Card holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a card holder with a housing for storing the cards and a dispensing device, which allows effective separation of the cards during dispensing and is cost-effective to manufacture. The housing has a dispensing opening through which the cards can be inserted and removed again. To enable easy removal of the cards, a dispensing device is arranged on the housing, by means of which the cards are dispensed in staggered steps. For this purpose, an actuating element is arranged on the dispensing device, the actuation of which results in the movement of a fan element. The special feature of the fan element here is its slat-like shape. The fan element is not made of solid material, but individual slats or struts are arranged next to one another, and the width of the slats varies.This allows the individual cards to be pushed out to different distances, a process also known as fanning out the cards. Cards fanned out in this way can be conveniently removed individually.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a card holder with a housing and a dispensing device, which allows effective separation of the cards during dispensing and is inexpensive to produce.

[0002] Card holders are a popular way to store cards, especially credit cards or debit cards. An alternative storage option is a traditional wallet, in which such cards are positioned in individual compartments. Storing them in a traditional wallet has the advantage of keeping the cards neatly organized and easy to remove. However, the disadvantage of such wallets is that they are large and bulky due to their design.

[0003] Card holders, such as credit card holders, on the other hand, can be designed to be much more compact, making them easier to carry in smaller pockets of clothing, such as trousers. Card holders therefore offer a space-saving option for transporting cards. Since the cards are arranged next to each other in a housing, one of the challenges is to create a way to remove them easily. For this purpose, a dispensing opening is usually located on a narrow side of the housing. However, if all cards are dispensed together, this is inconvenient for the user, as they usually want to remove a specific card. State of the art

[0004] Various devices for issuing cards are known from the state of the art, which enable a single, convenient and targeted removal of a specific card.

[0005] For example, CH 702 919 B1 describes a credit card container with a dispensing function. It has an ejection mechanism with a pivoting, stepped ejection lever, by means of which the cards are dispensed individually. The actuating element is pivotable and located close to the pivot axis of the ejection lever. The disadvantage is that, due to the short lever of the actuating element, considerable force must be applied to eject the cards. This makes the force difficult to control, and the dispensed cards are therefore not ejected individually, but are often still present in packets next to each other.

[0006] A container for cards, particularly for credit cards and similar elements, is disclosed in EP 0 287 532 A1. The pivoting, stepped ejection lever is actuated by an actuating element that can be moved in a partially circular recess. A hinged lid prevents the cards from slipping out. The disadvantage is that the hinged lid must be opened separately. Furthermore, an actuating element located on a flat front or back of the housing can be inconvenient when storing the card holder.

[0007] EP 1 355 551 A1 presents a holder for multiple cards within a housing. Using several slide switches arranged on the housing, specific cards can be specifically selected and dispensed from a dispensing opening. The individual slide switches are specifically labeled so that each can be assigned to a specific card. One or more cards are then dispensed as desired. The disadvantages of this type of dispensing device are complex to manufacture, and the slide switches are also relatively bulky. This prevents the card holder from being particularly compact.

[0008] A container for holding cards is further disclosed in DE 20 2008 003 127 U1. The cards can be dispensed through a removal opening using a stepped compartment element connected to an actuating device. Furthermore, a braking device is arranged on the side of the container, which assists in separating the cards during dispensing. The actuating device is disadvantageously located on one of the large, flat outer sides, which is perceived as annoying by the user.

[0009] The disadvantages of the various card issuing options are that they either involve a complex arrangement, which results in increased costs and a bulky design, or that the cards are not separated reliably enough.

[0010] US 2022 / 0312918 A1 discloses a modular wallet assembly including, among other things, a card holder. This card holder has a rigid housing in which an ejection arm is arranged. This ejection arm has a stepped ejection platform comprising individual, interconnected plate-shaped elements. The plate-shaped elements form a section of a parabolic arc and are arranged in such a way that they are directly connected to one another that they seal tightly, forming an element made of solid material that serves to guide cards arranged within the card holder toward a dispensing opening of the housing. A disadvantage, however, is the material consumption resulting from the design of the plate-shaped elements and the ejection platform.Also, due to the short lever, which is located directly at the pivot point of the ejection arm, operating it requires increased effort from the user.

[0011] CN 104 188 307 B also describes a card holder housing having an ejection arm for dispensing the cards held in the housing, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a stepped element. The stepped element is designed as a solid material and has discrete steps, with the steps being essentially rectangular in shape with a flattened edge. Disadvantages include the high material consumption due to the solid material design, as well as the fact that continuous card guidance is not possible due to the edges of the individual steps.

[0012] JP 198 406 840 1 U discloses a card holder with a housing having a closure flap. It also has a stepped ejection arm, which is constructed from multiple parts. Each of the individual elements of the ejection arm is made of a solid material and has at least one connection point to the previous element. Disadvantages include the resulting instability due to the multi-part construction, as well as the high material consumption due to the multi-part design and the solid material construction.

[0013] US 119 034 68 B2 also discloses a card holder housing having an ejection arm configured as a stepped element. Here, too, a solid material design with steps and edges was chosen. Additionally, the ejection arm is actuated by moving a cover plate of the housing. This results in not only the disadvantageous high material consumption and the discontinuous card guidance, but also the disadvantage that dirt can penetrate the housing when the cards are removed.

[0014] DE 2020 008 003 127 U1 discloses a card holder housing having an ejection arm designed as a stepped element. Here, too, the ejection arm is made of solid material, which disadvantageously leads to high material consumption.

[0015] JP 2019 519 266 A also describes a card holder housing having an ejection arm for dispensing the cards held in the housing, wherein the ejection mechanism comprises a stepped element. The stepped element is designed as a solid material and has discrete steps, with the steps being essentially rectangular in shape with a flattened edge. Disadvantages include the high material consumption due to the solid material design, as well as the fact that continuous card guidance is not possible due to the edges of the individual steps. Task

[0016] The invention is therefore based on the object of overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art and providing a card holder that offers the possibility of reliably and individually dispensing cards. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a compact card holder with a small pack size.

[0017] Another task is to provide a card holder that is easy, quick and cost-effective to produce. Solution

[0018] This object is achieved by a card holder according to the main claim. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0019] The task is solved in particular by a card holder for cards which has the following features: A housing having a dispensing opening which is configured for inserting and dispensing cards, a dispensing device for dispensing the cards from the dispensing opening, wherein the dispensing device has the following: ∘ a fan element for dispensing the cards, which is preferably arranged inside the housing, in the section facing away from or opposite the dispensing opening, and is preferably movably mounted, and ∘ an actuating element, which is preferably arranged on the outside of the housing, wherein the actuating element is operatively connected to the fan element in such a way that the cards can be dispensed by means of the fan element by actuating the actuating element.

[0020] According to the invention, the cards are preferably the size of typical check or credit cards, which optionally have an embossing. A card holder for such cards is also referred to as a credit card holder. Such cards particularly preferably have a length of 80 mm to 90 mm, preferably 85.6 mm, a width of 50 mm to 56 mm, in particular 53.98 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 mm, in particular 0.76 mm.

[0021] For the purposes of the invention, actuating the actuating element involves applying a force to the actuating element, by means of which the actuating element's position is changed in such a way that this results in a movement of the fan element, wherein the fan element is preferably moved about a pivot point, in particular a displaceable pivot point. The operative connection between the actuating element and the fan element is preferably a mechanical coupling. An embodiment is also conceivable in which the actuating element and the fan element have further components that are electronically and / or electrically connected to one another.

