JP4813945B2 - Media issuing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium issuing device, and more particularly, to a space-saving medium issuing device capable of performing new issuance, update issuance, and rewriting issuance of a magnetic card or an IC card.

  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 a fare that can be used when using public transportation such as a railroad or a bus, the number of times of boarding, and the period of use are recorded on a magnetic card or an 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. A card processing device provided with a transport path switching unit in which unit guides continuous to the respective units are radially arranged around the card, and selectively connecting cards temporarily held in the transport path switching unit to the unit guides. Proposed. Further, the same document proposes a card processing device in which mark detection sensors are arranged on both sides of a card travel path of an inserter unit of a transport path for transporting cards so that processing can be performed even if the card insertion direction is wrong. Yes.

When a new card is issued by the card processing device, a stack of rewritable cards (rewritable cards) is taken out from the hopper one by one, data is printed, temporarily held by the transfer path switching unit, and the card type. Is a magnetic card or an IC card, that is, according to which data processing is performed, each write function unit is distributed according to function, and after writing processing by the write function unit, it is transported to the receiving gate, Issue a new card. In addition, when issuing a card update, the magnetic card or IC card inserted into the same card insertion gate as the receiving gate is distributed and transported to a writing function unit corresponding to the card type, and the writing function unit receives predetermined data. Is read and written, transported to the receiving gate again, and updated.
JP 2005-242435 A

  However, the conventional card processing apparatus as described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems. (1) There is an inconvenience that there is no useless card processing function or useless card insertion of cards that are no longer necessary, such as invalidation due to expiration of the usage period, and that separate ticket processing is required outside the apparatus. (2) Since the switching angle in the transport path switching unit is small and the card cannot be reversed upside down or printed on the back side, it is inconvenient for the user because the card is returned when processing such as printing is impossible. (3) From the hopper to the printing unit, the conveyance path switching unit, and the receiving gate are linearly arranged in a straight line, a certain depth of the device is required, and the device itself becomes large. (4) Since it is horizontally arranged in the same manner, if the amount of medium accommodated in the hopper is increased, the height of the apparatus is required and extra space is generated. That is, the height of the hopper is limited, and the amount of medium to be accommodated cannot be increased. (5) Furthermore, since the conveyance path to each writing function unit is radially arranged around the switching unit corresponding to the same linear horizontal arrangement, the outer shape of the apparatus becomes irregular, and the production is troublesome. This is not only inconvenient, but also inconvenient when installing the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a space-saving medium capable of performing new issuance, update issuance, and rewriting issuance of a magnetic card, an IC card, etc. It is to provide an issuing device. It is another object of the present invention to provide a medium issuing device that can shorten the processing time, perform multi-functional processing including printing on both sides of the medium, and increase the capacity of the hopper.

The medium issuing device of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a medium issuing device for issuing a card-like recording medium, and is disposed on the back side of the device, stacking and storing the media, and stacking the media A hopper having a medium feeding part capable of feeding the medium at the endmost part of the medium one by one, and the medium fed from the medium feeding part in a direction forming an acute angle with respect to the stacking direction of the media And a front side which is one end of the inclined conveyance path opposite to the medium feeding portion, and at a diagonal position in a side view of the apparatus with the inclined conveyance path in between. A medium discharge port that discharges the medium; an information writing mechanism that is provided on the inclined conveyance path and writes the predetermined information to the medium; and is provided between the medium discharge port and the inclined conveyance path. Is A first medium rotation unit Ru switching direction being the conveyance by rotating the medium is provided between the inclined transporting path and the medium feeding unit, the conveyed by rotating the medium A second medium rotating unit that switches the direction of recording, a waste medium storage unit that is provided in a space inside and below the medium discharge port, and that stores used media to be discarded, and the first medium A waste medium transport unit that receives the used medium from the rotation unit and transports the used medium to the waste medium storage unit .

  According to this invention, the inclined conveyance path is formed in a direction that forms an acute angle with the stacking direction of the medium. In other words, the inclined medium transport path is formed in a direction that gradually increases or decreases gradually from the back side of the apparatus toward the front side, so that the medium feeding portion provided in the hopper and the medium discharge for issuing the medium are provided. The outlet is disposed at a diagonal position in a side view of the apparatus with the inclined conveyance path interposed therebetween. (1) When the inclined medium transport path gradually increases from the rear side of the apparatus toward the front side, the medium is fed out from the lowest medium feeding section of the hopper, while (2) the inclined medium transport path is at the rear side of the apparatus. When the height gradually decreases from the side toward the near side, the medium is fed out from the uppermost medium feeding portion of the hopper. In any case, the inclined conveyance path can reduce the space and arrange the multifunctional unit, and can make the outer shape of the apparatus easy to make a rectangular shape. In the case of (1), it is convenient for installation when the apparatus is installed under a desk or the like, and in the case of (2), it is convenient for installation when the apparatus is installed on a desk or the like.

In addition, since such an arrangement at the diagonal position provides a space in the height direction of the hopper, it is possible to provide a hopper having a large medium storage capacity. In addition, since such an arrangement at the diagonal position gives a space to the inside lower side or the inside upper side of the medium discharge port, it is possible to provide a waste ticket processing mechanism there. In addition, since the information writing mechanism is provided on the inclined slope, the information writing mechanism can be used even if the apparatus length (depth) is shortened as compared with the case where the hopper to the information writing mechanism and the medium discharge port are linearly arranged horizontally. It is possible to ensure a sufficient processing length according to the above. Further, as described above, the medium storage amount can be increased and the waste ticket processing mechanism can be arranged, so that the space of the entire apparatus can be saved (effective use of space).
Further, according to the present invention, the first medium rotation part is provided between the medium discharge port and the inclined conveyance path, and the second medium rotation is provided between the medium feeding part provided in the stacker and the inclined conveyance path. Therefore, the first and second medium rotating portions are arranged at diagonal positions as viewed from the side of the apparatus across the inclined conveyance path. The second medium rotating unit rotates so as to convey the medium fed from the medium feeding unit to the inclined conveyance path, and the first medium rotating unit is a medium conveyed from the inclined conveyance path. When the medium discharge port is also used as a medium intake port, the medium is rotated so as to be conveyed to the inclined conveyance path.
Further, according to the present invention, the used medium is received from the waste medium storage unit for storing the used medium to be discarded and the first medium rotating unit in the space below or inside the medium discharge port. Since the waste medium transporting section transported to the waste medium storage section is provided, it is possible to quickly discard and reissue the waste ticket without taking time and effort.

  In the medium issuing device of the present invention, the hopper has a medium supply section that can supply the lowest medium among the stacked media one by one, and the medium discharge port is more than the medium supply section. It is characterized by being diagonally arranged on the upper side in the medium stacking direction.

