Abstract:
A card reader includes a card insertion slot through which a card is inserted, a card transferring device which transfers the inserted card from the insertion slot along a card driving path, and a reading device along one point of the path for reading data stored on the card. The card may be a magnetic card or an IC card having an IC terminal thereon. The card reader also includes a pressing mechanism disposed between the card insertion slot and the reading device which presses against one edge of the card so that the opposite edge of the card is pressed against a card driving reference plane. The card reader also may include an IC contact block for making contact with the IC terminal on an inserted IC card, and a contact block moving device which moves the IC contact block towards and away from the IC card, and wherein both the card transferring device and the contact block moving device are driven by the same motor, and differences in load torque is utilized therebetween to determine how the drive force is distributed. The card reader further may include a biasing mechanism that forces two opposing read heads towards one another, and a movement limiting mechanism limits movement of the read heads in a particular manner such that the read heads are forced to a neutral, central position when a card is not inserted in the card reader.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     a) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a card reader which handles a magnetic card or an IC card and the like. 
     b) Description of the Related Art 
     In a conventional card reader, an IC or magnetic card on which data are stored is held in the thickness direction by a pair of rollers, at least one of which is driven by a motor and the like, thereby transferring the card to the driving path. In the magnetic card reader which is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open No. H5-12498, for example, a magnetic card is held by three pairs of rollers arranged in the driving direction thereby transferring the magnetic card. When data recording/reproduction is performed, a magnetic strip formed on the magnetic card is moved with respect to the magnetic head. In a card reader, the size of a card insertion slot is somewhat larger than the card, therefore, the card is not always inserted straight. To resolve the problem in a card reader of the conventional technology, the distance by which the card is transferred is set long such that the magnetic card which is inserted at a slanted angle or in an askew manner is straightened before it reaches the magnetic head. However, providing a long path is undesirable as it prevents the production of reduced-size card readers. 
     When using a magnetic card in the card reader, one or both sides of the card normally is formed with a magnetic strip. The magnetic information on the magnetic strip is recorded/reproduced by the magnetic heads formed opposite each other across the card driving path. With the magnetic heads on the sides of the driving path, each of the magnetic heads are designed to be pressed by a compression coil spring such that the magnetic heads are projected to transfer the force to a magnetic card. However, if a warped card is driven, the magnetic head deviates from the base position due to the warping of the card. Upon removal of the card, the head deviation is maintained. If a magnetic card is inserted into a slot while the magnetic head is deviated from its original position, the end of the card contacts a side of the magnetic head, thereby affecting the smooth driving of the card. 
     In addition, current card readers may be used to read both magnetic cards and IC cards. When recording to or reading from an IC card, the IC terminal formed on one side of the card is contacted by the card reader, and the IC contact block of the card reader is moved by means of a specific actuator (solenoid). However, a mechanism, independent from the driving mechanism for transferring the IC card, to drive the IC contact block is required, thus increasing the number of components, cost and size of the card reader. Also, when the IC contact block is designed to be lowered along with the card movement, the load during the IC card transfer increases, thus causing the card to jam. Further, a card reader may be designed such that the magnetic head is given the capability to record/reproduce magnetic data, and if the IC contact block is lowered during such recording/reproducing, data recording/reproduction may be degraded. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a card reader which can be reduced in size by reducing the distance over which the card is transferred. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a card reader which can read a warped card. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a card reader, when an IC card is handled by the above card reader, the overall card reader can be made compact by driving a card transfer means and an IC contact transfer means by a single motor.** 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a card reader is comprised of a card insertion slot through which a card is inserted, a card transferring device which transfers the inserted card from the insertion slot along a card driving path to a reading device (e.g., a magnetic head), and pressing means disposed between the card insertion slot and the reading device for pressing against one edge of the card so that the opposite edge of the card is pressed against a card driving reference plane. 
     As an aspect of the invention, when an IC card having an IC terminal is inserted in the card reader, an IC contact block is provided to make contact with the IC terminal so that the data stored in the IC card can be read therefrom. The card reader further includes a contact block moving device which moves the IC contact block towards and away from the IC card, and wherein a load torque required to move the IC contact block to contacting position (with the IC card) is set larger than a load torque required for transferring the IC card by the card transfer means; and is set smaller than a load torque required for transferring the IC card when the position of the IC card is limited. The card reader further comprises a driving force switching mechanism for switching a rotational force of the motor to either the card transfer means or the contact block moving device depending on which device has the smaller load torque. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the card reader is comprised of a card insertion slot through which a card is inserted, a card transferring device which transfers the inserted card from the insertion slot along a card driving path, a magnetic head located above a read position for reading data stored on a magnetic strip of the card, bias means for biasing the magnetic head in a direction towards the surface of the card, and head movement limiting means for establishing a predetermined minimum distance of the magnetic head above the card driving path when the card is not located at the read position, and the head movement limiting means does not establish the predetermined minimum distance when the card is located at the read position. 
     As an aspect of this embodiment, two opposing magnetic heads are provided for reading magnetic strips located on opposite sides of the card, and a second bias means is provided for biasing the second magnetic head towards the card such that the first and second bias means provide biases in opposite directions towards one another, and the head movement limiting means forces the first and second magnetic heads into respective neutral positions above and below the card driving path only when the card is not located at the read position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts. 
     FIG. 1 is a plan cross section showing a card transfer mechanism of a card reader of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a vertical cross section detailing the card pressure mechanism of the card reader shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a vertical cross section showing a card driving reference plane of the card reader shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a IV—IV cross section of a card reader shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the optical sensor and plate spring of the card reader shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a head support mechanism of a card reader of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a plan cross section showing the overall card reader shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a vertical cross section showing a head support mechanism cut out at III—III shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the head support mechanism shown in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom view of showing the support mechanism of the lower magnetic head shown in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a vertical cross section showing a state in which two magnetic heads are displaced. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view showing another embodiment for the head support mechanism of two magnetic heads. 
     FIG. 13 is a plan view showing another embodiment for the position guiding member for a magnetic head. 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG.  13 . 
     FIG. 15 is an overall configuration including the IC contact block of a card reader of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a magnified diagram for an IC contact block moving means shown in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration describing the IC contact block movement shown in FIG.  16 . 
     FIG. 18 is a extended diagram of FIG. 15, in which gears convert the driving forces of a card reader shown in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 19 is a descriptive diagram showing another embodiment for the IC contact block movement. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 show embodiments of the card reader of the present invention. The card reader in these embodiments is for a magnetic card, which is driven by a motor to transfer the magnetic card inserted from the card insertion slot to record/reproduce data on the magnetic card by means of a magnetic head. The magnetic head can be reproduction specific or capable of both recording and reproducing. 
     Case  20  of the card reader is mounted with upper guiding frame  1  and lower guiding frame  2  (FIG. 3) which are made of a composite comprising sheet metal and molded. Card driving path  18  and driving reference plane  19  are formed in case  20 . Magnetic head  40  is arranged in the middle of card driving path  18 . The support mechanism and the like for this magnetic head  40  are described herein. 
     A pressing member in accordance with the present invention is located between card insertion slot  16  on case  20  and magnetic head  40 , such pressing member contacting the side surface of card  21  so that card  21  presses against driving reference plane  19 . In the disclosed embodiment, the pressing member is rotating member driven by, for example, driving motor  3  (See FIG. 15) which starts driving upon insertion of card  21 . As shown in FIG. 1, the pressing member is a flat surface of belt  6  with teeth. Belt  6  is held between transmission pulley  11  with gear, which is arranged between card insertion slot  16  and magnetic head  40  to press the side surface of card  21  against the driving reference plane  19  side. Card  21  is transferred on the flat surface of belt  6 , thereby providing a card transfer means, and driving pulley  5  with a gear, which is rotatably driven by driving motor  3 . 
     Transmission pulley  11  is rotatably supported by shaft  9  at the end of pulley support arm  8  which is rotatably supported by shaft  7 . Driving pulley  5  is positioned in the vicinity of the base of pulley support arm  8  and movably mounted on case  20 . Between transmission pulley  11  and driving pulley  5 , transfer pulley  12  with teeth, which transfer card  21  via belt  6  with teeth, is formed such that transfer pulley  12  dependently rotates via the teeth on belt  6  to press the side surface of card  21  with the flat surface of belt  6  with teeth against the card driving reference plane  19  side. That is, transfer pulley  12 , arranged in the vicinity of transmission pulley  11 , is rotatably supported by shaft  10 , which is mounted onto pulley support arm  8 . Because belt  6  is engaged with each of the pulleys  5 ,  11 , and  12  with its teeth, which prevents the pulleys from slipping on the belt when motor driving force is transmitted. Also, the horizontal cross section of pulley support arm  8  is shaped in a square with an open side as shown in FIG.  4 . Belt  6  is arranged inside the pulley support arm  8 . 
     As shown in FIG. 5, card  21  is inserted to the slot and plate spring  14  is lifted up, when photo sensor  15  detects the deformation, thereby moving motor  3 . Plate spring  14  is fixed onto upper guiding frame  1 . Projection  14   a  is projected over card driving pass  18 . When card  21  is inserted into the slot, photo sensor  15  is actuated. Belt  6  is moved as driving pulley  5  is rotated via a deceleration gear train (described later) by the driving force of motor  3 . Card  21  is further taken in the driving direction on belt  6  as driving pulley  5  is rotated via deceleration gear train (described later) by the driving force of motor  3 . Coil spring  17  is mounted on the base end of pulley support arm  8 . One end of coil spring  17  is mounted on the case  20  side; the other end is mounted on the base end of pulley support arm  8 . Coil spring  17  rotates pulley support arm  8  counterclockwise, in FIG. 1, around shaft  7  so that each of pulleys  11 ,  12  are projected over card driving path  18 , that is, transmit the force to press the side of card  21  to each of pulleys  11 ,  12 ; 
     as a result, the driving force of belt  6  is transmitted to the left surface (FIG. 1, lower side surface) of card  21 . Card driving reference plane  19  comprises a plurality of rotatable rollers  13 . In other words, card driving reference plane  19  is structured such that (the outer surface of ) rotatable rollers  13  is slightly projected from a surface formed by a side mold portion of each of guiding frames  1 ,  2 . 
     How the card reader operates card driving is described. When card  21  is inserted into card insertion slot  16 , card  21  contacts projection  14   a  of plate spring  14  to push up actuator  14   b  of a photo sensor. When photo sensor  15  detects the movement of actuator  14   b,  motor  3  is activated to rotate belt  6  counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 1, via a deceleration gear train and pulley  5 ; that is, to rotate belt  6  in the direction in which card  21  is taken into the card reader. When card  21  is inserted via card insertion as far as where pulley  11  is, card  21  is taken into the card reader by the driving force from belt  6 . 
     When the tip of card  21  taken into the card reader reaches point E indicated with the double dotted line in FIG. 1, card  21  is positioned nearly parallel with card driving reference plane  19  by two pairs of rollers  13  on card insertion slot  16  side and pulley  11 , and are taken into the card reader straight to magnetic head  40 . When the magnetic strip on card  21  touches magnetic head  40 , the magnetic head reads/writes the data on the magnetic strip. Transfer pulley  12  is arranged such that it projects slightly more than transmission pulley  11 , thereby pulley  12  acts as the main feeder for the card transfer on belt  6  during the read/write mode of magnetic head  40 . Instead of slightly more projecting transfer pulley  12  than transmission pulley  11 , pulleys  11 ,  12  may be arranged in parallel in the card transfer direction. 
     When the read/write mode of head  40  is completed, card  21  at point F indicated with double dotted line in FIG. 1, card  21  is displaced from pulley  11 . Card  21  is pressed against card driving reference plane  19  side only with pulley  12 . Then, motor  3  is driven reversely to eject card  21  by rotating belt  6  clockwise as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In the above embodiment, the rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted to drive pulley  5  to rotate belt  6 , thus each of the pulleys  11 ,  12  are rotated. However, pulley  11  or pulley  12  may be rotated directly by motor  3 . Also, in the above embodiment, a plurality of rollers  13  are provided on card driving reference plane  19  to construct a row of rollers. The row of rollers may be replaced with a belt which moves as a card is driven. In addition, each roller  13  may be omitted and a mold surface may contact a card. 
     The magnetic head support mechanism in accordance with the present invention will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 6-11, card  21  is pushed in the card reader such that it projects within card driving path  18 . At the same time, the card reader includes magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , which are supported such that they can move in the direction orthogonal to the card surface which conforms to the waves/warps of card  21 , and a limiting lever, which acts as a limiting member in accordance with the present invention. 
     Limiting lever  36  is positioned at the limited position (indicated with a solid line in FIG. 6) at which the amount of projection of the magnetic heads  40 ,  50  over card driving path  18  when card  21  is ejected to the outside of the card reader and does not contact magnetic heads  40 ,  50 . Limiting lever  36  retreats from the limited position (see double dotted line in FIG. 6) when card  21  is inserted into the card reader and contacts magnetic heads  40 ,  50 . 
     The card reader, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes upper and lower guiding frames  1  and  2  which form card driving path  18 , magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , which are formed on the sides of the direction perpendicular to the card surface on card driving path  18 , a card feeding mechanism by means of belt  6  arranged along one end of card driving path  18 , and an insertion detecting sensor  110 , which detects the fact that card  2  is inserted into the end of the slot. 
     Head windows  1   a,    2   a  are formed on upper and lower guiding frames  1 ,  2  where magnetic heads are arranged such that magnetic heads  40 ,  50  can be exposed to card driving path  18 . 
     Magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are arranged on the upper and lower sides of card driving path  18  as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In this embodiment, upper head  40  is for a 1-track magnetic strip; lower head  50  is for a 3-track magnetic strip. However, the present invention is not limited to these. Different types of magnetic heads can be used to meet the different specifications of magnetic strips, of course. Also, it is acceptable that each magnetic head  40 ,  50  performs at least one of the recording or reproducing functions. 
     Upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are supported by upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33 , as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, which are movable around axis  34  and shaped in square whose longer side is laid along the card driving direction. Upper support plate  32  is arranged opposite card driving path  18  of upper guiding frame  1 ; lower support plate  33  is arranged opposite card driving path  18  of lower guiding frame  2 . In the middle of upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33 , head windows  32   a,    33   a  constructed with through holes. At both ends of each head windows  32   a,    33   a,  flanges  32   b,    33   b  projects above the side of card driving path  18 . Upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are movably mounted on flanges  32   b,    33   b  of upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33  around shaft  34 . 
     Upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33  are movably supported by upper and lower guiding frames  1  and  2  around shaft  35 ,  35  which are shaped in square with a long side laid along the card driving direction. Both ends of shaft  35 ,  35  are supported by shaft support blocks  35   a,    35   a  molded onto upper and lower guiding frames  1 ,  2 . Shaft  35 ,  35  is wound with spring  37  made of a coil spring. Spring  37 ,  37  transmits force from support plates  32 ,  33  such that magnetic heads  50  project into card driving path  18 . Therefore, when external force does not operate on upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33  and upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , the head surfaces of upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50  contact each other within card driving path  18  or face each other at a distance via contact limiting means which upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are equipped with. In accordance with the present invention, it is not required that spring  37  is so strong as to correct the waves or warps of a card by pressing against the magnetic heads. Instead, it is sufficient that spring  37  “drag” the card (i.e., follows the curvature of the card) by contacting the card with its head surface as the card is driven. This configuration reduces friction between the head surface and card  21 . 
