Adapter for reversibly attaching an electronic payment terminal, a peripheral of the electronic payment terminal, and a support

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter (2) for reversibly attaching an electronic payment terminal (3), a peripheral (4) of said electronic payment terminal (3), and a support (1), characterized in that said adapter (2) comprises: - a main body (21), - a first connector (22a) for reversibly attaching said electronic payment terminal (3) to said adapter (2), said first connector (22a) being fixed to said body (21), - an arm (24) having a proximal end (241) cooperating with the main body (21) and a distal end (242) on which the peripheral (4) can be mounted, - a second connector (23b) for reversibly attaching said support (1) to said adapter (2), said second connector (23b) being fixed to said body (21).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Adapter for the reversible joining of an electronic payment terminal, an electronic payment terminal peripheral, and a support

[0003] GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of electronic payment terminals (EPTs), particularly for retail businesses. More specifically, it concerns an adapter for attaching an electronic payment terminal to a support, as well as a peripheral device.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] It is common in stores, particularly at the checkouts, to have electronic payment terminals fixed to supports such as stands or masts.

[0007] For security reasons, it is preferable that electronic payment terminals be detached from their support and placed in a secure safe when not in use, for example outside of the store's opening hours.

[0008] Thus, document EP3409996 proposed an adapter for the reversible attachment of an electronic payment terminal to a support comprising a body on which a reversible attachment clip is mounted.

[0009] This adapter proves to be very satisfactory because the implementation of the securing clip makes it possible to do without the use of a tool to secure / detach the TPE to / from the support.

[0010] Alternatively, it also allows for secure attachment of the TPE to the support by means of a locking screw.

[0011] Today, it is desirable to add peripherals to POS terminals, particularly biometric sensors, especially for new, entirely biometric operating modes where there is no longer any need to present a bank card: the user is identified by presenting their biometric signature directly to the sensor, and a digital (tokenized) card is associated with their identity, which is then used for payment by the POS terminal. In particular, palm vein biometrics, i.e., the mapping of vascular patterns in the palm of the hand, is used.

[0012] The problem is that this device is not designed to be attached to the POS terminal, so it is now necessary to add a second support, next to that of the POS terminal, which is cumbersome and complicates the possible detachment of the POS terminal outside of the store's opening hours, which is too time-consuming for merchants.

[0013] It is desirable to find a simpler and more efficient solution, which remains compatible with all existing TPEs already deployed.

[0014] The present invention improves the situation.

[0015] PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention therefore relates, in a first aspect, to an adapter for the reversible joining of an electronic payment terminal, a peripheral of said electronic payment terminal and a support, characterized in that said adapter comprises:

[0017] - a main body,

[0018] - a first reversible connector for securing said electronic payment terminal to said adapter, said first connector being fixed to said body,

[0019] - an arm having a proximal end cooperating with the main body and a distal end on which the peripheral can be mounted.

[0020] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics: The adapter includes a coupling element between the main body and the proximal end of said arm, movable in rotation and / or translation relative to said main body so as to permit rotation and / or translation of the arm along a longitudinal axis of said arm.

[0021] The coupling element is movable in rotation relative to said main body and the arm is movable in translation relative to said coupling element so as to allow rotation and translation of the arm in particular along a longitudinal axis of this arm.

[0022] The main body has a first light with a substantially circular cross-section receiving said coupling element so as to allow rotation of the arm in particular around the longitudinal axis of this arm.

[0023] The main body has a through hole opening into said first light and intended to receive a means for locking the rotation of said coupling element in the first light.

[0024] The coupling element has a second light with a cross-section substantially identical to a cross-section of the arm receiving said distal end of the arm, so as to allow translation of the arm along the longitudinal axis of this arm.

[0025] The coupling element has a through hole opening into said second light and intended to receive a means for locking the translation of said arm in the second light.

[0026] The adapter also includes a base for the device, attached to the distal end of the arm.

[0027] The electronic payment terminal peripheral includes a biometric sensor.

