JP2002032717A - Handling device for memory card - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To equip a handling device for a memory card with an electric contact which comes into contact with a contactless type IC card, an antenna which communicates with the contactless type IC card, and a magnetic head. SOLUTION: This handling device for the memory card is equipped with an opening (2) for putting the memory card in and out of a housing (100, 101), a radio communication means (25) which processes data of the memory card in the housing, and a memory card conveying means which is arranged between the radio communication means and opening; and the conveying means is equipped with a roller (6) and an idler (7) which is pressed against the roller and the shaft (11) of the idler is rotatable around the shaft (10) of the roller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a device for handling a memory card such as an IC card. In particular, the present invention relates to a memory card handling device for encoding and paying out a memory card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Applicants manufacture and sell contact-type IC card dispensers / encoders known as SCD-1000. The device is fitted to a host machine that is adapted to accept valuable items such as coins and credit cards.

[0002] The host machine instructs the card dispenser to pull out an IC card from a store unit such as a cassette. The card is sent to the writing section along the transfer path according to an instruction from the host machine. In this section, the electrical contacts are engaged with the corresponding contacts on the card. Then, data corresponding to the appropriate money value is transmitted to the card and stored. Thereafter, the card is paid out through an outlet, which is an exit. This dispenser can also add more monetary value to previously encoded cards.

[0003] A user or user can insert a card through an outlet opening. In this case, the card is transferred from here to the writing section. The above is described in EP-A-0 961 219 published in European Patent Application.
This is described in more detail in the issue.

However, this card dispenser / encoder has limited convenience. Specifically, this card dispenser / encoder can only write to contact cards. An object of the present invention is to provide a memory card handling device with at least two heads.

[0004] In other words, an object of the present invention is to provide at least two heads in a transfer path of a memory card. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide an electrical contact for contacting a contact type IC card and an antenna for communicating with a contactless type IC card. More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic head in addition to an electrical contact for contacting a contact type IC card and an antenna for communicating with a contactless type IC card.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides at least an opening (2) for receiving and ejecting a memory card into and from a housing (100, 101), and for processing data in the memory card in the housing. And a memory card transfer means disposed between the wireless communication means and the opening, wherein the transfer means includes a roller. (6) and an idler (7) pressed by the roller, and the shaft (1) of the idler is provided.
1) is a memory card handling device wherein the roller can rotate around a shaft (10) of the roller.

The present invention also relates to the wireless communication means (25)
And a connection means (27, 28) for contacting and processing data with the memory card near the memory card. Furthermore, the present invention is a memory card handling device, wherein a magnetic head (5) is arranged between the opening (2) and the transfer means (6, 7).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. That is, an embodiment of the memory card handling device according to the present invention will be described here with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view showing an embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing main components of the embodiment. FIG. 1C is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1B, with some additional components removed. FIG. 1D
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing three types of memory cards that can be handled according to the embodiment. FIGS. 2 to 14 are partial side views of the above-described embodiment, showing operation states in various different modes. 15 to 17 are explanatory diagrams showing different states of the shutter device. FIG. 18 is a block circuit diagram illustrating how the above embodiment is coupled to the controller of the host machine.

The apparatus of the embodiment includes a pair of substantially L-shaped side plates 100 and 101 serving as housings (see FIG. 1A). Behind these side plates 100 and 101, a place 102 for a card cassette is formed (see FIG. 1B). A stack 20 of cards to be encoded at location 102 is stored. The bottom card of the stack 20 is held on the support plate 103 (FIG. 1B).
See). The support plate 103 has a slot 103A. The roller 14 for the clutch is exposed through the slot 103A.

The clutch roller 14 has a portion 14A having a high coefficient of friction. This portion 14A is partially protruded. The roller 14 is attached to the shaft 19 via a clutch (not shown) operated by a solenoid. The solenoid operated clutch is indicated by reference numeral 220 in the block circuit diagram of FIG. The shaft 19 is made of side plates 100 and 101.
Stretches between. A pulley 18 for driving the clutch is fixed to the shaft 19 (see FIG. 1C).