  According to the present invention, since the medium discharge port is disposed at a diagonal position above the medium feeding portion of the hopper in the medium stacking direction, the space can be provided in the height direction of the hopper so that the medium can be stacked upward. A large amount of hopper can be provided. Further, a space can be provided below the inside of the medium discharge port, and a waste ticket processing mechanism or the like can be provided there.

  In the medium issuing apparatus according to the present invention, the hopper stacks and stores the medium below the uppermost portion having a height substantially equal to the medium discharge port.

  In the medium issuing device of the present invention, it is preferable that the information writing mechanism is a printing device.

  In the medium issuing apparatus of the present invention, the information writing mechanism can write and rewrite predetermined information, and the medium discharge port can take in the medium on which the predetermined information is to be rewritten, and the information It is preferable to eject the medium on which writing or rewriting is completed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to write and rewrite predetermined information, and the medium discharge port is also used as a medium intake port. Therefore, not only new issuance of magnetic cards and IC cards, but also renewal issuance and rewriting issuance Used as a medium issuing device.

  The medium issuing device of the present invention further includes a non-contact communication unit that is provided inside the medium discharge port and performs non-contact communication processing on the medium for reading, writing, or rewriting the predetermined information, The waste medium transport unit is preferably a temporary storage unit that holds the used medium until the success of the non-contact communication process is confirmed.

  According to the present invention, the non-contact communication unit that performs non-contact communication processing with respect to the medium for reading, writing or rewriting predetermined information is provided inside the medium discharge port. It can also be applied to. In addition, by making the waste media transport unit a temporary storage unit that holds used media until confirmation of success of non-contact communication processing, information writing etc. was performed reliably when updating and issuing new media After confirming the above, the conventional non-contact IC card can be discarded. As a result, it is possible to perform a quick and reliable process even in the update issuance of the non-contact IC card.

In the medium issuing device of the present invention, a cleaning medium for cleaning the information writing mechanism is accommodated, and the cleaning medium can be exchanged with the first medium rotating part or the second medium rotating part. It is preferable to provide a cleaning medium holding unit for holding.

According to the present invention, for example, the lower side (or upper side) of the first medium rotating unit and the upper side (or lower side) of the second medium rotating unit by the medium feeding unit and the medium discharge port arranged at diagonal positions. The cleaning medium for cleaning the information writing mechanism ( printing device ) is accommodated in the space on the side, and the cleaning medium is held so that it can be exchanged with the first medium rotating part or the second medium rotating part. Since the cleaning medium holding unit is provided, the print head and the erasing head of the printing apparatus can be cleaned periodically or at an arbitrary timing.

  In the medium issuing apparatus of the present invention, when the predetermined information is magnetic data, the medium is received from the first medium rotating unit or the second medium rotating unit, and the magnetic data is read or written. It is preferable to provide a magnetic medium reader / writer.

  According to the present invention, when the predetermined information is magnetic data, for example, the lower side (or the upper side) or the second side of the first medium rotating part by the medium feeding part and the medium discharge port arranged at diagonal positions. In the space above (or below) the medium rotation unit, there is provided a magnetic medium reader / writer that receives the medium from the first medium rotation unit or the second medium rotation unit and reads or writes the magnetic data. It can also be applied to a medium containing magnetic data.

  According to the medium issuing device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a space-saving medium issuing device capable of issuing a new issue or update issue of a magnetic card, an IC card, etc., and further rewriting issue. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a medium issuing device that can shorten the processing time, perform multi-functional processing including printing on both sides of the medium, and increase the capacity of the hopper.

  According to the medium issuing device of the present invention, the conventional problems can be solved and there are the following advantages. (i) It is possible to secure a function for disposing of a card that is no longer needed, such as being invalidated due to expiration of the usage period, and to dispose of the card, and there is no need to separately dispose of the card outside the device. (ii) First medium The rotation angle of the rotation unit and the second medium rotation unit can be increased to enable the medium to be turned upside down and printed on the back surface. (Iii) The writing unit can be inclined instead of horizontal. By doing so, the size of the entire device can be reduced to save space, and (iv) space is provided in the height direction of the hopper, so that the hopper can be enlarged to increase the capacity of the medium, (v) The entire device can be designed in a rectangular shape that is easy to make.

  According to the medium issuing device of the present invention, when the inclined medium transport path gradually increases from the back side of the device toward the front side, for example, when installing the device under a desk or the like, it is convenient for installation. In addition, when the inclined medium transport path is gradually lowered from the back of the device toward the front, it is convenient for installation when the device is installed on a desk, for example. And multi-functional units can be arranged.

  The medium issuing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description and drawing in the range which has the technical feature.

FIG. 1 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of a medium issuing device of the present invention. The medium issuing device 1 of the present invention is a device for issuing a card-like recording medium (sometimes simply referred to as “medium 2”), and is disposed on the back side of the device, and stores and stacks the media 2 together. a hopper 20 having a medium feeding unit 21 capable feeding has been the medium 2a of the outermost lower end portion of the medium 2 one by one, toward the direction forming an acute angle to the stacking direction of the medium 2, the medium feeding unit An inclined conveyance path 30 that conveys the medium 2 fed out from 21, and a medium discharge port 10 that is disposed on the near side that is one end of the inclined conveyance path 30 opposite to the medium feeding section 21 and that discharges the medium 2. And an information writing mechanism (for example, a printing device 70) that is provided on the inclined conveyance path 30 and writes predetermined information to the medium 2.

  The medium issuing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment in which the medium discharge port 10 is arranged at a diagonal position on the upper side in the medium stacking direction with respect to the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20. The hopper 20 has a medium feeding portion 21 that can feed out the lowest medium 2a of the stacked media 2 one by one, and the medium discharge port 10 is closer to the medium stacking direction than the medium feeding portion 21. It is diagonally arranged on the upper side.

  The overall arrangement of the medium issuing device 1 is such that the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10 for issuing the medium 2 are viewed from the side of the device with the inclined conveyance path 30 interposed therebetween (FIG. 1). Is the same as the plane view) and is disposed at a diagonal position. Therefore, the length of the entire apparatus 1 (left and right length L in plan view of FIG. 1) is shortened while securing a sufficiently long conveying path for arranging the information writing mechanism as the inclined conveying path 30. The size of the entire apparatus can be reduced, and furthermore, the outer shape of the apparatus can be easily produced and can be formed into a rectangular shape that is convenient for installation.

  The medium issuing device 1 can provide a space in the height direction of the hopper 20 by diagonally arranging the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10 for issuing the medium 2. As a result, the hopper 20 having a large amount of medium storage and having the medium feeding portion 21 at the lower portion can be provided.

