Card issuing device

Abstract

To provide a card issuing device which can issue a card marked with a code in a short time.SOLUTION: A card issuing device 1 issues a card 2 marked with a code 2b on a first surface 2a on one side. The card issuing device 1 has: a card conveyance mechanism 5 for conveying the card 2 along a card conveyance path 50; a read-out mechanism 9 having an optical sensor 6 for reading out the code 2b at a read-out position R on the card conveyance path 50; a storage part 81 for storing card information at a description position W of the code 2b marked on the first surface 2a; and a control part 82 for controlling the card conveyance mechanism 5 so that the description position W of the code 2b is positioned at the read-out position R on the basis of the card information, and controlling the optical sensor 6 so that the code 2b is read out when the description position W of the code 2b is positioned at the read-out position R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a card issuing device that issues a card on which a code such as a barcode is written. [Background technology]

[0002] A card issuing device that issues cards on which magnetic information is recorded is described in Patent Document 1. The card issuing device in this document includes a card storage unit with multiple card cassettes that store cards, a card processing unit that performs processing for reading and writing magnetic information from and to cards, and a card transport unit that transports cards fed out of each card cassette to the card processing unit. The card storage unit, card transport unit, and card processing unit are arranged in this order in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple card cassettes are arranged.

[0003] The card storage section includes a card sending mechanism that sends cards one by one from each card cassette to the card transport section. The card transport section includes a carriage and a card transport mechanism that moves the carriage in the arrangement direction. The carriage is provided with a transport section that takes in cards sent out from the card cassettes and holds them in the carriage, and sends the cards from the carriage to the card processing section.

[0004] When issuing a card, the card issuing device first drives the card transport mechanism to position the carriage opposite a specific card cassette. The card issuing device also drives the card sending mechanism to send out a card from a specific card cassette in the perpendicular direction, and drives the transport unit to take the card sent out from the card cassette into the carriage. The card issuing device then drives the card transport mechanism to move the carriage to a position opposite the card processing unit. Thereafter, the card issuing device drives the drive unit to send the card from the carriage to the card processing unit. The card processing unit reads the magnetic information recorded on the card with a card reader, and records the necessary information on the card. The card issuing device then ejects (issues) the card from the card processing unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-41635 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a card with a barcode printed on its surface is issued as a membership card or the like, the barcode may be read when the card is issued, and the information in the read barcode may be linked to information about the member who owns the card.

[0007] When adding a barcode reading function to the card issuing device of Patent Document 1, it is possible to install an optical sensor equipped with a barcode reader between the card transport unit and the card processing unit. The card issuing device reads the barcode of the card with the optical sensor at a predetermined reading position on the card transport path of the card.

[0008] The position of the barcode on the front surface of the card varies depending on the card being handled, so the card issuing device must pass the card through the reading position from the front end to the back end and read the entire front surface with an optical sensor.

[0009] However, in this case, even if the barcode has not yet reached the reading position, the optical sensor needs to continue reading the front side, so the time required for the optical sensor to read the front side is longer than necessary.Similarly, even if the barcode has already passed the reading position, the optical sensor needs to continue reading the front side, so the time required for the optical sensor to read the front side is longer than necessary.As a result, the card issuing device has a problem of taking a long time to issue a card.

[0010] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a card issuing device capable of issuing a card bearing a code in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, a card issuing device of one embodiment of the present invention is a card issuing device that issues a card having a code written on a first surface on one side, and is characterized in having: a card transport mechanism that transports the card along a card transport path; a reading mechanism having an optical sensor that reads the code at a reading position on the card transport path; a memory unit that stores card information that is the position of the code written on the first surface; and a control unit that controls the card transport mechanism based on the card information so that the position of the code is located at the reading position, and issues the card by controlling the optical sensor to read the code when the position of the code is located at the reading position.

[0012] According to this aspect, the control unit controls the card transport mechanism and the optical sensor based on the card information stored in the memory unit, so that the time it takes for the optical sensor to read the card code is not longer than necessary, and as a result, the card issuing device can reduce the time it takes to issue a card.

[0013] In this aspect, it is preferable that the reading mechanism includes an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor relative to the card, and the control unit controls the angle adjustment mechanism based on the card information when issuing the card so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle. In this way, the control unit can optimize the reading angle based on the card information stored in the memory unit.

[0014] In this aspect, the control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, and when storing the card information in the storage unit, the control unit preferably controls the angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor within a predetermined angle range while controlling the optical sensor to read the first surface located at the reading position, grasps the writing position from the read first surface, and stores the grasped writing position in the storage unit as the card information. In this way, the card issuing device can store card information of various cards with different code writing positions in the storage unit even if card information is not stored in the storage unit in advance.

[0015] In this aspect, the control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, and when storing the card information in the storage unit, the control unit preferably controls the card transport mechanism to pass the card from the front end to the rear end through the reading position, while controlling the optical sensor to read the first side located at the reading position, grasps the writing position from the read first side, and stores the grasped writing position in the storage unit as the card information. In this way, the card issuing device can store card information of various cards with different code writing positions in the storage unit, even if card information is not stored in the storage unit in advance.

[0016] In this embodiment, a card storage section for storing a plurality of the cards, and a card ejection mechanism for ejecting the card from the card ejection mechanism to the card transport mechanism.

