Card reader

A card reader includes a pulling-out prevention member turnable between a closing position where a card moving passage is closed and an open position and preventing pulling-out of a card having been inserted into a card reader at the closing position. The pulling-out prevention member is provided with a main body member and a card abutting member which closes the card moving passage when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position. A rear end of the card abutting member is capable of contacting with a front end of the card having been inserted into the card reader when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position. The main body member of the pulling-out prevention member is formed of resin, and the card abutting member is formed of material having a strength higher than a strength of the resin.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Application No. 2022-030286 filed Feb. 28, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

At least an embodiment of the present invention may relate to a card reader structured to perform reading of data recorded in a card and recording of data to a card.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, a so-called dip type card reader has been known which is structured so that a user manually operates a card to perform reading of data recorded in a card and recording of data to the card (see, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2010-26826 (Patent Literature 1) and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2020-197890 (Patent Literature 2)).

An inside of the card reader described in Patent Literature 1 is formed with a card moving passage where a card inserted through a card insertion port is moved. The card reader includes an IC (integrated circuit) contact block for performing communication of data with an IC chip incorporated in the card.

Further, the card reader described in Patent Literature 1 includes a lever member which prevents pulling-out of a card having been inserted into an inside of the card reader. A front end side of the lever member is formed with a protruded part which is abutted with a front end of a card having been inserted into the inside of the card reader. The lever member is capable of turning between a closing position where the protruded part closes the card moving passage and an open position where the protruded part opens the card movable passage, and the lever member prevents pulling-out of the inserted card at the closing position. Further, the card reader includes a torsion coil spring which urges the lever member toward the closing position, a restriction pin which restricts turning of the lever member at the closing position, and a solenoid which moves the restriction pin between a turning restriction position where turning of the lever member is restricted and a turnable position where the lever member is capable of turning.

In the card reader described in Patent Literature 1, in a state that a card is not inserted into the card reader, the lever member is located at the closing position by an urging force of the torsion coil spring and the protruded part closes a front end side of the card moving passage. In this state, when a card is inserted, a rear end of the card is contacted with an inclined face formed on a front end of the protruded part. When the rear end of the card is contacted with the inclined face which is formed at the front end of the protruded part, the inclined face is moved along the rear end of the card and thus, the lever member is turned to the open position against an urging force of the torsion coil spring, and the front end side of the card moving passage is opened.

Further, when the card is inserted to a predetermined position on a rear side of the card reader, the lever member is turned by the urging force of the torsion coil spring and returned to the closing position, and the front end side of the card moving passage is closed by the protruded part. In this state, when the solenoid is driven, the restriction pin located at the turnable position is moved to the turning restriction position and turning of the lever member located at the closing position is restricted. In this state, communication of data is performed between the card and the card reader. Further, in this state, even if a user is trying to pull out the card to a front side, pulling-out of the card is prevented by the protruded part which closes the front end side of the card moving passage.

When communication of data between the card and the card reader finishes, energization to the solenoid is stopped and thus, the restriction pin located at the turning restriction position is moved to the turnable position where the lever member is set in a turnable state. In this state, when the card is being pulled out toward a front side, a front end of the card is contacted with an abutting face which is formed at a rear end of the protruded part. When the front end of the card is contacted with the abutting face formed at a rear end of the protruded part, the abutting face is moved along the front end of the card and thus, the lever member is turned to the open position against an urging force of the torsion coil spring, and the front end side of the card moving passage is opened.

In a card reader described in Patent Literature 2, when a pulling-out prevention member is located at a closing position, a rear end of a card abutting part of the pulling-out prevention member is capable of contacting with a front end of a card having been inserted in the card reader, and a width of a rear end part of the card abutting part of the pulling-out prevention member is set to be narrower toward a rear side.

Recently, as a card such as a credit card which is capable of being inserted into a card reader, a metal card which uses stainless steel material begins to circulate.

A conventional pulling-out prevention member is formed of resin and thus, damage (abrasion and dent) of the pulling-out prevention member may occur due to insertion and pulling-out of a metal card. When the pulling-out prevention member has been damaged, functional disorder of a card reader may occur, for example, insertion and pulling-out of a card to and from a card reader may become difficult, and a card insertion and pulling-out detection function and a latch function are not normally operated.

On the other hand, it is conceivable that a pulling-out prevention member is formed of material having high strength such as metal. However, when a pulling-out prevention member is formed of metal or the like, weight of the pulling-out prevention member is increased and thus, for example, turning control of the pulling-out prevention member becomes difficult because the pulling-out prevention member is urged by a torsion coil spring.

SUMMARY

In view of the problem described above, at least an embodiment of the present invention may advantageously provide a card reader in which increase of weight of a pulling-out prevention member for preventing pulling-out of an inserted card is restrained and, even when a hard card which is, for example, made of metal is inserted into a card reader, damage of the pulling-out prevention member can be restrained.

According to at least an embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a card reader which is structured to perform at least one of reading of data recorded in a card and recording of data to the card. The card reader includes a card moving passage where the card is moved, a pulling-out prevention member which is structured so as to be turnable between a closing position where the card moving passage is closed and an open position where the card moving passage is opened and which prevents pulling-out of the card having been inserted into the card reader at the closing position, an urging member which urges the pulling-out prevention member toward the closing position, a turning restriction member which is abutted with the pulling-out prevention member located at the closing position to restrict turning of the pulling-out prevention member, and a moving mechanism which moves the turning restriction member between a turning restriction position where turning of the pulling-out prevention member is restricted and a turnable position where turning of the pulling-out prevention member is permitted. In addition, in a case that a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the card which is moved along the card moving passage and a thickness direction of the card moved along the card moving passage is referred to as a width direction of the card and, in the moving direction of the card, in a case that an inserting direction side of the card into the card reader is referred to as a rear side, and an opposite side to the rear side which is a pulling-out direction side of the card from the card reader is referred to as a front side, the pulling-out prevention member includes a main body member and a card abutting member which closes a part of the card moving passage when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position, and the pulling-out prevention member is capable of turning with the width direction of the card as an axial direction of turning, and a rear end of the card abutting member is capable of contacting with a front end of the card having been inserted into the card reader when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position, and the main body member is formed of resin, and the card abutting member is formed of material having a strength higher than a strength of the resin.

Effects of the Invention

According to at least an embodiment of the present invention, while restraining increase of weight of the pulling-out prevention member for preventing pulling-out of an inserted card, even when a hard card which is, for example, made of metal is inserted into the card reader, damage of the pulling-out prevention member can be restrained.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

First Embodiment

(Schematic Structure of Card Reader)

FIG.1is an explanatory plan view showing a structure of a card reader1in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG.2is an explanatory side view showing a schematic structure of the card reader1shown inFIG.1.

A card reader1in this embodiment is a device in which a card2is manually operated by a user and at least one of reading of data recorded in a card2and recording of data to a card2is performed. Specifically, the card reader1is a so-called dip type card reader in which reading and recording of data are performed by manually performing insertion of a card2to the card reader1and pulling-out of the card2from the card reader1. The card reader1is mounted on a predetermined host apparatus (not shown) and used.

The card reader1is formed with a card moving passage4where a card2inserted through a card insertion port3is moved. The card reader1includes an IC contact block6having a plurality of IC contact springs and a magnetic head7. Further, the card reader1includes a lever member9as a pulling-out prevention member for preventing pulling-out of a card2having been inserted into the card reader1. The lever member9is capable of turning between a closing position9A (position shown inFIG.2andFIG.3B) where the card moving passage4is closed and an open position9B (position shown inFIG.3A) where the card moving passage4is opened. The lever member9prevents pulling-out of a card2having been inserted into the card reader1at the closing position9A.

In addition, the card reader1includes a torsion coil spring10as an urging member which urges the lever member9toward the closing position9A, a restriction pin11as a turning restriction member which is abutted with the lever member9located at the closing position9A to restrict turning of the lever member9, and a solenoid12as a moving mechanism structured to move the restriction pin11between a turning restriction position11A (position shown inFIG.3B) where turning of the lever member9is restricted and a turnable position11B (position shown inFIG.2andFIG.3A) where turning of the lever member9is permitted.

Further, the card reader1includes sensors14and15for detecting presence or absence of a card2. The sensors14and15are a transmission type optical sensor which includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element which are disposed so as to face each other. In the following descriptions, a state that a light from the light emitting element of each of the sensors14and15toward the light receiving element is blocked is defined as an “ON” state in each of the sensors14and15, and a state that the light receiving element of each of the sensors14and15receives a light from the light emitting element is defined as an “OFF” state in each of the sensors14and15.

In this embodiment, a card2is moved in an “X” direction inFIG.1and the like. In other words, the “X” direction is a moving direction of a card2which is moved in the card movable passage4. Further, the “Z” direction inFIG.1and the like which is perpendicular to the “X” direction is a thickness direction of a card2which is moved in the card moving passage4, and the “Y” direction inFIG.1and the like which is perpendicular to the “X” direction and the “Z” direction is a width direction of a card2which is moved in the card moving passage4. In the following descriptions, the “X” direction is referred to as a front and rear direction, the “Y” direction is referred to as a right and left direction, and the “Z” direction is referred to as an upper and lower direction.

Further, in the following descriptions, the “X1” direction side inFIG.1and the like which is one side in the front and rear direction is referred to as a “front” side, the “X2” direction side inFIG.1and the like which is an opposite side to the front side is referred to as a “rear” side or a “back” side, the “Y1” direction side inFIG.1and the like which is one side in the right and left direction is referred to as a “right” side, the “Y2” direction side inFIG.1and the like which is an opposite side to the right side is referred to as a “left” side, the “Z1” direction side inFIG.2and the like which is one side in the upper and lower direction is referred to as an “upper” side, and the “Z2” direction side inFIG.2and the like which is an opposite side to the upper side is referred to as a “lower” side. Further, in the following descriptions, a direction in a clockwise direction inFIG.2is referred to as a “clockwise direction”, and a direction in a counterclockwise direction inFIG.2is referred to as a “counterclockwise direction”.

A card2is a card made of metal (stainless steel as one example) in a rectangular shape having a thickness of about 0.7 mm (millimeter) to about 0.8 mm. A rear face of a card2is formed with a magnetic stripe in which magnetic data are recorded. Further, an IC chip is incorporated in the card2, and a front face of the card2is formed with external connection terminals of the IC chip. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a card2may be provided with no magnetic stripe. Further, a communication antenna may be incorporated in a card2.

A card2is inserted into the card reader1in a state that a front face of the card2faces an upper side and a longitudinal direction of the card2is substantially coincided with the front and rear direction. Specifically, a card2is inserted into the card reader1toward a rear side. Further, the card2is pulled out from the card reader1toward a front side. In other words, the rear side (“X2” direction side) is an inserting direction side of a card2to the card reader1, and the front side (“X1” direction side) is a pulling-out direction side of a card2from the card reader1.

In this embodiment, in addition to a metal card2, a vinyl chloride card, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card and a paper card may be also inserted into the card reader1.

As shown inFIG.1, a part of the front end side of the card reader1is formed as a cut-out part16which is cut out so that insertion of a card2and pulling-out of the card2can be performed by a user. The cut-out part16is formed so as to be cut out from a front end of a frame of the card reader1toward a rear side. Further, the cut-out part16is formed at an intermediate position of the frame of the card reader1in the right and left direction, and protruded parts17and18are formed on both sides of the cut-out part16in the right and left direction. The protruded part17is disposed on the right side of the cut-out part16, and the protruded part18is disposed on the left side of the cut-out part16. A width in the right and left direction of the cut-out part16is set to be a size which is capable of accommodating fingers of a user.

As shown inFIG.2, the card movable passage4is formed in a straight line shape when viewed in the right and left direction. A front end of the card moving passage4is formed with a card insertion port3. As shown by a two-dot chain line inFIG.1, a part of a card2having been inserted to a rear side of the card reader1is exposed in the cut-out part16. A magnetic head7is disposed in a front end portion of the protruded part17. Further, the magnetic head7is disposed so as to face the card moving passage4from a lower side.

An IC contact block6is disposed in a rear end side portion of the card reader1. The IC contact block6is disposed so that IC contact springs face the card moving passage4from an upper side, and the IC contact block6is disposed on an upper side with respect to the card moving passage4. The IC contact block6is connected with an upper face side portion of the frame of the card reader1through a parallel link mechanism20and is moved up and down while sliding in the front and rear direction. The IC contact block6is urged to a front side by a tension coil spring21.

In this embodiment, when a tip end (rear end) of a card2inserted to a rear side of the card reader1is engaged with a card engaging part (not shown) of the IC contact block6, the IC contact block6is moved downward while sliding to the rear side and a plurality of the IC contact springs is contacted with external connection terminals of the card2. Further, when the card2having been inserted to the rear side is pulled out to a front side, the IC contact block6is moved upward while sliding to the front side by an urging force of the tension coil spring21and the IC contact springs are separated from a front face of the card2.

The IC contact block6is formed with a light shading part6afor detecting presence or absence of a card2on a rear end side of the card reader1. In this embodiment, when the IC contact block6is located on a front side by an urging force of the tension coil spring21, the light receiving element of the sensor15receives a light from the light emitting element. On the other hand, a card2is inserted into the card reader1and the IC contact block6is slid to a rear side and then, when the IC contact springs are contacted with external connection terminals of the card2, a light from the light emitting element of the sensor15toward the light receiving element is shaded by the light shading part6a. In this embodiment, when a light from the light emitting element of the sensor15toward the light receiving element is shaded by the light shading part6aand the sensor15is turned to an “ON” state, it is detected that a card2exists on a rear end side of the card reader1.

FIG.3Ais an explanatory side view showing a state that a card2is being inserted into the card reader1shown inFIG.1, andFIG.3Bis an explanatory side view showing a state that insertion of the card2into the card reader1shown inFIG.1has been completed.FIG.4Ais a side view showing the lever member9inFIG.1, andFIG.4Bis a bottom view showing the lever member9inFIG.1.FIG.5is an enlarged view showing the “E”-part inFIG.4B.

As described above, the lever member9functions to prevent pulling-out of a card2having been inserted into the card reader1. Specifically, the lever member9functions to prevent pulling-out of a card2when the IC contact springs are contacted with external connection terminals of the card2and communication of data is performed between the card2and the card reader1. Further, the lever member9is formed in a bar shape which is thin and long as a whole and is disposed on a right end side of the card reader1so that a longitudinal direction of the lever member9is substantially coincided with the front and rear direction.