  Further, the medium issuing device 1 provides a space below the inside of the medium discharge port 10 by the diagonal arrangement of the medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10 for issuing the medium 2. A waste medium storage unit 50 (also referred to as a reject stacker) as a waste ticket processing mechanism can be provided.

  Further, the medium issuing device 1 is provided with a printing device 70 as an information writing mechanism on the inclined slope 30. Since such an information writing mechanism is provided on the inclined slope 30, it is possible to ensure space saving as the entire apparatus. That is, the processing length related to the information writing mechanism is ensured to be sufficiently long even if the apparatus length L is shortened as compared with the case where the hopper to the information writing mechanism and the medium discharge port 10 are linearly arranged horizontally. In addition, as described above, the storage capacity of the medium can be increased and the waste ticket processing mechanism can be arranged, so that the space can be used effectively.

  In the medium issuing apparatus 1 of the present invention, the inclined medium transport path 30 may be formed in a direction that gradually increases from the back of the apparatus toward the front as shown in FIG. In any case, the medium feeding portion 21 provided in the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10 for issuing the medium 2 sandwich the inclined conveyance path 30 therebetween. In the device side view, it is arranged at a diagonal position. At this time, when the inclined medium transport path 30 gradually increases from the back of the apparatus toward the front, the medium 2a is fed out from the lowest medium feeding portion 21 of the hopper 20 as shown in FIG. An apparatus having this configuration is convenient for installation when the apparatus is installed under a desk, for example. On the other hand, when the inclined medium transport path 30 is gradually lowered from the rear side of the apparatus toward the front side (not shown), the medium is fed out from the uppermost medium feeding portion of the hopper 20. An apparatus having this configuration is convenient for installation when, for example, the apparatus is installed on a desk or the like.

  Hereinafter, each configuration in the medium issuing device 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. In the figure, “S” represents a sensor.

(hopper)
The hopper 20 includes a stacker (cassette type medium storage container) 25 and a medium feeding mechanism 22, and a medium feeding part 21 is formed between the stacker (cassette type medium storage container) 25 and the medium feeding mechanism 22. Yes.

A stacker (cassette type medium storage container) 25 is a medium storage container for stacking and storing the medium 2, and is a frame made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The cassette is detachable from the hopper 20 as a part of the medium issuing device 1. It is provided as a portable media storage container. In the present embodiment, the cassette type medium storage container 25 is shown. In the cassette type medium storage container 25, a medium 2 such as a contact type or non-contact type IC card or magnetic card is stored. For example, in FIG. 1, 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 cassette type medium storage container 25, and the lowest medium 2 a is transferred from the gate portion 23 by a medium feeding mechanism 22 described later. Sent out. The gate portion 23, as provided a predetermined clearance which can be delivered only one the lowest of the media 2a, the reference plate forming a side plate of the bottom plate and the cassette-type medium container 25 of the cassette type medium container 25 It is provided in between.

Further, the cassette-type medium container 25, to a shutter structure with a shutter 24 for closing the gate portion 23 (not shown) may be provided when the desorbed cassette medium container 25 from the hopper 20, the cassette There may be provided a weight 26 that acts to push down the medium 2 stored in the type medium storage container 25 from above. The shutter structure prevents the medium 2 from dropping from the gate portion 23 when the cassette-type medium storage container 25 containing the medium 2 is attached to the medium issuing apparatus 1 or removed from the hopper 20 and carried. it can. The weight 26 may be provided with a slide mechanism, or may be attached to the cassette-type medium storage container 25 with a chain or the like. In any case, the weight 26 is effective in preventing the weight 26 from being lost.

Medium feeding mechanism 22 is disposed opposite to the cassette-type medium container 25 to the bottom of the hopper 20, media 2a placed on the lowest of the plurality of media 2 contained in a cassette-type medium container 25 Is a device that feeds out the cassette-type medium storage container 25 (ie, the hopper 20). The medium feeding mechanism 22, pushing member for pushing out of the cassette-type medium container 25 lowest-the placed card media 2a through the gate portion 23 to the cassette-type medium container 25 (i.e., the hopper 20) 221 is provided. 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. In FIG. 1, two sprockets 223 and 223 are used. However, the sprocket may be composed of three or more sprockets. This sprocket, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the driving means 224 such as a stepping motor can be driven and controlled via the heat kinematic belt 225 or the like, thereby pushing member 221 to push the card media 2a Driven.

  The form shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic form of an example of the medium delivery mechanism 22 and is not necessarily limited to the form of FIG. For example, instead of the configuration in which the pushing member 221 is driven by the chain 222 and the sprocket 223, the pushing member 221 may be attached to the lead screw and driven.

Next, the medium feeding unit 21, out of the cassette-type medium container 25 in the medium 2a placed on the lowest of the plurality of media 2 to be accommodated cassette medium container 25 (i.e., the hopper 20) It is the part that is fed out. In other words, it is constituted by the gate portion 23 provided on the lower side of the cassette type medium storage container 25 and its peripheral portion.

(Media outlet)
The medium discharge port 10 is a gate that finally discharges the medium 2 from the medium issuing device 1, and is provided in front of the device and in the upper part of the device. 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 issuing device 1 in FIG. 1, a wide space can be secured below the medium discharge port 10 inside the device. As will be described later, a waste medium storage unit 50 for storing used media to be discarded can be arranged in the space.

  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 issuing device for issuing updates and rewritings.

  Further, although one medium discharge port 10 is provided in FIG. 1, two or more medium discharge ports may be provided. When two medium discharge ports 10 are provided, one can be used as a medium insertion port into which a medium in use for which predetermined information is to be rewritten is inserted from the medium discharge port 10, and the other is a new issue It can be used as a medium discharge port for discharging the medium that has been written or rewritten with predetermined information on the inserted medium or the medium in use. Further, when three medium discharge ports 10 are provided, the third can be used as a discharge port for used media to be discarded, for example.

  The medium discharge port 10 may be provided 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 are provided. 12 may be provided. 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.

(Inclined transport path)
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).

  Between the inclined conveyance path 30 and the medium discharge port 10, a first medium rotation unit 80 that rotates the medium 2 to switch the conveyance direction is provided, and the inclined conveyance path 30 and the medium are switched. It is desirable that a second medium rotation unit 60 that switches the conveyance direction by rotating the medium 2 is provided between the feeding unit 21 and the feeding unit 21. It should be noted that a space between the inclined conveyance path 30 and the medium discharge port 10 and the medium feeding section 21 may be a curved conveyance path that forms a curve by guiding the medium instead of the first and second rotating sections.

(Information writing mechanism)
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. . In the present invention, since the information writing mechanism is provided on the inclined slope 30, it is possible to ensure space saving as the entire apparatus, and when the hopper, the information writing mechanism and the medium discharge port are linearly arranged horizontally. Even if the apparatus length L is shortened, the processing length related to the information writing mechanism can be secured to a sufficient length.

  The printer 70 that is an information writing mechanism will be described in detail. The illustrated printing apparatus 70 includes a medium conveying counter roller 31, an erasing head 72, a medium conveying counter roller 32, a print head 71, and a medium conveying counter roller 33 from the hopper 20 side toward the medium discharge port 10. 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 drive motor 73 that moves the erasing head 72 up and down relative to the medium surface, and a print head driving motor 74 that moves the print head 71 up and down relative to the medium surface. It is desirable. The drive motors 73 and 74 of these heads 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).

  The printing device 70 is attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with one touch. For this reason, there is an advantage that when there is a malfunction in a component such as a print head or an erasing head or a medium transport mechanism provided in the printing apparatus, the unit can be replaced as a unit. Note that the printing apparatus as a unit may be fixed in a cantilever manner on one side in the longitudinal direction of the transport path and fixed on the other side with a hook. In the case of such a cantilever fixing, the unit space of the printing apparatus 70 including the erasing head 72 and the print head 71 in the empty space above the inclined conveyance path 30 in FIG. Since the printing apparatus 70 can be opened and closed with respect to the printing apparatus 30, the printing apparatus 70 can be easily maintained without being detached from the apparatus 1.

  In this embodiment, the printing device 70 that is an information writing mechanism on the inclined conveyance path 30 is a thermal printing device. However, various printing methods can be used instead, and a magnetic card reader can be used. Or other information reader / writer may be used as the information writing mechanism.

(First medium rotating part)
As shown in FIG. 1, the first medium rotation unit 80 is provided between the medium discharge port 10 and the inclined conveyance path 30, and rotates the medium 2 to switch the conveyance direction. Operate. The first medium rotation unit 80 includes a rotation conveyance path 81 that holds and conveys the medium 2, opposing rollers 82 and 83 provided near both ends of the rotation conveyance path 81, and the rotation conveyance path 81. It has at least a rotation shaft 84 with the central position in the longitudinal direction as the axis center. The first medium rotation unit 80 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with a single touch. When a problem occurs in each component or drive mechanism, the first medium rotation unit 80 There is an advantage that can be exchanged as. The rotation shaft 84 of the rotation conveyance path 81 is provided so as not to be buffered with the rotation conveyance path 81 so as to protrude outside the unit support of the first medium rotation unit 80.

  The rotation shaft 84 can be rotated by a rotation shaft motor 85 via a belt 86, and can be rotated so that the direction of the rotation conveyance path 81 coincides with the inclined conveyance path 30. It can be rotated toward the discharge port 10. As will be described later, when the waste medium storage unit 50 is provided below the medium discharge port 10, it can be rotated so as to coincide with the transport path 91 of the waste medium transport unit 90. As will be described later, when the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 is provided below the first medium rotation unit 80, the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may be rotated so as to coincide with the transport path 121 of the magnetic medium reader / writer 120. it can.

  The rotation control for rotating the first medium rotation unit 80 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 and a positioning slit (also referred to as a shielding slit) manufactured in a predetermined shape. In any case, it is accurately rotated to at least two angles: an angle that matches the inclined conveyance path 30 and an angle that matches the conveyance path toward the medium discharge port 10. Further, when controlling to a plurality of angles, the angle is accurately rotated to each angle. The first medium rotating unit 80 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the rotation angle from the current position to the next rotational movement position is minimized. It is preferable to make it. Such a rotation operation can shorten the conveyance time of the medium 2. Further, since the first medium rotation unit 80 rotates about the rotation shaft 84, the rotation angle can be increased to at least 180 ° or more (360 ° is also possible).

  The first medium rotation unit 80 (A) inclines the conveyance path 81 of the first medium rotation unit 80 when conveying the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 to the medium discharge port 10. Inclined at the same angle as the conveyance path 30, the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 is temporarily held by the opposing rollers 82 and 83, and then rotated by a predetermined angle to coincide with the conveyance path 101 on the medium discharge port 10 side. Next, the medium 2 is sent out from the first medium rotating unit 80 by the opposing rollers 82 and 83. (B) When the medium 2 transported from the medium discharge port 10 is transported to the inclined transport path 30, the transport path 81 of the first medium rotating unit 80 is connected to the transport path 101 on the medium discharge port 10 side. The medium 2 conveyed from the medium discharge port 10 is temporarily held by the opposing rollers 82 and 83, and then rotated by a predetermined angle to coincide with the angle of the inclined conveyance path 30, and then the first medium rotation unit The medium 2 is sent out from 80.

  Here, the driving source of the opposed rollers 82 and 83 is an A driving motor 140 provided independently of the rotating shaft motor 85 of the driving source for driving the first medium rotating unit 80 (details will be described later). It is. Since the rotation shaft motor 85 and the A drive motor 140 are driven independently, the rotation operation of the first medium rotation unit 80 and the operation of feeding the medium 2 by the opposing rollers 82 and 83 interfere with each other. There is nothing. According to such a configuration, the medium transport direction switching control by the first medium rotation unit 80 can be performed easily and reliably.

  In the present invention, when the medium 2 conveyed from the medium discharge port 10 is conveyed to the inclined conveyance path 30, the angle at which the first medium rotation unit 80 is rotated is the medium 2 conveyed from the medium discharge port 10. Is smaller than the angle at which the first medium rotation unit 80 is rotated when the medium is transported to the waste medium storage unit 50 or the magnetic medium reader / writer 120, which can contribute to speeding up the processing of the medium 2.

(Second medium rotating part)
As shown in FIG. 1, the second medium rotation unit 60 is provided between the medium feeding unit 21 and the inclined conveyance path 30 so as to rotate the medium 2 and switch the direction of conveyance. Operate. The second medium rotation unit 60 includes a rotation conveyance path 61 that holds and conveys the medium 2, opposing rollers 62 and 63 provided near both ends of the rotation conveyance path 61, and the rotation conveyance path 61. It has at least a rotating shaft 64 with the central position in the longitudinal direction as the axis center. The second medium rotating unit 60 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with one touch. When a problem occurs in each component or drive mechanism, the second medium rotating unit 60 is There is an advantage that it can be exchanged. In addition, the rotation shaft 64 of the rotation conveyance path 61 is provided so as not to be buffered with the rotation conveyance path 61 so as to protrude outside the unit support of the second medium rotation unit 60.

  The rotation shaft 64 can be rotated by a rotation shaft motor 65 via a belt 66, and can be rotated so that the direction of the rotation conveyance path 61 coincides with the inclined conveyance path 30 or a medium. It can be rotated in the same horizontal direction as the feeding portion 21. As will be described later, when the cleaning medium holding unit 110 is provided on the upper side of the second medium rotating unit 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. Can do.

  The rotation control for rotating the second medium rotation unit 60 by a predetermined angle can be performed by various methods as in the case of the first medium rotation unit 80. 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 and a positioning slit (also referred to as a shielding slit) 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. The second medium rotating unit 60 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, so that the rotation angle from the current position to the next rotational movement position is minimized. It is preferable to make it. Such a rotation operation can shorten the conveyance time of the medium 2. Further, since the second medium rotation unit 60 rotates about the rotation shaft 64, the rotation angle can be increased to at least 180 ° or more (360 ° is also possible).

  When the medium 2 transported from the medium feeding section 21 is transported to the inclined transport path 30, the second medium rotating section 60 uses the transport path 61 of the second medium rotating section 60 as a medium. The medium 2 which is leveled with the feeding unit 21 and is transported from the medium feeding unit 21 is temporarily held by the opposing rollers 62 and 63, and then rotated by a predetermined angle to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30, and then the second medium is rotated. The medium 2 is sent out from the moving unit 60 to the inclined conveyance path 30 by the opposing rollers 62 and 63. (B) When the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 is conveyed again to the inclined conveyance path 30 and printing or erasing of the medium 2 is performed, the conveyance of the second medium rotating unit 60 is performed. The path 61 is made to coincide with the angle of the inclined conveyance path 30, and the medium 2 conveyed from the inclined conveyance path 30 is temporarily held by the opposing rollers 62 and 63 without rotating the second medium rotation unit 60. It is sent out again to the inclined conveyance path 30.

  Here, the drive source of the opposing rollers 62 and 63 is a B drive motor 150 provided independently of the rotation shaft motor 65 of the drive source that drives the second medium rotation unit 60 (details will be described later). It is. Since the rotation shaft motor 65 and the B drive motor 150 are driven independently, the rotation operation of the second medium rotation unit 60 and the operation of feeding the medium 2 by the opposing rollers 62 and 63 interfere with each other. There is nothing. According to such a configuration, the switching control of the medium conveyance direction by the second medium rotation unit 60 can be performed easily and reliably.

  In the present invention, when the medium 2 fed from the medium feeding section 21 is transported to the inclined transport path 30, the angle at which the second medium rotating section 60 is pivoted is an acute angle. Can be switched.

(Disposal media storage unit and waste media transport unit)
The medium issuing device 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 member that is provided below the inside of the medium discharge port 10 in FIG. 1 and stores used media to be discarded. In the present invention, as described above, the medium feeding portion 21 and the medium discharge port 10 are arranged at diagonal positions when viewed from the side of the apparatus (same as the plan view of FIG. 1). Since a space is provided below, the waste medium storage unit 50 and the waste medium transport unit 90 can be provided in the space.

As with the hopper 20 described above, the waste medium storage unit 50 is a frame made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, and is detachably provided as a unit that forms part of the medium issuing device 1. In the waste medium storage unit 50, a medium that has been used for a certain period of time and reaches a set disposal time is input and accommodated for disposal. The determination of the disposal time can be made by reading the information data recorded on the medium such as the medium issuance date, the expiration date, and the number of uses by the non-contact communication unit 100 or the magnetic medium reader / writer 120. Details of the non-contact communication unit 100 or the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the discarded medium 2 is thrown from the discard medium transport unit 90 in an inclined state with respect to the discard medium storage unit 50, so that the bottom surface 51 of the discard medium storage unit 50 is also at substantially the same angle. An inclined shape is preferred. By making the bottom surface 51 into an inclined shape of about 30 ° to 50 °, for example, the thrown-out waste media can be stacked and accommodated in an orderly manner. In addition, it is preferable that a sensor 52 for confirming that the waste medium is input is provided in the waste medium storage unit 50. The sensor 52 may be a mechanical sensor as shown in FIG. 1 or an optical sensor.

  The waste medium transport unit 90 is provided between the first medium rotation unit 80 and the waste medium storage unit 50, receives a used medium from the first medium rotation unit 80, and receives the waste medium storage unit 50. It is a member for conveying to. In the present invention, as described above, the medium feeding portion 21 and the medium discharge port 10 are arranged at diagonal positions when viewed from the side of the apparatus (same as the plan view of FIG. 1). Since a space is provided below and below the first medium rotation unit 80, the waste medium transport unit 90 can be provided in the space.

  The conveying means included in the waste medium conveying unit 90 is a counter roller 92 that is driven by a driving motor provided in the printing apparatus 70. The opposing roller 92 is driven by an A drive motor 140 described later. The driving force is transmitted and disconnected by an electromagnetic clutch 94 provided on one of the opposed rollers 92.

The operation of the electromagnetic clutch 94, that is, the control of the driving timing of the opposing roller 92 is performed based on the position of the medium 2 detected by the sensors 95 and 96 that detect the positions of the medium 2 provided at both ends of the conveyance path 91. ing. That is, when the sensor 96 detects the medium 2, the first medium rotation unit 80 starts taking in the conveyance path 91, and when both the sensors 95 and 96 detect, the medium 2 in the conveyance path 91 is detected. When the presence (temporary hold) is detected and the detection by the sensor 95 alone is no longer completely detected, it is determined that the medium 2 is inserted into the waste medium storage unit 50. The sensor 95 is a lever-type detection sensor that detects contact of the medium 2 with the lever, and the sensor 96 is preferably a photosensor that detects light shielding by the medium 2, but is a sensor that detects by other methods. May be.

  Further, it is preferable that a gradual electric brush 93 is provided on the waste medium storage unit 50 side from the opposing roller 92 of the waste medium transport unit 90. The gradual power brush 93 removes static electricity from the waste medium and prevents the waste medium from sticking to the wall surface in the waste medium storage unit 50 or becoming vertical, so that the waste medium is stacked in an orderly manner. Can do. As described above, the waste media are neatly stacked in the waste medium storage unit 50, so that accurate detection of the amount of the waste medium by a sensor (not shown) provided in the waste medium storage unit 50 is not hindered. Further, the lever of the lever type detection sensor 95 on the waste medium storage unit 50 side of the gradual charge brush 93 functions to push the rear end of the waste medium downward from above, so that the waste medium stored in the waste medium storage unit 50 is discharged. It works so that it can be stacked neatly without sticking to the inner wall surface or standing vertically.

  By providing the waste medium storage unit 50 and the waste medium transport unit 90, it is possible to perform a waste ticket process that has not been conventionally performed, and it is possible to use the first medium rotation unit 80 without any trouble. Can be disposed of quickly. Moreover, it is preferable that the waste medium storage unit 50 and the waste medium transport unit 90 are attached to the medium issuing device 1 so that each can be attached and detached as a unit with one touch.

(Non-contact communication part)
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. The non-contact communication unit 100 includes a conveyance path 101 that conveys the medium 2 inserted from the medium discharge port 10, and further, opposed rollers that convey the medium in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the conveyance path 101. 102 and 103 are provided. An antenna unit 104 that performs non-contact communication is provided on one surface side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the center of the conveyance path 101. The antenna unit 104 can perform information communication with a non-contact IC card, and transmits / receives information to / from the non-contact IC card. As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor 105 may be provided for the purpose of detecting the presence or absence of the medium 2 and ensuring the reliability of communication with the antenna unit 104 as necessary. Further, the sensor 105 detects the front and back of the medium 2, and in response to this, the medium 2 is moved to the medium 2 by the first or second medium rotating unit 80, 60 and the printing device 70 or the magnetic medium reader / writer 120. On the other hand, it is rotated so as to be in a predetermined direction for performing printing and magnetic information recording. The non-contact communication unit 100 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with a single touch.

(Magnetic media reader / writer)
In the medium issuing device 1, a magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may be provided below the first medium rotating unit 80. The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 receives the medium 2 from the first medium rotating unit 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 on the second medium rotation unit 60 instead of being provided below the first medium rotation unit 80.

  Such a magnetic medium reader / writer 120 includes a conveyance path 121 that receives the medium 2 from the first medium rotation unit 80 or the second medium rotation unit 60, and a magnetic head 122 that reads magnetic data from the medium 2. . 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. The driving force is transmitted and disconnected by an electromagnetic clutch 124 provided on one of the opposed rollers 123. The magnetic medium reader / writer 120 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with one touch. The counter roller 123 in the magnetic medium reader / writer 120 may be driven by an independent drive motor.

(Cleaning media holder)
In the medium issuing device 1, for example, a space is provided on the upper side of the second medium rotating unit 60. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, a cleaning medium holding unit 110 is provided above the second medium rotating unit 60. It may be. 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 printing apparatus, and can exchange the cleaning medium 114 with the second medium rotating unit 60. Hold on. Then, the cleaning medium 114 is conveyed from the second medium rotating unit 60 to the inclined conveyance path 30 (printing device 70), and the print head 71 and the erasing head 72 are cleaned.

  The cleaning medium holding unit 110 is provided with a conveyance path 111 that contacts and receives the cleaning medium 114 with the second medium rotation unit 60, and a counter roller 112 that conveys the cleaning medium 114. The facing roller 112 is driven by a B drive motor 150 described later. The driving force is transmitted and disconnected by an electromagnetic clutch 113 provided on one of the opposed rollers 112. Sensors S and S are provided at both ends of the conveyance path 111 to detect and control the holding and sending state of the cleaning medium 114. For example, when both the sensors S and S detect, it is detected that the cleaning medium 114 is held in the conveyance path 111, that is, in the cleaning medium holding portion. During the cleaning operation, neither sensor S nor S detects the cleaning medium 114. The counter roller 112 in the cleaning medium holding unit 110 may be driven by an independent drive motor.

  With the cleaning medium 114 stored in the cleaning medium holding unit 110, the print head 71 and the erasing head 72 of the printing apparatus 70 can be cleaned periodically or at an arbitrary timing. In the medium issuing device 1, since a space is provided below the first medium rotation unit 80, instead of providing the cleaning medium holding unit 110 above the second medium rotation unit 60, One medium rotation unit 80 may be provided below. The cleaning medium holding unit 110 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with a single touch.

(Power supply part)
In the present invention, a power supply unit 130 for driving the medium issuing device 1 is provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply unit 130 can be provided in a space below the first medium rotation unit 80 and below the printing apparatus 70. The power supply unit 130 is preferably attached to the medium issuing device 1 so as to be detachable as a unit with one touch.

(Drive system)
FIG. 2 is a perspective side view showing an embodiment of a driving method in the medium issuing device of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the medium issuing device 1 according to the present embodiment is mainly driven by two drive motors (A drive motor 140 and B drive motor 150).

  The A drive motor 140 is a combination of a plurality of belts and pulleys. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the A drive motor 140 includes a waste medium transport unit 90 that is a temporary storage unit, a first medium rotation unit 80, and a non-contact communication unit 100. Each of the + conveying counter rollers is driven to convey 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 the pulley 141 via the belt 143. Further, the rotational drive of the pulley 141 is transmitted to the opposing roller 92 of the waste medium transport unit 90 by the gear 142 connected to the pulley 141 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 holding of the medium in the discard medium transport unit 90 as the holding unit, the return of the medium to the first medium rotating unit 80, the feeding of the medium to the discard medium storage unit 50, and the like are performed.

  Further, the other belt 144 applied to the pulley 141 is opposed to the conveyance drive pulley 145 that is rotatably mounted coaxially with the rotation shaft 84 of the first medium rotation unit 80 and the non-contact communication unit 100 for conveyance. It is stretched around a pulley arranged coaxially with the roller 103.

  Then, the driving force of the A drive motor 140 that drives the non-contact communication unit 100 is transmitted to the counter roller 103 and the counter roller 102 that is synchronously rotated by being connected to the counter roller 103 and the belt by the pulley arranged coaxially with the counter roller 103. The The non-contact communication unit 100 conveys the medium 2 to the first medium rotation unit 80 side or the medium discharge port 10 side by the opposing rollers 102 and 103.

  Next, the driving force of the A drive motor 140 transmitted to the transport driving pulley 145 of the first medium rotating unit 80 by the belt 144 applied to the pulley 141 is used to transport the medium 2 in the first medium rotating unit 80. To do. That is, the rotation of the transport driving pulley 145 rotates the counter roller 82 via the gear 146, and the counter roller 83 rotates the other counter roller 83 via the belt and the pulley. As described above, the first medium rotating unit 80 drives the opposing rollers 82 and 83 of the first medium rotating unit 80 by the driving force of the A drive motor 140 to rotate the medium 2 to the first medium rotating unit. It is held in the unit 80, and the medium is transported between the printing device 70, the non-contact communication unit 100, and the waste medium storage unit 50. The rotation of the transport driving pulley 145 may be transmitted to the opposing roller 83 by a belt and a pulley instead of the gear 146.