[0017] In this aspect, the card storage section includes a first card storage section in which a first card is stored as the card, and a second card storage section in which a second card is stored as the card, and when the control section stores the card information in the memory section, the control section stores the card information of the first card and the card information of the second card in the memory section, and when issuing the first card from the first card storage section, the control section issues the first card based on the card information of the first card, and when issuing the second card from the second card storage section, the control section issues the second card based on the card information of the second card. In this way, the card issuing device can issue cards having different positions of the code based on the card information when issuing each of the cards, and can set the issuance time of the card corresponding to the card to be issued. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to this aspect, the control unit can control the card transport mechanism and the optical sensor based on the card information stored in the memory unit, so that the time it takes for the optical sensor to read the code on the card is not longer than necessary, and the card issuing device can shorten the time it takes to issue a card. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a card issuing device of embodiment 1, seen from above. [Diagram 2] 1 is an external perspective view of a card issuing device according to a first embodiment, seen from below. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the card issuing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a card issuing device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a card. [Figure 6] 4 is a plan view of the card storage section and the card ejection mechanism. FIG. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optical sensor and a rotation mechanism as viewed from one side. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a card issuing device of a second embodiment, seen from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a card issuing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] An embodiment of the card issuing device of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, three mutually perpendicular directions are defined as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. One side of the X direction is defined as the X1 direction, and the other side as the X2 direction. One side of the Y direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the other side as the Y2 direction. One side of the Z direction is defined as the Z1 direction, and the other side as the Z2 direction. The X direction is the front-to-rear direction of the card issuing device. The X1 direction is the front, and the X2 direction is the rear. The Y direction is the width direction of the card issuing device. The Y1 direction is one side in the width direction. The Y2 direction is the other side in the width direction. The Z direction is the up-down direction of the card issuing device. The Z1 direction is the downward direction, and the Z2 direction is the upward direction.

[0021] (Embodiment 1) (Overall composition) Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the card issuing device 1 of embodiment 1 as viewed from above. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the card issuing device 1 of embodiment 1 as viewed from below. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the card issuing device 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the card issuing device 1 of embodiment 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a card 2.

[0022] The card issuing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is communicably connected to a higher-level device (not shown). The card issuing device 1 issues a card 2 as a membership card based on a card issuance command from a higher-level device. As shown in (a) to (e) of FIG. 5, the card 2 has a code 2b written on a first surface 2a on one side. The code 2b is a barcode which is a one-dimensional code 2c, or a QR code (registered trademark) which is a two-dimensional code 2d. The position W of the code 2b written on the first surface 2a varies depending on the card 2 used. Also, some cards 2 have a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code written on them.

[0023] 1 to 4, card issuing device 1 has a card storage section 3 that stores a plurality of cards 2 before being issued, a card sending mechanism 4 that sends out cards 2 from card storage section 3, a card transport mechanism 5 that transports cards 2 sent out from card sending mechanism 4 toward card discharge port 10, and a reading mechanism 9. Reading mechanism 9 includes an optical sensor 6 that reads code 2b marked on first surface 2a of card 2 at reading position R of card transport path 50, and an angle adjustment mechanism 7 that adjusts the reading angle of optical sensor 6 with respect to card 2.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the card issuing device 1 includes a storage unit 81 and a control unit 82. The storage unit 81 includes a memory and the like. The storage unit 81 stores card information, which is the position W of the code 2b written on the first surface 2a. The control unit 82 includes a processor, a memory and the like. The control unit 82 controls the card sending mechanism 4, the card transport mechanism 5, the optical sensor 6 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7. The storage unit 81 and the control unit 82 are provided on a substrate 8. The substrate 8 is disposed in the Y1 direction of the card transport mechanism 5.

[0025] (Card storage section) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the card storage section 3 includes a card stack section 31. The card stack section 31 extends in the Z direction in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is partially open in the Y1 direction. A plurality of cards 2 are stored inside the card stack section 31. The cards 2 are stored from the Z2 direction of the card stack section 31. Of the stored cards 2, those having the same position W of the code 2b are stored in the card stack section 31. In this embodiment, the cards 2 are stored in the card stack section 31 with the first surface 2a facing the Z1 direction.

[0026] (Card ejection mechanism) FIG. 6 is a plan view of the card storage section 3 and the card ejection mechanism 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the card ejection mechanism 4 is provided in the Z1 direction of the card storage section 3. The card ejection mechanism 4 is attached to the X2 direction side of the base member 20. The card ejection mechanism 4 ejects the bottom card 2 of the cards 2 stacked in the card stack section 31 in the X1 direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the card ejection mechanism 4 includes a slit 41 extending in the X direction provided on the bottom surface of the card stack section 31, and a card ejection claw 42 disposed in the slit 41. The card ejection claw 42 engages with an edge of the bottom card 2 of the cards 2 stacked in the card stack section 31 from the X2 direction.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the card ejection mechanism 4 includes a chain drive mechanism 43 that moves the card ejection claw 42 in the X direction, and a motor 44 that drives the chain drive mechanism 43. As shown in Fig. 2, the drive force of the motor 44 is transmitted to a drive pulley 46 of the chain drive mechanism 43 via a belt 45. When the drive pulley 46 rotates, a chain 47 meshed with the drive pulley 46 is driven. The card ejection claw 42 is fixed to the chain 47.

