JP2008123926A - Medium carrying direction conversion apparatus, medium processor and connection structure of flat cable - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To save space and to prolong a service life for a cable connection structure for electrically connecting a turning body and a medium carrying direction conversion apparatus main body. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus provided in the carrying path of a card-like medium 2 for converting the carrying direction comprises: a medium carrying part 61 capable of stopping and holding the medium; a turning body 602 freely turnably supported to an apparatus main body 601; a medium sensor for detecting the holding position of the medium; and a flat cable 611 for transmitting signals from the sensor to the drive control circuit of the apparatus main body. The flat cable comprises: a wound part 612 wound around the turning center shaft 603 of the turning body with slack in a concentric roll shape; a first turned-back part 613 turned back from the wound part to the apparatus main body on one end side of the flat cable; and a second turned-back part 614 turned back from the wound part to the turning body on the other end side of the flat cable. The distal end side of the first turned-back part is fixed to the apparatus main body, and the distal end side of the second turned-back part is fixed to the turning body. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium transport direction changing device, a medium processing device, and a flat cable connection structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cable connection structure for electrically connecting a rotating body and a main body to which the rotating body is mounted. The present invention relates to a medium transport direction changing device, a medium processing device, and a flat cable connection structure that realizes space saving and long life.

  In recent years, recording media such as magnetic cards and IC cards have been widely used in various fields, and prepaid cards, which are card-type securities that have a certain amount of value for use when paying for purchases of goods and services. Is popular. In addition, there is a card that can be used by repeatedly adding (charging) monetary value to such a recording medium. For example, there are various boarding cards in which the fare, the number of boarding times, the period of use, etc. that can be used when using public transportation such as railways and buses are recorded on a magnetic card or IC card. Under such circumstances, devices that newly issue various recording media and devices that can be updated to new media are being studied.

  For example, in Patent Document 1 below, a transport path switching guide is rotatably provided in a common transport path before a variety of cards are distributed and transported to a unit that performs processing for each card, and around the transport path switching guide. Proposed is a card issuing device provided with a transport path switching unit in which unit guides that are continuous with each unit are radially arranged, and selectively connecting a card temporarily held in the transport path switching unit to each unit guide. Has been.

  In the following Patent Document 1, it has been proposed that the rotation fulcrum of the conveyance path switching unit and the center of the rotation unit coincide with each other, the switching angle can be increased, the conveyance direction can be switched, and the card can be reversed. There is no description to the extent possible. When such an implementation is performed by the conventional technique, there are various problems as follows. For example, (1) the transport path switching unit requires a transport roller for transporting a card, a motor for driving the card, etc., and the transport path switching unit itself becomes large, (2) a large transport path The drive source that rotates the switching unit needs to have high output and large size, and it is difficult to freely arrange in the medium processing apparatus, and (3) the transport path switching unit is set to a precise and precise transport angle. The problem is that the drive control means becomes complicated to arrange, (4) the rotating part rotates relative to the main body of the apparatus, and the wiring for transmitting power and signals to the rotating part is fatigued by repeated bending. However, there is a problem of disconnection.

  In particular, as described in (4) above, when the wiring where the power or signal needs to be transmitted between the stationary body and the reciprocating rotator is disconnected, the card issuing device stops driving. Become.

With respect to the problem of disconnection between the fixed body and the reciprocating rotator, for example, techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 below can be cited. In the wiring member described in Patent Document 2, the intermediate portion of the flat cable is bent twice so that the flat cable extending from the bent portion to the one end side and the flat cable extending to the other end side are shifted in the width direction and overlapped in the width direction. A flat cable extending from the bent portion to one end side is wound around the bent portion. According to this wiring member, the reciprocating rotation of the reciprocating rotating body is absorbed by the tightening and loosening of the winding portion. In addition, the wiring mechanism described in Patent Document 3 is configured so that the flat cable is bent in a U shape at the center of the arc portion, and a portion bent in the U shape and a portion not bent in the U shape overlap with each other in the same arc. The same surface side of the one end side and the other end side of the arc portion is joined to the opposing positions of the pan housing and the pan worm gear. According to this wiring mechanism, the curved U-shaped portion moves at the time of rotation, so that it is not affected by the restoring force of the flat cable even by rotation.
JP 2005-242435 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-265774 JP 2002-152960 A

  However, since the wiring structure described in Patent Document 2 is a structure in which the flat cable is bent twice, its width is twice the width of the flat cable and a large space is required in the axial direction of the rotating body. There is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size and thickness. This is a big problem particularly in a card issuing device that requires a reduction in size and space.

  In addition, the wiring mechanism described in Patent Document 3 has a structure in which a portion bent into a U shape and a portion not bent into a U shape are arranged so as to overlap with each other in the same arc. There is a problem that the width in the direction is at least the width of the flat cable, and a large space is required in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, making it difficult to reduce the size and thickness. This is a big problem particularly in a card issuing device that requires a reduction in size and space.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is to save space in a cable connection structure that electrically connects a rotating body and a device main body to which the rotating body is mounted. The object is to provide a medium transport direction changing device that achieves a long service life, to provide a medium processing device including the device, and to provide a flat cable connection structure.

  A medium transport direction changing device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a device that is provided in a transport path for transporting a card-like medium and that changes the transport direction of the card-like medium, and is a part of the transport path A medium transport unit capable of stopping and holding the card-shaped medium, a rotating body having the medium transport unit and supported rotatably with respect to the apparatus main body, and the card-shaped medium in the medium transport unit. A sensor board including a medium detection circuit including a medium sensor for detecting a holding position; and a flat cable for transmitting a signal from the medium detection circuit to a drive control circuit of the apparatus main body. A winding part wound loosely in a concentric roll shape around the axis of rotation center axis of the moving body, and folded from the winding part toward the apparatus main body on one end side of the flat cable A first folded portion, and a second folded portion folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable, and a distal end side of the first folded portion Is fixed to the apparatus main body, and the tip end side of the second folded portion is fixed to the rotating body.

  According to the present invention, the flat cable is wound around the axis of the rotation center shaft in a concentric roll shape with a slack, and the flat cable is folded from the winding part toward the apparatus main body on one end side of the flat cable. The first folded portion and a second folded portion folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable, and the distal end side of the first folded portion is fixed to the apparatus main body. And since the front end side of the 2nd folding | turning part was fixed to the rotation body, the space width of the axial direction of a rotation center axis | shaft required in order to provide such a flat cable should just be the same as the width | variety of a flat cable. In addition, the space width orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center axis may be about the width of the laminated form wound with slack. As a result, the space required for providing the flat cable can be saved, and the medium transport direction changing device can be reduced in size and thickness.

  In the medium transport direction changing device according to the present invention, the apparatus main body has a first frame surface on a side facing the rotating body, and the rotating body faces a second parallel to the first frame surface. And a housing portion that is formed on the second frame surface and accommodates the flat cable, and the sensor substrate is attached to a bottom portion of the housing portion in parallel with the second frame surface. The flat cable includes a first rising portion formed by raising a distal end side of the first folded portion in parallel to the first frame surface, and a distal end side of the second folded portion. And a second riser formed by raising the first riser parallel to the second frame surface, and fixing the first riser to the apparatus main body. Connect the raised part to the sensor board Sea urchin may be configured.

  According to this invention, since the housing portion for housing the rotating body is provided on one of the first frame surface provided on the apparatus main body and the second frame surface provided on the rotating body, the housing portion is flat. The cable is wound with slack. As a result, the flat cable connection structure can be accommodated in a space-saving manner.

  In the medium transport direction changing device according to the present invention, the housing portion may be formed of a conductive resin material so as to be integrally formed with the rotating body. According to this invention, since the accommodating part is integrally formed with the rotating body with the conductive resin material, the rotating body can be reduced in weight. As a result, it is possible to configure a medium transport direction changing device that can rotate quickly and save space.

