JP2004185513A - Card gate mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To further improve visibility of a card insertion opening in a card reader. <P>SOLUTION: A card insertion guide body 3 guiding a card 1 into a card reader interior is attached to a gate opening 2 of the card reader. The card insertion guide body 3 comprises a case 4 with at least one part comprising a light transmitting material, and a light source housed in the case 4. A light transmitting portion of the case 4 is thin in its center part and it gradually becomes thicker toward both side parts. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a card gate mechanism of a card reader. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improvement in a structure for supporting a card insertion operation at a gate opening into which a card is inserted.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Some card readers used in ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are provided with some display mark to indicate a card insertion slot to a user (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, there is a case where an icon for explaining the front and back of the card when it is inserted, its direction, and the like, or calling attention is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
International Publication No. 02-42990 pamphlet [Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-198772
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the display mark or the icon is displayed by engraving, printing, or the like, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to see in a dark place. Also, even when a part of the card insertion slot is illuminated, conventionally, the gate frame and the light emitting section are common members, so that it is not possible to emit light in the form of a display mark or the like indicating the card insertion direction. I was just there.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a card gate mechanism in which the visibility of a card insertion slot is further improved.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a card reader configured to insert a card from a gate opening of a card reader and take it into the card reader by a card transport mechanism provided inside the card reader. In the card gate mechanism, a card insertion guide for guiding a card into the card reader is attached to the gate opening. The card insertion guide is at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, and is accommodated in the case. The light transmitting portion of the case is thin at the center and thicker toward both sides.
[0007]
According to such a card gate mechanism, a part of the gate opening appears to shine, so that the user can easily recognize the gate opening. In addition, since the amount of transmitted light changes as the thickness changes, and the intensity is given, the visibility is higher than in the case where only the light is emitted uniformly. When the transmitted light amount at the gate opening is the strongest at the center, the center position of the card when the card is inserted is indicated.
[0008]
Further, as described in claim 2, it is preferable that the surface portion of the light transmitting portion of the case is a continuous arc surface in which the curvature is small at the center portion and the curvature becomes large toward the both sides. In such a case, a gradation-like transmitted light of a continuous pattern is formed on the gate opening so that the brightness becomes stronger toward the center.
[0009]
It is preferable that the light transmitting portion of the case forms transmitted light indicating the card insertion direction. In such a case, a part of the gate opening can be made to emit light in the shape of a display mark or the like indicating the card insertion direction, and the user can be noticed to further improve the visibility of the gate opening. It is also possible to visually appeal the operation of inserting a card from the gate opening.
[0010]
Further, the case is preferably in a bag shape as described in claim 4. By making the case into a bag shape and opening only the back side of the card reader in this way, it becomes difficult to reach the circuit board in which static electricity generated between the card and the case surface when the card is inserted is stored.
[0011]
It is also preferable that the light sources be sequentially turned on and off. In such a case, it is possible to more clearly indicate the card insertion direction. In addition, it is possible to further increase the visibility of the gate opening by attracting the user's attention.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the configuration of the present invention will be described in detail based on an example of an embodiment shown in the drawings.
[0013]
1 to 5 show one embodiment of the present invention. The card reader according to the present embodiment automatically takes in the card 1 inserted by the user from the gate port 2 into the inside of the card reader by a card transport mechanism (not shown), and performs data communication with the card 1 at the data communication position. It will be returned to the gate port 2 again later. The gate port 2 is provided with a card gate mechanism for making operations such as insertion of the card 1 easier. In the case of the present embodiment, a card insertion guide 3 for guiding the card 1 into the inside of the card reader is attached to the gate opening 2. The card insertion guide 3 has a case 4 at least partially made of a light-transmitting material, and a light source 5 housed in the case 4.
[0014]
It is preferable that the gate opening 2 has a shape in which the card 1 can be easily inserted by expanding toward the near side where the user is located. In the case of the present embodiment, the card 1 is guided toward the center of the card transport path by an inclined portion provided on both sides of the gate opening 2 so as to expand toward the front. In addition to such inclined portions on both sides, if a funnel shape having four inclined portions is provided on the front surface side and the rear surface side of the card, even if the front end of the card is displaced up and down and right and left to some extent, the gate opening is formed. 2, it becomes easier to insert the card.
[0015]
The lower part of the gate opening 2 for guiding the card back (lower side) is constituted by a card insertion guide 3 (see FIG. 1). The card insertion guide body 3 guides the card 1 with its back face addressed during insertion into the inside of the card reader as it is, and the card insertion guide body 3 itself emits light so that the position of the gate port 2 into which the card 1 is to be inserted. Is shown to the user in an easily understandable manner. The card insertion guide 3 of the present embodiment includes a case 4 and a light source 5 accommodated in the case 4 (see FIG. 3).
[0016]
At least a part of the case 4 is formed of a light transmitting material so that light emitted from the internal light source 5 can be transmitted to the outside. For example, in the case of the present embodiment, the upper edge of the front side of the case 4 that is most visible to the user is formed by an arc surface that makes it easier to insert a card, and this arc surface shines by transmitting light. It is visible (see FIG. 2). As the light-transmitting material, an inexpensive translucent resin that can sufficiently transmit light and makes the contained circuit board 6 and the like difficult to see to some extent is preferable. In the present embodiment, the entire case 4 is formed of POM (polyacetal resin) which is also excellent in insulating properties, while ensuring sufficient transparency, and at a lower cost than when a diffusing material such as a general-purpose plastic is used. Is inexpensive.
[0017]
The light transmitting portion of the case 4 is formed to be thin at the central portion 4a and to be thicker toward the both side portions 4b (see FIG. 2). In such a case, the light transmission amount is different between the vicinity of the central portion 4a and the vicinity of the both side portions 4b, and the light intensity based on the case shape in the light transmitting portion of the case 4, specifically, the light amount becomes larger at the central portion 4a. It is possible to give such strength. In this case, the thickness of the light transmitting portion may be varied stepwise to form a stepwise varying strength, or a gradation pattern that varies continuously by eliminating the steps and sequentially varying the thickness. It may be formed.
[0018]
Here, in the present embodiment in which the surface of the light transmitting portion of the case 4 has an arc surface as described above, the curvature of this arc surface is made smaller at the central portion 4a and becomes larger as it approaches the both side portions 4b. (See FIG. 2). In such a case, the radius of curvature R of the arc surface is larger in the central portion 4a (the radius of curvature of the central portion 4a is indicated by R1 in FIG. 5), and becomes smaller toward both side portions 4b (in FIG. 5, the radius of curvature of the side portion 4b is smaller). R2), the thickness of the light transmitting portion changes based on the surface shape of the arc surface, and the amount of transmitted light changes accordingly (more specifically, the intensity is given so that the central portion 4a becomes brighter). A light gradation is formed). Further, in the present embodiment, the curvature is continuously changed from the right part 4b to the center part 4a to the left part 4b so that the intensity of the transmitted light changes continuously without a step, and the thickness of the light transmitting part is continuously changed. Has been changed.
[0019]
Further, the case 4 of the present embodiment is formed in a bag shape having an opening only on the back side of the card reader, and the circuit board 6 including the light source 5 can be inserted through the opening (see FIG. 4). . When the case 4 is formed in a bag shape opened only on the rear side, static electricity generated between the card 1 and the surface of the case 4 when the card is inserted can reach the circuit board 6 unless the case 4 goes around. Therefore, it is preferable from the viewpoint that components on the circuit board 6 can be more reliably protected. As described above, the case 4 of the present embodiment is formed of POM, and thus has excellent insulation properties. When the groove 4c is provided in the case 4 as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the depth of the groove is small from the viewpoint of preventing the arrival of static electricity.
[0020]
The light source 5 is formed of a light emitter provided in the case 4 so that a part of the card insertion guide body 3 can be seen to be illuminated. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (for example, eight) LEDs arranged at equal intervals on the circuit board 6 are used as the light source 5.
[0021]
According to the card gate mechanism configured as described above, the transmitted light leaks from a part of the gate port 2 and appears to shine as if it emerges, so that the user can easily see the gate port 2 even in a dark place. Can be. Moreover, since the intensity of the transmitted light at the gate opening 2 is given, the visibility is higher than in the case where the light is simply shining evenly. Further, when the transmitted light amount of the gate opening 2 is the strongest in the central portion 4a, the central position of the card 1 when the card is inserted is indicated, which is useful for smooth card operation. Further, since the light source 5 is housed inside the case 4, the operation of inserting the card into the card reader by sliding the back edge of the card toward the surface of the case 4 does not hinder the operation.
[0022]
The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment in which the radius of curvature (R1) of the arcuate center portion 4a is increased, the band-like transmitted light with a greater or smaller width is formed on the case 4 as the center portion 4a becomes wider. By changing the surface shape and the wall thickness, it is possible to change the shape of the transmitted light as well as the strength. For example, the transmitted light may have a tapered arrow shape or a triangular shape so as to indicate the card insertion direction. In such a case, the user's attention is drawn to further enhance the visibility of the gate port 3 and to increase the visibility of the gate port 3. This also visually appeals for the operation of inserting the card 1 from 3, which helps to further smooth the operability of the card in the card reader.
[0023]
Further, in the present embodiment, the light sources (LEDs) 5 are arranged in a line on the circuit board 6 at equal intervals. However, this is merely an example, and the light sources (LEDs) 5 may be arranged in a plurality of lines or the arrangement intervals may be uneven. In the case of unevenness, the arrangement of the light sources 5 becomes uneven. In this case, the intensity of the transmitted light at the gate opening 3 is determined by the combination of the shape of the case 4 and the arrangement of these light sources 5. Further, the intensity of the transmitted light may be changed according to the intensity of the light amount of the light source 5 itself. Further, the light source 5 is not limited to a single color, and a light source of a plurality of colors may be used.
[0024]
Also, it is preferable to blink the light source 5 from the viewpoint that the visibility of the gate port 3 can be further enhanced by attracting the user's attention. In this case, it is possible to more clearly indicate the card insertion direction by blinking sequentially from the light source 5 on the near side in the card insertion direction to the back side.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above description, according to the card gate mechanism of the first aspect, since a part of the gate opening looks shining, the user can easily recognize the gate opening even in a dark place. Moreover, since the intensity of the transmitted light is given by the change in the thickness of the light transmitting portion of the case, the visibility is higher than in the case where the case is only lit uniformly. Further, when the transmitted light amount of the gate opening is set to be the strongest at the center, the center position of the card when the card is inserted is indicated, which is useful for smooth card operation.
[0026]
According to the card gate mechanism of the second aspect, the surface portion of the case is a continuous arc surface having a small curvature at the center portion and a large curvature toward the both sides, so that the center portion is brighter on the gate opening. Thus, it is possible to form gradation-like transmitted light having a continuous pattern in which the intensity is adjusted as much as possible.
[0027]
Further, according to the card gate mechanism of the third aspect, a part of the gate opening can be made to emit light in the form of a display mark or the like indicating the card insertion direction, thereby attracting the user's attention and further improving the visibility of the gate opening. Further, the operation of inserting a card from the gate port is visually appealed, and the operability of the card in the card reader can be further smoothed.
[0028]
According to the card gate mechanism of the fourth aspect, since the case is formed in a bag shape, it is difficult to reach the circuit board in which static electricity generated between the card and the case surface when the card is inserted is stored. Components such as a light source on the circuit board can be more reliably protected.
[0029]
According to the card gate mechanism of the fifth aspect, since the light sources are sequentially turned on and off, it is possible to more clearly indicate the card insertion direction, and to further enhance the visibility of the gate opening by attracting the user's attention. Become.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card reader according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the near side.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an outer shape of a card insertion guide body according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a card insertion guide body and a circuit board housed therein, as viewed from the near side;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the back showing a card insertion guide body and a circuit board housed therein.
FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of a case and a circuit board at a center portion of the case.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Card 2 Gate opening 3 Card insertion guide body 4 Case 4a Central part 4b Side part 5 Light source

Claims (5)

In a card gate mechanism in a card reader configured to insert a card through a gate opening of a card reader and take it into the card reader by a card transport mechanism provided inside the card reader, the card opening is inserted into the gate opening. A card insertion guide body for guiding the inside is attached, the card insertion guide body includes a case at least partially made of a light transmitting material, and a light source housed in the case, and a light transmitting portion of the case. Is a card gate mechanism characterized in that it is thin at the center and thicker toward both sides. 2. The card gate mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting portion of the case has a surface portion formed as a continuous arc surface having a small curvature at a central portion and a curvature increasing toward both sides. 2. The card gate mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the light transmitting portion of the case forms transmitted light indicating a card insertion direction. The card gate mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the case has a bag shape. 2. The card gate mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the light sources blink sequentially.

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