[0022] The fan element has separating elements for separating the cards during dispensing, wherein the separating elements are arranged offset from one another. According to the invention, the separating elements are designed as slats. According to the invention, the slats are arranged offset from one another, preferably offset from one another by a constant value, wherein the offset of the slats is formed along the longitudinal direction of the fan element. The slats have a width, wherein the width of the slats decreases by a width difference in the longitudinal direction of the fan element, in particular distal to the pivot point of the fan element. This creates an area on each slat that is not connected to the following, narrower slat. This area, also referred to as the support area, serves as a support surface for one card in each case.The offset of the slats ensures staggered dispensing of the cards, which is also referred to as singulation, whereby the staggering of the cards essentially corresponds to the offset of the slats in the longitudinal direction of the fan element when the fan element is arranged in the position in which the cards are partially pushed out of the dispensing opening, referred to herein as a dispensing position. The staggering of the dispensed cards is also influenced by the friction between the cards and by the friction of the cards on the housing or on elements arranged on the housing, such as spring elements and / or friction elements. Such an arrangement advantageously enables a better overview for a user when removing the cards, whereby the staggering makes it immediately clear to the user which card they are removing from the housing.At the same time, the removal process itself is simplified, as the staggered arrangement makes it easier to grasp or move a specific card.

[0023] For the purposes of the invention, the longitudinal direction of the fan element, or the term "longitudinal direction" in general, refers, according to the definition of the word, to the direction of the longest dimension, also known as the length, of the element, in this case the fan element. The longest dimension of the fan element extends from the pivot point of the fan element to the point of the narrowest slat, which is farthest from the pivot point. The width of the slats decreases from one slat to the next by a width difference, with the widest slat being closest to the pivot point of the fan element and the narrowest slat being farthest from the pivot point.

[0024] The staggering or singling of the cards in the sense of the invention refers to the dispensing of a plurality of cards, at least two, preferably three, particularly preferably four, five, six, seven or eight cards, which are dispensed to different distances. In this case, the cards are arranged in a dispensing position partially, preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 60%, particularly preferably at least 70%, very particularly preferably at least 80%, within the housing and partially, preferably at most 60%, preferably at most 40%, particularly preferably at most 30%, very particularly preferably at most 20%, ejected from the housing. In particular, during singling, the cards are arranged offset from one another in the dispensing direction.Such an arrangement advantageously provides a better overview for the user when removing cards, with the staggered arrangement making it immediately clear to the user which card they are removing from the case. At the same time, the removal process itself is simplified, as the staggered arrangement makes it easier to grasp or move a specific card. The partial arrangement within the case also protects the cards from environmental influences and wear, even when partially dispensed, and also prevents them from accidentally falling out of the case.

[0025] Slats in the sense of the invention are individual strut-like elements between which there is a gap. The individual slats are connected to one another at one or more points, i.e. they have one or more connecting areas where they meet directly or where a connecting element is arranged. Such an arrangement advantageously leads to high stability of the fan element. The individual slats are preferably designed as thin elements with a depth or thickness of up to 1.2 mm, preferably up to 1.0 mm, particularly preferably up to 0.8 mm, and most preferably up to 0.5 mm. Choosing a low thickness results in low material consumption, thus advantageously saving costs and resources compared to an arrangement made from solid material.

[0026] In the sense of the invention, the term “space between the slats” means that the slats enclose a hollow space, in particular at least in sections, wherein the hollow space preferably remains substantially free of material. The hollow space is formed by the slats being connected to one another only in a connecting region, as defined herein. The area of ​​a slat that is connected to the adjacent slat preferably corresponds to the depth or thickness of the slat. This results in an area that is small in relation to the overall extent, in particular the overall surface area of ​​the slat, referred to herein as the connecting area, in which the slat is connected to an adjacent slat.Preferably, the connecting area between two adjacent slats accounts for between 10% and 0.1%, preferably between 7% and 0.3%, and particularly preferably between 5% and 0.5% of the total surface area of ​​the slat, relative to the smaller slat. This design and the associated material savings advantageously allow the fan element to be lightweight, while still ensuring high stability thanks to the adjacent connecting areas.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the lamellae form a section of a lateral surface, also a lateral surface segment of a three-dimensional body, preferably a cylindrical lateral surface, wherein the cylinder can have a circular or substantially elliptical base or top surface, or the lateral surface, also the sum of all side surfaces of a cuboid or a cube, wherein the width of the lamellae corresponds to the height of the three-dimensional body, in particular the cylinder or the cuboid or the cube. The center point or the central axis of the three-dimensional body, preferably the cylinder or cuboid, whose lateral surface segment is described by a lamella, is arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the fan element to the center point or the central axis of the lateral surface segment formed by the adjacent lamella, so that between the lateral surface segment and the next adjacent lateral surface segment orA cavity is formed at a pivot point of the fan element, which cavity preferably remains substantially free of material. The cavity corresponds to a portion of the volume of a three-dimensional body, preferably a cylinder, wherein the cylinder may have a circular or substantially elliptical base, or a cuboid or a cube.

[0028] The width of the slats is preferably in the range from 0.5 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably 1 mm to 6 mm, with the width of the slats decreasing within this range by a width difference from a first slat to the further slat arranged adjacent to the first slat. The support area thus formed is preferably dimensioned such that the width of the support area is in the range from 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably in the range from 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm, particularly preferably in the range from 0.75 mm to 0.85 mm. This advantageously provides sufficient support for the cards, since the support surface is dimensioned to match the thickness of a card.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the width of the support surface is in the range of 0.6 mm to 0.65 mm. This results in a support area whose width is smaller than the thickness of an average card, as defined herein. This dimensioning advantageously enables better guidance of a single card, since the narrow width of the support area prevents more than one card from coming into contact with the support area. This ensures a clear staggered arrangement, with exactly one card being dispensed per support area.

[0030] The slats are preferably arranged adjacently along a plane, referred to herein as the interface plane. The fan element is thus designed such that the ends of the slats lie within a plane on one side. This creates support surfaces on the side offset by the width of one slat, with the width of the support surfaces being determined by the difference in width of the slats. This advantageously results in a smaller minimum required width of the slats in order to create a sufficiently large support area for guiding a card.

[0031] The length of the slats is preferably in the range from 2 mm to 15 mm, particularly preferably from 4 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 5 mm to 9 mm. The length of the slats refers to their extension in the longitudinal direction of the fan element. According to the invention, a slat rests with its narrowest side, in particular with its depth, against a card, which is guided on the support area of ​​the adjacent, wider slat. The card is supported by the slat over the length of the slat. This advantageously enables secure guidance of the cards during dispensing.

[0032] The housing is preferably designed as a rigid container. This makes it difficult to deform due to external forces. This advantageously protects the cards arranged inside the housing.

[0033] The housing preferably has a flat front and rear side, referred to herein as the housing front and rear. The cards are arranged within the housing parallel to the housing front and rear. Particularly preferably, the housing also has small dimensions on the housing sides, in particular on the housing top and bottom. This results in a small spatial depth of the housing, so that the housing is flat overall. Thus, the housing advantageously achieves a small pack size, making it easy to transport, preferably carried by the user in a trouser pocket.

