JP2012118689A - Magnetic head and card reader - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic head in which a card insertion part is downsized and density of magnetic flux generated by a disturbing magnetic field generation means is increased at a position of a magnetic head for skimming when skimming is performed.SOLUTION: The magnetic head 12 includes the disturbing magnetic field generation means 18 which generates a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data to be recorded to a magnetic stripe. When the magnetic head 12 is placed near a card insertion port 6, a position of the magnetic head 12 can be varied in such a way as following a position of the magnetic head 31 for skimming that varies according to thickness of a card 2, a way of bending, or the like, so that a position where density of the magnetic flux generated by the disturbing magnetic field generation means 18 is high in such a way as following variation of the position of the magnetic head 31 for skimming when skimming is performed can be varied.

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic head capable of reading magnetic data by contacting a magnetic stripe formed on a card, and a card reader including the magnetic head.

  Conventionally, card readers that read magnetic data recorded on a card or record magnetic data on a card have been widely used. This type of card reader is mounted and used in a host device such as an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) installed in a financial institution such as a bank. Also, in the industry such as a financial institution where a card reader is used, so-called skimming is conventionally used in which a criminal attaches a magnetic head in front of the card insertion slot of the card reader and illegally obtains magnetic data on the card with this magnetic head. Is a big problem.

  Therefore, a magnetic field generator that generates a disturbing magnetic field for obstructing reading of magnetic data on a card by a skimming magnetic head (hereinafter referred to as a “skimming magnetic head”) attached in front of the card insertion slot. Has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the card reader described in Patent Document 1, a magnetic head (prehead) for detecting card insertion for detecting that a card has been inserted from the card insertion slot is disposed in a card insertion part in which the card insertion slot is formed. The magnetic field generator is disposed on the back side of the pre-head of the card insertion portion.

Japanese Patent No. 3936496

  The skimming magnetic head is disposed at a position where it can contact the magnetic stripe of the card in the width direction of the card. Therefore, the magnetic field generator that generates the disturbing magnetic field is preferably arranged at a position corresponding to the magnetic stripe in the width direction of the card. The pre-head is also arranged at a position where it can contact the magnetic stripe in the width direction of the card. Therefore, in the conventional card reader, it is necessary to provide a prehead installation space and a magnetic field generator installation space at a position corresponding to the magnetic stripe in the card insertion portion so that the prehead and the magnetic field generator do not interfere with each other. There is a large card insertion part.

  In order to effectively prevent illegal reading of magnetic data by the skimming magnetic head, the density of the magnetic flux generated from the magnetic field generator is high at the position of the skimming magnetic head during skimming. Is preferred.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is that the card insertion portion can be reduced in size, and the density of magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means can be increased at the position of the skimming magnetic head during skimming. It is to provide a magnetic head. Another object of the present invention is to provide a card reader provided with such a magnetic head.

  In order to solve the above problems, the magnetic head of the present invention is a magnetic head that can read magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe in contact with the magnetic stripe formed on the card. It is characterized by comprising a disturbing magnetic field generating means for generating a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading.

  The magnetic head according to the present invention includes disturbing magnetic field generating means for generating a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data. Therefore, if the magnetic head of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the card insertion slot into which the card is inserted, reading of magnetic data with a magnetic head for skimming attached in front of the card insertion slot can be prevented. Become.

  Here, the magnetic head for reading the magnetic data of the card is generally supported by a predetermined head support mechanism so that the magnetic gap can follow the surface of the card abutting. That is, the magnetic head for reading the magnetic data of the card is supported by the head support mechanism so as to be able to swing following the surface of the card. Therefore, the position of the magnetic head in contact with the card varies depending on the thickness of the card, the degree of bending, and the like. Similarly, since the skimming magnetic head is often supported by the head support mechanism, the position of the skimming magnetic head during skimming generally varies depending on the thickness of the card, the degree of bending, and the like.

