Magnetic card reader comprising a fixed magnetic read head and a metal blade

Abstract

The magnetic card reader (1) (2) comprises: - an electronic card (5) for receiving and processing data from a magnetic card, - a magnetic reading head (6) for reading data contained in a magnetic card and transmitting this data to the electronic card, and - a magnetic card passage zone (7) comprising guiding means (8) for guiding the magnetic card as it slides through the passage zone. The reading head is fixedly mounted on the magnetic card reader. The guiding means comprise elastic deformation means (10) for deforming the magnetic card as it slides through the passage zone to allow the magnetic card to be read. The elastic deformation means are made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100,000 MPa. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Magnetic card reader comprising a fixed magnetic read head and a metal blade. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of magnetic card readers and to electronic payment terminals comprising such magnetic card readers. Technical background

[0002] To obtain a satisfactory reading of a magnetic stripe on a magnetic card by a magnetic card reader, it is necessary that, as the magnetic card passes through the reader, the magnetic reading head be in contact with the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card and that this contact be of good quality. Since magnetic cards are rigid, deformable means for moving the magnetic reading head have been developed, enabling the magnetic reading head to be pressed against the magnetic card as it slides in a guide element of the magnetic card reader.The force applied to the magnetic read head by these deformable means of magnetic read head movement must be calculated so as not to significantly increase the insertion force required for the passage of the magnetic card through the card reader, in order to prevent a user of the device from perceiving a blocking sensation when passing the magnetic card through the reader and to minimize the risk of misreading the magnetic stripe due to jerky movement.

[0003] Such magnetic card readers have drawbacks. First, they are fragile. Indeed, due to the movement of the magnetic read head, the electronic connection between this magnetic read head and an electronic circuit board of the magnetic card reader is made using a flexible printed circuit board, which is inherently fragile. Furthermore, such flexible printed circuit boards are expensive and complex to integrate during reader assembly. Beyond the flexible printed circuit boards, the deformable means for moving the head also include costly, fragile, and complex components to implement during assembly. In particular, they must be adapted to each type of magnetic read head. Moreover, protection against the electromagnetic environment is necessary, and this is complicated to implement since the magnetic read head changes position regularly. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention aims in particular to provide a magnetic card reader that can reliably read the data present on a magnetic card, which is robust and simple and economical to manufacture.

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to a magnetic card reader comprising: - an electronic card for receiving and processing data from a magnetic card, - a magnetic reading head for reading data contained in at least one magnetic track of a magnetic card and transmitting this data to the electronic card, - a magnetic card passage zone in which a magnetic card is intended to slide, comprising guiding means for guiding the magnetic card during its sliding in the passage zone, characterized in that the reading head is fixedly mounted on the magnetic card reader,in that the guiding means comprise elastic deformation means intended to come into contact with the magnetic card in order to deform it during the sliding of the magnetic card in the passage zone so as to allow reading of the magnetic track of the magnetic card by the read head, and in that the elastic deformation means are made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100,000 MPa, preferably 130,000 MPa.

[0006] Thus, the fact that the magnetic read head is fixed to the reader eliminates the need for flexible printed circuit boards to connect the magnetic read head to the electronic board, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly of the magnetic card reader during production. Furthermore, the resulting magnetic card reader is also more robust due to the absence of a flexible printed circuit board and deformable means for moving the head. Deformable means for moving the head are indeed fragile elements that are complex to implement on the reader. In one embodiment, the magnetic read head is soldered to the electronic board, which simplifies the assembly of the magnetic read head onto the electronic board since no intermediary is required.Eliminating these intermediaries not only simplifies assembly but also reduces manufacturing costs and makes the device more robust, since the reduced number of parts decreases the overall risk of wear. Furthermore, directly soldering the magnetic read head to the circuit board improves the security of the magnetic card reader because it makes fraudulent interception of data transmitted from the magnetic read head to the circuit board more difficult.

