JP7403791B2 - card reader - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a card reader that captures and reads a payment card that includes both an IC chip and magnetic storage.

With the development of a cashless society in recent years, payments in other forms than cash are increasing in various places. Increasingly, payments are being made using codes from mobile information terminals, but credit cards are still widely used for payments other than cash. BACKGROUND ART Credit cards have been widely used in the past, and are used in a variety of situations, including payment processing as an alternative to cash and payment processing as a means of so-called installment payments.

Credit cards have been widely used since the past, and are now being used not only for purchasing large-ticket items, but also in everyday situations such as small shops and supermarkets. In addition, in situations where it is necessary to reduce personnel, such as in gas stations, mechanical parking lots, and hotel payment processing, payment processing using credit cards is increasingly being performed at mechanical payment machines.

For example, gas stations are equipped with mechanical payment machines due to the need to reduce personnel and costs, and users are increasingly using these machines to process payments. With such mechanical payment machines, users pay using credit cards.

In addition, mechanical parking lots are unmanned to begin with, and mechanical payment machines are installed at entrances and exits. The user still processes the payment using this mechanical payment machine. At this time, credit cards are often used.

Alternatively, automatic payment machines are increasingly being used for hotel check-in and check-out. Along with the check-in and check-out procedures, the payment of the accommodation fee will be done using this automated payment machine. Alternatively, only the check-in procedure may be done face-to-face, and only the payment of the accommodation fee may be made using this automated payment machine.

Payment processing (or check-in, check-out, etc.) at this automatic payment machine is also performed using a credit card.

As described above, payment processing using credit cards is becoming common in various situations. In addition to the situations described above, payment processing using credit cards is increasingly being performed in general stores and small-sized stores. In particular, in foreign countries, payments are processed using credit cards in various situations in daily life due to concerns about security and currency reliability.

On the other hand, credit cards themselves have also progressed in terms of technology and processing systems. For one thing, the owner's identifier is complicated and encrypted to improve security to prevent it from being forged or used by others.

Traditional credit cards store the owner's identifier in a magnetic storage area. However, there has been a problem in that personal information such as the owner's identifier stored in the magnetic storage area is stolen due to credit card theft or skimming. In response to these problems, technical improvements have been made to strengthen the security of personal information such as identifiers stored in magnetic storage areas, and to make it more difficult to read from magnetic storage areas.

In addition, in addition to storing personal information in a magnetic storage area, credit cards are now equipped with an IC chip, and personal information such as an identifier is stored on this IC chip. For this reason, most credit cards issued in recent years are configured with either only an IC chip or both an IC chip and a magnetic storage area.

In this way, by providing either or both of an IC chip and a magnetic storage area, when processing credit card payments, it is possible to read personal information from the IC chip and read personal information from the magnetic storage area. Both are becoming necessary. Furthermore, from the perspective of speeding up payment processing and ensuring security, it is required to accurately read personal information, whether from a magnetic storage area or from an IC chip. There is also a need to deal with counterfeit cards and unauthorized use of credit cards.

Additionally, as payment processing using credit cards becomes more widespread, the need for risk management by users is also increasing. For example, when processing a payment using a credit card at a payment machine, measures are required to prevent personal information on the credit card from being stolen or leaked. Furthermore, due to the widespread use in various situations as described above, there is a need for a credit card reader that is not only safe and accurate but also small and easy to maintain. Of course, at this time, there is a need for a card reader that can handle both magnetic storage areas and IC chips.

Under these circumstances, technology has been proposed for a card reader that reads payment cards such as credit cards, which are components of payment machines and payment devices that use credit cards (for example, Patent Document 1 , Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-118893 JP2014-228906A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-130181

Patent Document 1 discloses a payment terminal 10 that performs credit payment using a magnetic credit card and issues a receipt on which credit payment details including the credit payment amount are printed, and the credit card is magnetically recorded on the magnetic credit card. a control unit 3 that determines the language in which the credit card payment details are printed on the receipt based on the number; and a printer unit 1 that issues a receipt in which the credit card payment details are printed in the language determined by the control unit 3. Disclosed is a payment terminal characterized by having:

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that can select and provide a language most suitable for a user from personal information on a magnetic credit card.

However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a technology that supports both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area. Further, there is no disclosure of technology for accurately reading personal information from these storage areas or for downsizing the device.

As mentioned above, there is currently a need to read personal information from both IC chips and magnetic storage areas. In addition, it is required to be used in a variety of situations, such as face-to-face use or being incorporated into payment machines. In addition, there is a need to be able to read personal information from both IC chips and magnetic storage areas at once.

Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it cannot meet such demands.

Patent Document 2 discloses an IC card reader/writer that authenticates an IC card using a SAM chip, which includes a card insertion slot for inserting and ejecting an IC card, and an IC contact section for reading and writing information on the inserted IC card. , and a SAM chip mounting section on which a SAM chip is mounted, and the SAM chip can be loaded through the card insertion slot. The SAM chip mounting part has a mechanism that maintains the SAM chip holder in the same shape as the IC card inserted from the card insertion slot and on which the SAM chip is mounted. The IC card reader/writer to be transported to is disclosed.

Patent Document 1 is capable of reading an IC chip payment card. However, reading with a mechanism that maintains a holder of the same shape as the IC card increases the size of the device. Furthermore, there is also the problem of poor maintenance of the IC card reader/writer. This is because they are not small and have a complicated structure.

Furthermore, it is difficult to support dual payment cards that only have a magnetic storage area.

Furthermore, when inserting an IC card and reading out personal information, there is a problem in that even if the IC card is fraudulent or has a problem, it cannot be dealt with. This is because even if there is a problem with the IC card, it will still be inserted. Failure to take measures against such unauthorized use poses a problem in that even if a malfunction occurs in the card reader/writer, it will be difficult to deal with it.

Patent Document 3 discloses a secure input section into which authentication information used to authenticate whether or not a card used for payment is held by an authorized person is input, and a method for inputting authentication information to be read by a reading section in connection with input by the secure input section. The second tamper-resistant secure information processing unit 3 is equipped with a secure display unit that allows the secure input unit to input authentication information necessary for authenticating the received media. A payment terminal device that can be combined with a non-secure first information processing unit 2 that executes a business application is disclosed.

Similar to Patent Documents 1 and 2, Patent Document 3 also has a problem in that it is difficult to support dual support for both IC chips and magnetic storage areas. In addition, the problem arises that the device cannot be miniaturized or simplified, and that maintenance is poor.

The conventional technology has the above-mentioned problems.

Further, as described above, there are several types of payment cards such as credit cards in circulation, including only a magnetic storage area, only an IC chip, and both. Card readers that are currently in circulation are often equipped with a readout device for the magnetic storage area that allows you to manually swipe the magnetic area, and an insertion device that allows you to insert part of the credit card into the area that contains the IC chip. .

In this case, there is a problem that the magnetic storage area and the IC chip cannot be read out by taking in the payment card once. Additionally, users and store personnel processing payments may be confused as to which method to use, which may result in longer payment processing times or errors such as double payments. For example, a payment process may not be completed when an insertion device is first used to read an IC chip, and a device for reading a magnetic storage area may be used again. In this case, the user may be concerned that he or she may be making double payments.

Alternatively, swiping and inserting the card into a reader or insertion device is done manually. Therefore, there is a problem in that these devices can be damaged or malfunction due to variations in manual work or malfunctions. If these devices malfunction, the reader/writer itself will be damaged.

As described above, the prior art had the above-mentioned problems.

In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card reader that can read out an IC chip and a magnetic storage area in a single capture, and is compact and easy to maintain.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the card reader of the present invention includes a front unit including an insertion port that serves as an entrance for inserting and ejecting a payment card;
A main unit connected to the front unit and equipped with a reading means for reading personal information from a payment card inserted from the insertion slot,
The front unit is
The insertion slot has a shutter that accepts/does not accept the insertion of a payment card,
If the shutter is closed, the payment card is not inserted; if the shutter is open, the payment card is inserted;
The main unit is
an opening/closing device that opens and closes the shutter;
An opening/closing control section that controls opening/closing of the opening/closing device,
The opening/closing device receives the release signal from the opening/closing control section, opens the shutter,
The opening/closing device receives the closing signal from the opening/closing control unit, closes the shutter,
The opening/closing device operates based on electrical signals to physically open and close the shutter.
The reading means is compatible with both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area provided in the payment card,
The front unit, which is equipped with an insertion slot and a shutter, is further equipped with a locking member that opens and closes the shutter.
The opening/closing device provided in the main unit equipped with the opening/closing control section includes a solenoid,
The front unit and main unit can be separated,
When the locking member moves in a first direction, the shutter is opened; when the locking member moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the shutter is closed;
The opening/closing device moves the locking member in a first direction and a second direction;
The solenoid injects or pulls back the plunger when energized.
The plunger moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction by ejection or withdrawal,
The opening/closing control section outputs a release signal and a closing signal to the solenoid,
The electrical wiring connecting the opening/closing control section and the solenoid, which transmits the release signal and the closing signal, is housed inside the main unit.
The plunger is located approximately parallel to the shutter and performs injection and retraction,
The plunger has an actuator in a direction intersecting the plunger,
an actuator operatively coupling the locking member;
In response to injection or withdrawal of the plunger, the actuator moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction;
further comprising a movement range member that limits the movement range of the actuator,
No electronic components or electrical wiring are placed under the insertion opening .

The card reader of the present invention can read both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area in a single capture process. Regardless of whether a payment card has both an IC chip and a magnetic storage area, or only one, it is possible to read the personal information necessary for payment processing from either one with a single import process. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for duplicate work and the worry of double payments.

Furthermore, by dividing the card reader into a front unit that inserts a payment card and a main unit that reads personal information from the actually inserted payment card, ease of maintenance is improved. The front unit also determines whether the payment card is appropriate and inserts it into the main unit. At this time, the main unit is provided with a device that opens and closes a shutter that physically allows or disables insertion of a payment card. Therefore, the front unit and the main unit can be properly separated.

Furthermore, since the main unit is equipped with a device that opens and closes, there is no need to create wiring that straddles the main unit and the front unit. This allows each unit to be easily separated during maintenance, making troubleshooting easier.

Additionally, by placing the device that opens and closes inside the main unit, it is possible to balance the weight burden of the entire card reader and reduce electromagnetic noise.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card reader in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a card reader in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a front unit and a main unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a payment card of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the card reader in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing release of a lock member by an opening-and-closing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the closing of the locking member by the opening/closing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the inside of a card reader in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a side view of the card reader in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the card reader in Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a payment card is inserted into an insertion slot 21 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

A card reader according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a front unit including an insertion port that serves as an entrance for inserting and ejecting a payment card;
A main unit connected to the front unit and equipped with a reading means for reading personal information from a payment card inserted from the insertion slot,
The front unit is
The insertion slot has a shutter that accepts/does not accept the insertion of a payment card,
If the shutter is closed, the payment card is not inserted; if the shutter is open, the payment card is inserted;
The main unit is
an opening/closing device that opens and closes the shutter;
An opening/closing control section that controls opening/closing of the opening/closing device,
The opening/closing device that receives the release signal from the opening/closing control section opens the shutter, and the opening/closing device that receives the closing signal from the opening/closing control section closes the shutter.
The opening/closing device operates based on electrical signals to physically open and close the shutter.
The reading means is compatible with both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area provided in the payment card.

With this configuration, the card reader can easily separate and disassemble the front unit and main unit while making it possible to read out both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area. As a result, maintainability can be improved.

In the card reader according to the second invention of the present invention, in addition to the first invention, the payment card includes at least one of an IC chip and a magnetic storage area, and the IC chip and the magnetic storage area are provided by the payment card. Remember personal information required for payment processing.

With this configuration, the card reader can read personal information necessary for payment from both the IC chip and the magnetic storage area.

In the card reader according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the front unit and the main unit can be separated.

This configuration increases the maintainability of the card reader.

In the card reader according to the fourth invention of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to third inventions, the front unit further includes a locking member for switching opening and closing of the shutter,
When the locking member moves in a first direction, the shutter is opened, and when the locking member moves in a second direction different from the first direction, the shutter is closed.

With this configuration, the shutter can be opened and closed based on movement of the lock member.

In the card reader according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect, the opening/closing device moves the locking member in the first direction and the second direction.

With this configuration, opening and closing of the shutter can be switched depending on the moving direction of the lock member.

In the card reader according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fifth aspect, the opening/closing device includes a solenoid,
The solenoid injects or pulls back the plunger when energized.
The plunger moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction by ejection or retraction.

With this configuration, the solenoid can be operated only with an electric signal based on the release signal or the close signal. The plunger operated by this solenoid can switch the locking member between unlocked and closed positions, and in the front unit, the shutter can be opened and closed only by mechanical operation.

In the card reader according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sixth aspect, the opening/closing control section outputs a release signal and a closing signal to the solenoid.

This configuration allows the solenoid to switch between ejection and retraction of the plunger. As a result, the shutter can be opened and closed.

In the card reader according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the seventh aspect, the electric wiring connecting the opening/closing control section and the solenoid, which transmits the release signal and the closing signal, is housed inside the main unit.

With this configuration, the wiring does not straddle the front unit and the main unit.

In the card reader according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the sixth aspect, the plunger is located substantially parallel to the shutter and performs injection and retraction,
The plunger has an actuator in a direction intersecting the plunger,
an actuator operatively coupling the locking member;
In response to ejection or withdrawal of the plunger, the actuator moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction.

With this configuration, the solenoid and the like can be stored compactly in the main unit. Further, the actuator can apply the action of the plunger to the locking member, and can switch between releasing and closing the locking member.

In addition to the ninth invention, the card reader according to the tenth aspect of the present invention further includes a movement range member that limits the movement range of the actuator.

With this configuration, the movement range of the actuator can be limited regardless of individual differences between the solenoids. This can prevent malfunctions in releasing and closing the locking member.

In the card reader according to the eleventh invention of the present invention, in addition to the fourth invention, the insertion slot corresponds to the specified width of the payment card,
If the width of the payment card is less than the specified width, the locking member maintains the locked state.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate or fraudulent payment card from being inserted into the main unit.

In the card reader according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, no electronic components or electrical wiring are arranged below the insertion opening.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent negative electrical effects caused by dirt or moisture when inserting a payment card.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

(Overall overview)
1 and 2 are perspective views of a card reader in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 1 and 2 each show a perspective view of the card reader 1 seen from opposite directions. Each of FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the entire state of the card reader 1 with the outer case removed. As described later, the card reader 1 includes a front unit 2 and a main unit 3. 1 and 2 show a state in which the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are connected.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the card reader 1 includes a front unit 2 that includes an insertion port 21 that serves as an ejection and entrance for a payment card. It also includes a main unit 3 that is connected (coupled) to the front unit 2 and includes a reading means 33 for reading out personal information from a payment card inserted through the insertion slot 21.

That is, the card reader 1 includes two elements: a front unit 2 and a main unit 3.

A payment card is a device that performs electronic payment, such as a credit card, debit card, cash card, or payment card. It is a payment card used for payments that is popular in various forms. Currently, it is a payment card that is popular among many consumers and can be used at many stores and other institutions that require payment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the payment card of the present invention. These include credit cards and debit cards as mentioned above. The payment card 100 includes at least one of an IC chip 101 and a magnetic storage area 102. In recent years, payment cards 100 are increasingly equipped with an IC chip 101 in order to improve security such as protecting personal information and preventing impersonation. Therefore, depending on the payment card 100, only this IC chip 101 may be provided.

On the other hand, in the past, some credit cards were equipped with only the magnetic storage area 102. Although the number of such payment cards 100 having only the magnetic storage area 102 is decreasing in order to strengthen security, it is true that they still remain. For this reason, the payment card 100 that includes only the magnetic storage area 102 is still in use.

In addition, the payment card 100 equipped with the IC chip 101 also includes the magnetic storage area 102 due to the past flow and the device that executes the payment that may only support reading from the magnetic storage area 102. Sometimes it is equipped.

For this reason, the payment card 100 may include both the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102. These IC chip 101 and magnetic storage area 102 store personal information necessary for payment processing using the payment card 100. For example, information such as an individual's name, identification number, and personal identification number (PIN code, etc.) is stored. The card reader 1 can read the personal information necessary for payment using the payment card 100 that includes at least one of the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102 that store such personal information.

When the payment card reaches a predetermined position in the main body 3, the reading means 33 of the main body unit 3 reads personal information necessary for payment from at least one of the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102.

Here, since the card reader 1 allows all payment cards 100 to be inserted, both the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102 can be read. In this way, the card reader 1 in the first embodiment can read personal information necessary for payment from either the IC chip 101 or the magnetic storage area 102.

The front unit 2 allows such insertion of the payment card 100. At this time, an attempt may be made to insert an inappropriate card into the insertion slot 21 for reading by the card reader 1 (or for final payment). The card may not comply with payment standards, or it may be a counterfeit card.

Therefore, the front unit 2 is required to prevent such inappropriate cards from reaching the main unit 3. That is, it is necessary to prevent insertion from the insertion port 21 toward the inside (main unit 3).

For this reason, the front unit 2 includes a shutter 22 that switches between accepting and not accepting the insertion of the payment card 100 inserted through the insertion slot 21. The shutter 22 can be opened and closed, and by opening it, the payment card 100 can be inserted into the main unit 3. On the contrary, by closing it, it is possible to prevent the payment card 100 from being inserted into the main unit 3.

Here, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are separate elements that can be disassembled as shown in FIG. 3, and when used as the card reader 1, they are connected (connected). Therefore, the payment card 100 is inserted from the front unit 2, and if the insertion is accepted, the payment card 100 reaches the main unit 3. If the insertion is not accepted, the payment card 100 will not enter the main unit 3.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the front unit and main unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the front unit 2 includes a shutter 22.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the front unit in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It shows the side where the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 come into contact. The shutter 22 is provided in the front unit 2. Therefore, as long as the shutter 22 is closed, the payment card 100 remains in the front unit 2.

Since the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are separate elements, the payment card 100, which should not be accepted for insertion, does not reach the main unit 3, which performs a reading operation or the like. Therefore, an inappropriate or fraudulent card that reaches the main unit 3 will not have an adverse effect on the main unit 3. As described above, since the front unit 2 is provided with the shutter 22 that separates the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 and switches the acceptance of the payment card 100, the inappropriate or fraudulent payment card 100 can be separated from the main unit. It never reaches 3.

As a result, malfunctions in the main unit 3 are less likely to occur, and electronic failures in the main unit 3 do not occur. In particular, the reading means 33 provided in the main unit 3 performs reading using electronic processing. Therefore, if an inappropriate or fraudulent payment card 100 reaches the main body 3, it may have a negative effect on the reading means 33. Alternatively, reading incorrect data may have an adverse effect on the entire payment system starting from the card reader 1. The front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are separate elements, and a shutter 22 is provided in the front unit 2, and the front unit 2 includes elements that execute processing related to the payment card 100 such as reading, and a payment system. This problem does not occur because it does not include any elements that perform connected processing.

The shutter 22 in FIG. 5 is normally closed. Since the shutter 22 is closed, the payment card 100 inserted through the insertion slot 21 is not inserted at that point. When the shutter 22 is closed, the payment card 100 is not inserted, and when the shutter 22 is open, the payment card 100 is inserted.

The main unit 3 includes an opening/closing device 31 that opens and closes the shutter 22 and an opening/closing control section 32 that controls opening and closing of the opening/closing device 31. The role of the opening/closing control section 32 may be played by a microprocessor or the like provided in the main unit 3. For this reason, the opening/closing control section 32 is not explicitly shown in FIG. 1 and the like. The operation of the opening/closing control section 32 may be performed by the operation of hardware and software using a microprocessor, electronic components, or the like.

The opening/closing control unit 32 determines whether the payment card 100 inserted into the insertion slot 21 may be inserted based on various conditions and the like. This decision is ultimately a decision to open or close the shutter 22. Therefore, the opening/closing control section 32 outputs either a release signal or a closing signal to the opening/closing device 31. The release signal and the close signal are output based on a determination as to whether the payment card 100 inserted into the insertion slot 21 satisfies the conditions (is appropriate).

The opening/closing device 31 receiving the release signal from the opening/closing control section 32 opens the shutter 22 . This is because the opening/closing device 31 can perform the opening/closing operation of the shutter 22. When the shutter 22 is opened, the payment card 100 inserted into the insertion slot 21 is taken into the main unit 3.

On the other hand, the opening/closing device 31 that receives the closing signal from the opening/closing control section 32 closes the shutter 22 . This closing has the meaning of both closing the shutter 22 that was open and keeping the shutter 22 closed.

Since the shutter 22 is closed, even if the payment card 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 21, the payment card 100 cannot be advanced any further. That is, the payment card 100 does not reach the main unit 3.

Here, the opening/closing device 31 operates based on electrical signals (a release signal and a closing signal) from the opening/closing control unit 32 to physically open and close the shutter 22 . By physically doing so, the shutter 22 can be physically opened and closed. As a result, the payment card 100 inserted into the insertion slot 21 is actually inserted into the main unit 3.

Note that the main body 3 includes a card drive mechanism that feeds the payment card 100 into the inside (or ejects it to the outside). The payment card 100 that has passed through the shutter 22 and reached the main unit 3 is automatically fed into the main unit 3 by this card drive mechanism. On the other hand, the card drive mechanism ejects the payment card 100 inside the main unit 3 to the outside depending on when reading is completed or other needs arise.

Further, the main unit 3 includes a reading means 33. The reading means 33 includes an element that reads data by contacting the IC chip 101 of the payment card 100 with a corresponding electronic contact, or by contacting the magnetic storage area 102 with a magnetic head or the like corresponding to the IC chip 101 . It also includes a processor that performs processing such as actually converting read data into personal information. By combining these elements, the reading means 33 can read personal information from both the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102 included in the payment card 100.

In this way, the card reader 1 is compatible with both the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102 and is capable of reading personal information necessary for payment. Note that, in FIG. 1 and the like, the reading means 33 is not labeled with a symbol clearly corresponding to the corresponding element. Conceptually corresponding elements are labeled.

The card reader 1 is used at the entrance of a payment system that performs actual payment using the payment card 100.

The details and variations of each part will be explained below.

(Front unit and main unit)
As described above, the card reader 1 is composed of the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 (of course, it may include elements other than these as necessary). Here, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, when used as an actual card reader 1, the front unit 2 and main unit 3 are in a connected state.

However, it is also preferable that the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are separable, if necessary. For example, when disassembling and repairing the card reader 1 or when removing the payment card 100 that remains inside when a malfunction occurs, it is preferable that the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 are separable. preferable.

Here, the front unit 2 is provided with a physical element such as the shutter 22 that allows the payment card 100 to be inserted by physically opening and closing. On the other hand, processing functions and mechanisms for controlling opening and closing of the shutter 22 are provided in the main unit 3. In addition to these, the main body unit 3 is equipped with a reading means 33 and electronic components and electronic boards necessary therefor.

That is, although the front unit 2 is equipped with physical elements related to opening and closing of the shutter, it is not equipped with electronic elements related to this or other electronic elements. Therefore, electronic elements related to opening and closing of the shutter are not provided across the main unit 3 and the front unit 2. For example, the wiring related to the output of the release signal and the closing signal output from the opening/closing control section 32 to the opening/closing device 31 remains in the main unit 3. Wiring is not done across the main unit 3 and front unit 2.

Further, physical elements such as the shutter 22 and the insertion slot 21 that process acceptance/rejection of insertion of the payment card 100 are provided in the front unit 2. On the other hand, the physical mechanism and electronic elements for controlling the opening and closing of this shutter are provided in the main unit 3. That is, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be separated based on the opening/closing device 31.

Being separable in this way has the advantage of making it easier to deal with defects and repairs.

(Lock member)

The front unit 2 further includes a lock member 23 that switches the shutter 22 between opening and closing. This locking member 23 is shown in FIG.

When the lock member 23 moves in the first direction, the shutter 22 opens. Conversely, when the locking member 23 moves in the second direction, the shutter 22 closes. The first direction and the second direction are different directions. Depending on the moving direction of the lock member 23, opening and closing of the shutter 22 is switched.

Note that in the normal state, the locking member 23 is moving in the second direction, and the shutter 22 is closed. The shutter 22 opens when the locking member 23 moves in the first direction after the payment card 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 21 and the opening/closing control unit 32 determines whether to open or close.

The opening/closing device 31 moves the locking member 23 in the first direction or the second direction based on a signal from the opening/closing control section 32. This movement causes the shutter 22 to open or close.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the inside of the card reader in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a state in which a part of the inside of the main unit 3 is visible. The main unit 3 is equipped with the opening/closing device 31 as described above. The opening/closing device 31 can provide its driving function to the locking member 23 . Since the driving element can be connected to or in contact with the locking member 23, a driving function can be provided.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing release of the lock member by the opening/closing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The elements necessary to indicate the release of the locking member 23 in the card reader 1 are shown. Here, the opening/closing device 31 can move the locking member 23 in the first direction and the second direction.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the opening/closing device 31 receives a release signal from the opening/closing control section 32. The opening/closing device 31 moves the locking member 23 in the first direction. In FIG. 7, arrow A indicates the first direction. For example, the opening/closing device has a moving mechanism, and this moving mechanism moves the locking member 23 in the first direction. This movement causes the shutter 22 to be unlocked by the locking member 23.

The lock is released by moving the lock member 23 in the first direction. When the lock is released, the shutter 22 rotates in the direction of arrow Y in FIG. 7, and the shutter 22 opens. This is a case where the payment card 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 21, so the shutter 22 is opened and the payment card 100 is inserted into the main unit 3 as it is.

In this way, the operation of the opening/closing device 31 provided in the main unit 3 can control the locking member 23 and the shutter 22 provided in the front unit 2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the opening/closing device 31 and the locking member 23 are not physically bonded or connected, but are merely in drivable contact. Therefore, separation of the front unit 2 and main unit 3 is not affected. Further, since electrical wiring and the like do not cross over the front unit 2 and main unit 3, separation is not affected. Being separable has the effect of improving maintainability.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the closing of the locking member by the opening/closing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The elements necessary to indicate the closing of the locking member 23 in the card reader 1 are shown.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the opening/closing device 31 receives a closing signal from the opening/closing control section 32. The opening/closing device 31 moves the locking member 23 in the second direction. In FIG. 8, arrow B indicates the second direction. For example, the opening/closing device has a moving mechanism, and this moving mechanism moves the locking member 23 in the second direction. Due to this movement, the shutter 22 is brought into a closed state by the locking member 23.

The lock is closed by moving the lock member 23 in the second direction. When the lock is closed, the shutter 22 rotates in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. 8, and the shutter 22 closes. If the payment card 100 is inserted into the insertion slot 21, for example, if the main unit 3 determines that the payment card 100 is inappropriate or fraudulent and cannot accept it, Lock member 23 is closed. This is achieved by outputting a closing signal from the opening/closing control section 32 and causing the opening/closing device 31 to move the locking member 23 in the second direction.

Alternatively, after the payment card 100 has been read and ejected, or if the payment card 100 is not inserted, the opening/closing device 31 moves the locking member 23 in the second direction. Alternatively, the state of movement in the second direction is maintained. Thereby, the shutter 22 remains closed.

In this way, the opening/closing device 31 can open and close the shutter 22 via the locking member 23. At this time, since the suitability of the payment card inserted into the insertion slot 21 is identified, the payment can be made appropriately.

As described above, in the card reader 1 according to the first embodiment, the roles of the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be appropriately divided. In addition, elements such as components and wiring can also be divided. As a result, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be separated. As a result, the maintainability of the card reader 1 can be improved.

(Embodiment 2)

Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, various variations will be described.

(opening/closing device)
7 and 8 show that the opening/closing device 31 controls the opening/closing of the shutter 22 by moving the locking member 23. Here, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening/closing device 31 may include a solenoid 35.

The solenoid 35 includes a plunger 36. A current is applied to the solenoid 35. This energization allows the solenoid 35 to eject or pull back the plunger 36. For example, when energized, the solenoid 35 pulls back the plunger 36, and when the energization is removed, the solenoid 35 injects the plunger 36 by the force of the elastic body. Of course, the relationship between ejection and retraction of the plunger and the energization may be reversed. This may be determined by the structure of the solenoid.

In any case, the opening/closing device 31 may include a solenoid 35. By firing or pulling back the plunger 36 by the solenoid 35, the locking member 23 can be moved in the first direction or the second direction.

Here, the opening/closing control section 32 outputs the above-described release signal and closing signal to the solenoid 35. For example, assume that the solenoid 35 is configured to pull back the plunger 36 when energized, and to eject the plunger 36 when no energization occurs.

Here, the plunger 36 is provided with an actuator 37 in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the plunger 36. This actuator 37 moves in accordance with the injection and withdrawal movements of the plunger 36.

(Release signal: Figure 7)
The opening/closing control section 32 outputs a release signal to a solenoid 35 provided in the opening/closing device 31 in order to open the shutter 22. This release signal can be considered to be a current signal for causing release. The solenoid 35 receiving this release signal pulls back the plunger 36.

As the plunger 36 is pulled back, the actuator 37 is also pulled back toward the solenoid 35 body, as shown in FIG. That is, the actuator 37 moves in the first direction. The actuator 37 is connected to move the shutter member 23. Due to this connection, when the actuator 37 moves in the first direction, the shutter member 23 also moves in the first direction.

When this shutter member 23 moves in the first direction, the shutter 22 opens.

Therefore, the release signal may be any current signal that causes the solenoid 35 to be energized. When such a current signal is supplied to the solenoid 35 as a release signal, the plunger 36 is pulled back and the actuator 37 moves the shutter member 23 in the first direction. The movement in the first direction allows the shutter 22 to be opened as a result.

(Closing signal: Figure 8)
The opening/closing control section 32 outputs a closing signal to a solenoid 35 included in the opening/closing device 31 in order to close the shutter 22 . At this time, the purpose of the closing signal is the ejection of the plunger. For this reason, it is sufficient to create a state in which there is no current signal to be activated, such as a release signal. As a result, no current signal is applied to the solenoid 35, so that the plunger 36 is injected by the elastic body.

This is because the plunger 36 in the solenoid 35 is configured so that when it is not energized, it is ejected by the elastic body, and when it is energized, it is pulled back (if it is the other way around, the plunger 36 is configured to be in the ejected state by the elastic body). You can understand the explanation as the opposite).

This injection causes the actuator 37 connected to the plunger 36 to move in the second direction as shown in FIG. Due to the movement in the second direction, the locking member 23 also moves in the second direction. The shutter 22 is closed by the lock member 23 moving in the second direction.

In this way, when the closing signal is output (it may be understood that the release signal is not output), the plunger 36 is ejected, and as a result, the locking member 23 moves in the second direction. Moving in the second direction, the shutter 22 closes.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the inside of the card reader in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is shown so that the positional relationship of the solenoid 35 and the like mentioned above can be understood.

A solenoid 35 operated by an electric signal is housed inside the main unit 3. Furthermore, wiring for electrical signals for operating the solenoid 35 is also housed inside the main unit 3. As for the mechanical element that ultimately applies the operation of the solenoid 35 to the shutter 22, only the actuator 37 projects from the main unit 3 to the front unit 2. As a result, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be easily separated. When separating, there is no need to remove wiring, and since the actuator 37 only remains in the main unit 3, there is no need to disassemble or remove it. In this respect as well, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be easily and reliably separated.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the solenoid 35 is arranged substantially parallel to the shutter 22. That is, the plunger 36 provided in the solenoid 35 is also arranged substantially parallel to the shutter 22. By arranging the plunger 36 parallel to the shutter 22, the mechanism that finally opens and closes the shutter 22 is compactly housed in the main unit 3.

Therefore, in order to operate the locking member 23, the actuator 37 is provided in a direction intersecting the plunger 36. For example, it is provided in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plunger 36. Due to this arrangement, the actuator 37 can move the locking member 23 in the first direction or the second direction by moving the plunger 36.

In this way, by using the solenoid 35 as the opening/closing device 31, the electrical elements necessary for the operation of the solenoid 35 are stored only in the main unit 3, and the mechanical elements are transferred from the main unit 3 to the front unit 2. , the locking member 23 can be operated by protruding. Thereby, the front unit 2 and the main unit 3 can be separated.

Moreover, by arranging the solenoid 35, that is, the plunger 36, in a substantially parallel arrangement with the shutter 22, the locking member 23 can be easily and reliably operated via the actuator 37. In addition, as described above, the elements inside the main body unit 3 can be arranged compactly.

(Moving range member)
FIG. 10 is a side view of a card reader in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the state viewed from the side so that the internal state can be seen. For this reason, the solenoid 35 and plunger 36 are not viewed from above as shown in FIG. 8, but are viewed from the side. Therefore, the injection direction of the plunger 36 is viewed from the front.

Here, the card reader 1 further includes a movement range member 38 that limits the movement range of the actuator 37. In FIG. 10, the element surrounding the operating portion of the actuator 37 is the operating range member 38.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a card reader in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows the internal structure of the card reader 1 so that it can be seen. The motion range member 38 is shown in FIG.

The movement range member 38 limits the movement range of the actuator 37. The movement range of the actuator 37 is determined by the ejection distance of the plunger 36 of the solenoid 35. However, the ejection distance of the plunger 36 may change depending on the individual differences in the solenoid 35 and the operating environment.

Therefore, by providing the motion range member 38 that limits the movement range, the motion range of the actuator 37 can be reliably limited. This restriction limits the range in which the actuator 37 moves the locking member 23. Thereby, the actuator 37 from the solenoid 35 can reliably move the locking member 23 in the first direction or the second direction.

(insertion port)
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a payment card is inserted into the insertion slot 21 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The insertion slot 21 corresponds to the specified width of the payment card 100. If the width of the payment card 100 is equal to or greater than the specified width, the insertion slot 21 does not accept insertion of the payment card 100 in the first place. Therefore, a payment error due to an inappropriate payment card 100 is not caused.