  In the present invention, since the disturbing magnetic field generating means constitutes a part of the magnetic head, when the card is in contact with the magnetic head, the position of the card varies with the thickness or bending of the card. It becomes possible to change the position of the disturbing magnetic field generating means. That is, if the magnetic head of the present invention is disposed in the vicinity of the card insertion slot, it follows the variation in the position of the skimming magnetic head that moves substantially the same as the magnetic head depending on the thickness of the card and the degree of bending. Thus, the position of the disturbing magnetic field generating means can be changed. Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to change the position where the density of the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means is high so as to follow the change in the position of the magnetic head for skimming during skimming. It is possible to increase the density of magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means at the position of the magnetic head for skimming during skimming.

  In the present invention, the magnetic head itself includes the disturbing magnetic field generating means, and the disturbing magnetic field generating means constitutes a part of the magnetic head, so that the magnetic head is disposed in the card insertion portion of the card reader. Even if the installation space for the disturbing magnetic field generating means is not provided in the card insertion portion, the disturbing magnetic field generating means can be installed in the installation space for the magnetic head. Therefore, in the present invention, the card insertion portion can be reduced in size.

  In the present invention, since the disturbing magnetic field generating means forms part of the magnetic head, if the disturbing magnetic field generating means generates a disturbing magnetic field when the magnetic stripe is in contact with the magnetic head, the magnetic head There is noise on the read signal. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent so-called tapping, in which a cable is illegally attached to a terminal of the magnetic head and the read signal of the magnetic head is illegally obtained.

  In the present invention, the magnetic head includes a coil, a head core formed of a magnetic material and wound with the coil, and a case body in which the coil and the head core are accommodated, and at least a part of the disturbing magnetic field generating means is the case body. It is preferable that the disturbing magnetic field generating means is sealed by a sealing member together with the coil and the head core. The sealing member in this case is, for example, a thermosetting resin. If comprised in this way, it will become difficult for a criminal to destroy a disturbance magnetic field generation means, unless a magnetic head is separated. Therefore, the disturbing magnetic field generating means is not easily destroyed.

  In the present invention, the disturbing magnetic field generating means includes, for example, a disturbing magnetic field generating core formed of a magnetic material, and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil wound around the disturbing magnetic field generating core.

  A magnetic head according to the present invention includes a card insertion portion in which a card insertion slot into which a card is inserted is formed, and a second for reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe and / or recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe. A card reader comprising a magnetic head, wherein the magnetic head is disposed in a card insertion portion, and can be used for a card reader that detects that a card having a magnetic stripe has been inserted from a card insertion slot. The card reader preferably includes a head support mechanism that supports the magnetic head so that the magnetic gap of the magnetic head follows the surface of the abutting card. With this card reader, it is possible to change the position where the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means has a high density so as to follow the change in the position of the magnetic head for skimming during skimming. It is possible to increase the density of the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means at the position of the magnetic head for use. Also, with this card reader, the card insertion portion can be reduced in size. Further, this card reader can also prevent tapping.

  In the present invention, the disturbing magnetic field generating means includes a disturbing magnetic field generating core formed of a magnetic material, and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil wound around the disturbing magnetic field generating core, and the axis of the disturbing magnetic field generating core is It is preferably arranged in a state inclined with respect to a direction parallel to the passing direction of the card so as to extend to a position in front of the card insertion slot and through which the card inserted from the card insertion slot passes. Since the skimming magnetic head is installed in front of the card insertion slot and at a position where a card inserted from the card insertion slot passes, the magnetic flux density is reduced at the position of the skimming magnetic head. A disturbing magnetic field that becomes higher can be generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means.

  In the present invention, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means is included in the data frequency band defined by the recording density of the magnetic data recorded in the magnetic stripe and the moving speed of the card in the card reader. Preferably it is. With this configuration, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the read signal output from the skimming magnetic head and the read signal due to the magnetic data of the card and the read signal due to the electromagnetic wave generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means. . Therefore, skimming can be effectively prevented.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the card reader detects the presence or absence of the output of the magnetic head based on the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means at a predetermined timing when the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe are not in contact. With this configuration, when the output of the magnetic head is not detected despite the fact that the disturbing magnetic field generating means is trying to generate the disturbing magnetic field generating means, the disturbing magnetic field generating means is faulty or by a criminal. Presumed to be destroyed. Alternatively, when the output of the magnetic head is not detected, it is presumed that a predetermined portion of the magnetic head other than the disturbing magnetic field generating means has failed or has been destroyed by a criminal. That is, with this configuration, the magnetic head including the disturbing magnetic field generating means is broken or destroyed by detecting the presence or absence of the output of the magnetic head based on the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means. It becomes possible to detect that. Therefore, the magnetic head including the disturbing magnetic field generating means is repaired by notifying the host device on which the card reader is mounted that the output of the magnetic head based on the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means is not detected. It is possible to indicate the necessity of As a result, the reliability of the card reader can be improved.

  As described above, by using the magnetic head of the present invention, the card insertion portion can be reduced in size, and the density of magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means at the position of the skimming magnetic head during skimming. Can be increased. In the card reader having the magnetic head of the present invention, the card insertion portion can be reduced in size, and the density of the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means is reduced at the position of the skimming magnetic head during skimming. It becomes possible to increase.

It is sectional drawing of the front-end part of the card reader concerning embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the pre head shown in FIG. 1, and its support mechanism. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the pre-head and its support mechanism shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is a diagram showing the pre-head and the like from the magnetic gap side, and FIG. It is a flowchart of a part of operation | movement at the time of taking in of the card | curd of the card reader shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a part of the operation of the card reader shown in FIG. 1 when a card is ejected. It is a figure for demonstrating an effect | action of the card reader shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Schematic configuration of card reader)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a front end portion of a card reader 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The card reader 1 of this embodiment is for reading magnetic data recorded on a magnetic stripe of a magnetic card 2 (hereinafter referred to as “card 2”) and / or recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe of the card 2 For example, the device is mounted on a host device such as an ATM (Automate Teller Machine). Inside the card reader 1, a card transport path 3 through which the card 2 is transported is formed.

  In this embodiment, the card 2 is conveyed in the X direction shown in FIG. That is, the X direction is the card 2 transport direction (passing direction). In this embodiment, the card 2 is inserted in the X1 direction, and the card 2 is ejected in the X2 direction. Also, the Z direction in FIG. 1 that is substantially orthogonal to the X direction is the thickness direction of the card 2, and the Y direction in FIG. 1 that is approximately orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction is the width direction of the card 2. In the following description, the X1 direction side is the “back (rear)” side, the X2 direction side is the “front (front)” side, the Z1 direction side is the “upper” side, and the Z2 direction side is the “lower” side. .

  The card 2 is, for example, a rectangular vinyl chloride card having a thickness of about 0.7 to 0.8 mm. The card 2 is a magnetic card, and a magnetic stripe is formed on one surface (lower surface) of the card 2. Note that an IC chip may be fixed to the card 2 or a communication antenna may be incorporated. That is, the card 2 may be a contact IC card with a magnetic stripe or a non-contact IC card with a magnetic stripe. The card 2 may be a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) card having a thickness of about 0.18 to 0.36 mm, or a paper card having a predetermined thickness.

  The card reader 1 is also formed with a card transport mechanism having a transport roller 4 and a pad roller 5 for transporting the card 2 inside the card reader 1, and a card insertion slot 6 into which the card 2 is inserted and ejected. Card insertion portion 7. The transport roller 4 and the pad roller 5 are arranged inside the main body 8 of the card reader 1 and also have a function of taking in the card 2 from the card insertion slot 6 and a function of discharging it. The card insertion part 7 is fixed to the front surface of the main body part 8.

  In addition to the transport roller 4 and the pad roller 5, the card transport mechanism includes a plurality of transport rollers, a plurality of pad rollers, a motor that drives the transport roller 4, and the like, and a gear that transmits the power of the motor. A magnetic head for reading magnetic data and / or recording magnetic data is arranged inside the main body 8. The magnetic head is arranged such that the magnetic gap faces the card conveyance path 3 from the lower side of the card conveyance path 3 and is disposed at a position where the magnetic head can come into contact with the magnetic stripe of the card 2. In this embodiment, the magnetic head is a second magnetic head that reads magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe and / or records magnetic data on the magnetic stripe.

  In the card insertion portion 7, a shutter member 11 for closing the card transport path 3 and a pre-head 12 for detecting the insertion of the card 2 with the magnetic stripe formed from the card insertion slot 6 are arranged. ing. A solenoid 13 is connected to the shutter member 11 via a predetermined connecting mechanism. The shutter member 11 is moved between a closed position (the position shown in FIG. 1) for closing the card transport path 3 and an open position for opening the card transport path 3 by the power of the solenoid 13.

  The pre-head 12 is disposed on the front side of the shutter member 11. Details of the pre-head 12 will be described later. A card detection mechanism (not shown) for detecting that the card 2 has been inserted from the card insertion slot 6 is disposed on the front side of the pre-head 12 of the card insertion portion 7. The card detection mechanism includes, for example, a lever member that rotates in contact with an end face in the width direction (Y direction) of the card 2 and an optical or mechanical sensor that detects the rotation of the lever member. .

(Configuration of pre-head and its support mechanism)
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pre-head 12 and its support mechanism shown in FIG. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the pre-head 12 and its supporting mechanism shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 3A is a view showing the pre-head 12 and the like from the magnetic gap 12a side, and FIG. 3B is a view showing the pre-head 12 and the like from the bottom side. is there.

  The pre-head 12 is a magnetic head capable of reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe in contact with the magnetic stripe of the card 2. However, in the card reader 1, the pre-head 12 functions to detect that the card 2 with the magnetic stripe formed is inserted from the card insertion slot 6 as described above. The pre-head 12 is disposed so that the magnetic gap 12 a faces the card transport path 3 from the lower side of the card transport path 3, and is disposed at a position where it can contact the magnetic stripe of the card 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pre-head 12 includes a coil 15 and a head core 16 for detecting a magnetic stripe, and a case body 17 in which the coil 15 and the head core 16 are accommodated. Further, the pre-head 12 includes a disturbing magnetic field generator 18 as a disturbing magnetic field generating means for generating a disturbing magnetic field for preventing reading of magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe. The pre-head 12 is supported by a leaf spring 19 as a head support mechanism.

  The head core 16 is made of a magnetic material. A magnetic gap 12 a is formed at the upper end of the head core 16. A coil 15 is wound around the lower end side of the head core 16 via a bobbin. Each of both end portions of the coil 15 is fixed to the terminal 20. A flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 21 is connected to the terminal 20. The FPC 21 is pulled out from the lower end of the case body 17 and is routed into the main body 8 as shown in FIG.

  The disturbing magnetic field generator 18 includes a disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24. The disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 is made of a magnetic material. The disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 is formed in a rod shape. For example, the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 is formed in a polygonal column shape such as a quadrangular column shape or a cylindrical shape. The disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 is fixed to the core frame 25. The disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 via a bobbin. Each end of the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is fixed to a terminal 26 attached to the lower surface of the core frame 25.

  In the disturbing magnetic field generator 18, when a current is supplied to the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24, an electromagnetic wave for generating noise on the read signal of the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe is generated. The disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates a magnetic field in which magnetic lines of force are directed from one end face of the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 formed in a rod shape to the other end face. In this embodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is defined by the recording density of the magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card 2 and the conveyance speed of the card 2 by the conveyance roller 4 and the pad roller 5. It is included in the data frequency band. That is, in this embodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is the frequency band of the read signal based on the magnetic data of the card 2 read by the skimming magnetic head 31 disposed in front of the card insertion slot 6. Included. More specifically, in this embodiment, the interference magnetic field generating unit is adapted to match the frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 with the frequency of the read signal based on the magnetic data of the card 2 read by the skimming magnetic head 31. The frequency of the current supplied to the coil 24 is set.

  The disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is disposed below the head core 16. The upper end side of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is housed inside the case body 17. The disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is sealed together with the coil 15 and the head core 16 by a sealing member (not shown). The sealing member of this embodiment is a thermosetting resin (more specifically, a thermosetting resin-based adhesive), and the thermosetting resin is filled in the case body 17 and has a disturbing magnetic field. The generator 18 is covered. In this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is completely covered with a thermosetting resin.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is inserted through the card insertion slot 6 with the axis CL of the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 formed in a rod shape in front of the card insertion slot 6. The card 2 is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction which is the conveyance direction (passing direction) of the card 2 so as to extend to a position where the card 2 passes. That is, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is arranged so that the axis line CL faces the skimming magnetic head 31 installed in front of the card insertion slot 6 and at a position where the card 2 inserted from the card insertion slot 6 passes. Has been. The skimming magnetic head 31 is installed at a position where it can contact the magnetic stripe of the card 2 in the width direction of the card 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the leaf spring 19 includes a frame fixing portion 19a fixed to the frame of the card insertion portion 7, a head fixing portion 19b to which the pre-head 12 is fixed, a frame fixing portion 19a and a head fixing portion 19b. And a spring portion 19c for connecting the two. As shown in FIG. 1, the leaf spring 19 supports the pre-head 12 so that the upper end of the pre-head 12 protrudes above the lower surface of the card transport path 3 when the card 2 is not in the card insertion portion 7. . The leaf spring 19 supports the pre-head 12 so that the magnetic gap 12a follows the surface of the card 2 that is in contact with the upper end of the pre-head 12. Specifically, the leaf spring 19 supports the pre-head 12 so that the pre-head 12 moves up and down according to the thickness of the card 2 passing through the card transport path 3. Further, the leaf spring 19 supports the pre-head 12 so that the pre-head 12 swings with the front-rear direction as the axial direction according to deformation such as bending of the card 2 passing through the card transport path 3.

(Schematic operation of the card reader)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the card reader 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the card reader 1 shown in FIG. 1 when the card 2 is ejected.

  A schematic operation of the card reader 1 configured as described above when the card 2 is taken in and a schematic operation when the card 2 is ejected will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, a schematic operation at the time of taking in the card 2 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. During standby when the card 2 is not taken into the card reader 1, the shutter member 11 closes the card transport path 3. In this state, the card 2 is inserted from the card insertion slot 6, and insertion of the card 2 is detected by the card detection mechanism disposed on the front side of the pre-head 12 (“Yes” in step S <b> 1) and the pre-head 12. When the magnetic stripe of the card 2 is detected (“Yes” in step S2), a current supply command to the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is issued, and the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates the disturbing magnetic field. (Step S3). In step S2, for example, when magnetic data of about 3 to 5 bits is detected by the pre-head 12, it is determined that the magnetic stripe of the card 2 has been detected.

  Thereafter, the shutter member 11 opens the card transport path 3, and the card transport mechanism is activated to start taking in the card 2 (step S4). Thereafter, when the card 2 is completely taken in and the card transport mechanism is stopped (“Yes” in Step S5), the supply of current to the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is stopped and the disturbing magnetic field disappears (Step S5). S6). Note that the shutter member 11 closes the card transport path 3 again at a predetermined timing after the front end of the card 2 passes the position where the shutter member 11 is disposed toward the back side.

  Next, the schematic operation when the card 2 is ejected will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. When the card 2 is ejected, when the card 2 ejection operation is started, first, a current supply command to the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is issued, and the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates the disturbing magnetic field (step S11). Thereafter, the card transport mechanism is activated to start discharging the card 2, and the shutter member 11 opens the card transport path 3 (step S12). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the back end of the card 2 is removed from between the transport roller 4 and the pad roller 5 and the ejection of the card 2 by the card transport mechanism is completed (step S13).

  When the back end of the card 2 comes out between the transport roller 4 and the pad roller 5 and the card 2 is completely discharged by the card transport mechanism (“Yes” in step S13), the back end side of the card 2 is the card. Since it is in the insertion portion 7 and is in a state of waiting for the user to pull out the card 2, when the ejection of the card 2 is completed, it is determined whether or not the withdrawal of the card 2 is detected (step S14). In the state of waiting for the card 2 to be pulled out, the card 2 is detected by a card detection mechanism arranged on the front side of the pre-head 12. Therefore, in step S14, it is determined whether the card 2 has been pulled out using this card detection mechanism.

