JP3367820B2 - Card reader - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card reader having a function of preventing unauthorized use of a magnetic card. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an erasing head for erasing data recorded on a magnetic card when a magnetic card placed in the card reader or a magnetic card that cannot run in the card reader is illegally removed. The present invention relates to a card reader equipped with.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Magnetic cards capable of reading and writing information using magnetism are widely used as credit cards, prepaid cards, and the like, but the unauthorized use of these cards is also the current situation. Is.

For example, when this magnetic card is used in a CD (Automatic Teller Machine), an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), an automatic ticket vending machine, etc., the magnetic card is a card such as a CD machine due to abnormal reading of magnetic information. It may remain captured in the reader. In this case, somebody may take out the magnetic card and steal it from the time when the owner of the magnetic card leaves the CD machine until the repair company comes.

It is also conceivable that an unauthorized act may be made such that when a magnetic card is inserted into a card reader by someone, the magnetic card is pre-worked so that it will not return again, and a legitimate user can take out the magnetic card that cannot be inserted and taken out and use it. Furthermore, when using a prepaid card, there may be a fraudulent act in which the card is pulled out before new data is written and the full condition of the card is maintained forever.

As one of means for preventing these illegal acts, there is proposed a method of destroying the data written in the magnetic card when the magnetic card in the card reader is about to be taken out illegally. Has been done. That is, in a card reader in which an abnormal stop and a removal operation are detected, an erasing head installed near the card insertion slot is operated to partially erase the written data and make the magnetic card unusable. To do.

[0006]

However, while the magnetic data of the magnetic card is mainly the horizontal component recorded in the same direction as the transport direction of the magnetic card, the magnetic field generated from the core surface of the erasing head is the magnetic card. , The magnetic data cannot be erased efficiently. Here, it is conceivable that the core surfaces of the two erasing heads are arranged so as to face each other and a magnetic card is passed between the core surfaces to erase the magnetic data. Although it becomes stronger, the horizontal component does not occur, so it was difficult to erase the magnetic data.

Further, when the core surfaces of the two erasing heads are arranged so as to face each other, it is not possible to widen the core surfaces in order to generate a magnetic field sufficient for erasing magnetic data. Furthermore, since the width of the core surface is almost the same as the width of the data track of the magnetic card, the mounting accuracy of the erasing head must be increased in order to maximize the erasing range of magnetic data. Since a high accuracy of mounting the erasing head on the card reader is required, it takes time and cost to assemble the card reader.

Further, in order to widen the interval between the core surfaces and to widen the erasable range of magnetic data while maintaining the strength of the magnetic field, the magnetic head may be increased in size. The size is limited, and it is desired that the size of the erasing head be at or below the current level.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a card reader having an erasing head capable of efficiently erasing magnetic data in the current size.

[0010]

In order to achieve such an object, the invention of claim 1 applies an erasing magnetic field to the magnetic card when the magnetic card is removed after detecting an abnormality of the magnetic card running in the card reader. In a card reader having an erasing head for erasing recorded data by generating the erasing head, the erasing head is configured such that two erasing core surfaces face each other so as to sandwich a magnetic card, and the erasing head is generated between the erasing core surfaces. The erase field is arranged to produce a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the data tracks of the magnetic card. Therefore, since the erasing magnetic field has a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the data track, the recorded data on the magnetic card is more effectively erased.

In the card reader according to the second aspect, the two erasing core surfaces are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the data track direction. Therefore, the erasing magnetic field is generated in a direction inclined in the data track direction rather than the direction perpendicular to the magnetic card. Therefore, since the erasing magnetic field also has a component parallel to the data track direction, the recorded data on the magnetic card is more effectively erased.

Further, in the card reader of claim 3, the two erasing core surfaces are shaped so as to generate an erasing magnetic field having a component parallel to the magnetic data track direction. Therefore, as in the case where the erase core surface of the erase head is shifted,
The recorded data on the magnetic card is erased more effectively.

According to another aspect of the card reader of the present invention, the erasing head is housed in a storage case having a sliding contact surface capable of sliding contact with the magnetic card, and the sliding contact surface is provided at both ends in the direction in which the magnetic card is conveyed. It has an inclined surface. Therefore, since the erasing core surface and the magnetic card sandwich the sliding contact surface of the storage case, abrasion due to friction between the erasing core surface and the magnetic card is prevented. Further, since the inclined surface is formed, the magnetic card does not come into contact with the end of the sliding contact surface of the storage case. Therefore, the storage case and the magnetic card are prevented from being damaged.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings showing the configuration of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card reader according to the present embodiment includes an erasing head 1 composed of a C-shaped magnetic body 2 around which a coil 3 is wound, an insertion slot 10 for a magnetic card 8, and a magnetic card 8. A detection head 11 for detecting insertion into the card reader, a pad roller 12 facing the detection head 11, a carrying tray 13 for carrying the magnetic card 8, and a magnetic track for reading and writing magnetic information on the data track 9 of the magnetic card 8. It is provided with a head 14 for performing and position sensors 15, 16, 17 for detecting the presence of the magnetic card 8.