[0028] The adapter includes a second reversible securing connector for said support to said adapter, said second connector being fixed to said body.

[0029] At least one of the first and second connectors is a male connector comprising a connector body on which is mounted a reversible locking clip, the locking being achieved by pressure from a user on said clip. Said clip is pivotally mounted on said connector body and has a return element located between said clip and said connector body.

[0030] Exactly one of the first and second connectors is a male connector and the other is a female connector complementary to said male connector.

[0031] The female connector includes an insertion groove and a stop for said clip securing the male connector.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a set of a support, an electronic payment terminal and an adapter according to the first aspect.

[0033] According to advantageous and non-limiting characteristics, the electronic payment terminal has on its rear face a third connector identical to the second connector and the support has a fourth connector identical to the first connector, so that the third and fourth connectors are complementary and also allow reversible attachment of said electronic payment terminal directly to said support.

[0034] PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment. This description will be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the different elements, and in particular of an adapter allowing the attachment of an electronic payment terminal to a support, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [Fig. 2a] Figure 2a is a schematic view of an adapter according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0038] [Fig. 2b] Figure 2b is a perspective view of a part of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a coupling element of an adapter according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the assembly of an arm with the coupling element in one embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] General Architecture

[0043] With reference to figure 1, the present invention relates to an adapter 2 for the reversible joining of an electronic payment terminal (EPT) 3 to a peripheral 4 of said electronic payment terminal 3 and to a support 1.

[0044] In particular, reversible attachment may concern just the TPE 3, i.e. reversible attachment of the TPE 3 to the peripheral 4 of said electronic payment terminal 3 and to the support 1 (i.e. that the peripheral remains on the support), but according to other embodiments it is possible that it is the reversible attachment of the TPE 3 and the peripheral 4 of said electronic payment terminal 3 and to the support 1 (i.e. the whole of the TPE 3 and the peripheral 4 is removed), or even that each element 1, 3, 4 can be unattached.

[0045] In all cases, adapter 2 is the element through which elements 1, 3 and 4 are joined together.

[0046] The support 1, to which the POS terminal 3 can be attached, is shown in this example as a mounting bracket. Numerous examples of supports for electronic payment terminals exist, allowing the terminal to be held in a user-friendly position for both the merchant and the customer.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 1, the support 1 has a base 12 designed to be securely fixed to furniture, for example, in a shop. A fixed part 11 is attached at one end to the base 12 and can be extended at the other end by a pivoting part that rotates relative to the fixed part 11 along a vertical axis. In this way, the POS terminal 3 can assume several positions, particularly during a transaction. For example, the POS terminal 3 can be oriented towards the merchant when they enter the transaction amount, and then oriented towards the customer so that they can insert their payment card and enter their PIN.

[0048] The TPE 3 can be any existing payment terminal, advantageously a terminal such as the one described in document EP3409996, already capable of being reversibly attached to support 1, i.e., having on its rear face a 23a connector (which will be called the third connector) for reversible attachment, in particular of the female type, i.e., a slot for a complementary male connector. We will return to this point later.

[0049] Peripheral 4 can be any accessory of interest to the POS terminal 3. Preferably, it includes at least one biometric sensor, i.e., a sensor for acquiring biometric data on a biometric feature of the user, in particular a palm print and / or vein pattern (but also the face, a fingerprint, etc.). As such, said biometric sensor can advantageously be a camera capable of visible and / or infrared light.

[0050] Note that device 4 could be just the biometric sensor, or also an electronic wallet of the "biowallet" type (which includes a biometric sensor and stores tokenized payment cards), see application FR2414516, but alternatively a means of communication via a short-range channel (such as an NFC reader or a camera for QR code), or another screen, a touch interface, etc.

[0051] Adapter

[0052] With reference to Figures 2a and 2b, the adapter 2 of the invention is a part comprising a main body 21, preferably solid but which, as will be seen, can advantageously be hollowed out with a slot 211 that will be described later. The main body 21 generally has a substantially parallelepiped shape, with an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0053] The adapter 2 further comprises at least one first reversible connector 22a for attaching said electronic payment terminal 3 to said adapter 2, said first connector 22a being fixed to said body 21, in particular on its upper surface. Advantageously, this attachment is permanent, i.e., the first connector 22a is bonded or even monolithic with the body 21 (i.e., the first connector 22a is formed as one with the body 21, thus the assembly is manufactured as a single unit), although alternatively it may, for example, be screwed in place.

[0054] Preferably, this first 22a connector conforms to what is called the "adapter" in document EP3409996.

[0055] In particular, the first connector 22a is a male connector comprising a connector body 221 on which is mounted a reversible locking clip 222, the uncoupling being achieved by pressure from a user on said clip 222.

[0056] More specifically, said clip 222 is advantageously pivotally mounted on said connector body 221 and has a return element 223 located between said clip 222 and said connector body 221, in particular in the form of a spring or a deformable tab, for example made of plastic, as seen in Figure 2a.

[0057] When attaching the payment terminal 3 to the adapter 2, the user holds the terminal 3 in their hand and brings it into contact with the adapter 2, specifically the first connector 22a. By pressing on the payment terminal 3, the user applies downward vertical pressure. The return element 223 is then in a compressed position. When the user's pressure on the payment terminal 3, and therefore on the clip 222, is released, the return element 223 returns the clip 222 to its normal position.

[0058] This implementation of the various elements forming the first connector 22a of the adapter 2, according to this embodiment, allows for easy, tool-free attachment of the electronic payment terminal 3 to the adapter 2 and thus to the support 1. Indeed, as indicated above, a simple press by the user on the payment terminal 3 when it is in contact with the adapter 2 displaces the locking clip 222 and allows the electronic payment terminal to be positioned on the connector body 221. The electronic payment terminal 3 remains attached to the adapter 2 when the user's pressure is released. Similarly, if the user (for example, the merchant) wishes to detach the electronic payment terminal 3 from the adapter 2, they apply pressure directly to the clip 222 of the first connector 22a, releasing the electronic payment terminal 3 from the connector body 221.

[0059] As such, the electronic payment terminal 3 presents, as explained in a preferred manner on its rear face, a third connector 22b which is a complementary female connector to said male connector, and as such includes a groove 231 for insertion and stop of said clip 222 for securing the first connector 22a.

[0060] As explained, any further details on the first 22a connector can be taken from document EP3409996, including its general shape, clip, hinge, return element, any additional locking means, etc.

[0061] Adapter 2 can either be directly fixed to support 1 (i.e. screwed or glued, permanently), or also fixed in a reversible manner, we will come back to this later.

[0062] Arm

[0063] In a more original way, the adapter 2 includes an arm 24 having a proximal end 241 cooperating with the main body 21 and a distal end 242 on which the peripheral 4 can be mounted.

[0064] In other words, we understand that adapter 2 receives both TPE 3 (via the first connector 22a) and device 4 (via arm 24).

[0065] The arm 24 extends in a substantially longitudinal direction, preferentially laterally relative to the adapter 2 and in a plane substantially parallel to the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter 2, i.e., the peripheral 4 is positioned to the left or right of the TPE 3, and preferably to the right (particularly for palm biometrics, since the majority of users are right-handed), as shown in Figure 2a. Note that alternatively, the arm 24 could extend in front of or behind the TPE 3.

[0066] The arm 24 is advantageously a profile, that is to say a straight bar (at least at its proximal end 241), of substantially constant cross-section, in particular rectangular, and preferably hollow, which allows for the passage of cables for the connection of the peripheral 4 to the TPE 3 or its power supply, connection to the network, etc. Note that it remains possible that the arm 24 is substantially straight over a good part of its length but has a bend or a deviation at its distal end 242.

[0067] The peripheral 4 can be fixed reversibly or irreversibly to said distal end 242 of arm 24.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the adapter 2 further includes a base 25 for the peripheral 4, fixed to the distal end 242 of the arm 24. The peripheral 4 is then mounted on the base 25, preferably clipped in so as not to be easily removed.