[0007] The fact that the elastic means for deforming the magnetic card are part of the guiding means is advantageous because it is a part of the magnetic card reader that can easily be modified to be adapted to the different types of magnetic cards or magnetic reading heads used in order to obtain a desired force to be applied to the magnetic card.

[0008] The fact that the elastic deformation means are made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100,000 MPa advantageously reduces the size of the magnetic card reader. Indeed, elastic deformation means with a Young's modulus less than 100,000 MPa, for example between 2,000 and 4,000 MPa for elastic deformation means made of plastic, require that these elastic deformation means be very thick in order to obtain sufficient counter-pressure to deform the magnetic card as it slides through the passage zone, so as to press it against the read head and ensure proper reading of the magnetic card's tracks.Furthermore, elastic deformation devices made of materials with a Young's modulus below 100,000 MPa must have complex geometries to provide sufficient counter-support force for reliable reading of magnetic card data. Therefore, using elastic deformation devices with a Young's modulus above 100,000 MPa, for example, above 200,000 MPa, allows for thinner and therefore more compact devices with equivalent counter-support force. Moreover, simpler shapes can be used to manufacture elastic deformation devices, which, in addition to reducing size, also lowers manufacturing costs and complexity.

[0009] A magnetic card is an electronic card equipped with a magnetic stripe on which data is stored by magnetic recording. The magnetic stripe of this magnetic card can thus be read by a magnetic read head in order to retrieve the information stored on the magnetic card and possibly transmit it to an electronic card that can then process this data. Magnetic cards are used, for example, as bank cards, parking access cards, identification cards, or access cards to a secure room.

[0010] The invention may also include the following optional features, taken alone or in combination.

[0011] The elastic deformation means are made of metal or metal alloy. The use of such materials has several advantages. First, these materials are not, or practically not, affected by temperature conditions to which magnetic card readers can be subjected. Indeed, these materials retain their properties, particularly at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +70°C. This is not the case for other materials such as plastic, which, at very cold temperatures, for example -20°C, becomes more rigid and brittle and presents a significant risk of cracking, and which, at very high temperatures, for example +70°C, softens, reducing the counter-support force that the elastic deformation mechanisms are capable of generating, thus leading to frequent reading errors. Furthermore, this softening carries a risk of permanent plastic deformation, rendering the elastic deformation mechanisms inoperative. Secondly, unlike other materials, for example plastics, metal and metal alloys are more resistant and will not undergo permanent deformation due to fatigue.Thirdly, the use of elastic deformation devices made of metal or metal alloys allows for more efficient discharge of the static electricity generated by the passage of the magnetic card before it reaches the read head, thus reducing the risk of damaging the head or disrupting the reading of the magnetic stripe. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include steel, stainless steel, platinum, titanium, chromium, bronze, beryllium bronze, copper, and brass.

[0012] Preferably, the elastic deformation means are made of stainless steel. This material is particularly resistant to environmental conditions, whether in terms of temperature or humidity. The use of such a material thus extends the service life of the magnetic card reader, especially when it is positioned outdoors. The stainless steel used is, for example, SUS304 stainless steel.

[0013] The elastic deformation means comprise a support blade designed to contact the magnetic card in order to deform it as the magnetic card slides through the passage zone, thereby enabling the reader head to read the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card. It is understood that it is the deformation of the magnetic card, and not the movement of the magnetic reader head, that ensures continuous contact between the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card and the magnetic reader head as the magnetic card slides through the passage zone.The magnetic card is preferably deformed in such a way that the magnetic track is in contact with the magnetic read head along its entire length; that is, the magnetic track is pressed against the magnetic read head by the support blade from one of its longitudinal ends and then slides so that the magnetic track travels its entire length along the magnetic read head to its other longitudinal end. This ensures that the entire magnetic track has been correctly deformed. read by the magnetic read head. Using a support blade helps to minimize the size of the elastic deformation means. Indeed, a blade has a flat, thin shape that occupies little space. The use of a support blade is possible because the elastic deformation means are made of a material with a Young's modulus greater than 100,000 MPa. For a Young's modulus less than 100,000 MPa, the blade would not be rigid enough to provide sufficient counter-pressure to press the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card firmly against the magnetic read head, thus ensuring a reliable reading of the magnetic stripe.