[0034] The dispensing opening is preferably located on a narrow side of the housing, i.e., on a side that does not have the largest surface area, preferably the smallest surface area, of the available sides, in particular not on the front and / or rear of the housing. This advantageously keeps the card removal area small, which better ensures that the cards remain in the housing even when subjected to external forces, such as vibrations, as long as the dispensing device is not activated by the user.

[0035] The housing is preferably designed to correspond to the cards, wherein the housing has a shape in which the dimensions are designed according to the shape of a card. Preferably, the interior of the housing, i.e. the housing interior, is cuboid-shaped with a length, a width, and a depth. The length of the housing interior corresponds at least to the card length and at most 130%, or at most 120%, or at most 110% of the card length. The width of the housing interior corresponds at least to the card width and at most 130%, or 120%, or 110% of the card width. The depth of the housing interior corresponds at least to the width of the ejection mechanism and at most 500%, or 1000%, or 1500%, or 2000% of the card thickness.

[0036] The length of the housing interior is preferably in the range of 80 mm to 130 mm, preferably in the range of 82 mm to 100 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 85 mm to 90 mm. The width of the housing interior is preferably in the range of 2 mm to 1500 mm, particularly preferably in the range of 5 mm to 25 mm, most preferably in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the card holder is designed as a combined cell phone and card holder, particularly preferably as a combined cell phone and credit card holder, with the housing connected to a cell phone case. A cell phone, in this sense, is a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone. This advantageously allows the user to have both credit cards and a cell phone at hand at the same time. General benefits

[0038] A design of the slats as explained here offers significant advantages over a fan element made of solid material. Thus, an arrangement of slats for guiding and separating cards advantageously results in material savings compared to a separating element made of solid material.

[0039] Furthermore, process-related advantages arise, as the processing and machining of solid blocks after casting, especially with plastics, often leads to shrinkage cavities. These cavities result from shrinkage processes occurring within the material during cooling, leading to cavities. In contrast, the delicate structures of the lamellae reduce the thickness of the individual sections, which advantageously reduces the size of potential cavities or prevents them from forming altogether. This results in greater precision in the injection molding processes and structural dimensions during production.

[0040] A further advantage is that even if the edges of the slats become worn, a staggered arrangement is ensured. This is because even wear of the slat material does not lead to wear on the support areas, causing them to deform into a slant. Instead, the gaps between the support areas remain constant, thus enabling secure gripping of the cards. Even slight wear on the edges does not lead to the support areas becoming partially flattened, which would create a slant and impair card separation during dispensing. Detailed description of the invention

[0041] The device according to the invention as claimed in claim 1 has a compartment element. The compartment element is preferably designed such that it has an arm on which separating elements are arranged. The arm of the compartment element is preferably designed such that it has a length that ensures that all cards stored within the card holder are pushed out of the dispensing opening when the compartment element is positioned in a dispensing position. An dispensing position refers to a position of the cards and the dispensing device, in particular of the compartment element, in which the cards contained in the card holder are at least partially pushed out of the dispensing opening. The compartment element is arranged in its longitudinal direction parallel to the flat front and rear of the housing. This advantageously allows the housing to be designed to be flat.

[0042] The fan element is preferably mounted so as to be rotatable about a displaceable pivot point. This pivot point is designed and arranged in operative connection with the actuating element, such that the pivot point is displaced when the actuating element is actuated. As a result, the movement of the fan element upon actuation of the actuating element is a superposition of a rotary movement and a displacement, in particular a translation and a rotation. Mounting the fan element around at least one displaceable pivot point has the advantage when positioning the fan element that the point at which the fan element touches the card and pushes it to an dispensing position remains essentially in the center of the card during dispensing. This enables a stable, straight, and even transfer of all cards to an dispensing position. Tipping of the cards by guiding them at a laterally arranged contact point is avoided.

[0043] The fan element is preferably mounted on a movable rotary bearing. This bearing has both rotation as a first degree of freedom and translation as a further degree of freedom. The bearing is preferably designed as a plain bearing, in which the moving parts move directly against each other. This design advantageously reduces the number of components of the bearing and thus enables simple production.

[0044] For mounting around the pivot point, an opening, preferably a through-opening, is preferably formed in or on the compartment element of the dispensing device. The through-opening is arranged around a displaceable bearing pin, such that the compartment element is rotatably mounted about the bearing pin, thereby forming a displaceable pivot point. The bearing pin is preferably arranged on a guide element which, according to an advantageous embodiment, is rigidly connected to the actuating element. In this embodiment, moving the actuating element directly leads to moving the bearing pin. The through-opening can also be arranged on the guide element, in which case the bearing pin is then arranged on the compartment element. Advantageously, the movement of the compartment element is thereby limited in such a way that reliable dispensing of the cards is possible.At the same time, this ensures a stable connection between the fan element and the guide element.

[0045] A card holder design is also possible in which a guide element operatively connected to the actuating element is arranged on the card holder. The guide element is also operatively connected to the compartment element in such a way that actuation of the actuating element positions the guide element and the compartment element in a dispensing position. This makes the dispensing device easy for the user to operate.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing journal is designed with a round cross-section, thereby ensuring smooth guidance. A further embodiment provides that the bearing journal has a substantially round cross-section with at least one protrusion on one side. A protrusion in the sense of the invention is a thickening that changes the cross-section of the bearing journal. This protrusion increases the size of the longest possible chord of the cross-section of the bearing journal by preferably a maximum of 25% of the diameter of the bearing journal without the protrusion and preferably by a value in the range of 5% to a maximum of 20%, particularly preferably by a value in the range of 10% to 17% of the diameter of the bearing journal without the protrusion. Such a protrusion advantageously acts as an intrinsic brake for the movement of the fan element.The longest possible chord of the cross-section of the bearing journal is the greatest possible distance from one side of the cross-section of the bearing journal to the other side of the cross-section of the bearing journal and can therefore be determined even with a non-circular cross-section. If at least one protrusion is present, the longest possible chord of the cross-section of the bearing journal runs through a protrusion. According to a preferred embodiment of the card holder, the bearing journal has at least two, preferably at least three, particularly preferably at least four protrusions. This advantageously achieves suitable friction while still ensuring a tight fit of the bearing journal in the through-opening. At the positions of the protrusions, the bearing journal touches the through-opening. In this way, excessive play of the bearing journal in the through-opening and the associated noise development can be avoided.

[0047] The through-holes preferably have a round cross-section, with a diameter of preferably at least 3 mm, preferably at least 3.5 mm, with the bearing pin being adapted in size to this. There is minimal play between the bearing pin and the through-hole, allowing for reliable rotational movement. Advantageously, this type of mounting of the fan element is more robust than smaller designs.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the fan element is mounted on two displaceable rotary bearings, wherein a first rotary bearing is displaceable directly by means of the actuating element and the second rotary bearing is adjustable by means of a further guide element. This advantageously fixes the position of the fan element. The second rotary bearing is adjusted by the movement of the first rotary bearing along a degree of freedom which is predetermined by a guide element, such as a guide rail. According to one possible embodiment, the fan element is rigidly designed such that the second rotary bearing, or the second pivot point, is connected to the first rotary bearing, or the first pivot point, via the fan element. The position of one pivot point is thus dependent on the position of the other pivot point. Consequently, the position of both pivot points is advantageously fixed by the actuating element.