[0069] Alternatively, any other connection is possible, including for example a new connector in particular identical to the first connector 22a.

[0070] Furthermore, the adapter 2 advantageously comprises a coupling element 210 between the main body 21 and the proximal end 241 of said arm 24, movable in rotation and / or translation relative to said main body 21 and / or the arm 24 so as to allow rotation and / or translation of the arm 24, in particular about the longitudinal axis of the arm 24. Preferably, the coupling element 210 is movable in rotation relative to said main body 21 and the arm 24 is movable in translation relative to said coupling element 210 so as to allow rotation and translation of the arm 24, in particular about the longitudinal axis of the arm 24. It should be noted that it is preferred that the rotation and translation be about the same axis, in this case the longitudinal axis of the arm 24 (for ease of handling), but it remains possible alternatively for the rotation and translation to be about different axes.

[0071] This coupling element 210 thus allows adjustment of the relative positions of the TPE 3 and the peripheral 4, in particular to maximize ergonomics for the user, but does not allow the disengagement of the arm 24.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling element 210 conforms to Figure 3 and is an element called a "rotator" exhibiting substantially rotational symmetry. The main body 21 then has a first opening 211 with a substantially circular cross-section receiving said coupling element 210 so as to allow the rotation of the arm 24 about the longitudinal axis of this arm 24.

[0073] More specifically, the coupling element 210 is able to rotate in the light 211 so as to permit rotation about the longitudinal axis of said first light 211.

[0074] Preferably the coupling element 210 itself has, as seen in figure 3, a second light 240 with a cross-section substantially identical to a cross-section of the arm 24 receiving said distal end 241 of the arm 24 so as to preferentially allow the translation of the arm 24 along the longitudinal axis of this arm 24.

[0075] Thus, preferably, if the longitudinal axes of the first and second lights 211, 240 coincide, then the rotation and translation are automatically along said same longitudinal axis of the arm 24.

[0076] Note that alternatively or in addition, there may be a possible translation at the distal end 242 of the arm (relative to the base 25), or even a telescopic arm 24 (with two parts that can slide into each other).

[0077] However, using the 210 rotator remains the simplest and most robust option.

[0078] According to a first embodiment, the said rotation and / or translation are free, for example just limited by the friction of the arm 24 and the rotator 210 respectively in the second light 240 and the first light 211, and where applicable, the stops, so that the user can adjust the adapter himself to his liking.

[0079] According to a second embodiment, and as shown in the figures, there are means for locking the rotation and / or translation 213, 243, which can be of any type. The idea is that the trader can adjust the arm 24 as desired and then apply the rotation and / or translation locking means 213, 243 so as to prevent any misalignment by a user.

[0080] In particular, the main body 21 may have a through hole 212 opening onto said first light 211 (i.e. substantially radial) and intended to receive the locking means 213 (such as a screw) of the rotation of said coupling element 210 in the first light 211.

[0081] More specifically, the rotator 210 may have a groove 214 into which the screw is inserted, which already prevents the rotator 210 from being removed from the first slot 211, and when this screw is tightened and comes to touch the side of the rotator 210 at the level of the groove 214, which blocks any rotation.

[0082] Similarly, the coupling element 210 may have at least one through hole 215 opening onto said second light 240 and intended to receive a locking means 213, 243 of the translation of said arm 24 in the second light 240.

[0083] This may be a locking means 243 different from the locking means 213 of the translation, and then we generally have a mini screw, for example a set screw, in a single hole 215 as seen in figure 4. Similarly, when this screw is tightened it comes into contact with the arm 24, which blocks any translation.

[0084] Alternatively, there can be a plurality of holes 215 (for example, distributed around the entire periphery of the rotator 210), and the locking means 213 can be received in both hole 212 and one hole 215, for example, a sufficiently long screw. Such a "double" locking means is much easier for the tradesperson to handle.

[0085] Second connector As explained, adapter 2 can either be directly fixed to support 1 (i.e. screwed or glued, permanently), or also fixed in a reversible manner.