[0014] Advantageously, the support blade is arranged so that, upon initial contact between a magnetic card sliding in the passage zone and the support blade, the angle formed between the plane in which the magnetic card extends and the tangent at the point of contact on the support blade is less than 45°, preferably less than 15°. Such an angle provides sufficient counter-support force to allow reliable reading of the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card while minimizing the insertion force required by a user when inserting and sliding the magnetic card into the passage zone.It is noted that an angle of less than 45° could not be used with elastic deformation means having a Young's modulus less than 100000 MPa since they would not allow sufficient counter-pressure to be obtained to press the magnetic card against the magnetic read head in order to allow reliable reading of the magnetic track.

[0015] Advantageously, the support blade includes at least one lateral flap that prevents the magnetic card from being inserted into the passage zone in a predetermined, undesired direction. An undesired direction of insertion is, for example, one that does not allow the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card to be read by the read head, or one in which the magnetic card could damage a component of the magnetic card reader or the magnetic card itself. This makes it possible, in particular, to easily prevent the insertion of a magnetic card into the passage zone in a direction that could damage one or more components of the magnetic card reader, such as the support blade or the magnetic read head.Preferably, the side flap is obtained by a stamping technique that does not generate a sharp edge.

[0016] The support blade comprises a first longitudinal end fixed relative to the magnetic card reader and a second longitudinal end movable in translation parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support blade. This is a simple means of allowing displacement of the support blade during sliding. When a magnetic card is placed in the passage zone, this movement, thanks to the elasticity of the deformation springs, generates the counter-pressure required to press the magnetic card against the magnetic read head. This mobility of the second longitudinal end of the support blade advantageously reduces the insertion force applied by a user when inserting the magnetic card into the passage zone. Thus, the magnetic card slides smoothly within the passage zone, ensuring optimal reading conditions of its magnetic stripe by the magnetic read head. The reduced insertion force also improves the user experience of the magnetic card reader.

[0017] Advantageously, the first and second longitudinal ends of the support blade are connected by a connecting portion of the support blade that is convex in the direction of the magnetic read head, the curvature of the connecting portion not reversing between the first and second longitudinal ends of the support blade. The fact that the curvature of the connecting portion does not reverse between the first and second longitudinal ends makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the support blade and to facilitate its manufacture.

[0018] Advantageously, the magnetic card reader includes a magnetic card guide that forms a support for the bearing blade. This bearing blade is housed in a recess in the guide such that the first and second longitudinal ends of the bearing blade are in contact with the bottom of the recess, and the connecting portion of the bearing blade protrudes outside the recess. This arrangement is particularly compact. Furthermore, the magnetic card guide also allows for guiding the movement of the second longitudinal end of the bearing blade.

[0019] Advantageously, the magnetic card reader includes means for guiding the translation of the second longitudinal end of the support blade, comprising a shoulder pin, fixed relative to the magnetic card reader, designed to cooperate with a guide recess in the support blade so as to limit the displacement of the second longitudinal end of the support blade only in a translational direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the support blade. This makes it possible to better control the displacement of the second longitudinal end of the support blade and thus better control the counter-support force applied to the magnetic card. Preferably, the guide pin is made of a metal or metal alloy. This improves the service life of the guide pin, particularly with regard to wear caused by friction between this shoulder pin and the support blade.According to a particular embodiment, the shoulder pin is formed by a screw and a spacer.

[0020] Advantageously, elastic deformation means are interposed between the read head and tamper detection means positioned in the magnetic card reader so as to limit the gap between these tamper detection means and the read head. This gap is preferably less than the dimension of the magnetic card reader's read head, measured parallel to the direction of separation, in order to prevent an additional read head from being fraudulently inserted between the magnetic card reader's read head and the tamper detection means. This improves the security of the magnetic card reader. Indeed, by reducing the gap between the tamper detection means and the read head, the fraudulent insertion of an additional read head is prevented.It is noted that the presence of intrusion detection devices is made possible, or at least facilitated, by the fact that elastic deformation devices have a small footprint.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the recess of the magnetic card guide is interposed between the reading head of the magnetic card reader and the tamper detection means. This results in a particularly compact magnetic card reader.

