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(11) | EP 3 379 504 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | CASH MACHINE, ATM AND THE LIKE COMPRISING A BANKNOTE INTRODUCTION CONTROL DEVICE |
| (57) A Cash Machine, ATM and the like (1) is provided, comprising: a safe (2) defining
an inner volume (2a), a conveying device (3), suitable to convey banknotes and valuables
from the inner volume (2a) to the outside, an opening (4) of the safe (2), suitable
to allow the passage of the conveying device (3), a security device (5) suitable to
close, at least partially, the opening (4), the security device (5) comprises a first
barrier (50) for the opening (4), the first barrier (50) being ready in: an open configuration,
wherein the first barrier (50) keeps the opening (4) open for the passage of the conveying
device (3), a closed configuration, wherein the first barrier (50) totally closes
the opening (4), a conveying configuration, wherein the opening (4) is only partially
closed and an auxiliary opening (4a) is kept open.
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[0001] The present invention relates to a Cash Machine, ATM and the like comprising a banknote introduction control device of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.
[0002] Distributors of banknotes or valuables are currently known, such as, in particular Cash Machines or ATMs or systems for dispensing and accepting banknotes.
[0003] They comprise a safe suitable to contain banknotes and valuables and control means suitable to dispense banknotes and valuables to an authorized user. The dispensing of banknotes and valuables takes place once the user has been identified by means of code cards or the like, and it takes place by means of a dispenser mouth, communicating with the inside of the safe, suitable to dispense banknotes or values to the external user.
[0005] This component constitutes the end part of a dispenser channel comprising an elongated body for the passage of the banknotes and valuables entering or leaving the safe. Inside the safe, there is a dispenser where the banknotes are stored. An elongated body, in correspondence with the outer face exposed to the public, comprises a slit or the like through which the valuables and banknotes, usually grouped into bundles, are introduced.
[0006] Furthermore, the dispenser channels comprise a conveying device generally consisting of an element adapted to convey or push the banknotes along the elongated body in the direction of the customer side external mouth.
[0007] In particular, in the case of Cash Machines or ATMs, these methods of moving and dispensing banknotes are efficient and extremely common.
[0008] However, they present one drawback: they allow explosive substances to be introduced into the safe through the dispenser mouth of the automatic distributor.
[0009] In fact, one possible theft attempt perpetrated on the armoured casing of automatic dispensers of banknotes and valuables comprises that, in the same, a fluid, powder or nevertheless an explosive substance is inserted directly into the safe through the dispenser mouth.
[0010] In particular, the criminals equipped themselves with special instruments or cables having a length greater than the length of the elongated body, so as to allow the introduction of said substances passing: the external mouth, the entire elongated body and the internal opening of the safe.
[0011] Various apparatus has been developed to overcome this drawback, comprising a protective mechanical barrier suitable to prevent the introduction of gases or explosives passing through the dispenser mouth. Such protective barrier doesn't serve to prevent said actions, because it must be opened in correspondence with a disbursement of banknotes and valuables.
[0012] Such further drawback was remedied, in particular, in patent applications IT MI2004A001683 and IT MI2003A000342 and in other embodiments, again by the same applicant, with a double barrier, one in correspondence with the dispenser mouth and another in correspondence with the internal passage from and for the safe.
[0013] The two barriers are usually always closed and, in the dispensing phase, they only open one at a time, so that one of the two openings is always closed.
[0014] However, such security always adapts badly in the previously described Cash Machine, ATM models and the like. In particular, when shuttles or conveying pockets are used, connected by cables or connections needed to connect to the electronics positioned inside the safe.
[0015] Therefore, this second barrier, which closes the safe, cannot always be totally closed in correspondence with a disbursement.
[0016] In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to develop a Cash Machine, ATM and the like comprising a banknote introduction control device capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the stated drawbacks.
[0017] In the scope of said technical task it is an important object of the invention to obtain a Cash Machine, ATM and the like comprising a security device, which is secure both during the phase of dispensing and returning banknotes to the safe and which is capable of resisting in the event of attacks using significant quantities of explosives.
[0018] The technical task and specified objects are achieved with a Cash Machine, ATM and the like comprising a banknote introduction control device, as claimed in the appended claim 1.
[0020] The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a Cash Machine, ATM or the like according to the invention;
Fig. 2a illustrates a portion of Cash Machine, ATM or the like according to the invention in a first configuration;
Fig. 2b is the portion in Fig. 2a in a second configuration;
Fig. 2c shows the portion in Fig. 2a in a third configuration;
Figures 3a-3h show the sequence of operations performed by the banknote introduction control device according to the invention,
Fig. 4a illustrates a portion of a second embodiment of a Cash Machine, ATM or the like according to the invention in a first configuration;
Fig. 4b is the portion in Fig. 4a in a second configuration;
Fig. 4c shows the portion in Fig. 4a in a third configuration;
Fig. 5a illustrates a portion of the second embodiment of a Cash Machine, ATM or the like according to the invention in a first configuration;
Fig. 5b is the portion in Fig. 5a in a second configuration;
[0021] In this document, when measurements, values, shapes and geometrical references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism) are associated with words, such as "approximately" or other similar terms, for example "practically" or "substantially", they are to be understood as except for errors of measurement or inaccuracies resulting from production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measurement, shape or geometrical reference with which it is associated. For example, if said terms are associated with a value, they preferably indicate a divergence of no more than 10% of the same value.
[0022] Furthermore, when terms such as "first", "second", "greater", "lower", "principal" and "secondary" are used, they do not necessarily identify an order, a relationship priority or relative position, but they may simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly.
[0023] Unless otherwise indicated, the measurements and data contained in this document shall be considered as carried out in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).
[0024] With reference to the Figures, the Cash Machine, ATM or the like according to the invention is globally indicated with number 1.
[0025] In short, it comprises a safe 2 for containing a dispenser or a device for recycling banknotes and valuables defining an inner volume 2a, and an outer face 7.
[0026] More specifically, the safe 2 is known in itself and comprises drawers, suitable to contain the various denominations of banknotes. Furthermore, the safe 2 isn't always placed in direct contact with the outer face 7, but, in many cases, it is distant from the same by approximately half a meter.
[0027] The outer face 7 comprises means for interacting with the public of a known type, such as a screen, a keypad, a slit for introducing a card and a slit for introducing and withdrawing banknotes and valuables described below, as well as others.
[0028] The Cash Machine, ATM or the like 1 comprises a conveying device 3, suitable to convey banknotes and valuables from the inner volume 2a to the outside and vice versa, in particular in correspondence with the outer face 7. Preferably, the conveying device 3 substantially consists of a movable body moved by special guides 10 or racks or moving belts driven, in turn, by electric motors. In many cases, the conveying device 3 is also connected by electrical connections or cables 6 to electrical and/or electronic control devices housed inside 2a 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 cable of a flat type, preferably arranged with the main extension direction of the normal section preferably vertical. In this way, the cable folds over and rolls and unrolls on itself, when the conveying 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 conveying device 3 and, consequently, the transfer of banknotes and valuables from the inner volume 2a, passing the first barrier towards the second 9, placed on the external customer side.
[0030] The opening 4 is preferably crossed by an elongated body 8 defining a passage between the opening 4 and a dispenser mouth 9, placed on the outer face 7. More specifically, the elongated body 8 is a body whose dimensions are suitable to allow the transport of the banknotes, defining an inner channel 8a. Thus, the elongated body 8 is the space along which the conveying device 3 is moved 3.
[0031] The Cash Machine, ATM or the like 1 preferably comprises a security device 5 suitable to close, 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 to close the dispenser mouth 9.
[0033] Advantageously, the first barrier 50 is ready, waiting for a dispensing request on command in: a closed configuration and in an open configuration, waiting for the passage of the shuttle, and a conveying configuration or partially closed configuration after the passage of the conveying means 3.
[0034] In the open configuration (Figures 2b, 3b, 3g), the first barrier 50 keeps the opening 4 fully open for the passage of the conveying device 3. In the closed configuration (Figures 2a, 3a, 3h), the first barrier 50 closes the opening 4 completely, or at least by 70% or better, by 80% or even better, by 90%. In the conveying 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 can comprise a first auxiliary opening 40a and/or a second auxiliary opening 40b. The auxiliary opening 4a are kept open, in the case of the first auxiliary opening 40a to not compress or sever the electrical connection 6 connected to the inner volume 2a said conveying device 3 and, in the case of the second auxiliary opening 40b so as to allow the movement of the first portion 51 avoiding the interference of other objects, i.e.: the guides 10, within the trajectory of the first portion 51.
[0036] The first auxiliary opening 40a is preferably suitable to allow the passage of a vertical flat cable, and it is preferably in the upper part of the first barrier 50.
[0037] The second auxiliary opening 40b is preferably suitable to allow the movement of the first portion 51 avoiding the interference of other objects, i.e.: the guides 10, within the trajectory of the first portion 51. Therefore, it is preferably placed at the sides of the 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 to partially close the opening 4 and comprising, preferably, 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 to close the auxiliary opening 4a. The first portions 51 is preferably in proximity to the wall of the safe 2, so it can be constrained to the same wall of the safe 2 or also arranged internally on the basket or other.
[0040] The first auxiliary portion 53a is suitable to close 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 in proximity to the wall of the safe 2, so it can be constrained to the same wall of the safe 2 or also arranged internally on the basket or other.
[0042] The second auxiliary portion 53b is suitable to close, at least partially, the second auxiliary opening 40b, and preferably moves not 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 both connected respectively by first and second moving means 51a and 52a integrated with a device adjacent to the wall, or inside the wall, of the safe 2e. The first and second moving means 51a and 52a are preferably linear actuators, preferably endless screw type.
[0044] Preferably, the second moving means 52a of the second auxiliary portion 53b are fixed on said first portion 51.
[0045] The security device 5 can also comprise tampering sensor means and/or alarm means, known per se, such as, for example the ones described in the same applicant's patent EP-B-2648168 from Paragraph 17 to paragraph 55 and in Figures 1a-4 and considered incorporated herein for reference. The sensor means can be chosen, for example, among one or more of: system with photocells, accelerometers, inclination sensors, sensor along the presentation path of the banknotes, sensors on the external face of the Cash Machines, ATMs and the like. The working of Cash Machines, ATMs and the like 1, previously described in structural terms, is as follows. Said working defines an innovative security procedure for safes, Cash Machines, ATMs and the like 1.
[0046] When not in use, while no request for banknotes and valuables is being made by a user from the Cash Machine, ATM and the like 1, the first barrier 50 is in a closed configuration (Fig. 3A) and so the opening 4 is completely closed without presenting easy access points for introducing explosives or for mechanical forcing or other. Furthermore, in such conditions, the conveying device 3 is inside the inner volume 2a and so the electrical connection 6 doesn't have to pass the opening 4. Furthermore, again, when not in use, the second barrier 59 also remains closed and closes the dispenser mouth 9.
[0047] When a user requests banknotes and valuables and performs the usual procedures for identification in front of the outer face 7 of the Cash Machine, ATM and the like 1 and the system authorizes the issue of legally requested banknotes and valuables. In this case, opportunely, the second outer barrier 59 remains closed with the dispenser mouth 9 closed, while the first barrier 50 positions itself in an open configuration (Figures 2b, 3b), so as to allow the free passage of the conveying device 3 through the opening 4.
[0048] When the conveying device 3, carrying the banknotes and valuables, passes the opening 4 and positions itself in the elongated body 8, the electrical connection 6 also passes the opening 4.
[0049] In such conditions, while the second barrier 59 remains closed, the first barrier 50 positions itself in a conveying configuration (Figures 2c, 3c), so that the auxiliary opening 4a stays open and the electrical connection 6 between the conveying means 3 and the inner volume 2a is not interrupted. At the same time, most of the surface of the opening 4 is closed by the first portion 51. Operatively, to arrange the first barrier 50 in a conveying configuration (Fig. 2c) only the first moving means 51a are activated, which move the first portion 51, while the auxiliary portion 52 stays still.
[0050] Thus, the conveying device 3, carrying the banknotes and valuables, passes the entire elongated body 8 and reaches the second barrier 59 (Fig. 3d). The latter is thus opened (Fig. 3e) to allow the disbursement of the banknotes and valuables to the claimant. At the same time, the first barrier 50 stays in a conveying configuration (Fig. 2c) and, sealing most of the opening 4 and interposed between the conveying means 3, prevents the introduction of substances into the inner volume 4a.
[0051] Substantially, during the passage of the conveying device 3 from the inner volume 2a to the dispenser mouth 9, at least one from among 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 conveying device 3 withdraws, the second outer barrier 59 closes (Fig. 3f) and remains closed until the next disbursement, the conveying device 3 passes the elongated body 8, the first barrier 50 positions itself in an open configuration (Fig. 2b) and the conveying device 3 passes the opening 4 (Fig. 3g) and stays in the inner volume 2a. Then, the first barrier 50 positions itself in a closed configuration (Fig. 2a). Substantially, the device returns to a state of waiting for a new disbursement (Fig. 3h).
[0053] If, during operation of the Cash Machine, ATM and the like 1, the first barrier 50 was in a conveying configuration (Fig. 2c, 4c), or also in an open configuration (Fig. 2b, 4b), and the alarm means and/or tampering sensors, such as accelerometers or optical sensor or other, serving the same Cash Machine, ATM and the like 1, signalled a state of danger or a disturbance or unjustified movement, the first barrier 50 immediately position itself in a closed configuration (Fig. 2a, 4a) regardless of the presence, or not, of the electrical connection 6 through the auxiliary opening 4a. The word "position" means that, if the barrier was in a closed configuration, it stays in this configuration, or if the barrier was in other configurations it moves and close in closed configuration.
[0054] Moreover, this closing also using rapid actuation means, such as, pyrotechnic activators and/or a piston and/or snap activators, and at the cost of breaking, or damaging the electrical connection 6 itself.
[0057] In particular, if the robbery attempt is carried out skilfully, also during the operations of conveying the banknotes and valuables, the double alternation of the first barrier 50 and the second barrier 59 prevents explosives from being introduced into the safe 2.
[0058] Said movable barriers, thus described, can be realized using overlapping ballistic and drill-proof steel, so as to resist robbery attempts carried out using heavy vehicles and explosives placed outside Cash Machines, ATMs or the like, keeping the safe inaccessible.
1. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) comprising:
- a safe (2) defining an inner volume (2a),
- a conveying device (3), suitable to convey banknotes and valuables from said inner volume (2a) to the outside and / or vice versa,
- an opening (4) of said safe (2), suitable to allow the passage of said conveying device (3),
- a security device (5) suitable to close at least partially said opening (4),
and characterised 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 to partially close 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 to said first portion (51) and suitable to close at least one of said auxiliary opening (4a).
2. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein 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 conveying device (3),
- a closed configuration, in which said first barrier (50) closes totally, or at least by 70%, said opening (4),
- a conveying configuration, in which said opening (4), is only partially closed, and an auxiliary opening (4a, 4b) is kept open.
3. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein
said auxiliary opening (4a) comprises a first auxiliary opening (40a) suitable for
allowing the passage of an electrical connection (6) from said inner volume (2a) to
said conveying device (3).
4. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein
said first portion (51) comprises a slit defining said first auxiliary opening (40a).
5. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein
said auxiliary opening (4a) comprises a second auxiliary opening (40b) suitable for
allowing the movement of said first portion (51) avoiding the interference of other
objects within the trajectory of said first portion (51).
6. Cash 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 movable in direction not
parallel to the trajectory of said first portion (51).
7. Cash 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).
8. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising first
and auxiliary moving means (51a, 52a) respectively connected to said first and auxiliary
portions (51, 52) and in proximity to a wall of said safe (2), said first and second
moving means (51a, 52a) being suitable to move said respective portion (51, 52) independently
of one another.
9. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one preceding claim, comprising
an outer interaction side (7) with the public, a dispenser mouth (9) for said banknotes
and valuables, placed on said outer side (7), and an elongated body (8), connecting
said opening (4) with said dispenser mouth (9) and defining a main space along which
said conveying device (3) is moved.
10. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a
second barrier (59), suitable to close said dispenser mouth (9).
11. Cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to at least one of the claims 2-7, comprising
rapid actuation means for said auxiliary portion (52) suitable to close said auxiliary
opening (4a) quickly in the event of an alarm.
12. Cash 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 snap activators.
13. Activation method of a cash machine, ATM and the like (1), said cash machine, ATM
and the like (1) comprising,
- a safe (2) defining an inner volume (2a),
- a conveying device (3), suitable to convey banknotes and valuables from said inner volume (2a) to the outside and / or vice versa,
- an opening (4) of said safe (2), suitable to allow the passage of said conveying device (3),
- a security device (5) suitable to close at least partially said opening (4),
said security device (5) comprising a first barrier (50) for said opening (4), said
first barrier (50) being available in:
- an open configuration, in which said first barrier (50) keeps said opening (4) open for the passage of said conveying device (3),
- a closed configuration, in which said first barrier (50) closes totally, or at least by 70%, said opening (4),
- a conveying configuration, in which said opening (4), is only partially closed, and an auxiliary opening (4a) is kept open,
said activation method being characterised in that, in conditions of non-use, said first barrier (50) is arranged in the closed configuration.14. Activation method of a cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to the preceding
claim, wherein said cash machine, ATM and the like (1) comprises alarm means and/or
tampering sensors and/or accelerometers or the like and wherein, when said means signal
a condition of danger or tampering, said first barrier (50) is arranged in the closed
configuration regardless of the position of said electrical connection (6).
15. Activation method of a cash machine, ATM and the like (1) according to claim 13 or
14, wherein said cash machine, ATM and the like (1) comprises an outer interaction
face (7) with the public, a dispenser mouth (9) for said banknotes and valuables,
placed on said outer face (7), an elongated body (8), connecting said opening (4)
with said dispenser mouth (9) and defining a main space along which said conveying
device (3) is moved and a second barrier (59), suitable to close said dispenser mouth
(9), and wherein, during the passage of said conveying device (3) from said inner
volume (2a) to said dispenser mouth (9), at least one out of said second barrier (59)
and said first portion (51) is in the closed position.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description