Card Processing Unit

Abstract

It can store multiple types of cards and allows for the selective ejection of desired cards. [Solution] The card processing device 1 includes a first dispensing device 4 into which a first cartridge 8 is installed, a second dispensing device 5 into which a second cartridge 9 is installed, a third dispensing device 6 into which a third cartridge 10 is installed, a fourth dispensing device 7 into which a fourth cartridge 11 is installed, and a transport device 3 that transports the cards dispensed from each of the dispensing devices 4, 5, 6, and 7 to a card reading device 16. Each of the dispensing devices 4, 5, 6, and 7 can store different types of cards, and the card processing device 1 dispenses cards to the transport device 3 using a dispensing device selected from among the connected dispensing devices 4, 5, 6, and 7. The transport device 3 transports the dispensed cards to the card reading device 16 and discharges them from the discharge port 18.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a card processing device that takes out and sends out cards stored in a card cassette.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a card processing device that mounts a card cassette device for storing a plurality of cards stacked and feeds out the cards stored in the card cassette device one by one. For example, the card processing device is known as the card payout device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-103635.

[0003] In this card payout device, two card cassette devices are mounted in the card conveyance direction. The card cassette device is detachable from the card payout device. When all the cards in the card cassette device mounted on the downstream side in the conveyance direction are discharged, cards are discharged from the card cassette device mounted on the upstream side. By using two card cassette devices, more cards can be stored and the number of times of replenishing cards to the card cassette device can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional card processing devices can increase the number of cards stored by using two card cassette devices and can discharge cards from the rear card cassette device after discharging all the cards from the first card cassette device. However, conventional card processing devices can mount a plurality of card cassette devices, but cannot selectively discharge a desired type of card from a plurality of types of cards.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a card processing device capable of selectively dispensing a desired type of card from a plurality of types of cards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a card processing device comprising: a dispensing device that dispenses cards one by one from a cartridge in which cards are stacked and stored, starting from the lowest position; and a transport device that transports the cards dispensed from the dispensing device, wherein the transport device comprises a transport table on which the cards dispensed from the dispensing device are placed, and a pushing member that pushes the cards placed on the transport table, and the card processing device is located in the middle of the transport path of the cards from the cartridge to the transport table and is arranged along the transport table, and has side guides that protrude from and retract with respect to the transport surface of the transport path of the cards, wherein when the side guides protrude from the transport surface, they guide the cards being transported on the transport table so as not to come off the transport table, and when they are retracted from the transport surface, they allow the cards being dispensed from the dispensing device to the transport table to pass through. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a card processing device can be provided that can selectively dispense a desired type of card from a plurality of types of cards. The card processing device of the present invention comprises a plurality of dispensing devices equipped with cartridges for storing cards, and can dispense a card from a dispensing device that stores a desired type of card among the plurality of dispensing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the card processing device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a top view of a card processing unit with no cartridge installed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the card transport mechanism of a card processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating the card dispensing port of the card dispensing device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a second diagram illustrating the card dispensing port of the card dispensing device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating the coupling mechanism of the card dispensing device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a second diagram illustrating the coupling mechanism of the card dispensing device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates a first example of a retraction mechanism for a transport device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates a second example of the retraction mechanism of a transport device. Figure 9(a) illustrates the state before the transition, and Figure 9(b) illustrates the state after the transition. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Each figure is only a schematic representation to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, common or similar components in each figure are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a card processing device. The card processing device 1 includes a transport device 3 for transporting cards. A card reading device 16, which includes a read / writer unit 17 for reading cards, is connected to the transport device 3. A first dispensing device 4, a second dispensing device 5, a third dispensing device 6, and a fourth dispensing device 7 are connected to the transport device 3 for supplying cards to the transport device 3. The first dispensing device 4 and the second dispensing device 5 are positioned opposite each other with the transport device 3 in between. The third dispensing device 6 and the fourth dispensing device 7 are positioned opposite each other with the transport device 3 in between. The first dispensing device 4 and the third dispensing device 6 are positioned along the card transport direction of the transport device 3. The second dispensing device 5 and the fourth dispensing device 7 are positioned along the card transport direction of the transport device 3.

[0012] Base 2 is provided with holes, grooves, and connectors at predetermined positions, and the conveying device 3, the first feeding device 4, the second feeding device 5, the third feeding device 6, the fourth feeding device 7, and the card reading device 16 can be fixed in place using fastening means such as screws. Each device can be attached to and detached from Base 2.

[0013] The card reader 16 receives cards from the transport device 3 and, via the read / writer unit 17, can read information from or write information to the cards. The discharge port 18 is an opening for discharging cards from the card reader 16. The transport device 3 can be connected to functional units such as the card reader 16, but if these functional units are not connected, it functions simply as a card dispenser. In addition to the card reader 16, other functional units such as printers and code readers that read barcodes and 2D codes can be replaced as needed.

[0014] The transport device 3 includes a transport table 12 on which cards are placed, a pushing member 14 that moves along the surface of the transport table 12, a belt 15 to which the pushing member 14 is attached, and elongated through holes 13 arranged along the card transport direction of the transport table 12. The belt 15 is located on the back side of the transport table 12, and the pushing member 14 connected to the belt 15 is located on the front side. A portion of the pushing member 14 passes through the through holes 13 and is connected to the belt 15. The belt 15 is driven by a motor (not shown) and can rotate in both forward and reverse directions. By driving the belt 15, the connected pushing member 14 can be moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the transport table 12. The cards slide on the transport table 12, pushed by the pushing member 14, in the direction of the card reading device 16.

[0015] For example, after moving the pushing member 14 to a standby position away from the card reader 16, the card processing device 1 feeds out a card from the first feeding device 4 onto the carrier 12. The card processing device 1 can push the card on the carrier 12 and convey it to the card reader 16 by moving the pushing member 14 in a direction approaching from a direction away from the card reader 16. The card slides on the carrier 12.

[0016] The first cartridge 8 can store a plurality of cards stacked thereon and is attached to the first feeding device 4. The first feeding device 4 can feed out one by one the cards at the lowermost position of the first cartridge 8 onto the carrier 12 of the conveying device 3. The second cartridge 9 can store a plurality of cards stacked thereon and is attached to the second feeding device 5. The second feeding device 5 can feed out the cards at the lowermost position of the second cartridge 9 onto the carrier 12 of the conveying device 3. The third cartridge 10 can store a plurality of cards stacked thereon and is attached to the third feeding device 6. The third feeding device 6 can feed out the cards at the lowermost position of the third cartridge 10 onto the carrier 12 of the conveying device 3. The fourth cartridge 11 can store a plurality of cards stacked thereon and is attached to the fourth feeding device 7. The fourth feeding device 7 can feed out the cards at the lowermost position of the fourth cartridge 11 onto the carrier 12 of the conveying device 3. Each of the cartridges 8 to 11 can be detachably attached to each of the feeding devices 4 to 7.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the card processing device 1 when viewed from above will be described. FIG. 2 is a top view of the card processing device without a cartridge attached.

[0018] The conveying device 3, the first feeding device 4, the second feeding device 5, the third feeding device 6, the fourth feeding device 7, and the card reader 16 are detachably fixed to the base 2.

[0019] The conveying device 3 and the card reading device 16 are fixed to the base 2, so that they are arranged at appropriate positions and can preferably transfer the card 20 from the conveying device 3 to the card reading device 16. By fixing the conveying device 3, the first feeding device 4, the second feeding device 5, the third feeding device 6, and the fourth feeding device 7 to the base 2, each device is fixed at a position where the card 20 can be preferably transferred.

[0020] The card conveying paths of the conveying device 3 and the card reading device 16 are connected via the delivery part 19. The delivery part 19 is arranged at the end of the conveying direction of the card 20 of the conveying device 3. The delivery part 19 receives the card 20 that is pushed and moved on the conveying table 12 by the pushing member 14 and guides it to the card reading device 16 in the next process. The delivery part 19 has a discharge part with a shape corresponding to the receiving part in the next process in order to widely open the frontage of the card conveying path to surely take in the card 20 and surely deliver it to the next process. In order to accurately deliver the card 20, the discharge part needs to correspond the card discharge direction, position, etc. to the receiving part in the next process.

[0021] In order to convey the received card 20, the card reading device 16 has a pair of rollers including a first driving roller 21 and a first pinch roller 22 that sandwich and convey the card 20, which are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the conveying path. The card reading device 16 further has a pair of rollers including a second pinch roller 23 and a second driving roller (not shown) that sandwich and convey the card 20 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the card, and a pair of rollers of a discharge driving roller 24 and a discharge pinch roller 25, which are arranged at both ends in the width direction of the conveying path. In the conveying path, the card 20 is sandwiched and conveyed by any of these pairs of rollers and discharged from the discharge port 18.

[0022] The card reading device 16 has a reader / writer unit 17 that reads information from the card 20 and writes information to the card 20, which is arranged in the middle of the conveying path. The reader / writer unit 17 can be either a contact type or a non-contact type, but a non-contact type device that can reduce damage to the card 20 due to friction or the like is preferable.

[0023] The card processing device 1 is fixed to the base 2, with the first dispensing device 4 and the second dispensing device 5 facing each other, and the third dispensing device 6 and the fourth dispensing device 7 facing each other, on either side of the transport table 12 of the transport device 3. Each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7 is stacked and stored at the position of the card 20 indicated by the dashed line. The card 20 is stacked and stored on the support table 36. Each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7 can dispense one card 20 at a time from the bottom position. If cards 20 are dispensed simultaneously from each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7, a transport malfunction will occur, so the devices are controlled to dispense only one card 20 at a time from any one of the dispensing devices 4, 5, 6, or 7.

[0024] The dashed line indicates that the card 37 has been fed from the third or fourth feeding device 6 onto the conveyor table 12. The pushing member 14 can move to a retracted position that is further away from the transfer section 19 than the card 37 fed from the third or fourth feeding device 6 onto the conveyor table 12. The pushing member 14 is retracted to the retracted position when the card 37 is being fed from the third or fourth feeding device 6 onto the conveyor table 12. The pushing member 14 is fixed to the belt 15 and moves in accordance with the drive of the belt 15. After the card 37 has been fed onto the conveyor table 12, the pushing member 14 moves from the retracted position toward the transfer section 19 and transfers the card 37 to the next process via the transfer section 19. The conveyor table 12 has through holes 13 arranged along the belt 15.

[0025] Next, we will explain the first feeding device 4. The second feeding device 5, the third feeding device 6, and the fourth feeding device 7 will be described later, but some explanations will be omitted for parts that have the same configuration as the first feeding device 4.

[0026] The support base 36 contacts the back of the lowest-positioned card 20 stored in the first cartridge 8 (see Figure 1), and supports the card.

[0027] The feed roller 29 has a long drive region and a short non-drive region, with a long distance from the center of rotation to the circumferential surface. The card 20, supported on the support base 36, can contact the drive region of the feed roller 29 but not the non-drive region. The rotation axis of the feed roller 29 is connected to the feed roller shaft 35 via a clutch 34. The transmission of driving force from the feed roller shaft 35 to the feed roller 29 is switched ON / OFF by the clutch 34. The clutch 34 is connected to an arm 33 which is connected to the drive shaft of a solenoid 32. The arm 33 moves in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 32, and the transmission of driving force by the clutch 34 is switched ON / OFF accordingly.

[0028] The feed roller 30 is a roller that moves the card 20, which has been fed out by the feed roller 29, toward the conveyor table 12. The discharge roller 31 is positioned near the discharge port of the card 20 of the first feeding device 4 and discharges the card 20 from the first feeding device 4.

[0029] The card position sensor 26 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a card and detects the card 20 being transported on the transport table 12. The card position sensor 26 is fixed to the tip of the fixing member 38. In the first dispensing device 4, the fixing member 38 is positioned so as to protrude from the discharge roller 31 in the direction of card 20 discharge when viewed from above, and the card position sensor 26 is fixed to it.

[0030] The side guides 28 are positioned along the edge of the transport table 12 in the direction of transport of the card 20. The side guides 28 guide the card 20 as it slides on the transport table 12 so that it does not move outwards from the transport table 12. Even when the side surface of the card 20 slides on the transport table 12, the side guides 28 do not move and form part of the transport path of the card 20.

[0031] The side guide 28 is movable between a guide position that forms part of the transport path for the card 20 and a dispensing position where it is pushed down by the card 20 discharged from the first dispensing device 4. The side guide 28 can move when the card 20 moves from the first dispensing device 4 towards the transport table 12, but it cannot move in the opposite direction, i.e., when the card 20 moves from the transport table 12 towards the first dispensing device 4. For example, by providing a slope that gradually increases in height from the first dispensing device 4 towards the transport table 12, the sloped portion of the side guide 28 is pushed in accordance with the movement of the card 20, causing the side guide 28 to descend. Also, by configuring the side guide 28 as a wall surface perpendicular to the surface of the transport table 12 from the opposite side, the side guide 28 can be prevented from moving downward even when the card 20 comes into contact with it. In other words, the card 20 can move in the dispensing direction, but movement in the opposite direction is prevented. When the card 20 moves on the transport platform 12, the side guides 28 guide it so that it cannot move to the outside of the transport platform 12.

[0032] The side guide 28 is biased from the dispensing position side to the guide position side by a biasing means such as a spring (not shown). Except when the card 20 is being dispensed from the first dispensing device 4, the side guide 28 is maintained in a state that protrudes in the thickness direction of the card 20 above the surface of the transport table 12. The side guide 28 comes into contact with the card 20 dispensed from the first dispensing device 4, is pushed down against the biasing force by the card 20, and is returned to the guide position by the biasing means after the card 20 has been handed over to the transport table 12. When the card 20 is being dispensed, it can be said that the card 20 is subjected to a force in the thickness direction by the side guide 28. Therefore, when the card 20 is being dispensed, its leading edge does not come into contact with the transport table 12. The card 20 is dispensed from the first dispensing device 4 without being fitted into the through hole 13. Furthermore, when dispensing a card 20 from the second dispensing device 5, the side guide 28 of the first dispensing device 4 is in the guide position.

[0033] The upper guide 27 is positioned above the transport table 12, along the edge of the transport table 12 in the direction of transport of the card 20, and guides both ends of the transported card 20 in the width direction. The upper guide 27 covers the widthwise ends of the transport table 12 when viewed from above. The transport table 12, the side guides 28, and the upper guide 27 form a transport path for the card 20, and guide the card 20 sliding on the transport table 12 by the pushing member 14 to the transfer section 19. The upper guide 27 is positioned so as not to overlap with the movement path of the pushing member 14 when viewed from above. This prevents the pushing member 14 from coming into contact with the upper guide 27 even when it moves.

[0034] The upper guide 27 is in the first position except when a card 20 is being dispensed from the first dispensing device 4, and moves to the second position when a card 20 is being dispensed from the first dispensing device 4. The first position is closer to the transport table 12 than the second position. When a card 20 is being dispensed from the first dispensing device 4, the upper guide 27 moves to the second position so that the card 20 does not come into contact with the upper guide 27, and in other cases, it remains in the first position so that the card 20 does not deviate from the transport path. The upper guide 27 is pivotably mounted on the frame of the first dispensing device 4. Although an example has been described in which the upper guide 27 moves toward or away from the transport table 12 with the support shaft as the pivot point, the upper guide 27 can also be fixed in position and not move. Furthermore, the upper guide 27 can be detachable. For example, when the upper guide 27 is attached, it acts as a guide for the transported card 20. If the upper guide 27 is removed, the card 20 and foreign objects on the transport table 12 can be easily removed.

[0035] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the card transport device of a card processing device. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the transport device 3, first feed device 4, second feed device 5, third feed device 6, and fourth feed device 7 fixed to the base 2. The transport device 3, first feed device 4, second feed device 5, third feed device 6, and fourth feed device 7 are fixed to predetermined positions on the base 2 by fastening means such as screws and are electrically connected by connectors.

[0036] Each cartridge 8, 9, 10, and 11 (see Figure 1) is fixed to each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7 by the hook 44 of each device. The hook 44 is moved by operating the lever 45, which allows each cartridge 8, 9, 10, and 11 (see Figure 1) to be fixed to and released from each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7. Each cartridge 8, 9, 10, and 11 (see Figure 1) can be attached to and detached from each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7 when the hook 44 is released.

[0037] Below the conveyor table 12, a drive mechanism for driving the belt 15 is located. The drive mechanism includes a belt drive motor 40 and a belt transmission unit 41. The belt transmission unit 41 is composed of multiple gears and converts the rotation of the belt drive motor 40 into a predetermined rotational speed, which is then transmitted to the belt 15. A belt drive shaft 42 is connected to the final stage of the belt transmission unit 41. A pulley 43 is fixed to the belt drive shaft 42. The belt 15 is wrapped around a pulley (not shown) that, together with the pulley 43, forms a pulley pair. As the pulley 43 rotates, the belt 15 wrapped around the pulley pair rotates in conjunction with it.

[0038] The conveying table 12 is a flat, plate-like surface on which cards are placed. When a card is pressed by the pushing member 14, it slides along the conveying table 12. The card sliding along the conveying table 12 passes through the transfer section 19, is discharged from the conveying device 3, and is passed on to the next process. The conveying table 12 has a through hole 13 in its center in the width direction, along the direction in which the cards are conveyed. The through hole 13 is approximately the same width as the belt 15. The main body of the pushing member 14 is positioned on the surface side of the conveying table 12, and a part of it passes through the through hole 13 and is fixed to the belt 15. The pushing member 14 moves in conjunction with the movement of the belt 15.

[0039] The upper guides 27 provided on each dispensing device 4, 5, 6, and 7 are positioned at the widthwise end of the transport table 12, along the card transport direction. The tip of the upper guide 27 is positioned opposite the transport table 12. The widthwise end of the card being transported on the transport table 12 passes between the transport table 12 and the upper guide 27. The card discharged from the first dispensing device 4 by the discharge roller 31 passes between the transport table 12 and the upper guide 27 and is dispensed onto the transport table 12.

[0040] A light guide path 46 is connected to a card position sensor 26, which is fixed to a fixing member 38. The light guide path 46 is fixed to either the fixing member 38 or the card position sensor 26. The card position sensor 26 has a light emitter and a light receiver, and detects the presence or absence of a card 20 being transported in the detection area by detecting the light that is reflected back from the card 20 after being emitted and then detected by the light receiver. To reduce the influence of external light, the card position sensor 26 uses the light guide path 46 so that it can emit and receive light near non-detectable objects. A recess or hole is provided at a position on the transport table 12 opposite the tip of the light guide path 46 to prevent light reflection, and a means to suppress light reflection is provided at the bottom of the recess or inside the hole, for example, by being painted black or by having an anti-reflective plate. Furthermore, the distance from the transport table 12 to the tip of the light guide path 46 is greater than the distance from the transport table 12 to the tip of the upper guide 27, so that the light guide path 46 does not come into contact with the cards dispensed from each of the dispensing devices 4, 5, 6, and 7. The light guide path 46 may be omitted if detection is possible without it. Alternatively, a through hole may be provided in the transport table 12, and a detection sensor may be placed on the back of the transport table 12 to detect cards moving on the surface of the transport table 12 from the back of the transport table 12.

[0041] Base 2 is provided with a third connector 49 that electrically connects to the card reader 16. Base 2 is also provided with a first connector 47 that electrically connects to the first dispenser 4, a second connector 48 that electrically connects to the second dispenser 5, and connectors (not shown) that electrically connect to the third dispenser 6 and the fourth dispenser 7. Each device connected to Base 2 is positioned and fixed in a predetermined position on Base 2 and is also electrically connected via connectors.

[0042] Next, the card dispensing port from the card dispensing device to the transport table 12 will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is the first diagram illustrating the card dispensing port of the card dispensing device. It is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the card dispensing port section of the card dispensing device. Figure 5 is the second diagram illustrating the card dispensing port of the card dispensing device. It is a side view diagram illustrating the configuration of the card dispensing port section of the card dispensing device.

[0043] Side guides 28 are positioned along the edge of the transport table 12. The discharge roller 31 is biased toward the discharge drive roller 39, and together with the discharge drive roller 39, it grips and transports the cards. The discharge drive roller 39 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the discharge roller 31 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the discharge drive roller 39. As the cards are dispensed to the outside of the dispensing device by the discharge roller 31 and the discharge drive roller 39, they come into contact with the side guides 28, pushing down the side guides 28 as they are dispensed toward the transport table 12. During this card dispensing, the upper guide 27 moves to a retracted position away from the transport table 12. Figure 4 shows upper guides 27 at different distances from the transport table 12.

[0044] The side guide 28 has grooves in the parts corresponding to the discharge drive roller 39 and discharge roller 31, and the discharge drive roller 39 and discharge roller 31 are positioned in these parts. As a result, the side guide 28 returns to its guide position by a spring just before the card, which is being transported inside the dispensing device while being held between the discharge drive roller 39 and discharge roller 31, reaches a position where it separates from the pair of rollers. Until then, the side guide 28 is pushed down by the card. When the discharge drive roller 39 starts to drive, the upper guide 27 moves in a direction away from the transport table 12 accordingly, and when the drive stops, the upper guide moves in a direction towards the transport table 12 accordingly. The upper guide 27 moves in accordance with the operation of the discharge drive roller 39. The upper guide 27 moves so as not to affect the dispensing of the card, for example, so as not to come into contact with it during dispensing. A lifting mechanism for the upper guide 27 is not necessarily required, and the upper guide 27 may be fixed in a fixed position.

[0045] The upper guide 27 covers a portion of the transport table 12, but the through-holes 13 of the transport table 12 are not covered by the upper guide 27. Even if problems occur, such as malfunctions in the transport of the cards being transported, a large portion of the transport table 12 is exposed, making maintenance easy.

[0046] The fixing member 38 is fixed to the frame of the dispensing device, allowing the card position sensor 26 and the light guide path 46 to be positioned above the transport table 12. The configuration with space above the transport table 12 allows for the attachment of other functional devices, such as an electronic camera, to the fixing member 38, enabling the addition of various functions. The electronic camera can be used to monitor the state inside the device. Furthermore, by making the fixing member 38 rotatable, it may be possible to move the fixing member 38 from above the transport table 12 towards the dispensing device. By increasing the space above the transport table 12, it becomes easier to remove cards and foreign objects from the transport table 12.

[0047] The side guide 28 is equipped with a lifting mechanism that moves up and down when a card is dispensed, so that cards can be supplied from the side of the card transport path of the transport device 3. This allows the dispenser to be configured at a low height. Cards dispensed from one of the opposing dispensers push down the first side guide 28 and pass through, and are prevented from deviating from the transport table 12 by the second side guide 28 of the other dispenser, and are placed on the transport table 12.

[0048] Next, the configuration for linking multiple card dispensing devices will be explained using Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is the first diagram illustrating the linking mechanism of the card dispensing devices. Figure 7 is the second diagram illustrating the linking mechanism of the card dispensing devices. The explanation will be given using the first card dispensing device 4 and the third card dispensing device 6, which are fixed adjacent to each other on the base 2, as an example. Figure 7 is a diagram in which a part of the frame shown in Figure 6 has been removed, making the hidden drive unit visible.

[0049] The first feeder 4 and the third feeder 6, fixed adjacent to each other on the base 2, are driven by a single feeder motor 50. While this example shows two feeders connected, it is also possible to connect three or more feeders and drive them with a single feeder motor, thereby reducing the need for reduction mechanisms and motors. Conversely, it is also possible to use only one first feeder 4. The feeders and functional units mounted on the base 2 can be easily changed.

[0050] A first gear 52 is fixed to the feed drive shaft 51, which is the rotating shaft of the feed motor 50. A toothed belt 55 is wrapped around the first gear 52. When the first gear 52 is rotated by the feed motor 50, the toothed belt 55 rotates in accordance with it.

[0051] The feed roller 29 is connected to the feed roller shaft 35 via a clutch 34. The transmission of power from the clutch 34 is switched ON / OFF by a solenoid 32 that drives an arm 33. The arm 33 is connected to the clutch 34 and moves in accordance with the operation of the solenoid 32, and the transmission of power from the clutch 34 is switched ON / OFF in accordance with the movement of the arm 33. A second gear 53 is fixed to the feed roller shaft 35. The second gear 53 meshes with the teeth of the toothed belt 55. The second gear 53 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the toothed belt 55.

[0052] The discharge roller 31 is fixed to the discharge roller shaft 58 and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the discharge roller shaft 58. A third gear 54 is fixed to the discharge roller shaft 58, and a toothed belt 55 is wrapped around the third gear 54. The first gear 52, the second gear 53, and the third gear 54 rotate in accordance with the rotation of the toothed belt 55.

[0053] The first connecting member 56 fixes and connects the feed roller shaft 35 of the first feed device 4 and the feed roller shaft 35 of the third feed device 6. In other words, the feed roller shaft 35 of the first feed device 4 and the feed roller shaft 35 of the third feed device 6 can be treated as a single shaft by the first connecting member 56. The feed roller shaft 35 of the first feed device 4 and the feed roller shaft 35 of the third feed device 6 rotate simultaneously. The driving of the feed rollers 29 of the first feed device 4 and the third feed device 6 is controlled by the ON / OFF of the clutch 34 provided in each device. In other words, the driving force can be transmitted from the first feed device 4 to the third feed device 6 by the transmission mechanism.

[0054] The second connecting member 57 fixes and connects the discharge roller shaft 58 of the first feeder 4 and the discharge roller shaft 58 of the third feeder 6. In other words, the discharge roller shaft 58 of the first feeder 4 and the discharge roller shaft 58 of the third feeder 6 can be treated as a single shaft by the second connecting member 57. The discharge roller shaft 58 of the first feeder 4 and the discharge roller shaft 58 of the third feeder 6 can rotate simultaneously and drive the discharge rollers 31 of each device.

[0055] The feed motor 50 is provided in the first feeder 4, but not in the third feeder 6. Instead, the shafts are connected by a first connecting member 56 and a second connecting member 57 to transmit the driving force. It is also possible to extend the base 2 and the conveying device 3 so that three feeders can be mounted, and to place a feeder similar to the third feeder 6 next to the two feeders, connecting the shafts with a connecting part to link the three feeders together.

[0056] Next, an example of a retraction mechanism for the pushing member 14 to improve the maintainability of the conveying device 3 will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a first example of the retraction mechanism of the conveying device.

[0057] The transport table 12 is provided with a relief hole 81 that penetrates the transport table 12 on the rear side opposite to the transfer section 19 (see Figure 2). The relief hole 81 is located at or behind the standby position of the pushing member 14. The opening of the relief hole 81 is formed to be wider than the pushing member 14 when viewed from above, so that the main body portion 77 of the pushing member 14, including the hook portion 80 that protrudes from the surface of the transport table 12, can enter the relief hole 81.

[0058] The belt 15 is wrapped around a driven pulley 74. The driven pulley 74 has teeth and meshes with the toothed belt 15. The driven pulley 74 is rotatably supported on a driven shaft 73. As the belt 15 rotates, the driven pulley 74 rotates around the driven shaft 73.

[0059] The frame 70 is provided with an elongated guide hole 72, and a support column 71 is fixed parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide hole 72. The driven shaft 73 is provided with a support hole 75. The driven shaft 73 is passed through the guide hole 72, and the support column 71 is further inserted into the support hole 75. A similar mechanism is provided on the opposite side of the driven shaft 73, with the driven pulley 74 in between. The driven shaft 73 is biased toward the transport table 12 by a spring (not shown). This spring causes the driven shaft 73 to contact the uppermost part of the guide hole 72. Alternatively, this spring can be positioned around the support column 71 to push the driven shaft 73 upward around the support hole 75. The driven shaft 73 can move up and down along the guide hole 72 and the support column 71.

[0060] The first fixing part 76 and the second fixing part 79 are fixed to the belt 15 with the belt 15 in between. In other words, the pushing member 14 is fixed to the belt 15. The first fixing part 76 of the pushing member 14 is larger than the opening of the relief hole 81 and cannot pass through. The first fixing part 76 is provided with a sliding part 78 and a main body part 77 that protrude in the direction of the transport table 12. The tip of the main body part 77 is provided with a hook part 80 that has a surface facing the transport table 12 and holds the card to be transported. The main body part 77 has a flat contact surface that contacts the side of the card. The main body part 77 contacts the side of the card placed on the transport table 12, pushes the side of the card and transports it. The hook part 80 is provided on the top of the main body part 77 to prevent the card from coming off the main body part 77 and protrudes in the direction of card transport. The pushing member 14 allows linear movement by passing the sliding portion 78 through the through hole 13 and moving the sliding portion 78 along the through hole 13. The pushing member 14 can transport the card while restricting its movement in the width direction of the card.

[0061] The pushing member 14 can be retracted from the conveying surface of the conveying table 12 when it is in the standby position. The user can push down the pushing member 14 and push it into the relief hole 81. In this state, the user can push the card on the conveying table 12 and discharge it from the rear side of the conveying table 12. Since the pushing member 14 can be retracted from the conveying surface of the conveying table 12, the user can easily remove cards and foreign objects.

[0062] The retraction mechanism is a mechanism that moves the pushing member 14 to a position that is not involved in the transport path of cards above the transport table 12. For example, the retraction mechanism pushes the pushing member 14 from the surface of the transport table 12 into the relief hole 81, retracting the pushing member 14 to a position that is not involved in the cards moving on the transport table 12. The retraction mechanism can also cause the pushing member 14 to protrude from the surface of the transport table 12. For example, the retraction mechanism can either separate the pushing member 14 from the transport table 12 or make the pushing member 14 submerged from the surface of the transport table 12. Alternatively, the retraction mechanism can be any mechanism that moves the pushing member 14 to the retracted position, allowing cards on the transport table 12 to pass without contacting the main body 77. The retraction mechanism increases the degree of freedom of movement of cards on the transport table 12. For example, after the push member 14 is retracted by the retraction mechanism, the user can push the card and have it pass over the push member 14 and discharged from the rear end of the transport table 12. If the push member 14 is not retracted, it becomes an obstacle and the card on the transport table 12 cannot be discharged from the rear end.

[0063] The retraction mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above. For example, the main body 77 may be detachably fixed to the first fixing part 76 by a mechanism such as a snap-fit, or the main body 77 may be fixed to the first fixing part 76 by screws. Alternatively, the mechanism may involve rotating the belt 15 in the opposite direction to the conveying direction and sliding it into the relief hole 81, thereby moving it to the side below the conveying table 12.

[0064] Figure 9 illustrates a second example of the retraction mechanism of the conveying device. Figure 9(a) illustrates the state before the transition, and Figure 9(b) illustrates the state after the transition. The driven shaft 73 is supported so as to be movable up and down, as in the example described above.

[0065] The pushing member 14 is fixed to the belt 15 by connecting the first fixing part 76 and the second fixing part 79 with the belt 15 in between. The pushing block 83 has an inclined surface 82 that can contact the driven shaft 73. The standby position of the pushing block 83 is a position where it is slightly separated from or in contact with the driven shaft 73 when the driven shaft 73 is in its uppermost position. For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), the standby position of the pushing block 83 may be a position where it is in contact with the driven shaft 73 without raising or lowering it. The pushing block 83 is biased in the card transport direction by a spring (not shown) and is maintained in the standby position. The pushing block 83 is pushed in accordance with the movement of the pushing member 14 and moves in the opposite direction to the card transport direction of the transport table 12. When the pushing block 83 moves in the opposite direction to the card transport direction, the driven shaft 73 is pushed downward along the inclined surface 82.

[0066] The belt 15 is wrapped around a driven pulley 74 that is rotatably supported on a driven shaft 73. As the driven shaft 73 moves, the end of the belt 15 moves downward, causing the belt 15 to tilt. For example, as shown in Figure 9(b), the pushing member 14 fixed to the belt 15 moves so as to slide into the relief hole 81 of the conveyor table 12. The position of the pushing member 14 when it is submerged from the surface of the conveyor table 12 is the retracted position. This mechanism allows the pushing member 14 to be separated from the conveyor table 12.

[0067] The retraction mechanism is used when performing maintenance work, such as removing cards or foreign objects from the transport table 12. In normal operation, the standby position of the push member 14 is a position where the push member 14 does not come into contact with the push block 83. When the maintenance mode is executed, the push member 14 is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) to move beyond the standby position to a retracted position further back. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Card Processing Unit 2 bases 3. Conveying device 4. First feeding device 5. Second feeding device 6. Third feeding device 7. Fourth dispensing device 8. First cartridge 9. Second cartridge 10. Third cartridge 11. 4th Cartridge 12 Transport platform 13 Through hole 14 Pushing member 15 belts 16 Card reading device 17 Lead Writer Unit 18 Outlet 19. Handover Section 20 cards 21 First drive roller 22. First pinch roller 23. Second pinch roller 24 Discharge drive rollers 25 Discharge Pinch Roller 26 Card position sensors 27 Top Guide 28 Side guides 29 Feed roller 30 feed rollers 31 Discharge Roller 32 Solenoid 33 Arms 34 Clutch 35 Feed roller shaft 36 Support stand 37 cards 38 Fixing member 39 Discharge drive roller 40 Belt-driven motor 41 Belt transmission section 42 Belt drive shaft 43 Pulley 44 hooks 45 Lever 46 Light guide 47. First connector 48 Second connector 49 Third connector 50 feed motor 51 Feed drive shaft 52 First gear 53. Second gear 54 Third gear 55 Toothed belt 56 First connecting member 57 Second connecting member 58 Discharge roller shaft 70 frames 71 Pillar 72 Guide holes 73 Driven axis 74 Driven pulley 75 Support hole 76 1st fixed part 77 Main body 78 Slide section 79 Second fixed part 80 Hook part 81 Escape Hole 82 Slopes 83 Push-type spinner

Claims

1. A dispensing device that dispenses one card at a time from a cartridge in which cards are stacked and stored, A transport device for transporting the cards dispensed from the dispensing device, A card processing device having, The aforementioned transport device is The device comprises a transport table on which the cards dispensed from the dispensing device are placed, and a pushing member for pushing the cards placed on the transport table, The card processing device is The card transport path from the cartridge to the transport table is located along the transport table and has a side guide that protrudes and retracts from the transport surface of the card transport path, The card processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the side guide protrudes from the transport surface, it guides the card being transported on the transport table so as not to come off the transport table, and when the side guide is recessed from the transport surface, it allows the card being fed from the dispensing device onto the transport table to pass through.

2. The aforementioned feeding device comprises a first feeding device and a second feeding device. The first feeding device and the second feeding device are arranged facing each other with the aforementioned transport table in between. The aforementioned side guide has a first side guide and a second side guide. A first side guide is positioned along the transport path of the card from the cartridge of the first dispensing device to the transport table. The second side guide is positioned in the middle of the transport path of the card from the cartridge of the second dispensing device to the transport table, When the card is dispensed from the first dispensing device, the second side guide protrudes from the transport surface. The card processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that when the card is dispensed from the second dispensing device, the first side guide protrudes from the transport surface.

3. The card processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first side guide and the second side guide are arranged so as to be able to contact the side surface of the card placed on the transport table when they protrude from the transport surface, and guide the card to move on the transport table.

4. A first upper guide is positioned along the first side guide and facing the surface of the transport table, and when the card is dispensed from the first dispensing device, the upper guide restricts the movement of the card away from the transport table. A second upper guide is positioned along the second side guide and opposite the surface of the transport table, and when a card is dispensed from the second dispensing device, the upper guide restricts the movement of the card away from the transport table. It has, The card processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the first upper guide and the second upper guide are positioned so as not to overlap with the movement path of the pushing member when viewed from above.

5. The card processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that the first upper guide and the second upper guide guide the card placed on the transport table so that it moves on the transport table.

6. The card processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the first upper guide and the second upper guide are supported so as to be movable toward or toward the transport table.

7. The first dispensing device includes a drive motor that drives a first dispensing roller that dispenses the cards, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the drive motor to the first dispensing roller. The card processing device includes a third dispensing device positioned next to the first dispensing device, along the transport direction of the cards being transported on the transport table, The device further includes a connecting member that transmits the driving force of the drive motor to the third dispensing device, The card processing device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the first dispensing device and the third dispensing device are driven by the drive motor.

8. The transport device has a retraction mechanism that moves the pushing member to a retracted position on the transport table that is not related to the transport path of the card, The card processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pushing member is moved to the retracted position by the retraction mechanism, and the card on the transport table is discharged from the transport table.

9. The transport platform has a relief hole for the pushing member to protrude and retract, The card processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the retracted position is a position in which the pushing member enters the escape hole and is submerged relative to the surface of the conveying table.

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