[0086] In this respect, the adapter advantageously includes a second connector 23b for reversibly securing said support 1 to said adapter 2, said second connector 23b being fixed to said body 21, in particular on its lower surface. Again, this fixing is advantageously permanent, i.e., the second connector 23b is bonded or even monolithic with the body 21 (i.e., the second connector 23b is formed as one with the body 21, thus the assembly is manufactured as a single unit), although alternatively it could, for example, be screwed in place.

[0087] This second connector makes it possible to detach adapter 2 from support 1, allowing for a completely modular choice:

[0088] - always only disconnect the TPE 3 and leave the adapter 2 and therefore the peripheral 4 on the support 1;

[0089] - separate the TPE 3 assembly with adapter 2 and peripheral 4 as a single unit, and put this assembly for example in the safe;

[0090] - separate the TPE 3 on one side, and the adapter 2 with the peripheral 4 on the other side.

[0091] At least one of the first connector 22a and of the second connector 23b, preferably the first connector 22a as explained and illustrated by the figures, but alternatively the second connector 23b, or even both, is a male connector, each male connector comprising in particular a connector body 221 on which is mounted a reversible locking clip 222, the uncoupling being obtained by pressure from a user on said clip 222, etc.

[0092] According to the preferred embodiment, exactly one of the first connector 22a and the second connector 23b is a male connector and the other is a female connector, in particular the first connector 22a is the male connector, and the second connector 23b is the female connector (but the reverse is possible).

[0093] In the case where the third connector 23b is a female connector, the support 1 preferably has at its top a fourth connector 23a which is a male connector complementary to said female connector, comprising as explained a connector body 221 on which is mounted a reversible locking clip 222, the locking being obtained by pressure from a user on said clip 222.

[0094] As such, the second connector includes a groove 231 for insertion and stop of said clip 222 for securing the fourth connector 23a.

[0095] The fourth connector 23a, male, can again conform to document EP3409996.

[0096] The fourth connector 23a is fixed to support 1, i.e. fixed again, glued, etc.

[0097] In a particularly convenient and ingenious way, the second connector 23b is a complementary female connector to the first connector 22a (male connector). This may seem pointless since it is impossible to insert the first connector 22a into the second connector 23b, but it has the following implications:

[0098] - the fourth connector 23a is essentially identical to the first connector 22a since the fourth connector 23a is itself complementary to the second connector 23b;

[0099] - the third connector 22b is essentially identical to the second connector 23b since the third connector 22b is itself complementary to the first connector 22a;

[0100] - Therefore, the third connector 22b is a complementary female connector to said fourth connector 23a (male connector), so that the third and fourth connectors 22b, 23a also allow the reversible attachment of said electronic payment terminal 3 directly to said support 1.

[0101] In other words, it is possible to remove adapter 2 (and peripheral 4) and directly attach TPE 3 to support 1, as seen in figure 5.

[0102] Conversely, one can start from a TPE 3 and support 1 assembly that can be reversibly detached (in particular in accordance with document EP3409996), and simply place adapter 2 between the two of them (and add peripheral 4) without having to make any modifications.

[0103] In other words, the adapter 2 comprising a first reversible connector 22a for attaching said electronic payment terminal 3 to said adapter 2 and a second reversible connector 23b for attaching said support 1 to said adapter 2, each of the first connector 22a and the second connector 23b being fixed to said body 21, and such that exactly one of the first connector 22a and the second connector 23b is a male connector and the other is a female connector complementary to said male connector, can be added directly to the whole TPE 3 and support 1 without any modification.

[0104] Furthermore, if peripheral 4 is no longer needed, for example due to an evolution of TPE 3, then simply removing adapter 2 is enough to instantly return to the previous assembly.

[0105] This method of implementation retains all the previously mentioned advantages of space and time saving and robustness, while also being extremely modular and scalable.