     Opposite of where springs  37 ,  37  of upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33  are installed, lever bearings  32   c,    33   c,  which are curved in the direction away from card driving path  18 , are formed. Lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  limit the movement position for support plates  32 ,  33  by contacting limiting lever  36 . In the present invention, the projection position of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  to card driving path  18  is limited by lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  of support plates  32 ,  33 . However, the projection position to card driving path  18  can be limited by magnetic heads  40 ,  50  directly contacting limiting lever  36 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, limiting lever  36  is arranged at the side of upper support plate  32  of upper guiding frame  1 . Limiting lever  36  is nearly L shape and comprises support portion  36   a,  which is the center of the curved movement of  36 , a contact roller  38 , which is mounted at one end as a contact portion, limiting portion  36   b , which contact lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  formed in the vicinity of contact roller  38 ; and a spring mounting portion  36   c,  which is formed on the other end. Support portion  36   a  is movably mounted onto shaft  39  which is perpendicular to the card surface and mounted on upper frame  1 . 
     Contact roller  38 , which is formed on limiting lever  36 , is shaped such that its longer side is vertical to the card surface, comes in and out with respect to card driving path  18  as limiting lever  36  moves. Limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  are positioned opposite card driving path  18  of upper and lower guiding frames  1 ,  2  and are shaped such that they are curved closer to card driving path  18 . Therefore, limiting portion  36   b,    36   b  can contact lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  of each support plate  32 ,  33  as limiting lever  36  moves. 
     Also, one end of limiting spring  26 , which is made of beli coil spring as a transmission member, is mounted at spring mounting portion  36   c  of limiting lever  36 . The other end of limiting spring  26  is mounted on the upper guiding frame  1  at a point closer the away from the slot end. Limiting spring  26  rotates limiting lever  36  clockwise as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 so that contact roller is projected into the card driving path; also, by pressing limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  against lever bearings  32   c,    33   c,  the projection position of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  is limited at the center of card driving path  18 . At this projection position, it is ideal that magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are somewhat distanced while the end surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are close together. 
     How card reader records/reproduces on card  21  is described herein. 
     Before card  21  is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, limiting lever  36  is rotated clockwise by limiting spring  26 . Contact roller  38  projects to card driving path  18  and limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  are pressed against lever bearings  32   c,    33   c.  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, upper and lower support plates  32 ,  33  cannot move with respect to card driving path  18 , and at the same time, the head surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are positioned where the head surfaces and the card surface correspond to each other, that is, the neutral position. 
     By inserting card  21 , a card transfer mechanism is driven as previously described and card  21  is taken further on belt  6 , which is a card transfer means. 
     Next, the tip of card  21  contacts contact roller  38 . By this, contact roller  38  retreats from card driving path  18  by resisting limiting spring  26 . Limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  are distanced from support plates  32 ,  33 , thus movement of support plates  32 ,  33  are set free. 
     At the same time, the tip of card  21  contacts the head surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50 . Therefore, at the projection position of magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , limited at the center of card driving path  18 , the magnet heads are parted in a range which ensures the contact between the magnetic heads and the card, even when the tips of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  need to be somewhat distanced. 
     Card  21  is guided along the head surface to enter the gap between upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , thus expanding heads  40 ,  50  while the card is being driven. At this time, magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are pressed against card  21  via springs  37 ,  37 , thus ensuring the contact between the magnetic strip and the head surface. Magnetic data are read/written when the magnetic strip and the head surface contact while card  21  is being driven. 
     The present embodiment describes an example in that the head surfaces contact each other at the neutral position before card  21  is inserted. The embodiment is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 12, the tips of support plates  32 ,  33  can be extended to form head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d  such that head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d  contact before card  21  is inserted. A contact limiting means can be formed for maintaining magnetic heads  40 ,  50  at a neutral position at which heads do not contact each other. 
     As described above, if head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d  are designed to keep their tips away form each other, even in the state card  21  is not present, when the card is off the magnetic heads, which is provided with a small area of contact for head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d,  which makes them extremely easier to return to the neutral position from the upper or lower position of card driving path  18 , by limiting lever  36 . 
     Next, when card  21  reaches the end of the path, the tip of card  21  is detected by insertion detection sensor  110  as shown in FIG.  7 . By this, the card transfer mechanism is stopped or reverse rotated to exit card  21 . When card  21  is ejected from the card reader, contact roller  38  can project to card driving path  18 , thus, moving limiting lever  36  by limiting spring  26 . Along with this operation, limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  are pressed by each support plates  32 ,  33  to set magnetic heads  40 ,  50  to the neutral position. 
     Note that some cards are warped or curved. When inserting a warped card  21  into the card reader of this embodiment, magnetic heads  40 ,  50  move against support plates  32 ,  33  and support plates  32 ,  33  move against frames  1 ,  2 , thus the head surface can conform the card surface. For this reason, even if a deformed card  21  is used, reading/writing of data can be performed highly accurately. 
     Also, as shown in FIG. 11, when deformed card  21  is ejected, magnetic heads  40 ,  50  may deviate from the center. This is because the head surfaces contact and are pressed by spring  37 , having the head surfaces abrade each other; the heads keep their deviated positions. However, in this embodiment, limiting portions  36 b,  36 b move to contact lever bearings  32   c,    33   c;  this sets supporting plates  32 ,  33  and magnetic heads  40 ,  50  to the center. 
     Therefore, according to this embodiment, limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  are shaped to curve closer to card driving path  18 ; lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  are shaped to curve away from card driving path  18 . Even if support plate  32 ,  33  are largely deviated from the center, limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  move to press one of the curvatures of lever bearings  32   c,    33   c  with limiting portions  36   b,    36   b  on one side, support plates  32 ,  33  can return to the neutral position. With this recovery, magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are kept at a distance. The tip of card  21  inserted into the card reader contacts the side surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , thus maintaining a smooth driving of card  21 . 
     As shown in FIG. 11, when the head surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  contact each other and are deviated from the neutral position, the head surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  must be slid in the direction of the longer side of the contact surfaces to retain their neutral positions. As shown in FIG. 12, the magnetic heads can be returned to their neutral positions extremely easy using limiting lever  36  if the head surfaces of magnetic heads  40 ,  50  are set such that they do not contact while head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d  are set to contact, and the area of contact is made small for head contact limiting portions  32   d,    33   d.    
     Also in this embodiment, both magnetic heads  40 ,  50  can be moved in the yawing and the card surface direction; they can contact card  21  even more closely; this makes it possible to read/ write magnetic data accurately. 
     Note that, in the above embodiment, limiting lever  36  is used as a limiting member which yaws. However, movable lever  125 , as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, which is movable in the card driving direction can be used. In this case, contactingly movable lever  125  comprises contacts portion  125   a  which contact the tip of card  21  and limiting portion  125   b  which enters between the head surfaces of upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50 . In addition, a limiting spring made of helicoid spring  26 ′ is attached on a part of contactingly movable lever  125 . Note that in this embodiment, the structure of upper and lower magnetic heads  40 ,  50  or support plates  32 ,  33  or guiding frames  1 ,  2  and the like are the same as the above embodiment, therefore, is not described herein. 
     In this embodiment, limiting portion  125   b  is entered between head surfaces using the force transmitted from limiting spring  26 ′ to set magnetic heads  40 ,  50  in the middle. Then, card  21  is inserted and contact portion  125   a  is pushed and limiting portion  125   b  is pushed out of magnetic heads  40 ,  50 . When card  21  is ejected, limiting portion  125   b  again enters between magnetic heads  40 ,  50  to set them in the center. 
     Even when a deformed card  21  is used, when card  21  is ejected, limiting porion  125   b  sets magnetic heads  40 ,  50  in the center. Therefore, this embodiment also suggests that magnetic heads  40 ,  50  of the present invention in a largely deviated state can smoothly drive the next card that is inserted. Also, all of the above embodiments have magnetic heads  40 ,  50  at the sides of card driving path  18 . However, the present invention is not limited to this. Magnetic heads can be installed only on one side. In this case, nothing will need to be formed opposite of the magnetic head over card driving path  18 , but a pad roller may be arranged thereon. 
     Next, a card reader with a mechanism for handling an IC card, in which the IC contact block is lowered in accordance with the present invention, is described. 
     In FIG. 15, card  21  is transferred from card insertion slot  16  to where data is read/written using the rotational (driving) force of motor  3 . Data is read/written by contacting IC contact  610  (See FIG.  17 ,) which is held by IC contact block  61  formed on an IC terminal exposed manner on card  21 . This embodiment includes a card transfer means by belt  6 , which transfers card  21  between card insertion slot  16  and read/write position; and a contact block moving means  60 , which moves IC contact block  61  between the contact position and the retreat position. 
     The load torque which is required for moving IC contact block  61  to the contact point with card  21  is set larger than that which is required for moving belt  6 , which is the load torque of transfer means for the transfer of card  21 , and is smaller than that which is required when the card  21  is inserted into the read/write position which is the end of its movement. At the same time, a driving force switching mechanism  70  is formed for transmitting rotational force of motor  3  to the side where each load torque is smaller. 
     Note that in this card reader, data is read/written while card  21  is being transferred between a magnetic strip on card  21  and magnetic heads  40 ,  50 , which are formed in the middle of card driving path  18 , which is made up of lower guiding frame  2  and upper guiding frame  1 . 
     Card transfer means comprises four pulleys  5 ,  11 ,  111 ,  112  and drive belt  6  which is held by each pulley. Pulley  5  transmits the rotational force of motor  3  which is transmitted from drive force switching mechanism  70  via gear  49  to drive belt  6 . Pulley  11  is mounted at the tip of arm  8  which is rotatable around shaft  9 ; driving belt  6  is pressed onto one end of card  21  by being stretched in counterclockwise by spring  17  (See FIG. 1.) Pulleys  111 ,  112  are mounted at the tip of rotatable arms  87 ,  88  around shaft  86 . They are pulled by each of springs  89 ,  90  to press drive belt  6  against one end of card  21 . Drive belt  6  is the same as in the previous embodiment in that it transfers card  21  from card insertion slot  16  to the read/write position by pressing card  21  against eight rollers  13 , which makes a card reference plane. 
     Contact block moving means  60 , as shown in FIG. 16, includes an arm  62 , which is rotatable within a range of predetermined angles, a cam lever  63 , which moves IC contact block  61  from the retreat position from card driving path  18  to the contact point with the card, two return coil springs  64 , which return the IC contact block  61  from the contact position to the retreat position. 
     Note that the above contact position (position indicated with a double-dotted line in FIG. 17) is where IC contact  610  of IC contact block  61  resiliently contacts the IC terminal exposed on card  21 . The retreat position (position indicated with a solid line in FIG. 17) is where IC contact  610  is apart from the IC terminal, which opens a way for transferring card  21 . 
     Two shafts  65  are fitted through IC contact blocks  61 . Each shaft  65  supports four pairs of IC contacts  610  of a resilient spring structure. Sleeve  66  is rotatably fitted onto both ends of each shaft  65 . Each sleeve  66  is inserted into U groove  67  formed on upper guiding frame  1 . Therefore, IC contact block  61  can move only in the depth direction of each U groove, that is in the direction vertical to the moving direction of card  21 . 
     Around IC contact block  61 , that is outside each U groove  67 , cam lever  63  is shaped nearly a rectangle with an open side. Cam lever  63  is held on upper guiding frame  1  in the transfer direction of card  21  slidably at a predetermined distance. Cam portion  63   b  is formed at four places opposite each sleeve  66  of cam lever  63 . Therefore, if cam lever  63  slides, each sleeve  66  is pushed down toward the opening of U grooves as shown in FIG.  17 . In other words, IC contact block  61  is moved to the contact position. 
     Each return spring  64  is arranged in the state in which they are compressed between spring base  64   a ,  64   a  formed in the center of both ends of IC contact block  61  and upper guiding frame  1 . Therefore, each return spring  64  pushes each sleeve  66  up toward the bottom of each of the U grooves  67 . In other words, if the pressure from cam lever  63  is released, IC contact block  61  is moved to the retreat position. 
     A long hole  62   a  is formed in the center of arm  62 . Convexity  63   b  formed on cam lever  63  is inserted into the long hole  62   a.  Therefore, if arm  62  is rotated around shaft  68 , cam lever  63  slides. At the tip surface of arm  62 , gear portion  62   b  is formed. Gear portion  62   b  is engaged with a small gear  54  of deceleration gear train  59 . Therefore, if second output gear  58  of drive switch mechanism is rotated, the rotation is transmitted to gear portion  62   b  via large gear  51 , gear  52   a,  small gear  52   b,  gear  53 , and small gear  54  of deceleration gear train  59 . Arm  62  is rotated by these gears. 
     In other words, if a rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted to second output gear  58 , arm  62  rotates clockwise in FIG.  15 . Cam lever  63  is moved to the contact position by sliding IC contact block  61 . On the other hand, if a rotational force of motor in the refers direction is transmitted, arm  62  rotates counterclockwise in FIG.  15 . Cam lever  63  is returned and IC contact block  61  is moved to the retreat position. 
     One end of coil spring  165  is positioned at a predetermined position on arm  62 ; the other end of coil spring  165  is mounted on upper guiding frame  1 . Coil spring  165  pulls arm  62  in the direction apart from IC contact block  61 . The load torque, which works on contact block moving means  60 , is increased when IC contact block  61  is moved to the contact position; it is decreased when IC contact block  61  is moved to the retreat position. In other words, the load torque, which is required to move contact block  61  to the contact position, is set larger than that is required for transferring card  21  and set smaller than that is required when card  21  is at the read /write position, which is the end of movement. Also, the load torque which is required for moving contact block  61  to the retreat position is set smaller than that is required for transferring card  21  by adjusting the magnitude of force of coil spring  165 . 
     Note that in the vicinity of arm  62 , photo sensor  160  is installed. This photo sensor  160  detects the fact that arm  62  is rotated to the contact position with IC contact block  61 . 
     Driving force switching mechanism  70  is a gear connection mechanism including first output gear  57  and second output gear  58  which transfer the rotational force of motor  3  to contact block moving means  60 . Of the first and second output gears  57 ,  58 , the output gear with a larger load torque is stopped, thus the output gear with a smaller torque is rotated. This gear connection mechanism comprises, as shown in FIG. 18, driving force division gear unit  400  arranged relatively rotatably on the same shaft between the first and second output gears  57 ,  58 . 
     Driving force division gear unit  400  includes driving gear  41 , which is rotated by motor  3 , revolving shaft  41   a,  which is fitted through the eccentric position of driving gear  41  and is relatively rotatably mounted at the eccentric position, first division gear  42 , which is fixed at one end of revolving shaft  41   a;  and second division gear  43 , which is fixed on the other end of the revolving shaft  41   a.    
     First division gear  42  is engaged with first output gear  57  side. In other words, it is acceptable if first division gear  42  is engaged with first output gear  57  directly or indirectly. In this embodiment, first division gear  42  directly transmits the rotational force for engagement with first output gear  57 . On the other hand, second division gear  43  is engaged with second output gear  58  side. In other words, it is acceptable that second division gear  43  is engaged with the side of second output gear  58  directly or indirectly. In this embodiment, second division gear  43  transmits the rotational force for indirect engagement with second output gear  58  via pinion gear  44 . Pinion gear  44  is installed relatively rotatably at the eccentric position of drive gear  41  in the same manner as second division gear  43 . Note that in FIG. 18, second output gear  58  and pinion gear  44  are apart; they are illustrated that way to simplify the drawing. However, they are engaged in actual use.) 
     Rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted to drive gear  41  via umbrella gear  45 , large gear  46 , small gear  47  respectively. If drive gear  41  is rotated, each division gear  42 ,  43  and pinion gear  44 , which are installed at the eccentric position of drive gear  41 , revolve around each output gear  57 ,  58 . First output gear  57  transmits the rotational force to the card transfer means. It receives a predetermined load torque when the card reaches the read/write position, that is, the transfer end position of card  21  as shown in FIG.  15 . Also, second output gear  58  transmits the rotational force to contact block moving means  60 . It receives the load torque which is required for moving contact block  61 . The power relationship between each load torque is set by adjusting the speed ratio of the gear train of the card transfer means side to the contact block moving means  60  side and adjusting the spring force of coil spring  65  of contact block moving means  60 . In other words, the load torque which is required to move contact block  61  is set significantly smaller than that is required when card  21  is at the read/write position, which is the end of the path. Note that umbrella gear  45  is fixed onto output shaft of motor  3 . Also, large gear  465  and small gear  47  are a composite gear which rotates integrally. 
     The operation of the IC card reader will now be described. First, when card  21  is inserted into card insertion slot  16 , the sensor detects card  21 , rotating motor  3 . The rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted deceleratingly to drive gear  41  via umbrella gear  45 , large gear  46 , small gear  47  respectively. Therefore, each division gear  42 ,  43  begins to rotate around each output gear  57 ,  58 . 
     Now, the load torque which is required to move IC contact block  61  is set larger than that required for transfer of card  21 . In other words, the minimum value for the load torque while IC contact block  61  moves is larger than the maximum value of the load torque required for transfer of card  21 . Second output get  58  receives a larger load torque than first output gear  57 . 
     For this reason, second output gear  58 , which receives a larger load torque, is stopped; pinion gear  44 , which revolves second output gear  58 , and second division gear  43  revolve. Therefore, first division gear  42 , which is connected to second division gear  43  by revolving shaft  41   a  revolves; first output gear  57  which is engaged with first division gear  42  rotates. 
     In other words, if drive gear  41  rotates and first and second division gears  42 ,  43  revolve around first and second output gears  57 ,  58 , of these first and second output gears  57 ,  58 , second division gear  43 , which is engaged with second output gear  58  side and is stopped due to receiving a larger load torque, revolves. This revolution is transmitted to the other first division gear  42  via revolving shaft  41   a  to rotate first output gear  57  which receives a smaller load torque from first and second output gears  57 ,  58 . 
     The rotational force of first output gear  57  is transmitted to gear  49  of card transfer means. It rotate belt  6  by rotating pulley  5  via gear  5   a.  By doing so, card  21  which is inserted into card insertion slot  16  is taken into the card reader as card  21  is pressed onto each rollers  13  to be transferred to the read/write position. Card  21  is transferred smoothly while it is transferred a power relationship between the load torque which is required to move IC contact block  61  and load torque which transfers card  21  is maintained. The rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted only to the card transfer means side. In other words, the rotational force is not transferred to moving means  60  until card  21  is transferred to the read/write position. The card transfer means is driven only. 
     On the other hand, if card  21  reaches to the read/write position, which is the end of the path, card transfer load temporarily increases. It exceeds IC contact block moving load. In other words, the load torque which is larger than that required for moving IC contact block  61  is generated on the card transfer means side. For this reason, unlike the above mentioned case, first output gear  57  receives a larger load torque than second output gear  58 . First output gear  57  is stopped at this time and first division gear  42  which revolves around first output gear  57  revolves. Therefore, second division gear  43 , which is connected to first division gear  42  via revolving shaft  41   a  revolves, rotating second output gear  58  which is engaged with first division gear  42 . 
     In other words, when drive gear  41  rotates and first and second division gears  42 ,  43  rotate around first and second output gears  57 ,  58 , of first and second output gears  57 ,  58 , first division gear  42 , which is engaged with the side of first output gear  57 , revolves. First output gear  57  is stopped when receiving a larger load from one of them. This rotation is transmitted to second division gear  43  via revolving shaft  41   a.  Second output gear  58 , which receives a smaller load torque from one of first and second output gears is rotated via pinion gear  44 . 