A motor driven belt 15 is stretched around the pulley 18 and the small diameter portion of the composite pulley 16 and around the pulley 13 (see FIG. 1A). The pulley 13 is firmly fixed to the drive shaft of the payout motor 17 (see FIG. 1B). The roller 14 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction in response to driving of a meshing motor (not shown) with a clutch (not shown) (see FIG. 1C). The rollers 14 thus feed the lowermost card of the stack 20 forward (see FIG. 11). The sent card passes below the gate 21 and meshes with the roller 22.

The roller 22 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 36 (see FIG. 1B). The shaft 36 is firmly fixed between the pair of side plates 100 and 101. A gap is formed between the roller 22 and the gate 21 of the card. This gap is formed so that only one card is paid out at a time (see FIG. 11). It has already been mentioned that the feed roller 22 rotates the shaft 36 freely. This is because the paid-out card passes under the card gate 21 with the minimum coefficient of friction.

During this time, the clutch roller 14 is actually driving the card forward (see FIG. 11). The dispensed card then passes through the nip. This nip is formed by a pair of discharge rollers 23 and a pair of discharge idlers 24 fixed to the shaft 105. When the paid-out card passes through the nip, the clutch roller 22 is disengaged. And the release roller 23
Sends the card between the antenna 25 and the plate 27 holding the electrical contacts (see FIG. 12).

[0013] The device described above is disclosed in European Patent Application EP EP
Similar to the device described in -A-0 961 219. However, this is except for the antenna 25. Antenna 25
The card located between the and the plate 27 is received in yet another nip. The nip is formed between the pair of transfer rollers 6 and the pair of transfer idlers 7 (see FIG. 1C). The transfer roller 6 is attached to the shaft 10 so as not to rotate. The shaft 10 is driven by the motor 17 via a transfer driving belt 30.

Then, the card is further fed to another nip by the transfer roller 6. This nip is formed between a pair of distribution rollers 3 and a corresponding distribution idler 4 (see FIG. 1C). From here, the card passes out of the device through the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet (see FIG. 5). The distribution roller 3 is attached to the shaft 110 so as not to rotate (see FIG. 1C). A pulley 33 for distribution drive is fixed to the shaft 110. The pulley 33 is driven by the motor 17 via the distribution drive belt 32 (see FIG. 1B).

The belt 32 is, of course, also stretched around the pulley 31 for driving the transfer. The pulley 31 is of course fixed to the shaft 10. When handling a memory card, the card may be collected as needed. For this purpose, a pair of idlers 7 is mounted between a pair of plates 35 (see FIG. 1C). These plates 35 are pivoted around the shaft 10. As a result, the idler 7 can be rotated clockwise as shown in FIG.

This is for turning the card to the lower collecting place. This is described in EP-A-0 961.
No. 219 is described in more detail. Further, two sensors 122 are fixed to the side plate 100 (FIG. 1A).
See). These sensors 122 provide a signal regarding the position of the plate 35. This is for controlling the collection motor 34 when the card is being collected (see FIG. 1B). The apparatus is provided with light-reflective sensors 120, 121, and 123 for monitoring a moving card.

In other words, these sensors 120, 121 and 123 are used to monitor the card being transported. Further, a sensor (not shown) for detecting an empty card cassette is also provided. This sensor is indicated by reference numeral 200 in FIG. The card is inserted into or out of the device via the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet. The combination of bezel 2 and shutter 38 is shown in FIG. 1B. More detailed combinations of the bezel 2 and the shutter 38 are shown in FIGS.
It is shown in FIG.

FIGS. 15 to 17 are a front view and a sectional end view of the shutter device, respectively. As will be described later, the metal shutter 38 can be basically operated in two modes. The bezel 2 is combined with a rectangular T-shaped shutter 38 to increase security. On both sides of the upper edge of the shutter 38, small pentagonal projections PF are fixed at right angles. The shutter 38 is disposed on the surface of a large rectangular T-shaped plate 40 so as to be vertically slidable.

The bezel 2 is made of a resin having a long rectangular ring shape. The bezel 2 covers the upper edge of the shutter 38 and is fixed to the upper edge of the resin plate 40.
The laterally long bezel 2 is of course formed with a lateral slit for card insertion. A plunger 41 of a solenoid 37 is suspended from each side piece of the rectangular T-shaped shutter 38. The pin 42 at the upper end of the plunger 41 is movable in the small rectangular hole LH of the shutter 38.

It is a matter of course that a slightly long plunger 41 may contain a long and thin bar magnet. Each solenoid 37 houses the lower half of each plunger 41 so as to be able to move up and down. The pair of solenoids 37 are fixed to both sides of the horizontally long plate TP, respectively. Note that the horizontally long plate TP is attached to the lower portion of the back surface of the plate 40. The pair of solenoids 37 is normally off, that is, in the case of FIG.

At this time, the plunger 41 of the solenoid 37
Are held or latched by respective permanent magnets PM. In other words, the solenoid 37 is a single
It can be called a latch type solenoid. In addition, upper ends of two slightly longer springs 39 are fixed to respective sides of the plate 40, respectively. The spring 39
Are fixed to the respective corners of the lower edge of the shutter 38. Therefore, normally, the shutter 38 is slightly moved upward by the pair of springs 39.

As a result, the path E for card entry is obtained.
P is normally shut off by a shutter 38 (FIG. 1).
5). That is, the card entry passage EP formed in the bezel 2 and the plate 40 is normally blocked. Therefore, rainwater or the like from the bezel 2 does not enter the inside of the device. The open / close position of the shutter 38 is monitored via an optical sensor 210.
For example, one of the protruding pieces formed on both sides of the shutter 38 is detected by the sensor 210. The sensor 210 is fixed to, for example, a standing piece of the horizontally long plate TP.

As a result, the failure of the shutter 38 can be detected. "Mode 1: Accepting a card" In the state of FIG. The leading edge of the inserted card hits the wedge surface 43 of the projecting piece PF fixed to the shutter 38 at a right angle. As a result,
The shutter 38 is slightly moved downward against the spring 39 (see FIG. 16). Thus, the card CR passes through the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet. As soon as the card CR completely passes over the wedge surface 43, the shutter 38 returns to the closed state (see FIG. 15).

That is, the shutter 38 returns to its closed state by the action of the spring 39. Note that the card approaching the bezel 2 from the inside of the device also has the inner wedge surface 4
Of course, hit 3 '. For example, a card paid out or returned to the user strikes the inner wedge surface 43 'from the right side in FIG. As a result, the shutter 38 is moved downward, and the card passes through the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet (see FIG. 16). "Mode 2: card lockout" eg bezel 2
, When the card is accessed inside the device, the solenoid 37 is kept turned on by the reverse current.

When the solenoid 37 is turned on, that is, excited by a reverse current, the latching action of the permanent magnet PM is ignored. That is, when the solenoid 37 is excited by the reverse current, the plunger 41 is protruded by the action of the spring 39 (see FIG. 17). When the pair of plungers 41 project, the entry passage EP of the card formed in the bezel 2 and the plate 40 is shut off. Thus, when the card is inserted into the bezel 2, the leading edge of the card hits the block surface 44 of the projecting piece PF. The block surface 44 is perpendicular to the movement of the card. As a result, the card is released from the shutter 3
8 cannot be moved downward.

That is, another new card is prevented from being inserted into the apparatus from the bezel 2. Of course, the card approaching the bezel 2 from inside the device also hits the inner block surface 44 'of the protruding piece PF. For example, the card to be paid out is the inner block surface 44 'from the right side of FIG.
Will be hit. Thus, the card cannot move the shutter 38 downward. In other words, in the case of FIG. 17, the card cannot pass through the card entry path EP from each direction.

Of course, the optical sensor 210 is used while the card is prevented from entering the device. In other words, the sensor 210 checks whether the shutter 38 is really at the desired position. If the shutter 38 is not at the desired position, the sensor 210
Is sent to the host machine. That is, it is pointed out that the signal of the sensor 210 is sent to the host machine and the processing of the card data is not safe. To return the shutter 38 to the position shown in FIG. 15, the solenoid 37 is turned on by a positive current.

In other words, when the shutter 38 is returned to the original position, the solenoid 37 is momentarily excited by a positive current, that is, turned on. As a result, the plungers 41 are each drawn into the solenoid 37 against the spring 39. The plunger 41 is held or latched by the permanent magnet PM. As described above, the solenoid 37 is a single latch type solenoid.
Thus, the shutter 38 is returned to the predetermined position in FIG. From the above, it goes without saying that the solenoid 37 may be a double latch type solenoid.

For example, in FIG. 17, the solenoid 37 is momentarily turned on or excited by the reverse current, and the plunger 41 is projected. Of course, the protruding plunger 41 may be latched by the permanent magnet PM. In this case, although not shown, the solenoid 37 is of course improved for a double latch. As the last head, a magnetic head 5 is disposed between the transfer roller 6 and the distribution roller 3 (see FIG. 1C). The device described above is coupled to a controller 300 of a host machine (see FIG. 18).

Of course, the electronic device 310 for the interface mounted on the printed circuit board 320 is interposed. Electronic device 310 provides an interface between host machine controller 300 and the various sensors described above. Further, electronic device 310 provides an interface between controller 300 and the motors and solenoids. Power is supplied to the electronic device 310 via the power supply interface 330. On the other hand, the printed circuit board 320 has a CPU,
Holds 0.

The central processing unit 340 has a serial
Controller 3 of host machine via interface
00 is connected. Interface electronics 31
0 is connected to the interface 340 of the magnetic decoder. This interface 340 is connected to the magnetic head 5. Also the interface electronics 310
Is a contactless IC card interface 35
0 is connected to the antenna 25. The controller 300 of the host machine is connected to the connector 27 of the contact type IC card.

As another embodiment, an interface 360 of a contact type IC card can be provided. in this case,
The controller 300 of the host machine is the printed circuit board 32
0 and the connector 27 via the interface 360. The host machine is typically a display (not shown) and a keyboard (not shown) for an operator.
including. Note that this display is a controller 300
Of course. Therefore, the device can be operated in various modes depending on the host machine. Generally, each head formed by the magnetic head 5, the electric contact of the plate 27, and the antenna 25 can be used for both reading and writing.

However, typically, the magnetic head 5 is used only for reading information from the magnetic strip of the memory card. Of course, the memory card is inserted through the bezel 2 of the receiving opening. Encoding is antenna 2
5 and the contacts of the plate 27, whichever is appropriate. Before describing examples of operating modes, please refer to FIG. 1D here. FIG. 1D shows a magnetic strip 8.
Has been described. Further, the contactless IC card 12 including the embedded IC chip 12C and the antenna 12A is described.

FIG. 1D shows a contact type IC card 26 having an electric contact 29.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The operation of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. Here, before the description thereof, the main operation of the present embodiment will be summarized. Mode 1: Selling a contactless IC card by accepting a magnetic card for payment. Mode 2: Sell contactless IC cards by accepting contact IC cards for payment.

Mode 3: Accepting a magnetic card for payment and reloading a contactless IC card. Mode 4: Accept contact IC card for payment and reload contactless IC card. "Mode 1""For the sale of contactless cards, accept magnetic card as payment from the same mechanism through the same card slot" (a) Magnetic card inserted by user through card slot / outlet slot, The data contained in the magnetic card is read.

That is, from the position shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic card 1 is fed into the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet by hand. At this time, the magnetic card 1 includes the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4.
(See FIG. 3). These distribution means 3 and 4 are driven by a motor 17 (FIG. 1B) rotating in the opposite direction. That is, the delivery motor 17 is driven via the pulley 13, the belts 15 and 30, the pulley 31, the belt 32, and the pulley 33. At this time, the clutch roller 14 is not rotating.

When the motor 17 is rotating in the reverse direction, it does not mesh with the shaft 19 of the clutch roller 14. In other words, the clutch (not shown) operated by the solenoid 220 (FIG. 18) is not used. . This is described in EP-A-0 961 21 published in European Patent Application.
No. 9 is described in some detail. Further transport of the magnetic card 1 begins by covering the magnetic head 5 (see FIG. 3). Before the magnetic card 1 completely passes through the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4, it is taken in by the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7.

The transfer roller 6 and the idler 7 are the magnetic card 1
Until the magnetic card 1 completely passes through the magnetic head 5 (see FIG. 4). The magnetic card 1 is a magnetic head 5
, The data stored in the magnetic strip 8 is read and sent to the host machine. (B) Following reception from the host machine, ie, electrical output from the host machine, of the data read from the magnetic card, the mechanism returns the magnetic card to the user. That is, the motor 17 is further rotated in the reverse direction, that is, in the forward direction. Thus, the magnetic card 1 is fed toward the bezel 2 by the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7.

Finally, the magnetic card 1 is sent to a stationary position by the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the magnetic card 1 is exposed from the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet. It seems that the magnetic card 1 can be easily collected by the user. (C) If the user does not collect the magnetic card within the set time, the magnetic card is returned to the housing and stored. In other words, the magnetic card 1 is placed at the position shown in FIG. 5 in a stationary state for the set time. Magnetic card 1
When the is not collected by the user, the sensor 120 (FIG. 1)
B).

When the magnetic card 1 is detected by the sensor 120, the motor 17 is driven. As a result, the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4 are driven via the belt and the pulley. That is, when the magnetic card 1 is between the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4, the magnetic card 1 can be returned into the mechanism. Then, when the magnetic card 1 comes between the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4 and between the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7, it is stopped (see FIG. 6). In this stationary position, the pinion gear 8 is driven by the motor 34 (FIG. 1).
B).

Then, the pinion gear 8 drives the gear segment 9 (see FIG. 1C). The gear segment 9 is fixed to a 6-shaped collecting plate 35.
The plate 35 rotates around the shaft 10 of the transfer roller 6. Therefore, the shaft 11 of the transfer idler 7
Turns around the transfer roller 6 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the magnetic card 1 becomes tangent to both the transfer roller 6 and the transfer idler 7. About 40 magnetic cards
When rotated, the pinion gear 8 of the collection motor 34 is stopped (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the magnetic card 1 shown in FIG.
Will be stopped at the position.

At this stage, the transfer roller 6 is driven, and the magnetic card 1 completely passes through the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7 (see FIG. 9). Thereby, the magnetic card 1 is stored, for example, for manual search. (D) Contactless IC from stored stack
The card is paid out and prepared for wireless communication between the IC card and the host machine. When the magnetic card 1 is returned to the user as described in (b) of “mode 1”, the contactless IC card 12 is paid out. That is, when the user successfully collects the magnetic card 1, the contactless IC card 12 is paid out.

In other words, the contactless IC card 12 is sold to the user as follows. When the pulley 13 of the motor 17 is driven, the pulley 18 of the clutch drive is driven.
And the release drive pulley 16 is driven. It was mentioned earlier that these pulleys 13, 16 and 18 have a belt 15 interposed (see FIG. 1A). Clutch driven pulley 18
Is firmly fixed to the shaft 19 of the clutch roller 14. Therefore, a solenoid driven clutch (not shown)
, The roller 14 is driven (see FIG. 10).

As a result, the lowermost contactless IC card 12 of the stored stack 20 is shuffled forward (see FIG. 11). The shuffled contactless IC card 12 includes a gate 21 and a supply roller 22.
Through the gap between. And this IC card 12
Is pulled out by the discharge roller 23 and the idler 24. Almost simultaneously, the clutch operated by the solenoid 220 (FIG. 18) is disengaged from the roller 14. The discharge roller 23 and the idler 24 are used for the contactless IC card 12.
Is sent further forward.

Contactless type I sent forward
The C card 12 is located above the radio frequency antenna 25 (see FIG. 12). That is, contactless type I
The C card 12 is stopped under the plate 27 for holding electric contacts. At this stationary position, radio frequency communication is performed between the host machine and the contactless IC card 12. (E) Respond to an input signal from the host machine as indicated below. (I) When the host card communication is completed successfully. "In this case, the card is dispensed out of the bezel / outlet bezel for payout and an electrical output signal is provided to the host machine indicating that it has been done."

That is, the contactless IC card 12
Is moved in the direction of the bezel 2 from the position shown in FIG. The IC card 12 is fed in the direction of the bezel 2 by the transfer rollers 6 and 7 and the distribution rollers 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the IC card 12 completely passes through the transfer roller 6, but does not pass through the distribution roller 3. Therefore, at this time, the contactless IC card 12 is stationary for paying out. That is, the IC card 12 is the magnetic card 1 described in (b) of “mode 1”.
It is stationary in the same manner as.

In some cases, the user does not remove the contactless IC card 12 from the bezel 2 within the set time. In this case, the same method as that for the magnetic card 1 described in (c) of “mode 1” is performed. (Ii) When communication is unsuccessful due to, for example, damage to a contactless IC card. "Securing the card, removing the card from the payout path of the mechanism and storing it, and step (e)
Step (d) is automatically repeated until (i) is achieved. "

First, the contactless IC card 12 is fed in the direction of the bezel 2 from the position shown in FIG. In other words, this IC card 12 includes the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7.
To bezel 2 in the receiving / outlet direction. Before the contactless IC card 12 enters the bezel 2, the transfer roller 6 is stopped as shown in FIG. That is, this IC card 12 is stopped at the same position as the magnetic card 1 described in (c) of “mode 1”. Thus, the contactless IC card 12 is secured in the same manner as described in (c) of "mode 1".

"Mode 2""For contactless card sales, accept contact IC card as payment from the same mechanism through the same card slot." (A) Contact IC card is accepted / exited by user And the card is arranged so that the connector for the 8-way IC card makes electrical contact with the IC pad of the card. First, the contact type IC card 26 is manually inserted into the bezel 2 of the receptacle / outlet. That is, the method is the same as that of the magnetic card 1 in the "mode 1" (a). The contact type IC card 26 inserted into the bezel 2 is taken in by the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4.

The distribution roller 3 and the idler 4 are driven by a motor 17 via a belt or pulley. Thus, the contact type IC card 26 is the IC card connector 2.
It is sent in the direction of 7. The IC card 26 is further taken in by the transfer roller 6 and the idler 7. The contact type IC card 26 is sent until it is hooked on the projection 28 of the IC card connector 27. In other words, IC
The card 26 is fed to a position where it is stopped by the protrusion 28 of the connector 27.

The IC card connector 27 is moved laterally and downward by the contact type IC card 26 (FIG. 1).
3). As a result, the connector 27 moves and this I
It comes into contact with the IC connection pad 29 of the C card 26. I
When the C card connector 27 completely matches the IC connection pad 29, the transfer roller 6 is stopped (see FIG. 14). Thus, the contact type IC card 26 is stopped to prepare for host card communication. (B) providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that the connector has contacted the IC pad of the card;

(C) Respond to an electrical input signal from the host machine to indicate that host card communication was successfully completed. In this case, the card is sent out from the slot of the receptacle / outlet for collection, and an electric output signal is provided to the host machine to indicate that the card has been collected. That is, the contact type IC card 26 is moved in the direction of the bezel 2 from the position shown in FIG. In other words, the IC card 26 is moved in the direction of the bezel 2 by the transfer rollers 6 and 7 and the distribution rollers 3 and 4. On the other hand, I
The C card connector 27 is returned to the rest position by a spring (not shown).

The contact type IC card 26 passes through the transfer roller 6 but does not pass through the distribution roller 3 (see FIG. 5). That is, the IC card 26 is stationary for preparation for collection. Contact type IC card 26
Is stationary in the same manner as the magnetic card 1 described in (b) of “mode 1”. The user may not remove the contact type IC card 26 from the bezel 2 within the set time. In this case, the same method as that for the magnetic card 1 described in (c) of “mode 1” is performed.

(D) The contactless IC card is paid out of the stored stack, and the contactless IC card is dispensed.
It is positioned so that preparation for radio frequency communication is performed between the C card and the host machine. Contactless IC after collecting contact type IC card 26 used by user
The card 12 is paid out. The contact type IC card 26 is paid out like the magnetic card 1 described in (d) of “mode 1”. (E) Respond to an input signal from the host machine as indicated below. (I) Successful completion of the host card communication, sending the card out of the slot at the receptacle / outlet for recovery and providing an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that it has been performed.

That is, as shown in (e) and (i) of "mode 1". (Ii) For example, when communication is unsuccessful due to breakage of the contactless IC card, the card is secured, that is, the card is removed from the payout passage of the mechanism and stored, and steps (e) and (i) are achieved. Step (d) is automatically repeated until That is, the operation is performed as shown in (e) and (ii) of “mode 1”. "Mode 3""Accept magnetic card as payment for reloading of contactless card inserted by user through the same card slot"

(A) When the magnetic IC card is inserted by the user through the card slot of the receiving / sending port, the data contained in the magnetic card is read. That is, as shown in (a) of “mode 1”. (B) The data read from the magnetic card is pointed out by the reception from the host device, that is, the electric output from the host device, and the magnetic card is returned to the user. That is, as shown in (b) of “mode 1”. (C) If the user does not take the magnetic card within the set time, retrieve the magnetic card and store it for searching.
That is, as shown in (c) of “mode 1”.

(D) Prepare a contactless IC card inserted by the user through the slot of the receptacle / outlet for radio frequency communication between the contactless IC card and the host machine. That is, it is like the magnetic card 1 described in (a) of “mode 1”. First, the contactless IC card 12 is supplied to the slot of the receptacle / outlet by hand. This IC card 12 is taken in by the distribution roller 3 and the idler 4. These distribution means 3 and 4 are driven by a motor 17 via a belt and a pulley.

Then, the transfer of the contactless IC card 12 into the mechanism starts. Contactless IC
The card 12 is stopped below the radio frequency antenna 25. That is, it is stopped at a place similar to that of the contact type IC card 26 shown in FIG. Thus, the radio frequency communication is performed between the host device and the contactless IC card 12. (E) In response to an electrical input signal from the host machine to indicate that the host card communication has been completed, send the card out of the slot in the receptacle / outlet for recovery and indicate that it has been performed. To provide an electrical output signal to the host device to perform the operation.

That is, as shown in (e) and (i) of "mode 1". "Mode 4""Accept contact IC card as payment for reloading of contactless card inserted by the user through the same card slot." (A) Contact IC card received by user /
When inserted through the card slot of the outlet, the connector of the 8-way IC card is arranged to make electrical contact with the IC pad of the card. That is, as in (a) of “mode 2”.

(B) Provide an electrical output signal to the host machine to indicate that the connector has contacted the IC pad of the card. That is, as shown in (b) of “mode 2”. (C) responding to an electrical input signal from the host machine to indicate that the host card communication was successfully completed,
The card is sent out of the receptacle / outlet slot for collection and an electrical output signal is provided to the host machine to indicate that it has been done. That is, as in (c) of “mode 2”. (D) Prepare the contactless IC card inserted by the user through the slot of the receptacle / outlet for radio frequency communication performed between the contactless IC card and the host machine.

That is, as shown in (d) of “mode 3”. (E) In response to an input signal from the host machine indicating that the host card communication has been completed, the card is sent out of the slot at the receptacle / outlet for collection in order to indicate that it has been performed. Provide an electrical output signal to the host machine. That is, as shown in (e) (i) of “mode 1”.

As described above, the memory card handling apparatus of the present invention has at least two heads in the same transfer path. As a result, different types of cards can be handled by the same device using the same transport path.

In one example, the monetary value is stored on a magnetic strip located on a memory card. Then, the money value may be transferred from this magnetic strip to another IC card. This case can be achieved by the memory card handling device according to the present invention. Specifically, this is achieved by first inserting a magnetic strip card into the transfer path. In this case, the magnetic card is transferred to the first head.

This is because the money information is read from the magnetic strip and the new reduced money value is written on the magnetic card. The magnetic card is then returned to the user. Next, the contact type IC card is transferred along the same path by the same transfer system. For example, it is transferred from a card store to a second head. Here, the money value is recorded on the IC card. Thereafter, this IC card is paid out through the same outlet. In the normal case, no monetary value is stored on the magnetic card.

Information about the cardholder's account is stored. For example, information such as an account number, a sort code, a name, a term, and the like are stored. This information is read by the first head and transferred to the host machine controller. For example, to perform an authority check at the relevant financial institution via a modem link. As soon as it is authorized, an IC card is issued. This issued IC card has the correct monetary value transferred by the second head.

What is evaluated is that the first head normally reads information from the memory card. In a desirable device, the second head can perform both reading and writing of information. In a preferred example, the device further comprises a third head. This is for reading and / or writing from / in a card in a third mode different from the first and second modes. In this case, if the first head is a magnetic head, the second head has electrical contacts for contacting the contact type IC card.

Next, the third head is a contactless type I
An antenna for communicating with the C card is provided. Each head is, of course, electrically coupled to several interface electronics. This is for connecting each head to the controller of the host machine. In addition, the device preferably includes a control unit, namely a central processing unit CPU. This is for controlling various parts of the apparatus in response to signals from the control system of the host machine.

Preferably, the device further comprises a store location for the memory card. And the transfer system is extended to here. Of course, the transport system may further include a memory card supply system. This is for pulling out the memory card from the store position. Preferably, a shutter is provided to reduce the risk of unauthorized use. This is to close the outlet / inlet when the memory card is not inserted into the device. It is also to prevent the memory card from being pulled out from the unit.

Alternatively, during data processing of the memory card /
This is to prevent forgery later. Also, of course, the mechanism can be used to retrieve stolen credit / debit cards. In other words, a mechanism can be used to hold hot-listed credit / debit cards.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view showing main parts of the embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1B, with some components removed.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view showing three types of memory cards that can be processed by using the above embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 13 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 14 is a partial side view of the embodiment, showing an operation in a mode.

FIG. 15 shows a front view and a sectional end view of the shutter device, respectively.

FIG. 16 also shows a front view and a sectional end view of the shutter device, respectively.

FIG. 17 also shows a front view and a sectional end view of the shutter device, respectively.

FIG. 18 is a block circuit diagram illustrating how the above embodiment is coupled to the controller of the host machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Memory card. ... 1: Magnetic card. 12: Contactless IC card. 26: Contact type IC card. housing. ... 100: Side plate. 101: side plate. Opening. .... 2: Bezel. Wireless communication means. ..... 25: Antenna. roller. ... 6: Transfer roller. 10: shaft of the transfer roller. Idler. ... 7: Transfer idler. 11: Transfer idler shaft.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C005 MA33 NA02 NA06 TA21 TA22 TA24 5B023 BA02 CA07 CA09 FA03 GA04 5B058 CA13 CA17 CA31 KA02 KA04 KA11 KA22 YA20

Claims (3)

[Claims] A memory card is mounted in a housing (100, 10).
1) Opening for receiving and discharging into (2)
And a wireless communication means (25) for data processing of the memory card in the housing; and a memory card transfer means disposed between the wireless communication means and the opening. A card handling device, wherein the transfer means includes a roller (6) and an idler (7) pressed by the roller, and a shaft (11) of the idler is provided around a shaft (10) of the roller. A memory card handling device, characterized in that a memory card can be rotated. 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein connection means (27, 28) for processing data by contacting with a memory card are arranged near said wireless communication means (25). Memory card handling device. 3. A memory according to claim 1, wherein a magnetic head (5) is arranged between said opening (2) and said transfer means (6, 7). Card handling equipment.