JP4349259B2 - Image reading apparatus and composite processing apparatus provided with image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus capable of reading images of both a thin medium such as a check and a thick medium such as a card, and a composite processing apparatus including the image reading apparatus.

  Payment systems using checks are widely used, mainly in Europe and the United States. In this payment system, various payments and remittances are performed by sending and receiving checks. The used check is finally brought into the bank for deposit and cashing.

  A large amount of checks are processed in a short period of time at each bank branch office. The bank clerk in charge checks the check itself, checks the date, verifies the signature, etc., then deposits and cashes, endorses the check, and issues a receipt if necessary. Bankers also ask customers (check users) to present their licenses and ID cards to verify their identity, obtain copies of licenses and ID cards with copiers as needed, and check with scanners. The images are read and stored.

  In recent years, attempts have been made to electromagnetically read and process checks to increase the efficiency of check processing. As part of this effort, attempts have been made to perform electronic reading of checks at bank counters, and small check processing devices that can be installed at counters have also been proposed.

  This type of check processing apparatus includes a magnetic ink character reading head, a scanner head, and a print head on a check conveyance path. When a check is inserted, the check processing device can read the magnetic ink character on the check with the magnetic ink character reading head, read the image on the check with the scanner head, and perform endorsement printing with the print head. It is comprised (refer patent document 1).

  The applicant of the present application has proposed a composite processing apparatus capable of reading images of both a check and a card such as a driver's license in Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-0667747 (US Patent Application No. 10/759868). In this composite processing apparatus, a part of a check conveyance path and a card conveyance path are partially shared, and a contact-type image reading sensor is arranged at the common location so that images of both the check and the card can be combined into one image reading sensor. It is configured so that it can be read.

JP 2000-344428 A

  In the contact-type image reading sensor, it is necessary to press the medium against the sensor surface (reading surface) of the image reading sensor with an appropriate pressure. However, checks and cards generally differ greatly in thickness. Therefore, if the pressing force (for example, the spring force of the pressing spring) is set in accordance with the check, the pressing force against the card becomes weak, and there is a possibility that the card cannot be securely held and pressed against the sensor surface. In particular, when the card is warped, the surface of the card cannot be sufficiently adhered to the sensor surface, and there is a problem that the read image becomes unclear because the focal position is shifted.

  Also, if the pressing force is set according to the card, the pressing force against the check becomes too strong, and there is a risk of wrinkling the check or causing a paper feed failure (jam).

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of bringing both media having different thicknesses such as a card and a check into close contact with an image reading sensor with an appropriate pressing force, and a composite processing apparatus including the image reading apparatus. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes: a first transport path for transporting a first medium (for example, a card); a second transport path for transporting a second medium (for example, a check); A common conveyance path in which at least a part of each of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path is arranged in parallel; an image sensor arranged along the common conveyance path; the first medium and the second A first pressing mechanism for pressing a medium against the image sensor; and a second pressing mechanism for pressing the second medium against the image sensor; the first pressing mechanism: the first medium and the first A first pressing member for pressing the two media against the reading surface of the image sensor; a first elastic body for biasing the first pressing member against the reading surface when the thickness of the medium is equal to or less than a predetermined value; And the media thickness is a predetermined value A second elastic body for urging the first pressing member against the reading surface when exceeding; the second pressing mechanism: for pressing the second medium against the reading surface of the image sensor A second pressing member; and a third elastic body that urges the second pressing member against the reading surface; the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the first elastic body. The pressing force is substantially equal to the pressing force of the second pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the third elastic body. However, the thickness of the first medium> the thickness of the second medium.

  With this configuration, the second medium is wide (in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction) and not only the pressing force by the second pressing mechanism but also the pressing force by the first pressing mechanism acts on the second medium. Even in such a case, since the pressing force by each pressing mechanism is substantially equal, it is possible to read the image of the second medium normally without causing a conveyance error such as jamming or skew feeding.

  In this case, the first pressing member includes at least first and second pressing rollers that are rotatably supported at a predetermined interval on a common first rotating shaft; the first pressing mechanism includes: And a first support member that supports the first rotation shaft so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reading surface; the first elastic body biases between the rollers of the first rotation shaft. Can be configured.

  The first and second pressing rollers are arranged so as to sandwich a substantially center position in the axial direction of the first rotation shaft, and the first elastic body biases the substantially center position of the first rotation shaft. It is desirable that

  The first pressing mechanism includes a first guide shaft that supports the first support member so as to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the reading surface, and the second elastic body includes the first pressing member. It is desirable that the first support member is urged to be pressed against the reading surface.

  Further, the first support member has a contact portion that can be brought into contact with the reading surface by being urged by the second elastic body, and the contact portion is in contact with the reading surface. It is desirable that the first rotation shaft is supported so as to be movable away from the reading surface.

  By configuring the first pressing mechanism as described above, the pressing force varies widely depending on the thickness of the first medium. Therefore, the first medium can be pressed against the reading surface of the image sensor with an appropriate pressing force. As a result, the image of the first medium can be read more accurately.

  In this case, the second pressing member includes at least third and fourth pressing rollers that are rotatably supported at a predetermined interval on a common second rotating shaft; The mechanism includes a second support member that supports the second rotation shaft so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reading surface; and the third elastic body biases between the rollers of the second rotation shaft. Can be configured to.

  The third and fourth pressing rollers are arranged so as to sandwich a substantially center position in the axial direction of the second rotation shaft, and the third elastic body biases the substantially center position of the second rotation shaft. It is desirable that

  Alternatively, the second pressing mechanism includes a second guide shaft that rotatably supports the second support member in a direction perpendicular to the reading surface, and the third elastic body includes the second pressing member. The second support member may be biased so as to be pressed against the reading surface.

  In the image reading apparatus of the present invention, the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the first elastic body through the medium and the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the third elastic body through the medium. Since the pressing force of the two pressing members is substantially equal, even if the pressing force by the first and second pressing mechanisms acts on the medium at the same time, a conveyance error such as jamming or skew feeding is caused. It is possible to read the image of the medium normally without causing it.

  An embodiment of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail by taking a composite processing apparatus having an image reading function as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the composite processing apparatus 1 transfers the check S (second reading medium) loaded in the paper feeding unit 3 along the check conveyance path P1 (second conveyance path) while The image is read, magnetic ink characters printed on the check S are read, and printing on the check S is performed. The composite processing apparatus 1 reads an image on the card C while transporting the card C (first reading medium) along the card transport path P2 (first transport path).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the check transport path P1 is formed in a substantially U shape, and the card transport path P2 is formed in a straight line. A part of the check conveyance path P1 and the card conveyance path P2 (part corresponding to the U-shaped bottom of the check conveyance path P1) is shared. Hereinafter, this part is referred to as an intermediate conveyance path M (common conveyance path).

  The check conveyance path P1 is defined by an outer guide 2a and an inner guide 2b, and the check S is conveyed in the space between the outer guide 2a and the inner guide 2b. The check S is inserted into the check transport path P1 from the direction of arrow A via the paper feed unit 3. The sheet feeding unit 3 includes an unillustrated auto sheet feeder that can load a plurality of checks S and can send the checks S one by one into the check transport path P1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the check transport path P1 includes a first transport roller pair 6 disposed upstream of the intermediate transport path M as a transport mechanism for transporting the check S, and an intermediate transport path M. An intermediate conveyance roller pair 16 disposed in the middle, a second conveyance roller pair 7 disposed downstream of the intermediate conveyance path M, and a discharge roller pair 8 disposed in the vicinity of the discharge port 4. Yes.

  The first conveying roller pair 6 has a driving roller 6a and a pressing roller 6b arranged to face each other via the check conveying path P1, and the second conveying roller pair 7 is arranged to face each other via the check conveying path P1. The discharge roller pair 8 includes a drive roller 8a and a pressing roller 8b disposed to face each other via the check conveyance path P1. Further, the intermediate conveyance roller pair 16 includes a driving roller 17 and two pressing rollers 16a and 16b (see FIG. 5) disposed to face each other via the intermediate conveyance path M.

  The check S sent out into the check conveyance path P1 is conveyed by the first conveyance roller pair 6, the intermediate conveyance roller pair 16, and the second conveyance roller pair 7, and from the discharge port 4 in the direction of arrow B by the discharge roller pair 8. Discharged. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom position of the check conveyance path P1 is maintained at the height L1, and the check S has the position of the height L1 along the bottom of the check conveyance path P1 including the intermediate conveyance path M. Be transported.

  When the width (height) of the check S is less than a predetermined length, the intermediate conveyance roller pair 16 conveys the check S by the lower pressing roller 16b and the driving roller 17, and the width of the check S is predetermined. When it is longer than the length, the check S is conveyed by both the upper and lower pressing rollers 16a and 16b and the driving roller 17.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the card transport path P <b> 2 includes an intermediate transport path M, and a card insertion slot 20 and a card reversing path 21 that communicate with both ends thereof.

  The card insertion slot 20 is an insertion slot for inserting the card C into the intermediate transport path M. Below the card insertion slot 20, lower guides 24 and 24a are provided. The side surfaces of the lower guides 24 and 24a constitute a part of the outer guide 2a, and the upper surface of the lower guides 24 and 24a is configured to keep the bottom position of the card transport path P2 at L2. The card C inserted into the card transport path P2 from the arrow D direction through the card insertion slot 20 is transported at a height L2 along the lower guides 24 and 24a (see FIG. 4).

  Thus, the check conveyance path P1 and the card conveyance path P2 are formed at positions separated by a length L (= L2-L1) in the height direction.

  Note that the check S transported on the check transport path P <b> 1 is bent toward the discharge port 4 in the advancing direction by contacting the side surface of the lower guide 24 a.

  The upper presser roller 16a is attached above the height L2 of the card transport path P2, and the card C passes through the intermediate transport path M (card transport path P2) by the upper presser roller 16a and the drive roller 17. Be transported.

  The card reversing path 21 is formed by linear guides 21 a and 21 b so as to extend the intermediate transport path M in a direction away from the card insertion slot 20. In the vicinity of the end 21c of the card reversing path 21, a third transport roller pair 22 is provided.

  When the card C inserted into the intermediate transport path M from the card insertion slot 20 is transported to the card reversing path 21 by the upper presser roller 16a and the driving roller 17, the end of the card reversing path 21 by the third transport roller pair 22 After being conveyed so as to protrude from the portion 21c, it is reversed and conveyed to the intermediate conveyance path M side, and is discharged from the card insertion slot 20 in the direction of arrow E by the upper pressing roller 16a and the driving roller 17 through the intermediate conveyance path M. .

  In the intermediate conveyance path M, first and second image reading sensors 11 and 12 of CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type are installed. The first and second image reading sensors 11 and 12 irradiate light on one surface of the check S or the card C conveyed through the intermediate conveyance path M, and receive light reflected on the check S or the card C. The image on the check S or card C is read line by line, and finally a two-dimensional image is obtained.

  In addition, first and second pressing mechanisms 30 and 40 are arranged vertically in the height direction of the composite processing apparatus 1 at a position facing the image reading surface 12a of the second image reading sensor 12, and the first image is displayed. Third and fourth pressing mechanisms 60 and 70 are arranged vertically in the height direction of the composite processing apparatus 1 at positions facing the image reading surface 11 a of the reading sensor 11.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a BOF (Bottom Of Form) detector 9 is provided in the check conveyance path P <b> 1 between the paper feeding unit 3 and the first conveyance roller pair 6. A TOF (Top Of Form) detector 10 is provided between the one image reading sensor 11. Each of the detectors 9 and 10 is a reflection type or a transmission type optical sensor, and detects whether or not the check S is present at each detection position. The composite processing apparatus 1 can determine the insertion of the check S from the paper feeding unit 3, the trailing end of the check S, and the leading end of the check S based on the detection outputs of these detectors 9 and 10. Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 accurately calculates the length of the check S in the transport direction based on the detection outputs of the detectors 9 and 10 and the transport amount of the check S by the first transport roller pair 6. Can do.

  Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 is configured to operate in accordance with the presence / absence detection output of the check S by the detectors 9 and 10. That is, the start / stop of the image reading of the check S by the image reading sensors 11 and 12 is controlled based on the detection outputs of the detectors 9 and 10.

  Note that one of the image reading sensors 11 and 12 may be used as a detector for detecting the tip of the check S. In this case, the TOF detector 10 can be omitted.

  Further, the print head 14 is disposed between the second conveyance roller pair 7 and the discharge roller pair 8 and on the straight line region of the check conveyance path P1. The print head 14 performs endorsement printing on the check S.

  Further, a BOC (Bottom Of Card) detector 25 is provided in the vicinity of the card insertion slot 20 in the card transport path P2, and a TOC (Top Of Card) is provided between the intermediate transport roller pair 16 and the second image reading sensor 12. A detector 26 is provided. Each of the detectors 25 and 26 is a reflection type or transmission type optical sensor, and detects whether or not the card C is present at each detection position. The composite processing apparatus 1 can determine the insertion of the card C from the card insertion slot 20, the rear end of the card C, and the front end of the card C based on the detection outputs of the detectors 25 and 26. Further, the composite processing apparatus 1 can accurately calculate the length of the card C in the transport direction based on the detection outputs of the detectors 25 and 26 and the transport amount of the card C by the intermediate transport roller pair 16. it can.

  The composite processing apparatus 1 is configured to operate in accordance with the presence / absence detection output of the card C by the detectors 25 and 26. That is, the start / stop of image reading of the card C by the image reading sensors 11 and 12 is controlled based on the outputs of the detectors 25 and 26.

  Note that either one of the image reading sensors 11 and 12 may be used as a detector for detecting the leading end of the card C. In this case, the TOC detector 26 can be omitted.

  A MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader) 13 is installed below the drive roller 17. The MICR 13 is a magnetic head for reading information recorded on the check S with magnetic ink. The MICR 13 reads magnetic information in a state where the check S is pressed against the surface (gap forming surface) of the MICR 13 by a pressing lever (not shown) disposed opposite to the MICR 13 via the intermediate transport path M.

  Next, the pressing mechanism (30, 40, 60, 70) will be described. In the following description, the relationship and operation between the first and second pressing mechanisms 30 and 40 and the second image reading sensor 12, the third and fourth pressing mechanisms 60 and 70, the first image reading sensor 11, and the like. Therefore, only the former will be described, and the description of the latter will be omitted. The third rollers 63 a and 63 b of the third pressing mechanism 60 correspond to the first rollers 33 a and 33 b of the first pressing mechanism, and the fourth rollers 73 a and 73 b of the fourth pressing mechanism 70 are the second rollers of the second pressing mechanism 40. This corresponds to the two rollers 43a and 43b (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the first pressing mechanism 30 and the second pressing mechanism 40 are arranged in parallel along the pixel arrangement direction of the second image reading sensor 12 (the height direction of the composite processing apparatus 1). The first pressing mechanism 30 presses the card C or the check S against the image reading surface 12 a of the second image reading sensor 12 to bring it into close contact, and the second pressing mechanism 40 puts the check S on the image reading surface 12 a of the second image reading sensor 12. It is for pressing and sticking.

  The first pressing mechanism 30 is provided corresponding to the card transport path P2. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first pressing mechanism 30 includes a first movable guide 31, a first rotating shaft 32, first rollers 33 a and 33 b, a compression coil spring 34, and a first tension spring 36. And.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the first movable guide 31 is bent at right angles to the image reading surface 12 a side of the image reading sensor 12 at both ends of a guide base 31 a that is a longitudinal member arranged parallel to the height direction. In addition, the upper shaft support portion 31b and the lower shaft support portion 31c are integrally formed and have a substantially U-shape in cross-sectional view as a whole. The upper shaft support portion 31b protrudes more toward the image reading surface 12a side of the image reading sensor 12 than the lower shaft support portion 31c, and the tip portion 31d is configured as a contact portion that contacts the image reading surface 12a. .

  The upper shaft support portion 31b and the lower shaft support portion 31c have long holes 37 and 38 formed in the height direction so that the longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to the card conveying direction (substantially perpendicular to the image reading surface 12a). Each is provided at a corresponding position. A first rotating shaft 32 having first rollers 33 a and 33 b is inserted into the long holes 37 and 38, and the first rotating shaft 32 is attached so as to be parallel to the image reading surface 12 a of the image reading sensor 12. It has been. The first rollers 33a and 33b are each attached to the first rotating shaft 32 with the first rotating shaft 32 as a central axis and spaced apart from each other by the first movable guide 31. It arrange | positions so that a part of may be covered. The first rotating shaft 32 is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the long holes 37 and 38, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the image reading surface 12 a of the image reading sensor 12.

  A compression coil spring 34 is disposed between the intermediate portion 32a of the first rotating shaft 32 located between the first rollers 33a and 33b and the inner side surface 31h of the guide base 31a. The compression coil spring 34 urges the first rotating shaft 32 toward the image reading sensor 12, whereby the first rollers 33 a and 33 b are pressed against the image reading surface 12 a of the image reading sensor 12.

  The first rollers 33a and 33b are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the axial center position of the first rotating shaft 32, and the compression coil spring 34 urges the central position perpendicular to the image reading surface 12a. It is preferable to provide as described above.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, two guide mounting portions 31e and 31f projecting toward the card insertion slot 20 in a direction substantially parallel to the card conveying direction are predetermined on the side surface of the guide base 31a in the height direction. Are integrally formed with an interval of. The first movable guide 31 is rotatably attached to a guide rotation shaft 50 arranged in parallel to the height direction (image reading surface 12a) via these guide attachment portions 31e and 31f.

  A hook portion 31g that protrudes on the opposite side of the card transport path P2 is integrally formed with the guide mounting portion 31e disposed above. One end of the first tension spring 36 is engaged with the hook portion 31g. The other end of the first tension spring 36 is engaged with, for example, a fixing portion 35 provided on the back side of the first image reading sensor 11, and biases the hook portion 31g in a direction substantially parallel to the card conveying direction. is doing. As a result, the first movable guide 31 rotates about the guide rotation shaft 50, and the distal end portion 31d of the upper shaft support portion 31b contacts the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12 and is positioned (FIG. 6). reference).

  In the present embodiment, the tip 31d of the upper shaft support portion 31b contacts the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12 in a state where the check S and the card C are not on the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12. The first rotation shaft 32 and the longitudinal end surfaces 37a, 38a (end surfaces far from the image reading sensor 12) of the long holes 37, 38 are positioned at a predetermined length H. .

  The pressing force by which the first tension spring 36 presses the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12 via the tip 31d of the upper shaft support 31b is such that the compression coil spring 34 has the first rotating shaft 32 and the first roller 33a, The pressure is set larger than the pressing force for pressing the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12 through 33b.

  In a state where the tip 31d of the upper shaft support portion 31b is in contact with the image reading surface 12a, the biasing force of the first tension spring 36 is the sum of the drag (reaction) of the image reading surface 12a and the biasing force of the compression coil spring 34. Match with. In this state, the pressing force with which the compression coil spring 34 presses the image reading surface 12a via the first rotating shaft 32 and the first rollers 33a and 33b is not affected by the urging force of the first tension spring 36. It is determined only by the spring constant and compression amount of the compression coil spring 34.

  Next, the structure of the second pressing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. The second pressing mechanism 40 is provided corresponding to the check conveyance path P1. The second pressing mechanism 40 includes a second movable guide 41, a second rotating shaft 42, second rollers 43a and 43b, and a second tension spring 46.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the second movable guide 41, a shaft support portion 41b is integrally formed at the center portion in the longitudinal direction of a guide base body 41a that is a longitudinal member arranged in parallel to the height direction. An intermediate portion 42a of the second rotating shaft 42 provided with the second rollers 43a and 43b is rotatably attached to the shaft support portion 41b. The second rollers 43a and 43b are attached with a predetermined distance above and below an intermediate portion 42a of the second rotating shaft 42, with the second rotating shaft 42 as a central axis.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, two guide mounting portions 41e and 41f projecting toward the card insertion slot 20 in a direction substantially parallel to the card conveying direction are predetermined on the side surface of the guide base 41a in the height direction. Are integrally formed with an interval of. The second movable guide 41 is rotatably attached to a guide rotation shaft 50 arranged in parallel to the height direction (image reading surface 12a) via these guide attachment portions 41e and 41f.

  A hook portion 41g that protrudes on the opposite side of the check conveyance path P1 is integrally formed with the guide attachment portion 41f disposed below. One end of the second tension spring 46 is engaged with the hook portion 41g. The other end of the second tension spring 46 is engaged with, for example, a fixing portion 45 provided on the back side of the first image reading sensor 11, and biases the hook portion 41g in a direction substantially parallel to the check conveyance direction. is doing. As a result, the second movable guide 41 rotates about the guide rotation shaft 50, and the second rollers 43 a and 43 b abut against the image reading surface 12 a of the image reading sensor 12 and are positioned.

  The pressing force by which the second tension spring 46 presses the image reading surface 12a of the image reading sensor 12 via the second rollers 43a and 43b is the compression force of the compression coil spring 34 of the image reading sensor 12 via the first rollers 33a and 33b. It is set to be substantially equal to the pressing force for pressing the image reading surface 12a.

  In this embodiment, the compression coil spring 34 of the first pressing member 30 and the second tension spring 46 of the second pressing member 40 are (weak) springs for pressing the check S and the thin card C, and the first pressing The first tension spring 36 of the member 30 is a (strong) spring for pressing the thick card C.

  Next, the operation of the first pressing mechanism 30 and the second pressing mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  First, a case where an image of a check Sa narrower than the predetermined length L is read will be described. As shown in FIG. 10A, the check Sa conveyed at the height L1 along the check conveyance path P1 to the second image reading sensor 12 includes the second rollers 43a and 43b and the image reading surface 12a. It is sent in between. At this time, the check Sa rotates the second movable guide 41 according to its thickness, and at the same time is pressed against the image reading surface 12a by the urging force of the second tension spring 46 via the second rollers 43a and 43b. That is, the check Sa is pressed against the image reading surface 12 a by a weak pressing force by the second tension spring 46. In this state, the image reading sensor 12 reads an image on the check Sa conveyed along the check conveyance path P1.

  Next, a case where an image of a wide check Sb having a predetermined length L or more is read will be described. Similar to the narrow check Sa, the check Sb conveyed at the height L1 along the check conveyance path P1 to the second image reading sensor 12 is a lower portion as shown in FIG. Is sent between the second rollers 43a and 43b and the image reading surface 12a, and the upper part thereof is sent between the first rollers 33a and 33b and the image reading surface 12a. At this time, the upper portion of the check Sb displaces the first rotary shaft 32 in the direction away from the image reading surface 12a along the long holes 37 and 38 due to its thickness, while the lower portion of the check Sb depends on its thickness. The second movable guide 41 is rotated. Thereby, the upper portion of the check Sb is pressed against the image reading surface 12a by the urging force of the compression coil spring 34 via the first roller 33b (or 33b and 33a depending on the width), and the lower portion thereof is the first portion. It is pressed against the image reading surface 12a by the urging force of the second tension spring 46 through the two rollers 43a and 43b. That is, the check Sb is pressed against the image reading surface 12 a by a weak pressing force by the compression coil spring 34 and the second tension spring 46. In this state, the image reading sensor 12 reads an image on the check Sb conveyed along the check conveyance path P1.

  That is, in the case of a wide check Sb having a width equal to or longer than the predetermined length L, the second rollers 43a and 43b of the second pressing mechanism 40 press the lower portion of the check S and the first pressing mechanism 30 has a first portion. The roller 33b (or 33b and 33a) presses the upper part of the check S. The pressing force applied to the upper portion of the check Sb by the compression coil spring 34 is substantially the same as the pressing force applied to the lower portion of the check Sb by the second tension spring 46. Therefore, the check Sb is configured to be pressed with a uniform force in the lower part and the upper part, and to prevent a conveyance failure or the like due to a non-uniform force in the check thickness direction.

  Next, a case where the thin card Ca (thickness ha ≦ predetermined length H) is read will be described. When the thin card Ca is inserted from the card insertion slot 20, the thin card Ca is conveyed along the card conveyance path P <b> 2 at the position of the height L <b> 2, and once conveyed through the second image reading sensor 12 to the card reversal path 21. . Then, the paper is reversely conveyed on the card reversing path 21 and is conveyed again to the second image reading sensor 12. The card Ca that has reached the second image reading sensor 12 is sent between the first rollers 33a and 33b and the image reading surface 12a as shown in FIG. At this time, the card C presses the first rollers 33a and 33b depending on the thickness thereof, and the first rotating shaft 32 is displaced along the long holes 37 and 38 in the direction away from the image reading surface 12a.

  Here, the thickness ha of the card Ca is such a thickness (ha ≦ H) that the second rotating shaft 32 does not press the longitudinal end faces 37a, 38a of the long holes 37, 38, so that the upper shaft support portion 31b has a thickness ha. The leading end 31d remains in contact with the image reading surface 12a. Therefore, in this state, the first rollers 33 a and 33 b are pressed only by the compression coil spring 34 and are not affected by the urging force of the first tension spring 36. As a result, the card Ca is pressed against the image reading surface 12a by the urging force of the compression coil spring 34 via the first rollers 33a and 33b. That is, the card Ca is pressed by a weak pressing force by the compression coil spring 34. In this state, the image reading sensor 12 reads an image on the card Ca conveyed along the card conveyance path P2.

  Next, a case where a thick card Cb (thickness hb> predetermined length H) is read will be described. When the thick card Cb is inserted from the card insertion slot 20 in the same manner as the thin card Ca, the thick card Cb is transported along the card transport path P2 and once passes through the second image reading sensor 12. It is conveyed to the card reversing path 21. Then, the paper is reversely conveyed on the card reversing path 21 and is conveyed again to the second image reading sensor 12. The card Cb reaching the second image reading sensor 12 is fed between the first rollers 33a and 33b and the image reading surface 12a as shown in FIG. 11B.

  At this time, the card Cb presses the first rollers 33a and 33b depending on the thickness thereof, and the first rotating shaft 32 is displaced along the long holes 37 and 38 in the direction away from the image reading surface 12a. Here, since the thickness hb of the card Cb is equal to or greater than the predetermined length H, the first rotating shaft 32 presses the longitudinal end faces 37a, 38a of the long holes 37, 38 to rotate the first movable guide 31, The distal end portion 31d of the upper shaft support portion 31b is separated from the image reading surface 12a. As a result, the card Cb is pressed against the image reading surface 12a by the urging force of the first tension spring 36 via the first rollers 33a and 33b. That is, the card Cb is pressed by a strong pressing force by the first tension spring 36. In this state, the image reading sensor 12 reads an image on the card Cb transported along the card transport path P2.

  As described above, the first rollers 33a and 33b are configured such that the pressing force changes abruptly and discontinuously with the predetermined length H as a boundary according to the thickness of the medium. That is, the first pressing mechanism 30 can switch the pressing force applied to the medium between the compression coil spring 34 and the first tension spring 36 according to the thickness of the medium. When the amount of movement of the first rotary shaft 32 supporting the first rollers 33a and 33b relative to the first movable guide 31 is within a predetermined value, the card C or the check S is pressed by the compression coil spring 34, and the first rotary shaft 32 is pressed. When the amount of movement relative to the first movable guide 31 exceeds a predetermined value, the card C is pressed by the tension spring 36.

  As described above, in the composite processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the check transport path P1 and the card transport path P2 are provided by being shifted in the height direction, and the type (thickness, material, etc.) of the medium transported in each transport path is provided. ), The pressing mechanisms 30 and 40 capable of generating an appropriate pressing force are provided, so that inconveniences such as the occurrence of jamming due to the pressing force being too strong and the focus shift due to the pressing force being too weak. It does not occur.

  Also, the pressing force when transporting the thin card Ca and the pressing force when transporting the thick card Cb are not changed linearly using one spring, but discontinuous using two springs. Even when reading images of two types of cards having a large difference in thickness, the pressing force of the first rollers 33a and 33b can be changed in a wide range and an appropriate pressing force corresponding to the card thickness can be obtained. The card C can be conveyed.

  That is, since the pressing force is too strong for the thin card Ca, jamming does not occur and no dirt or scratches are caused. Further, since the pressing force is too weak with respect to the thick card Cb, slip does not occur and good card conveyance can be performed. Further, at the moment when the first rollers 33a and 33b bit the end of the thick card Cb and when the end of the thick card Cb is released, the reaction force due to the small pressing force acts on the card Cb, not the large pressing force. For this reason, compared to a mechanism with only one spring, fluctuations in the transport load that occurs at the moment of biting the card edge or at the moment of releasing the card edge can be reduced. Disturbance can be prevented.

  In the above embodiment, assuming that images on both sides of the card C are read, both the first pressing mechanism 30 and the third pressing mechanism 60 are pressed by the compression coil spring 34 and the first tension spring 36. It was configured to be able to change discontinuously. When it is only necessary to read an image on one side of the card C, the other pressing mechanism (for example, the third pressing mechanism 60) may be configured similarly to the second pressing mechanism 40.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tip 31d of the upper shaft support 31b of the first movable guide 31 is in contact with the image reading surface 12a. However, for example, it may be configured to be in contact with the inner guide 2b. .

  In the above embodiment, the second pressing mechanism 40 (fourth pressing mechanism 70) is a second movable guide 41 that is rotatably supported by the guide rotation shaft 50, and the second movable guide 41 that biases the second movable guide 41. 2 tension springs 46 are provided. Instead, as in the mechanism using the compression coil spring 34 of the first pressing mechanism 30, the second rotating shaft 42 may be urged against the image reading surface 12a by the compression coil spring.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the check conveyance path P1 and the card conveyance path P2 are comprised so that it may parallel in a perpendicular direction in the part of the intermediate conveyance path M, you may comprise so that it may parallel in a horizontal direction. .

It is a perspective view which shows the compound processing apparatus of embodiment which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conveyance path in a composite processing apparatus. It is the schematic diagram seen from the upper surface which shows the internal structure of a compound processing apparatus. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the internal structure of the intermediate conveyance path vicinity of a composite processing apparatus. It is a fragmentary perspective view which shows the internal structure of the intermediate conveyance path vicinity of a composite processing apparatus. It is a top view of a 1st pressing mechanism. It is sectional drawing of a 1st pressing mechanism. It is typical sectional drawing of a 1st pressing mechanism. It is a typical sectional view of the 2nd pressing mechanism. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a 1st pressing mechanism and a 2nd pressing mechanism. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a 1st pressing mechanism and a 2nd pressing mechanism.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Composite processing apparatus 3 ... Paper feed part 4 ... Discharge port 11 ... 1st image reading sensor 12 ... 2nd image reading sensor 11a, 12a ... Image reading surface 20 ... Card insertion slot, 30... First pressing mechanism, 33a, 33b .. First roller, 34 .. Compression coil spring, 36 .. First tension spring, 40 .. Second pressing mechanism, 43 a, 43 b. 2 rollers, 46 ... second tension spring, C ... card, S ... check, P1, ... check transport path, P2 ... card transport path, M ... intermediate transport path.

Claims (12)

A first transport path for transporting the first medium;
A second transport path for transporting the second medium;
A common conveyance path in which at least a part of each of the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path is arranged in parallel;
An image sensor disposed along the common conveyance path;
A first pressing mechanism for pressing the first medium and the second medium against the image sensor;
A second pressing mechanism for pressing the second medium against the image sensor;
The first pressing mechanism is
A first pressing member for pressing the first medium and the second medium against the reading surface of the image sensor;
A first elastic body that biases the first pressing member against the reading surface when the thickness of the first medium is a predetermined value or less;
A second elastic body that biases the first pressing member against the reading surface when the thickness of the first medium exceeds a predetermined value;
The second pressing mechanism is
A second pressing member for pressing the second medium against the reading surface of the image sensor;
A third elastic body that biases the second pressing member against the reading surface;
The pressing force of the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the first elastic body is substantially equal to the pressing force of the second pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the third elastic body. An image reading apparatus.
However, the thickness of the first medium> the thickness of the second medium. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.
The first pressing member includes at least first and second pressing rollers that are rotatably supported at a predetermined interval on a common first rotating shaft,
The first pressing mechanism includes a first support member that supports the first rotation shaft so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reading surface.
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic body biases between the rollers of the first rotation shaft. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2.
The first and second presser rollers are disposed so as to sandwich a substantially center position in the axial direction of the first rotation shaft,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic body biases a substantially center position of the first rotation shaft. The image reading apparatus according to claim 2 or 3,
The first pressing mechanism has a first guide shaft that supports the first support member so as to be rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the reading surface;
The image reading apparatus, wherein the second elastic body biases the first support member to press the first pressing member against the reading surface. The image reading apparatus according to claim 4.
The first support member has a contact portion that can be brought into contact with the reading surface by being urged by the second elastic body, and the contact portion is in contact with the reading surface, An image reading apparatus, wherein the first rotation shaft is supported so as to be movable in a direction away from the reading surface. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.
(Pressing force of the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the first elastic body) <(Pressing force of the first pressing member pressed against the reading surface by the second elastic body) There is provided an image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.
The second pressing member includes at least third and fourth pressing rollers that are rotatably supported at a predetermined interval on a common second rotating shaft,
The second pressing mechanism includes a second support member that supports the second rotating shaft so as to be movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the reading surface.
The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third elastic body biases between the rollers of the second rotation shaft. The image reading apparatus according to claim 7.
The third and fourth presser rollers are disposed so as to sandwich a substantially center position in the axial direction of the second rotation shaft,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third elastic body biases a substantially center position of the second rotation shaft. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.
The second pressing mechanism has a second guide shaft that rotatably supports the second support member in a direction perpendicular to the reading surface,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the third elastic body biases the second support member to press the second pressing member against the reading surface. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.
The image reading apparatus, wherein the first pressing member and the second pressing member are arranged in parallel. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1.
The image reading apparatus, wherein the first medium is a card and the second medium is a check. A composite processing apparatus comprising: the image reading apparatus according to claim 1; and a print head and / or a magnetic head.

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