The lever member9is provided with a turning center part9awhich is a turning center of the lever member9, an extended part9bwhich is extended from the turning center part9atoward a front side, a card abutting member9cwhich is protruded to a lower side from a front end of the extended part9b, and an extended part9dwhich is extended from the turning center part9atoward a rear side. In the lever member9, the turning center part9a, the extended part9band the extended part9dare integrally formed of resin as a main body member.

On the other hand, the card abutting member9cof the lever member9is formed of metal. The metal which structures the card abutting member9cmay be, for example, an alloy such as stainless steel, iron-based alloy, and aluminum-based alloy. The card abutting member9cis fixed to a lower side of a tip end on a front side of the extended part9bwhich is a part of the main body member by utilizing various methods such as fitting, adhesion, screwing, and integral molding.

The turning center part9ais disposed on an upper side with respect to the card moving passage4. A fixed shaft25which turnably supports the lever member9is passed through the turning center part9a. The turning center part9ais formed with a shaft hole9ethrough which the fixed shaft25is passed (seeFIG.4A). The fixed shaft25is fixed to the frame of the card reader1. An axial direction of the fixed shaft is coincided with the right and left direction. The lever member9is capable of turning with the right and left direction as an axial direction of turning and with the fixed shaft25as a turning center.

A lower end of the card abutting member9cis formed to be a flat face. As shown inFIG.3A, when a card2is being inserted into the card reader1, an upper face of the card2is abutted with a lower end of the card abutting member9cwhich is formed to be a flat face. In this state, the lower end of the card abutting member9cis set to be substantially parallel to the upper face of the card2. A front end9gof the card abutting member9cis formed to be an inclined face in a flat face shape which is inclined to a lower side toward a rear side. Therefore, in the following descriptions, the front end9gis referred to as an “inclined face9g”. When viewed in the right and left direction, an inclination angle θ1(seeFIG.4A) of the inclined face9gwith respect to the lower end of the card abutting member9cis 37°.

A width in the right and left direction of a rear end part of the card abutting member9cbecomes narrower as going toward a rear side. When viewed in the upper and lower direction, both side faces in the right and left direction of the rear end part of the card abutting member9care inclined with respect to the front and rear direction so as to approach each other as going toward the rear side (seeFIG.5). A rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis formed in a protruding curved face shape. Specifically, the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis formed in a protruding curved face shape in which both side faces in the right and left direction of the rear end part of the card abutting member9care smoothly connected with each other. Further, the both side faces in the right and left direction of the rear end part of the card abutting member9care inclined so that a width in the right and left direction of the rear end part of the card abutting member9cbecomes narrower as going toward a lower side. The rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis inclined to an upper side as going toward a rear side.

The extended part9dis disposed on an upper side with respect to the card moving passage4. A lower face of a rear end part of the extended part9dis formed with an abutting face9jin a flat face shape with which a restriction pin11is capable of abutting. The abutting face9jis formed to be an inclined face which is inclined to an upper side as going toward a rear side. When viewed in the right and left direction, an inclination angle θ2of the abutting face9jwith respect to the lower end of the card abutting member9cis 17° (seeFIG.4A).

The fixed shaft25is passed through the torsion coil spring10. The torsion coil spring10is disposed on a left side with respect to the turning center part9a. One end of the torsion coil spring10is engaged with a spring engaging part26formed in the frame of the card reader1, and the other end of the torsion coil spring10is engaged with an engaging projection9kformed in the lever member9. The torsion coil spring urges the lever member9in a counterclockwise direction.

In a state that a card2is not inserted, as shown inFIG.2, a lower end of the card abutting member9cis contacted with a bottom face of a recessed part27, which is formed on a lower face of a right front end part of the card moving passage4, by an urging force of the torsion coil spring10. When the lower end of the card abutting member9cis contacted with the bottom face of the recessed part27, the lever member9is located at the closing position9A. When the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, the card abutting member9ccloses a part of the card moving passage4. Specifically, when the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, the card abutting member9ccloses a part on a right front end side of the card moving passage4.

In a state that the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, a rear end of a card2inserted into the card reader1is capable of contacting with the inclined face9gof the card abutting member9c. When a card2is inserted in a state that the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, a rear end (tip end) of the card2is contacted with the inclined face9gof the lever member9which closes a part of the right front end side of the card moving passage4. When the card2including a rear end contacted with the inclined face9gis further inserted to the rear side, the inclined face9gis moved along the rear end of the card2. When the inclined face9gis moved along the rear end of the card2, as shown inFIG.3A, the lever member9is turned in a clockwise direction against an urging force of the torsion coil spring10and a part of the right front end side of the card moving passage4is opened. A position of the lever member9in a state that a part of the right front end side of the card moving passage4is opened is the open position9B.

After that, the card2is further inserted to the rear side and, when a front end of the card2is passed through a lower side of the card abutting member9c, as shown inFIG.3B, the lever member9is turned in a counterclockwise direction by an urging force of the torsion coil spring10until the lower end of the card abutting member9cis contacted with the recessed part27(in other words, turned to the closing position9A) and the part of the right front end side of the card moving passage4is closed. in this state, a front end of the card2having been inserted into the card reader1is capable of contacting with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9c. In other words, when the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, a front end of a card2having been inserted into the card reader1is capable of contacting with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9c.

In a state that the lever member9is located at the closing position9A, when a card2having been inserted into the card reader1is going to be pulled toward a front side, a front end of the card2is contacted with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cof the lever member9. When the card2A including a front end contacted with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis further pulled to the front side, the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis moved along the front end of the card2. When the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cis moved along the front end of the card2, the lever member9is turned in a clockwise direction against an urging force of the torsion coil spring10to open a part of the right front end side of the card moving passage4.

The lever member9is formed with a light shading part9nfor detecting presence or absence of a card2. The light shading part9nis protruded from a rear side with respect to the turning center part9atoward a left side. The light shading part9nblocks a light from the light emitting element of the sensor14toward its light receiving element when the lever member9is located at the closing position9A (seeFIG.2andFIG.3B). On the other hand, when the lever member9is located at the open position9B, the light receiving element of the sensor14receives a light from its light emitting element (seeFIG.3A). When the light receiving element of the sensor14receives a light from the light emitting element to turn the sensor14to an “OFF” state, it is detected that a card2exists on the front end side of the card reader1. In this embodiment, it is also detected that a card2is inserted into the card reader1by the sensor14and the light shading part9n.

(Structure of Restriction Pin and Surrounding Portion)

The restriction pin11is formed in a long and thin columnar shape. The restriction pin11is fixed to a tip end side of a plunger12aof a solenoid12so that an axial direction of the restriction pin11and the right and left direction are coincided with each other. Both end parts in the right and left direction of the restriction pin11are protruded from the plunger12ato outer sides in the right and left direction. The restriction pin11is disposed at substantially the same height as the fixed shaft25. The solenoid12is disposed so that the plunger12ais protruded toward a rear side. The plunger12ais disposed on a left side with respect to a rear end part of the extended part9d. The plunger12ais passed through a compression coil spring for returning (not shown) and is urged to a rear side by the compression coil spring.

As shown inFIG.2andFIG.3A, in a state that the solenoid12is not driven (an electric current is not supplied to the solenoid12) and the plunger12ais protruded to a rear side by an urging force of the compression coil spring, the restriction pin11is disposed on a rear side with respect to the abutting face9j. A position of the restriction pin11in this state is the turnable position11B where the lever member9is turnable. On the other hand, as shown inFIG.3B, in a state that the solenoid12is driven (an electric current is supplied to the solenoid12) and the plunger12ais pulled to a front side, a right side portion of the restriction pin11is located at a position capable of abutting with the abutting face9j. The position of the restriction pin11in this state is the turning restriction position11A where turning of the lever member9is restricted.

A portion of the restriction pin11which is protruded from the plunger12ato the right side is passed through a guide groove formed in a support member31. A portion of the restriction pin11which is protruded from the plunger12ato the left side is passed through a guide groove formed in a support member32. The restriction pin11is guided in the front and rear direction by the guide groove formed in the support member31and the guide groove formed in the support member32.

(Schematic Operation of Card Reader)

In a state that a card2is not inserted into the card reader1, as shown in FIG.2, the lever member9is located at the closing position9A by an urging force of the torsion coil spring10. In this state, the plunger12ais protruded to a rear side and the lever member9is set to be capable of turning. Further, in this state, the IC contact block6is urged to a front side by an urging force of the tension coil spring21, and the IC contact springs are located on an upper side with respect to the card moving passage4. Further, in this state, the sensor14is in an “ON” state and the sensor15is in an “OFF” state.

When a card2is inserted and a rear end of the card2is abutted with the inclined face9g, the lever member9is turned in a clockwise direction by the inserted card2against an urging force of the torsion coil spring10and a part on the right front end side of the card moving passage4is opened (seeFIG.3A). When the lever member9is turned in the clockwise direction, the light shading part9nis separated from a position between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the sensor14and a light from the light emitting element of the sensor14is received by the light receiving element and thus, the sensor14is turned to an “OFF” state and it is detected that the card2is inserted.

After that, the card2is further inserted to a rear side and, when a front end of the card2passes through a lower side of the card abutting member9c, as shown inFIG.3B, the lever member9is turned in a counterclockwise direction by an urging force of the torsion coil spring10and a part on the right front end side of the card moving passage4is closed. When the lever member9is turned in a counterclockwise direction, a light from the light emitting element of the sensor14toward its light receiving element is blocked by the light shading part9nand the sensor14is turned to an “ON” state again.

Further, when the card2is inserted to a rear side, the IC contact block6is moved downward while sliding to a rear side by the inserted card2and the IC contact springs are contacted with an IC chip of the card2. In this state, communication of data is performed between the card2and the card reader1. Further, when the IC contact block6is slid to a rear side, a light from a light emitting element of the sensor15toward its light receiving element is blocked by the light shading part6aand thus, the sensor15is turned to an “ON” state and it is detected that a card2exists on a rear end side of the card reader1.

In this embodiment, when the sensor14having been turned to an “OFF” state is turned to an “ON” state again and, in addition, when the sensor15is turned to an “ON” state, the solenoid12is driven and the plunger12ais pulled to a front side and, as shown inFIG.3B, a state that the restriction pin11is capable of abutting with the abutting face9jis obtained. In other words, in this state, turning of the lever member9is restricted. Therefore, even when a user is tried to pull the card2to a front side, a front end of the card2is contacted with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cof the lever member9of which turning is restricted and thus, pulling-out of the card2is prevented.

When communication of data between the card2and the card reader1is finished, energization to the solenoid12is stopped and the plunger12ais protruded to a rear side. In other words, the lever member9is set in a state that the lever member9is turnable. In this state, the card2is pulled out toward a front side. When the card2is started to be pulled out, a front end of the card2is abutted with the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cand thus, the lever member9is turned in a clockwise direction by the card2which is being pulled out against an urging force of the torsion coil spring10, and a part on the right front end side of the card moving passage4is opened.

Principal Effects of First Embodiment

As described above, in the first embodiment, the turning center part9a, the extended part9band the extended part9dwhich are a main body member of the lever member9are formed of resin, and the card abutting member9cof the lever member9which is to be abutted with a card2is formed of metal. Therefore, in the first embodiment, strength of the card abutting member9cis increased and thus, even when a metal card2is inserted into and pulled out from the card reader1, damage (abrasion and dent) of the card abutting member9cof the lever member9, specifically, the inclined face9gand the rear end9hcan be restrained. Accordingly, functional disorder of the card reader1can be restrained. For example, a situation that insertion and pulling-out of a card (card2or other cards) to and from the card reader1becomes difficult is restrained, and a situation that a card insertion and pulling-out detection function and a latch function provided in the card reader1do not operate normally is restrained.

Further, in the first embodiment, the turning center part9a, the extended part9band the extended part9dwhich are the main body member of the lever member9are formed of resin. Therefore, in comparison with a case that the entire lever member9is formed of metal, an increase of weight of the lever member9can be restrained. Accordingly, for example, in a state that the lever member9is urged by the torsion coil spring10, a situation that control of turning of the lever member9becomes difficult can be prevented.

Second Embodiment

Structures of a second embodiment of the present invention which are different from the first embodiment will be described below. A card reader1in the second embodiment includes, instead of the lever member9in the first embodiment, a lever member19as a pulling-out prevention member for preventing pulling-out of a card2having been inserted into the card reader1.

FIG.6is a perspective view showing a lever member19in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.FIG.7is a side view showing the lever member19inFIG.6.FIG.8is a bottom view showing the lever member19inFIG.6.FIG.9is an exploded perspective view showing the lever member19inFIG.6. FIG. is an enlarged perspective view showing a card abutting member of the lever member19shown inFIG.6.

The lever member19is provided with a turning center part19a, an extended part19band an extended part19das a main body member. The turning center part19a, the extended part19band the extended part19dare structures which are respectively similar to the turning center part9a, the extended part9band the extended part9din the first embodiment. However, a size and a shape of each of the turning center part19a, the extended part19band the extended part19dare appropriately adjusted according to a weight and a shape of a card abutting member19cdescribed below.

A shaft hole19e(seeFIG.6andFIG.7) which is formed in the turning center part19ais structured similarly to the shaft hole9ein the first embodiment. An abutting face19j(seeFIG.6throughFIG.9) which is formed on a lower face of a rear end part of the extended part19dis structured similarly to the abutting face9jin the first embodiment.

The extended part19bis provided with a rectangular hole190to which a protruding part19mof a card abutting member19cdescribed below is capable of being fitted and a screw hole19phaving a screw groove corresponding to a screw19qdescribed below (seeFIG.9). The rectangular hole190is a hole which penetrates through the extended part19bin the upper and lower direction, and the screw hole19pis a hole which penetrates through the extended part19bin the right and left direction.

Further, the lever member19is provided with a card abutting member19c. The card abutting member19cis structured similarly to the card abutting member9cin the first embodiment and is, for example. formed of an alloy such as stainless steel. In this embodiment, the card abutting member19cis detachably provided to the extended part19b. Further, the card abutting member19cis a plate-shaped member of which a length (thickness) in the right and left direction is substantially constant.

Further, the card abutting member19cis provided with a protruding part19mwhich is capable of being fitted to the rectangular hole190of the lever member19in its upper part. The protruding part19mis provided with a screw hole19nwhich penetrates through the protruding part19min the right and left direction. The screw hole19nis provided at a position overlapped with the screw hole19pin the right and left direction when the protruding part19mis fitted to the rectangular hole19o.

Therefore, when the protruding part19mof the card abutting member19cis fitted to the rectangular hole190of the extended part19band the screw19qis turned and inserted into the screw hole19pand the screw hole19n, the card abutting member19cis screwed and fixed to the extended part19b. In this case, positional displacement of the card abutting member19cwith respect to the extended part19bin a direction perpendicular to the right and left direction is prevented by the screw19qand turning of the card abutting member19cwith respect to the extended part19bwith the right and left direction as a turning axis is prevented by fitting of the protruding part19mto the rectangular hole19o.

An inclined face19g(front end19g) of the card abutting member19cis structured similarly to the inclined face9g(front end9g) of the card abutting member9cin the first embodiment. However, the inclined face19gis formed in a protruding curved face shape. When viewed in the right and left direction (see, for example. FIG.7), an abutting angle of the card abutting member19cabutting with a card2which is inserted into a card reader1is changed depending on a turning angle of the lever member19due to insertion of the card2with the turning center part19aas a center. Therefore, for example, the inclined face19gis formed in a flat face shape, an abutting angle of the inclined face19gabutting with a card2becomes larger according to insertion of the card2and thus, an end part of the card2may be caught on the inclined face19g. When an end part of the card2is caught on the inclined face19g, at least one of the inclined face19gand the card2may occur a dent (notch).

On the other hand, when the inclined face19gis formed in a protruding curved face shape, change of an abutting angle of the inclined face19gabutting with a card2according to a turning angle of the lever member19is made smaller and thus, catching of an end part of the card2on the inclined face19gcan be restrained. Therefore, dents (notch) of the inclined face19gand the card2can be restrained.

Further, corner parts19r(end parts in the right and left direction of the inclined face19g) of a portion where the inclined face19gis formed in the card abutting member19cis performed with chamfering. As a result, catching of an end part of a card2on the inclined face19gcan be further restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the inclined face19gand/or the card2can be restrained. Chamfering can be performed by various processing methods such as barrel polishing.

A rear end19hof the card abutting member19cis structured similarly to the rear end9hof the card abutting member9cin the first embodiment. In this case, the rear end19hmay be also formed in a protruding curved face shape similarly to the inclined face19g. According to this structure, catching of an end part of a card2on the rear end19hcan be restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the inclined face19gand/or a card2can be restrained.

Further, corner parts of a portion where the rear end19his formed in the card abutting member19cis performed with chamfering similarly to the corner parts19r. As a result, catching of an end part of a card2on the rear end19hcan be restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the inclined face19gand/or a card2can be restrained.

Principal Effects of Second Embodiment

As described above, in the second embodiment, the turning center part19a, the extended part19band the extended part19dwhich are a main body member of the lever member19are formed of resin, and the card abutting member19cof the lever member19which is to be abutted with a card2is formed of metal. Therefore, in the second embodiment, strength of the card abutting member19cis increased and thus, even when a metal card2is inserted into and pulled out from the card reader1, damage (abrasion and/or dent) of the card abutting member19cof the lever member19can be restrained. Accordingly, functional disorder of the card reader1can be restrained. For example, a situation that insertion and pulling-out of a card (card2or other cards) to and from the card reader1becomes difficult can be restrained, and a situation that a card insertion and pulling-out detection function and a latch function provided in the card reader1do not operate normally can be restrained.

Further, in the second embodiment, the turning center part19a, the extended part19band the extended part19dwhich are a main body member of the lever member19are formed of resin. Therefore, in comparison with a case that the entire lever member19is formed of metal, an increase of weight of the lever member19can be restrained. Accordingly, for example, in a state that the lever member19is urged by the torsion coil spring10, a situation that control of turning of the lever member19becomes difficult can be prevented. Further, in comparison with a case that the entire lever member19is formed of metal, a manufacturing cost of the lever member19can be restrained.

Further, in the second embodiment, the card abutting member19cis capable of being attached to and detached from the extended part19bby using the screw19q. Therefore, even when the card abutting member19cof the lever member19is damaged, only the card abutting member19cof the lever member19is easily replaced. Accordingly, when the card abutting member19cis damaged, replacement of the card abutting member19ccan be performed at a low cost.

Further, in the second embodiment, the inclined face19g(front end19g) of the card abutting member19cis formed in a protruding curved face shape. Therefore, change of an abutting angle of the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19cwith a card2according to a turning angle of the lever member19is reduced and catching of an end part of the card2on the inclined face19gof the card abutting member can be restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19cand/or the card2can be restrained.

Further, material having high strength such as metal is used as the card abutting member19cand thus, a dent (notch) may easily occur in a non-metal card having low strength. However, the inclined face19gis formed in a protruding curved face shape and thus, catching of an end part of a card on the inclined face19gcan be restrained and a dent (notch) of a card having low strength can be restrained.

Further, in the second embodiment, the corner parts19rof the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19care performed with chamfering and thus, catching of an end part of a card2on the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19ccan be further restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19cand/or a card2can be restrained.

Further, material having high strength such as metal is used in the card abutting member19cand thus, a dent (notch) may easily occur in a non-metal card having low strength. However, the corner parts19rof the inclined face19gof the card abutting member19cis performed with chamfering and thus, catching of an end part of a card on the inclined face19gcan be restrained and a dent (notch) of a card having low strength can be restrained.

Other Embodiments

Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to a specific embodiment, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein.

For example, in the embodiments described above, the card abutting member9c(card abutting member19c) of the lever member9(lever member19) are formed of metal. However, the card abutting member9c(card abutting member19c) may be formed of material having a strength higher than a strength of resin which structures a main body part of the lever member9(lever member19) and, for example, ceramic may be used.

Further, in the embodiments described above, the lever member9(lever member19) may be urged toward the closing position9A by a spring member other than the torsion coil spring10, for example, by a compression coil spring, a tension coil spring or a plate spring. Further, in the embodiments described above, the card reader1may include no magnetic head7.

A card reader which is structured to perform at least one of reading of data recorded in a card and recording of data to the card includes a card moving passage where the card is moved, a pulling-out prevention member which is structured so as to be turnable between a closing position where the card moving passage is closed and an open position where the card moving passage is opened and which prevents pulling-out of the card having been inserted into the card reader at the closing position, an urging member which urges the pulling-out prevention member toward the closing position, a turning restriction member which is abutted with the pulling-out prevention member located at the closing position to restrict turning of the pulling-out prevention member, and a moving mechanism which moves the turning restriction member between a turning restriction position where turning of the pulling-out prevention member is restricted and a turnable position where turning of the pulling-out prevention member is permitted. In a case that a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the card which is moved along the card moving passage and a thickness direction of the card moved along the card moving passage is referred to as a width direction of the card and, in the moving direction of the card, an inserting direction side of the card into the card reader is referred to as a rear side, and an opposite side to the rear side which is a pulling-out direction side of the card from the card reader is referred to as a front side. The pulling-out prevention member includes a main body member, and a card abutting member which closes a part of the card moving passage when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position, the pulling-out prevention member is capable of turning with the width direction of the card as an axial direction of turning, a rear end of the card abutting member is capable of contacting with a front end of the card having been inserted into the card reader when the pulling-out prevention member is located at the closing position, the main body member is formed of resin, and the card abutting member is formed of material having a strength higher than a strength of the resin.

According to the above-mentioned structure (1), the card abutting member is formed of material having a strength higher than a strength of the resin of the main body member and thus, the strength of the card abutting member is increased. Therefore, even when a metal card is inserted into and pulled out from the card reader, damage (abrasion and dent) of the card abutting member of the pulling-out prevention member can be restrained. Accordingly, functional disorder of the card reader can be restrained.

Further, the main body member of the pulling-out prevention member is formed of resin and thus, increase of weight of the pulling-out prevention member can be restrained. Therefore, turning control of the pulling-out prevention member can be easily performed. Further, increase of a manufacturing cost of the pulling-out prevention member can be restrained.

In the card reader described in the above-mentioned structure (1), the card abutting member is capable of being attached to and detached from the main body member.

According to the above-mentioned structure (2), even when the card abutting member of the pulling-out prevention member is damaged, only the card abutting member of the pulling-out prevention member is required to be replaced. Therefore, in a case that the card abutting member is damaged, replacement can be performed at a low cost.

In the card reader described in the above-mentioned structure (2), the card abutting member can be attached to and detached from the main body member by using a screw.

According to the above-mentioned structure (3), only the card abutting member of the pulling-out prevention member can be replaced easily.

In the card reader described in one of the above-mentioned structures (1) through (3), a front end of the card abutting member is formed in a protruding curved face shape.

According to the above-mentioned structure (4), change of an abutting angle of the front end of the card abutting member abutting with a card according to a turning angle of the pulling-out prevention member is reduced and catching of an end part of the card on the front end of the card abutting member can be restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the front end of the card abutting member and/or the card can be restrained.

In the card reader described in one of the above-mentioned structures (1) through (4), a corner part of a front end of the card abutting member is chamfered.

According to the above-mentioned structure (5), catching of an end part of a card on the front end of the card abutting member can be restrained. Therefore, a dent (notch) and the like of the front end of the card abutting member and/or the card can be restrained.

In the card reader described in one of the above-mentioned structures (1) through (5), the card abutting member is formed of metal or ceramic.

According to the above-mentioned structure (6), strength of the card abutting member can be set higher than strength of the main body member.