The erasing head 1 has a structure in which a coil 3 is wound around a C-shaped magnetic body 2. The magnetic body 2 is
It is composed of a U-shaped upper member and a lower member, and the end surfaces of the upper member and the lower member are butted against each other. The one end faces are in contact with each other, and the other end faces have a space at least through which the magnetic card 8 can pass. The end faces having this interval form the erase core faces 4 and 4. The erasing head 1 is arranged such that the magnetic card 8 passes between the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4, and the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 and the passing magnetic card 8 are parallel to each other.

A notch 7 having a step is formed on an end face where the upper member and the lower member of the magnetic body 2 come into contact with each other. Then, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the upper member and the lower member are joined while being displaced in the carrying direction (X direction) of the magnetic card 8. Therefore, the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 are offset from each other in the conveying direction of the magnetic card 8 and face each other.

By energizing the coil 3,
A magnetic field 5 is generated between the erase core surfaces 4 and 4. Since the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 are displaced from each other in the carrying direction of the magnetic card 8, the erasing magnetic field generated includes not only the vertical (Z direction) component but also the horizontal (X direction) component 6. For this reason,
The X-direction component 6 of the erasing magnetic field effectively acts on the magnetic information whose main component is the X-direction. As a result, the efficiency of erasing the magnetic information on the data track 9 can be improved without increasing the size of the erasing head 1 itself.

Further, as in the present embodiment, the erasable ranges of the data tracks 9 in the width direction (Y direction) are also set by arranging the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 so as to face each other while being offset in the carrying direction of the magnetic card 8. Will be increased. This is because the magnetic lines of force generated from the end portion of one erase core surface 4 in the Y direction largely curve in the Y direction and reach the other erase core surface 4.
It is considered that as a result, the erasing magnetic field also spreads in the Y direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the erasing head 1 is housed in a plastic housing case 18. The storage case 18 is shaped so as to cover almost the entire magnetic body 2. A sliding contact surface 19 is formed between the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 with a space allowing the magnetic card 8 to pass therethrough. Further, both ends of the sliding contact surfaces 19, 19 in the transporting direction of the magnetic card 8 are chamfered to form inclined surfaces 20, 20. Therefore, since the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 do not come into direct contact with the magnetic card 8, the erasing head 1 can be prevented from wearing. Further, since the housing case is made of plastic, even if the magnetic card 8 comes into contact with the sliding contact surface, the magnetic card 8 is not damaged. Further, since the magnetic card 8 is guided by the inclined surface 20, the magnetic card 8
Wear is prevented.

When using the above-mentioned card reader, the magnetic card 8 is inserted through the card insertion slot 10. And
The detection head 11 detects the insertion of the magnetic card 8 and the pad roller 12 is driven to convey the magnetic card 8 into the card reader. The magnetic card 8 passes between the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 of the erasing head 1 during transportation, but the coil 3 of the erasing head 1 is not energized at this time, and the erasing head 1
Does not generate a magnetic field for erasing the magnetic information of the magnetic card 8.

The magnetic card 8 which has passed between the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 of the erasing head 1 is placed on the carrying tray 13 and further carried into the card reader. The data track 9 of the magnetic card 8 is in sliding contact with the read / write head 14 to read / write magnetic data. When reading / writing is completed and there is no abnormality in the magnetic card 8, the magnetic card 8 is conveyed in the opposite direction and ejected from the insertion slot 10.

During the above-mentioned operation, when an abnormality is detected in the reading and writing of the magnetic information of the magnetic card 8, the magnetic card 8 is stored in the recovery box at the back of the card reader. When an abnormal situation occurs in which the inserted magnetic card 8 cannot return to the insertion slot 10 for some reason, the transport mechanism for the magnetic card 8 is stopped. Then, when these situations occur, the coil 3 is energized. In addition, in order to prevent the insertion of another magnetic card, the insertion port 10
Will be closed.

As a result, even if the carry-in port 10 is destroyed and the magnetic card 8 is forcibly taken out, the data track 9 passes through the erasing magnetic field and a part of the magnetic information is erased. The card 8 cannot be used. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of the magnetic card 8 due to theft. The magnetic card 8 left behind inside the card reader is taken out by a specialized worker who arrives after that. At the same time, the power supply to the coil 3 is stopped, and the card reader can be used again normally.

The above-described embodiment is 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, the arrangement of the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 is parallel to the magnetic card 8. However, the arrangement is not limited to this, and the arrangement of the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 may be non-parallel to the magnetic card 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, it is assumed that the magnetic body 2 has a twisted shape and the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 are inclined with respect to the magnetic card 8. Even in this case, the efficiency of erasing the magnetic information on the data track 9 can be improved as in the above-described embodiment.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the erase core surfaces 4 and 4 are arranged in the width direction (Y direction) of the data track 9.
When it is displaced, the erase width is increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the required level of mounting accuracy of the erasing head 1. Furthermore, for example, the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 of the erasing head 1 may be displaced in both the carrying direction of the magnetic card 8 and the width direction of the data track 9. in this case,
A component in each direction can be generated in the erase magnetic field.

Further, in the present embodiment, the upper member and the lower member of the magnetic body 2 are used as separate members and these members are used in combination, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the magnetic body 2 is constituted by one member. I don't mind. In this case, by making the shapes of the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 into predetermined shapes, it is possible to generate an X-direction component in the erasing magnetic field and expand the range of the erasing magnetic field in the width direction. The shape of the erasing core surfaces 4 and 4 in this case is, for example, a shape inclined with respect to the magnetic card 8 as shown in FIG. 3 (A) or an X shape as shown in FIG. 3 (B).
A shape having a depressed center portion in the direction, a shape having a step as shown in FIG. 3C, and a shape in which a convex portion and a concave portion face each other as shown in FIG. 3D can be given. However, it goes without saying that the shape is not limited to these.

[0028]

As described above, in the card reader having the erasing head according to the first aspect of the present invention, the erasing head is configured such that two erasing core surfaces are opposed to each other so as to sandwich the magnetic card between them. Since the erasing magnetic field generated between the magnetic cards is configured to generate a component parallel to the longitudinal direction of the data track of the magnetic card, the magnetic information parallel to the longitudinal direction can be efficiently erased. Further, the magnetic lines of force generated from the end portions in the width direction of one erase core surface are largely curved and reach the other erase core surface, so that the erase magnetic field also spreads in the width direction. Therefore, the erasable range of the data track in the width direction is also increased. For these reasons, it is possible to improve the erasing ability without making a large change in the size and shape of the conventional erasing head.
Therefore, the high mounting accuracy required when mounting the erasing head on the card reader can be relaxed, and as a result, the assembling work can be simplified.

According to the card reader of the present invention, the two erasing core surfaces are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the data track direction, so that the erasing magnetic field is inclined in the data track direction rather than in the direction perpendicular to the magnetic card. The data recorded on the magnetic card can be erased more effectively.

Further, in the card reader of claim 3, the two erasing core surfaces are shaped so as to generate an erasing magnetic field having a component parallel to the magnetic data track direction, so that the erasing core surface of the erasing head is displaced. In addition, the recorded data on the magnetic card can be erased more effectively. That is, by processing only the shape of the end face of the erasing head, the ability for erasing can be improved.

Further, in the card reader of claim 4, the erasing head is housed in a housing case having a sliding contact surface capable of sliding contact with the magnetic card, and the sliding contact surface is provided at both ends in the direction in which the magnetic card is conveyed. Since the sloping surface is provided, abrasion of the erasing core surface due to friction with the magnetic card is prevented. Further, since the inclined surface is formed, the magnetic card does not come into contact with the end of the sliding contact surface of the storage case. For this reason,
It is possible to prevent the storage case and the magnetic card from being damaged.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an erasing head of a card reader of the present invention and its surroundings.

2A and 2B are views showing an erasing head, where FIG. 2A is a front view when a magnetic body is displaced in an X direction, FIG. 2B is a front view when a magnetic body is twisted, and FIG. A front view when the body is shifted in the Y direction, and (D) is a side view of the same.

3A and 3B are front views showing various shapes of the erasing head surfaces of the erasing head, which are opposed to each other, in which (A) is an inclined one, (B) is a curved one, and (C) is a stepped one. ) Indicates the one with unevenness.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an erasing head and a storage case, (A)
Shows a front view and (B) shows a side view.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 erasing head 4 Erase core end face 5 Erase magnetic field 6 Horizontal component of erasing magnetic field 8 magnetic cards 9 data tracks 18 storage cases 19 Sliding surface 20 slope

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP 59-139117 (JP, A) JP 60-119609 (JP, A) JP 59-165218 (JP, A) JP 27- 466 (JP, B1) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06K 17/00 G07F 7/08 G11B 5/127-5/255

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A card reader having an erasing head for erasing recorded data by generating an erasing magnetic field in the magnetic card when the magnetic card is removed after detecting an abnormality of the magnetic card running in the card reader, The erasing head has two erasing core surfaces facing each other so as to sandwich the magnetic card, and the erasing magnetic field generated between the erasing core surfaces is in the longitudinal direction of the data track of the magnetic card. A card reader characterized in that it is configured to produce parallel components. 2. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the two erasing core surfaces are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the data track direction. 3. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the two erasing core surfaces are shaped to generate the erasing magnetic field having a component parallel to the magnetic data track direction. 4. The erasing head is housed in a housing case having a sliding contact surface capable of sliding contact with the magnetic card, and both ends of the sliding contact surface in a direction in which the magnetic card is conveyed have inclined surfaces. The card reader according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein