JP6167234B2 - IC contact unit and IC card processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an IC contact unit and an IC card processing device, and in particular, an IC contact unit having a structure in which an IC card side terminal is pressed and brought into contact with an IC card side terminal by utilizing the IC card transport force, and It is suitable for application to an IC card processing apparatus.

  In general, an automatic transaction apparatus such as an automatic teller machine is provided with an IC card processing apparatus including an IC contact unit. The IC card processing device conveys the IC card to a writable position and reads / writes variable data such as transaction data recorded on the IC card by the IC contact unit. When reading / writing variable data, it is necessary to bring the terminal on the IC card side into contact with the terminal on the IC contact unit side. About the structure of a contact location, it is disclosed by the following patent document 1, for example.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an IC contact unit that uses the conveyance force of an IC card to press and contact the terminal on the IC contact unit side with the terminal on the IC card side. Specifically, the IC contact unit includes a movable base having an IC contact and a claw member, a guide portion for guiding the movable base, a standby position where the claw member of the movable base is retracted from the IC card transport surface, or the IC card. An actuator that moves to a protruding position that receives a conveying force, and the guide unit is movable when the claw member moved to the protruding position by the actuator moves by receiving the conveying force of the IC card. The structure of the IC contact unit is disclosed in which the IC is guided in a horizontal direction with respect to the IC card transport direction.

  According to this Patent Document 1, since the IC card-side terminal and the IC contact unit-side terminal are brought into contact with each other by utilizing the conveying force of the IC card, the actuator moves the claw member of the movable base to the IC card. It may be a small one having a driving force enough to move to a protruding position that receives a conveying force, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and power consumption can be reduced.

Japanese Patent No. 3668389

  However, in the structure described in Patent Document 1, when the claw member is in the protruding position where the IC card transport force is received, the distance between the IC contact provided on the movable base and the IC card transport surface is extremely small. At this time, if the IC card being conveyed is warped and there is an abnormal part such as distortion or cracking, there is a problem that the abnormal part interferes with the IC contact and destroys the IC contact.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an IC contact unit and an IC card processing apparatus capable of avoiding destruction of an IC contact while reducing the size and power consumption of the entire apparatus as in the prior art. This is a proposal.

  In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, an IC contact unit that reads and writes data from and to an IC card includes a first contact terminal block, a second contact terminal block, and an elastic member, The first contact terminal block includes a claw portion that locks the IC card, and a first link portion that serves as a rotation axis when the first contact terminal block rotates, and the second contact terminal block includes: A contact pin that contacts a terminal of the IC card; a second link portion rotatably connected to the first contact terminal block; and a tension member on which the elastic member is stretched. A tensile force is applied to the second contact terminal block via the member.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, in an IC card processing apparatus including an IC contact unit that reads and writes data from and to an IC card, a first contact terminal block, a second contact terminal block, The first contact terminal block includes a claw portion for locking the IC card, and a first link portion serving as a rotation shaft when the first contact terminal block rotates. The second contact terminal block includes a contact pin that contacts the terminal of the IC card, a second link portion that is rotatably connected to the first contact terminal block, and a tension member on which the elastic member is stretched. The elastic member is characterized in that a tensile force is applied to the second contact terminal block via the tension member.

  In order to solve such a problem, in the present invention, in an automatic transaction apparatus including an IC contact unit for reading and writing data to and from an IC card, a first contact terminal block, a second contact terminal block, The first contact terminal block includes a claw portion that locks the IC card, and a first link portion that serves as a rotation shaft when the first contact terminal block rotates. The second contact terminal block includes a contact pin that contacts a terminal of the IC card, a second link portion that is rotatably connected to the first contact terminal block, and a tension member on which an elastic member is stretched. The elastic member biases the tensile force to the second contact terminal block via the stretching member.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid destruction of an IC contact while reducing the size and power consumption of the entire apparatus.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an IC card processing device. It is a whole block diagram of IC contact unit at the time of IC card standby. It is a whole block diagram of an IC contact unit at the time of IC card latching. It is a whole block diagram of IC contact unit at the time of IC card conveyance. It is a whole block diagram of IC contact unit at the time of IC card reading. It is a disassembled perspective view of an IC contact unit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of IC Card Processing Device FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the IC card processing device 1 in the present embodiment. When an IC card is inserted, the IC card processing device 1 is configured to operate an IC contact unit 20 provided therein and read / write variable data such as transaction data recorded on the IC card.