[0049] The actuating element is preferably actuated by moving the actuating element. The actuating element is preferably coupled to a pivot point or to the pivot joint arranged at the pivot point in such a way that moving the actuating element advantageously results in a rotational movement of the fan element or a superimposed movement of rotation and translation of the fan element. This advantageously makes actuating the actuating element easy for the user and requires little effort. Furthermore, a movable actuating element is advantageously smaller, and in particular, less bulky.

[0050] Preferably, the actuating element is designed and arranged such that the actuation of the fan element occurs by means of a rotational or translational movement of the actuating element. The fan element is moved by tilting or sliding the actuating element, so that the cards are brought into a dispensing position. Preferably, a mechanical connection or a mechanical coupling is formed between the actuating element and the fan element, whereby the movement of the actuating element directly leads to a movement of the fan element. The actuation of the dispensing device is thus advantageously possible without electrical energy.

[0051] According to one possible embodiment, the actuating element has a sensor and the fan element has an actuator, wherein the actuating element is electronically or electrically connected to the fan element. A sensor within the meaning of the invention is, for example, a rotary encoder, motion encoder, or pressure encoder that detects a force acting on the actuating element or a change in the position of the actuating element and converts this into an electrical signal, which it transmits to the actuator. An actuator within the meaning of the invention is, for example, a motor, in particular a stepper motor, which converts the signal generated and transmitted by the sensor into a mechanical movement. In particular, an electrical and / or electronic signal can thus be transmitted from the actuating element to an actuator, e.g. a motor, which moves the fan element.Such a variant advantageously allows easy operation for the user, since the energy for the movement of the fan element is provided electrically.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment, the slats are curved, i.e. the individual slats have a curved shape. The curved shape is preferably achieved by bending the slats in the longitudinal direction, wherein the bend preferably describes a circular segment, an elliptical segment or a parabolic segment, preferably a circular segment. Since the orientation of a rotatably mounted fan element changes with respect to the cards, flat support areas in which the slats are not curved only grip the cards securely when the fan element is arranged at a certain angle, in particular in a dispensing position. Curved slats advantageously allow the cards to be gripped securely even at a very small angle of rotation and ensure that the cards are held securely throughout the entire dispensing process. In particular, an abrupt change in direction of the support area of ​​the slat that touches the card is eliminated.The curved shape is preferably designed in the manner of a circular segment. The individual slats preferably have the shape of a circular segment with an identical or different radius. Particularly preferably, the individual radii of the individual slats are identical. This allows a plurality of identical cards to be dispensed in a uniformly fanned-out configuration. The bend preferably occurs in the longitudinal direction of the slat. A consistent staggering of the cards during dispensing is ensured by the identical bending of all slats. This makes it easier for the user to remove a specific card.

[0053] The curved slats are preferably arranged so that two adjacent slats are each connected to each other in a connecting area. This advantageously achieves greater stability for the entire separating element.

[0054] According to an alternative design, the individual slats are rectangular in shape, or the slats form an angle in the longitudinal direction. This advantageously creates a large support area for a card when the fan element is positioned in a dispensing position.

[0055] According to one possible embodiment, the individual slats protrude from a connecting strut arranged in the connecting area and are connected to one another via the connecting strut. The connecting strut is preferably narrow. Particularly preferably, the width of the connecting strut is at most the width of the narrowest slat. This advantageously results in further material savings compared to a connecting area formed by individual slat segments.

[0056] According to the invention, the compartment element comprises a plurality of slats, wherein the slats are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction of the compartment element, with the width of the slats decreasing in the longitudinal direction of the compartment element. The difference in width between two consecutive slats preferably creates a support area for guiding a card. Preferably, a last slat forms the longest point of the compartment element, with the support area of ​​this last slat corresponding to the entire width of the slat. This advantageously ensures that cards can be guided and dispensed from the card holder over the entire length of the compartment element.

[0057] An advantageous embodiment of the card holder provides that a stabilizing strut is further arranged on the compartment element, which connects the individual slats to one another at a further area. The additional stabilizing strut connects two adjacent slats to one another at two points or in two areas, at least indirectly. As a result, the slats and the stabilizing strut enclose one or more through-openings. The individual slats are preferably connected via a stabilizing strut, which advantageously increases the stability of the compartment element.

[0058] Preferably, the stabilizing strut has a varying thickness. The thickness preferably increases from the narrower to the wider slats. This further secures the wider slats and increases the stability of the fan element, in particular the slats. Particularly preferably, the stabilizing strut has a wedge-like shape with a uniform increase in thickness. This shape is advantageously easy to manufacture.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the stabilizing strut is designed as a flat element. The stabilizing strut is preferably arranged such that the slats are arranged so as to protrude from the stabilizing strut. The stabilizing strut forms the interface plane defined above. The support surface of each slat is offset from the interface plane by the width of the slat, so that the slats border the interface plane with their narrow side and along their longitudinal direction. Advantageously, the slats are thus completely supported along their longitudinal direction by the stabilizing strut. At least one pivot point of the fan element is designed such that it is arranged on the stabilizing strut. The stabilizing strut is advantageously dimensioned such that it can withstand the forces occurring at the pivot point.This allows for a narrower design of the fan element as well as improved guidance properties of the fan element when transporting the cards to an output position.

[0060] According to an advantageous embodiment, the dispensing device has a restoring element that is operatively connected to the compartment element such that a restoring force caused by the restoring element acts on the compartment element. The restoring force transfers the compartment element from a dispensing position to a rest position, also referred to as the starting position. The compartment element is preferably arranged in the rest position when the cards are completely arranged within the card holder. The restoring element is preferably designed as one or more spring elements that have a spring constant D. The restoring force depends on the deflection of the spring element(s) and the spring constant.

[0061] The invention disclosed herein provides that the housing has a dispensing opening which is configured for inserting and dispensing cards. The dispensing opening is configured such that it is formed as a recess which provides a through-opening to the interior of the housing. Preferably, the recess is arranged on a narrow side of the housing, i.e. a housing side with the smallest possible surface area. Particularly preferably, the recess is arranged on the top side of the housing. In this case, the recess preferably covers the entire surface of the housing side on which it is arranged. Advantageously, the housing is thus easy to manufacture, since the material of the surface of the housing side can be saved during the manufacturing process.

[0062] Another embodiment of the card holder provides a lid that covers the dispensing opening, thus ensuring that the cards can be stored inside the housing without slipping out. Preferably, the lid has a locking mechanism, in particular a snap lock, that securely holds the lid in a closed position. This advantageously ensures that the lid does not inadvertently expose the dispensing opening, so that the cards can be safely stored inside the housing.

[0063] A further variant provides for at least one friction element to be arranged on the housing, preferably inside the housing, which is designed to slow down the cards as they are dispensed. The movement of the cards out of the dispensing opening depends primarily on the impulse generated by the fan element or the force transmitted by the fan element. Furthermore, the movement, in particular how far the cards slide out of the housing, is largely determined by the precise arrangement and design of the cards and the associated friction between the cards. A high impulse from the fan element can result in the cards sliding out of the card holder in a random arrangement rather than in a staggered manner as desired.The friction element advantageously ensures that the cards are slowed down as they move out of the dispensing opening, and the offset arrangement of the slats of the fan element results in a defined separation of the cards.

[0064] Furthermore, the friction element has the advantage that the friction between the cards and the friction element can be so high that accidental slipping out of the cards due to gravity or a sudden movement is prevented. The cards are thus securely stored within the housing when used as intended.

[0065] Preferably, two friction elements are arranged within the housing on opposite sides of the housing, ensuring they are the same distance from the dispensing opening. These advantageously guide the cards from two sides and can thus brake them in a targeted manner. This reduces the risk of the cards tipping during dispensing.

[0066] Particularly preferably, the friction element is arranged within the housing such that it is flush with the dispensing opening. In this embodiment, the friction element is directly adjacent to the dispensing opening or is arranged at a short distance from the dispensing opening, preferably at a maximum distance of 10 mm, particularly preferably at a maximum distance of 5 mm, and most preferably at a maximum distance of 3 mm. This ensures that the cards are securely held within the housing during dispensing. This advantageously ensures that the cards do not completely leave the housing during dispensing without the user removing them.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment, the card holder has at least one further friction element inside the housing, which is preferably arranged at a distance of at least 4 cm from the dispensing opening. This further friction element serves to improve the braking and sliding properties of the cards. The further friction element is arranged such that a fully inserted card rests against this further friction element, in particular rests against the friction element along the entire length of the friction element. The further friction element is arranged at a distance from the dispensing opening such that cards in a dispensing position have left the further friction element at least partially, preferably at least half, more preferably at least two-thirds, and particularly preferably completely.A card positioned in an output position thus preferably only rests on the friction element for a maximum of half the length of the further friction element, preferably for a maximum of one third of the length of the further friction element, and particularly preferably no longer rests on the friction element at all.

[0068] The length of the friction elements or the length of the additional friction element is the extension of the friction element or the additional friction element along the direction in which the cards are inserted into the card holder and pushed out of it or removed from it.

[0069] This means that the friction effect of the additional friction element is strong when the cards are inserted, and less strong or even absent when the cards are in a dispensing position. This effectively prevents the cards from falling out or slipping out while inserted, while still allowing easy gripping of the staggered cards.

[0070] The additional friction element is preferably positioned at a distance of at least 4 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, from the dispensing opening. This ensures a good friction and braking effect for cards the size of standard credit cards.

[0071] Preferably, at least one, preferably at least two, additional friction elements are provided within the housing. According to an advantageous embodiment, several additional friction elements are arranged on opposite sides of the housing, thereby exerting a frictional effect on two opposite sides of the cards. The friction elements are preferably arranged on the narrow sides of the housing, which are arranged orthogonally to the dispensing opening and the flat front and rear sides of the housing. This reduces the risk of the cards tipping over during dispensing.

[0072] According to one embodiment, at least two, preferably at least three, and preferably at least four friction elements according to the invention are arranged within the housing at a distance from one another. By appropriately selecting the number of friction elements, the friction effect can advantageously be adjusted. This allows the inserted cards to remain firmly in place, while the partially ejected cards can be easily removed.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device further comprises a support element for supporting the cards, wherein the support element is operatively connected to the fan element and the actuating element such that actuation of the actuating element moves the support element and the fan element into a dispensing position. Thus, within the meaning of the invention, the support element is a guide element which, in addition to transmitting force from the actuating element to the separating element, also has a supporting effect on the cards and, in particular, also reduces friction between the cards and the housing. This advantageously ensures uniform dispensing of the cards and prevents tipping and / or jamming of the cards.

[0074] The support element has at least one plate-shaped surface support element which is formed within the housing parallel to a flat housing side. The surface support element is designed to be arranged between a flat housing side and a flat card side, arranged in the housing, of an outer card of a card stack arranged within the housing and preferably to bear against the flat card side of the outer card. In order to dispense the cards, upon actuation of the actuating element, the support element is moved parallel to this outer card into a starting position. This advantageously results in a strong supporting effect of the support element, since the contact area between the adjacent card and the support element is large.

[0075] According to the invention, the surface support element moves parallel to the card even if the card moves faster and further toward the dispensing opening than the support element due to the momentum transmitted by the fan element. It is relevant that the card and the surface support element move simultaneously into an dispensing position. Since the surface support element is arranged between the card and a flat housing side, the friction between this card and the flat housing side is advantageously reduced. This makes it easier to transfer the card into an dispensing position.

[0076] A surface support element is plate-shaped within the meaning of the invention if it is significantly larger in two dimensions than in a third dimension. Significantly larger corresponds to an extension of at least 10 times, preferably at least 20 times. The two dimensions in which the plate-shaped surface support element is significantly larger preferably run parallel to the flat housing front when the surface support element is arranged within a housing of a card holder. The third dimension, in particular the depth of the surface support element, is orthogonal to the flat housing front. The surface support element therefore advantageously takes up little space within the housing, so that more cards can be accommodated in it.

[0077] According to an advantageous embodiment, the surface support element has a base area parallel to the flat housing front, which corresponds to at least 30% of the area of ​​the housing front. The surface area of ​​the base area is preferably at least 15 cm². The base area comprises the outer sides of the surface support element, which may also have openings. The area of ​​the openings is preferably a maximum of 70% of the base area. Advantageously, a surface support element designed in this way offers high stability for the cards arranged within the housing while simultaneously saving material compared to a support element without openings, which reduces the weight of the card holder.

[0078] A deck of cards, within the meaning of the invention, is an arrangement of one or more cards, with the sides of cards with the largest surface area of ​​adjacent cards facing each other and arranged essentially parallel. The cards that, when a deck of cards is arranged within a housing, face a flat side of the housing are referred to within the meaning of the invention as outer cards.

[0079] Preferably, the support element further comprises at least one narrow side arranged adjacent to the surface support element. The narrow side is preferably arranged parallel to a narrow side of the housing and terminates at the plate-shaped surface support element.

[0080] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support element is designed as a guide carriage. According to the invention, this guide carriage is a component of the dispensing device, which is arranged at least partially between the stack of cards and at least one housing side. The guide carriage is connected to the compartment element in such a force-transmitting manner that the compartment element and the guide carriage can be moved together, i.e., also together with the cards, by actuating the actuating element. The guide carriage guides and supports the cards. The guide carriage thus advantageously guarantees a firm, stable arrangement of the cards.

[0081] The movement of the guide carriage during card dispensing advantageously reduces friction between the cards and the housing, thereby reducing the associated stress on the outer cards. This advantageously reduces wear and tear on the cards, which can impair card functionality, particularly with regard to magnetic stripes or other sensitive areas where data can be read.

[0082] The guide carriage is designed such that cards inserted into the card holder are enclosed by the guide carriage, i.e., bounded by at least three sides of the guide carriage. The guide carriage is arranged at least partially between the housing and the cards. This ensures that the cards are held securely.

[0083] The guide carriage is optionally U-shaped, with the plate-shaped surface support element arranged parallel to the front of the housing and forming the middle part of the U-shape.

[0084] The guide carriage preferably has two plate-shaped surface support elements arranged parallel to the front of the housing, which reduce friction between the stack of cards on both the front and rear of the housing. The cards are preferably surrounded by sections of the guide carriage on at least four sides, preferably five sides. This ensures high stability of the cards within the housing and during dispensing.