Here, the insertion slot 21 is equipped with a sensor that determines whether the width of the inserted payment card 100 corresponds to a specified width. For example, an optical sensor is provided, and the width of the inserted payment card 100 is determined by this optical sensor.

In response to this result, the opening/closing control section 32 outputs a release signal or a closing signal to the opening/closing device 31. For example, if the width of the payment card 100 is less than the specified width, a closing signal is output. This closing signal allows the locking member 23 to maintain the locked state.

As a result, it is possible to prevent an inappropriate or fraudulent payment card 100 from being inserted into the main unit 3. In other words, fraudulent payments and payment system breakdowns can be prevented.

(bottom of insertion slot)

Further, it is also preferable that electronic components and electrical wiring are not arranged below the insertion opening 21.

A payment card 100 is inserted through the insertion slot 21. At this time, the payment card 100 is inserted by various users. Therefore, the payment card 100 may have dirt or moisture attached to it. At this time, since electronic components and electrical wiring are not arranged at the bottom of the insertion slot 21, even if dirt or moisture falls under the insertion slot 21 when the payment card 100 is inserted, it will not be transferred to the card reader 1. Electrical adverse effects are unlikely to occur.

Since this is less likely to occur, the maintenance burden on the card reader 1 is reduced, and problems are less likely to occur in the entire payment system. As a result, the reliability of not only the card reader 1 but also the payment system starting from the card reader 1 can be improved.

(main unit)
The main unit 3 includes a reading means 33.

The reading unit 33 reads personal information from the IC chip 101 and the magnetic storage area 102. The stored personal information is read out using electrical contacts or magnetic heads. The read personal information is sent as is to the payment system server, etc.

Upon receiving this transmission, a server or the like executes payment processing. These payment processes may be executed using various methods. Here, since it is not directly related to the present invention, the explanation will be omitted. However, the card reader 1 in the present invention is connected to this payment process.

Further, the opening/closing control section 32 may receive the identification result of the insertion port 21 and switch between and output the release signal and the closing signal. Alternatively, the release signal and the close signal may be switched and output based on the result of the identification at the insertion port 21 and the result of other detection functions. Alternatively, the release signal and the close signal may be switched and output based on the identification function of the payment card 100 provided in the main unit 3.

Note that the card readers described in Embodiments 1 and 2 are merely examples, and do not exclude the scope of the present invention.

1 Card reader 2 Front unit 21 Insertion slot 22 Shutter 23 Lock member 3 Main unit 31 Opening/closing device 32 Opening/closing control section 33 Reading means 35 Solenoid 36 Plunger
37 Actuator 38 Motion range member 100 Payment card

Claims (3)

a front unit equipped with an insertion slot for inserting and ejecting a payment card;
a main unit connected to the front unit and equipped with a reading means for reading personal information from the payment card inserted from the insertion slot;
The front unit includes:
The insertion slot has a shutter that accepts/does not accept insertion of the payment card,
When the shutter is closed, the payment card is not inserted; when the shutter is open, the payment card is inserted;
The main unit is
an opening/closing device that opens and closes the shutter;
an opening/closing control section that controls opening/closing of the opening/closing device,
The opening/closing device that receives the release signal from the opening/closing control section opens the shutter;
The opening/closing device that receives the closing signal from the opening/closing control unit closes the shutter,
The opening/closing device operates based on an electrical signal to physically open/close the shutter,
The reading means is compatible with both an IC chip and a magnetic storage area provided in the payment card,
The front unit including the insertion port and the shutter further includes a locking member that switches opening and closing of the shutter,
The opening/closing device provided in the main body unit including the opening/closing control section includes a solenoid,
The front unit and the main unit are separable,
The locking member opens the shutter when the locking member moves in a first direction, and closes the shutter when the locking member moves in a second direction different from the first direction.
The opening/closing device moves the locking member in the first direction and the second direction,
The solenoid injects or pulls back the plunger when energized,
The plunger moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction by ejection or withdrawal,
The opening/closing control section outputs the release signal and the closing signal to the solenoid,
Electric wiring connecting the opening/closing control section and the solenoid, which transmits the release signal and the closing signal, is stored inside the main unit,
The plunger is located substantially parallel to the shutter and performs injection and retraction;
The plunger has an actuator in a direction crossing the plunger,
the actuator operably couples the locking member;
In response to injection or withdrawal of the plunger, the actuator moves the locking member in the first direction or the second direction,
further comprising a movement range member that limits the movement range of the actuator,
Electronic components and electrical wiring are not placed under the insertion opening ;
card reader. 2. The card reader according to claim 1, wherein the payment card includes at least one of an IC chip and a magnetic storage area, and the IC chip and the magnetic storage area store personal information necessary for payment processing using the payment card. The insertion slot corresponds to the specified width of the payment card,
3. The card reader according to claim 1 , wherein the locking member maintains a locked state when the width of the payment card is less than the specified width.