[0022] Advantageously, the tamper detection means comprise a generally plate-shaped support whose faces are at least partially covered with a network of conductors connected to an electronic circuit that triggers an alarm as soon as damage to a conductor is detected, in particular by destruction or short-circuiting. This further enhances the security of the magnetic card reader. Such a network of conductors is commonly called a grid. The tamper detection means are, for example, capable of detecting that the support has been damaged, in particular by drilling, or that the support has been removed from its location. Following the alarm activation, any means can be implemented to limit the consequences of the tampering.

[0023] The invention also relates to an electronic payment terminal comprising a magnetic card reader as described above. Such a payment terminal according to the invention is particularly advantageous when used outdoors and / or in self-service environments, where its enhanced security and / or resistance to external conditions are especially useful. Brief description of the figures

[0024] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an electronic payment terminal including a magnetic card reader according to the invention;

[0026] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view of the electronic payment terminal of [Fig.1];

[0027] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the elastic means of deformation and the magnetic card guidance mechanism; and

[0028] [Fig.4] is an exploded view representing a magnetic card and part of the components of the magnetic card reader of the payment terminal in figures 1 and 2. Detailed description

[0029] An embodiment of a magnetic card reader 1 according to the invention, integrated into an electronic payment terminal 3 according to the invention, is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0030] The electronic payment terminal 3 therefore comprises the magnetic card reader 1 according to the invention and a conventional chip card reader 4 ([Fig. 1]). The electronic payment terminal 3 comprises two lateral edges, an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper and lower edges are understood to refer to the usual orientations of use of an electronic payment terminal 3. Thus, the upper edge corresponds to the distal edge, that is, the longitudinal edge furthest from the user when using the electronic payment terminal 3, and the lower edge corresponds to the proximal edge, that is, the longitudinal edge closest to the user when using the electronic payment terminal 3.In this case, in addition to the conventional location of the chip card reader 4 at the bottom edge, the magnetic card reader 2 1 is also located at the bottom edge of the electronic payment terminal 3. Of course, in other embodiments, the terminal may be of a type other than an electronic payment terminal 3, for example, a parking access control terminal, an identification terminal, or an access control terminal for a secure room.

[0031] The magnetic card reader 1 includes in particular an electronic card 5, a magnetic reading head 6, a passage zone 7 for a magnetic card 2 and means 8 for guiding the magnetic card 2 ([Fig.2]).

[0032] In the present case, the terminal being an electronic payment terminal 3, the magnetic card 2 is a payment card type card. It comprises three magnetic tracks 9 for magnetic data storage. Of course, the magnetic card 2 may comprise a different number of magnetic tracks 9 depending on the embodiment.

[0033] The electronic card 5 is intended to receive and process data from the magnetic card 2, this data being read and transmitted by the magnetic reading head 6.

[0034] The magnetic read head 6 is designed to read data contained in at least one of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 and to transmit this data to the electronic card 5 for processing. In this case, the electronic card 2 comprises three magnetic tracks 9, and the magnetic read head 6 therefore comprises a housing with three air gaps, each designed to allow the reading of one of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2. The magnetic read head 6 is fixedly mounted on the electronic card 5. More specifically, the magnetic read head 6 is soldered directly onto the electronic card 5 (Figures 2 and 4).This avoids the need for intermediate connections, thereby reducing production costs and decreasing the fragility of the device. Such intermediate connections typically include components susceptible to mechanical wear and tear, such as a flexible printed circuit board. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the magnetic read head 6 can be fixed to the electronic board 2 by any other suitable fastening method.