[0028] Here, the recovery section 30 is provided on the Z1 direction side of the card stack section 31. The card 2 returned from the card transport mechanism 5 to the X2 direction side is sent into the recovery section 30 by a guide member 36. The guide member 36 is an elastic plate member. When the card 2 is sent out in the X1 direction, the guiding member 36 is pressed down in the Z1 direction by the card 2 coming into contact with it, and the card 2 is sent out to the card transport mechanism 5. Once the card 2 is sent out, the guiding member 36 returns in the Z2 direction, and is in a state where it guides the card 2, which is being returned from the card transport mechanism 5 to the X2 direction, to the collection unit 30.

[0029] (Card transport mechanism) As shown in Fig. 4, the card transport mechanism 5 transports the card 2 along a card transport path 50 connected to the card ejection opening 10. The card ejection opening 10 is disposed in the X1 direction of the card transport mechanism 5. The card transport path 50 extends in the X direction from the X1 direction side of the card sending mechanism 4 to the card ejection opening 10. A reading position R is set on the card transport path 50 where the optical sensor 6 reads the code 2b displayed on the first surface 2a of the card 2.

[0030] The card transport mechanism 5 is attached to the X1-direction side of the base member 20. The card transport mechanism 5 includes two drive rollers 51 arranged along the card transport path 50, two driven rollers 52 arranged along the card transport path 50, and a motor 53 for rotating the drive roller 51. The drive roller 51 is located in the Z2 direction of the card transport path 50. The driven roller 52 is located in the Z1 direction of the card transport path 50 and faces the drive roller 51. As shown in FIG. 2, the drive roller 51 is connected to the drive pulley 54 via a shaft. The driving force of the motor 53 is transmitted to the drive pulley 54 via a belt 55. When the drive pulley 54 rotates, the drive roller 51 rotates together with the drive pulley 54. When the drive roller 51 rotates, the card 2 moves along the card transport path 50.

[0031] (Optical sensor) Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the optical sensor 6 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7 as viewed from one side. The optical sensor 6 shown in Fig. 7 is, for example, an image sensor. As shown in Fig. 4, the optical sensor 6 is located in the Z1 direction of the reading position R of the card transport path 50, irradiates illumination light toward the card 2 to obtain an image of the code 2b, and obtains information about these codes through image analysis. When the optical sensor 6 reads information from the card 2, it transmits the read information to a higher-level device.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, the optical sensor 6 has a reading surface 60. The reading surface 60 is, for example, a lens or a cover glass. The position of the reading surface 60 coincides with the reading position R in the Z-axis direction. The optical sensor 6 is provided with a flexible wiring board 61 drawn out from the optical sensor 6. The flexible wiring board 61 is electrically connected to a board 62. The board 62 is electrically connected to a board 8 by a flexible wiring board or the like. The board 62 is attached to a support member 15. The support member 15 is fixed to a base member 20. The support member 15 has a first wall portion 16, a second wall portion 17, a third wall portion 18, and a fourth wall portion 19 that form a rectangular frame shape. The first wall portion 16 is located in the Y1 direction and faces the second wall portion 17. The first wall portion 16 and the second wall portion 17 are fixed to the base member 20 and extend from the base member 20 in the Z2 direction. The third wall 18 bends in the Y1 direction from the X1-direction end of the second wall 17 and is connected by screws to a portion of the first wall 16 bent in the Y2 direction from the X1-direction end. The fourth wall 19 bends in the Y1 direction from the X2-direction end of the second wall 17 and is connected by screws to a portion of the first wall 16 bent in the Y2 direction from the X2-direction end. The substrate 62 is attached to the surface of the second wall 17 on the Y2-direction side.

[0033] (Angle adjustment mechanism) The angle adjustment mechanism 7 is capable of rotating the optical sensor 6 between a position where the reading surface 60 of the optical sensor 6 faces the Z2 direction and a position where the reading surface 60 faces the Z1 direction. In other words, the angle adjustment mechanism 7 is capable of rotating the optical sensor 6 by 180°. When the optical sensor 6 reads information from the card 2, the angle adjustment mechanism 7 positions the reading surface 60 of the optical sensor 6 so that it faces the Z2 direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the angle adjustment mechanism 7 is fixed to the support member 15. The angle adjustment mechanism 7 includes a holder 71 that holds the optical sensor 6, and a drive unit 72 that rotates the holder 71 about a rotation axis L.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7, the holder 71 includes a first plate portion 73, a second plate portion 74 bent in the radial direction from an end portion of the first plate portion 73 in the X1 direction, a third plate portion 75 bent in the radial direction from an end portion of the first plate portion 73 in the X2 direction, and a fourth plate portion 76 facing the first plate portion 73. The holder 71 rotates about the rotation axis L with the second plate portion 74 supported by the shaft member 13 on the third wall portion 18 and the third plate portion 75 connected to the shaft portion of the output gear 782 by a screw. The second plate portion 74 and the third plate portion 75 include a protrusion portion 70 protruding radially outward from the fourth plate portion 76. The optical sensor 6 is fixed to the first plate portion 73 by a screw.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 7, the drive unit 72 includes a motor 77 and a gear train 78 that transmits the drive force of the motor 77 to the holder 71. The motor 77 is a DC motor and includes an encoder 79. The motor 77 is fixed to the fourth wall portion 19 with a screw. The gear train 78 includes a pinion 781 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 77, and an output gear 782 meshing with the pinion 781. The X1 direction side of the shaft portion of the output gear 782 is connected to the holder 71 with a screw. The X2 direction side of the shaft portion of the output gear 782 is rotatably supported by the fourth wall portion 19.