     The rotational force of the second output gear is transmitted to large gear  51  of contact block moving means  60 . Then, it is deceleratingly transmitted to gear  52   a,  small gear  52   b,  large gear  53 , and small gear  54  respectively. Arm  62  is driven in this way. Cam lever  63  is slid to move IC contact block  64  to the contact position with card  21 . When photo sensor  66  detects that IC contact block  64  reached the contact position, that is, arm  62  is moved to a predetermined position, rotation of motor  3  is stopped. In this state, “detent” torque works on motor  3 . Arm  62  will not be retracted by coil spring  165 . IC contact block  61  is held at the contact position of card  21 . 
     To complete reading/writing data and to eject card  21 , motor  3  is rotated reversely. Now when card  21  is ejected, coil spring  165  works in returning direction of arm  62 . The load torque which second output gear  58  receives becomes significantly smaller than that which first output gear  57  does. Therefore, the reversed rotational force is transmitted to contact block moving means  60  side via second output gear  58 . Before card  21  ejection process begins, IC contact block  61  is moved to the retreat position first. 
     Note that the fact that the reading/writing of magnetic data is performed while card  21  is being transferred is the same as conventional technology. 
     When IC contact block  61  reaches the retreat position, then, the load torque which second output gear  58  receives becomes significantly larger than that first output gear  57  receives. Therefore, the reversed rotational force of motor  3  is transmitted to card transfer means side via first output gear  57  to eject card  21 . 
     Note that in the above description, arm  62  of contact block moving means  60  and cam lever  63  are independent. They can be integrated, of course. 
     Also, rotational force between motor  3  and drive force division gear unit  400 , between first output gear  57  and second output gear  58 , and between second output gear  58  and arm  62  pulley are transmitted using a flat gear or an umbrella gear. However, other deceleration transmission methods such as worm gears or belts and the like can be used as well. 
     Next, another embodiment in which card transfer and IC contact block movement switching, that is when an IC contact block contacts the IC terminal when the card is transferred to a predetermined position, as ensured is shown in FIG.  19 . 
     In the Embodiment of FIG. 19, unlike that of FIG. 16, projection portion  61 a is formed at IC contact block  61 . A movement prevention member  90  is formed to prevent the above the IC contact block  61 , which is engaged with projection portion  61   a,  is moved from the retreat position, which is away from card driving path  18 , to the contact point with IC terminal formed on card  21 . Movement prevention member  90  is movably installed onto support shaft  93  formed on a guide frame. It is engaged with the front end of card  21  and comprises card engagement portion  91 , which is moved by the above card  21 . When card  21  is inserted into a predetermined position, for example, to the read/write position defined by IC contact, projection portion  61   a  formed on IC contact block  61  is off engagement flat plane  92  of movement prevention member  90  thus enabling its moving into the above contact position of IC contact block  61 . Note that card engagement portion  91  of movement prevention member  90  is formed to cross card driving path  18 . Therefore, it is pressed by the front end of card  21 . By forming movement prevention member  90 , IC contact block can move to the contact position with the IC terminal of the card when the card is transferred to the read/write position. Also, by installing inserted sensor  110  in the deepest part of the slot, specifically at the read/write position, to detect the insertion by the movement of moving prevention member  90 , inserted sensor  110  can be formed at an appropriate place away from card driving path. 
     In addition, in the above description, by forming magnetic head  40  in the middle of card driving path, the IC card reader is used for the magnetic card reader as well. However, magnetic head  40  can be omitted and the card reader can be used specifically for IC cards. 
     As explained above, in a card reader of the present invention, a pressing member, which contacts a side of a card such that the card is pressed against a card driving reference plane, is positioned between a card insertion slot and a recording/reproducing means such as a head and the like. Consequently, the card is driven while being pressed against the card driving reference plane by the pressing member, which results in straightening the direction of the card immediately after insertion; hence, the direction of the card can be corrected in a short driving distance. This enables one to shorten the overall length of the card reader and to reduce the size of the card reader. 
     When a rotation member, which can be rotated by a motor activated by insertion of the card, is employed as the above pressing member, pressing and driving of the card can be simultaneously performed by the rotation member; therefore, the structure of the card reader can be further simplified. 
     In addition, in the use of a magnetic card, the structure of the card reader can be such that when the magnetic card is ejected and does not contact a magnetic head, a limiting member is positioned at a limiting position at which projection of the magnetic head in a card driving path is limited, and when the magnetic card is inserted and contacts the magnetic head, the limiting member is retreated from the limiting position. 
     As a result, the head surface of the magnetic head is positioned at a neutral position even after a deformed card is ejected; thus, it is unnecessary to correct the deformed card with the pressure inserted from the magnetic head. In turn, the head pressure can be reduced, therefore, an increase in the size of a motor which drives the card, caused by an increase in the load of driving the card, can be prevented. 
     Furthermore, in the use of an IC card, a driving force switching mechanism is formed between a motor and, a card transfer means and a contact block moving means. It enables to transmit the rotational force of the motor to the card transfer means or the contact block moving means according to the correlation in the amount of the load torque affecting the card transfer means and the contact block moving means. 
     Therefore, both transferring the card and driving the IC contact block can be separately performed by one motor; by reducing the number of components, in turn, low cost and minimizing the size of the apparatus can be accomplished. 
     While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereto.