Manual IC card reader and manual card reader

Abstract

A manual IC card reader has a recess at a frame constructing a card insertion slot in the card insertion direction for inserting and removing a card. The card insertion slot is configured to project an IC contact block toward a card pathway as the IC contact block comes in and then let the card be removed after data communication rolling elements in a free rotational condition provided in a front vicinity of a card stop position in the card direction to reduce an insertion load on the IC card when the IC card projects the IC contacts block toward the card pathway.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A manual IC card reader having a recess at a frame constructing a card insertion slot in the card insertion direction for inserting and removing a card, which is configured to project an IC contact block toward a card pathway as said IC card comes in and then let said card be removed after data communication, comprising: 
 rolling elements in a free rotational condition provided in a front vicinity of a card stop position in the card insertion direction to reduce an insertion load on said IC card when said IC card projects said IC contacts block toward said card pathway.    
     
     
         2 . The manual IC card reader as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said rolling elements are positioned to face said IC contacts block excluding IC contacts springs.  
     
     
         3 . The manual IC card reader as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said rolling elements are rollers or balls.  
     
     
         4 . The manual IC card reader as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said rolling element is a roller that is arranged over the entire width of said IC contacts block and has a groove on the location thereon facing said IC contacts spring.  
     
     
         5 . An IC card reader comprising: 
 an attaching/detaching mechanism that moves an IC contacts block into contact with or away from a contact terminal pattern on an IC card;    wherein said attaching/detaching mechanism brings said IC contacts block into contact with said contact terminal pattern on said IC card such that a lag is caused in the card contact starting time between rear contacts and front contacts on said IC contacts block arranged in the card insertion    
     
     
         6 . The IC card reader as set forth in  claim 5  wherein said attaching/detaching mechanism is a link mechanism, in which the lengths of rear and front links arranged in the card insertion direction are changed so as to cause a time lag in the card contact starting time between said rear contacts and front contacts arranged in the card insertion direction.  
     
     
         7 . A manual card reader having a recess at a frame constructing a card insertion slot in the card insertion direction for inserting and removing a card, which is configured to move said card from said card insertion slot via said recess to a card stop position and then to let said card be removed after data communication, comprising: 
 a card discharge opening for discharging said card at said card stop position to the rear in the card insertion direction;    transporting means for transporting said card from said card stop position to a position further to the rear;    drive means for driving said transporting means; and    positioning means for positioning said card at said card stop position;    wherein a card that does not return to said card insertion slot or cannot be withdrawn by hand is discharged from the rear.    
     
     
         8 . A manual IC card reader having a recess slot at a frame constructing a card insertion slot in the card insertion direction for inserting and removing an IC card, which is configured to move said IC card from said card insertion slot via said recess to a card stop position, to bring contacts on a contacts block into contact with a contact terminal pattern on said IC card for data communication, and then to let said IC card be removed after data communication, comprising: 
 a card discharge opening for discharging said IC card at said card stop position to the rear in the card insertion direction;    transporting means for transporting said IC card from said card stop position to a position further to the rear;    drive means for driving said transporting means;    positioning means for positioning said IC card at said card stop position; and    a moving member for moving said contacts block into contact with or away from said contact terminal pattern on said IC card;    wherein a card that does not return to said card insertion slot or cannot be withdrawn by hand is discharged from the rear.    
     
     
         9 . The IC manual card reader as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said positioning means is a positioning pin that moves between a contact position, at which said positioning means contacts the side edge of said IC card to stop said card, and a receded position, at which said positioning means recedes from said contact position to allow a further transportation of said IC card.