[0036] Here, the support member 15 is provided with a position detection sensor 11 that detects that the optical sensor 6 is located at a position facing the Z2 direction and a position facing the Z1 direction. In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 11 is a transmission type photosensor. The position detection sensor 11 is electrically connected to the substrate 8 by a flexible wiring board or the like. The position detection sensor 11 includes a position detection sensor 11A provided on the surface of the first wall portion 16 on the Y2 direction side, and a position detection sensor 11B provided on the surface of the second wall portion 17 on the Y1 direction side. When the optical sensor 6 is located at a position facing the Z2 direction, the protrusion 70 of the third plate portion 75 blocks the light of the position detection sensor 11A, so that the position detection sensor 11A detects that the optical sensor 6 is located at a position facing the Z2 direction. When the optical sensor 6 is positioned facing the Z1 direction, the protrusion 70 of the third plate portion 75 blocks the light of the position detection sensor 11B, so that the position detection sensor 11B detects that the optical sensor 6 is positioned facing the Z1 direction.

[0037] In addition, a restricting member 14 is provided on the support member 15. The restricting member 14 is located in the Z2 direction from the holder 71, and is fixed to the surface of the third wall portion 18 on the X2 direction side. The restricting member 14 restricts the rotation range of the holder 71 by being abutted by the protruding portion 70 of the second plate portion 74.

[0038] (Card device operation) Next, a description will be given of the operation of the card issuing device 1. The card issuing device operates according to an operation command from a higher-level device. The operation command is input to the control unit 82.

[0039] First, a description will be given of the operation of storing card information of card 2 in storage unit 81. When a new card 2 is stored in card storage unit 3 or when a card 2 is issued by card issuing device 1, control unit 82 can store card information in storage unit 81 in response to an operation command from the device.

[0040] When an operational command to store the card information of the card 2 in the memory unit 81 is input to the control unit 82 , the control unit 82 drives the card ejection mechanism 4 to eject the card 2 from the card stack unit 31 to the card transport mechanism 5 .

[0041] When the card 2 is sent to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 detects whether the front end of the card 2 is The control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 so that the card 2 is moved to the position R. Next, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. The predetermined angle range is about ±10° with respect to the Z direction, which is the reading direction of the optical sensor 6. When the optical sensor 6 reads the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 so that the card 2 is transported slightly, and then controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. The control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5, the optical sensor 6, and the angle adjustment mechanism 7 until the rear end of the card 2 passes the reading position R.

[0042] When the rear end of the card 2 passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops controlling the optical sensor 6 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7, and determines the position W of the code 2b from the read first surface 2a, and stores the determined position W of the code 2b as card information in the memory unit 81. The card 2 that has passed the reading position R is discharged from the card discharge slot 10.

[0043] Next, a description will be given of the issuing operation of the card 2. When an operational command to issue a card 2 is input to the control unit 82, the control unit 82 drives the card sending mechanism 4 to send the card 2 from the card stack unit 31 to the card transport mechanism 5.

[0044] When the card 2 is sent to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 based on the card information stored in the memory unit 81 so that the writing position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R.

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle based on the card information stored in the memory unit 81. Here, the predetermined angle is the optimum angle for the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b, and differs depending on the position W of the code 2b. This adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 to the optimum angle for reading the code 2b.

[0046] Next, the control unit 82 controls the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b when the written position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R. At this time, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to transport the card 2 little by little, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b located at the reading position R. When the written position W of the code 2b passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops the reading control of the optical sensor 6 and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to issue the card 2 from the card discharge slot 10.

[0047] (Action and effect) The card issuing device 1 issues a card 2 having a code 2b written on a first surface 2a on one side. The card issuing device 1 has a card transport mechanism 5 that transports the card 2 along a card transport path 50, a reading mechanism 9 having an optical sensor 6 that reads the code 2b at a reading position R on the card transport path 50, a storage unit 81 that stores card information that is the position W of the code 2b written on the first surface 2a, and a control unit 82 that controls the card transport mechanism 5 based on the card information so that the position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R, and issues a card by controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b when the position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 and the optical sensor 6 based on the card information stored in the memory unit 81, so that the time it takes for the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b of the card 2 is not longer than necessary. As a result, the card issuing device 1 can shorten the time it takes to issue the card 2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the reading mechanism 9 includes an angle adjustment mechanism 7 that adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 with respect to the card 2. When issuing the card 2, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 based on the card information so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle. This allows the control unit 82 to optimize the reading angle based on the card information stored in the memory unit 81.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control unit 82 can store card information in the storage unit 81. When storing card information in the storage unit 81, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to pass the card 2 from the front end to the rear end through the reading position R, and while controlling the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, controls the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, grasps the writing position W from the read first surface 2a, and stores the grasped writing position W in the storage unit 81 as card information. In this way, the card issuing device 1 can store card information of various cards 2 having different writing positions W of the code 2b in the storage unit 81 even if the card information is not stored in the storage unit 81 in advance. In addition, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to control the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, so that the writing position W can be accurately grasped from the read first surface 2a.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) Next, a card issuing device 1A of embodiment 2 will be described. The card issuing device 1A of embodiment 2 differs from the card issuing device 1 of embodiment 1 in that a plurality of card storage sections 3 are provided. Therefore, in embodiment 2, the same components as those in embodiment 1 may be given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof may be omitted. Fig. 8 is an external perspective view of card issuing device 1A of embodiment 2. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of card issuing device 1A of embodiment 2.