[0085] According to an advantageous embodiment, spring elements are arranged on the guide carriage, which exert a force on the cards and thus fix the cards in their position within the housing so that they do not slip out but can be transferred to an output position by the output device. Preferably, at least two, particularly preferably at least three spring elements are arranged on the guide carriage, whereby the force is evenly distributed among the cards, since the spring elements contact the cards at several positions. This ensures even support of the cards.

[0086] Preferably, the surface area of ​​a side of the guide carriage running parallel to the front of the housing has a size that preferably corresponds to half the surface area of ​​the front of a card, particularly preferably to two-thirds of the surface area of ​​the front of a card, and most particularly preferably to the entire surface area of ​​the front of a card. This ensures a high level of protection and support for the guide carriage.

[0087] According to an optional embodiment, the card holder has a dispensing device, wherein the dispensing device has a support element, preferably a guide carriage. The support element, preferably the guide carriage, preferably has a narrow side, on one side of which, which faces a card inserted into the card holder, at least one friction element is arranged. This increases the coefficient of friction between cards and card holder, so that the cards advantageously sit better in the card holder. Several friction elements can also be arranged, in particular on different narrow sides, whereby the friction is thereby further increased. In this way, the hold of the cards in the card holder can advantageously be adjusted such that the cards are securely stored in the inserted state, but remain easily graspable in the dispensing position.It is possible to arrange such a friction element on each of the two narrow sides of the support element. The support element preferably has two narrow sides, each of which has at least one friction element facing the inserted cards. Optionally, another friction element is arranged on the same narrow side.

[0088] Preferably, at least one of the friction elements or the friction element is designed and arranged such that a card inserted into the card holder rests against the friction element along the length of the friction element. However, the friction element or friction elements should be arranged such that a card moved into an output position by means of the fan element rests against the friction element only by a maximum of half, preferably only by a maximum of one-third, and preferably not at all.

[0089] According to one possible embodiment, a friction element arranged on the support element, preferably on the guide carriage, is spaced at least 4 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, from the dispensing opening. Such a distance from the dispensing opening enables an increased coefficient of friction between the cards and the support element, preferably the guide carriage, when the cards are fully inserted. The coefficient of friction is lower when the cards are in a dispensing position compared to the card holder, in particular compared to the support element, preferably compared to the guide carriage. Thus, fully inserted cards advantageously have a secure fit and can still be easily removed in a dispensing position.

[0090] Optionally, a second friction element is arranged on the same narrow side on the support element, preferably on the guide carriage. This friction element also serves to support and guide the cards. This second friction element is preferably adjacent to the dispensing opening or is arranged at a short distance from the dispensing opening, preferably at a maximum distance of 10 mm, more preferably at a maximum distance of 5 mm, most preferably at a maximum distance of 3 mm, from the dispensing opening. In this embodiment, at least two friction elements are formed on one narrow side. This ensures that the cards are held securely within the housing during dispensing. This advantageously ensures that the cards do not completely leave the housing during dispensing without the user removing them.

[0091] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing and / or the dispensing device are made at least in sections from plastic. Plastic refers to a synthetically produced material, which preferably comprises polymers, for example, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). One possible variant also provides for the housing and / or the dispensing device to be made entirely from plastic. This advantageously makes the card holder lighter than a card holder made of metal, for example. A further advantage lies in the customizability of the material; for example, one of the outer surfaces of the housing can be customized without great processing effort and thus cost-effectively.A card holder with a plastic housing is easily moldable during production and can be advantageously processed using an additive manufacturing process, such as 3D printing. This makes it possible to produce any shape and customized designs, such as relief designs or emblems. This process is particularly cost-effective for small batches, as an expensive molding tool is eliminated. This allows customized card holders to be produced quickly and cost-effectively. In addition, a plastic dispensing device can be easily adapted to the shape of the housing into which it is inserted.

[0092] The support element, preferably the guide carriage, preferably has a shielding effect for electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, in particular RFID shielding. For this purpose, the support element, preferably the guide carriage, is preferably made of metal and / or a metal alloy, e.g., copper, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, nickel, nickel-iron alloys, titanium, bronze, zinc, ferrite, or silver. Particularly preferably, the support element, preferably the guide carriage, has two plate-shaped surface support elements arranged parallel to the front of the housing, thereby reducing friction between the card stack and both the front and rear of the housing. The guide carriage is preferably designed like a container within the housing. This allows for effective shielding from electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range.To ensure card dispensing, the guide carriage has an opening aligned with the dispensing opening. This secures the cards inside the housing, preventing them from being read. This advantageously prevents important information, such as payment information and / or personal data, from being stolen by third parties while the cards are in the card holder.

[0093] In a further embodiment of the invention, the housing is made of metal, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. A housing constructed in this way advantageously exhibits high stability against environmental influences. Such a housing also provides shielding against electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range, regardless of the material chosen for the support element, in particular the guide carriage.

[0094] In a further embodiment, the housing and / or the dispensing device is formed at least partially from plastic and / or metal and has a covering with an outer material, in particular leather and / or cotton and / or denim. Such a covering advantageously protects the underlying plastic from wear and tear and allows further possibilities for personalization by the user. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer material is separable from the underlying plastic. This advantageously ensures easy cleaning of the outer material by the user.

[0095] According to one possible variant, the support element, preferably the guide carriage, has recesses on the plate-shaped surface support elements. This advantageously saves material and weight. The guide carriage preferably has several struts or a grid. The material for the struts or grid is preferably selected from the group of metals and / or metal alloys. In particular, the struts or grid form a Faraday cage, which protects the cards contained therein from electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range and thus from unauthorized reading.

[0096] Individual sections of the housing are preferably connectable by means of connecting elements arranged on the individual sections. For example, a groove is preferably provided on one housing section, which can be connected to a connecting spring element arranged on another housing section. Particularly preferably, the housing consists of at least two separate sections, which can be connected by means of at least two, most preferably at least four, tongue-and-groove connections. This advantageously ensures that the components of the housing are securely connected.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the housing has a curvature in sections; in particular, the narrow sides of the housing arranged orthogonally to the front and rear sides of the housing as well as to the dispensing opening have a curvature in at least one direction. This avoids sharp-edged transitions between the housing sides. This advantageously prevents both wear on the edges of the housing and damage to other objects caused by the edges of the housing.

[0098] Alternative uses are also conceivable, with the card holder being adapted in its dimensions to other card types, such as playing cards. The dispensing device is adapted to dispense the cards in a manner suitable for this purpose. This advantageously allows different card types to be carried and protected in the card holder. Examples of implementation

[0099] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures and exemplary embodiments, without limiting the invention to them. In particular, the features shown in the individual figures and described for the respective example are not limited to the respective individual example.

[0100] They show: Fig. 1 a card holder with cards in a perspective view, A) with reset element B) without reset element Fig. 2 a card holder with cards in a side view, Fig. 3 a fan element in a side view, Fig. 4 a fan element in a perspective view, Fig. 5 a fan element with a wedge-shaped stabilizing strut, Fig. 6 an alternative design of the fan element with a flat stabilizing strut, Fig. 7 a first embodiment of a guide element designed as a guide carriage with a fan element, Fig. 8a second embodiment of a guide element designed as a guide carriage with a fan element, and Fig. 9 a perspective view of a guide carriage arranged on a housing section A) with spring elements B) without spring elements, with recesses, Fig. 10 : a support element in various designs A) as a support element with a plate-shaped surface support element and one narrow side, B) Support element designed as a guide carriage, C) Support element designed as a guide carriage with two narrow sides, Fig. 11 an exploded view of the composition of a guide carriage and two housing sections A) The guide carriage has recesses, B) The guide carriage is designed with full-surface plate-shaped surface support elements. Fig. 12 a bearing journal with protrusions in a cross-sectional view.

[0101] In the Fig. 1A and 1B1 shows a card holder 1, designed here as a credit card holder, for storing cards 2. In this example, the cards 2 are arranged partially within a housing 3 and partially outside the housing 3, i.e., in a dispensing position, and can be inserted into the housing 3 and removed from the housing 3 again via an dispensing opening 4, which here points upwards. When the cards 2 are arranged in the housing 3, the flat side of the cards 2 is arranged parallel to the front or rear 3b of the housing.

[0102] To ensure user-friendly dispensing of the cards 2 from the housing 3, an dispensing device 5 is arranged on the housing 3. The dispensing device 5 has a fan element 6 designed to move the cards 2 into a dispensing position. The fan element 6 has a plurality of slats 7 for separating the cards, which are preferably designed and arranged such that one card 2 at a time is pushed out of the dispensing opening 4 by one of the slats 7.

[0103] Furthermore, an actuating element 8 is arranged on the dispensing device 5 and is connected to the fan element 6 via a guide element 9. As a result, the fan element 6 is moved by moving the actuating element 8. The cards 2 are therefore dispensed upwards out of the dispensing opening 4 by moving the actuating element 8, in particular by moving the actuating element 8 in the direction of the dispensing opening 4. In this illustration, the fan element 6 is mounted about a first and a second movable pivot point 10 and 11 and, in order to dispense the cards 2, performs a movement which is a superposition of a translational and a rotational movement. The path of the first pivot point 10 is fixed by the guide element 9, which here ensures a rigid connection between the pivot point 10 and the actuating element 8.The movement of the first pivot point 10 thus only takes place in the dispensing direction A or against this dispensing direction A. The actuating element 8 is arranged here on the narrow side 3a of the housing 3.

[0104] The second pivot point 11 is limited in its movement by a one-dimensional guide device, which here can be formed from a guide rail 12 and a boundary surface of the housing 3, resulting in a horizontal movement of the second pivot point 11, perpendicular to the dispensing direction A, along the guide rail 12.

[0105] The movement of the curved slats 7, which are designed here, is a superimposed translational and rotational movement when the actuating element 8 is moved. The curved shape of the slats 7 enables good gripping and ejection of the cards 2, thus enabling stable ejection of the cards 2 from the ejection opening 4.

[0106] To prevent the cards 2 from accidentally slipping out of the dispensing opening 4 of the housing 3, two friction elements 13 are arranged within the housing 3 at the dispensing opening 4. The friction elements 13 are designed such that increased friction between the cards 2 and the friction elements 13 prevents the cards 2 from falling out due to gravity when the dispensing opening 4 is facing downward. Furthermore, the friction elements 13 advantageously ensure targeted guidance and defined separation of the cards 2.

[0107] Preferably, the fan element 6 is provided with a Fig. 1Ashown return element 14 is arranged, which can be designed, for example, as a return spring 14. The return element 14 is connected to the compartment element 6 and to the housing 3, and the force provided by the return element 14 causes the dispensing device 5 comprising compartment element 6, guide element 9, and actuating element 8 to move back into an initial position as soon as no more force is exerted on the actuating element 8. In this initial position, the compartment element 6 rests on a side of the housing 3 facing away from the dispensing opening 4, which in this illustration is the lower side of the housing 3.

[0108] In Fig. 1B no return element is arranged on the compartment element 6. In the embodiment shown here, however, the guide element 9 is designed such that the actuating element 8 is arranged closer to the dispensing opening 4 than in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1Ais shown.

[0109] A side view of a card holder 1 is shown in Fig. 2 shown. Sides of the housing 3 that extend in the plane of the illustration are not shown or are only indicated schematically. Arranged within the housing 3 are cards 2, which, depending on the arrangement of the slats 7, are pushed out to varying distances from the dispensing opening 4 located at the upper end, also known as the front side, of the housing 3. The cards 2 are thus arranged in sections inside and in sections outside the housing 3.

[0110] The fan element 6 is not positioned at a boundary surface of the housing 3 in the initial position, but rather offset toward the output opening 4. The existing friction element 13 ensures a defined and uniform fanning or separation of the cards.

[0111] In Fig. 3A side view of a fan element 6 is shown. The slats 7 are curved, and two adjacent slats 7 are each connected to each other in a connecting region V.

[0112] Furthermore, the fan element 6 has a stabilizing strut 15, which has a reinforcement 16 at one end. This stabilizing strut 16 connects the individual slats 7 to one another, so that two adjacent slats 7 are connected to one another directly and via the stabilizing strut 15.

[0113] Furthermore, the fan element 6 has a first and a second through-opening 17, 18. The first through-opening 17 is in an arrangement of the fan element 6 in Fig. 1 The housing shown is arranged around the first pivot point and the second through-opening is arranged around the second pivot point.

[0114] A perspective view of a possible design of a fan element 6 is shown in Fig. 4 shown. Here, too, the slats 7 have a curved shape. In this exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing strut 15 has a wedge-like shape. The stabilizing strut 15 is wider at the widest slat 7, and the width of the stabilizing strut 15 decreases toward the narrower slats 7, i.e., toward the reinforcement 16.

[0115] In this embodiment, a spacer element 19 is arranged at the second through-opening 18, which supports the exact positioning of the stabilizing strut 15 within the housing 3.

[0116] The individual lamellae have a width B. The width B can also be considered the height of a segment of the cylinder's surface defined by the lamella. The lamella is formed along a segment of a circular arc, with the full circle describing the base or top surface of a cylinder. The distance between this base and the corresponding top surface corresponds to the height of the cylinder and is specified by the width B of the lamella.

[0117] A fan element 6 with a stabilizing strut 15 with a wedge-like shape in a side view is shown in Fig. 5shown. The slats 7 are also connected via the stabilizing element 15. The narrow section of the wedge-shaped stabilizing strut 15 is arranged on the narrower slats 7, i.e., those slats 7 with a smaller width 7.1. The drawing also shows the positions of the rotation axes of the first pivot point 10 and the second pivot point 11 by means of dashed lines. These are the pivot points 10, 11 when the fan element 6 is installed in a housing of a card holder, such as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0118] Fig. 6shows an alternative embodiment of the fan element 6. Here, the stabilizing strut 15 is designed as a flat element. The stabilizing strut 15 is arranged such that the slats 7 protrude from the stabilizing strut. The stabilizing strut 15 forms an interface plane. The support surface of each slat is offset from the interface plane by the width of the slat, so that the slats border the interface plane with their narrow side and along their longitudinal direction. The slats 7 are thus completely supported along their longitudinal direction by the stabilizing strut. At least the first pivot point 10 of the fan element 6 is arranged on the stabilizing strut 15. This enables a narrower design of the fan element as well as improved guidance properties of the fan element when conveying the cards to an output position.Due to the flat dimensioning of the stabilizing strut 15, it is suitable to withstand the forces occurring at the pivot point 10.

[0119] In the Figs. 7 and 8Two exemplary embodiments of a guide element 9 designed as a support element 9A are shown, which here is designed as a guide carriage 9B. The fan element 6 is connected to the guide element 9 designed as a support element 9A via the first through-opening 17. A pivot pin, not visible in this illustration, is preferably arranged on the guide element 9 and is positioned within the first through-opening 17, by which pivot pin the position of the first pivot point 10 is determined in interaction with the first through-opening 17. The actuating element 8 is arranged on the guide element 9 designed as a guide carriage, wherein the movement of the actuating element 8 moves the guide element 9 and thus also displaces the first pivot point 10.

[0120] In these exemplary embodiments, the guide carriage 9B has a U-shape, in which a plate-shaped surface support element 9.1 is arranged between two smaller narrow sides 9.2 and connected to them. The plate-shaped surface support element 9.1 forms the central part of the U-shape.

[0121] Furthermore, on the guide carriage 9B in Fig. 7 Spring elements 20 are arranged, which are designed and arranged on the guide carriage 9B in such a way that they hold the cards (not shown here) in their position within the Fig. 8 Fix the housing shown.

[0122] In Fig. 8 An embodiment is shown in which the guide carriage has no spring elements. The plate-shaped surface support element 9.1 of the guide carriage 9B has a plurality of recesses 21.

[0123] A perspective view of a portion of a card holder 1, in which an upper portion of the housing is not shown, is shown in the Fig. 9A and 9B in a perspective view. The dispensing opening 4 is arranged at one end of the card holder 1, and the compartment element 6 is positioned at the section facing away from the dispensing opening 4. In Fig. 9A The guide element 9 is designed as a guide carriage 9B with spring elements 20. In Fig. 9B The guide element 9 is designed as a support element 9A, in particular as a guide carriage 9B with recesses 21 arranged on the plate-shaped surface support element 9.1. The actuating element 8 is arranged on a narrow side 9.2 of the guide carriage 9B.

[0124] This illustration shows only one housing section 3.1, i.e. a section of the housing 3. Connecting elements 22 are arranged on this housing section 3.1, which are designed and arranged such that by means of these connecting elements 22 this housing section 3.1 can be connected to another housing section designed correspondingly thereto.

[0125] In the Fig. 10A 10B and 10C Different embodiments of a guide element 9 designed as a support element 9A are shown. The variant in Fig. 10A a plate-shaped surface support element 9.1 connected to the fan element 6 and a narrow side 9.2. The actuating element 8 is arranged on the narrow side 9.2.

[0126] In Fig. 10BA guide carriage 9B is shown in which two parallel, plate-shaped surface support elements 9.1 are connected via a narrow side 9.2. Fig. 9C shows a guide element 9 with two plate-shaped surface support elements 9.1 and two narrow sides 9.2. One of the plate-shaped surface support elements 9.1 has a recess 21.

[0127] In the Fig. 11A and 11B The assembly of the housing sections and the support element arranged between them is shown. The support element has Fig. 11A recesses, while the plate-shaped surface support elements of the Fig. 11B shown support element are formed over the entire surface.

[0128] In Fig. 12A cross-sectional view of a bearing journal 23 arranged in a through-hole 17 of a guide element 9 is shown. This bearing journal has three protrusions 24. As a result, the longest chord 25 of the bearing journal cross-section is slightly increased compared to the diameter 25 of the bearing journal without protrusions. This increase is preferably in the range of up to 25%. This advantageously allows for low friction to be achieved while still ensuring a tight fit of the bearing journal 23 in the through-hole 17. List of reference symbols

[0129] 1Card holder, credit card holder 2Card 3Housing, container, receptacle 3aHousing narrow side 3bHousing front / rear 3.1Housing section 4Dispensing opening 5Dispensing device 6Compartment element 7Slat 7.1Width of the slats 8Actuating element 9Guide element 9ASupport element 9BGuide carriage 9.1Plate-shaped surface support element 9.2Narrow side 10First pivot point 11Second pivot point 12Guide rail 13Friction element 14Return element, return spring 15Stabilizing strut 16Reinforcement 17First through-opening 18Second through-opening 19Spacer element 20Spring element 21Recess 22Housing connecting element 23Bearing pin 24Protrusion 25Longest chord of the bearing journal 26Diameter of the bearing journal without protrusions VConnection area BWidth of the slat LLength of the fan element

Claims

1. Card holder (1) for cards (2), comprising - a housing (3) having a dispensing opening (4), - a dispensing device (5) for dispensing the cards (2) from the dispensing opening (4), comprising a compartment element (6) and an actuating element (8), wherein the actuating element (8) is operatively connected to the compartment element (6) in such a way that by actuating the actuating element (8) the cards (2) are dispensed by means of the compartment element (6), characterized in that the fan element (6) has slats (7) in at least one area for separating the cards (2) when they are dispensed, wherein the slats (7) are arranged offset from one another, wherein there is a space between the slats, and wherein the slats (7) have a width (B), wherein from one slat to the following slat the width decreases in the longitudinal direction of the fan element by a width difference.

2. Card holder (1) according to claim 1, wherein the slats (7) have a curved shape.

3. Card holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compartment element (6) has a stabilizing strut (15) for connecting the slats (7).

4. Card holder (1) according to claim 3, wherein the stabilizing strut (15) has a varying thickness along its longitudinal direction, and wherein the stabilizing strut (15) is preferably designed as a flat element.

5. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the compartment element (6) is rotatably mounted about a displaceable pivot point (10, 11).

6. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a guide element (9) operatively connected to the actuating element (8) is arranged on the card holder (1).

7. Card holder according to claim 6, wherein a bearing pin is arranged on the guide element (9) and is mounted in an opening, preferably a through opening (17), arranged on the compartment element (6).

8. Card holder according to claim 7, wherein the bearing pin has protrusions.

9. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuating element (8) is designed and arranged such that the actuation of the compartment element (6) takes place by means of a rotational or a translational movement of the actuating element (8).

10. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuating element (8) has a transmitter and wherein the compartment element (6) has an actuator, and wherein the actuating element (8) is electrically and / or electronically connected to the compartment element (6).

11. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the dispensing device (5) has a restoring element (14) which is operatively connected to the compartment element (6) in such a way that a restoring force acts on the compartment element (6).

12. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a friction element (13) is arranged on the housing (3) in the interior of the housing (3) in such a way that, when used as intended, it exerts a force on the cards arranged in the interior of the housing.

13. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the dispensing device (5) has a support element (9A), wherein the support element (9A) has at least one plate-shaped surface support element (9.1) arranged parallel to a first flat housing inner side (3b), wherein the plate-shaped surface support element (9.1) is designed in operative connection with the compartment element (6) in such a way that the plate-shaped surface support element (9.1) can be moved in the direction of the dispensing opening (4) by actuating the actuating element (8) together with the compartment element (6).

14. Card holder according to claim 13, wherein the support element (9A) has a narrow side (9.2), wherein the narrow side (9.2) is arranged parallel to a housing narrow side (3a).

15. Card holder (1) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the support element (9A) has spring elements (20) for fixing the cards (2).

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