[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-burglar device for banknote containers in
particular for Bancomat, ATM, acceptors or the like of the type specified in the preamble
of the first claim.
[0002] Distributors of banknotes or valuables are currently known of, such as in particular
ATMs or systems suitable to contain banknotes.
[0003] They comprise a container consisting of a safe suitable to contain banknotes and
valuables and control means suitable to issue or receive banknotes and valuables to
an authorised user. The issue of banknotes and valuables takes place after the recognition
of the user by means of a card or the like, and takes place through a dispenser slot,
communicating with the interior of the safe and suitable, as said, to issue or receive
banknotes or valuables from an external user.
[0004] The dispenser slots are therefore generally aimed at public areas accessible to users
and have a slit or the like, through which the banknotes and valuables pass, even
collected in bundles.
[0005] As known, a general problem concerning the protection of containers such as in particular
Bancomat, ATMs and the like is how to prevent an intrusion perpetrated by the insertion
therein of explosive substances or products, such as gases, mixtures, liquids, powders,
aerosols, etc.
[0006] These substances, once inserted, are made to explode so as to open the container
from the inside.
[0007] To try to remedy this danger, active protection devices are already known of substantially
able to prevent explosions and fires inside Bancomat, ATMs, safe deposit boxes and
the like.
[0008] These active protection apparatuses may act in combination with devices making the
banknotes non-utilisable - by means of a marking - and comprise systems capable of
diluting hazardous fluids introduced and/or chemically inhibiting their action.
[0009] In particular, to combat the most frequent cases, namely attacks on ATMs perpetrated
by introducing detonating gases through the minimal slots present therein for functional
requirements, or through small holes made there and then, various apparatuses are
used, some mechanical, which hinder the access of the detonating gases to the drawers
or compartments containing the banknotes, others which in the presence of any hazardous
mixtures detected automatically activate discharges of CO2 or aerosols suitable to
inhibit the flames.
[0010] The Italian patent
IT-B-1348079, in the name of the same applicant, further describes a system comprising the electrical
ignition devices suitable to trigger the combustion of explosive substances before
they reach a critical mass.
[0011] However, such systems do not completely resolve the drawbacks of the prior art.
[0012] In this situation, the technical purpose according to the present invention is to
devise an anti-burglar device for banknote containers in particular for Bancomat,
ATM, acceptors or the like able to substantially overcome the drawbacks mentioned.
[0013] Within the scope of said technical purpose one important objective of the invention
to obtain an anti-burglar device for banknote containers in particular for Bancomat,
ATM, acceptors or the like which prevents the intrusion of the container by the introduction
of explosive substances therein.
[0014] The technical purpose and specified aims are achieved by an anti-burglar device for
banknote containers in particular for Bancomat, ATM, acceptors or the like as claimed
in the appended Claim 1.
[0015] Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.
[0016] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clearly evident from the
following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the device according to the invention.
[0017] With reference to said drawings, reference numeral
1 globally denotes the burglar device according to the invention.
[0018] It is positioned in correspondence with a container
2, such as a safe, in particular a safe for Bancomat, ATMs and the like, with the function
of preventing intrusion of the container 2 by insertion of substances or explosive
products, such as gases, mixtures, liquids, etc.
[0019] The burglar device 1 comprises, in brief, ignition means
3 suitable to ignite any explosive substances inserted in the container
2, so that said explosive substances are combusted before they reach a critical mass
suitable to cause an explosion, and conveying means
4 suitable to convey the atmosphere contained inside the container 2 to the ignition
means 3.
[0020] The term atmosphere is understood to mean the air commonly present and also gases
and vapours and/or other substances in suspension in said gases and vapours.
[0021] The conveying means 4 advantageously determine a flow of atmosphere with a flow rate
which is not constant but varies over time. In particular, said flow rate shows a
periodic trend, more in particular such flow rate varies in a continuous manner, without
jumps or steps of a substantial variation, more in particular still, in a sinusoidal
manner.
[0022] The conveying means 4 preferably comprise at least one suction device
5, such as a fan and the like, suitable to create a flow of atmosphere to be conveyed
in a forced manner.
[0023] They further preferably include ducts
6, such as one or more tubes and/or channels in fluidic through connection with the
suction device 5. Said ducts 6 comprise one or more openings
6a positioned inside the container 2 and suitable to withdraw said atmosphere from different
points in appropriate positions of the container 2. Moreover, a filter
7, preferably a thickness or porous or other filter is appropriately positioned at the
openings 6a. The latter is suitable to filter dust, of advantageous size and in relation
to the surroundings.
[0024] Structurally the ducts 6 end in a box
9, isolated from the outside. The suction device 5 and also a pressure switch
8 and/or flow switch and/or flow meter are preferably positioned at or near the box
9, placed in correspondence with the ducts 6 and suitable to verify the possible reduction
of flow and/or obstruction thereof. The ignition means 3 suitable to ignite any explosive
substances are preferably placed in correspondence with or near the box 9.
[0025] In particular, there are one or more outlet ducts
10 of the atmosphere from the box 9. More in particular, the ignition means 3 are placed
in correspondence with the outlet ducts 10.
[0026] The ignition means 3 may be variously achieved, while still maintaining a very simple
structure and a minimal cost. They are preferably electric ignition means. Alternatively,
the ignition means 3 may consist of piezoelectric lighters, incandescent lighters
or even pyrotechnic ignition means. The piezoelectric and electric ignition means
act by means of sparks and therefore have a reduced noise, lower than that of pyrotechnic
ignition means, which act via small explosions. Incandescent ignition means are instead
absolutely silent for prolonged use over time.
[0027] The ignition means 3 comprise an ignition terminal
3a, suitable to achieve the ignition of the explosive substances, and in particular the
electric arc, which closes appropriately on a wall of the outlet duct
10, and a power supply
3b, connected to the ignition portion 3a and preferably consisting of an electrical or
power transformer or the like.
[0028] The ignition terminals 3a are supported and distanced from the walls of the outlet
ducts 10 by support spacers
12 suitable to permit the transit of the atmosphere through the ducts 10.
[0029] The power supply 3b is also preferably positioned in correspondence with the box
9, as well as control electronics
11, suitable to control the various elements of the device 1 described.
[0030] In the vicinity of the container 2 additional safety means such as alarms
14, may also be present, suitable to be activated as a result of the ignition of explosive
substances by the ignition terminals 3a. These alarms 14 may comprise light sensors,
pressure or velocimetric pressure sensors next to the ignition portions 3a and/or
other portion.
[0031] Additional flame inhibitor means or other similar devices may also be present. The
functioning of the burglar device 1 previously described in functional terms is as
follows and defines a new ant-intrusion procedure.
[0032] The container 2, and in particular the Bancomat, ATM or the like, works normally
without any alteration.
[0033] During normal operation, appropriately, the conveying means 4 continue to aspirate
the atmosphere through the openings 6a and the filters 7 and convey it to the ignition
means 3.
[0034] The aspiration is preferably carried out with said sinusoidal or even periodic or
even continuous trend without changes in flow over time. The periods of variation
may be between 1 s and 10 s.
[0035] The ignition means also function constantly, in particular intermittently, with preferred
pulse or even continuous frequency.
[0036] Should an ill-intentioned person introduce explosive substances inside the container
2, such as in particular detonating gases or explosive mixtures, the same would be
rapidly aspirated by the conveying means 4. Said suction occurs in fact in any point
of the container 2, which normally works at a single pressure and in a single environment.
In particular the suction takes place rapidly by means of ducts 6 positioned in a
plurality of points of the container 2, and / or even a plurality of openings 6a.
[0037] The explosive substances are thus conveyed to the ignition means 3 which ignite them,
causing a flame or a small detonation before the explosive substances reach critical
quantities which would result in the rupture of the container 2 by explosion.
[0038] The ignition takes place in particular in the case in which the specific explosive
substance reaches its correct stoichiometric ratio with oxygen or with other substances.
The non-constant but variable functioning of the atmosphere flow rate causes such
correct stoichiometric ratio to be reached in at least one point of the curve which
periodically repeats itself.
[0039] In particular, the ignition takes place through the ignition portions and extends
along the outlet ducts 10 which are preferably made of flame-resistant material. In
this case, in addition, possible alarms for the police or so forth would activate.
[0040] If the openings 6 were clogged or obstructed for any reason, a pressure or flow sensor
8 would detect the change in pressure and would activate an alarm for failure and
/ or simply to indicate the need for preventive maintenance.
[0041] The invention achieves important advantages.
[0042] In fact, the burglar device 1 simply and quickly defuses explosive substances introduced.
In particular said device does not wait for the explosive substances to arrive at
the terminals 3a as a result of saturation or filling of the container 2, or by natural,
non-forced convection phenomena, but by internal forced convection towards the terminals
3a through the conveying means 4. Said forced convection is necessary since the natural
recirculation, or the insertion zones of the explosives, are not always predictable
and measurable. In the absence of the conveying means 4 the explosive substances could
thus accumulate in sufficient quantities to make the container 2 explode.
[0043] Furthermore, the solution of continuously varying the flow rate of the conveying
means, acts so that each specific explosive substance can automatically find its correct
specific stoichiometric ratio, permitting its ignition, during the variations of intensity.
[0044] Furthermore, the burglar device 1 is simple and economical.
[0045] Variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the inventive
concept expressed in the independent claims and in the relative technical equivalents.
All details may be replaced with equivalent elements and the scope of the invention
includes all other materials, shapes and dimensions.