[0052] 8 and 9, the card issuing device 1A has a plurality of card storage units 3, a card ejection mechanism 4 that ejects a card 2 from the card storage units 3, a carriage mechanism 91, a card transport mechanism 5, and a reading mechanism 9. The reading mechanism 9 is fixed to a frame 26 attached to the Y2-direction end of the carriage mechanism 91. The reading mechanism 9 has an optical sensor 6 that reads the code 2b marked on the first surface 2a of the card 2 at a reading position R of the card transport path 50, and an angle adjustment mechanism 7 that adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 with respect to the card 2.

[0053] The card issuing device 1A includes a memory unit 81 and a control unit 82. The control unit 82 controls the card dispensing mechanism 4, the card transport mechanism 5, the carriage mechanism 91, the optical sensor 6, and the angle adjustment mechanism 7. The memory unit 81 and the control unit 82 are provided on a substrate 8. The substrate 8 is disposed below the card dispensing mechanism 4 in the Y1 direction.

[0054] (Card storage section) As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, a plurality of card storage sections 3 are provided. The card storage section 3 includes a first card storage section 3A, a second card storage section 3B, and a third card storage section 3C. The first card storage section 3A, the second card storage section 3B, and the third card storage section 3C are arranged in this order in the Y1 direction. The first card storage section 3A, the second card storage section 3B, and the third card storage section 3C each include two card stack sections 31 arranged in the X direction. In this embodiment, the first card storage section 3A stores a first card 21 as the card 2, the second card storage section 3B stores a second card 22 as the card 2, and the third card storage section 3C stores a third card 23 as the card 2. The first card 21, the second card 22, and the third card 23 have different positions W of the code 2b. Therefore, the card issuing device 1A issues three types of cards 2 with different positions W of the code 2b. It is possible to do so.

[0055] (Card ejection mechanism) 8, the card sending mechanism 4 includes a first card sending mechanism 4A, a second card sending mechanism 4B, and a third card sending mechanism 4C. The first card sending mechanism 4A, the second card sending mechanism 4B, and the third card sending mechanism 4C are arranged in this order in the Y1 direction. Two of each of the first card sending mechanism 4A, the second card sending mechanism 4B, and the third card sending mechanism 4C are provided.

[0056] 9, the driving force of a motor 49 is transmitted to a driving pulley 46 of a chain driving mechanism 43 via a transmission gear 48. When the driving pulley 46 rotates, a chain 47 meshed with the driving pulley 46 is driven. The card ejection claw 42 is fixed to the chain 47.

[0057] (Carriage mechanism) 8, the carriage mechanism 91 includes a carriage 92 and a carriage movement mechanism 93 that moves the carriage 92 along a carriage transport path 94. The carriage transport path 94 extends in the Y direction along the X1 direction of the card storage unit 3. The carriage 92 is provided with a card transport mechanism 5.

[0058] A plurality of take-in positions E are set on one side of each card storage section 3 in the X direction on the carriage transport path 94, where the cards 2 fed out from each card storage section 3 are taken into the carriage 92. In this embodiment, the take-in positions E are set on the X1 direction of each card storage section 3. Therefore, the take-in positions E are provided at three locations on the carriage transport path 94.

[0059] The carriage movement mechanism 93 includes two guide shafts 95 extending parallel to the Y direction along the carriage transport path 94, and a belt mechanism 96 that moves the carriage 92 along the guide shafts 95. The belt mechanism 96 includes a carriage motor 97 as a drive source. The two guide shafts 95 are supported by a pair of support frames 25 extending in the Z2 direction from the base member 20 at both ends of the carriage transport path 94 in the Y direction. The carriage 92 is fixed to a carriage belt 98 of the belt mechanism 96. When moving the carriage 92 along the carriage transport path 94, the control unit 82 drives and controls the carriage motor 97.

[0060] (Card transport mechanism) 8 and 9, the card transport mechanism 5 is provided on a frame 920 of the carriage 92. The card transport mechanism 5 transports the card 2 along a card transport path 50 connected to the card ejection port 10. The card transport path 50 extends in the X direction. When the carriage 92 is located at an end portion in the Y2 direction, a reading position R is set on the card transport path 50 where the optical sensor 6 reads the code 2b displayed on the first surface 2a of the card 2.

