WO2002025852A9 - Manual ic card reader - Google Patents

Manual ic card reader

Info

Publication number
WO2002025852A9
WO2002025852A9 PCT/IB2001/002179 IB0102179W WO0225852A9 WO 2002025852 A9 WO2002025852 A9 WO 2002025852A9 IB 0102179 W IB0102179 W IB 0102179W WO 0225852 A9 WO0225852 A9 WO 0225852A9
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
card
card reader
manual
contact block
contact
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2001/002179
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002025852A3 (en
WO2002025852A2 (en
Inventor
Shigeyuki Nagata
Toshio Tatai
Kazunori Takahashi
Original Assignee
Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Kk
Shigeyuki Nagata
Toshio Tatai
Kazunori Takahashi
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Kk, Shigeyuki Nagata, Toshio Tatai, Kazunori Takahashi filed Critical Sankyo Seiki Seisakusho Kk
Publication of WO2002025852A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002025852A2/en
Publication of WO2002025852A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002025852A3/en
Publication of WO2002025852A9 publication Critical patent/WO2002025852A9/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0013Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
    • G06K7/0021Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts
    • G06K7/0026Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts the galvanic contacts of the connector adapted for landing on the contacts of the card upon card insertion
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/0013Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers
    • G06K7/0021Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by galvanic contacts, e.g. card connectors for ISO-7816 compliant smart cards or memory cards, e.g. SD card readers for reading/sensing record carriers having surface contacts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a manual IC card reader. More specifically, it relates to a novel manual card reader which reads and writes data by manual insertion and removal of an IC card.
  • Fig. 4 shows an example of a manual IC card reader 101 of conventional technology which reads and writes data on IC card 102 when IC card
  • Contact shoe 104 on contact block 103 must resiliently contact IC card 102 held at a given position such that manual IC card reader 101 communicates with IC card 102 having data thereon.
  • Contact block 103 is supported such that IC card 102 can move upward and downward with respect to IC card 102 by means of parallel link mechanism 106.
  • Contact block 103 is provided with corner contact plate (contact registration) 105 which contacts the tip of inserted IC card 102 for alignment.
  • Inserted IC card 102 contacts corner contact plate 105 of contact block 103, and contact block 103 is pushed inward and is pressed against IC card 102.
  • Contact shoe 104 resiliently contacts IC card 102 held at a given position.
  • the conventional manual IC card reader 101 has a drawback in that contact block 103 is gradually pushed downward as IC card 102 is inserted, increasing contact pressure P applied by contact shoe 104.
  • Contact pressure P causes friction between IC card 102 and card transport surface 107 thereby making insertion of IC card 102 difficult. More specifically, the insertion load is small until contact shoe 104 contacts IC card 102 and the insertion load increases afterward, making insertion of IC card 102 difficult.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide a manual IC card reader into which an IC card can be inserted easily with a small insertion load until the IC card is inserted to the read-out position correctly.
  • the present invention provides the following manual IC card reader in which an IC card is inserted from a slot formed on the frame of the IC card reader and is moved to a termination point via the channel unit for insertion removal of the IC card provided in the direction in which the IC card is inserted so as to transmit data when a contact shoe on a contact block contacts a contact terminal pattern on the IC card, a manual IC card reader which comprises: sensors for detecting the IC card positioned at the termination point; a moving means for moving the contact block to a terminal pattern to/from the contact block to cause the contact block and the terminal pattern to connect/disconnect from each other according to the output from the sensor; and a driving source for driving the moving means.
  • the present invention provides a manual IC card reader as described above wherein the IC card reader comprises a shutter member for opening/closing the slot based on the output from the sensor and the shutter member is opened /closed by the driving means actuated by the driving source.
  • the driving means actuated by the driving source.
  • the driving source can be used for both opening/closing the shutter member and for moving the contact block.
