JPH0830736A - Card processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simultaneously and continuously process the different kinds of cards, to easily insert any one of the different cards without hesitation, to improve the convenience of a processor and to miniaturize the processor. CONSTITUTION:A magnetic card 3 and an IC card 4 are inserted and returned to/from one insertion/return port 2. A card kind discrimination means 6 discriminates the kind of an inserted card and a carrier path is switched corresponding to the kind by a switching lever 31. The driving force of a single carrier motor 55 is connected to carrier rollers 52 and 53 provided in first and second individual carrier paths 10 and 15 through a distribution lever and carries the card. After being carried, both cards 3 and 4 are fixed and a card processing by the input/output of information is performed. This card processing is simultaneously and parallelly performed. Thereafter, the card is returned from the card insertion/return port 2.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card processing apparatus which is provided in a public telephone, a vending machine or the like and can simultaneously use different types of cards such as magnetic cards and IC cards.

[0002]

2. Description of the Prior Art FIG.
It is a sectional side view which shows the conventional card processing apparatus disclosed by the publication. This card processing device has an insertion return port 8 on the top.
5 is provided, and a return port 86 is provided at the bottom. First and second conveyance paths 88 and 90 communicating with the back of the apparatus are connected to these two ports 85 and 86. Card processing is performed on the IC card in the first transport path 88, and card processing is performed on the magnetic card in the second transport path 90.

Here, the magnetic card and the IC card are inserted through the upper insertion return port 85, of which the IC card is processed in the first transport path 88 and returned through the insertion return port 85. Further, the magnetic card is bent by the switching mechanism partway on the way and is transported to the second transport path 90 side, processed into a card, and returned from the return port 86.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional card processing device has two openings 85, 8 above and below the device.
6 is provided, the operator has a problem of deciding from which mouth the card should be inserted, and the man-machine interface is not considered. In particular, since the above card processing device accepts two types of cards and is provided with two ports exposed, it is easy to erroneously assume that each card has a corresponding port.

Therefore, even if an attempt is made to insert the card from the return port 86 side, this cannot be done, and there is a risk that the operator may give up using the card at the initial stage of the operation. in this way,
Although the above-described device can use two types of cards, the device may not be effectively used, and convenience cannot be improved.

Further, the above-mentioned apparatus has a drawback that the second conveying path 90 for card processing of the magnetic card needs to be formed deep in the inside of the apparatus, which makes the apparatus large. That is, since the card processing of the magnetic card is performed while the magnetic card 87 is being transported and driven on the fixed magnetic head 87 on the second transport path 90, the second transport path 90 moves the magnetic card. A length corresponding to the distance is required.

Here, the magnetic head 87 moves the second transport path 9
When it is provided at a substantially central position of 0 (state shown in the drawing), the second conveyance path 90 is twice as long as the length of the magnetic card in the relative direction with the magnetic head 87 as the center. Need to be provided. Furthermore, since this device is configured to switch between two types of cards, it has a predetermined length α for the common transport section and switching lever of these two types of cards. Therefore, the entire device requires a depth twice the length of the card and α.

Further, in the above apparatus, while the IC card corresponding to one of the transport paths 88 is being stored and the card processing is being performed, another magnetic card is stored in the other transport path 90 and the card processing can be performed at the same time. could not. That is, the first and second
Since the transport paths 88 and 90 are both connected to a single drive source (motor 89) and interlocked with each other, they cannot operate independently. Therefore, when the IC card is loaded in one of the transport paths 88, the magnetic card cannot be loaded in the other transport path 90, and the other is loaded after the one is returned. , Even during continuous use, the specified loading time occurs between the loading of the second sheet and the return of the first sheet,
There is a problem that the device cannot be used continuously.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can process different types of cards simultaneously and continuously, and can easily insert any of these different cards without hesitation. An object of the present invention is to provide a card processing device which can improve convenience and can be downsized.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the card processing device of the present invention has the following features.
One insertion / return port 2 into which different types of cards 3 and 4 are inserted and returned, and the insertion / return port 2 are provided in communication with each other.
By the common transport path 5 for transporting all the different types of cards 3, 4, the card type determination means 6 provided in the common transport path 5 for determining the type of the cards 3, 4, and the card type determination means 6. Switching means 31 for switching the carrying direction of the cards 3 and 4 according to the type of the cards 3 and 4 that have been discriminated.
And a plurality of individual transport paths 10 and 15 for transporting the respective cards 3 and 4 switched by the switching means 31 and performing card processing corresponding to the cards 3 and 4.

Further, as described in claim 2, a shutter 8 which is provided in the common conveyance path 5 and which prohibits taking in the cards 3 and 4 inserted from the insertion return port 2 into the inside, and the card. It is also possible to have a configuration that includes a control unit that determines the type of the inserted cards 3 and 4 by the type determination unit 6 and controls switching of the shutter 8 and the switching unit 31 according to the type of each card 3 and 4. it can.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, the transport rollers 52 provided in the individual transport paths 10 and 15, respectively.
Reference numeral 53 designates a single conveyance motor 55 as a rotation drive source, and by switching the solenoid 43, a conveyance driving force for the conveyance rollers 52, 53 is applied to the one conveyance roller 52 or 53.
Alternatively, the card 3 or 4 of a type corresponding to the corresponding individual transport path 10 or 15 may be transported.

Further, as described in claim 4, gears 52c and 5 provided at the end portions of the individual conveying paths 10 and 15 respectively.
3c and the distribution lever 41 provided between the gears 52c and 53c and movable in any direction by driving the solenoid 43, and the movement of the distribution lever 41 causes the gears 52c and 53c to be toothed. Engaging gear 4
5 is connected to the engagement gear 45 via a belt 46 or the like,
A transfer motor 55 that transmits a transfer force and a switching lever that engages with the distribution lever 41 and guides the cards 3 and 4 to the individual transfer paths 10 and 15 side connected to the transfer motor 55 by the movement of the distribution lever 41. 31 may be included.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, one of the individual transport paths 10 and 15 fixes one of the individual transport paths 15 after the magnetic card 3 is transported. The magnetic head 25 moves to move the magnetic card 3
Can be configured to input and output information to and from.

Further, according to a sixth aspect, the carriage 22 for holding the moving magnetic head 25 is provided with a positioning groove 22a for biasing contact with one side of the magnetic card 3 at the reference position side. Can be

[0016]

The cards 3 and 4 of different types are all inserted from the single insertion / return port 2. Cards inserted 3, 4
The type of each card is discriminated by the card type discriminating means 6 provided in the common conveyance path 5 and the corresponding individual conveyance path 1
It is transported to either 0 or 15. The card is conveyed by moving the sorting lever 41 to the corresponding one of the individual conveying paths 10 and 15 and transmitting the power of the conveying motor 55 to the conveying rollers 52 and 53 via a gear. With the movement of the sorting lever 41, the switching lever 31 is switched to the corresponding individual transport path 10 or 15 side, and the cards 3 and 4 are guided to either the individual transport path 10 or 15 corresponding to the type. Corresponding types of cards 3 and 4 are fixedly held in the individual transport paths 10 and 15, respectively.
The cards 3 and 4 can be processed simultaneously in parallel. The magnetic card 3 is used as one of the cards,
In the individual transport path 15, the magnetic card 3 is fixed and the magnetic head 25 moves to perform card processing by inputting / outputting information with the magnetic card 3. The carriage 22 on which the magnetic head 25 is mounted has a configuration in which the positioning groove 22a is urged to contact with one side of the magnetic card 3 which is a reference position, and the magnetic head 2 with respect to the magnetic card 3 is
The movement position of 5 can be made accurate. Further, the control means, when taking in the second card after taking in the first card, only takes in a card of a different type from the first card. Therefore, when the cards of the same type are continuously inserted, the control means controls the shutter 8
Is closed and insertion inside is prohibited.

[0017]

1 is a side sectional view showing a card processing device of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partially cut plan view of the same. Components that are not shown in these figures will be described using later figures. In the device 1, the casing is formed in a substantially cubic shape, the main body of a motor, a solenoid, etc. is fixed, and both ends of a plurality of shaft members are pivotally supported.

This apparatus 1 receives both a flexible magnetic card 3 and an IC card 4 having a substantially same outer diameter as the magnetic card 3 and a predetermined thickness at the present stage, and performs card processing. Is. The magnetic card 3 and the IC card 4 are inserted and returned from the single insertion / return port 2 provided in the front of the device 1.

The insertion / return port 2 is provided with a common conveyance path 5 communicating with the depth direction, and the inserted magnetic card 3 and IC are inserted.
All of the cards 4 are carried on the common carrying path 5 and taken into the inside of the apparatus or returned to the outside. The common transport path 5 is provided with a card type discriminating means 6 for discriminating the type of the inserted cards 3 and 4. A detection sensor 7 for detecting the insertion of the cards 3 and 4 is provided in the common conveyance path 5.
Is provided.

Specifically, the card type can be discriminated by the structure in which the magnetic field change detecting means facing the common transport path 5 is provided, the magnetic field is generated on the one hand, and the magnetic field is detected on the other hand. For detection, there is no change in the magnetic field with respect to the IC card 4,
For the magnetic card 3, the change in the magnetic field due to the magnetic coating is detected. Further, since the IC card 4 is thicker than the magnetic card 3 at the present stage, the card type can be determined by detecting a change in the thickness of both of them.

A shutter mechanism 8 is provided at a substantially intermediate position of the common transport path 5. The shutter mechanism 8 is connected to the shutter 8 and a shutter 8 having a tip 8a protruding above the common transport path 5 and rotatable about a base shaft 8b, and retracts the tip 8a from the common transport path 5 during operation. It is composed of a solenoid 9. The solenoid 9 is provided with a spring 9a that biases the tip 8a of the shutter 8 toward the common transport path 5. In the illustrated state in which the tip 8a of the shutter 8 is projected, even if the cards 3 and 4 are inserted from the insertion return port 2, the cards 3 and 4 come into contact with the tip 8a of the shutter 8 and are prevented from being inserted inside.

Two individual transport paths are connected to the back of the common transport path 5. The first individual transport path 10 is for the IC card 4, and is provided horizontally on the same plane as the common transport path 5 for a predetermined length. After the IC card 4 is taken in, the first individual conveyance path 10 is fixed at a predetermined position shown in the figure,
Information is input to and output from the IC card 4. Therefore, the length of the first individual transport path 10 is set to be slightly longer than the length of the IC card 4.

An IC card contact portion 12 that mechanically or electrically contacts the IC card 4 as the IC card 4 is taken in is provided on the first individual transport path 10.
The IC card contact unit 12 inputs / outputs card information associated with the use of the device via the processing means by contact with the IC card 4. The state in which the IC card 4 is taken in and fixed to the first individual conveyance path 10 is detected by the sensor 11.

The second individual conveying path 15 has an inclined path 15a inclined from the common conveying path 5 by a predetermined angle, and is provided in parallel with the first individual conveying path 10 at a predetermined interval as shown. This second individual conveying path 15 is for the magnetic card 3, and after the magnetic card 3 is taken in by bending at the inclined path 15a portion, it is fixed at a predetermined position shown in FIG. Input and output. Therefore, the length of the second individual transport path 15 is set to be slightly longer than the length of the magnetic card 3. Magnetic card 3 in the first individual transport path 10
The state in which is taken in and fixed is detected by the sensor 13. A head moving mechanism 20 (described later) for inputting and outputting information while moving on the magnetic card 3 after the magnetic card 3 is taken in and fixed is provided on the second individual transport path 15.

A switching lever 31 as switching means for switching the carrying direction of the cards 3 and 4 is provided at a branch point between the common carrying path 5 and the first and second individual carrying paths 10 and 15. The switching lever 31 is used for the first and second individual transport paths 1
A tip 31a is provided in the direction of the common transport path 5 centering on a shaft 31b provided at a substantially intermediate position between 0 and 15. The switching lever 31 is a torsion spring 3 wound around a shaft 31b.
It is always urged downward (position in the figure) by 2. Therefore, the protruding pin 31c provided at the end of the switching lever 31 engages with a part of the distribution mechanism 40 described later, and the switching lever 31 rotates as the distribution mechanism 40 moves. Although the operation will be described later, the common conveyance path 5 and the first individual conveyance path 10 are connected in the illustrated state, and the switching lever 3
When the tip 31a projects toward the common transport path 5 by the rotation of 1, the second individual transport path 15 is connected to the common transport path 5,
The cards 3 and 4 corresponding to either direction are switched.

Common transport path 5, first and second individual transport paths 1
Carrying rollers 51, 52, 53 for carrying the cards are provided at 0 and 15, respectively. The transport roller 51 in the common transport path 5 is provided at an internal position on the side of the shutter 8 and a driven roller 51a is provided at the facing position.
Conveying rollers 5 in the first and second individual conveying paths 10 and 15
2, 53 are respectively provided at a predetermined distance from the conveyance roller 51 of the common conveyance path 5, that is, within the length of the cards 3 and 4, and when the illustrated cards 3 and 4 are fixed. It is provided on a position in contact with each of these cards 3, 4. Driven rollers 52a and 53a are provided at positions facing the transport rollers 52 and 53.

The central shaft 51 of the conveying rollers 51, 52, 53
b, 52b, 53b are respectively led to the side portions of the device 1 shown in FIG. 2, and the gear 51 is provided at the end portion of these central axes.
c, 52c, 53c are provided. Conveyor roller 51
The gear 51c is connected to the rotary shaft gear 55a of the carry motor 55 via the belt 54.

The driving force of the carry motor 55 is as shown in FIG.
And the transport mechanism 52 shown in FIG. 3, the transport rollers 52, 5 of either one of the first and second individual transport paths 10, 15
3 is transmitted. The distribution mechanism 40 includes a distribution lever 4 in which a base 41b is pivotally supported by a central shaft 51b of a conveyance roller 51.
One. The distribution lever 41 is composed of the transport rollers 52, 5
It is located between the gears 52c and 53c on the three sides,
The engagement piece 41c at the substantially center is the operation piece 43a of the solenoid 43.
Is engaged with. Further, the tip portion 41 of the distribution lever 41
A tension spring 42 is provided between the device a and the device 1, and the tip end portion 41a of the distribution lever 41 is constantly urged upward.

The distribution lever 41 includes a conveying roller 52,
An engagement gear 45 that meshes with one of the gears 52c and 53c of 53 is provided. The engagement gear 45 is connected to the gear 51c of the transport roller 51 via a connecting belt 46.

In the distribution mechanism 40, when the operating piece 43a is in a free state due to non-energization of the solenoid 43, the engaging spring 45 meshes with the gear 52c by the tension spring 42 and the driving force of the carrying motor 55 is carried. It is transmitted to the rollers 51 and 52 (state of FIG. 3). On the other hand, when the actuating piece 43a is attracted by energization of the solenoid 43, the engaging gear 45 meshes with the gear 53c side and the driving force of the carry motor 55 causes the carry roller 51 ,.
It is transmitted to 53 (state of FIG. 4).

An intermediate gear 56 for changing the rotation direction is provided on the side of the gear 53c, and the engagement gear 45 rotates the gear 53c via the intermediate gear 56. As a result, when the carry motor 55 rotates in the direction A in the figure,
The transport roller 51 and one of the selected transport rollers 52
Alternatively, 53 is the first and second individual conveyance paths 10 corresponding to the cards 3 and 4 which are both rotated in the same direction A and inserted.
It is transported to the back of 15. The cards 3 and 4 are transported in the return direction by the reverse rotation of the transport motor 55.

The projecting pin 31c of the switching lever 31 is engaged with the distribution lever 41, and the switching lever 31 performs the switching operation as the distribution lever 41 moves. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the sorting lever 41 is located above and the driving force of the transport motor 55 is transmitted to the transport roller 52 of the first individual transport path 10, the switching lever 31 is used.
The leading end of is located at the position shown in the figure, and the common carrier path 5 and the first individual carrier path 10 are connected, so that the inserted IC card 4 is guided to the first individual carrier path 10 side. On the other hand, the distribution lever 41 is located below and the driving force of the conveyance motor 55 is set to the second value.
4 is transmitted to the transport roller 53 of the individual transport path 15, the tip of the switching lever 31 comes to the position shown in FIG.
Is connected to the second individual transport path 15, and the inserted magnetic card 3 is guided to the second individual transport path 15 side. After the magnetic card 3 is conveyed, when a sensor or the like detects that the magnetic card reaches a predetermined position, the distribution lever 4
The No. 1 solenoid 43 is in the non-energized state and is in the upper position shown in FIG.

The movement operation of the distribution lever 41 also activates the card fixing mechanism 60. The card fixing mechanism 60
Magnetic card 3 after being transported to the second individual transport path 15 side
This is for fixing the magnetic card 3 on the second individual transport path 15 when inputting / outputting information to / from. The card fixing mechanism 60 has a shaft 61 at the lower part of the second individual transport path 15.
It has a rotating piece 61 that is axially supported by a and a fixed piece 61b that is provided at the tip of this rotating piece 61 and that can protrude onto the second individual transport path 15. In the rotating piece 61, the operation piece 61c is constantly engaged with the protruding piece 41d below the distribution lever 41 by the tension spring 62 between the rotating piece 61 and the device 1.

Here, as described above, when the sensor or the like detects that the magnetic card 3 has reached a predetermined position after being conveyed to the magnetic card 3, the solenoid 43 of the distribution lever 41 is in a non-energized state. The upper position shown,
In this state, the carrying force for the magnetic card 3 is cut off, and the magnetic card 3 becomes free. If the head moving mechanism 70, which will be described later, tries to input / output information from / to the magnetic card 3, the magnetic card 3 will be jammed. Will move. Therefore, in the card fixing mechanism 60, when the sorting lever 41 of FIG. 3 is located above, the rotating piece 61 is fixed by the tension spring 62 about the shaft 61a.
Project on the second individual transport path 15. In this protruding state, the rear end of the magnetic card 3 is applied with a predetermined pressure toward the inner side of the conveyance path to the fixed piece 61b to maintain the fixed state.

On the other hand, the distribution lever 41 is located below,
When carrying the magnetic card 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the projecting piece 41d of the distribution lever 41 pushes the operating piece 61c of the turning piece 61, so that the turning piece 61 rotates about the shaft 61a. The fixed piece 61b moves so as to be retracted from the second individual transport path 15 and does not hinder the transport of the magnetic card 3.

Next, the head moving mechanism 20 will be described with reference to the partial plan view of FIG. 5 and the side sectional view of FIG. With respect to the magnetic card 3 which is transported on the second individual transport path 15 and is at the fixed position, the magnetic head side moves to input / output information.
Therefore, as shown in the figure, two shaft members 21a and 21b are provided in parallel with the transport direction of the second individual transport path 15, and the carriage 22 is suspended between these shaft members. The carriage 22 is fixed to a part of a timing belt 23 stretched between pulleys 23a provided at both ends of the shaft 21b in the length direction, and one end of the timing belt 23 has a head moving motor 24. Is connected to the rotary shaft gear 24a. The head moving motor 24 can accurately move the carriage 22 to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic card 3.

A magnetic head 25 is provided on the carriage 22 along the magnetic stripe of the magnetic card 3. On the head surface of the magnetic head 25, a touch roller 25a, which is arranged to face the magnetic head 25 and presses the magnetic card 3 toward the magnetic head 25 when the carriage 22 moves, is pivotally supported.

A punch mechanism 26 is provided on the side of the carriage 22, and punching pins 26a and pin holes 26b are provided inside. This punch mechanism 26
When the connecting arm 27a moves in the direction B in the figure by the operation of the fixed punching solenoid 27 of the apparatus 1, the shaft member 21a
When the end cam 27b rotates in the C direction in the figure and the shaft member 21a rotates in the same C direction, the rotating piece 27c provided on the carriage 22 rotates in the same C direction for punching. The pin 26a is projected and the magnetic card 3 is perforated or stamped. Here, a continuous key groove 21c is formed in the longitudinal direction of the shaft member 21a, and a part of the turning piece 27c is engaged with the key groove 21c, so that the carriage 22 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic card 3. The punching can be performed at any position in the direction, and the punching can be performed at a position according to the residual number and the like.

As shown in FIG. 6, the punch 22 of the carriage 22 is constantly urged upward on the punch side. That is, the carriage 22 is not directly supported by the shaft member 21a, but the hub 2 inserted through the shaft member 21a.
It is provided between 9a and 29b. Therefore, hub 2
The shaft member 21a of the carriage 22 is vertically movable by the amount of the flange portions 9a and 29b and is urged upward. As a result, in the state before the magnetic card 3 is loaded onto the second individual transport path 15 as shown in the figure, in the carriage 22, the magnetic head 25 and the punch mechanism 26 have the shaft member 21.
It is in a state of being inclined at a predetermined angle with b as the center.

When the magnetic card 3 is inserted, one side of the magnetic card 3 is positioned by the end 14a of the card guide 14 fixed to the apparatus 1, and the other side of the magnetic card 3 is positioned in the punch mechanism 26 of the carriage 22 by opening. It is positioned by the groove 22a. In the state of FIG. 6, the distance between the end portion 14a of the card guide 14 and the positioning groove 22a of the carriage 22 is shorter than the width of the magnetic card 3.

The card reference position when the magnetic card 3 is fixed is the positioning groove 22a side of the carriage 22. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, when the magnetic card 3 is inserted,
Depending on the width of the magnetic card 3, both sides of this magnetic card 3
Positioning groove 22a of the carriage 22 and the card guide 1
4, the magnetic card 3 rotates the carriage 22 about the shaft 21b in the direction D in the figure.

As a result, the above-mentioned magnetic head 25 and punch mechanism 26 are positioned with respect to the card reference position which is one side of the magnetic card 3. Accordingly, the magnetic head 25 and the punch mechanism 26 are formed with a predetermined tolerance with the positioning groove 22a of the carriage 22 as a reference, so that the moving position of the magnetic head 25 when the carriage 22 moves with respect to the magnetic card 3 is the reference position. Therefore, the input and output of information can be stably and accurately performed since the position is a predetermined position inward from the position. Similarly, the punching position by the punching mechanism 26 can be accurately performed. The carriage 22 is driven by the head moving motor 24 via the timing belt 23 and moves with high precision in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic card 3.

In the above structure, the IC card 4 and the magnetic card 3 corresponding to each of the first and second individual conveying paths 10 and 15 can be taken into the apparatus 1 after a predetermined time. Can hold these two types of cards 3 and 4 which are different at the same time. Therefore, the control means (not shown) determines the type of each of the magnetic card 3 and the IC card 4 by the card type determination means 6, but after determining the type of the first card, the cards of the same type are simultaneously loaded. Control to prohibit. For example, 1
The first card type is the IC card 4, and after the IC card 4 is transported to the first individual transport path 10, the card that can be used simultaneously is the magnetic card 3 and the insertion return port 2
On the other hand, only when the magnetic card 3 is inserted and this is discriminated by the card type discriminating means 6, the shutter 8 is opened and the magnetic card 3 is controlled to be conveyed to the second individual conveying path 15. There is.

Next, the operation of the card processing device having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. To use the device 1 here, the magnetic card 3 or I
The C card 4 is used. Then, any of the cards 3 and 4 is inserted from the single insertion / return port 2 (SP1). Any of the inserted cards 3 and 4 is detected by the insertion detection sensor 7 (SP2).

At the same time, the types of the inserted cards 3 and 4 are discriminated by the card type discriminating means 6 (SP3). The control means controls the apparatus 1 when the first card is inserted or the second card is inserted by the above control (SP4a to SP4d).

For example, as shown in the flow chart, 1
If the first card is the IC card 4, the control means is S
If the contents equivalent to P4a and SP4b are executed and the second card is also the same IC card 4 in the process, the shutter 8 is held in the closed state in order to prohibit the loading of the second IC card 4 ( SP12). Similarly, when the first card is the magnetic card 3, the control means SP4a ...
If the contents corresponding to SP4c to SP4d are executed and the second card is also the same magnetic card 3 in the process, the shutter 8 is held in the closed state in order to prohibit the taking in of the second magnetic card 3 ( SP12).

Next, the operation when it is determined that the first card is the IC card 4 according to the flow chart will be described. First, the shutter 8 is opened, and the IC card 4 is directed toward the inside of the common transport path 5. Can be entered (SP5).
Next, the control means positions the distribution mechanism 40 on the IC card side (SP6). Specifically, the distribution lever 41 remains in the initial state, and the solenoid 43 remains in the non-energized state. As a result, the distribution lever 41 is positioned above by the tension spring 42 as shown in FIG.
5 meshes with the gear 52c.

At the same time, the tip end 31a of the switching lever 31 which is partially engaged with the sorting lever 41 is at the position shown in the drawing, the common transport path 5 and the first individual transport path 10 are connected, and the second The individual transport path 15 is separated from the common transport path 5 (SP7).

In this state, when the carrying motor 55 is driven in the direction A in FIG. 3, the IC card 4 is first carried by the carrying roller 51 on the common carrying path 5 to the back of the apparatus 1 and goes straight to the first individual carrying. It enters the path 10 and is conveyed on the first individual conveyance path 10 by the conveyance rollers 52 on the way (SP
8). It is detected by the sensor 11 that the IC card 4 has been conveyed to the predetermined fixed position on the first individual conveyance path 10,
The driving of the carry motor 55 is stopped and the IC card 4 is fixed. In this fixed state, the distribution lever 41 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the tension roller 42 remains in the upper position, and the conveyance roller 52 is stopped because the driving force transmission path from the gear 52c to the conveyance motor 55 is all locked by the stop of the conveyance motor 55. In this state, the IC card 4 is held in a fixed state.

At the same time when the IC card 4 is fixed, the IC card contact portion 12 comes into contact with the IC card 4, and information input / output, that is, card processing is performed on the IC card 4 (SP.
9).

After the card processing for the IC card 4 is completed, the IC card 4 is returned (SP10). In this IC card return operation, the IC card contact portion 12 is separated,
The distribution motor 41 remains in the upper position and the conveyance motor 55
Need only rotate in the direction opposite to the direction A, and can be returned from the insertion / return port 2 (SP11).

Next, when it is determined that the first card is the magnetic card 3, and when it is determined that the first card is the IC card 3 and the second card is the magnetic card 3. The operation will be described. First, the shutter 8 is opened, and the magnetic card 3 can enter the inside of the common transport path 5 (SP13). Next, the control means uses the distribution mechanism 4
Position 0 on the magnetic card side (SP14). Specifically, the solenoid 43 of the distribution lever 41 is energized and moves downward. As a result, in the distribution lever 41, the engagement gear 45 meshes with the gear 53c via the intermediate gear 56 as shown in FIG.

At the same time, the tip end 31a of the switching lever 31 which is partially engaged with the distribution lever 41 is at the position shown in the figure, the common conveyance path 5 and the second individual conveyance path 15 are connected, and the first conveyance path 15 is also connected. The individual transport path 10 is separated from the common transport path 5 (SP15).

In this state, when the carrying motor 55 is driven in the direction A in FIG. 4, the magnetic card 3 is first carried by the carrying roller 51 on the common carrying path 5 to the rear of the apparatus 1 and to the rear end of the common carrying path 5. And is transported to the second individual transport path 15 side by the switching lever 31. A slope 15a is formed near the entrance of the second individual transport path 15, but since the magnetic card 3 has flexibility, it can be curved and transported along the slope 15a. The magnetic card 3 is transported by the transport rollers 53 while being transported through the second individual transport path 15 (SP16). The sensor 1 indicates that the magnetic card 3 has been conveyed to the predetermined fixed position on the second individual conveying path 15.
3, the driving of the carry motor 55 is stopped.

After the conveyance, the solenoid 43 of the distribution lever 41 is in the non-energized state. As a result, the sorting lever 41
Returns to the initial state shown in FIG. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3, the fixing piece 61b of the card fixing mechanism 60 projects onto the second individual transport path 15 so that the rear end of the magnetic card 3 is fixed.
A predetermined pressure is applied to 1b toward the back of the transport path, and the state is fixed (SP17).

Next, while the magnetic card 3 remains fixed, the head moving mechanism 20 moves the magnetic head 25 side to perform card processing on the magnetic card (SP18). For card processing, the head moving motor 2 shown in FIG.
By the rotation of 4, the carriage 22 reciprocates in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic card 3 to input / output information. In this carriage 22, the card reference position when the magnetic card 3 is fixed is set to the positioning groove 22a side of the carriage 22 by the tension spring 28, so the moving position of the magnetic head 25 when the carriage 22 moves with respect to the magnetic card 3. Is on a fixed position within a predetermined distance from the reference position, and information input / output can be stably and accurately performed. After inputting / outputting information to / from the magnetic card 3, the punching mechanism 26 serves as a guide for updating the remaining number.
Is applied to the magnetic card 3.

After the card processing for the magnetic card 3 is completed, the returning operation of the magnetic card 3 is performed (SP19). This return operation can be returned from the insertion return port 2 by rotating the transport motor 55 in the direction opposite to the direction A while the sorting lever 41 is lowered again again (SP11).

In the explanation of the operation using the above flow chart, the magnetic card 3 is taken in after the IC card 4 is taken in, but it goes without saying that either one may come first. Further, after both the magnetic card 3 and the IC card 4 are taken in, which one is returned first can be arbitrarily selected and dealt with by moving the sorting lever 41.

As described above, according to the card processing apparatus 1, two different types of cards 3 and 4 can be continuously taken in, and different from each other in a state of being taken in and fixed to the corresponding individual transport paths 10 and 15, respectively. Kind of cards 3,4
Since card processing (simultaneous processing of SP9 and SP18) can be performed simultaneously in parallel, it becomes possible to adopt an extremely wide range of usage forms corresponding to the characteristics of each card 3, 4 and Even when the cards 3 and 4 are used, since the cards 3 and 4 are inserted and returned from the single insertion / return port 2, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

As a modified example of the above embodiment, there is a configuration in which three or more different types of cards are provided and three or more individual transport paths are provided. In this case, the card type discriminating means 6 discriminates the type of each of these cards, and the pair of individual conveying paths described in the above-mentioned embodiment is set to the common conveying path in the longitudinal direction of the common conveying path. Connect multiple sets to
It suffices that a plurality of distribution levers and switching levers are provided at the respective connection points so as to branch and connect, and even in this case, the device can be made compact and multifunctional as compared with the degree to which the number of card types can be increased.

[0061]

According to the card processing apparatus of the present invention, different types of cards are all inserted or returned from one insertion / return port, so that the user is not restricted by the type of card. Since it is only necessary to insert the card into the mouth, the use of the device can be extremely facilitated and the man-machine interface at the beginning of device operation can be improved. In addition, different types of cards can be stored and stored in the individual transport paths in the device, so that different types of cards can be processed in parallel at the same time, and the characteristics of the different types of cards are effective. In addition to being able to be used for various purposes, the usage pattern of the device can be expanded over a wide range.

According to the second aspect, the device holds cards of different types one by one in each of the corresponding individual transport paths, and the inserted first card corresponds to this type. The switching means is switched and guided in the corresponding direction, is taken into the corresponding individual transport path, and only when the second card is a card of a type different from the type of the first card, the switching means is changed in the direction corresponding to this type. Can be switched and guided to be taken into the corresponding individual transport path. Also,
If the second card is of the same type as the first card, the card type determination means detects this and the control means closes the shutter to prohibit the taking of the same type of card.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, card transportation to each individual transport path is configured to switch the transport force of a single transport motor to drive the transport rollers of each individual transport path. Therefore, it is possible to easily configure the carrying force of the plurality of individual carrying paths. Specifically, as in claim 4, a gear is provided at the end of each of the transport rollers provided in each individual transport path,
Since the distribution gear is provided with the engaging gear that meshes with this gear, the conveyance force of the conveyance motor can be transmitted only by the movement of the distribution lever in the direction of one of the gears. Can be simplified. In addition, a switching lever for switching the transport direction is engaged with the sorting lever, and the common transport path and either one of the individual transport paths can be connected at the same time when the sorting lever moves, so that the card can be used in various types. It can be guided in the corresponding individual transport path direction by a simple mechanism.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, one of the individual transport paths is configured to hold the magnetic card in a fixed manner, and the magnetic head side is moved to perform card processing. The length can be shortened, and the overall dimensions such as the depth of the device can be reduced. Further, according to claim 6, the positioning groove provided in the carriage on which the magnetic head is mounted is configured to urge and contact one side portion which is a reference position of the magnetic card, and the position of the magnetic head with respect to the magnetic card. Can be precisely positioned, input and output of information can be performed accurately and stably, and high reliability of magnetic card processing can be achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a card processing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partially cut plan view of the device.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the operation of the distribution mechanism of the device.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the operation of the distribution mechanism of the device.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing a head moving mechanism.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the head moving mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the head moving mechanism is positioned at a gakkad reference position.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a conventional card processing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Device main body, 2 ... Card insertion return port, 3 ... Magnetic card, 4 ... IC card, 5 ... Common conveyance path, 6 ... Card type discrimination means, 8 ... Shutter, 9 ... Solenoid, 10 ... 1st
Individual conveying path, 12 ... IC card contact portion, 15 ... Second individual conveying path, 20 ... Head moving mechanism, 22 ... Carriage, 24 ... Head moving motor, 25 ... Magnetic head, 2
6 ... Punch mechanism, 27 ... Punch solenoid, 31 ... Switching lever, 41 ... Sorting lever, 43 ... Solenoid, 4
5 ... Engaging gears, 51, 52, 53 ... Conveying rollers, 51
c, 52c, 53c ... Gear, 55 ... Conveyor motor, 56 ...
Intermediate gear, 60 ... Card fixing mechanism, 61b ... Fixing piece.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An insertion / return port (2) into which different types of cards (3, 4) are inserted and returned, and a card provided in communication with the insertion / return port, and each of the different types of cards is provided. A common conveying path (5) for conveying, a card type discriminating means (6) provided on the common conveying passage for discriminating the type of a card, and a card type discriminating means for discriminating the card according to the card type discriminated by the card type discriminating means. Switching means for switching the transport direction (3
A card processing apparatus comprising: 1) and a plurality of individual transfer paths (10, 15) that transfer the cards switched by the switching means and perform card processing corresponding to the cards. 2. The card (3, 4) provided in the common conveyance path (5) and inserted from the insertion return port (2).
A shutter (8) for prohibiting the card from being taken in, and the type of the inserted card is discriminated by the card type discriminating means (6), and the shutter and the switching means (3)
2. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls 1) according to the type of each card. 3. The conveying rollers (52, 53) respectively provided in the individual conveying paths (10, 15) use a single conveying motor (55) as a rotational drive source and a solenoid (4).
2. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer driving force for the transfer roller is transmitted to the one transfer roller by switching of 3) and the card (3, 4) of a type corresponding to the corresponding individual transfer path is transferred. 4. Gears (52c, 53c) respectively provided at the ends of the individual conveying paths (10, 15) and a gear (52c, 53c) provided between the gears and moved in either direction by driving a solenoid (43). Free sorting lever (41)
And an engaging gear (45) meshing with any one of the gears by the movement of the sorting lever, and a carrying motor (55) which is connected to the engaging gear via a belt (46) or the like and transmits a carrying force. ) And a switching lever (31) that engages with the sorting lever (41) and guides the card (3, 4) to the individual transport path side connected to a transport motor by the movement of the sorting lever. Card processing device described. 5. Of the individual transport paths (10, 15),
One of the individual transport paths (15) is for fixing the magnetic card (3) after transport, and the magnetic head (25) side moves in the fixed state of the magnetic card to input / output information to / from the magnetic card. The card processing device according to claim 1, which is configured. 6. A positioning groove (22) for urging and contacting a carriage (22) holding the moving magnetic head (25) at a reference position side of one side of the magnetic card (3).
The card processing device according to claim 5, wherein a) is provided.