[0061] The card transport mechanism 5 includes two drive rollers 510 arranged along the card transport path 50, two driven rollers 520 arranged along the card transport path 50, and a motor 530 that rotates the drive roller 510. The drive roller 510 is located in the Z1 direction of the card transport path 50. The driven roller 52 is located in the Z2 direction of the card transport path 50 and faces the drive roller 51. The driving force of the motor 530 is transmitted to the drive roller 510 via a gear train (not shown). As the drive roller 51 rotates, the card 2 moves along the card transport path 50.

[0062] (Optical sensor) 9, the optical sensor 6 is located in the Z2 direction at the end portion in the Y2 direction on the carriage transport path 94. In this embodiment, the optical sensor 6 detects the card 2 located in the Z1 direction. The optical sensor 6 shines illumination light toward the card 2 to capture an image of the code 2b, and then performs image analysis to obtain information about the code. When the optical sensor 6 reads information from the card 2, it transmits the read information to a host device.

[0063] (Angle adjustment mechanism) The angle adjustment mechanism 7 can rotate the optical sensor 6 between a position where the reading surface 60 of the optical sensor 6 faces the Z2 direction and a position where the reading surface 60 faces the Z1 direction. When the optical sensor 6 reads information from the card 2, the angle adjustment mechanism 7 positions the reading surface 60 of the optical sensor 6 in the Z1 direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the angle adjustment mechanism 7 is fixed to the support member 15. The angle adjustment mechanism 7 includes a holder 71 that holds the optical sensor 6, and a drive unit 72 that rotates the holder 71 about a rotation axis L.

[0064] (Card device operation) Next, the operation of the card issuing device 1A will be described. The card issuing device 1A operates according to an operation command from a higher-level device. The operation command is input to the control unit 82.

[0065] First, a description will be given of the operation of storing card information of each card 2 in the memory unit 81. When a new card 2 is stored in each card storage unit 3, or when a card 2 is issued by the card issuing device 1A, the control unit 82 can store the card information in the memory unit 81 in response to an operation command from the device.

[0066] When an operation command for storing card information of the first card 21 held in the first card holding unit 3A in the memory unit 81 is input to the control unit 82, the control unit 82 drives the carriage movement mechanism 93 to position the carriage 92 at the take-in position E located in the X1 direction of the first card holding unit 3A. Next, the control unit 82 drives the first card sending mechanism 4A to send the first card 21 from the card stack unit 31 of the first card holding unit 3A to the take-in position E. In parallel with this, the control unit 82 drives and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to take the first card 21 being fed out into the carriage 92.

[0067] When the first card 21 is sent to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 so that the front end of the first card 21 is positioned at the reading position R. Next, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. The predetermined angle range is about ±10° with respect to the Z direction, which is the reading direction of the optical sensor 6. When the optical sensor 6 reads the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 so as to transport the first card 21 slightly, and then controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. The control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5, the optical sensor 6, and the angle adjustment mechanism 7 until the rear end of the first card 21 passes the reading position R.

[0068] When the rear end of the first card 21 passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops controlling the optical sensor 6 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7, and determines the position W of the code 2b from the read first surface 2a, and stores the determined position W of the code 2b as card information in the memory unit 81. At this time, the stored card information is stored in the memory unit 81 in association with the information of the first card storage unit 3A.

[0069] When an operation command for storing the card information of the second card 22 stored in the second card storage unit 3B in the memory unit 81 is input to the control unit 82, the control unit 82 drives the carriage moving mechanism 93 to move the carriage 92 to the take-in position E located in the X1 direction of the second card storage unit 3B. Next, the control unit 82 drives the second card ejection mechanism 4B to eject the second card 22 from the card stack section 31 of the second card storage section 3B to the intake position E. In parallel with this, the control unit 82 drives and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to take in the second card 22 that is being fed out into the carriage 92.

[0070] When the second card 22 is sent out to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 controls the carriage mechanism 91 to move the carriage 92 to the end portion in the Y2 direction. When the carriage 92 moves to the end portion in the Y2 direction, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 so that the front end of the second card 22 is positioned at the reading position R. Next, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. When the optical sensor 6 reads the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to transport the second card 22 slightly, and then controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R. The control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5, the optical sensor 6, and the angle adjustment mechanism 7 until the rear end of the second card 22 passes the reading position R.

[0071] When the rear end of the second card 22 passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops controlling the optical sensor 6 and the angle adjustment mechanism 7, and determines the position W of the code 2b from the read first surface 2a, and stores the determined position W of the code 2b as card information in the memory unit 81. At this time, the stored card information is stored in the memory unit 81 in association with the information of the second card storage unit 3B.

[0072] When an operation command is input to the control unit 82 to store the card information of the third card 23 stored in the third card storage unit 3C in the memory unit 81, the control unit 82 performs control similar to that in the case of storing the card information of the second card 22 stored in the second card storage unit 3B in the memory unit 81. Thereafter, the control unit 82 determines the position W of the code 2b from the read first surface 2a, and stores the determined position W of the code 2b as card information in the memory unit 81. At this time, the stored card information is stored in the memory unit 81 in association with the information of the third card storage unit 3C.