  In the medium transport direction changing device of the present invention, the medium sensor is disposed at both ends of the transport unit in the card-shaped medium transport direction, and is attached to a surface of the sensor substrate opposite to the second frame surface. You may comprise.

  In the medium conveyance direction conversion device of the present invention, the medium sensor may be configured to be a pair of photosensors that detect an end in the conveyance direction of the card-like medium.

  In the medium transport direction changing device of the present invention, the drive source for driving the rotating body and the drive source for driving the transport section are each provided from the outside of the rotating body to the center of rotation of the rotating body. You may comprise so that it may be provided separately as a transmission means.

  The medium processing apparatus of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a conveyance path that refracts or branches at an angle to convey a card-like medium, and is arranged on the conveyance path, and has information on the card-like medium. And an information writing unit that reads or reads the medium, and a medium transport direction conversion device according to the present invention that is provided in the transport path and converts the transport direction of the card-like medium according to the angle.

  The present invention is applied to a medium processing apparatus provided with the medium transport direction changing apparatus of the present invention. According to this invention, since the medium transport direction changing device that realizes space saving of the connection structure of the flat cable is provided, the size of the medium processing device can be reduced.

  A flat cable connection structure according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a fixed body having a first electric circuit, a second electric circuit, and a turn supported rotatably with respect to the fixed body. The connection structure includes a moving body, a rotation center axis that is a rotation center of the rotation body, a first cable that electrically connects the first electric circuit, and the second electric circuit. The flat cable includes a winding portion wound in a slack concentric manner around the rotation center axis, and the flat cable is directed from the winding portion to the fixed body on one end side of the flat cable. A first folded portion folded back and a second folded portion folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable, and the first folded portion The distal end side is fixed to the fixed body, and the second Composed Ri return of the distal end side so as to fix to the rotating body.

  The flat cable connection structure of the present invention was created in the course of research and development of the above-described medium conveyance direction changing device of the present invention, and is a medium conveyance other than the medium conveyance direction changing device of the present invention. The present invention can also be applied to a direction changing device. According to this invention, the flat cable is wound around the axis of the rotation center axis in a concentric roll shape with a slack, and the flat cable is folded back from the winding part toward the fixed body on one end side of the flat cable. The first folded portion and a second folded portion folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable, and the distal end side of the first folded portion is fixed to the fixed body And since the front end side of the 2nd folding | turning part was fixed to the rotation body, the space width of the axial direction of a rotation center axis | shaft required in order to provide such a flat cable should just be the same as the width | variety of a flat cable. In addition, the space width orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center axis may be about the width of the laminated form wound with slack. As a result, it is possible to save the space necessary for providing the flat cable. If such a flat cable connection structure is applied between the fixed body and the rotating body, the device having the fixed body and the rotating body can be reduced in size and thickness.

  The flat cable connection structure according to the present invention includes a first frame surface provided on a side of the fixed body facing the rotating body, and provided on the rotating body, and facing the first frame surface in parallel. A second frame surface, a first rising portion formed by raising a leading end side of the first folded portion parallel to the first frame surface, and a leading end of the second folded portion A second rising part formed by raising a side parallel to the second frame surface, and fixing the first rising part to the fixed body, You may comprise so that a raising part may be fixed to the said rotation body.

  The flat cable connection structure of the present invention may be configured to further include an accommodating portion that accommodates the rotating body on one of the first frame surface and the second frame surface.

  According to the medium transport direction changing device and the medium processing device of the present invention, the axial width of the rotation center axis necessary for providing the flat cable may be about the same as the width of the flat cable. Since the width orthogonal to the axial direction of the central axis may be about the thickness of the laminated form wound with slack, space saving necessary for providing a flat cable can be achieved. Since the medium conveyance direction changing device and the medium processing device of the present invention adopt such a flat cable connection structure, the medium conveying direction changing device can be reduced in size and thickness, and as a result, the medium processing device can be reduced in size. Can contribute.

  Further, according to the present invention, since a flexible flat cable is used, problems such as disconnection of the flat cable are unlikely to occur even when the rotating body is rotated for a long period of time. Can do. Moreover, since the flat cable is wound in a spring shape with a slack, no stress is applied to the cable, and the service life can be extended.

  Hereinafter, a medium transport direction changing device, a medium processing device, and a flat cable connection structure according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following description and drawings within the scope having the technical features.

  In the following, the details of the flat cable connection structure and the medium transport direction changing apparatus including the connection structure will be described in detail while describing the overall configuration of the medium processing apparatus of the present invention. Needless to say, the connection structure of the flat cable and the mounting target of the medium transport direction changing device are not limited to the medium processing device described below.

[Media processing device]
First, the medium processing apparatus will be described. The medium processing apparatus of the present invention is arranged on a conveyance path for conveying a card-shaped medium by being bent or branched at an angle, and on a card-shaped recording medium (sometimes simply referred to as “medium”) disposed on the conveyance path. On the other hand, the apparatus includes an information writing unit for writing or reading information, and a medium transport direction conversion device that is provided in the transport path and converts the transport direction of the medium according to the angle.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a medium processing apparatus to which the medium transport direction changing apparatus of the present invention is preferably mounted. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the medium processing apparatus 1 of the present invention is disposed on the back side of the apparatus, and stores and stacks the media 2 in the upward direction, and stores the lowest medium 2 a among the stacked media 2. A hopper 20 having a medium feeding portion 21 that can be fed one by one, and an inclined conveyance path 30 that conveys the medium 2 fed from the medium feeding portion 21 in a direction that forms an acute angle with the stacking direction of the media 2. And a medium discharge port 10 for discharging the medium 2 disposed at a diagonal position above the front side, which is one end of the inclined conveyance path 30 opposite to the medium feeding portion 21. Between the medium discharge port 10 and the inclined conveyance path 30, there is provided a first medium conveyance direction changing device 80 that rotates the medium 2 and switches its conveyance direction. Between the transport path 30, a second medium transport direction changing device 60 that rotates the medium 2 and switches the transport direction is provided.

  Further, in the medium processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, an information writing mechanism (for example, a printing device 70) for writing predetermined information on the medium 2 is provided on the inclined conveyance path 30, and a medium discharge port. A medium discarding device having a discard medium storage unit 50 and a discard medium transport unit 90 is provided below the inside 10. Further, a non-contact communication unit 100 that performs non-contact communication processing with respect to the medium 2 for reading, writing, or rewriting predetermined information is provided inside the medium discharge port 10. As shown in FIG. 1, below the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80, a magnetic medium reader / writer 120 that receives the medium 2 from the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80 and reads or writes magnetic data. The waste medium storage unit 53 for storing the medium 2 rejected from the second medium transport direction changing device 60 is provided below the second medium transport direction changing device 60. Alternatively, a cleaning medium holding unit 110 that holds the cleaning medium 114 may be provided above the second medium transport direction changing device 60.

  As a general arrangement configuration of the medium processing apparatus 1, a medium feeding portion 21 provided in the hopper 20 and a medium discharge port 10 for issuing the medium 2 are paired in a side view of the apparatus with the inclined conveyance path 30 interposed therebetween. Arranged at the corner position. Such an arrangement can shorten the overall length of the device 1 (left and right lengths when FIG. 1 is viewed in plan) to reduce the overall size of the device, and it is easy to produce the external shape of the device. It can be rectangular.

  Hereinafter, the configuration and the like of the medium processing apparatus 1 will be briefly described. In the figure, “S” represents a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the medium 2.

  The hopper 20 includes a medium cassette 25 and a medium feeding mechanism 22, and a medium feeding portion 21 is formed between the medium cassette 25 and the medium feeding mechanism 22.