  Further, the rotation of the first medium rotating unit 80 is performed by a rotating shaft motor 85 that sends a driving force to the rotating shaft 84 via a belt 86. At this time, the transport drive pulley 145 that is rotatably mounted coaxially with the rotation shaft 84 is connected to the opposing roller 82 by a gear 146 and the rotation thereof is restricted by the belt 144 as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the first medium rotation unit 80 is rotated, the gear 146 rotates relative to the conveyance drive pulley 145 and the opposing rollers 82 and 83 rotate to be held in the conveyance path 81. A conveying force acts on 2. Therefore, in accordance with the rotation of the first medium rotation unit 80 by the drive motor 85, the A drive motor 140 drives the conveyance drive pulley 145 so as to convey the medium 2 in the direction in which the action of the conveyance force is canceled. To do.

  Similarly to the A drive motor 140, the B drive motor 150 is a combination of a plurality of belts and pulleys. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 70, the second medium rotating unit 60, and the cleaning medium holding unit 110 Each conveying counter roller is driven to convey the medium.

  Specifically, the driving force of the B drive motor 150 is transmitted to the pulleys 151 and 152 via the belt 153, and rotates the platen rollers 34 and 34 coaxially connected to the pulleys included in the pulleys 151 and 152. The platen rollers 34, 34 rotate the medium conveying counter rollers 31, 32, 33 via a belt. By such rotation, conveyance of the medium in the printing apparatus 70 is performed.

  Next, the driving force of the B drive motor 150 is transmitted to the pulley 154 of the cleaning medium holding unit 110 via another belt 156 that is hung on a pulley that is coaxially connected to the opposed roller 31 for conveying the medium, and the pulley 154 112 of the cleaning medium holding unit 110 is driven by a gear 157 connected to. When the electromagnetic clutch 113 is disengaged (OFF state), the cleaning medium is held in the cleaning medium holding unit 110. When the electromagnetic clutch 113 is connected (ON state), the B drive motor 150 is retained. In response to the rotation, the cleaning medium 114 is exchanged with the second medium rotating unit 60.

  Further, the driving force of the B drive motor 150 is applied to the transport driving pulley 155 of the second medium rotating unit 60 via another belt 156 that is applied to a pulley that is coaxially connected to the opposed roller 31 for transporting the medium. Rotate. The transport drive pulley 155 rotates the counter roller 63 via a gear or a belt and a pulley (not shown), and the counter roller 63 rotates another counter roller 62 via a belt and a pulley (not shown). As described above, the driving force of the B drive motor 150 drives the opposing rollers 62 and 63 of the second medium rotation unit 60 to hold the medium 2 and the cleaning medium 114 in the second medium rotation unit 60. Or exchange with the printing apparatus 70 or receive a newly issued medium 2 from the medium feeding unit 21. In addition, the cleaning medium 114 is exchanged with the cleaning medium holding unit 110.

  The rotation of the rotation shaft 64 of the second medium rotation unit 60 is performed by a rotation shaft motor 65 that sends a driving force to the rotation shaft 64 via a belt. Further, the rotation of the second medium rotating unit 60 is performed by a rotating shaft motor 65 that sends a driving force to the rotating shaft 64 via a belt 66. At this time, the conveyance drive pulley 155 that is rotatably mounted coaxially with the rotation shaft 64 is connected to the opposing roller 62 and the like by a gear or the like, like the conveyance drive pulley 145 of the first medium rotation unit 80. At the same time, since the rotation is restricted by the belt 156, when the second medium rotation unit 60 is rotated, the opposing rollers 62 and 63 are rotated by the relative rotation with respect to the conveyance drive pulley 155 and held in the conveyance path 61. A conveying force acts on the medium 2 (or the cleaning medium 114). Therefore, in accordance with the rotation of the second medium rotation unit 60 by the drive motor 65, the B drive motor 150 is configured to convey the medium 2 (or the cleaning medium 114) in a direction in which the action of the conveyance force is canceled. The conveyance drive pulley 155 is driven.

  As described above, by using the drive motor for transporting the medium 2, the old medium and the new medium can be independently transported in the apparatus as in the case of update of the medium, so that the processing time is shortened. In addition, since it is possible to reduce the number of belts and pulleys, it is possible to reduce the size and cost. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, two of the A drive motor 140 and the B drive motor 150 are mainly used, but may be configured by one drive motor. In addition, when comprising by one drive motor, providing with a mechanical clutch etc. is preferable.

(New media issue operation)
Next, a new issue operation will be described. In the new issue of the medium 2, the lowest medium 2 a 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 rotating unit 60. The second medium rotation unit 60 is rotated to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30 to switch the medium conveyance direction. Next, the sheet is conveyed from the second medium rotating unit 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 conveyed to the first medium rotation unit 80 that is waiting in a state of being rotated at the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30. The first medium rotation unit 80 that has received the medium 2 rotates until the medium 2 becomes horizontal in order to convey the medium 2 to the non-contact communication unit 100 and then conveys the medium 2 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 rotating unit 80.

(Media rewrite issue operation)
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 rotation unit 80. The first medium rotating unit 80 that has received the medium 2 rotates to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30, then conveys the medium 2 into the printing apparatus 70, and then rotates to the same angle as the inclined conveyance path 30. The medium 2 is conveyed to the second medium rotating unit 60 that has been moved. From the second medium rotating unit 60, it is conveyed again into the printing apparatus 70 by an instruction from the upper part of the apparatus. First, the previous print data is erased by the erasing head 72, and then new information is obtained by the print head 71. Is printed. After printing, it is returned to the user's hand from the medium discharge port 10 via the first medium rotation unit 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.

(Media update issue operation)
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 the host device. Then, the medium 2 to be updated is conveyed to the first medium rotating unit 80 that is held in the same level as the non-contact communication unit 100. The medium 2 taken into the first medium rotation unit 80 is not conveyed to the inclined conveyance path 30, and the first medium rotation unit 80 is reversely rotated to serve as a temporary storage unit disposed obliquely below. It is transported to the discard medium transport unit 90 and held as a medium waiting for discard processing. Next, a new medium 2 is issued in the same procedure as the above-described new issue. The new medium 2 is conveyed to the non-contact communication unit 100 via the first medium rotation unit 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.

(Media disposal operation)
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 inserted from the medium discharge port 10 is magnetically sent by the non-contact communication unit 100 disposed immediately behind (inside the apparatus 1) or via the first medium rotation unit 80. The medium reader / writer 120 reads the information and determines whether the medium is a waste medium. When the non-contact communication unit 100 reads that the medium is a waste medium, the waste medium is conveyed to the first medium rotation unit 80 and held there until the angle becomes the same as the angle of the waste medium conveyance unit 90. The first medium rotation unit 80 rotates. Next, the waste medium is transported from the first medium rotation unit 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 rotation unit 80 and held at the same angle as the angle of the waste medium transport unit 90. The first medium rotating unit 80 is rotated until it becomes. Next, the waste medium is transported from the first medium rotation unit 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.