[0035] The magnetic card 2 passage zone 7 is formed by a slot in the lower edge of the electronic payment terminal 3. This passage zone 7 is the area in which the magnetic card 2 is intended to slide when a user wishes to use it on the electronic payment terminal 3. This magnetic card 2 passage zone 7 includes guiding means 8 intended to guide the magnetic card 2 as it slides into the slot.

[0036] In the present case, the guiding means 8 comprise a guiding member 15 and elastic deformation means 10 intended to come into contact with the magnetic card 2 in order to deform it during a sliding of the magnetic card 2 in the passage zone 7 - i.e. in the slot - so as to allow a reading of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 by the magnetic reading head 6.

[0037] In the present case, the elastic deformation means 10 comprise a support blade 11 designed to contact the magnetic card 2 in order to deform it during the sliding of the magnetic card 2 in the passage zone 7 so as to press the three magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 against the three air gaps of the magnetic reading head 6 to ensure good contact between these elements. The elastic deformation means 10 are made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100,000 MPa, in particular a metal or a metal alloy. Such a material allows the use of a support member having a simple and thin shape, here a support blade 11.Indeed, with a lower Young's modulus, it is necessary to provide a support element with a significant thickness and / or a complex shape to generate sufficient counter-support force to press the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 against the head. 6. Reading conditions are necessary to ensure data is read correctly. For example, it is not advisable to use a blade made of a material with a Young's modulus below 100,000 MPa for the support element, as this would result in a magnetic card reader with unsatisfactory reading reliability. In this case, the support blade is made of stainless steel, such as SUS304. The use of stainless steel is advantageous because this material is particularly resistant to environmental conditions, both in terms of temperature and humidity, and especially corrosion. Using a metal or metal alloy, such as stainless steel, ensures that the support blade will continue to function even under extreme temperature conditions, ranging from -20°C to +70°C.The use of such materials thus extends the lifespan of the magnetic card reader, particularly when it is positioned outdoors.

[0038] The support blade 11 comprises a first longitudinal end 12 fixed relative to the magnetic card reader 2 and a second longitudinal end 13 movable in translation parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the support blade ([Fig. 3]). At its second longitudinal end 13, the support blade 11 includes a recess 19 for guiding the support blade 11. This recess 19 can have different shapes depending on the embodiment. For example, the recess can be formed by an oblong hole.

[0039] The first and second longitudinal ends 12, 13 of the support blade 11 are connected by a connecting portion 14 of the support blade that is convex in the direction of the magnetic reading head, the curvature of the connecting portion not reversing between the first and second longitudinal ends of the support blade (Figures 3 and 4). The shape of the support blade 11, and in particular the fact that its connecting portion 14 has a curvature that does not reverse between the longitudinal ends 12, 13, makes it possible to reduce the size of the elastic deformation means 10. The magnetic card reader 2 is thus more compact. Of course, according to other embodiments, the support blade 11 can be provided to have a different shape.

[0040] As previously stated, the guiding means 8 comprise a guide member 15 for the magnetic card 2. This guide member 15 forms a support for the bearing blade 11 ([Fig. 3]). The guide member 15 extends substantially along the entire length of the passage zone 7 and includes a recess 16. The bearing blade 11 is housed in this recess 16 such that the first and second longitudinal ends 12, 13 of the bearing blade 11 are in contact with a bottom of the recess 16 and the connecting portion 14 of the bearing blade 11 protrudes outside the recess 16 ([Fig.3]). The recess 16 further improves the compactness of the magnetic card reader 2.

[0041] The support blade 11 is fixed in the bottom of the recess 16 at its two longitudinal ends 12, 13. As previously stated, the first longitudinal end 12 of the support blade 11 is fixed without freedom of movement. This fixing is achieved, for example, in the present case using a fixing screw 17 (Figures 3 and 4). With respect to the second longitudinal end 13 of the support blade, the magnetic card reader 2 includes means 18 for guiding the translation of the second longitudinal end 13 of the support blade 11 (Figures 3 and 4). These guiding means 18 include a shoulder pin, fixed relative to the magnetic card reader 2. This shoulder pin is formed in the present case by a guide screw 20 and a spacer 21 (Figures 3 and 4). In other embodiments, the shoulder pin is formed differently. For example, the guide pin is formed in one piece.The guide screw 20 and the spacer 21 are designed to cooperate with the guide recess 19 of the support blade 11 so as to limit the displacement of the second longitudinal end 13 of the support blade 11 only in a translational direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the support blade 11 ([Fig. 3]). The displacement of the support blade 11 during the insertion of the magnetic card 2 is thus controlled, and it is easier to control the counter-support force that the support blade 11 will provide.

[0042] In [Fig.2], the magnetic card 2 is shown at the moment of its sliding in the passage zone 7 where it comes into contact with the support blade 11, before the latter deforms the magnetic card 2. It is noted that the support blade 11 is arranged so that, during the initial contact between the magnetic card 2 sliding in the passage zone 7 and the support blade 11, the angle α formed between the plane in which the magnetic card 2 extends and the tangent t at the point of contact on the support blade 11 is less than 45°. Such an angle α makes it possible to obtain sufficient counter-support force for reliable reading of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 by the magnetic read head 6 while minimizing the insertion force that a user must exert when inserting and sliding the magnetic card in the passage zone.It should be noted that, preferably, angle a is less than 15° to allow optimal counter-pressure for reliable reading of the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 by the magnetic reading head 6, while minimizing the insertion force required by a user when inserting and sliding the magnetic card into the passage area. In the example described, angle a is 7°.

[0043] The support blade 11 includes two lateral flaps 22 forming an obstacle to the insertion of the magnetic card 2 into the passage zone 7 in one direction of predetermined, undesired insertion direction F. As can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 and 2, in this case the desired insertion direction L is a lateral direction, i.e., from one lateral edge to the other of the magnetic card reader 1. The front lateral flap 22 prevents frontal insertion, i.e., from the lower edge to the upper edge of the magnetic card reader 1. This insertion direction F is undesirable for several reasons. First, given the arrangement of the magnetic reading head 6, inserting a magnetic card 2 in a frontal insertion direction F would prevent the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 from being read by the magnetic reading head 6.Furthermore, a frontal insertion of the magnetic card 2 presents a risk of damage to the magnetic card reader 1, in particular a risk of damage to the support blade 11 or the magnetic reading head 6. In this case, the side flaps 22 were formed by stamping so as not to generate sharp edges on the support blade 11. The number of side flaps 22 varies depending on the embodiment. For example, the support blade 11 may consist only of the frontal side flap 22.

[0044] The magnetic card reader 1 further comprises tamper detection means 23 positioned within the magnetic card reader 1 so as to limit the gap H between these tamper detection means 23 and the reading head 6 (Figures 2 and 4). In this case, the tamper detection means 23 are fixed under the guide member 15 such that the elastic deformation means 10 are interposed between the reading head 6 and the tamper detection means 23. The gap H is preferably less than the dimension of the reading head 6 of the magnetic card reader 2, measured parallel to the direction of the gap, so as to prevent a reading head from being fraudulently inserted between the reading head 6 of the magnetic card reader 2 and the tamper detection means 23.Thus, it is understood that this spacing H varies according to the embodiments, in particular according to the reading heads 6 that can be used with a given magnetic card reader 2. It is noted that the presence of the intrusion detection means 23 is made possible by the reduced size of the support blade 11.

[0045] The recess 16 of the guide element 15 of the magnetic card 2 is itself interposed between the reading head 6 and the means 23 for detecting intrusion.

[0046] In the present case, the intrusion detection means 23 comprise a support generally in the form of a plate, the faces of which are at least partially covered with a network of conductors, also called a grid, connected to an electronic circuit, for example the electronic circuit of the electronic card 5, triggering an alarm as soon as damage to at least one of the conductors is detected, in particular a Damage can be caused by destruction – for example, drilling – or short-circuiting. The security of the magnetic card reader 1 is thus improved, as any attempt to fraudulently insert a reading head into the passage zone 7 can be easily detected.

[0047] The operation of the electronic payment terminal 3 comprising the magnetic card reader 2 1 according to the embodiment of the invention presented above is described below.

[0048] When a user wishes to make a payment with their magnetic card 2, which in this case is a bank card, they insert it into the magnetic card 2 passage zone 7, formed by the slot in the lower edge of the electronic payment terminal 3, with the magnetic tracks 9 of the magnetic card 2 facing upwards, as shown in Figures 1 to 4. The user slides the magnetic card 2 along the insertion direction L into this slot, and the magnetic card 2 is initially guided by guiding means 8 formed by the walls of the electronic payment terminal 3 housing and the guiding element 15. The magnetic card 2 is supported, in particular, by its upper edge against the bottom of the slot.The user continues to slide the magnetic card 2 along the insertion direction L and, from the moment the magnetic card 2 reaches the support blade 11 of the elastic deformation means 10, the magnetic card 2 displaces this support blade 11 against the force of its elastic restoring force and the latter in turn exerts an elastic force against the magnetic card 2 so as to deform it and press the parts of the magnetic tracks 9 which pass opposite the air gaps of the magnetic reading head 6 against these air gaps.

[0049] As previously stated, the initial contact between the magnetic card 2 and the support blade 11 occurs at an angle α that is sufficiently small to facilitate the movement of the support blade 11 and prevent the user from experiencing any resistance during sliding. The support blade 11 is thus configured so that the counter-pressure applied to the magnetic card 2 is high enough to deform the card sufficiently to establish satisfactory contact with the magnetic reading head 6, and low enough to avoid creating a sensation of resistance or discontinuity in the sliding movement of the magnetic card 2 for the user. Such a discontinuity in the sliding movement, in addition to being detrimental to the user experience, would also impair the quality of the reading of the magnetic card 2.

[0050] Throughout the sliding motion of the magnetic card 2, the support blade 11 successively presses a portion of the magnetic tracks 9 against the air gaps of the magnetic reading head 6 so that, at the end of the sliding motion, each of the three magnetic tracks 9 has been read along its entire length. Once the support blade 11 is no longer moved by the magnetic card 2; it is elastically returned to its resting position, ready to press another magnetic card 2 against the magnetic reading head 6. The data read by the magnetic reading head 6 is transmitted directly to the electronic card 5, which can process it in a known manner.

[0051] If an attempt is made to fraudulently insert a magnetic read head into the access zone 7, for example by attempting to insert a read head into the access zone 7 from below as shown in Figures 1 to 4, access to the access zone 7 is blocked by the support for the tamper detection means 23. Thus, in order to fraudulently insert a magnetic read head, it is necessary to damage or remove these tamper detection means 23, thereby triggering the alarm. Furthermore, even if, for some reason, the alarm were not triggered, the gap H is sufficiently small to prevent the insertion of a second read head into the access zone 7, so that fraudulent insertion is not possible.

[0052] The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. List of references

[0053] 1: magnetic card reader 2: magnetic card 3: Electronic payment terminal 4: Smart card reader 5: electronic board 6: Magnetic reading head 7: Magnetic card swiping zone 8: Means of guiding a magnetic card 9: magnetic track 10: Elastic means of deformation 11: support blade 12: first longitudinal end of the support blade 13: second longitudinal end of the support blade 14: connecting part between the longitudinal ends of the support blade; 15: magnetic card guide element 16: Depression 17: fixing screw 18: means of guiding the support blade in translation 19: Recess for guiding the support blade 20: guide screw 21: spacer 22: side flap 23: means of burglary detection a: angle between the plane of the magnetic card and the tangent at the point of contact with the support blade t: tangent at the point of contact between the support blade and the magnetic card; A: longitudinal axis of the support blade F: Undesired introduction direction L: direction of introduction H: distance between the intrusion detection means and the reading head

