POS machines and POS machines equipped with backup batteries

Abstract

This application relates to a POS machine and a POS machine equipped with a backup battery (12), which includes a main unit (21), a rear cover (11) detachably connected to the main unit, and an information security area located within the main unit (21). The rear cover (11) has a first battery compartment (11-1) for accommodating a main battery (17) and a second battery compartment (11-3) for accommodating a backup battery (12) on the side facing away from the main unit (21). Both the main battery (17) and the backup battery (12) are electrically connected to the information security area after installation. The POS machine also includes a first cover (16) detachably connected to the rear cover (11), which covers both the first battery compartment (11-1) and the second battery compartment (11-3) after installation. Because the POS machine provides a second battery compartment on the rear cover for the backup battery, the backup battery is no longer soldered to the PCB motherboard inside the main unit, but is located on the side of the rear cover facing away from the main unit. Therefore, replacement can be performed simply by removing the first cover without triggering a security attack alarm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of secure payment terminals, and more particularly to a POS machine and a POS machine equipped with a backup battery. Background Technology

[0002] A POS (point of sale) is a multi-functional terminal that, when installed at merchant locations and connected to a computer network, enables automatic electronic fund transfers. It supports functions such as purchases, pre-authorization, balance inquiries, and transfers, and is safe, fast, and reliable to use. As a financial information security device, the POS machine has an internal information security zone to prevent data tampering.

[0003] Backup batteries are essential security components for POS machines, especially used to continuously power the information security zone when the POS machine is not connected to an external power source or has no main battery installed (e.g., during long-term storage or transportation), maintaining its anti-tamper attack capabilities. In traditional POS machines, the backup battery is directly soldered onto the PCB motherboard inside the main unit. When a depleted backup battery needs to be replaced, the back cover of the main unit must be removed to expose the PCB motherboard containing the backup battery before the battery can be replaced. However, the back cover of the POS machine is a crucial protective component, typically equipped with multiple tamper-proof contacts or other tamper protection structures. Disassembly of this cover will trigger an attack alarm, and recovery is very time-consuming. Furthermore, after installing a new backup battery and reassembling the POS machine, the security program needs to be re-recorded, a cumbersome process requiring professional personnel or security authorization, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Utility Model Content

[0004] One of the purposes of this application is to provide a POS machine that allows for quick and convenient replacement of backup batteries.

[0005] To this end, one aspect of this application provides a POS machine, which includes a main unit, a rear cover detachably connected to the main unit, and an information security area located within the main unit. The side of the rear cover opposite to the main unit is provided with a first battery compartment for accommodating a main battery and a second battery compartment for accommodating a backup battery. After the main battery and the backup battery are installed in place, they are both electrically connected to the information security area. The POS machine also includes a first cover detachably connected to the rear cover. After the first cover is installed in place, it covers both the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment.

[0006] In this application, "host" refers to the part that contains the main components and circuits of the POS machine, and "back cover" refers to the housing that is connected to the back of the host (i.e., the side facing away from the user when the POS machine is in normal use, opposite to the front where the display screen is usually located).

[0007] In this application, "main battery" refers to a battery that provides all the power required for the operation of the POS machine when it cannot be connected to an external power source (AC). It generally has a large capacity (e.g., 2000mAh to 10000mAh or even higher) and can be a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery, such as a lithium battery. "Backup battery" refers to a battery that provides temporary, limited power support for the critical functions of the POS machine when both the main power source (AC power and main battery) fail or are removed. It is generally a small, non-rechargeable (or long-life rechargeable) battery with a small capacity, such as a button cell battery (e.g., CR2032).

[0008] In the above solution, because the POS machine provides a second battery compartment for the backup battery located on the back cover of the POS machine, the backup battery is no longer soldered to the PCB motherboard inside the main unit. Instead, like the main battery, it is located on the side of the back cover away from the main unit and covered by the first cover. Therefore, when replacing the backup battery, only the first cover needs to be removed. Since the back cover does not need to be removed during the entire backup battery replacement process, no security attack alarm will be triggered by touching the anti-tamper contacts on the back cover. In addition, since the back cover does not need to be removed, the main battery located on the back cover can continuously supply power to the POS machine's information security zone during the backup battery replacement process. Therefore, no security attack alarm will be triggered due to power failure in the information security zone. At the same time, the entire backup battery replacement process can be performed quickly without the need for professional tools.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the POS machine further includes a second cover detachably connected to the rear cover. Once installed, the second cover covers the second battery compartment and is located below the first cover. Due to the addition of the second cover, the backup battery located in the second battery compartment receives dual protection from both the first and second covers.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the second cover includes a through hole, through which a first fastener passes and engages with a second fastener disposed within the second battery compartment, thereby securing the second cover to the second battery compartment. Preferably, the first fastener is an anti-tamper screw, and the second fastener has a screw hole for engaging with the anti-tamper screw. Because the anti-tamper screw itself has an anti-disassembly design (such as a one-way thread or a special groove), it requires a special tool to tighten. Therefore, the above solution can prevent the backup battery from being removed due to accidental operation.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the tamper-evident screw is covered with a tamper-evident label. After the tamper-evident label is covered on the tamper-evident screw, a double protection is formed: the label protects the screw, and the screw fixes the second cover. If the label is not damaged, the screw cannot be accessed for disassembly; if the label is forcibly removed, obvious damage marks will be left, indicating that the device may have been subjected to unauthorized operation.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, when no backup battery is installed in the second battery compartment, only the first connector or first solder joint for connecting to the backup battery, located within the second battery compartment, or a small amount of circuitry within the second battery compartment, is visible. This small amount of circuitry does not affect the information security of the POS machine. In this way, by exposing only the necessary components for connecting the backup battery and minimizing the exposure of circuitry, better protection of the circuitry can be provided.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the POS machine may further include an interface for connecting to an external power source. When the POS machine is connected to an external power source through this interface, the external power source supplies power to the information security zone. Thus, the information security zone of the POS machine has three available power sources: the external power source, the main battery, and the backup battery. As long as one of these three is active, the information security zone of the POS machine can continuously receive power, ensuring the data security of the machine.

[0014] Another aspect of this application provides a POS machine equipped with a backup battery. The POS machine is as described above and includes a PCB motherboard located within the main unit. The backup battery includes a backup battery body, wires, and a second connector or second solder joint. The backup battery is installed in a second battery compartment and is electrically connected to the PCB motherboard by plugging or soldering the second connector or second solder joint into a first connector or first solder joint within the second battery compartment. As described above, the backup battery in this solution can be quickly and easily replaced even by non-professionals without opening the POS machine's back cover, without triggering a security attack alarm, and without requiring a security reset.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, the battery body is a button battery. Button batteries are small in size and inexpensive, which helps to save space in the POS machine and reduce its cost.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this application, the POS machine further includes a main battery installed in a first battery compartment and a third connector for connecting to the main battery. The main battery is connected to the third connector via a fourth connector, thereby electrically connecting to the PCB motherboard. Since the main battery can be quickly plugged in and out via the connector, replacement is convenient and quick. During the replacement of the main battery, a backup battery can continuously power the information security area, protecting the information security of the POS machine.

[0017] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. For illustrative purposes, these drawings may not be drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a partially exploded view of a POS machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a backup battery used in a POS machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded view of a POS machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a power supply diagram of an information security zone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] List of reference numerals

[0024] 11: Rear cover 12: Backup battery 13: Second cover 14: Anti-tamper screw 15: Anti-tamper tag 16: First cover 17: Main battery 21: Main unit 11-1: First battery compartment 11-2: Third connector 11-3: Second battery compartment 11-4: First plug-in 12-1: Backup battery body 12-2: Second connector 12-3: Wire 13-1: Through hole 17-1: Fourth connector Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments according to this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0026] Figure 1A POS machine according to an embodiment of this application is schematically illustrated. The POS machine includes a main unit 21, a rear cover 11 detachably connected to the main unit 21, and an information security zone (not shown) located within the main unit 21. The side of the rear cover 11 facing away from the main unit 21 has a first battery compartment 11-1 for accommodating a main battery 17 and a second battery compartment 11-3 for accommodating a backup battery 12. Both the main battery 17 and the backup battery 12 are electrically connected to the information security zone after being installed in place. The first battery compartment 11-1 and the second battery compartment 11-3 may be adjacent to each other or spaced apart, and are generally located on the same plane. It should be understood that the POS machine may also include an interface for connecting to an external power source (AC), through which the external power source supplies power to the information security zone when the POS machine is connected. Thus, as... Figure 4 As shown, the POS machine's information security zone has three available power sources: an external power source, the main battery 17, and the backup battery 12. As long as one of these is active, the POS machine's information security zone can continuously receive power, ensuring the machine's data security. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the POS machine also includes a first cover 16 detachably connected (e.g., snap-fit, plug-in, screw-fit) to the rear cover 11. After installation, the first cover 16 simultaneously covers the first battery compartment 11-1 and the second battery compartment 11-3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the backup battery 12 is no longer housed inside the host 21 as in the prior art, but is located on the side of the rear cover 11 facing away from the host 21, covered by the first cover 16, just like the main battery 17. Therefore, when replacing the backup battery 12, only the first cover 16 needs to be removed for replacement. Since the rear cover 11 does not need to be removed during the entire backup battery replacement process, a security attack alarm will not be triggered by touching the anti-tamper contacts on the rear cover 11. Furthermore, since the rear cover 11 does not need to be removed, the main battery 17 located on the rear cover 11 can continuously power the POS machine's information security zone during the backup battery replacement process; therefore, a security attack alarm will not be triggered by a power outage in the information security zone. Simultaneously, the entire backup battery replacement process can be performed quickly without the need for specialized tools.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the POS machine also includes a second cover 13 that is detachably connected (e.g., snap-fit, plug-in, screw-fit) to the rear cover 11. After installation, the second cover 13 covers the second battery compartment 11-3 and is located below the first cover 16. It should be understood that the shape and size of the second cover 13 are adapted to the shape and size of the top opening of the second battery compartment 11-3 to better seal the second battery compartment 11-3. Due to the addition of the second cover 13, the backup battery located in the second battery compartment 11-3 is doubly protected by both the first cover 16 and the second cover 13. When replacing the main battery 17 (generally more frequently than replacing the backup battery) or when the first cover 16 needs to be opened for other reasons, the backup battery 12 can still be kept under the second cover 13, thereby reducing the risk of contamination from dust, debris, etc., introduced during operation, as well as the risk of the backup battery detaching from the second battery compartment or even disconnecting power to the information security area due to misoperation.

[0028] Advantageously, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second cover 13 may also include a through hole 13-1, through which a first fastener passes and engages with a second fastener disposed within the second battery compartment 11-3, thereby securing the second cover 13 to the second battery compartment 11-3. The first fastener may be a special type of screw, such as an anti-tamper screw 14, and the second fastener has a screw hole for engaging with the anti-tamper screw. The anti-tamper screw itself has an anti-disassembly design (such as a one-way thread or a special groove) and requires a special tool to tighten. Therefore, this prevents the backup battery from being removed due to accidental operation. More advantageously, an anti-tamper label 15 is covered (e.g., affixed) on the anti-tamper screw 14 (the first cover 16 covers the anti-tamper label 15). Because the material of the anti-tamper label is fragile or has adhesive residue properties, once removed, the label may tear, deform, or the text may disappear, making it impossible to restore to its original state, thus visually indicating that it has been tampered with. After the tamper-evident label 15 covers the tamper-evident screw 14, it forms a double protection of "label protecting screw, screw fixing second cover": if the label is not damaged, the screw cannot be accessed for disassembly; if the label is forcibly removed, obvious damage marks will be left, indicating that the equipment may have been subjected to unauthorized operation.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, when the backup battery 12 is not installed in the second battery compartment 11-3, only the first connector 11-4 (e.g., a socket) or the first solder joint for connecting to the backup battery 12, and a small amount of circuitry are visible within the second battery compartment 11-3. This small amount of circuitry does not affect the information security of the POS machine. Advantageously, the second battery compartment 11-3 completely conceals the circuitry located beneath it, so that only the first connector 11-4 or the first solder joint is exposed on the surface of the second battery compartment 11-3. This provides better protection for the circuitry.

[0030] Figure 3The image shows a main battery 17 according to an embodiment of this application. The main battery 17 is, for example, a lithium battery in a generally flat rectangular shape, with a fourth connector 17-1 on one side. When the main battery 17 is installed in the first battery compartment 11-1, the main battery 17 is connected to a third connector 11-2 (e.g., a socket) located at a corresponding position on one side of the first battery compartment 11-1 via the fourth connector 17-1 (e.g., a plug), thereby electrically connecting to the PCB motherboard located inside the host 21. Figure 2 A backup battery 12 according to one embodiment of this application is shown. The backup battery 12 includes, for example, a button-shaped backup battery body 12-1, a second connector 12-2, and a wire 12-3 electrically connecting the backup battery body 12-1 to the second connector 12-2. When the backup battery body 12-1 is installed in the second battery compartment 11-3, it is plugged into a first connector 11-4 (e.g., a socket) within the second battery compartment 11-3 via the second connector 12-2 (e.g., a plug), thereby facilitating a quick and easy electrical connection to the PCB motherboard located inside the host 21. In a variant embodiment, the second connector 12-2 is replaced by a second solder joint, and the backup battery body 12-1 is soldered to the first solder joint within the second battery compartment 11-3 via the second solder joint, thereby electrically connecting to the PCB motherboard located inside the host 21. It should be understood that the size and specific model of the main battery 17 and the backup battery 12 can be selected as needed.

[0031] The following is combined Figures 1-3 The process of replacing the backup battery 12 of a POS machine according to one embodiment of this application will be described.

[0032] Open the first cover 16 in sequence, remove the tamper-evident label 15, unscrew the tamper-evident screws 14, then remove the second cover 13, disconnect the backup battery 12 to be replaced from the first connector 11-4, and then remove the backup battery to be replaced. After installing the new backup battery in the second battery compartment 11-3, reverse the above operations to restore the POS machine. Throughout the process, there is no need to remove the POS machine back cover 11 with security protection, allowing non-professionals to easily and quickly replace the backup battery. Moreover, the security attack alarm will not be triggered by touching the tamper-evident contacts on the back cover 11 or by power failure in the information security area (the information security area can be powered by the main battery or external power supply when replacing the backup battery), so there is no need for a security reset, greatly reducing the requirements for operators and the site.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as may be used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] Terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “thickness,” “radial,” and “axial,” used herein to describe the relationship of one feature relative to another, as shown in the accompanying drawings, are for illustrative purposes and are not limited to a single location or spatial orientation. It is understood that, depending on the product's placement, the terms describing spatial relative positions may be intended to include different orientations besides those shown in the figures, and should not be interpreted as limiting. Furthermore, the descriptive term “horizontal,” as used herein, is not entirely equivalent to being perpendicular to the direction of gravity and allows for a certain angle of inclination. The terms “including” or “comprising” and similar expressions used herein mean that the elements or objects preceding “including” or “comprising” encompass the elements or objects listed following “including” or “comprising” and their equivalents, but do not exclude other elements or objects.

[0035] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application specification do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components.

[0036] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A POS machine, comprising a main unit (21), a rear cover (11) detachably connected to the main unit, and an information security area located within the main unit (21), characterized in that, The back cover (11) has a first battery compartment (11-1) for accommodating the main battery (17) and a second battery compartment (11-3) for accommodating the backup battery (12) on the side opposite to the host (21). After the main battery (17) and the backup battery (12) are installed in place, they are electrically connected to the information security area. The POS machine also includes a first cover (16) that is detachably connected to the back cover (11). After the first cover (16) is installed in place, it covers both the first battery compartment (11-1) and the second battery compartment (11-3).

2. The POS machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The POS machine also includes a second cover (13) that is detachably connected to the rear cover (11). After the second cover is installed, it covers the second battery compartment (11-3) and is located below the first cover (16).

3. The POS machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second cover (13) includes a through hole (13-1), through which a first fastener passes and engages with a second fastener disposed in the second battery compartment (11-3) to fix the second cover (13) to the second battery compartment (11-3).

4. The POS machine as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first fastener is an anti-tamper screw (14), and the second fastener is provided with a screw hole for engaging with the anti-tamper screw.

5. The POS machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The tamper-evident screw (14) is covered with an tamper-evident label (15).

6. The POS machine as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, When no backup battery is installed in the second battery compartment (11-3), only the first connector (11-4) or the first solder joint for connecting to the backup battery can be seen in the second battery compartment (11-3).

7. The POS machine as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When no backup battery is installed in the second battery compartment (11-3), a small number of circuits can still be seen in the second battery compartment (11-3). These small number of circuits are circuits that do not affect the information security of the POS machine.

8. The POS machine as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The POS machine may also include an interface for connecting to an external power source. When the POS machine is connected to an external power source through the interface, the external power source supplies power to the information security zone.

9. A POS machine equipped with a backup battery (12), characterized in that, The POS machine is a POS machine as described in any one of the preceding claims and includes a PCB motherboard located within the host (21). The backup battery (12) includes a backup battery body (12-1), a wire (12-3), a second connector (12-2) or a second solder joint. The backup battery (12) is installed in the second battery compartment (11-3) and is plugged into or soldered to the first connector or the first solder joint in the second battery compartment (11-3) through the second connector or the second solder joint, thereby electrically connecting to the PCB motherboard.

10. The POS machine equipped with a backup battery (12) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The battery body (12-1) is a button battery.

11. The POS machine equipped with a backup battery (12) as described in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, It also includes a main battery (17) installed in the first battery compartment (11-1) and a third connector (11-2) for connecting to the main battery (17). The main battery (17) is connected to the third connector (11-2) via a fourth connector (17-1) thereon, thereby being electrically connected to the PCB motherboard.

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