  • the present invention provides a manual IC card reader as set forth initially above, wherein the driving source comprises an engagement pin for providing an engagement of the moving means and the engagement pin formed on the engagement unit such that the engagement pin connects/disconnects from the engagement unit provided with the moving means; the contact block connects/disconnects from the contact terminal pattern on the IC card as the engagement pin connects/disconnects from the engagement unit.
  • Actuation of the driving source drives the moving means via the engagement pin and engagement unit to move the contact block.
  • a manual IC card reader comprising: a linking member; a mount provided on the linking member; and a fitting hole formed on the shutter member such that the mount is fitted therein; wherein the fitting hole comprises an actuating portion for opening/closing the shutter member according to the reciprocating movement of the linking member, and a holding unit for holding the shutter member at the closed position.
  • the actuated driving source moves the engagement pin and the linking member so as to open close or hold the shutter member via a mount and a fitting hole.
  • the shutter member is opened/closed by reciprocal movement of the linking member.
  • the mount is at the holding unit, the shutter member is held at the closed position.
  • Fig. 1 is a side view of a major section of the manual IC card reader according the present invention for reading/writing data on an IC card;
  • Fig. 2 is a side view showing a major section of the manual IC card reader according to the present invention in which the IC card is removable;
  • Fig. 3 is a plan view of a major section of the manual IC card reader according to the present invention;
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology
  • Fig. 5 is a side view showing a major section of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology.
  • Fig. 6 is also a side view showing a major section of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology.
  • Figs. 1-3 show an embodiment of the manual IC card reader 1 according to the present invention.
  • Manual IC card reader 1 moves IC card 2 from slot 3 to the card termination point (the point at which IC card 2 is positioned in each drawing); data on IC card 2 is communicated when contact shoe 5 on contact block 4 contacts a contact terminal pattern on IC card 2; IC card 2 is then removed.
  • Manual IC card reader 1 comprises: sensors 6 and 7 for detecting the termination point for IC card 2; moving means 8 for moving said contact block to the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2 such that the contact block can be connected or disconnected according to the output from said sensor; and driving source 9 is provided for driving moving means 8.
  • sensors 6 and 7 are activated to drive driving source 9, which activates moving means 8 so as to move contact block 4 until it contacts a contact terminal pattern on IC card 2.
  • Contact block 4 does not gradually head down when IC card 2 is inserted thereby ensuring horizontal insertion of IC card without increased insertion load.
  • the present invention makes insertion of Card 2 easy without requiring an additional insertion load conventionally required for transporting IC card 2 to transfer the card to the termination point.
  • Manual IC card reader 1 comprises channel unit 11 provided on frame 10 constituting slot 3 for horizontal insertion and removal of IC card 2. One places his/her fingers holding IC card 2 on channel unit 11 to insert/remove IC card 2 through slot 3.
  • sensor 6 is a front sensor 6 provided near slot 3 and sensor 7 is rear sensor provided deep in card transport path 12. Signals detected by sensors 6 and 7 are sent to more sophisticated equipment (not illustrated; higher intelligence computer terminal) to determine whether IC card 2 is at the card termination point upon receipt of an "ON" signal from the sensors.
  • Front sensor 6 comprises a photosensor and is provided with sensor lever 13 projecting over card transport path 12. Upon insertion of IC card 2, front sensor 6 is turned on via sensor lever 13. Magnetic head 14 provided near slot 3 may also be used instead of front sensor 6. When IC card 2 is filled with magnetic information to be read out, magnetic head 14 may also be used instead of front sensor 6.
  • Rear sensor 7 comprises a photosensor and is provided with sensor lever 15 projecting over card transport path 12. Upon arrival of IC card 2 at the termination point, front sensor 6 is turned on via sensor lever 13.
  • Driving source 9 is a solenoid. The solenoid is provided with a spring 17 spring loaded for transferring force in the direction in which plunger 16 is pulled out. Pin 18 is mounted to be engaged with plunger 16.
  • Driving source 9 is horizontally arranged in frame 10 thereby reducing the height of the IC card reader of the present invention relative to the height of IC card reader 1 of conventional technology.
  • Moving means 8 which is rotatable around shaft 19, comprises a rocking plate on which contact block 4 is attached. Contact block 4 moves to/from IC card 2 as rocking motion of moving means 8.
  • Moving means 8 is provided with engagement unit 20 which is capable of being connected/disconnected from engagement pin 18 of driving source 9. Whenever pin 18 connects/disconnects from engagement unit 20, movement means 8 rocks, thereby letting contact block 4 connect/disconnect from the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2.
  • Moving means 8 is also provided with spring 21 which transfers force in the direction in which contact block 4 is removed from IC card 2.
  • Manual IC card reader 1 comprises shutter member 22 for opening/closing motion based on sensors 6 and 7.
  • Shutter member 22 is driven to open close the card transfer path 12 by driving source 9.
  • driving source 9 for opening/closing motion of shutter member 22 can also be used for moving contact block 4.
  • Shutter member 22 opens/closes card transfer path 12, and is capable of rocking on shaft 19.
  • shutter member 22 and moving means 8 share the same pivot.
  • shutter member 22 and moving means 8 can share a universal member capable of rotatably supporting shutter member 22 and moving means 8. In this way the number of parts required for assembly is reduced.
  • the configuration in which shutter member 22 and moving means 8 share the same pivot provides enough space for horizontal configuration of driving source 9 (solenoid).
  • Linking member 23 is fixed onto engagement pin 18.
  • Mount 24 is provided to linking member 23.
  • Fitting hole 25 is formed on shutter member 22 for mount 24 thereon.
  • Fitting hole 25 and mount 24 together constitute a cam mechanism comprising actuating unit 26 which opens/closes shutter member 22 according to the reciprocating motion of linking member 23 and holding unit 27 which holds shutter member 22 at the closed position.
  • plunger 16 of driving source 9 Prior to insertion of IC card 2, plunger 16 of driving source 9 is pulled by spring 17 to the maximum position (initial position) and shutter member 22 is open. Contact block 4 is pulled by spring 21 to a position remote from card transfer path 12.
  • front sensor 6 As IC card 2 is inserted, front sensor 6 is turned on thereby sensing insertion of the IC card. Further insertion of IC card 2 turns on rear sensor 7, thereby initiating and completing reading of magnetic data. Alternatively, Magnetic head 14 reads magnetic data on IC card 2 as IC card 2 is being inserted forward-read processing.
  • Actuated driving source 9 pulls in plunger 16, moving engagement pin 18 so as to initiate sliding motion of linking member 23.
  • Mount 24 of linking member 23 moves inside fitting hole 25, rocking shutter member 22 to close card transfer path 2.
  • IC card 2 cannot be removed.
  • the pulling motion of plunger 16 causes engagement pin 18 to press engagement unit 20 of moving means 8, thereby lowering contact block 4 toward IC card 2.
  • Contact shoe 5 on contact block 4 is pressed onto the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2, thereby communicating data therebetween.
  • driving force of driving source 9 closes shutter member 22 utilizing a small (initial stage) pulling force generated by plunger 16 and opens shutter member 22 utilizing a large (final stage) pulling force generated by plunger 16.
  • the present invention prevents applying excessive load on a solenoid and provides advantageous effects by eliminating the need for increased insertion load required in a conventional IC card reader for transporting IC card 2 to the card termination point. Closing and opening operations are executed at different times such that no excess load is applied to the solenoid. Also, shutter member 22 is always closed as data are communicated between contact shoe 5 and the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2, thereby preventing destruction of IC card 2 during removal. Plunger 16 presses contact block 4 when plunger 16 is pulled thereby ensuring the intimate contact of Plunger
  • a solenoid is adopted for actuating driving source 9 in the preferred embodiment but a motor may also be used in its place.