Here, the operation timing of the waste medium transport unit 90 will be described. When the waste medium transport unit 90 receives the medium 2 from the first medium rotation unit 80, the opposing roller 92 is driven when the sensor 96 detects the medium 2, and the medium 2 is taken into the transport path 91 of the waste medium transport unit 90. It is. When the sensor 95 detects the medium 2, the driving of the facing roller 92 is stopped and the medium 2 is temporarily held in the conveyance path 91. In the temporary holding state, both sensors 95 and 96 detect the medium 2 and the presence of the medium 2 in the transport path 91 is determined. When the medium 2 is loaded into the waste medium storage unit 50, the opposing roller 92 is driven until the state where only the sensor 95 detects the medium 2 is changed to a state where it is not completely detected.

(Other embodiments)
As shown in FIG. 1, the medium issuing device 1 according to the embodiment described above includes a hopper 20 having a medium feeding portion 21 that feeds the lowest medium 2 a among the stacked media 2 one by one. The medium feeding portion 21 is provided with a medium discharge port 10 on the front side of the device at a diagonal position, and gradually increases from the rear side of the device toward the front side between the hopper 20 and the medium discharge port 10. And an inclined conveyance path 30 formed in a direction that forms an acute angle with the stacking direction of the medium extending in the direction. However, in such a case, it is convenient for installation when the apparatus is installed under a desk or the like, but it is not convenient when the apparatus is installed on a desk or the like. Therefore, if a hopper for feeding out the medium one by one from the uppermost medium feeding section is arranged on the back side of the apparatus and the medium discharge port is arranged at a low position on the front side of the apparatus, the hopper is gradually lowered from the back side of the apparatus. An inclined medium conveyance path is formed in the direction. In this case, when the apparatus is installed on a desk or the like, it can be an apparatus that is easy to use in installation, and space saving and arrangement of multifunctional units can be achieved by the inclined conveyance path.

  As described above, according to the medium issuing device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a space-saving medium issuing device capable of performing new issuance, update issuance, and rewriting issuance of a magnetic card or an IC card. Can do. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a medium issuing device that can shorten the processing time, print on both sides of the medium, and increase the capacity of the hopper.

It is a see-through | perspective side view which shows an example of the medium issuing apparatus of this invention. It is a see-through | perspective side view which shows an example of the drive system of the medium issuing apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 medium issuing apparatus 2,2a medium 10 medium outlet 11 shutter 12 the shutter solenoid 13 shutter mechanism 20 hopper 21 medium feeding unit 22 medium feeding mechanism 221 pushing member 222 chain 223 sprocket 224 driving means 225 Den kinematic belt 23 gate portion 24 shutter 25 cassette type medium storage container 26 weight 27 uppermost part 30 inclined conveyance path 31, 32, 33 opposing roller 34 platen roller 50 waste medium storage part (reject cassette)
51 Bottom surface 52 Sensor 60 Second medium rotating portion 61 Conveying path 62, 63 Opposing roller 64 Turning shaft 65 Turning shaft motor 70 Printing device 71 Print head 72 Erase head 73 Erase head drive motor 74 Print head drive motor 80 1st medium rotation part 81 Conveyance path 82,83 Opposed roller 84 Rotation shaft 85 Rotation shaft motor 86 Belt 90 Waste medium conveyance part 91 Conveyance path 92 Opposing roller 93 Gradual brush 94 Electromagnetic clutch 95 Lever member (Sensor )
96 Sensor 100 Non-contact communication part 101 Conveyance path 102,103 Opposing roller 104 Antenna part 105 Sensor 110 Cleaning medium holding part 111 Conveyance path 112 Opposing roller 113 Electromagnetic clutch 114 Cleaning medium 120 Magnetic medium reader / writer 121 Conveyance path 122 Magnetic head 123 Opposing Roller 124 Electromagnetic clutch 130 Power supply unit 140 A drive motor 141 pulley 142 gear 143, 144 belt 145 transport drive pulley 146 gear 150 B drive motor 151, 152, 154 pulley 153, 156 belt 155 transport drive pulley 157 gear S sensor

Claims (8)

A medium issuing device for issuing a card-like recording medium,
A hopper that is disposed on the back side of the apparatus and stores the medium in a stacked manner, and has a medium feeding portion capable of feeding out the medium at the endmost portion of the stacked media one by one;
An inclined transport path for transporting the medium fed from the medium feed section in a direction that forms an acute angle with respect to the stacking direction of the medium;
A medium discharge for discharging the medium is disposed on the front side , which is one end of the inclined conveyance path opposite to the medium feeding portion, and at a diagonal position in a side view of the apparatus with the inclined conveyance path interposed therebetween. Exit,
Provided in the inclined transporting path, and information writing mechanism for writing hand plants constant information to said medium,
A first medium rotation unit that is provided between the medium discharge port and the inclined conveyance path, and rotates the medium to switch the conveyance direction ;
A second medium rotation unit that is provided between the medium feeding unit and the inclined conveyance path, and rotates the medium to switch the direction in which the medium is conveyed ;
A waste medium storage unit for storing used media to be disposed, disposed in a space below or inside the medium discharge port;
A medium issuing apparatus comprising: a waste medium transport unit that receives the used medium from the first medium rotation unit and transports the used medium to the waste medium storage unit .   The hopper has a medium feeding portion capable of feeding the lowest medium among the stacked media one by one, and the medium discharge port is disposed above the medium feeding portion in the medium stacking direction. The medium issuing device according to claim 1, wherein:   3. The medium issuing device according to claim 2, wherein the hopper stacks and stores the medium below the uppermost portion having a height substantially equal to the medium discharge port.   The medium issuing device according to claim 1, wherein the information writing mechanism is a printing device.   The information writing mechanism is capable of writing and rewriting predetermined information, and the medium discharge port is capable of taking in the medium on which the predetermined information is to be rewritten, and has completed the information writing or rewriting. The medium issuing device according to claim 1, wherein the medium is discharged. A non-contact communication unit that is provided inside the medium discharge port and performs non-contact communication processing on the medium for reading, writing, or rewriting the predetermined information;
6. The medium issuing device according to claim 1, wherein the waste medium transport unit is a temporary storage unit that holds the used medium until the success of the non-contact communication processing is confirmed. . Containing a cleaning medium for cleaning the information writing mechanism ;
To claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning medium holding portion for holding and transferring between the said cleaning medium first medium rotation unit or the second medium rotation unit The medium issuing device described. A magnetic medium reader / writer that receives the medium from the first medium rotating unit or the second medium rotating unit and reads or writes the magnetic data when the predetermined information is magnetic data; The medium issuing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .

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