JP2010204751A - Magnetic ink character reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To stabilize the conveyance of a check at a magnetic head part, and to improve the durability of a device in a magnetic ink character reading device. <P>SOLUTION: A head pressurizing roller 42 is arranged at the opposite position of a magnetic head 41 and a pair of head front rollers 60 and 61 are arranged just before the magnetic head, and when a check passes through the pair of head front rollers, the pair of head front rollers rotate according to the movement of the check, and when the rotation of the pair of head front rollers reaches a head pressurizing roller so that when the check is conveyed between the pair of head front rollers, the head pressurizing roller is rotated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic ink character reader that reads magnetic ink characters printed on a recording medium such as a bill or check.

  Conventionally, bills and checks brought into financial institutions such as banks are automatically taken using a device that takes images of both sides of the bill and check to prevent loss, and further reads the printed magnetic ink characters (MICR characters). Are collected separately and taken to the bill exchange.

In recent years, magnetic ink characters that can both read magnetic ink characters printed on bills and checks and read double-sided image images in order to improve work efficiency before bringing them into the bill exchange. Readers have been put into practical use. The image image reading portion of the magnetic ink character reading device is read by a CCD or contact image sensor (CIS) according to the recent trend of digitization of information, and the read image data is digitally processed, so that it can be easily performed by a computer. Information can be managed and operated.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram of a conventional magnetic ink character reader as viewed from above. A bundle of checks S on which magnetic ink characters are printed is placed on a hopper 1 of the magnetic ink character reader. The check S is urged against the paper feed roller 3 by the pressing plate 2. The check S is fed by a paper feed roller 3 driven by an instruction from the controller unit 4, and sent to the paper transport path R while being separated one by one by a feed roller 5 and a separation roller 6. The direction of magnetization of the magnetic ink characters printed on the check S is adjusted by a permanent magnet 7 provided in the paper transport path R. Further, the check S is conveyed by the conveying roller pair 8 to the magnetic head 10 through the paper edge detection sensor 9, and the magnetic ink characters are read.

A pressing roller 11 for bringing the check S into close contact is disposed at a position facing the magnetic head 10. Further, the check S that has passed through the magnetic head 10 is conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 12 and 13 while passing through the registration sensor 14 for taking the image reading timing and the image reading sensor pair 15 for reading the images on both sides of the check S. A double-sided image can be read.

After reading the image of the check S, the check S is printed on the back side with the date when the image is read by the endorser 16 and conveyed by the paper discharge roller 17. A paper discharge sensor 18 and a flapper 19 are provided downstream of the paper discharge roller 17 in the paper discharge direction. The paper transport path R is switched by the flapper 19, and the check S is placed on one of the paper discharge trays 20a and 20b. The paper is ejected.

Further, a motor 22 for driving the roller group is provided in the magnetic ink character reading device, and the controller unit 4 for controlling the entire magnetic ink character reading device is connected to a computer (not shown) connected via an interface cable. Communicate and send image data.

Here, in order to stabilize the waveform of the output signal from the magnetic head 10, it is necessary to increase the pressing force of the pressing roller 11 provided at a position facing the magnetic head 10. The higher the pressing force of the pressing roller 11, the more tightly the check S comes into close contact with the magnetic head 10. However, as a harmful effect of increasing the pressing force of the pressing roller, when the check enters between the pressing roller and the magnetic head, Checks may skew, paper jams may occur, or magnetic ink characters may be misread due to speed fluctuations when entering.

  Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the check S to be conveyed easily enters between the pressure roller 11 and the magnetic head 10 while the pressure of the pressing roller 11 is increased, and the check S skews or causes a paper jam. As a means for performing this, a method of driving the pressing roller 11 via a torque limiter has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In another proposal, the pressing roller is configured to be linked to the conveying roller that conveys the conveying force to the check to prevent skew and paper jams, and stabilize the reading of magnetic ink characters. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-13397 Japanese Patent No. 3844468

However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the mechanism for driving the pressing roller via the torque limiter becomes complicated, which increases the cost of the apparatus. Further, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 2, since the pressing roller continues to rotate in conjunction with the conveying roller, the pressing roller and the magnetic head continue to rub when the check does not pass through the magnetic head, There was a problem of durability such as the head and the pressure roller becoming dirty or worn out.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic ink character reading apparatus that can solve the above-mentioned problems, and can securely contact a recording medium and a magnetic head for reading magnetic ink characters so that the magnetic ink characters can be read stably.

In order to achieve the above object, a magnetic ink character reading device according to the present invention includes a magnetic sensor for reading a magnetic ink character on a recording medium on which the magnetic ink character is recorded, and a conveying roller for conveying the recording medium toward the magnetic sensor. And a pressing roller that presses the recording medium against the magnetic sensor, wherein the pressing roller is configured such that after the leading end of the recording medium reaches the vicinity of the transport roller, Rotation is started before reaching the magnetic sensor.

  The magnetic ink character reading device of the present invention is further disposed upstream of the magnetic sensor in the recording medium movement direction and downstream of the conveyance roller in the recording medium movement direction, and is supported so as to be rotatable in the recording medium movement direction. A first roller, and a second roller that faces the first roller and rotates the recording medium sandwiched between the first roller and rotates the pressing roller in conjunction with the first roller. The second roller is rotated by the movement of the recording medium when the recording medium is sandwiched between the second roller and the first roller.

According to the present invention, since the pressing roller starts rotating shortly before the check enters between the magnetic sensor and the pressing roller, the fluctuation of the conveyance speed in the magnetic sensor unit due to the impact of the entering is suppressed, and the magnetic Due to the conveying force applied by the pressure roller to the check when the check passes through the sensor, the moving speed in the magnetic sensor unit is stabilized, and the magnetic sensor output at the time of reading the magnetic ink character can be stabilized. Further, since the pressing roller is not rotated until the check tip reaches a position slightly before the magnetic sensor, harmful vibrations can be prevented and wear of the pressing roller and the magnetic sensor can be prevented.

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the magnetic ink character reading device according to the first embodiment viewed from above. A hopper 32 is provided in the magnetic ink character reading device 31 for placing the check S in a standing state. A paper feed roller 33 for feeding a recording medium such as a check S and a placement detection sensor 34 for detecting whether or not the check S is placed are attached to the hopper 32. Yes. A pressing plate 35 for pressing the check S in the hopper 32 against the paper feed roller 33 is provided.

At a position downstream from the outlet of the hopper 32, a feed roller 36 for feeding the check S to the paper transport path R, and a separation roller for separating the check S fed opposite the feed roller 36 one by one. 37, a permanent magnet 38 for aligning the magnetization direction of the magnetic ink characters printed on the check S, a transport roller pair 39 for transporting the check S sent to the paper transport path R, and a timing for reading the magnetic ink characters. A paper end detection sensor 40 and a magnetic head 41 as a magnetic sensor for reading magnetic ink characters are arranged. In addition, a pressing roller 42 is disposed at a position facing the magnetic head 41 so that the magnetic ink characters of the check S being conveyed are in close contact with the magnetic head 41. The magnetic head 41 may be replaced with a magnetic sensor such as a magnetoresistive element, a magnetic impedance element, or a Hall element.

Further, a pair of conveying rollers 43 and 44, a registration sensor 45 for taking an image reading timing, an image reading sensor pair 46 capable of reading image images on both sides of the check S, and a date and a check on the check S from which the image has been read. An endorser 47 for endorsing and printing the name of the financial institution where S is brought in is arranged. Further, based on the discharge roller 48 for discharging the check S that has been read, the discharge sensor 49 for confirming that the check S has been discharged, and the magnetic ink character data read by the magnetic head 41. A flapper 50 for distributing the checks S to different paper discharge ports and paper discharge trays 51a and 51b on which the discharged checks S are stacked are arranged.

The magnetic ink reader 31 controls the drive motor 52 that drives the roller group and the magnetic ink character reader 31 as a whole, and communicates with a computer (not shown) connected via an interface cable to transfer image data. A controller unit 53 for performing transmission and the like is provided.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the pressing roller 42. A head front roller (first roller) 60 and a head front roller (second roller) 61 are disposed upstream of the magnetic head 41 in the transport direction (recording medium moving direction). The pressing rollers 42 have gears (not shown) that mesh with the idler gear 63, and are connected by the idler gear 63. The support arm 62 of the head front roller 61 and the pressure roller support arm 64 are slidably supported by the rotation shaft 63a of the idler gear 63, and the direction of the head front roller 60 and the magnetic head 41 are respectively urged by a biasing means (not shown). It is energized in the direction of.

When the check passes between the head front rollers 60, 61, the rotational force from the head front roller 61 rotated by the movement of the check is transmitted via the idler gear 63 to rotate the pressing roller 42. It has become.

Next, the operation when the check is conveyed will be described. First, when a bundle of checks S is placed on the hopper 32 in the magnetic ink character reading device 31, the checks S are pressed against the paper feed roller 33 by the pressing plate 35. Then, the placement detection sensor 34 recognizes that the check S is stacked on the hopper 32. Next, when a user operates a host computer (not shown) connected via an interface cable (not shown) and sends a check reading instruction to the controller unit 53, the controller unit 53 rotates the paper feed roller 33 to magnetically A check S is fed into the ink character reader 31.

The fed check S is transported to the paper transport path R by the feed roller 36. When a plurality of checks S are fed by the paper feed roller 33, they are separated by a separation roller 37 disposed opposite to the feed roller 36 and conveyed one by one. The conveyed check S is conveyed to the magnetic head 41 by the conveying roller pair 39 through the paper end detection sensor 40 after the magnetization directions of the magnetic ink characters are aligned by the permanent magnet 38. In the present embodiment, the permanent magnet 38 is used to align the magnetization. However, another magnetization alignment means such as an electromagnet may be used.

The pressing roller 42 does not rotate until the check S arrives between the head front rollers 60 and 61 immediately before the magnetic head 41. When the check S enters between the head front rollers 60 and 61 and is sandwiched between the head front rollers 60 and 61, the head front roller 61 is pressed against the check S and therefore rotates in conjunction with the movement of the check S. Start. The rotational force transmitted from the head front roller 61 through the idler gear 63 rotates the pressing roller 42. In this state, the check S enters between the pressing roller 42 and the magnetic head 41, and the pressing roller 42 conveys the check S in close contact with the magnetic head 41. When the check S enters between the pressing roller 42 and the magnetic head 41, since the pressing roller 42 has already started rotating, the impact at the time of entry is reduced and the check S passes through the magnetic head 41 in a stable state. I will do it. The pressure roller 42 continues to rotate following the check S until the trailing end of the check S passes through the magnetic head 41, and stops while the trailing end of the check S passes through the magnetic head 41. From the timing when the leading edge of the check S is detected by the paper edge detection sensor 40, the magnetic ink character reading timing is determined, and sampling of the output from the magnetic head 41 is started.

The check S from which the magnetic ink characters have been read is transported to the transport roller pair 44 by the transport roller pair 43. The check S that has passed the pair of conveying rollers 44 is guided to the image reading sensor pair 46 after passing the registration sensor 45. The controller unit 53 takes a timing from the output signal of the registration sensor 45 and acquires image data from the image signal of the image reading sensor pair 46. Subsequently, the endorser 47 performs endorsement printing on the check S, such as the date and the name of the financial institution in which the check S is brought.

The controller unit 53 outputs an instruction to the drive mechanism that drives the flapper 50 based on the magnetic ink character data read in advance, and operates the flapper 50 in advance in accordance with the timing of the passage of the check S, thereby conveying the paper conveyance path. R is switched, and the check S is discharged to one of the discharge trays 51a and 51b by the discharge roller 48. Then, all the checks S placed on the hopper 32 are read and discharged, and when the absence of paper is detected by the output signal from the placement detection sensor 34, the controller unit 53 stops the reading process.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the pressing roller portion of the magnetic ink character reading device in the second embodiment. The same members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. The magnetic ink character reading apparatus according to the present embodiment is provided with head front rollers 70 and 71 instead of the head front rollers 60 and 61 according to the first embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the magnetic head 41 may be replaced with a magnetic sensor such as a magnetoresistive element, a magnetic impedance element, or a Hall element.

Head front rollers 70 and 71 are arranged at a position immediately before the magnetic head 41 in the transport direction upstream. The head front roller 71 is supported so as to be rotatable in the conveying direction of the check S. The front roller 70 is rotationally driven by a drive transmission mechanism (not shown) so that the outer peripheral speed is substantially equal to the conveyance speed of the check S. The head front roller 71 and the pressure roller 42 have gears (not shown) that mesh with the idler gear 73, and are connected by the idler gear 73. The pressure roller 42 rotates with the rotation of the head front roller 71. ing. Further, the head front roller 71 and the pressure roller 42 are supported by a rotating shaft 73a of the idler gear 73 so as to be slidable, and are respectively moved toward the head front roller 70 and the magnetic head 41 by urging means (not shown). It is energized.

4 is a detailed view of the head front rollers 70 and 71 viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the head front roller 70 has grooves (groove portions) 70 a and 70 b on the outer peripheral portion (on the cylindrical surface), and the head front roller 71 faces the grooves 70 a and 70 b of the head front roller 70. Projections 71a and 71b which are cylindrical surfaces are provided at positions. Further, the amount of movement of the head front roller 71 in the conveyance path direction is limited by a stopper 74 so that the head front roller 70 and the head front roller 71 do not contact each other. When there is no check, the rotational force is not transmitted to the front roller 71 from the front head roller 70 that is rotationally driven. When the head front roller 71 is at the stop position by the stopper 74, it is preferable to set the biting amount so that the cylindrical surface of the head front roller 71 is substantially in contact with the virtual cylindrical surface obtained by extending the cylindrical surface of the head front roller 70. is there. As shown in the figure, it is preferable to slightly narrow the widths of the projecting portions 71a and 71b facing the grooves 70a and 70b, but the widths of the grooves and the projecting portions are almost equal. It is possible to prevent the rotational force from being transmitted from the head front roller 70 to the head front roller 71.

When the check S enters between the head front rollers 70 and 71, a force in the transport direction is transmitted from the head front roller 70 to the head front roller 71 that is pressed against the check S as the check S is transported. Start spinning. The rotational force from the head front roller 71 is transmitted through the idler gear 73 to rotate the pressing roller 42. In this way, when the check S enters between the pressure roller 42 and the magnetic head 41, which have started rotating in advance, the pressure roller 42 conveys the check S in close contact with the magnetic head 41. As in the first embodiment, when the check S enters between the pressing roller 42 and the magnetic head 41, since the pressing roller 42 has already started rotating, the impact at the time of entry is reduced and the check S is stable. In this state, the magnetic head 41 is passed. The pressure roller 42 continues to rotate following the check S until the trailing end of the check S passes through the magnetic head 41, and stops while the trailing end of the check S passes through the magnetic head 41. After reading the magnetic ink characters, the image is read by a reading sensor, endorsement printing is performed by an endorser, and the paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the head front roller (first roller) 70 is a normal cylindrical roller, and the head front roller 71 is located at both ends (both ends in the rotation axis direction) or in the vicinity of both ends. It is good also as a structure which has the convex part of the outer diameter larger than a center part. Conversely, the head front roller (second roller) 71 may be a normal cylindrical roller, and the head front roller 70 may have a convex portion having an outer diameter larger than the central portion at both ends or in the vicinity of both ends. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the head front rollers 70 and 71 are normal cylindrical rollers, and the interval t secured between the head front roller 70 and the head front roller 71 is larger than the thickness of the check S. Setting the position of the stopper 74 so as to reduce the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

In the first and second embodiments, the apparatus for conveying the check S and reading the magnetic ink character has been described. However, the check S is fixed, and the magnetic head 41 and the pressing roller are in the direction of the magnetic ink character string. The magnetic ink character reader may be configured to move and read magnetic ink characters. Further, in each of the above embodiments, the components described in other embodiments may be used in combination. Also, unlike the above embodiments, the position in the check conveyance path is detected by a sensor or the like, and the timing for transmitting the rotational force from any driving source to the pressing roller and the timing for stopping the transmission are controlled. Also good. It should be noted that when the leading end of the check S reaches the position on the upstream side of the magnetic head, the time until the rotation of the pressing roller starts is checked in advance to determine the position of the roller in front of the head. It is preferable to determine the timing for transmitting the rotational force from the drive source to the pressing roller.

  By adopting the configuration of the present invention, the pressing roller transmits the conveying force to the check S over a period substantially equal to the period during which the check S passes the magnetic head 41. Fluctuations in the conveyance speed at the magnetic head due to causes such as separation impact can be suppressed, and the output of the magnetic head when reading magnetic ink characters can be stabilized.

It is a block diagram of the magnetic ink character reader of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the magnetic head periphery part which concerns on a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing of the magnetic head periphery part which concerns on a 2nd Example. It is a detailed explanatory view of a roller in front of the head. It is a modification of a head front roller. It is a modification of a head front roller. It is a block diagram of the conventional magnetic ink character reader.

31 Magnetic ink character reading device 33 Paper feed roller 36 Feed roller 37 Separating roller 39 Conveying roller pair 41 Magnetic head 42 Pressing roller 43 Conveying roller pair 44 Conveying roller pair 46 Image reading sensor pair 47 Endorser 60 Head front roller 61 Head front roller 62 Support arm 63 Idler gear 63a Rotating shaft 70 Head front roller 71 Head front roller 73 Idler gear 73a Rotating shaft

Claims (8)

A magnetic sensor for reading magnetic ink characters from a recording medium on which magnetic ink characters are recorded;
A transport roller for transporting the recording medium toward the magnetic sensor;
A pressing roller for pressing the recording medium against the magnetic sensor;
A magnetic ink character reader comprising:
2. The magnetic ink character reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressing roller starts rotating after the leading end of the recording medium reaches the vicinity of the conveying roller and before reaching the magnetic sensor. 2. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing roller stops when a rear end portion of the recording medium has passed through the magnetic sensor. A first roller disposed upstream of the magnetic sensor in the recording medium movement direction and downstream of the conveying roller in the recording medium movement direction and supported rotatably in the recording medium movement direction;
A second roller that opposes and rotates the recording medium between the first roller and the first roller, and rotates the pressing roller in conjunction with the first roller;
With
3. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second roller is rotated by movement of the recording medium when the recording medium is sandwiched between the second roller and the first roller. . A first roller disposed upstream of the magnetic sensor in the recording medium movement direction and downstream of the conveyance roller in the recording medium movement direction, and driven to rotate in the recording medium movement direction;
A second roller that opposes and rotates the recording medium between the first roller and the first roller, and rotates the pressing roller in conjunction with the first roller;
With
5. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 3, wherein the second roller is rotated by movement of the recording medium when the recording medium is sandwiched between the second roller and the first roller. . The first roller has at least one groove on the cylindrical surface, and the second roller has a width substantially equal to the groove at a position facing the at least one groove of the first roller. 5. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 3, further comprising a cylindrical surface having a narrower width than the cylindrical surface or the groove portion. The second roller has at least one groove on the cylindrical surface, and the first roller has a width substantially equal to the groove at a position facing the at least one groove of the second roller. 5. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 3, further comprising a cylindrical surface having a narrower width than the cylindrical surface or the groove portion. 4. The outer diameter of at least one of the first roller and the second roller in the roller rotation axis direction is larger than the central portion of the roller. Or the magnetic ink character reading device according to 4. The magnetic ink character reading device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a gap between the first roller and the second roller is smaller than a thickness of the recording medium.

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