  • contact block 4 is moved by driving source 9 when IC card 2 is moved to the termination point, making insertion of IC card 2 easy without requiring an additional insertion load to transfer the card to the termination point.
  • a contact block is operated not manually but by a driving source. As a result, while an IC card is inserted to the holding position, the contact block does not gradually head down and the IC card is supported by the pad pressure of the magnetic head. In other words the IC card insertion load is always kept constant. In this way, the card reader for IC cards has the same ease of operation as a magnetic card reader. Elimination of fluctuating load caused by insertion and removal of an
  • IC card reduces the error caused during reading of magnetic data.
  • IC card When one uses a card having both IC and magnetic data, one tends to remove the card when it is not inserted completely mislead by the increased insertion load. Correct data can be read all the time, thereby securing the read/write communication of data on the IC card.
  • a driving source can move the contact block and open/close the shutter. This reduces the size and manufacturing cost of the IC card reader according to the present invention. Also, the use of the same driving source for opening and closing of a shutter and moving of the contact block eliminates the need for additional driving force, eliminating the possibility of a reader with a larger size.
  • the manual IC card reader of the present invention can move the contact block when the actuated driving source drives the moving means via the engaged unit. Still further, the manual IC card reader of the present invention can switch the opening/closing and holding of the shutter member.
  • the manual IC card reader of the present invention can be made with a small number of components due to the use of a universal supporting member for rotatable support of the shutter member and the moving means.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Conveying Record Carriers (AREA)
  • Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)

Abstract

A manual IC card reader (1) comprises a frame (10), a slot (3) provided for insertion/removal of an IC card (2) and a channel connected to the slot in the direction of insertion of the IC card. The channel has a termination point. The IC card is inserted from the slot formed on the frame of the IC card reader for insertion/removal of the IC card provided in the direction in which the IC card is inserted so as to transmit data when a contact shoe (5) on a contact block (4) contacts a contact terminal pattern on the IC card. The manual IC card reader further comprises sensors (6, 7) for detecting the IC card positioned at the termination point, a device (8) for moving the contact block to a contact terminal pattern to/from the contact block to cause the contact block and the contact terminal pattern to connect/disconnect from each other according to the output from the sensor and a driving source (9) for driving the moving device (8).

Description

MANUAL IC CARD READER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority of Japanese Application No. 2000-285703, filed September 20, 2000, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incoφorated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a manual IC card reader. More specifically, it relates to a novel manual card reader which reads and writes data by manual insertion and removal of an IC card.
b) Description of the Related Art
Fig. 4 shows an example of a manual IC card reader 101 of conventional technology which reads and writes data on IC card 102 when IC card
102 is inserted by contacting contact block 103.
Contact shoe 104 on contact block 103 must resiliently contact IC card 102 held at a given position such that manual IC card reader 101 communicates with IC card 102 having data thereon. Contact block 103 is supported such that IC card 102 can move upward and downward with respect to IC card 102 by means of parallel link mechanism 106. Contact block 103 is provided with corner contact plate (contact registration) 105 which contacts the tip of inserted IC card 102 for alignment.
Inserted IC card 102 contacts corner contact plate 105 of contact block 103, and contact block 103 is pushed inward and is pressed against IC card 102.
Contact shoe 104 resiliently contacts IC card 102 held at a given position.
The conventional manual IC card reader 101 has a drawback in that contact block 103 is gradually pushed downward as IC card 102 is inserted, increasing contact pressure P applied by contact shoe 104. Contact pressure P causes friction between IC card 102 and card transport surface 107 thereby making insertion of IC card 102 difficult. More specifically, the insertion load is small until contact shoe 104 contacts IC card 102 and the insertion load increases afterward, making insertion of IC card 102 difficult.
When one experiences increased insertion load, he/she may erroneously stop insertion of IC card 102 not knowing that the insertion is incomplete. If this happens, the contact terminal pattern on IC card 102 does not contact shoe 104 correctly, causing an erroneous operation of the manual IC reader.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a manual IC card reader into which an IC card can be inserted easily with a small insertion load until the IC card is inserted to the read-out position correctly. To resolve the problem of increased insertion load, the present invention provides the following manual IC card reader in which an IC card is inserted from a slot formed on the frame of the IC card reader and is moved to a termination point via the channel unit for insertion removal of the IC card provided in the direction in which the IC card is inserted so as to transmit data when a contact shoe on a contact block contacts a contact terminal pattern on the IC card, a manual IC card reader which comprises: sensors for detecting the IC card positioned at the termination point; a moving means for moving the contact block to a terminal pattern to/from the contact block to cause the contact block and the terminal pattern to connect/disconnect from each other according to the output from the sensor; and a driving source for driving the moving means.
When the inserted IC card reaches the card holding point, sensors are actuated driving a driving source. A moving means is then actuated so as to let a contact block contact a contact terminal pattern on the IC card. In this way, the IC card will not head down during insertion without increasing the insertion load, making the insertion easier. The present invention provides a manual IC card reader as described above wherein the IC card reader comprises a shutter member for opening/closing the slot based on the output from the sensor and the shutter member is opened /closed by the driving means actuated by the driving source. When the inserted IC card reaches the card holding point, sensors are actuated by the driving source to close the shutter member. In this way, the IC card will not be removed erroneously while it contacts the contact block to read/write data thereon. The driving source can be used for both opening/closing the shutter member and for moving the contact block. Still further, the present invention provides a manual IC card reader as set forth initially above, wherein the driving source comprises an engagement pin for providing an engagement of the moving means and the engagement pin formed on the engagement unit such that the engagement pin connects/disconnects from the engagement unit provided with the moving means; the contact block connects/disconnects from the contact terminal pattern on the IC card as the engagement pin connects/disconnects from the engagement unit.
Actuation of the driving source drives the moving means via the engagement pin and engagement unit to move the contact block.
According to the present invention discussed immediately above, a manual IC card reader is provided wherein the manual IC card reader comprises: a linking member; a mount provided on the linking member; and a fitting hole formed on the shutter member such that the mount is fitted therein; wherein the fitting hole comprises an actuating portion for opening/closing the shutter member according to the reciprocating movement of the linking member, and a holding unit for holding the shutter member at the closed position.
The actuated driving source moves the engagement pin and the linking member so as to open close or hold the shutter member via a mount and a fitting hole. When the mount is at the actuating unit of the fitting hole, the shutter member is opened/closed by reciprocal movement of the linking member. When the mount is at the holding unit, the shutter member is held at the closed position.
Yet another invention of the manual IC card reader according to the second description above, where the shutter member and the moving means share the same pivot. As a result, a universal member for supporting the shutter member and the moving means can be provided, thereby reducing the number of components required for assembling the card reader.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a major section of the manual IC card reader according the present invention for reading/writing data on an IC card;
Fig. 2 is a side view showing a major section of the manual IC card reader according to the present invention in which the IC card is removable; Fig. 3 is a plan view of a major section of the manual IC card reader according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a side view of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology;
Fig. 5 is a side view showing a major section of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology; and
Fig. 6 is also a side view showing a major section of a manual IC card reader of conventional technology.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the drawings are described herein. Figs. 1-3 show an embodiment of the manual IC card reader 1 according to the present invention. Manual IC card reader 1 moves IC card 2 from slot 3 to the card termination point (the point at which IC card 2 is positioned in each drawing); data on IC card 2 is communicated when contact shoe 5 on contact block 4 contacts a contact terminal pattern on IC card 2; IC card 2 is then removed.
Manual IC card reader 1 comprises: sensors 6 and 7 for detecting the termination point for IC card 2; moving means 8 for moving said contact block to the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2 such that the contact block can be connected or disconnected according to the output from said sensor; and driving source 9 is provided for driving moving means 8.
As a result, when inserted IC card 2 arrives at the card termination point, sensors 6 and 7 are activated to drive driving source 9, which activates moving means 8 so as to move contact block 4 until it contacts a contact terminal pattern on IC card 2. Contact block 4 does not gradually head down when IC card 2 is inserted thereby ensuring horizontal insertion of IC card without increased insertion load. The present invention makes insertion of Card 2 easy without requiring an additional insertion load conventionally required for transporting IC card 2 to transfer the card to the termination point.
Manual IC card reader 1 comprises channel unit 11 provided on frame 10 constituting slot 3 for horizontal insertion and removal of IC card 2. One places his/her fingers holding IC card 2 on channel unit 11 to insert/remove IC card 2 through slot 3.
Specifically, sensor 6 is a front sensor 6 provided near slot 3 and sensor 7 is rear sensor provided deep in card transport path 12. Signals detected by sensors 6 and 7 are sent to more sophisticated equipment (not illustrated; higher intelligence computer terminal) to determine whether IC card 2 is at the card termination point upon receipt of an "ON" signal from the sensors.
Front sensor 6 comprises a photosensor and is provided with sensor lever 13 projecting over card transport path 12. Upon insertion of IC card 2, front sensor 6 is turned on via sensor lever 13. Magnetic head 14 provided near slot 3 may also be used instead of front sensor 6. When IC card 2 is filled with magnetic information to be read out, magnetic head 14 may also be used instead of front sensor 6.
Rear sensor 7 comprises a photosensor and is provided with sensor lever 15 projecting over card transport path 12. Upon arrival of IC card 2 at the termination point, front sensor 6 is turned on via sensor lever 13. Driving source 9 is a solenoid. The solenoid is provided with a spring 17 spring loaded for transferring force in the direction in which plunger 16 is pulled out. Pin 18 is mounted to be engaged with plunger 16. Driving source 9 is horizontally arranged in frame 10 thereby reducing the height of the IC card reader of the present invention relative to the height of IC card reader 1 of conventional technology.
Moving means 8, which is rotatable around shaft 19, comprises a rocking plate on which contact block 4 is attached. Contact block 4 moves to/from IC card 2 as rocking motion of moving means 8. Moving means 8 is provided with engagement unit 20 which is capable of being connected/disconnected from engagement pin 18 of driving source 9. Whenever pin 18 connects/disconnects from engagement unit 20, movement means 8 rocks, thereby letting contact block 4 connect/disconnect from the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2. Moving means 8 is also provided with spring 21 which transfers force in the direction in which contact block 4 is removed from IC card 2.
Manual IC card reader 1 comprises shutter member 22 for opening/closing motion based on sensors 6 and 7. Shutter member 22 is driven to open close the card transfer path 12 by driving source 9. When IC card 2 is positioned at the termination point actuating sensors 6 and 7, shutter member 22 is closed by driving source 9. In this way, IC card 2 will not be removed erroneously while IC card 2 contacts contact block 4 to read/write data thereon. Driving source 9 for opening/closing motion of shutter member 22 can also be used for moving contact block 4.
Shutter member 22 opens/closes card transfer path 12, and is capable of rocking on shaft 19. In other words, shutter member 22 and moving means 8 share the same pivot. As a result, shutter member 22 and moving means 8 can share a universal member capable of rotatably supporting shutter member 22 and moving means 8. In this way the number of parts required for assembly is reduced. The configuration in which shutter member 22 and moving means 8 share the same pivot provides enough space for horizontal configuration of driving source 9 (solenoid).
Linking member 23 is fixed onto engagement pin 18. Mount 24 is provided to linking member 23. Fitting hole 25 is formed on shutter member 22 for mount 24 thereon. Fitting hole 25 and mount 24 together constitute a cam mechanism comprising actuating unit 26 which opens/closes shutter member 22 according to the reciprocating motion of linking member 23 and holding unit 27 which holds shutter member 22 at the closed position. As a result, engagement pin
18 and linking member 23 are actuated by driving source 9 so as to provide linear motion. When mount 24 is positioned at actuating unit 26 in fitting hole 25, the opening/closing motion of shutter member 22 is derived from reciprocal motion of linking member 23 via mount 24 and fitting hole 25. When mount 24 is positioned at holding unit 27, shutter member 22 is held at the closing position regardless of the reciprocal strokes of linking member 23.
The procedure of how the manual IC reader 1 reads and writes data on IC card 2 is described herein.
Prior to insertion of IC card 2, plunger 16 of driving source 9 is pulled by spring 17 to the maximum position (initial position) and shutter member 22 is open. Contact block 4 is pulled by spring 21 to a position remote from card transfer path 12.
As IC card 2 is inserted, front sensor 6 is turned on thereby sensing insertion of the IC card. Further insertion of IC card 2 turns on rear sensor 7, thereby initiating and completing reading of magnetic data. Alternatively, Magnetic head 14 reads magnetic data on IC card 2 as IC card 2 is being inserted forward-read processing.
The state in which both front sensor 6 and rear sensor 7 are turned on is considered to be that wherein IC card 2 is at the stop position and driving source 9 is actuated by more sophisticated equipment.
Actuated driving source 9 pulls in plunger 16, moving engagement pin 18 so as to initiate sliding motion of linking member 23. Mount 24 of linking member 23 moves inside fitting hole 25, rocking shutter member 22 to close card transfer path 2. At this time, IC card 2 cannot be removed. The pulling motion of plunger 16 causes engagement pin 18 to press engagement unit 20 of moving means 8, thereby lowering contact block 4 toward IC card 2. Contact shoe 5 on contact block 4 is pressed onto the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2, thereby communicating data therebetween.
When all data are communicated, current flow to driving source 9 is disconnected, causing spring 17 to return plunger 16 to its original position. Spring 21 first returns moving means 8 to separate contact block 4 from IC card 2. When plunger 16 is further pulled out, shutter member 22 is opened. When backward-read processing is adopted, magnetic data on IC card 2 are read as IC card 2 is being removed.
As described herein, according to the present invention, driving force of driving source 9 closes shutter member 22 utilizing a small (initial stage) pulling force generated by plunger 16 and opens shutter member 22 utilizing a large (final stage) pulling force generated by plunger 16. The present invention prevents applying excessive load on a solenoid and provides advantageous effects by eliminating the need for increased insertion load required in a conventional IC card reader for transporting IC card 2 to the card termination point. Closing and opening operations are executed at different times such that no excess load is applied to the solenoid. Also, shutter member 22 is always closed as data are communicated between contact shoe 5 and the contact terminal pattern on IC card 2, thereby preventing destruction of IC card 2 during removal. Plunger 16 presses contact block 4 when plunger 16 is pulled thereby ensuring the intimate contact of Plunger
16 and contact block 4.
The example above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and can be modified in many ways as long as the spirit of the present invention is preserved. For example, a solenoid is adopted for actuating driving source 9 in the preferred embodiment but a motor may also be used in its place. In addition, contact block 4 is moved by driving source 9 when IC card 2 is moved to the termination point, making insertion of IC card 2 easy without requiring an additional insertion load to transfer the card to the termination point. As is clear from what is described above, a contact block is operated not manually but by a driving source. As a result, while an IC card is inserted to the holding position, the contact block does not gradually head down and the IC card is supported by the pad pressure of the magnetic head. In other words the IC card insertion load is always kept constant. In this way, the card reader for IC cards has the same ease of operation as a magnetic card reader. Elimination of fluctuating load caused by insertion and removal of an
IC card reduces the error caused during reading of magnetic data. When one uses a card having both IC and magnetic data, one tends to remove the card when it is not inserted completely mislead by the increased insertion load. Correct data can be read all the time, thereby securing the read/write communication of data on the IC card.
Further according to the present invention, a driving source can move the contact block and open/close the shutter. This reduces the size and manufacturing cost of the IC card reader according to the present invention. Also, the use of the same driving source for opening and closing of a shutter and moving of the contact block eliminates the need for additional driving force, eliminating the possibility of a reader with a larger size.
In addition, the manual IC card reader of the present invention can move the contact block when the actuated driving source drives the moving means via the engaged unit. Still further, the manual IC card reader of the present invention can switch the opening/closing and holding of the shutter member.
The manual IC card reader of the present invention can be made with a small number of components due to the use of a universal supporting member for rotatable support of the shutter member and the moving means. While the foregoing description and drawings represent the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A manual IC card reader, comprising: a frame; a slot provided for insertion/removal of an IC card; and a channel connected to said slot in the direction of insertion of said IC card; said channel having a termination point; wherein said IC card reader is inserted from said slot formed on said frame of said IC card reader for insertion removal of said IC card provided in the direction in which said IC card is inserted so as to transmit data when a contact shoe on a contact block contacts a contact terminal pattern on said IC card; said manual IC card reader, further comprising: sensors for detecting said IC card positioned at the termination point; moving means for moving said contact block to a contact terminal pattern to/from said contact block to cause said contact block and said contact terminal pattern to connect/disconnect from each other according to the output from said sensor; and a driving source for driving said moving means.
2. The manual IC card reader according to Claim 1 wherein said IC card reader further comprises a shutter member for opening/closing said slot based on the output from said sensor; said shutter member being opened /closed by said driving source.
3. The manual IC card reader according to Claim 1 wherein said driving source further comprises an engagement pin for providing an engagement of said moving means and said engagement pin formed on said engagement unit such that said engagement pin connects/disconnects from said engagement unit provided to said moving means; wherein said contact block connects/disconnects from a contact terminal pattern on said IC card as said engagement pin connects/disconnects from said engagement unit.
4. The manual IC card reader according to Claim 3 wherein said manual IC card reader comprises: a linking member; a mount provided on said linking member; and a fitting hole formed on said shutter member such that said mount is fitted therein; wherein said fitting hole comprises an actuating portion for opening/closing said shutter member according to the reciprocating movement of said linking member and a holding unit for holding said shutter member at the closed position.
5. The manual IC card reader according to Claim 2 wherein said shutter member and said moving means share the same pivot.
PCT/IB2001/002179 2000-09-20 2001-09-17 Manual ic card reader WO2002025852A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2000-285703 2000-09-20
JP2000285703A JP3907934B2 (en) 2000-09-20 2000-09-20 Manual IC card reader

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002025852A2 WO2002025852A2 (en) 2002-03-28
WO2002025852A3 WO2002025852A3 (en) 2002-11-07
WO2002025852A9 true WO2002025852A9 (en) 2003-08-21

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2001/002179 WO2002025852A2 (en) 2000-09-20 2001-09-17 Manual ic card reader

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP3907934B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2002025852A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP4945738B2 (en) * 2006-12-27 2012-06-06 日本電産サンキョー株式会社 Medium processing apparatus and control method thereof
CN106228205B (en) * 2016-07-14 2023-03-10 沈阳友联电子装备有限公司 IC card data writing device and method thereof

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4871905A (en) * 1987-10-09 1989-10-03 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co. IC card reader/writer
GB9422803D0 (en) * 1994-11-11 1995-01-04 At & T Global Inf Solution A card reader
US5917177A (en) * 1995-12-13 1999-06-29 Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd. IC card reader
GB9525519D0 (en) * 1995-12-14 1996-02-14 At & T Global Inf Solution A card reader system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2002092555A (en) 2002-03-29
WO2002025852A3 (en) 2002-11-07
WO2002025852A2 (en) 2002-03-28
JP3907934B2 (en) 2007-04-18

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