  The medium cassette 25 is a medium storage container that stacks and stores the medium 2, and is provided as a cassette-type medium storage container that is detachable from the hopper 20 as a part of the medium processing apparatus 1. In the medium cassette 25, a medium 2 such as a contact type or non-contact type IC card or magnetic card is accommodated. The medium 2 is stacked and stored below the uppermost portion 27 having a height substantially equal to a medium discharge port 10 described later. In addition, such a medium 2 is a medium before issuance in which various types of information such as a use time limit and a monetary value are not completely recorded. Moreover, the presence or absence of embossing is not ask | required. As shown in FIG. 1, a gate portion 23 is provided below the medium cassette 25, and the lowest medium 2 a is sent out from the gate portion 23 one by one by a medium feeding mechanism 22 described later. The gate portion 23 is provided between the bottom plate of the medium cassette 25 and the reference plate forming the side plate of the medium cassette 25 so as to provide a predetermined gap through which only the lowest medium 2a can be sent out. . In FIG. 1, reference numeral 24 denotes a shutter, and reference numeral 26 denotes a weight.

  The medium delivery mechanism 22 is disposed at the bottom of the hopper 20 so as to face the medium cassette 25, and the medium 2 a placed at the lowest position among the plurality of media 2 accommodated in the medium cassette 25 is transferred to the medium cassette 25 (that is, It is a device for feeding out of the hopper 20). The medium delivery mechanism 22 includes an extruding member 221 that pushes the card-like medium 2 a placed at the lowest position of the medium cassette 25 out of the medium cassette 25 (that is, the hopper 20) via the gate portion 23. The pushing member 221 is preferably formed with a claw portion that engages with the rear end edge of the card-like medium 2a and pushes out the medium 2a.

  The pushing member 221 is attached to a chain 222 spanned between two sprockets 223 and 223, for example. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, this sprocket can be driven and controlled by a driving means 224 such as a stepping motor via a transmission belt 225 or the like, whereby the pushing member 221 is driven so as to push out the card-like medium 2a. Is done.

  The medium discharge port 10 is a gate that finally discharges the medium 2 from the medium processing apparatus 1, and is provided in front of the apparatus and in the upper part of the apparatus. The medium 2 fed out from the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 is transported to the medium discharge port 10 via an inclined transport path 30 provided between the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10. The inclined conveyance path 30 is a conveyance path that conveys the medium 2 fed from the medium feeding unit 21 toward the medium discharge port 10. Since the medium discharge port 10 is provided in the upper part of the medium processing apparatus 1 in FIG. 1, a wide space can be secured below the medium discharge port 10 inside the apparatus. In the space, a waste medium storage unit 50 for storing used media to be discarded is disposed.

  The medium discharge port 10 is literally a medium discharge port when a new medium 2 is issued, but when an update issuance or rewriting is issued, a medium in use for which predetermined information is to be rewritten is inserted from the medium discharge port 10. In addition to functioning as a medium insertion port, the medium also functions as a medium discharge port for discharging the medium on which predetermined information has been written or rewritten. Therefore, when this medium discharge port 10 has the functions of both a medium insertion port and a medium discharge port, the medium discharge port is also used as a medium intake port, so that not only a new issue such as a magnetic card or an IC card, It is used as a medium processing device for issuing updates and issuing rewrites.

  The medium discharge port 10 may be added with various functions provided in a general medium discharge port or insertion port. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a shutter 11 and a shutter solenoid 12 are provided. You may provide the shutter mechanism 13 which has. Although not shown, the medium discharge port 10 may be provided with a pre-head that reads information on the type of medium to be inserted in advance, and a width sensor or the like for inspecting the suitability of the width dimension of the medium to be inserted. It may be provided.

  The inclined conveyance path 30 is a conveyance path that is provided between the medium discharge port 10 and the hopper 20 and conveys the medium 2 fed from the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 toward the medium discharge port 10. The inclined conveyance path 30 is provided with opposed conveyance rollers (hereinafter also referred to as opposed rollers) 31, 32, and 33 that convey the medium 2 in a predetermined direction with the medium 2 sandwiched from above and below. As described above, the medium discharge port 10 is provided in the upper part of the apparatus, and the medium feeding part 21 of the hopper 20 is provided in the lower part of the apparatus. Therefore, the inclined conveyance path 30 that is arranged therebetween and serves as the conveyance path for the medium 2 is provided. The diagonal of the frame of the device 1 is provided. The inclined conveyance path 30 provided in a diagonal line can be shortened when the conveyance path of the same length is required, as compared with the case where the conveyance path is horizontally arranged. The space can be saved by reducing (particularly the length L in the left-right direction in FIG. 1).

  The information writing mechanism is provided on the inclined conveyance path 30 and writes predetermined information on the medium 2, and a printing device 70 as shown in FIG. 1 can be exemplified. This information writing mechanism is preferably capable of writing and rewriting predetermined information, and specifically, preferably has a print head 71 and an erasing head 72 as shown in a printing apparatus 70 in FIG. .

  The printing device 70 serving as an information writing mechanism has a counter roller 31 for medium conveyance, an erasing head 72, a counter roller 32 for medium conveyance, a print head 71, and a medium conveyance medium from the hopper 20 side toward the medium discharge port 10. The counter rollers 33 are arranged in this order. Each of the erasing head 72 and the print head 71 has a platen roller 34 disposed opposite to each other, and the medium 2 is sandwiched between the platen roller 34 to erase information printed on the medium 2 or print new information. .

  The printing apparatus 70 is provided with an erasing head driving motor 73 that moves the erasing head 72 up and down with respect to the medium surface, and a printing head driving motor 74 that moves the printing head 71 up and down with respect to the medium surface. Is desirable. The drive motors 73 and 74 for each head operate independently when information needs to be printed on the medium 2 or when information printed on the medium 2 needs to be erased. The erasing head 72 or the print head 71 is lowered until it contacts the medium 2. On the other hand, when the erasing or printing is completed, the erasing head 72 or the print head 71 is raised in a direction away from the medium 2 on the platen roller 34. When erasing and printing are not required, the drive motors 73 and 74 of the heads do not operate, and the erasing head 72 and the print head 71 are held at positions retracted from the inclined conveyance path 30. The drive motors 73 and 74 drive the erasing head 72 and the print head 71 by a lifting mechanism such as a gear or a cam (not shown). Reference numerals 73a, 73b, 74a, and 74b are sensors that detect positions when the erasing head 72 and the print head 71 are raised.

[Media transport direction changing device]
Next, the medium transport direction changing device according to the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the overall arrangement of the flat cable connection structure of the medium transport direction changing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a first frame covering the flat cable connection structure shown in FIG. It is a front view of a surface. 4 is a left side view of the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a view of the rotating body provided in the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a cutaway portion of the rotating body provided in the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for forming a flat cable connection structure of the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. The medium processing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 has two medium transport direction changing devices (60, 80) according to the present invention, but both have the same basic elements. In each drawing, structural features will be described using the second medium transport direction changing device 60 (hereinafter simply referred to as “medium transport direction changing device 60”) as an example.

  The medium transport direction changing device 60 is a device that is provided in a transport path for transporting the medium 2 and changes the transport direction of the medium 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the medium feeding unit 21 and the inclined transport path 30. The medium 2 that is received from the medium feeding portion 21 or the inclined conveyance path 30 is rotated while being temporarily held, and operates to switch the conveyance direction of the medium 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the medium transport direction changing device 60 includes a medium transport unit 61 that forms a part of the transport path and can stop and hold the medium 2, and a medium transport unit 61. A sensor board 610 including a rotating body 602 that is rotatably supported, a medium detection circuit (not shown) including medium sensors S1 and S2 that detect a holding position of the medium 2 in the medium transport unit 61, and the medium detection circuit. And a flat cable 611 that transmits a signal from a drive control circuit (not shown) of the apparatus main body 601.

  The medium transport direction changing device 60 according to the present invention is characterized by the connection structure of the flat cable 611. Specifically, the flat cable 611 is loosened in a concentric roll around the rotation center axis 603 of the rotating body 602. A winding portion 612 wound around, a first folded portion 613 folded from the winding portion 612 toward the apparatus main body 601 on one end side of the flat cable 611, and a winding portion on the other end side of the flat cable 611. A second folded portion 614 folded from the portion 612 toward the rotating body 602. The connection structure of the flat cable 611 according to the present invention is a connection structure in which the distal end side of the first folded portion 613 is fixed to the apparatus main body 601 and the distal end side of the second folded portion 614 is fixed to the rotating body 602. . In the following, after describing each member constituting the medium transport direction changing device first, the flat cable connection structure will be described in detail.