[0073] Next, the issuing operation of each card 2 will be described. When an operation command to issue the first card 21 housed in the first card housing unit 3A is input to the control unit 82, the control unit 82 drives the carriage movement mechanism 93 to place the carriage 92 at the take-in position E located in the X1 direction of the first card housing unit 3A. Next, the control unit 82 drives the first card sending mechanism 4A to send out the first card 21 from the card stack unit 31 of the first card housing unit 3A to the take-in position E. In parallel with this, the control unit 82 drives and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to take in the first card 21 being fed out into the carriage 92.

[0074] When the first card 21 is sent to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 based on the card information of the first card 21 stored in the memory unit 81 so that the writing position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R.

[0075] Furthermore, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle based on the card information of the first card 21 stored in the memory unit 81. This adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 to an optimal angle for reading the code 2b.

[0076] Next, the control unit 82 controls the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b when the written position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R. At this time, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to transport the first card 21 little by little, while moving the written position W of the code 2b to the reading position R. When the position W of the code 2b passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops the reading control of the optical sensor 6 and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to issue the first card 21 from the card discharge slot 10.

[0077] When an operation command to issue the second card 22 held in the second card holding unit 3B is input to the control unit 82, the control unit 82 drives the carriage movement mechanism 93 to position the carriage 92 at the take-in position E located in the X1 direction of the second card holding unit 3B. Next, the control unit 82 drives the second card sending mechanism 4B to send the second card 22 from the card stack unit 31 of the second card holding unit 3B to the take-in position E. In parallel with this, the control unit 82 drives and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to take the second card 22 being fed out into the carriage 92.

[0078] When the second card 22 is sent out to the card transport mechanism 5, the control unit 82 controls the carriage mechanism 91 to move the carriage 92 to the end portion in the Y2 direction. When the carriage 92 moves to the end portion in the Y2 direction, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 based on the card information of the second card 22 stored in the memory unit 81 so that the writing position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 82 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle based on the card information of the second card 22 stored in the memory unit 81. This adjusts the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 to an optimal angle for reading the code 2b.

[0080] Next, when the written position W of the code 2b is located at the reading position R, the control unit 82 controls the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b. At this time, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to transport the second card 22 little by little, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the code 2b located at the reading position R. When the written position W of the code 2b passes the reading position R, the control unit 82 stops the reading control of the optical sensor 6 and controls the card transport mechanism 5 to issue the second card 22 from the card discharge slot 10.

[0081] When an operational command to issue the third card 23 stored in the third card storage section 3C is input to the control section 82, the control section 82 performs control similar to that in the case of issuing the second card 22 stored in the second card storage section 3B.

[0082] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the card storage section 3 includes a first card storage section 3A in which a first card 21 is stored as the card 2, and a second card storage section 3B in which a second card 22 is stored as the card 2. When storing card information in the storage section 81, the control section 82 stores the card information of the first card 21 and the card information of the second card 22 in the storage section 81. When issuing the first card 21 from the first card storage section 3A, the control section 82 issues the first card 21 based on the card information of the first card 21, and when issuing the second card 22 from the second card storage section 3B, the control section 82 issues the second card 22 based on the card information of the second card 22. In this way, when the card issuing device 1A is capable of issuing two or more types of cards 2 with different positions W of the code 2b, the card issuing device 1A can issue the cards 2 based on the card information of each card, and can set the issuance time of the card corresponding to the card 2 to be issued.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first card storage section 3A, the second card storage section 3B, and the third card storage section 3C may all store cards of the same type. Alternatively, two of the three card storage sections 3 may store cards of the same type, and the remaining card storage section 3 may store cards of a different type.

[0084] (Modification) In the above embodiment, when the control unit 82 stores the card information in the memory unit 81, the control unit 82 controls the card transport mechanism 5 to pass the card 2 from the front end to the rear end through the reading position R, and controls the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, grasps the writing position W from the read first surface 2a, and stores the grasped writing position W in the memory unit 81 as card information, but is not limited to this. For example, when the control unit 82 stores the card information in the memory unit 81, the control unit 82 may control the angle adjustment mechanism 7 to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor 6 within a predetermined angle range while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, grasps the writing position W from the read first surface 2a, and stores the grasped writing position W in the memory unit 81 as card information. In this way, the control unit 82 can grasp the writing position W from the read first surface 2a by controlling only the angle adjustment mechanism 7.

[0085] Furthermore, when storing card information in the memory unit 81, the control unit 82 may control the card transport mechanism 5 to pass the card 2 from the front end to the rear end through the reading position R, while controlling the optical sensor 6 to read the first surface 2a located at the reading position R, determine the writing position W from the read first surface 2a, and store the determined writing position W as card information in the memory unit 81. In this way, the control unit 82 can determine the writing position W from the read first surface 2a by controlling only the card transport mechanism 5.

[0086] The present technology can be configured as follows.

[0087] (1) A card issuing device that issues a card having a code written on a first side of the card, a card transport mechanism that transports the card along a card transport path; a reading mechanism including an optical sensor that reads the code at a reading position on the card transport path; a memory unit that stores card information, which is the position of the code written on the first surface; a control unit that controls the card transport mechanism so that the writing position of the code is located at the reading position based on the card information, and issues the card by controlling the optical sensor to read the code when the writing position of the code is located at the reading position.

[0088] (2) the reading mechanism includes an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts a reading angle of the optical sensor relative to the card, The card issuing device described in (1) is characterized in that, when issuing the card, the control unit controls the angle adjustment mechanism based on the card information so that the reading angle is a predetermined angle.

[0089] (3) The control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, The card issuing device described in (2) is characterized in that, when storing the card information in the memory unit, the control unit controls the angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor to read the first surface located at the reading position, determines the writing position from the read first surface, and stores the determined writing position in the memory unit as the card information.

[0090] (4) The control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, The card issuing device described in (1) or (3) is characterized in that, when storing the card information in the memory unit, the control unit controls the card transport mechanism to pass the card from the front end to the rear end through the reading position, while controlling the optical sensor to read the first surface located at the reading position, determines the writing position from the read first surface, and stores the determined writing position in the memory unit as the card information.

[0091] (5) a card storage section for storing a plurality of the cards; The card issuing device according to (3) or (4), further comprising a card sending mechanism that sends out the card from the card storage section to the card transport mechanism.

[0092] (6) the card storage section includes a first card storage section in which a first card is stored as the card, and a second card storage section in which a second card is stored as the card, When causing the control unit to store the card information in the storage unit, the control unit stores the card information of the first card and the card information of the second card in the storage unit, respectively; The card issuing device described in (5) is characterized in that, when issuing the first card from the first card storage section, the control unit issues the first card based on the card information of the first card, and, when issuing the second card from the second card storage section, the control unit issues the second card based on the card information of the second card. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...1A...card issuing device, 2...card, 2a...first surface, 2b...code, 2c...one-dimensional code, 2d...two-dimensional code, 3...card storage section, 3A...first card storage section, 3B...second card storage section, 3C...third card storage section, 4...card ejection mechanism, 4A...first card ejection mechanism, 4B...second card ejection mechanism, 4C...third card ejection mechanism, 5...card transport mechanism, 6...optical sensor, 7...angle adjustment mechanism, 8...substrate, 9...reading mechanism, 10...card card ejection port, 11, 11A, 11B...position detection sensor, 13...shaft member, 14...regulating member, 15...support member, 16...first wall portion, 17...second wall portion, 18...third wall portion, 19...fourth wall portion, 20...base member, 21...first card, 22...second card, 23...third card, 25...support frame, 26...frame, 30...collection section, 31...card stack section, 36...guide member, 41...slit, 42...card ejection claw, 43...chain drive mechanism, 44...motor, 45...belt, 46...driving pulley, 47...chain, 48...transmission gear, 49...motor, 50...card transport path, 51...driving roller, 52...driven roller, 53...motor, 54...driving pulley, 55...belt, 60...reading surface, 61...flexible wiring board, 62...board, 70...protruding portion, 71...holder, 72...driving portion, 73...first plate portion, 74...second plate portion, 75...third plate portion, 76...fourth plate portion, 77...motor, 78...gear train, 79...encoder, 81...memory unit, 82...control unit, 91...carriage mechanism, 92...carriage, 93...carriage moving mechanism, 94...carriage conveying path, 95...guide shaft, 96...belt mechanism, 97...carriage motor, 98...carriage belt, 510...drive roller, 520...driven roller, 530...motor, 781...pinion, 782...output gear, 920...frame, E...take-in position, L...rotation shaft, R...reading position, W...writing position.

Claims

1. A card issuing device that issues a card having a code written on a first side of the card, a card transport mechanism that transports the card along a card transport path; a reading mechanism including an optical sensor that reads the code at a reading position on the card transport path; a memory unit that stores card information, which is the position of the code written on the first surface; a control unit that controls the card transport mechanism so that the writing position of the code is located at the reading position based on the card information, and issues the card by controlling the optical sensor to read the code when the writing position of the code is located at the reading position.

2. the reading mechanism includes an angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts a reading angle of the optical sensor relative to the card, 2. The card issuing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the angle adjustment mechanism so that the reading angle becomes a predetermined angle based on the card information when issuing the card.

3. The control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, The card issuing device described in claim 2, characterized in that when storing the card information in the memory unit, the control unit controls the angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the reading angle of the optical sensor within a predetermined angle range, while controlling the optical sensor to read the first surface located at the reading position, determines the writing position from the read first surface, and stores the determined writing position in the memory unit as the card information.

4. The control unit is capable of storing the card information in the storage unit, The card issuing device of claim 1, characterized in that, when storing the card information in the memory unit, the control unit controls the card transport mechanism to pass the card from its front end to its rear end through the reading position, while controlling the optical sensor to read the first surface located at the reading position, determines the writing position from the read first surface, and stores the determined writing position in the memory unit as the card information.

5. a card storage section for storing a plurality of the cards; 5. The card issuing device according to claim 3, further comprising a card sending mechanism which sends out the card from the card storage section to the card transport mechanism.

6. the card storage section includes a first card storage section in which a first card is stored as the card, and a second card storage section in which a second card is stored as the card, When causing the control unit to store the card information in the storage unit, the control unit stores the card information of the first card and the card information of the second card in the storage unit, respectively; The card issuing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, when issuing the first card from the first card storage section, the control unit issues the first card based on the card information of the first card, and, when issuing the second card from the second card storage section, the control unit issues the second card based on the card information of the second card.

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