MXPA99004965A - Device for distribute integra circuit cards - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus for distributing integrated circuit (IC) cards, which include a thin microcircuit, i.e., a microcircuit IC. Especially this invention relates to an apparatus for distributing IC cards, which are used for the payment of fees in game galleries, etc., in the payment of electric train fares, or in the automatic selling machines of products. In other words, this invention relates to an apparatus for distributing IC cards, which is properly installed in the machine to sell the IC card automatically. Specifically, this invention relates to a distributor apparatus, which extracts a blank IC card without data and writes data to this IC card to sell

Description

DEVICE TO DISTRIBUTE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CARDS TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an apparatus for distributing integrated circuit (IC) cards, which include a thin integrated microcircuit, i.e., a microcircuit IC. Especially this invention relates to an apparatus for distributing IC cards, which are used for the payment of fees in game galleries, etc., in the payment of electric train fares, or in the automatic sellers of products. In other words, this invention relates to an apparatus for distributing IC cards, which is properly installed in the machine to sell the IC card automatically. Specifically, this invention relates to a distributor apparatus, which extracts a blank IC card without data and writes data to this IC card for sale. Furthermore, in a concrete manner, this invention relates to a server apparatus for encoding an IC card via communication means and selling the IC card.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Until now, several devices have been developed to sell cards. For example, Japanese Utility Patent Application No. 63-60147 of the applicant discloses an apparatus for issuing cards suitable for a machine for selling cards. This application was published as the Japanese Utility Model Publication Number 7-26276, and was also registered as US Patent Number 4, 993,587. The card issuing apparatus has a receiving chamber 50 for receiving a multi-layer body 3 of cards face up, as shown in Figure 17. And, the sending apparatus is provided with a support plate 4. This holds the body Multilayer of cards 3 in the lowest position. Also, the dispensing apparatus is provided with an extraction roller 5 for the cards under the support plate 4. The card issuing rollers 7 and 9 are provided between the extractor roller 5 and the opening for issuing cards 40. The card, which is extracted from below the multiple layer portion of the card 3 by the extraction roller 5, is sent to the outlet 40 with the issuing rollers 7 and 9. The apparatus also arranges a roller 8, which is it provides on top of the issuing roller 7 and prevents them from being issued by the sender, two sheets of the card, and the roller 8 rotate in the direction opposite to the direction of issue of cards. Eventually, the space between the rollers 7 and 8 is defined to pass only one sheet card which was removed by the extraction roller 5. When the card is locked between the rollers 7 and 8, the card is detected by the sensor (not shown) and the reverse rotation of the extraction roller 5 is performed. If the extraction roller 5 is rotated in the opposite direction, the roller 8 to prevent two sheets of the card from being issued, from the shipper, which is interconnected with the roller 5, also rotates in the opposite direction. However, since the roller mechanism 8 is provided with the clutch structure, the start of the reverse rotation of the roller 8 is delayed for the start at the same time of the reverse rotation of the extraction roller 5. Therefore, the card, which is blocked between rollers 7 and 8, returns in the direction opposite to the shipping address. In addition, the symbols 1 and 2 shown in Figure 17 are side panels, which respectively comprise the accommodation chamber of the card 50. The symbol 6 is the driving shaft of the extraction roller 5. The symbol 9 is a discharge roller Of cards.

The symbol 11 is the axis of the roller 7. The symbol 12 is the axis of the roller 8 for the reverse rotation. The symbol 13 is the axis of the discharge roller 9. The symbol 14 is the axis of the help roller 10. The symbol 15 is an electric motor for the drive. The symbol 16 is the axis of the motor 15. The symbols 17, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 are respectively pulleys. The symbols 18 and 23 are respectively bands. The symbol 37 is a projection of the extraction roller 5. The symbol 38 is a window, which is open on the support plate 4. The symbol 39 is a weight for the cards. The symbol 44 is an arm of a detection switch.

PROBLEM RESOLVED BY THE INVENTION However, the card payment apparatus mentioned above is provided with only one function, which extracts one by one the sheets of different laminated cards reliably from the lower position. On the other hand, the IC card, which becomes an IC microcircuit, provides a super-small computer and memory. Therefore, a greater increase in demand is expected from now. One object of this invention offers an apparatus which performs the processing of IC card data and can publish IC cards, adding a simple structure to an apparatus, which extracts the cards one by one. In addition, another object of this invention offers an apparatus, which can perform the data processing of IC cards inserted from outside the apparatus and which can distribute an IC card out of the apparatus again.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM This invention is an apparatus for distributing IC cards comprising at least: connection means for effecting data processing of an IC card inserted from the outside; means for connecting the IC card inserted in the connection means; and means for externally downloading the IC card on which the data processing is performed by means of the connection means. Also, this invention is an apparatus for distributing IC cards comprising at least: means for extracting only an IC card placed in the lower or outer part of the stacked IC cards; connecting means for effecting data processing of the extracted IC card; means for connecting the extracted IC card to the connection means; and means for externally downloading the IC card on which a data processing is performed by means of the connection means. Furthermore, this invention is an apparatus for distributing IC cards comprising means for collecting an IC card which was or was not processed by the connection means inside the apparatus. Hereinafter, this invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings about the embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective, schematic view showing the embodiment according to this invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view, in which a part of Figure 1 was removed. Figure 3 is a perspective, schematic view from which the main parts of Figure 2 were extracted. 4 is a perspective view, which shows the main parts of Figure 2 partially amplified. Figure 5 are plan view and side cut, which partially show a used condition of Figure 4. Figure 6 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example.

Figure 7 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 8 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 9 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 10 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure il is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 12 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 13 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 14 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 15 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 16 is an explanatory view to explain an operation of this example. Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing a prior art. Figure 18 is a block diagram of the circuit to explain an operation of this mode.

Figure 19 is a flow diagram to explain an operation of this mode. Figure 20 is a flow chart to explain another operation of this mode. Figure 21 is a perspective view, schematic, showing a modality according to this invention. Figure 22 is a schematic, perspective view showing the embodiment after removing a part of Figure 21. Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view showing the embodiment after extracting a main part of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a schematic side view showing the mode after extracting the main parts of Figure 21. Figure 25 is a block diagram of a circuit, which was used in the embodiment of Figure 21 .

PREFERRED MODALITY OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of this invention is explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, Figure 1 is a schematic, perspective view, to show an example according to this invention.

Next, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view, which is, a part removed from Figure 1. In addition, Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view, which is extracted from the main parts of Figure 2. This example is explained here, based on those drawings. In Figure 1, a pair of L-shaped side boards are the side boards 41 and 42, which comprise the apparatus. The upper right part between the side panels 41 and 42 contain the stack 28, which is comprised of IC cards accumulated 32 in the form of a pillar. Eventually, the IC card 32 includes a thin integrated microcircuit (not shown), i.e. IC microcircuits, in the proper place. And, fillings 33 for the connection of the microcircuit IC formed on the surface of the IC card 32. In this case, although the number of fillings 33 is eight, other numbers such as six or others are sufficient. The motor 38 for removing IC cards 32 is integrated in the central position between the side boards 41, 42. The rotating shaft of a motor 38 installs a pulley 14.

In Figure 2, a symbol 1 is a roller. The roller 1 can rotate installed on an axle 8 and has a clutch mechanism. A clutch 8C (see Figure 2) is attached to the axle 8, and the clutch 8C performs the same movement as the axle 8. In addition, the clutch 8C is coupled to the roller 1 by means of an SL solenoid (refer to Figure 6). ) to an arm (not shown). In addition, the final part of the shaft 8 installs a pulley 13. To remove an IC card 32 under the stack 28, a pair of rollers 3 is arranged near the roller 1 (refer to Figure 3). Eventually, the rollers 3 'for issuing an extracted IC card 32 are rotatably connected to the apparatus via an axis 26. Above the issuing roller 3, the rollers 2, which prevent two sheets of IC cards from being issued 32 , is connected via an axis 9. And, the pulley 27 is installed on the part of an axis 9. A roller 4 for extracting (refer to Figure 3) on the IC card is arranged between the pair of issuing rollers 3 The roller 4 is arranged in the apparatus via a longitudinal axis 10. And, a pulley 15 with is installed apart from one end of the shaft 10. And a small pulley 16 is installed in another external part of the shaft 10. Above the With the removal roller 4 of the IC cards, a pressure roller 5 is rotatably arranged to press the IC cards. And, the pressure roller 5 is attached to the apparatus via the 35. In addition, a band 24 extends over the pulley 14 with a motor 38 which comprises a drive source, the pulley of the two-step type 15 and the pulley for reverse the rotations 27. / In addition, a band 18 extends over the pulleys 15 and 13. In Figure 3, a symbol 17 is a pulley. A band 19 is encompassed by pulleys 17 and 16 (refer to Figure 9 (B)). And, the pulley 17 is installed to the end part of the longitudinal axis 12. A pair of rollers 6 are installed to move the IC card 32, over the central part of the small longitudinal axis. In addition, in the final part 21 of the longitudinal axis 12, that is to say, on the side of the pulley 17, a bushing with a larger diameter is installed in a rotatable manner. In addition, a gear 20 with a larger diameter is installed in a rotatable manner in another end part of the longitudinal axis 12.

In addition, the pair of the bushing 21 and the gear 20 are respectively arranged on the outside of the side panels 41 and 42 (refer to Figure 1). In addition, a shaft 11 is fixed between the bushing 21 and the gear 20. And, a pair of pressure rollers 7, which press a pair of rollers 6., it is installed rotatably to the axis 11. In Figure 2, a symbol 39 is a motor. The motor 39 is a drive source which collects the IC card 32 with inferior quality, for example, inside the apparatus. A pinion 25 is installed on the rotary shaft of the motor 39. The pinion 25 meshes with the large gear 20. In addition, in FIG. 1, a symbol 23 is a receptacle frame. The shell of the receptacle 23 guides an IC 32 card issued outside the apparatus. In addition, the symbols 40 are coupling rods. The rollers 40 reinforce the joint of the bushing 21 and the gear 20 (refer to Figure 15 (B)). The T-shaped member in the center of Figure 2 is a connector 22 for the IC card 32. The connector 22 is slidably contained in the horizontal direction in the housing 22H with a substantially square ring shape (refer to Figure 5), The connector 22 has a plurality of projections 22L in the form of small diamonds on both sides, as shown in amplified form in Figure 4. And, in the central part of the longitudinal edge on the lower surface of the connector 22. , a small hook 34 is formed in the form of a triangular mast. The hook 34 captures the edge of the IC card 32 as shown in Figure 5. Eventually on the lower surface of the connector 22, a plurality of contacts c (not shown) are arranged. In Figure 4, a part of housing 22H is shown in amplified form. On both sides of the housing 22H in the form of a square ring, a plurality of inclined grooves 22S are formed. These grooves 22S contain the diamond-like projections 22L in a sliding manner. In addition, a symbol 36 as shown in the center of Figure 1 is a circuit board for the connector 22. Figure 18 is a block diagram of a circuit, which was used in this example. The figure 18 is explained here schematically. On the left of Figure 18, the HC symbol is a controller for a host or host machine (not shown). The symbol MC in the center of Figure 18 is a controller of the apparatus. In addition, the forward and backward rotation of the motors 38 and 39 are controlled via an MD drive circuit. In the example, if a SI extraction signal of the IC card 32 of the main controller HC occurs, the motor 38 will rotate forward via the MC controller and the drive circuit MD. If the motor 38 rotates forward, the pulley 14 will rotate and the band 24 will be driven. And, the pulley 15 turns. In addition, the pulley 13 rotates via the band 18. The shaft 8 rotates. And if the solenoid SL is switched with a discharge signal S2, the roller 1 will rotate by means of the clutch 8C (refer to FIG. 6). Accordingly, the IC card 32 of the lowermost part in the stack 28 will be issued by the convex part 1P and by the extraction roller 1. As shown in Figure 7, the front end of the IC card 32, which is issued by the convex part 1P, is sent between the rollers 2 and 3 and passes through those rollers.

At this time, the reversal of the rotation of the roller 2 is effected. For this reason, the distribution of two sheets of IC cards 32 is prevented. In addition, the front end of the IC 32 card sent out is caught by the roller rotary 4 and the pressure roller 5. And the IC card is sent out towards the direction of the connector 22. Still, at this time, the solenoid SI is turned off and the clutch 8C is detached. As a result, the roller 1 does not rotate although the axis 8 rotates (refer to Figure 7). In this way, the front end of the. IC card 32 sent out by the roller 4 and the pressure roller 5 hits the hook 34 of the connector 22. At this time, as is clarified by the structure shown in Figures 4 and 5, part of the hook 34 of the connector 22 it moves a little upwards (refer to Figure 8). Therefore, the IC 32 cards progress. And, the pickup of the front end of the IC card 32 is effected by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 in rotation. The IC card 32, which was picked up, is sent out towards the direction of the receiving frame 23 only by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 (refer to Figures 9 (A) and 9 (B)).

The IC card 32 is detached from the hook 34 completely. And when the front end is detected by the sensor RS of the reflector type, the motor 38 will perform the reverse rotation via a signal S3. The reverse rotation of the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 are effected by the reverse rotation of the motor 38. The IC card 32 is returned to the direction of the hook 34 (refer to Figure 10). When the front end of the IC card 32, which is returned to the direction of the hook 34, strikes the hook 34 and is captured, the connector 22 is turned towards the direction of the lower diagonal, as shown in Figure 5 Therefore, the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 come into contact with the contacts (not shown) of the connector 22. Almost simultaneously, the front edge of the connector 22 turns on a mechanical type switch MS. If the switch MS is turned on, an S4 signal will be sent to the MC device controller. The controller MC sends an S5 connection signal to the central controller or HC host. When it is verified by the signal S4 that the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 have been connected to the contacts of the switch 22, the rotation of the roller 6, ie of the motor 38, is stopped.

In this way, the IC card 32 remains still in the condition of remaining connected to the connector 22. The processing of IC card data 32 is effected in this idle condition. That is, via a collective 8-bit BS conductor, the central controller or host HC performs the writing and reading of data on the microcircuit (not shown) on the IC card 32. When the data communication of the Main HC controller and IC 32 card, a distribution signal S6 is sent from the controller HC to the supplementary controller MC. If the distribution signal S6 is sent, the supplementary controller MC will rotate forward the motor 38 via the drive circuit MD. In this way, the IC card 32 is issued in the direction of a receptacle frame 23 by means of the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 (refer to Figure 11). Eventually, at this time, the connector 22 is returned to the original position by means of a spring 22S (refer to Figure 5) substantially in the form of a V. As shown in Figure 11, the IC card 32 reaches the shell of the receptacle 23. And the preparation of the manual extraction is completed. The RS sensor detects the movement of the IC 32 card at this time. The change of a detection signal S3 of the sensor RS is sent to the supplementary control MC. And, if the IC card 32 is pulled with the hand of the receptacle frame 23, the detection signal S3 of the RS sensor will vary. For example, a terminating signal S7 of the supplementary controller MC is sent. If the termination signal S7 is sent, a power supply P of the supplementary controller MC is turned off. In addition, the processing of the signal SI to S7 is carried out by the program of the main controller HC and the supplementary controller MC. When the communication with the central controller or HC host and the IC 32 card is not successful, the IC 32 card collected, for example. In this case, the IC 32 card is not an excellent article, or the orientation in the stack is not adequate, or the surfaces of the head and tail of the IC card 32 in the stack are inverted, etc. At this time, a pickup signal S8 is sent to the supplementary control MC from the main controller HC. When the pick-up signal S8 is sent, the controller MC causes the motor 38 to rotate forward. In this manner, as shown in Figure 9 (A) and Figure 9 (B), the collected IC card 32D is sent in the direction of the shell of the receptacle 23 by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7. When the collected IC card 32D is sent in the direction of the frame of the receptacle 23 and the front end is detected by the sensor RS, the motor 38 is stopped via the detection signal S3 (refer to Figure 12). The motor 39 is driven by the MC device controller, almost simultaneously. And, since the pinion 25 meshes with the gear 20, and the shaft 12 is rotated forward. Accordingly, the axis 11 of the pressure roller 7 rotates around the roller 6 (see Figures 13 (A) and B)). Since the IC card 32D is pressed by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7, the IC card 32D remains in an inclined condition of approximately 40 degrees from the horizontal condition (see Figures 14 (A) and (B). At this moment, the sensor 37B detects the large slot 20N of the gear 20. And the rotation of the pinion 25, that is to say, of the motor 39 is stopped via a detection signal S 9. Almost simultaneously, the reverse rotation is effected. of the motor 38, and the reverse rotation of the roller 6 is effected. The collected IC card 32D, is collected downwards in the drawings (refer to Figures 15 (A) and (B)).

Then, the reverse rotation of the motor 39 is performed. And, via the pinion 25, the gear 20, ie, a pressure roller 7 returns to the original position as shown in Figure 12. If the pressure roller 7 return to the horizontal position, the sensor 37A will detect a small slit 20M of the gear 20. Via a SIO detection signal of the sensor 37A, the rotation of the pinion 25, ie the motor 39, is stopped or readjusted to the original condition. As shown in Figure 16, the IC card 32 is inserted into the apparatus manually from the receiver frame 23. If the front end of the IC card 32 passes the RS sensor, a detection signal S3 will be processed. by the MC controller. And, a signal Sil is reported to the central controller HC. An S12 signal accepted in the central controller HC is sent to the MC device controller. If the acceptance signal S12 is received, the controller MC will drive the motor 38 with the reverse rotation. In this way, if the front end of the IC card 32 reaches between the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7, which perform the reverse rotation, the IC card 32 will be sent, further, in the direction of the connector 22. .

When the front end of the IC card 32, which is sent in the direction of the connector 22, hits the hook 34, the connector 22 moves in the direction of the lower diagonal. Therefore, having shown in Figure 10, the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 in contact with the contacts (not shown) of the connector 22. Subsequently, it is confirmed when the fillings 33 of the IC 32 card were completely connected to the contacts of the connector 22, the rotation of the roller 6 is stopped in a manner similar to that mentioned above. Accordingly, the IC card 32 rests on the condition of being connected to the connector 22. Therefore, the data processing will be performed by means of the central controller HC. When the data communication of the controller HC and the IC card 32 is completed, the forwarding signal S6 is sent to the supplementary controller MC of the controller HC. Upon receipt of the delivery signals S6, the supplementary controller causes the motor 38 to rotate forward via the drive circuit MD. In this manner, similar to what was described above, as shown in Figure 11, the IC card 32 reaches the receiver frame 23. As a result, the preparation of the extraction by hand is completed. When the communication with the central controller HC and the IC card 32 is not successful, the IC card 32 is collected. In this case, as described above, the pickup signal S8 is sent to the supplementary control MC of the main control HC . Upon receiving the pickup signal S8, the supplemental controller MC turns the motor 38. When the collected IC card 32D is sent in the direction of the receiver frame 23 and the front end is detected by the RS sensor, the motor 38 is stopped ( see Figure 12). Almost simultaneously, if the motor 39 is driven by the controller of the apparatus MC, the gear 20 will rotate forward about the axis 12. Since the IC card 32D is pressed between the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7, it is inclined to 40 degrees of the horizontal condition (see Figures 14 (A) and (B)). At this time, the sensor 37B stops the rotation of the pinion 25, that is, of the motor 39 via the detection signal S9. Almost simultaneously the reverse rotation of the roller 6 is performed, and the collected IC card 32D is collected at the bottom in the drawing (refer to Figure 15 (A) and (B)).

Then, the reverse rotation of the motor 39 is performed. And, as shown in FIG. 12, the gear 20 or the pressure roller 7 returns to the original position. If the pressure roller 7 returns to the horizontal position, the sensor 37A will detect the small slit 20M. The rotation of the motor 39 is stopped via the SIO detection signal of the sensor 37 a, and readjusted to the original condition. Figures 19 and 20 is an operation flow diagram of the aforementioned example. To understand the operation mentioned above, the explanation of the flowcharts is carried out. If the SI extraction signal of the IC card 32 is sent from the main controller HC (step ST1), the lower part of the IC card will be sent by the roller 1 (step ST2). The rotary roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 effect the pickup of the front end of the IC card 32. And, the IC card 32 is sent in the direction of the receiver frame 23 (step ST3). If the sensor RS detects the front end of the IC card 32, the motor 38 will perform the reverse rotation via the signal S3 (step ST4 and step ST5). The IC card 32 is connected to the connector 22 by the reverse rotation of the motor 38. And, the front end of the connector 22 turns on the switch MS. If the switch MS is turned on, the control of the apparatus MC sends the connection signal S5 to the central controller HC (step ST6). Accordingly, the IC card 32 remains in the condition of being connected to the connector 22. In the idle connection state, the central controller HC codes the microcircuit in the IC card 32 (step ST7). When communication with the main controller HC and the IC card 32 is completed (step ST8), the distribution signal S6 is sent to the supplementary controller MC of the controller HC (step ST9). If the distribution signal S6 is sent, the supplemental controller MC will cause the motor 38 to rotate forward via the drive circuit MD (step ST10). In this way, the IC card 32 reaches the receiver frame 23 by means of the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 (step STll). At this time, the detection signal S3 of the sensor RS is sent to the supplementary controller MC, and the termination signal S7 is also sent out of the supplemental controller MC (step ST12). When the IC card 32 is pulled from the receiver frame 23, the termination signal S7 is sent. And, the whole device returns to the original state (steps ST13 and ST14). When communication with the central controller HC and the IC card 32 is not successful, the IC 32 cards are collected (step ST8). At this time, the pick-up signal S8 is sent to the supplemental controller MC from the main controller HC (step ST15). The collection signal S8 is sent, the collected IC card 32 is gathered to the lower part of the apparatus, as described above (step ST16). If the reception signal S12 of the central controller HC is sent to the controller of the apparatus MC (Step ST21), the IC card 32 will be inserted into the interior of the apparatus from the receiving frame 23 (step ST22). Accordingly, if the IC card 32 is inserted, the controller MC will drive the motor 38 with reverse rotation (step ST23). The IC card 32 is connected to the connector 22 by means of the reverse rotation of the motor 38, and the leading edge of the connector 22 causes the switch MS to turn ON. If the switch MS is turned ON, the device controller MC sends the connection signal S5 to the central controller HC (step S24). In this way, the IC card 32 remains in the condition of being connected to the connector 22. And, communication is made between the central controller HC and the IC card 32 (step ST25). As a result, the IC card 32 remains in the condition of being connected to the connector 22. The data communication is effected by the central controller HC. When the termination of the communication with the HC controller and IC card 32 is made, the distribution signal S6 is sent to the supplementary controller MC from the HC controller (step ST27). If the distribution signal S6 is sent, the supplemental controller MC will cause the motor 38 to rotate forward via the drive circuit MD (step ST28). Accordingly, the IC card 32 reaches the receiver frame 23. Therefore, the preparation of the manual removal, as described above (step ST29). At this time, the detection signal S3 of the sensor RS is sent to the supplementary control MC. And the termination signal S7 is also sent from the supplementary controller MC (step ST30). If the IC card 32 is pulled out of the receiver frame 23, the termination signal is not sent. Therefore, the entire device returns to the original condition (steps ST31 and ST32).

When the communication with the central controller HC and the IC 32 card is not successful, the IC 32 card is collected. At this time, the collection signal S8 is sent to the supplemental controller MC from the main controller HC (step ST33). If the collection signal S8 is sent, the collected IC 32D card is gathered in the lower part of the apparatus, as described above (step ST34).

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION The invention as described above adds a simple structure apparatus, which can extract cards, one by one, reliably. As a result, the invention can process data and distribute IC cards. Therefore, a great effect is obtained. Furthermore, the invention has the advantage that an IC card inserted from the outside of the apparatus is processed with data and can be redistributed. In addition, this invention has another advantage, storing the blank IC card sheets and can distribute the IC card. Furthermore, this invention has another advantage that it can collect the IC card, if the configuration of the wrong IC card, for example.

Mode B Later, all this example is explained schematically on the basis of the drawings. In Figure 21, a pair of large L-shaped boards are the side boards 41 and 42, which comprise the apparatus according to this invention. The upper right side between the side boards 41 and 42 contains a stack 28. A stack 28 accumulates many IC 32 cards, in the form of a pillar. In addition, the IC card 32 includes a thin integrated microcircuit, i.e. microcircuit IC (not shown), in an appropriate location. The pad 33 for connecting the IC circuits is formed on the surface of the IC card 32. In this example, the number of fillers 33 is eight.

However, the number of fillings 33 is not limited. Between the side panels 41 and 42, an electric motor 38 is integrated with a gear. The electric motor 38 is used to extract an IC 32 card (see Figure 32). The axis of rotation, which is an output shaft of the electric motor 38, installs the pulley 14. The symbol 1 shown in the upper right part of Figure 2 is a roller for distributing the IC card 32.

The roller 1 is installed rotatably on an axle 8, and has a clutch mechanism beside it. The shaft 8 is provided with a clutch 8C (see Figure 22) of the pulley type with a groove. The clutch 8C performs the same movement as the axis 8. The clutch 8C can be coupled with the roller 1 freely, by the operation of a solenoid SLl (refer to Figure 24) via the arm (not shown) which can be placed in the slot. In addition, the final part of the shaft 8 installs a pulley 13. In addition, an EM sensor, which is arranged near the roller 1, detects that the IC 32 card has not been lost (refer to Figure 24). That is, the EM sensor, which detects the absence of IC cards, detects the pendulum, which functions due to the weight when the battery 28 is lost. A pair of rollers 4 are arranged near the roller 1 to distribute an IC 32 card from the bottom of the stack 38 (refer to Figure 22). In addition, the roller 4 for distributing the IC card 32, which is removed, is rotatably arranged on the apparatus via an axis 10. And, a pulley 15 with inclination was installed on the right end portion of the shaft 10.

In addition, on the roller 4 for removing the IC card, small pressure rollers 5 for pushing the IC card, respectively, are rotatably arranged. And, a band 24 extends over the pulley 14 of the electric motor 38 of the drive source, in the pulley 13, and the smaller diameter part of the pulley 15 with inclination. The symbol 17 shown in the left-center portion of Figure 2 is a pulley. A band 19 extends over the pulley 15 and in the larger diameter part of the pulley 17 with inclination. Y, the pulley 17 is installed on the edge part of the shaft 12. In the center of the shaft 12, a pair of rollers 6 are installed to move the IC card 32. Also, a large diameter gear board 20, is installed rotatably on the axis 12 next to the pulley 17. In addition, on the other end part or end of the shaft 12, a rectangular board flange 21 is rotatably installed. Still, the gear board 20 and the flange 21 , which become a pair, are respectively arranged on the outside of the side panels 41 and 42 (see Figure 21).

In addition, a shaft 11 is fixed between the gear board 20 and the rim 21. On the shaft 11, a pair of pressure rollers are rotatably mounted. 7 for printing the IC card 32, which correspond to a pair of rollers 6. In addition, the reinforcing rods 40 are coupled between the gear board 20 and the flange 21 (refer to Figure 22). In addition, on the axis 11, a guide G is attached, which is a rectangular bent board (refer to figure 21). In addition, the guide G guides the IC card 32 on the roller 6 from a receiver frame 23. The symbol 39 shown in the lower left part of the "Figure 2 is a small electric motor, the electric motor 39, is a source of drive for collecting lower quality IC 32 cards inside the apparatus, for example, a pinion 25 is installed on the rotation axis of the electric motor 39. The pinion 25 meshes with the gearbox 20 of larger diameter. rectangular cover plate 51, is fixed between the left ends of side panels 41 and 42 (refer to Figure 21).

At the top of the cover plate 51, an oblong slot 52 is provided, through which an IC 32 card passes (refer to Figure 23). In addition, on the outer surface of the cover plate 51, a square ring-shaped obturator 53 is arranged which moves vertically via a spring (not shown). The plug 53 opens and closes a slot 53 for passing the IC card 32. At the top of the cover plate 51, the receiver frame 23 of the oblong box ring type is fixed. The receiver frame 23 guides the IC card 32 inserted in the apparatus into the apparatus. The rectangular oblong-shaped member in FIG. 1 is a housing H. Inside the housing H, a connector 22 for the IC card 32 is movably contained. That is, the board-shaped connector 22 is contained in the housing H slidably in an approximately horizontal direction and rotatably upwards (see Figure 24). Specifically, two small slots G are formed on each side of housing H (refer to Figure 21). Each small groove G on the side of the stack 28 is approximately L-shaped. Each small groove G on the side of the receiving frame 23 has the small L-shape. The connector 22 has a plurality of small L projections on each side (refer to Figure 24). Each projection L on the side of the stack 28 is long. At the same time, each projection L on the side of the shutter 23 is short. On the outer end of the large projection L, a spring (not shown) is engaged to return the connector 22. On the surface of the connector 22 and on each angular part of the side of the stack 23, a pair of small ones are formed. hooks 34, respectively (see Figure 24). These hooks 34 engage the angular portions of one end of the card 32. Still, on the surface of the connector 22, for example, eight C contacts are arranged (refer to Figure 24). And, the contacts C are connected to the upper part of the housing H via flexible wires W (see Figure 21). In other words, the board-shaped connector 22 has a connection board with the contacts C. Figure 5 is a block diagram of a circuit of the example shown in Figure 1. The symbol HC shown to the left of the Figure 5 is a controller of a host central machine (not shown).

The MC in Figure 5 connected to the central controller HC, is a controller of the apparatus of the example. The controller MC connects the electric motor, the solenoid and the sensors shown in Figure 4, respectively. Eventually, only the connector 22 is connected to the central controller HC. In addition, the electric motors 38 and 39, respectively, perform forward and reverse rotation via an MD drive circuit. In addition, the solenoids SL1 and SL2 are operated respectively via an SD drive circuit.

Example An operation of this example, which consists of the structure named above, is explained on the basis of Figures 26 and 27. If a signal is sent from the central controller HC to the IC card 32, the solenoid SL2 will operate. And, the shutter 53 closes the slot 52 (step TI). At the same time, the electric motor 38, performs the forward rotation, and the pulley 14 rotates. And, the pulley 15 and the pulley 13 rotate respectively via the band 24. On the other hand, the solenoid SLl operates, and the roller 1 rotates via the clutch 8C (refer to figure 24).

Accordingly, the IC card 32 of the lowermost part of the stack 28 is distributed by a small long projection P of the roller 1 (step T2). The front end of the IC card 32, distributed by the projection P, is sent between the roller 4 and the pressure roller 5. The card IC 32, which was removed by the rotation of the roller and the pressure roller 4 it is also sent in the direction of the connector 22. Eventually, the solenoid SL1 shuts off at that moment. In this way, the clutch 8C is disconnected. A roller l does not rotate even if axis 8 rotates. Therefore, the front end of the IC card 32 sent by the roller 4 and the pressure roller 5 hits the hooks 34 of the connector 22 (step T3). At this time, the hooks 34 of the connector 22 will move upwards a little against the spring (refer to Figure 24). Therefore, the IC card advances in the direction, the front end of the card 32 is captured by the rotation of the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7. The IC 32 card, which was picked up, is sent in the directions of the shutter 53 only by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7. If the IC card 32 passes the hooks 34 and the front end is detected by a position sensor CP, the reverse rotation of the electric motor 38 ( step T4). The reverse rotation of the roller 6 and the control roller 7 are effected by the reverse rotation of the electric motor 38, and the IC card 32 returns to the direction of the hook 34 (step T5). If the returned IC card 32 hits the hooks 34, the connector 22 will move in the direction of the stack 28 and almost diagonally downward against the spring (refer to Figure 24). Accordingly, the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 contact the contacts C of the connector 22. The leading edge of the connector 22 is detected by an O / L sensor simultaneously. If detection is confirmed, roll rotation 6, that is, the electric motor 38 is stopped (step T6). At the same time, the detection signal of the O / L sensor is sent to the central controller HC via the MC controller. That is, it is confirmed that the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 are connected to the contacts C of the connector 22. The data processing on the IC card 32 is carried out in this condition (step T7). In this way, via the connector 22, the microcircuit (not shown) on the IC card 32 is written inside and read out as data by the controller HC. If the data communication of the main controller HC and the IC cards 32 ends successfully, a signal from the controller HC to the supplementary controller MC will be sent. And, if the signal is produced, the supplementary controller MC will perform the forward rotation of the electric motor 38 via the drive circuit MD. Accordingly, the IC card 32 is again sent to the obturator direction 53 by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 (step Til). Eventually, the connector 22 is returned to the original position by the spring (not shown) at this time. If the "IC card 32 sent in the direction of shutter 53 is detected by the sensor CP, the shutter 53 will be opened via the solenoid SL2 (step T12) .When the IC card 32 passes through a slot 52, and is detected by the sensor BZ, the electric motor 38 is stopped (step T13) In this condition, if the IC card 32 is pulled by the fingers of the receiver frame 23, a BZ sensor will also be operated (step T14). the plug 53 closes the slot 52 (step T15).

Still, the aforementioned process is carried out by the program of the HC and MC controllers. The case where the IC card 32 is inserted into the apparatus from the receiver frame 23 is described (step T21). The front end of the IC card 32 is detected by the BZ sensor (step T22), the shutter 53 is opened. (Step T23). In this way, the IC card 32 is inserted into the apparatus through the slot 52 (step T24). If the inserted IC card 32 is detected by a CS sensor to confirm acceptance, the electric motor 38 will perform the reverse rotation (step T25). The reverse rotation of the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 are effected by the reverse rotation of the electric motor 38. And, the captured IC card 32 is sent in the direction of the hook 34 (step T26). When the IC card 32 hits the hooks 34, the connector 22 moves in the direction of the stack 28 and in the almost diagonal direction downwardly against the spring (refer to Figure 24). Accordingly, the fillings 33 of the IC card 32 make contact with the contacts C of the connector 22. The leading edge of the connector 22 is detected by the O / L sensor simultaneously.

When detection is confirmed, the rotation of the roller 6, that is, the electric motor 38 is stopped (step T27). In this way, the data processing is performed on the IC card 32 (step T7). And, the process of steps Til to T15 is carried out as described above, for example. When the communication with the central controller HC and the IC card 32 does not take place, the IC cards 32 are collected. In this case, the IC card 32 is a lower quality article, or the orientation of the card stack. of IC 32 is not suitable, or the surfaces of the head and tail of the IC card 32 are inverted in the stack. In this case, a pick-up signal is sent to the MC supplementary control to maintain the HC control. If a pick-up signal is given, the forward rotation of the motor 38 by the MC controller will be effected. Accordingly, the collected IC card 32 is sent in the direction of the receiving frame 23 by the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7 (step T31). When the collected IC card 32 is sent in the direction of the receiver frame 23 and the front end is detected by the position sensor CP, the electric motor 38 is stopped (step T32).

Almost simultaneously, the electric motor 39 is driven by the controller MC, and a pinion 25 rotates forward about the shaft 12 by means of the gear 20. Accordingly, a shaft 11 of the pressure roller 7 rotates around the roller 6. Since the IC card 32 is tightened on the roller 6 and the pressure roller 7, the IC card 32 is tilted approximately 40 degrees from the horizontal condition (not shown). At this time, a sensor CR2 detects a groove in the edge of the gear 20, and the rotation of the electric motor 39 stops. Almost simultaneously, the reverse rotation of the electric motor 38 is effected, and the reverse rotation of the roller 6 is effected. The collected IC card 32 is collected in the lower portion in the drawings (step T33). After this, the reverse rotation of the electric motor 39 is effected, and the gear 20, namely, the pressure roller 7, returns to the original position via the pinion 25. If the pressure roller 7 returns to the original position , the sensor CR1 will detect the groove of the gear edge 20 in the direction of a stack 28.

When the sensor CR1 detects the groove, the rotation of the electric motor 39 is stopped. And, it returns to the original condition. After this, the shutter 53 closes the slot 52 (step T34). In addition, an SH sensor of the shutter 53 detects the opening and closing operation of the shutter 53. Furthermore, of course the O / L sensor detects whether the IC card 32 is discharged from the battery 28.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION As mentioned above, by adding a simple structure to a card issuing apparatus, this invention processes data and distributes an IC card. In addition, this invention effects the processing of IC cards inserted from the outside, and distributes the IC card again. In addition, a machine that processes IC cards according to this invention is provided with a simple structure. And security is ensured when the IC card is processed.

Claims (6)

1. An apparatus for distributing IC cards, characterized in that it comprises at least: connection means for effecting data processing of an IC card inserted from the outside; means for connecting the IC card inserted in the connection means; and means for externally downloading the IC card on which the data processing is performed by means of the connection means.

2. An apparatus for distributing IC cards, characterized in that it comprises at least: means for extracting only an IC card placed on the lowermost part, or exterior of stacked IC cards: connection means for effecting data processing of the IC IC card removed; means for connecting the IC card to the connection means; and means for externally downloading the IC card on which the data processing is performed by means of the connection means.

3. The apparatus for distributing IC cards according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it also comprises means for collecting an IC card which was processed or was not processed by means of the connection inside the apparatus.

4. An IC card processing machine, characterized in that it comprises at least: shutter means for detecting an IC card from the outside of the machine and accepting the IC card inside it; connection means which perform the data processing on the IC card accepted in the machine; means for connecting the accepted IC card to the connection means; and means for externally sending the IC card on which the data processing is performed by means of the connection means.

5. An IC card processing machine, characterized in that it comprises at least: means for downloading an IC card from stacked IC cards; connecting means for effecting data processing on the IC card; means for connecting the downloaded IC card to the connection means; means for moving the IC card on which the data processing is performed by means of the connection means; and shutter means for detecting the IC card of moving media and externally sending the IC card. The IC card processing machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it also comprises means for collecting the IC card that was processed or was not processed by means of the connection means inside the machine.