  When the withdrawal of the card 2 is detected (“Yes” in step S14), it is determined whether or not the output of the pre-head 12 based on the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is detected ( Step S15). When the output of the pre-head 12 is detected (in the case of “Yes” in step S15), it is estimated that the pre-head 12 including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is operating normally. The supply of current to is stopped, and the disturbing magnetic field disappears (step S16).

  On the other hand, when the output of the pre-head 12 is not detected (in the case of “No” in step S15), the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is supplied even though the current supply command to the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is issued. Is not generating a disturbing magnetic field, and as a result, it is presumed that the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 has failed or has been destroyed by a criminal. Alternatively, in this case, it is presumed that the output of the pre-head 12 is not detected even though the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates the disturbing magnetic field, and as a result, the pre-heads 12 other than the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 are detected. It is presumed that a predetermined portion of the device is out of order or destroyed by a criminal. Therefore, if the output of the pre-head 12 is not detected in step S15, an alarm is sent to the host device on which the card reader 1 is mounted (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S16.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in this embodiment, the pre-head 12 disposed in the card insertion unit 7 includes the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 that generates a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, even when the skimming magnetic head 31 is attached in front of the card insertion slot 6, reading of magnetic data by the skimming magnetic head 31 can be prevented.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the axis CL of the rod-shaped disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 around which the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24 is wound on the outer peripheral surface is inserted in front of the card insertion slot 6 and from the card insertion slot 6. The disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is disposed in a state inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as to extend to the position where the card 2 passes, and the axis CL is the position where the skimming magnetic head 31 is installed, that is, the card insertion. It extends in front of the opening 6 and toward the position where the card 2 inserted from the card insertion slot 6 passes. Therefore, in this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 can generate a disturbing magnetic field that increases the magnetic flux density at the position of the skimming magnetic head 31, and reads the magnetic data with the skimming magnetic head 31. Can be effectively prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is included in the frequency band of the read signal based on the magnetic data of the card 2 read by the skimming magnetic head 31. Among the read signals output from the head 31, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the read signal caused by the magnetic data of the card 2 and the read signal caused by the electromagnetic wave generated by the disturbing magnetic field generator 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, skimming using the skimming magnetic head 31 can be effectively prevented.

  In this embodiment, the pre-head 12 is supported by the leaf spring 19 so as to move up and down and swing following the surface of the abutting card 2. Therefore, the position of the pre-head 12 that is in contact with the card 2 varies depending on the thickness of the card 2 and the degree of bending. For example, the position of the pre-head 12 varies downward as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 according to the thickness of the card 2. On the other hand, in order to enable reliable reading of the magnetic data of the card 2 by the skimming magnetic head 31, the skimming magnetic head 31 is often supported by a head support mechanism having the same function as the leaf spring 19. In general, the position of the magnetic head 31 for skimming during skimming also varies depending on the thickness of the card 2 and the degree of bending. For example, the position of the skimming magnetic head 31 varies downward as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6 according to the thickness of the card 2.

  In this embodiment, since the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 constitutes a part of the pre-head 12, when the card 2 is in contact with the pre-head 12, the position varies depending on the thickness of the card 2, the degree of bending, and the like. The position of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 varies with the pre-head 12. In this embodiment, since the pre-head 12 is disposed in the card insertion portion 7, the skimming magnetic head 31 disposed in front of the vicinity of the card insertion slot 6 according to the thickness of the card 2, the degree of bending, or the like. It moves almost the same.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the position of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 can be varied so as to follow the position of the skimming magnetic head 31 that varies depending on the thickness of the card 2 and the degree of bending. For example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 6, the position of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 can be changed downward so as to follow the position of the skimming magnetic head 31 changing downward. Even if the position of the skimming magnetic head 31 during skimming changes, the axis CL of the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23 can always be directed toward the skimming magnetic head 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to change the position of the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 so as to follow the change in the position of the magnetic head 31 for skimming during skimming. As a result, it is possible to increase the density of the magnetic flux generated from the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 at the position of the skimming magnetic head 31 during skimming.

  Further, in this embodiment, the position of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is changed together with the pre-head 12 whose position is changed according to the thickness of the card 2 or the bending state, etc., so that the range of the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is changed. Can be expanded. Therefore, in this embodiment, reading of magnetic data by the skimming magnetic head 31 can be effectively prevented.

  In this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 constitutes a part of the pre-head 12. For this reason, in the card reader 1, it is possible to install the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 in the installation space of the pre-head 12 without providing a separate installation space for the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 in the card insertion portion 7. Therefore, in this embodiment, the card insertion portion 7 can be reduced in size.

  Although the conventional pre-head did not include the disturbing magnetic field generator 18, the size of the case of the conventional pre-head is increased to some extent due to the necessity of supporting the pre-head by a head support mechanism such as a leaf spring 19. Since it had to be, it is substantially the same as the size of the case body 17 of this form. That is, the case body 17 is almost the same size as the case body of the conventional pre-head. Further, the upper end side of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is housed inside the case body 17, and the size of the conventional prehead (that is, the prehead not including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18) and the size of the prehead 12 of the present embodiment. Is almost the same. Therefore, in this embodiment, the card insertion portion where the conventional pre-head is arranged (that is, the card insertion portion in which no installation space for the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is provided) can be used as the card insertion portion 7 as it is. Moreover, since the conventional card insertion part can be diverted as the card insertion part 7, the external appearance of the card insertion part 7 is not different from the external appearance of the conventional card insertion part. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is difficult for a criminal to notice that the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is disposed in the card insertion portion 7.

  In this embodiment, for example, when magnetic data of about 3 to 5 bits is detected by the pre-head 12, it is determined that the magnetic stripe of the card 2 has been detected, and the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates a disturbing magnetic field. For this reason, noise based on the disturbing magnetic field is carried on most of the read signal output from the pre-head 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to prevent so-called tapping in which a cable is illegally attached to the terminal 20 or the like and a read signal of the pre-head 12 is illegally acquired.

  In this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is sealed together with the coil 15 and the head core 16 by a thermosetting resin. Therefore, it is difficult for a criminal to destroy the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 unless the pre-head 12 is separated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is not easily destroyed.

  In this embodiment, even when the card 2 is ejected, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates a disturbing magnetic field even after the card 2 is pulled out, and determines whether or not the output of the prehead 12 is detected. If no output is detected, an alarm is sent to the host device. Therefore, the abnormality of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 can be detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 can be operated normally and skimming using the skimming magnetic head 31 can be effectively prevented. Even after the card 2 is removed, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 generates a disturbing magnetic field to determine whether or not the output of the prehead 12 is detected. Since the alarm is sent to the user, it is possible to indicate to the user that the pre-head 12 including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 needs to be repaired. Therefore, the reliability of the card reader 1 can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
The above-described embodiments and modifications are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the upper end side of the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is housed inside the case body 17. In addition, for example, the case body 17 may be configured so that the entire disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is accommodated. Further, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 may be fixed to the side surface of the case body 17.

  In the embodiment described above, the pre-head 12 is arranged so as to face the card transport path 3 from the lower side of the card transport path 3 in order to read the magnetic data of the magnetic stripe formed on the lower surface of the card 2. In addition, for example, in order to read magnetic data of magnetic stripes formed on both surfaces of the card 2, a pre-head may be arranged so as to face the card transport path 3 from both the upper and lower sides of the card transport path 3. In this case, the pre-heads 12 having the disturbing magnetic field generators 18 may be arranged on both the upper and lower sides of the card transport path 3, or the disturbing magnetic field generators 18 are provided on either the upper side or the lower side of the card transport path 3. An ordinary prehead that does not include the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 may be disposed on the other of the upper side or the lower side of the card transport path 3.

  In the embodiment described above, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is constituted by the disturbing magnetic field generating core 23, the disturbing magnetic field generating coil 24, and the like. In addition, for example, the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 may be configured by the head core 16 and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil wound around the head core 16.

  In the embodiment described above, whether or not the output of the pre-head 12 is detected by supplying a current to the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 to generate the disturbing magnetic field even after the card 2 is extracted during the card 2 ejection operation. By determining, the abnormality of the pre-head 12 including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 is detected. In addition to this, for example, whether or not the output of the pre-head 12 is detected by supplying a current to the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 to generate the disturbing magnetic field during standby when the card 2 is not taken into the card reader 1. Accordingly, the abnormality of the pre-head 12 including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 may be detected. That is, whether or not the output of the pre-head 12 is detected by supplying a current to the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 to generate the disturbing magnetic field at a predetermined timing when the magnetic stripe of the card 2 and the pre-head 12 are not in contact with each other. Thus, the abnormality of the pre-head 12 including the disturbing magnetic field generator 18 may be detected. By doing so, it becomes possible to detect anomalies and criminal acts around the card insertion portion 7 earlier.

  In the above-described embodiment, the card reader 1 is a card transport type card reader provided with a card transport mechanism. However, the card reader to which the configuration of the present invention is applied allows the user to manually move the card 2 while moving the magnetic data. It may be a manual card reader that reads and records the data. For example, a card reader to which the configuration of the present invention is applied is a so-called dip type card reader that reads and records magnetic data when the card 2 is inserted into the card reader or when the card 2 is removed from the card reader. May be.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Card reader 2 Card 6 Card insertion slot 7 Card insertion part 12 Pre head (magnetic head)
12a Magnetic gap 15 Coil 16 Head core 17 Case body 18 Disturbing magnetic field generator (disturbing magnetic field generating means)
19 Leaf spring (head support mechanism)
23 disturbing magnetic field generating core 24 disturbing magnetic field generating coil CL axis of disturbing magnetic field generating core X card passing direction

Claims (9)

In a magnetic head capable of reading magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe in contact with the magnetic stripe formed on the card,
A magnetic head, comprising: a disturbing magnetic field generating means for generating a disturbing magnetic field for disturbing reading of magnetic data recorded on the magnetic stripe. A coil, a head core formed of a magnetic material around which the coil is wound, and a case body in which the coil and the head core are housed,
At least a part of the disturbing magnetic field generating means is disposed inside the case body,
2. The magnetic head according to claim 1, wherein the disturbing magnetic field generating means is sealed by a sealing member together with the coil and the head core.   The magnetic head according to claim 2, wherein the sealing member is a thermosetting resin.   4. The disturbing magnetic field generating means comprises a disturbing magnetic field generating core formed of a magnetic material, and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil wound around the disturbing magnetic field generating core. The magnetic head according to any one of the above. The card insertion part in which the card insertion slot in which the said card is inserted is formed, The magnetic head in any one of Claim 1 to 4 arrange | positioned at the said card insertion part, The magnetic data recorded on the said magnetic stripe And / or a second magnetic head for recording magnetic data on the magnetic stripe,
The card reader, wherein the magnetic head detects that the card having the magnetic stripe is inserted from the card insertion slot.   6. The card reader according to claim 5, further comprising a head support mechanism that supports the magnetic head so that a magnetic gap of the magnetic head follows the surface of the card that abuts the card.   The disturbing magnetic field generating means includes a disturbing magnetic field generating core formed of a magnetic material, and a disturbing magnetic field generating coil wound around the disturbing magnetic field generating core, and the axis of the disturbing magnetic field generating core is It is arranged in a state tilted with respect to a direction parallel to the passing direction of the card so as to extend to a position in front of the card insertion slot and through which the card inserted from the card insertion slot passes. The card reader according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that   The frequency of the electromagnetic wave generated from the disturbing magnetic field generating means is included in a data frequency band defined by the recording density of the magnetic data recorded in the magnetic stripe and the moving speed of the card in the card reader. The card reader according to claim 5, wherein the card reader is a card reader.   6. The presence or absence of an output of the magnetic head based on the disturbing magnetic field generated by the disturbing magnetic field generating means is detected at a predetermined timing when the magnetic head and the magnetic stripe are not in contact with each other. The card reader according to any one of 8.

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