(Device body)
The medium transport direction changing device 60 illustrated in FIG. 2 and the like includes an apparatus main body 601 having at least a rotating body 603, and a first frame surface 604 as a cover member of the apparatus main body 601 on the side facing the rotating body 603. 3). In the apparatus main body 601, a rotating body 603 and a medium 2 in the rotating body 603 that receives and sends out the medium 2 from the medium transport path (the medium feeding portion 21 or the inclined transport path 30) and temporarily holds the medium 2. Medium transport unit 61, a rotation motor 65 as a first drive source for rotating the rotating body 602, and a second drive source for driving the transport means (transport roller) in the medium transport unit 61. A certain transport motor 67 is provided.

  The structure of the apparatus main body 601 is not particularly limited, but as shown in FIG. 2, a metal box structure having at least one open surface can be exemplified. The apparatus main body 601 is provided with at least entrances and exits 605 and 606 for the medium 2, and a media guide 607 is preferably provided at the entrance and exit 605 and the like as necessary. A medium guide 615 may also be provided below the apparatus main body 601. The medium guide 615 functions as a medium guide when the rotating body 603 rotates and the direction of the medium transport unit 61 is directed in the vertical direction. Also, a medium guide may be provided on the upper side of the apparatus main body 601, but in the example of FIG. 2, the gap 616 between the opposing rotation motor 65 and the conveyance motor 67 can function as a medium guide. it can.

  Such an apparatus main body 601 has a first frame surface 604 that functions as a cover member of the apparatus main body 601. As shown in FIG. 3, the first frame surface 604 is detachably provided on the apparatus main body 601 with a screw 608 or the like. In the present invention, the first frame surface 604 is attached to the first frame surface 604 on the flat cable 611. A substrate 621 for fixing one end is attached by a screw 626 or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the board 621 has a guide hole 622 through which the flat cable 611 passes, a connector 624 that connects one end of the flat cable 611, and a multicore that transmits a detection signal to the control device of the processing device 1. A cable 625 or the like is attached. In addition, an electric circuit (not shown) for converting a detection signal transmitted by the flat cable 611 may be mounted on the substrate 621.

  The first frame surface 604 is formed with an arcuate slit 628 that acts as a slide guide and a stop guide for the guide pin 609 provided on the rotating body 602. The shape of the slit 628 may be substantially semicircular as shown in FIG. 3, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 4, support columns 617 are provided at the four corners of the apparatus main body 601, and the first frame surface 604 is attached to the support columns 617 with screws 608 or the like.

(Rotating body)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the rotating body 602 is a constituent member of the medium transport direction changing device 60 and is detachably mounted in the device main body 601. The rotating body 602 includes a medium transport unit 61 and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 601 about a rotation center axis 603. The rotating body 602 has a second frame surface 644 that faces the first frame surface 604 on the first frame surface 604 side of the apparatus main body 601. The second frame surface 644 is formed with a housing portion 640 that houses the flat cable 611.

  4 to 6, the accommodating portion 640 is formed in a rectangular shape on the second frame surface 644 of the rotating body 602, but is provided on the first frame surface 604 side of the apparatus main body 601. May be. The bottom of the accommodating portion 640 is formed to be parallel to the opposing frame surface (604 or 644). The accommodation unit 640 is provided with a sensor substrate 610 for detecting the medium 2 passing through the medium conveyance unit 61, and the sensor substrate 610 has a pair of sensors for detecting the end of the medium 2 in the conveyance direction ( For example, photosensors S1, S2) are provided.

  A connection terminal 618 of a flat cable 611 is mounted on the sensor substrate 610, and a copper wiring pattern (not shown) for connecting the connection terminal 618 and the photosensors S1 and S2 is formed. Such a sensor substrate 610 is fixed to the bottom of the housing portion 640 by screws 645 or the like. The photosensors S1 and S2 are light-shielding sensors that detect the medium position by light-shielding when the medium 2 is present. Since the photosensors S1 and S2 are disposed at substantially both ends of the medium transport unit 61, both the sensors S1 and S2 are When the medium 2 is detected, the holding of the medium 2 can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to maintain and control the temporary holding state of the medium transport unit 61 so that a jam does not occur during the operation of changing the medium transport direction. The sensor for detecting the medium is not limited to the light-shielding photosensors S1 and S2, but may be a mechanical sensor. The sensor is not limited to the configuration arranged at both ends of the medium transport unit 61, and may be provided at the center or one end. Good.

  The rotating body 602 is preferably molded from a resin material. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotating body 602 can be composed of a first molded body 602A and a second molded body 602B. The first molded body 602A and the second molded body 602B can be integrated by fitting or the like at the male and female end surfaces 642. Since the rotating body 602 formed of a resin material can realize a significant weight reduction, a quick rotating operation can be realized. In addition, if the rotating body is formed of a conductive resin material in which a conductive material is mixed with the resin material, the generation of static electricity can be prevented, and the transmission of the detection signal of the flat cable 611 can be performed by a drive motor or the like. There is an effect that it can be prevented from being disturbed by noise generated from other electric means.

  A guide pin 609 is provided on the second frame surface 644 of the rotating body 602. The guide pin 609 is provided at a position away from the rotation center axis 603 and moves along an arcuate slit 628 formed in the first frame surface 604. The arc-shaped slit 628 functions as a slide guide and a stop guide for the guide pin 609.

  When the rotating body 602 is composed of two molded bodies, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the inside thereof is a cavity 641, and the transport constituting the medium transport unit 61 is formed in the cavity 641. A roller or the like (not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, a slit guide 643 that moves the medium 2 along the medium transport unit 61 is provided in the rotating body 602. In addition, when the rotating body 602 is viewed from above, an introduction guide 646 is provided at the entrance / exit of the medium transport unit 61 so as to easily guide the medium 2 to the medium transport unit 61, as shown in FIG.

  The rotating operation of the rotating body 602 is performed by the rotating motor 65. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the power of the rotating motor 65 is transmitted to the rotating body 602 via the pulley 651, the belt 66, and the pulley 653, and the rotating body 602 rotates. In addition, the code | symbol 652 in FIG. 4 is a knob which adjusts the position of the rotation body 602 manually, and the knob 652 is utilized when it is going to move the rotation body 602 to arbitrary positions, for example.

(Flat cable connection structure)
Next, the connection structure of the flat cable 611 will be described with reference to FIGS. The connection structure of the flat cable 611 according to the present invention was created in the course of research and development of the medium transport direction changing device 60 constituting the medium processing apparatus 1, and is a rotation center axis of the rotating body 602. A winding portion 612 is wound around the axis of 603 in a concentric roll shape with a slack, and a first folded back from the winding portion 612 toward the apparatus main body 601 is provided on one end side of the flat cable 611. And a second folded portion 614 folded from the winding portion 612 toward the rotating body 602 on the other end side of the flat cable 611. In the connection structure of the flat cable 611 according to the present invention, the distal end side of the first folded portion 613 is fixed to the apparatus main body 601, and the distal end side of the second folded portion 614 is fixed to the rotating body 602. Note that the flat cable connection structure of the present invention having such characteristics can also be applied to a medium transport direction changing device other than the medium transport direction changing device 60 illustrated in FIGS.

  The example of FIG. 7 can be given as an example of forming a flat cable connection structure. First, one end of the flat cable 611 is folded back by 90 ° leaving a predetermined length to form a second folded portion 614. Then, the second folded portion 614 passes through the bridge portion 623 formed on the substrate 610, and the end portion is connected to the connection terminal 618 as shown in FIG. 7A. As a result, the flat cable 611 is obtained. Is fixed to the rotating body 602.

