and prevent unauthorized access to said increased security zone 7.

The increased security zone 7, which may be a safe, comprises a container 10 and an introduction slot 11 for introducing money, from the transport unit 3, into the container 10 of the increased security zone 7.

This money container 10 may be a removable bag, typically with some type of closure, or a heat-sealable bag, or some type of removable cassette.

The increased security zone 7 comprises an electronic lock 12 that can only be opened by an authorized user, for example, using a keypad access code, as long as the lock is previously enabled.

The security zone control unit 9 controls the elements found in the increased security zone, such as the opening or closing of the introduction slot 11, the enabling or disabling of the electronic lock 12 for access to the increased security zone, and any other mechanism or automation inside the increased security zone 7, according to the requirements of the central control unit 18, which are transmitted to the control unit of the security zone 9 by means of an encrypted communication.

Additionally, the control unit of the security zone 9 is the one that detects the positions or states of the internal elements of the increased security zone 7, such as: the state of the opening and closing shutter of the introduction slot 11 , the opening and closing of the increased security zone door 7, the external power supply to the security zone control unit 9, the status of the internal battery, the filling level of the money container 10, the position correct or not of the container 10 in its location, the state of the heat sealing automation, and others; and informs the positions or states of all of them to the central control unit 18 through an encrypted communication when it requests the information on the positions and states, through an encrypted communication.

When the central control unit 18 determines that a bill should go from the non-increased security zone to the enhanced security zone 7, the security zone control unit 9 must control the state of the introduction slot 11. To Therefore, the central control unit 18 makes the request to open the introduction slot 11 to the security zone control unit 9 by means of the encrypted communication that it maintains with it.

When the bill or set of bills have entered the increased security zone 7, the central control unit 18 may request the security zone control unit 9 to close the introduction slot 11.

In figures 3, 5 and 6 it can be seen that the recycling unit 5 is formed by a plurality of recycling modules 13 and in figures 5 and 6 it can be seen that the transport unit 3 is formed by a plurality of modules transport 14, which in these figures are mounted one on top of the other.

For example, each recycling module 13 has a pre-assignment of the denomination of the note or notes to be stored and the notes are preferably stored rolled to allow for greater capacity.

This modularity feature allows the automatic collection machine to be easily configured based on the user's requirements, since the number of transport modules 14 must match the number of recycling modules 13.

In Figures 3 and 4 it can be seen that each transport module 14 comprises an access cover 15 mounted in a removable manner that facilitates access to the interior of the transport modules 14, through which the bill circulates, allowing a jam of a banknote to be resolved. ticket, carry out maintenance cleaning of the equipment easily or replace it with another one quickly and easily.

Furthermore, the access cover 15 of each transport module 14 comprises a direct electronic connection, by positioning the cover 15 in its location, without the need to disconnect connectors from the electrical cables for the extraction or opening of the covers 15 and reconnect electrical cable connectors for cover relocation 15.

In this way, one of the causes of machines being out of service is avoided, such as a connection failure due to improper handling of the cables and connectors or their incorrect connection. This access cover 15 comprises an electronic connection 16, which is complementary to an electronic connection 17 of the transport module 14.

Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the automatic payment machine described is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be replaced by others. technically equivalent, without deviating from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims (15)

1. Automatic charging machine, which includes: - at least one money entry (1), through which the user enters money; - a reading unit (2) to read the money inserted into the machine and determine its value and validity; - a recycling unit (5), where money is stored that is used to provide change to the user; - a money outlet (4), which provides change to the user or returns money to the user; - a transport unit (3), which transports the money inside the machine; - a central control unit (18), which manages the operation of the machine; and - an increased security area (7) in which money is kept; characterized because: The increased security zone (7) comprises a security zone control unit (9) communicated with the central control unit (18) through an encrypted communication. 2. Automatic payment machine according to claim 1, wherein the increased security zone (7) comprises an introduction slot (11) and a money container (10). 3. Automatic payment machine according to claim 2, wherein said introduction slot (11) is opened and closed by a shutter controlled by the control unit of the security zone (9). 4. Automatic payment machine according to claim 1, wherein the increased security area (7) is accessible by means of an electronic lock (12). 5. Automatic payment machine according to claim 4, wherein the electronic lock (12) is enabled and disabled from the control unit (9) of the increased security zone (7). 6. Automatic cashing machine according to claim 2, wherein the increased security zone (7) comprises a sealing element of the money container (10). 7. Automatic payment machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit of the security zone (9) detects the positions or states of: - the opening and closing shutter of the introduction slot (11), and/or - the opening and closing of a door of the increased security zone (7), and/or - external power to the security zone control unit (9), and/or - the filling level of the money container (10), and/or - the position, correct or not, of the money container (10) in its location, and/or - the state of the sealing element of the money container (10). 8. Automatic charging machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit of the security zone (9) informs the central control unit (18) by means of encrypted communication of the positions or states of : - the opening and closing shutter of the introduction slot (11), and/or - the opening and closing of a door of the increased security zone (7), and/or - external power to the security zone control unit (9), and/or - the filling level of the money container (10), and/or - the position, correct or not, of the money container (10) in its location, and/or - the state of the sealing element of the money container (10). 9. Automatic collection machine according to claim 1, wherein the recycling unit (5) is formed by a plurality of recycling modules (13). 10. Automatic charging machine according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit (3) comprises a plurality of transport modules (14). 11. Automatic collection machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the number of recyclable modules (13) and/or the number of transport modules (14) is variable. 12. Automatic collection machine according to claim 1, which also comprises a storage unit (6), where money is stored. 13. Automatic collection machine according to claim 1, 10 or 12, wherein the transport unit (3) comprises a valve (8) that determines the transport to or from the recycling unit (5), the safe (7), the storage unit (6) or the money outlet (4). 14. Automatic charging machine according to claim 10, wherein each transport module (14) comprises a removably mounted access cover (15). 15. Automatic charging machine according to claim 14, wherein the access cover (15) of each transport module (14) comprises a direct electronic connection without cables (16).