Card reader

A card reader for processing a card which incorporates an IC chip and is formed with an external connection terminal of the IC chip, the card reader comprising:

• a card insertion slot into which the card is inserted;
• a card conveyance path in which the card inserted from the card insertion slot is conveyed;
• a card conveyance mechanism structured to convey the card along the card conveyance path;
• and
• a metal detecting mechanism for detecting the external connection terminal;
• wherein when one side in a conveying direction of the card by the card conveyance mechanism is referred to as a front side and, when an other side in the conveying direction of the card by the card conveyance mechanism is referred to as a rear side,
• a front side end of the card conveyance path is formed with the card insertion slot;
• the card conveyance mechanism comprises one or more conveyance roller pairs which contact with the card and convey the card in a sandwiching state;
• in a case that the card conveyance mechanism comprises a plurality of the conveyance roller pairs, the conveyance roller pair which is disposed on most front side is referred to as a first conveyance roller pair and, in a case that the card conveyance mechanism comprises only one conveyance roller pair, the one conveyance roller pair is referred to as a first conveyance roller pair;
• and
• the metal detecting mechanism is disposed on a rear side with respect to the external connection terminal of the card when a rear end of the card is sandwiched between the first conveyance roller pair.