  Next, after the second folded portion 614 is further bent by 90 ° to form a second rising portion 614A, the long portion of the flat cable 611 is rotated around the central axis of rotation as shown in FIG. A winding portion 612 is formed by winding a slack in a concentric roll shape around the axis 603. The second rising portion 614A is formed to rise parallel to the second frame surface 644. In the above description, the second folded portion 614 is passed through the bridge portion 623 before the second raised portion 614A is formed. However, the second folded portion 614 and the second raised portion 614A are After the formation, the second rising portion 614A may be passed through the bridge portion 623 and connected to the connection terminal 618.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the other end of the flat cable 611 is folded back 90 ° leaving a predetermined length, thereby forming a first folded portion 613. Then, the first folded portion 613 is further folded by 90 ° to form a first raised portion 613A, and the first raised portion 613A is moved to the first frame as shown in FIG. The guide hole 619 formed in the surface 604 is passed, and then the guide hole 622 formed in the substrate 621 is passed, and then the end portion is connected to the connection terminal 624. As a result, the flat cable 611 is connected to the apparatus main body 601. Fixed. The first rising portion 613A is formed to rise in parallel to the first frame surface 604.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the connection structure of the flat cable 611 configured in this way is such that the axial width W1 of the rotation center shaft 603 necessary for providing the flat cable 611 is the same as the width W2 of the flat cable 611. Further, the space width W3 orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation center shaft 603 may be about the width W4 of the laminated form wound with slack. As a result, the space required for providing the flat cable 611 can be saved. In particular, in the present invention, such a flat cable connection structure is applied to the medium transport direction changing device 60 of the medium processing apparatus 1, so that the medium transport direction changing device 60 can be reduced in size and thickness.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the flexible flat cable 611 is used, even if the rotating body 602 is rotated for a long period of time, problems such as disconnection of the flat cable 611 are unlikely to occur. Can be long. Moreover, since the flat cable 611 is wound in a spring shape with a slack, no stress is applied to the cable, and the service life can be extended.

  In addition, according to the flat cable connection structure of the present invention, both ends of the flat cable 611 can be normally inserted into and removed from the flat cable connectors 618 and 624. Therefore, the rotating body 602 for mounting the flat cable connection structure is replaced. Even if it happens, it can be easily exchanged. In addition, since the flat cable connection structure of the present invention is accommodated in the accommodating portion 640, interference from other components can be prevented, and the service life can be extended. Further, according to the flat cable connection structure of the present invention, the flat cable 611 is wound into a spring shape a plurality of times, and is projected from the vicinity of the rotation center shaft 603 to the first frame surface 604 of the apparatus main body, and the first frame. Since the connector members 618 and 624 attached to the surface 604 are fixed, excessive stress is not applied to the cable. As a result, even when the rotating body 602 is rotated for a long period of time, problems such as disconnection of the flat cable 611 hardly occur, so that the service life can be extended. Further, according to the flat cable connection structure of the present invention, since the flat cable 611 is wound in a spring shape, when the flat cable 611 is wound from the vicinity of the rotation center shaft 603 to the first frame surface 604 of the apparatus main body, the first cable Regardless of the position of the take-out guide hole 619 provided on the frame surface 604, it can be easily taken out. Further, according to the medium transport direction changing device 60 having the flat cable connection structure of the present invention, the sensor substrate 610 equipped with the flat cable connection structure is disposed on the opposite side of the drive mechanism portion of the rotating body 602. There is no interference with the drive mechanism, wiring is easy, and maintenance is easy.

(Medium transport mechanism)
Next, the medium transport mechanism will be described. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the medium transport unit of the medium transport direction changing apparatus shown in FIG. In the medium transport direction changing device 60, the rotating body 602 rotates as the power of the rotating motor 65 is transmitted to the pulley 653 of the rotating body 602 via the belt 66 as described above. The rotating body 602 includes a transport unit 61 that holds and transports the medium 2, a pair of opposed rollers 657 and 661 provided in the vicinity of one end of the transport unit 61, and the other of the transport unit 61. And a pair of opposed rollers 658 and 662 provided in the vicinity of the end on the side. Further, the medium conveying unit 61 operates such that each of the opposed rollers is driven by the driving force from the conveying motor 67 via the belt 68 and the conveying driving pulley 655 to receive or temporarily hold the medium 2. To do.

  The medium transport unit 61 transports the medium 2 in a predetermined direction with the medium 2 sandwiched from above and below, and the transport is performed as shown in FIG. The rollers 657 and 661 and a pair of opposed rollers 658 and 662 provided in the vicinity of the other end of the medium transport unit 61. The medium transport unit 61 is driven by the driving force transmitted from the transport motor 67. Of the opposing rollers, rollers 657 and 658 located on the lower side when FIG. 8 is viewed from the front are conveying rollers directly connected to the drive source, and rollers 661 and 662 located on the upper side are pad rollers not directly connected to the drive source. It is.

  The conveyance rollers 657 and 658 are interlocked to rotate synchronously via a pulley and a belt. Note that the transport rollers 657 and 658 of this embodiment also serve as pulleys, and the medium 2 is transported on the back surface of the belt 659 spanned over the pulleys that are the transport rollers 657 and 658. Specifically, the driving force from the transport motor 67 is transmitted to the transport drive pulley 655 by the belt 68, and is transmitted from the transport drive pulley 655 to the transport roller 657 via the belt 656. Further, the driving force is transmitted to the transport roller 658 via a belt 659 stretched between the transport roller 657. Reference numeral 660 denotes an idler, and the shafts of the rollers 657, 658, 661, and 662 are supported by the rotating body 602.

  The driving mechanism of the medium 2 by the medium transport path 61 is not limited to the illustrated example, and various forms can be adopted within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Further, the transmission of the driving force from the conveying motor 67 is performed by a pulley and a belt as shown in the figure, but a gear may be used.

  In the medium conveyance direction changing device 60 of the present invention described above, the direction of the conveyance path 61 is rotated so as to coincide with the inclined conveyance path 30 or is rotated in the same horizontal direction as the medium feeding portion 21. be able to. As will be described later, when the cleaning medium holding unit 110 is provided on the upper side of the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60, the cleaning medium holding unit 110 is rotated so as to coincide with the conveyance path 111 of the cleaning medium holding unit 110. The cleaning medium 114 can be received and rotated again in a direction in which the cleaning medium 114 is sent to the printing device of the inclined conveyance path 30. Further, it can be rotated so as to be discharged to a waste medium storage unit 53 provided below.

  The rotation control for rotating the second medium transport direction changing device 60 by a predetermined angle can be performed by various methods. For example, the rotation may be controlled by a stepping motor and a rotary encoder, or the rotation may be controlled by a photoelectric sensor (light-shielding sensor) and a position detection slit (light-shielding plate) manufactured in a predetermined shape. In any case, it is accurately rotated to at least two angles in the same horizontal direction as the medium feeding portion 21 and the angle that matches the inclined conveyance path 30. Further, when controlling to another angle, the angle is accurately rotated to that angle. Since the second medium transport direction changing device 60 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the rotation angle from the current position to the next rotationally moving position is minimized. It is preferable to rotate. Such a rotation operation can shorten the conveyance time of the medium 2.

  The second medium transport direction changing device 60 (A) media transport path of the second medium transport direction changing device 60 when transporting the medium 2 transported from the medium feeding unit 21 to the inclined transport path 30. 61 is leveled with the medium feeding unit 21, and the medium 2 conveyed from the medium feeding unit 21 is temporarily held by opposed rollers 657, 658, 661, 662 (hereinafter referred to as “opposing roller 657”) and then predetermined The angle is rotated to the same angle as that of the inclined conveyance path 30, and then the medium 2 is sent out from the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 to the inclined conveyance path 30 by the facing roller 657 and the like. Further, (B) when the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 is conveyed again to the inclined conveyance path 30 and printed on the medium 2 or erased, the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 The medium conveyance path 61 is made to coincide with the angle of the inclined conveyance path 30, the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 is temporarily held by the facing roller 657 and the like, and the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 is rotated. Then, it is sent again to the inclined conveyance path 30. Further, (C) when cleaning the inclined conveyance path 30 (the conveyance path of the printing apparatus) by the cleaning medium 114, the medium conveyance path 61 is rotated to an angle that coincides with the conveyance path 111 of the cleaning medium holding unit 110, and the cleaning medium 114 is received and temporarily held, rotated to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30, and the cleaning medium 114 is sent out there. Further, (D) when discarding the medium 2 in the discard medium storage unit 53, the medium transport path 61 is rotated to an angle that matches the discard medium storage unit 53, and the medium 2 is sent into the discard medium storage unit 53. .

  The driving source such as the opposing roller 657 is a conveyance motor 67 provided independently of the rotation motor 65 that drives the second medium conveyance direction conversion device 60. The rotation motor 65 and the conveyance motor Therefore, the rotation operation of the second medium transport direction changing device 60 and the feeding operation of the medium 2 by the facing roller 657 and the like can be independently controlled without interfering with each other. According to such a configuration, since the so-called accompanying phenomenon can be canceled, jamming can be prevented, and the medium transport direction switching control by the second medium transport direction changing device 60 can be performed easily and reliably. .

  Note that the first medium transport direction changing device 80 is also similar in principle to the second medium transport direction changing device 60 described above, and the description thereof is omitted here.

(Rotation control of the rotating body)
Next, rotation control for rotating the rotating body 602 by a predetermined angle will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship between the rotation angle positioning slit of the rotating body 602 and the sensor, and is rotated by a photoelectric sensor (light-shielding sensor) and a position detection slit (light-shielding plate) manufactured in a predetermined shape. This is an example of dynamic control.

  Specifically, the rotation positioning slits 631A and 631B provided at a plurality of positions (two locations in FIG. 9) corresponding to the transport direction, and a plurality of light shielding states detected by the rotation positioning slits 631A and 631B (see FIG. 9 includes three position detection sensors (PS) 630A, 630B, and 630C. The rotating body 602 can be accurately rotated in a predetermined direction by the slits 631A and 631B and the sensors 630A, 630B, and 630C that detect the rotational positions corresponding to the slits 631A and 631B.

  In FIG. 9, the rotation positioning slits 631 </ b> A and 631 </ b> B may be provided so as to rotate integrally with the medium transport unit 61. For example, the rotation positioning slits 631 </ b> A and 631 </ b> B are provided in the rotating body 602 so Is preferred. On the other hand, position detection sensors (PS) 630A, 630B, and 630C corresponding to the rotation positioning slits 631A and 631B are fixed to predetermined positions of the medium processing apparatus 1 through attachment members as necessary.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the second medium transport direction changing device 60 will be described. In FIG. 9, if the medium conveyance path 61 is in the horizontal position, the initial state is when the first rotation positioning slit 631A is detected by the first position detection sensor 630A. Next, when the medium conveyance path 61 of the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 is set to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30 from the horizontal position by a control instruction from the upper level, the left side in FIG. While rotating around, the first position detection sensor 630A stops when it detects the second rotation angle positioning slit 631B. As a result, the medium transport unit 61 rotates counterclockwise by a predetermined angle to the same angle as the inclined transport path 30, and the medium 2 can be connected to and received from the inclined transport path 30. On the other hand, when the medium conveyance path 61 of the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 is set to the same angle as the cleaning medium holding unit 110 from the horizontal position according to a control instruction from the upper level, it rotates counterclockwise according to an instruction from the upper level. And stops when the first position detection sensor 630B detects the second positioning slit 631A. As a result, the medium transport unit 671 rotates counterclockwise by 90 ° to have the same angle as the cleaning medium holding unit 110, and the medium can be contacted with the cleaning medium holding unit 110. As described above, by arranging the rotation positioning slits 631A and 631B at the conversion angle corresponding to the desired conveyance direction, the rotation position is guaranteed simultaneously with the setting of the accurate rotation position of the second medium conveyance direction conversion device 60 ( Position confirmation and operation confirmation of a driving source such as a stepping motor) are possible. As described above, the medium transport direction changing device of the present invention can be rotated at a wide angle of reversal or one rotation, can be rotated in a space-saving manner, and can freely adjust the rotation angle. It can be done easily.

[Other components constituting the medium processing apparatus]
Next, other components constituting the medium processing apparatus 1 will be described. The medium processing apparatus 1 can be provided with a waste medium storage unit 50 and a waste medium transport unit 90. The waste medium storage unit 50 is a cassette member that is provided below the inside of the medium discharge port 10 in FIG. 1 and stores used media to be discarded, and can also be referred to as a “waste medium storage cassette”. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 51 denotes a bottom surface of the waste medium storage unit 50, and reference numeral 52 denotes a sensor.

  The waste medium transport unit 90 is provided between the first medium transport direction changing device 80 and the waste medium storage unit 50, receives the used medium from the first medium transport direction changing device 80, and stores the waste medium. It is a member for conveying to the part 50. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 91 is a conveyance path, reference numeral 92 is a counter roller, reference numeral 93 is a static elimination brush, reference numeral 94 is an electromagnetic clutch, and reference numerals 95 and 96 are sensors.

  The non-contact communication unit 100 is a member that is provided inside the medium discharge port 10 and performs non-contact communication processing with respect to the medium 2 for reading, writing, or rewriting predetermined information. Since the non-contact communication unit 100 is provided, the present invention can also be applied to a non-contact IC card. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a conveyance path, reference numerals 102 and 103 denote opposing rollers, reference numeral 104 denotes an antenna unit, and reference numeral 105 denotes a sensor.

  The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may be provided under the first medium transport direction changing device 80. The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 receives the medium 2 from the first medium transport direction changing device 80 and reads or writes the magnetic data when the predetermined information of the medium 2 is magnetic data. Further, the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may be provided above the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 instead of being provided below the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80. The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 includes a conveyance path 121 that receives the medium 2 from the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80 or the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60, and a magnetic head 122 that reads magnetic data from the medium 2. Yes. Further, the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 is provided with a counter roller 123 for conveying the medium 2. The facing roller 123 is driven by an A drive motor 140 described later. Transmission of the driving force is disconnected and connected by an electromagnetic clutch 124 provided on one of the opposed rollers 123.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning medium holding unit 110 may be provided above the second medium transport direction changing device 60. The cleaning medium holding unit 110 accommodates a cleaning medium 114 for cleaning the print head 71 and the erasing head 72 included in the information writing apparatus, and exchanges the cleaning medium 114 with the second medium transport direction changing device 60. Hold as possible. Then, the cleaning medium 114 is transported from the second medium transport direction changing device 60 to the information writing device 70, and the print head 71 and the erasing head 72 are cleaned. In addition, the code | symbol 111 is a conveyance path, the code | symbol 112 is an opposing roller, and the code | symbol 113 is an electromagnetic clutch.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 130 can be provided in a space below the first medium transport direction changing device 80 and below the information writing device 70. The power supply unit 130 is preferably attached to the medium processing apparatus 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with one touch.

(Drive system)
As shown in FIG. 1, the medium processing apparatus 1 is driven by two drive motors (A drive motor 140 and B drive motor 150) in addition to the rotation motor 65 and the conveyance motor 67 described above.

  The A drive motor 140 is a combination of a plurality of belts, appropriate pulleys, and gears, and each conveyance of the waste medium conveyance unit 90, the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80, and the non-contact communication unit 100, which are temporary storage units. The opposite roller for driving is driven to carry the medium.