Claims

Demands

1. A magnetic card reader (1) comprising: - an electronic card (5) for receiving and processing data from a magnetic card (2), - a magnetic reading head (6) for reading data contained in at least one magnetic track (9) of a magnetic card (2) and transmitting this data to the electronic card (5), - a magnetic card passage zone (7) in which a magnetic card (2) is intended to slide, comprising guiding means (8) for guiding the magnetic card (2) during its sliding in the passage zone (7), characterized in that the reading head (6) is fixedly mounted on the magnetic card reader (1),in that the guiding means (8) comprise elastic deformation means (10) intended to come into contact with the magnetic card (2) in order to deform it during a sliding of the magnetic card (2) in the passage zone (7) so as to allow a reading of the magnetic track (9) of the magnetic card (2) by the reading head (6), and in that the elastic deformation means (10) are made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100000 MPa.

2. Reader (1) of magnetic card (2) according to claim 1, wherein the elastic deformation means (10) are made of metal or metal alloy.

3. Magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to claim 2, wherein the elastic deformation means (10) are made of stainless steel.

4. A magnetic card (2) reader (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic deformation means (10) comprise a support blade (11) intended to come into contact with the magnetic card (2) in order to deform it during a slide of the magnetic card (2) in the passage zone (7) so as to allow a reading of the magnetic track (9) of the magnetic card (2) by the reading head (6).

5. A magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to claim 4, wherein the support blade (11) is arranged such that, during a first contact between a magnetic card (2) sliding in the passage zone (7) and the support blade (11) the angle (a) formed between the plane in which the magnetic card (2) extends and the tangent (t) at the point of contact on the support blade (11) is less than 45°, preferably less than 15°.

6. Reader (1) of magnetic card (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support blade (11) includes at least one lateral flap (22) forming an obstacle to the introduction of the magnetic card (2) into the passage zone (7) in a predetermined undesired direction of introduction (F).

7. Magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the support blade (11) comprises a first longitudinal end (12) fixed relative to the magnetic card reader (1) (2) and a second longitudinal end (13) movable in translation parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the support blade (11).

8. Magnetic card reader (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first and second longitudinal ends (12, 13) of the support blade (11) are connected to each other by a linking portion (14) of the support blade (11) which is convex in the direction of the magnetic reading head (6), the curvature of the linking portion (14) not reversing between the first and second longitudinal ends (12, 13) of the support blade (11).

9. Magnetic card reader (1) according to claim 8, comprising a magnetic card guide element (15) forming a support for the support blade (11), this support blade (11) being housed in a recess (16) of this guide element (15) such that the first and second longitudinal ends (12, 13) of the support blade (11) are in contact with a bottom of the recess (16) and the connecting part (14) of the support blade (11) protrudes outside the recess (16).

10. A magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising means (18) for guiding the translation of the second longitudinal end (13) of the support blade (11), which includes a shouldered pin (20, 21) fixed relative to the magnetic card reader (1) (2), intended to cooperate with a guide recess (19) for the support blade (11) so as to limit the displacement of the second end longitudinal (13) of the support blade (11) only in a translation direction parallel to a longitudinal axis (A) of the support blade (11).

11. A magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein elastic deformation means (10) are interposed between the reading head (6) and tamper detection means (23) positioned in the magnetic card reader (1) (2) so as to limit the gap (H) between these tamper detection means (23) and the reading head (6), the gap (H) preferably being less than the dimension of the reading head (6) of the magnetic card reader (1) (2), measured parallel to the direction of the gap, so as to prevent an additional reading head from being fraudulently introduced between the reading head (6) of the magnetic card reader (1) (2) and the tamper detection means (23).

12. Reader (1) of magnetic card (2) according to claims 9 and 11 taken together, wherein the indentation (16) of the magnetic card (2) guide member (15) is interposed between the reader head (6) of the reader (1) and the tamper detection means (23).

13. Magnetic card reader (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the tamper detection means (23) comprise a support generally in the form of a plate whose faces are at least partially covered with a network of conductors connected to an electronic circuit that triggers an alarm as soon as a degradation of a conductor is detected, in particular by destruction or short-circuiting.

14. Electronic payment terminal (3) comprising a magnetic card reader (1) (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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