[0106] Complete set of POS terminal + stand + adapter

[0107] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to the assembly of a support 1, an electronic payment terminal 3 and an adapter 2 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0108] In a particularly preferred manner, the electronic payment terminal 3 has on its rear face a third connector 22b identical to the second connector 23b and the support 1 has a fourth connector 23a identical to the first connector 22a, so that the third and fourth connectors 22b, 23a are complementary and also allow the reversible attachment of said electronic payment terminal 3 directly to said support 1.

[0109] To rephrase, we can:

[0110] - either insert the first connector 22a into the third connector 22b and the fourth connector 23a into the second connector 23b and thus secure the TPE 3 to the adapter 2 and the adapter 2 to the support 1, i.e. the whole assembly TPE 3, adapter 2 and support 1;

[0111] - Either insert the fourth connector 23a directly into the third connector 22b and thus secure only the TPE 3 to the support 1.

[0112] Thus, it should be noted that adapter 2, whether associated with peripheral 4 or not, can very easily be installed in a fleet of existing terminals 3, without modifying the existing fixing means.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Adapter (2) for the reversible joining of an electronic payment terminal (3), a peripheral (4) of said electronic payment terminal (3) and a support (1), characterized in that said adapter (2) comprises: - a main body (21), - a first reversible connector (22a) for attaching said electronic payment terminal (3) to said adapter (2), said first connector (22a) being fixed to said body (21) - an arm (24) having a proximal end (241) cooperating with the main body (21) and a distal end (242) on which the peripheral (4) can be mounted; - a second reversible connector (23b) for securing said support (1) to said adapter (2), said second connector (23b) being fixed to said body (21).

2. Adapter according to claim 1, comprising a coupling element (210) between the main body (21) and the proximal end (241) of said arm (24), movable in rotation and / or translation relative to said main body (21) so as to allow rotation and / or translation of the arm (24) about a longitudinal axis of said arm (24).

3. Adapter according to claim 2, wherein the coupling element (210) is rotationally movable relative to said main body (21) and the arm (24) is translationally movable relative to said coupling element (210) so as to permit rotation and translation of the arm (24) in particular about a longitudinal axis of this arm (24).

4. Adapter according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the main body (21) has a first opening (211) of substantially circular cross-section receiving said coupling element (210) so as to allow rotation of the arm (24) in particular about the longitudinal axis of said arm (24).

5. Adapter according to claim 4, wherein the main body (21) has a through hole (212) opening into said first opening (211) and intended to receive a locking means (213) for the rotation of said coupling element (210) in the first opening (211).

6. Adapter according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the coupling element (210) has a second light (240) of substantially identical cross-section to a cross-section of the arm (24) receiving said distal end (241) of the arm (24), so as to allow translation of the arm (24) along the longitudinal axis of this arm (24).

7. Adapter according to claim 6, wherein the coupling element (210) has a through hole (215) opening into said second light (240) and intended to receive a locking means (213, 243) for the translation of said arm (24) in the second light (240).

8. Adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a base (25) for the peripheral (4), fixed to the distal end (242) of the arm (24).

9. Adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device (4) of the electronic payment terminal (1) includes a biometric sensor.

10. Adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first connector (22a) and the second connector (23b) is a male connector comprising a connector body (221) on which is mounted a reversible locking clip (222), the locking being achieved by pressure from a user on said clip (222).18 11. Adapter according to claim 10, wherein said clip (222) is pivotally mounted on said connector body (221) and has a return element (223) located between said clip (222) and said connector body (221).

12. Adapter according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein exactly one of the first connector (22a) and the second connector (23b) is a male connector and the other is a female connector complementary to said male connector.

13. Adapter according to claim 12, wherein the female connector includes an insertion groove (231) and stop for said clip (222) for securing the male connector.

14. Assembly of a support (1), an electronic payment terminal (3) and an adapter (2) according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein the electronic payment terminal has on its rear face a third connector (22b) identical to the second connector (23b) and the support (1) has a fourth connector (23a) identical to the first connector (22a), so that the third and fourth connectors (22b, 23a) are complementary and also allow reversible attachment of said electronic payment terminal (3) directly to said support (1).

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