  The driving force of the A drive motor 140 that transports the medium 2 in the waste medium transport unit 90 is transmitted to an appropriate pulley via a belt, and further, the rotational drive of the pulley is transported by an appropriate gear connected to the pulley. It is transmitted to the opposing roller 92 of the unit 90 to drive it. Then, the transmission of the driving force to the opposing roller 92 is connected by the electromagnetic clutch 94 (the electromagnetic clutch 94 is in the ON state) or disconnected (the electromagnetic clutch 94 is in the OFF state), thereby temporarily holding the medium to be discarded. The medium is held in the waste medium transport unit 90 which is a holding unit, the medium is returned to the first medium transport direction changing device 80, or the medium is sent to the waste medium storage unit 50.

  Further, the driving force of the A drive motor 140 is appropriately attached so as to be rotatable coaxially with the rotating shaft 84 of the first medium transport direction changing device 80 via an appropriate pulley applied to another belt. The pulley is coaxially arranged with the conveyance driving pulley and the conveying opposite roller 103 of the non-contact communication unit 100, and is transmitted to the opposite roller 103 of the non-contact communication unit 100 and the opposite roller 102 that is synchronously rotated by being connected to the opposite roller 103 by a belt. Is done. The non-contact communication unit 100 conveys the medium 2 to the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80 side or the medium discharge port 10 side by the opposed rollers 102 and 103.

  The first medium transport direction changing device 80 transmits the driving force of the A drive motor 140 to the transport driving pulley of the first medium transport direction changing device 80 by a belt applied to an appropriate pulley, and the first medium The medium 2 is transported by the transport direction changing device 80. As described above, the first medium transport direction changing device 80 holds the medium 2 in the first medium transport direction changing device 80 by the driving force of the A drive motor 140, or the printing device 70 and the non-contact communication unit 100. In addition, the medium is transported to and from the waste medium storage unit 50. In addition, the transmission system of the driving force of the A drive motor 140 is not limited to the above-described system, and the belt, pulley, and gear can be appropriately combined.

  Further, the first medium transport direction changing device 80 is rotated by a rotation motor 85 that sends a driving force to the rotation shaft 84 via a belt 86. In this case, it is preferable that the A drive motor 140 and the rotation motor 85 are stepping motors having the same step angle, and the rotation angles per step of the conveyance drive pulley 145 and the rotation shaft 84 are matched.

  Similarly to the A drive motor 140, the B drive motor 150 is a combination of a plurality of belts and pulleys and drives the conveying opposing roller of the printing apparatus 70 to carry the medium. Specifically, the driving force of the B drive motor 150 is transmitted to the pulleys 151 and 152 via the belt 153, rotates the platen rollers 34 and 34 coaxially connected to the pulleys 151 and 152, and the platen roller. The counter rollers 31, 32, 33 for conveying the medium are rotated from 34, 34 via the belt. By such rotation, conveyance of the medium in the printing apparatus 70 is performed.

  Next, a new issue operation will be described. The new issue of the medium 2 is that the lowest medium 2a among the media 2 stacked in the hopper 20 is fed out by the claw portion of the pushing member 221 and conveyed into the second medium conveying direction changing device 60. The second medium transport direction changing device 60 is rotated at the same angle as the inclined transport path 30 to switch the medium transport direction. Next, the sheet is conveyed from the second medium conveyance direction changing device 60 into the printing device 70 disposed on the inclined conveyance path 30, and predetermined information is printed on the medium surface by the print head 71 provided in the printing device 70. At this time, the print head 71 is lowered by the print head drive motor 74 until it comes into contact with the medium surface, and printing is performed while being in contact with the medium surface. After the printing is completed, the print head 71 is raised to the original position by the print head drive motor 74. Thereafter, the medium 2 is transported to the first medium transport direction changing device 80 that is waiting in a state of being rotated at the same angle as the inclined transport path 30. The first medium transport direction changing device 80 that has received the medium 2 rotates until it reaches the horizontal direction in order to transport the medium 2 to the non-contact communication unit 100, and then transports it to the non-contact communication unit 100. In the non-contact communication unit 100, predetermined information is stored and stored in an IC built in the medium 2 by non-contact communication between the antenna unit 104 and the medium 2, and finally, the medium 2 is stored in the medium discharge port 10. Is sent to the user's hand. If necessary, before the processing by the non-contact communication unit 100, the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may perform a magnetic data recording process by branching from the first medium transport direction changing device 80.

  Next, the rewriting issue operation will be described. When the medium 2 in use is inserted into the medium discharge port 10, the width sensor (not shown) provided in the medium discharge port 10 detects the card-like medium 2 and opens the shutter 11 to rewrite and issue the non-contact communication unit. 100. In the non-contact communication unit 100, reading and writing of predetermined information with the IC built in the medium 2 is executed by non-contact communication, and thereafter, the first information held in the same horizontal as the non-contact communication unit 100 is used. It is conveyed to the medium conveyance direction changing device 80. The first medium transport direction changing device 80 that has received the medium 2 rotates to the same angle as the inclined transport path 30, then transports the medium 2 into the printing device 70, and then to the same angle as the inclined transport path 30. The medium 2 is transported to the second medium transport direction changing device 60 that has been rotated. From the second medium transport direction changing device 60, it is transported again into the printing device 70 in accordance with an instruction from the top of the device. First, the previous print data is erased by the erase head 72, and subsequently, a new one is created by the print head 71. Print information. After printing, it is returned to the user's hand from the medium discharge port 10 via the first medium conveyance direction changing device 80 and the non-contact communication unit 100. Also in this case, if necessary, after the processing by the non-contact communication unit 100, the magnetic data reader / writer 120 may perform magnetic data recording processing.

  Next, the update issue operation will be described. Renewal issuance (refers to discarding a medium whose usable period has expired and newly issuing a medium) is a width sensor provided in the medium discharge port 10 when the medium 2 being used is inserted into the medium discharge port 10 Detects the card-like medium 2, opens the shutter 11, and is conveyed to the non-contact communication unit 100. In the non-contact communication unit 100, reading of predetermined information by non-contact communication with respect to the medium 2 is executed, and when it is determined to issue an update based on the communication result, the predetermined information read for update is Temporarily stored in a host device or the like. Then, the medium 2 to be updated is transported to the first medium transport direction changing device 80 that is held in the same level as the non-contact communication unit 100. The medium 2 taken into the first medium transport direction changing device 80 is not transported to the inclined transport path 30, and the first medium transport direction changing device 80 is reversely rotated to be temporarily held in a lower part. And is held as a medium waiting for disposal processing. Next, a new medium 2 is issued in the same procedure as the above-described new issue. The new medium 2 is transported to the non-contact communication unit 100 via the first medium transport direction changing device 80, and information temporarily stored in the host device or the like is written to the new medium 2. Then, when this writing is confirmed or when it is confirmed that a new medium 2 has passed from the medium discharge port 10 to the user's hand, the disposal process held in the discard medium transport unit 90 which is a temporary holding unit The used medium 2 waiting is further discharged into the waste medium storage unit 50 obliquely below the discharged medium 2 after being discharged by the discharging brush 93.

  Next, the medium discarding operation will be described. The input (discarding) of the medium 2 to the waste medium storage unit 50 is performed via the waste medium transport unit 90. The medium 2 input from the medium discharge port 10 is sent by the non-contact communication unit 100 arranged immediately behind (inside the apparatus 1) or via the first medium conveyance direction changing apparatus 80. The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 reads the information and determines whether it is a waste medium. When the non-contact communication unit 100 reads that the medium is a waste medium, the waste medium is transported to the first medium transport direction changing device 80 and held at the same angle as the angle of the waste medium transport unit 90. Until the first medium transport direction changing device 80 rotates. Next, the waste medium is transported from the first medium transport direction changing device 80 to the waste medium transport unit 90. On the other hand, when it is read by the magnetic medium reader / writer 100 that the medium is a waste medium, the waste medium is returned to the first medium transport direction changing device 80 and held at the same angle as the angle of the waste medium transport unit 90. Until the first medium transport direction changing device 80 is rotated. Next, the waste medium is transported from the first medium transport direction changing device 80 to the waste medium transport unit 90.