  The IC card processing apparatus 1 includes a conveyance roller 10 and an IC contact unit 20. The pair of transport rollers 10 are arranged to face the card transport line X in the vertical direction, and rotate so as to transport the IC card along the card transport line X. Here, the conveyance roller 10 rotates so as to convey the IC card from right to left.

  The IC contact unit 20 is installed between two sets of transport rollers 10 disposed in the front and rear directions in the card transport line X direction, and is disposed upward with respect to the card transport line X. The IC contact unit 20 reads and writes variable data recorded on the IC card that has been transported along the card transport line X.

  When reading and writing, the IC contact unit 20 uses the conveying force of the IC card to press and contact the terminal (contact pin) on the IC contact unit 20 side with the terminal on the IC card side. The detailed configuration of the IC contact unit 20 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(2) Configuration of IC Contact Unit During IC Card Standby FIG. 2 shows the overall configuration of the IC contact unit 20 during IC card standby. The IC contact unit 20 includes an actuator 21, a plunger 22, an L-shaped arm 23, a first contact terminal block 24, a second contact terminal block 25, an elastic member 26, a tension member 31, and the like.

  When the IC card is transported along the card transport line X, the actuator 21 sucks the plunger 22 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, a timing at which a later-described claw 241 can lock an end portion of the IC card.

  The plunger 22 is connected to the actuator 21 so as to be suckable, and is connected to an L-shaped arm 23. When the plunger 22 is sucked by the actuator 21, the plunger 22 transmits a sucking operation to the L-shaped arm 23.

  When the suction operation from the plunger 22 is transmitted to the L-shaped arm 23, one end that is a connection portion with the plunger 22 moves in the suction direction of the plunger 22. Along with this, the L-shaped arm 23 rotates clockwise around the fixed axis that fixes the L-shaped arm 23, and the other end pushes down the first contact terminal block 24.

  Before the first contact terminal block 24 is pushed down by the L-shaped arm 23, the first link portion L1, the second link portion L2, and the rotation operation limiting portion (not shown) are arranged in the card transport line X direction. On the other hand, it is fixed so as to be rotatable while maintaining a predetermined angle θ1. In contrast, when the first contact terminal block 24 is pressed by the L-shaped arm 23, the first contact terminal block 24 rotates counterclockwise with the first link portion L1 as a rotation axis.

  An installation area for the second contact terminal block 25 is formed at the center of the first contact terminal block 24, and a claw portion 241 is formed at the end. When the first contact terminal block 24 rotates counterclockwise about the first link portion L1 as the rotation axis, the claw portion 241 moves downward from the card transport line X. When the claw portion 241 moves downward, the first contact terminal block 24 transmits the rotation operation to the second contact terminal block 25 via the second link portion L2.

  The second contact terminal block 25 includes a contact pin 251 that actually reads and writes variable data recorded on the IC card in the center portion, and the end portion is connected to the second link portion L2 through the second link portion L2. 1 contact terminal block 24. A tension member 252 is formed at the other end, and an elastic member 26 is stretched around the tension member 252.

  When the rotation operation from the first contact terminal block 24 is transmitted to the second contact terminal block 25 via the second link portion L2, the elastic member 26 is stretched over the stretch member 252. As it is, it rotates counterclockwise together with the first contact terminal block 24.

  The elastic member 26 is installed so that an urging force is exerted in a direction substantially parallel to the card transport line X direction and opposite to the IC card transport direction during standby of the IC card, and is an end portion of the second contact terminal block 25. It is stretched between the tension member 252 and the other tension member 31. The elastic member 26 biases the force that pulls the second contact terminal block 25 in the right direction via the stretching member 252. The elastic member 26 is, for example, a spring coil.

(3) Configuration of IC contact unit when IC card is locked FIG. 3 shows the overall configuration of the IC contact unit 20 when IC card is locked. When the IC card is transported along the card transport line X, the IC contact unit 20 sucks the plunger 22 at a predetermined timing. With the suction operation of the plunger 22, the L-shaped arm 23 rotates clockwise to push down the end portion on the claw portion 241 side of the first contact terminal block 24. As a result, the claw portion 241 moves below the card transport line X.

  In a state where the claw portion 241 moves below the card transport line X, the first contact terminal block 24 maintains a substantially horizontal state with respect to the card transport line X. That is, the first contact terminal block 24 when the IC card is locked is in a state where the angle θ1 with respect to the card transport line X direction is maintained at zero. When the IC card is transported along the card transport line X in this state, the first contact terminal block 24 engages the end portion of the IC card with the claw portion 241.

  As the first contact terminal block 24 rotates counterclockwise, the second contact terminal block 25 also rotates in the same direction, but the second contact terminal block 25 is the first contact terminal. Unlike the base 24, it rotates while being pulled rightward by the elastic member 26 via the tension member 252. The second contact terminal block 25 after the rotation is in a state where rightward and upward forces are urged.

  As a result, the second contact terminal block 25 when the IC card is locked is fixed in a state where a predetermined angle θ2 is maintained with respect to the card transport line X direction. Therefore, the distance (retraction amount) between the contact pin 251 and the card transport line X when the IC card is locked can be set to a state where the distance is separated by a certain distance.

  By increasing the retraction amount of the contact pin 251 from the card transport line X, even if there is an abnormal part such as warping or distortion or cracking, the abnormal part is transferred to the contact pin 251 when the IC card is transported. It is possible to prevent the contact pin 251 from being broken due to interference.

(4) Configuration of IC contact unit during IC card transport FIG. 4 shows the overall configuration of the IC contact unit 20 during IC card transport. The IC contact unit 20 receives the IC card conveying force when the IC card is locked by the claw portion 241. As a result, the first contact terminal block 24 moves in the left direction. Further, this moving operation is transmitted to the second contact terminal block 25 via the second link portion L2.

  When the movement operation from the first contact terminal block 24 is transmitted, the second contact terminal block 25 moves to the left while the elastic member 26 is stretched on the stretch member 252. At this time, when the guide shaft 253 formed on the second contact terminal block 25 contacts the guide groove 32 and then the second contact terminal block 25 moves further leftward, the guide shaft 253 moves along the guide groove 32. To the lower left.

  When the guide shaft 253 is guided in the lower left direction along the guide groove 32, the second contact terminal block 25 resists the upward force biased by the elastic member 26, and the tension member 252 side Is pushed downward. As a result, the contact pin 251 is pressed against and contacts the IC card. The contact pin 251 contacts the IC card for the first time at this time.

(5) Configuration of IC contact unit when reading an IC card FIG. 5 shows the overall configuration of the IC contact unit 20 when reading an IC card. The first contact terminal block 24 of the IC contact unit 20 moves leftward to a predetermined position when receiving the IC card transport force. As the first contact terminal block 24 moves, the second contact terminal block 25 also moves leftward to a predetermined position while keeping the contact pin 251 pressed against the IC card.

  The IC contact unit 20 has a guide groove (not shown) for restricting the leftward movement of the first contact terminal block 24 (not shown), and the first contact terminal block 24 is limited by the guide groove. Moves leftward to a predetermined position and then stops. Since the second contact terminal block 25 is connected to the first contact terminal block 24 by the second link portion L2, the second contact terminal block 25 is stopped when the first contact terminal block 24 is stopped.

  Thereafter, the variable data recorded on the IC card is read / written via the contact pin 251.

(6) Perspective Configuration of IC Contact Unit FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC contact unit 20. Here, the illustrated members will be described in order from the left.

  First, the elastic member 26 is a spring such as a spring coil, for example, and one end is connected to the stretching member 252 and the other end is connected to the stretching member 31. As a result, the elastic member 26 constantly urges the second contact terminal block 25 to pull the tension member 252 toward the tension member 31.

  The second contact terminal block 25 includes contact members 251 in addition to a tension member 252 connected to the elastic member 26, and a second link portion L2 is formed. The contact pin 251 does not contact the IC card during standby or contact of the IC card (FIGS. 1 to 3), and contacts the IC card only when the IC card is transported (FIG. 4). Further, after moving to a predetermined position, the variable data of the IC card is read and written (FIG. 5). The second link portion L2 is rotatably connected to a convex portion formed on the first contact terminal block 24.

  The first contact terminal block 24 is formed with a first link portion L1 in addition to a convex portion connected to the second link portion L2. The first link portion L1 is movably connected to a guide groove 33 formed in the bracket 30. The moving direction is the card transport line X direction.

  The L-shaped arm 23 is connected to the plunger 22 and a rotating shaft 34 formed on the bracket 30, thereby rotating around the rotating shaft 34 as the plunger 22 is sucked. The L-shaped arm 23 rotates clockwise when the plunger 22 is sucked, and presses the first contact terminal block 24. The pressed first contact terminal block 24 locks the IC card conveyed by the claw portion 241.

  The bracket 30 is formed with a guide groove 32 in addition to the stretching member 31 and the guide groove 33 in the above description. The guide groove 32 restricts the operation of the second contact terminal block 25 when the first contact terminal block 24 moves in the card transport line X direction together with the IC card. Specifically, while moving in the card transport line X direction, the end on the stretching member 252 side is pushed downward to move the contact pin 251 against the IC card.

(7) Effects of the present embodiment As described above, according to the IC card processing device 1 and the IC contact unit 20 of the present embodiment, the actuator 21 moves the claw portion 241 below the card transport line X. A small device having a driving force may be used, and the entire device can be downsized and power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since one end of the second contact terminal block 25 including the contact pin 251 is connected to the first contact terminal block 24 and the other end is pulled by the elastic member 26, the contact point when the IC card is on standby and locked The retraction amount of the pin 251 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the contact pin 251 from being destroyed while reducing the size and power consumption of the entire apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 IC card processing apparatus 20 IC contact unit 21 Actuator 22 Plunger 23 L-shaped arm 24 1st contact terminal block 241 Claw part 25 2nd contact terminal block 251 Contact pin 252 Stretch member 253 Guide shaft 26 Elastic member 30 Bracket 31 Stretch member 32 Guide groove L1 First link portion L2 Second link portion

Claims (9)

In an IC contact unit that reads and writes data from and to an IC card,
A first contact terminal block, a second contact terminal block, and an elastic member;
The first contact terminal block is:
A claw portion for locking the IC card;
A first link portion that serves as a rotation axis when the first contact terminal block rotates, and moves in the conveyance direction of the IC card along the guide groove after rotation;
The second contact terminal block is:
Contact pins that contact the terminals of the IC card;
A second link portion rotatably connected to the first contact terminal block;
A tension member on which the elastic member is stretched,
The elastic member is
An IC contact unit, wherein a tensile force is applied to the second contact terminal block via the tension member. The first contact terminal block is:
An installation area for installing the second contact terminal block in the center is formed,
The claw portion is formed on one of both end portions,
The first link portion is formed at the other end,
When the IC card is transported along the transport line, the IC card rotates about the first link portion as a rotation shaft, and the claw portion is transported from a position above the transport line along with the rotation operation. The IC contact unit according to claim 1, wherein the IC contact unit moves to a position below the line. The second contact terminal block is:
The contact pin is installed in the center,
The second link portion is formed on one of the two end portions,
The tension member is formed at the other end,
When the IC card is transported along the transport line, the elastic member is stretched on the stretch member in accordance with the rotation operation of the first contact terminal block. The IC contact unit according to claim 2, wherein the link part moves together with the claw part. The elastic member is
When the IC card is locked after the first contact terminal block is rotated, the second contact terminal block is positioned so that the contact pin is positioned a certain distance above the transport line. The IC contact unit according to claim 3, wherein the pulling force is biased. The first contact terminal block is:
The end of the IC card that has been transported along the transport line is locked by the claw portion, and receives the transport force of the IC card and moves in the transport direction by a predetermined distance. 4. The IC contact unit according to 4. The second contact terminal block is:
As the first contact terminal block moves in the transport direction by a predetermined distance, the first contact terminal block moves in the transport direction by a predetermined distance while the elastic member is stretched on the stretch member. 6. The IC contact unit according to claim 5, wherein The second contact terminal block is:
A guide shaft is formed,
When the guide shaft is guided along the guide groove when moving in the transport direction by the predetermined distance, the contact pin is moved to the IC against the pulling force biased by the elastic member. The IC contact unit according to claim 6, wherein the IC contact unit is pressed against a terminal of the card. An IC card processing apparatus comprising the IC contact unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7. An automatic transaction apparatus comprising the IC card processing apparatus according to claim 8.

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