1. Anti-burglar device (1) for a banknote container (2) comprising:
- ignition means (3) designed to ignite any explosive substances inserted in the container,
so that said explosives are combusted before they reach a critical mass, characterised in that it comprises
- conveying means (4) suitable to convey the atmosphere contained inside said container
(2) to said ignition means (3).
2. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said conveying means (4) determine
a flow of atmosphere with a flow rate, which is not constant but varies over time.
3. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said conveying means (4) determine
a flow of atmosphere with a flow rate, which shows a continuous trend, not-varying
over time.
4. Anti-burglar device (1) according to one or more of the previous claims, wherein said
conveying means (4) comprise at least one suction device (5) suitable to create a
flow of air for conveying said atmosphere contained inside said container (2) to said
ignition means.
5. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said conveying means (4) comprise
ducts (6) in fluidic through connection with at least one suction device (5) and comprising
at least one opening (6a) positioned inside said container (2) and suitable to withdraw
atmosphere from said container (2)in different points, at different heights and positions.
6. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 5, wherein said conveying means (4) comprise
a filter (7), placed in correspondence with at least one of said openings (6a) and
suitable to filter said atmosphere contained in the container (2).
7. Anti-burglar device (1) according to one or more of the claims 5-7, wherein said conveying
means (4) comprise a pressure switch (8), placed in correspondence with said ducts
(6) and suitable to verify an unexpected flow variation or obstruction thereof.
8. Anti-burglar prevention method of a container (2), consisting of igniting via the
ignition means (3) any explosive substances inserted in said container, so that said
explosive substance are combusted before they reach a critical mass, and characterised in that it comprises the conveying of the atmosphere from inside said container (2) to said
ignition means (3).
9. Anti-burglar prevention method according to the previous claim, wherein said conveying
of the atmosphere takes place by means of a non-constant flow rate which varies over
time.
10. Anti-burglar prevention method according to claim 8, wherein said conveying of the
atmosphere takes place by means of a flow rate which follows a continuous trend, without
variations.
Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.
1. Anti-burglar prevention method of a container (2), consisting of igniting via the
ignition means (3) any explosive substances inserted in said container, so that said
explosive substance are combusted before they reach a critical mass, and characterised in that it comprises, constantly, the conveying of the atmosphere from inside said container
(2) to said ignition means (3).
2. Anti-burglar prevention method according to the previous claim, wherein said conveying
of the atmosphere takes place by means of a non-constant flow rate which varies over
time.
3. Anti-burglar prevention method according to claim 1 , wherein said conveying of the
atmosphere takes place by means of a flow rate which follows a continuous trend, without
variations.
4. Anti-burglar prevention method according to one or more of the previous claims, provided
by means of a burglar device (1) comprising conveying means (4) suitable to convey
the atmosphere contained inside said container (2) to said ignition means (3).
5. Anti-burglar prevention method according to claim 4, wherein said conveying means
(4) comprise at least one suction device (5) suitable to create a flow of air for
conveying said atmosphere contained inside said container (2) to said ignition means.
6. Anti-burglar prevention method according to claim 5, wherein said conveying means
(4) comprise ducts (6) in fluidic through connection with at least one suction device
(5) and comprising at least one opening (6a) positioned inside said container (2)
and suitable to withdraw atmosphere from said container (2)in different points, at
different heights and positions.
7. Anti-burglar prevention method according to claim 6 , wherein said conveying means
(4) comprise a filter (7), placed in correspondence with at least one of said openings
(6a) and suitable to filter said atmosphere contained in the container (2).
8. Anti-burglar device (1) for a banknote container (2) consisting in a safe for Bancomat,
ATMs and the like comprising:
- ignition means (3) designed to ignite any explosive substances, inserted in the
container, so that said explosives are combusted before they reach a critical mass,
- conveying means (4) suitable to convey the atmosphere contained inside said container
(2) to said ignition means (3),
- characterised in that said ignition means (3) and said conveying means (4) are inside said container (2).
9. Anti-burglar device (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said conveying of
the atmosphere takes place by means of a non-constant flow rate which varies over
time.
10. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 8, wherein said conveying of the atmosphere
takes place by means of a flow rate which follows a continuous trend, without variations.
11. Anti-burglar device (1) according to one or more of claims 8-10, provided by means
of a burglar device (1) comprising conveying means (4) suitable to convey the atmosphere
contained inside said container (2) to said ignition means (3).
12. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 11, wherein said conveying means (4) comprise
at least one suction device (5) suitable to create a flow of air for conveying said
atmosphere contained inside said container (2) to said ignition means.
13. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 12, wherein said conveying means (4) comprise
ducts (6) in fluidic through connection with at least one suction device (5) and comprising
at least one opening (6a) positioned inside said container (2) and suitable to withdraw
atmosphere from said container (2)in different points, at different heights and positions.
14. Anti-burglar device (1) according to claim 13, wherein said conveying means (4) comprise
a filter (7), placed in correspondence with at least one of said openings (6a) and
suitable to filter said atmosphere contained in the container (2).