  At this time, the waste medium transported to the waste medium transport unit 90 may be input to the waste medium storage unit 50 without being held there, but preferably until a new medium is issued, that is, the new medium is stored in the hopper 20. It is preferable to hold (temporarily hold) until it is confirmed that the information communication is completed by the non-contact communication unit 100. Then, after confirming that the information communication to the new medium has been completed, and after the new medium 2 is issued, the discard medium can be thrown into the discard medium storage unit 50 from the discard medium transport unit 90 as a temporary storage unit. preferable. By adopting such a method, when the new medium 2 is updated and issued, it is possible to discard the conventional non-contact IC card after confirming that information writing or the like has been performed reliably. Even when the card issuance is issued, a quick and reliable process can be performed.

  As described above, according to the medium processing apparatus including the medium transport direction changing device, the medium transport direction can be easily and accurately converted. Further, space saving can be realized as the entire apparatus, and other processing apparatuses can be arranged in a space with a margin, so that the conveyance direction can be easily and accurately rotated and converted in the direction of such a processing apparatus. As a result, a space-saving medium processing apparatus capable of issuing a new issue or update issue of a magnetic card, an IC card, or the like and further issuing a rewrite can be obtained.

  In the medium conveyance direction conversion device of the above-described embodiment, the side plate and the medium conveyance unit are rotated by driving the rotation member provided on the support shaft by the belt, but instead, the side plate is a disc. It is good also as a structure which forms in a shape or a gear shape, and transmits rotational driving force to the side plate directly from the outer periphery.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a medium processing apparatus and a driving method of the present invention. It is the front view showing an example of the whole arrangement of the connection structure of the flat cable which the medium conveyance direction change device concerning the present invention has. It is a front view of the 1st frame surface which covers the connection structure of the flat cable shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a left side view of the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a view of a rotating body provided in the medium transport direction changing device shown in FIG. 2 when viewed from above. It is a front view which has a notch part of the rotary body with which the medium conveyance direction conversion apparatus shown in FIG. 2 is provided. It is explanatory drawing which shows the formation procedure of the connection structure of the flat cable which the medium conveyance direction change apparatus shown in FIG. 2 has. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a medium conveyance path of the medium conveyance direction changing device shown in FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the slit for rotation angle positioning of a rotation body, and a sensor.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medium processing apparatus 2, 2a ... Medium 10 ... Medium discharge port 30 ... Inclined conveyance path 31, 32, 33 ... Opposite roller 60 ... Second medium conveyance direction change apparatus 61 ... Medium conveyance path 62, 63 ... Opposite roller 64 Rotating shaft 65 ... Rotating motor 66 ... Belt 67 ... Conveying motor 70 ... Printing device 80 ... First medium conveying direction changing device 81 ... Conveying path 82, 83 ... Opposing roller 84 ... Rotating shaft 85 ... For rotating Motor 86 ... Belt 100 ... Non-contact communication unit 101 ... Conveyance path 120 ... Magnetic medium reader / writer 121 ... Conveyance path 140 ... A drive motor 150 ... B drive motor 601 ... Device main body, 602 ... Rotating body, 602A ... First molded body , 602B ... second molded body, 603 ... rotation center axis, 604 ... first frame surface, 605, 606 ... entrance / exit, 607 ... medium guide 610 ... sensor substrate, 61 ... Flat cable, 612 ... winding part, 613 ... first folded part, 613A ... first rising part, 614 ... second folded part, 614A ... second rising part, 618 ... connection terminal, 619 ... Guide hole 621 ... Board, 622 ... Guide hole, 623 ... Bridge part, 624 ... Connector, 625 ... Multicore cable, 628 ... Slit 630A, 630B, 630C ... Position detection sensor, 631A, 631B ... Slit for rotational positioning 640 ... Storing section 641... Cavity, 642. Male and female end faces, 643 ... Slit guide, 644 ... Second frame surface 655 ... Conveying drive pulley, 656 ... Belt, 657, 658 ... Conveying roller, 659 ... Conveying belt 660 ... idler, 661, 662 ... opposing rollers S, S1, S2 ... photo sensor W1 ... axis of rotation center axis Direction of the space width W2 ... space width perpendicular to the axial width W3 ... central axis of rotation of the flat cable W4 ... wound width of lamination type

Claims (10)

A medium transport direction changing device that is provided in a transport path for transporting a card-shaped medium and converts the transport direction of the card-shaped medium,
A medium transport unit that forms a part of the transport path and can stop and hold the card-like medium, a rotating body that has the medium transport unit and is rotatably supported with respect to the apparatus main body, and the medium transport unit A sensor substrate including a medium detection circuit including a medium sensor for detecting a holding position of the card-like medium in the medium, and a flat cable for transmitting a signal from the medium detection circuit to the drive control circuit of the apparatus body,
The flat cable includes a winding part wound loosely in a concentric roll around an axis of a rotation center axis of the rotating body, and from the winding part toward the apparatus main body on one end side of the flat cable. A first folded portion that is folded, and a second folded portion that is folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable,
A medium transport direction changing device in which a leading end side of the first folded portion is fixed to the apparatus main body, and a leading end side of the second folded portion is fixed to the rotating body. The apparatus main body has a first frame surface on the side facing the rotating body,
The rotating body includes a second frame surface facing in parallel with the first frame surface, and an accommodating portion that is formed on the second frame surface and accommodates the flat cable.
The sensor substrate is attached to the bottom of the housing portion in parallel with the second frame surface,
The flat cable includes a first rising portion formed by raising a distal end side of the first folded portion in parallel to the first frame surface, and a distal end side of the second folded portion. A second rising portion formed so as to rise parallel to the second frame surface,
The medium transport direction changing device according to claim 1, wherein the first rising portion is fixed to the apparatus main body, and the second rising portion is connected to the sensor substrate.   The medium transport direction changing device according to claim 2, wherein the housing portion is formed of a conductive resin material integrally with the rotating body.   4. The medium sensor according to claim 1, wherein the medium sensor is disposed at both ends of the conveyance unit in the card-shaped medium conveyance direction, and is attached to a surface of the sensor substrate opposite to the second frame surface. The medium transport direction changing device according to claim 1.   5. The medium transport direction changing device according to claim 1, wherein the medium sensor is a pair of photosensors that detect an end of the card-shaped medium in the transport direction.   The drive source for driving the rotating body and the drive source for driving the transport unit are separately provided as drive transmission means provided at the rotation center of the rotating body from the outside of the rotating body, respectively. The medium transport direction changing device according to claim 1.   A conveyance path that refracts or branches at an angle and conveys the card-like medium, an information writing unit that is arranged on the conveyance path and writes or reads information on the card-like medium, and is provided in the conveyance path. A medium processing apparatus comprising: the medium transport direction changing device according to claim 1 that changes a transport direction of the card-like medium according to the angle. A fixed body having a first electric circuit; a rotating body having a second electric circuit and supported rotatably with respect to the fixed body; and a rotation center axis serving as a rotation center of the rotating body; A flat cable for electrically connecting the first electric circuit and the second electric circuit,
The flat cable is wound around the axis of the rotation center shaft in a concentric roll shape with a slack, and is folded from the winding portion toward the fixed body on one end side of the flat cable. A first folded portion, and a second folded portion folded from the winding portion toward the rotating body on the other end side of the flat cable,
A flat cable connection structure in which a distal end side of the first folded portion is fixed to the fixed body, and a distal end side of the second folded portion is fixed to the rotating body. A first frame surface provided on a side of the fixed body facing the rotating body; a second frame surface provided on the rotating body and facing in parallel with the first frame surface; A first rising portion formed by raising the leading end side of the folded portion in parallel with the first frame surface, and the leading end side of the second folded portion with respect to the second frame surface. A second rising portion formed in parallel with each other, and
The flat cable connection structure according to claim 8, wherein the first rising portion is fixed to the fixed body, and the second rising portion is fixed to the rotating body. 10. The flat cable connection structure according to claim 9, further comprising an accommodating portion that accommodates the rotating body on one of the first frame surface and the second frame surface. 11.

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