Self-service printers

Abstract

This utility model discloses a self-service printer, which includes a printer body and an electronic control module. The electronic control module includes a housing and an information receiving module. The housing is located on the side wall of the printer body, and the information receiving module is installed inside the housing. The information receiving module is used to receive printing information sent by the user and send the printing information to the printer body. The bottom of the housing has a mounting part extending towards the printer body, and the mounting part is connected to the bottom of the printer body. The self-service printer of this utility model facilitates subsequent maintenance and upgrades of the electronic control module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of printer technology, and in particular to a self-service printer. Background Technology

[0002] Self-service printers are an increasingly widely used type of self-service printing equipment. They can obtain the information to be printed through card reading, scanning, manual input, etc., and print out the information, making printing more convenient.

[0003] Currently, self-service printers typically consist of a cabinet, a printer, and a control module. Both the printer and the control module are installed inside the cabinet. This structure requires a large amount of space for the self-service printer and makes it inconvenient to inspect or upgrade the components inside the cabinet. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a self-service printer, which aims to solve the problem of inconvenience in hardware maintenance or upgrades.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the self-service printer proposed in this utility model includes:

[0006] Printer body;

[0007] The electronic control module includes a housing and an information receiving module. The housing is disposed on the side wall of the printer body, and the information receiving module is installed inside the housing. The information receiving module is used to receive printing information sent by the user and send the printing information to the printer body. The bottom of the housing has a mounting part extending toward the printer body, and the mounting part is connected to the bottom of the printer body.

[0008] Optionally, the bottom of the printer body has multiple screw holes spaced apart from each other, the mounting part has multiple through holes, each through hole corresponds to one of the screw holes, and the self-service printer also includes multiple bolts, each bolt passing through the through hole and screwed into the corresponding screw hole.

[0009] Optionally, the housing is provided with an opening on the side facing the printer body.

[0010] Optionally, the self-service printer further includes a mounting plate, which is mounted on the side wall of the printer body and extends along the height direction of the housing. The extended end of the mounting plate is spaced apart from the printer body. The top wall of the housing is provided with an inwardly extending flange. When the housing is located on the printer body, the flange is located between the mounting plate and the printer body.

[0011] Optionally, the mounting plate includes an integrally formed first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, and a third connecting plate. The first connecting plate and the third connecting plate are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second connecting plate and are both perpendicular to the second connecting plate. The first connecting plate is installed on the side wall of the printer body, and the third connecting plate is spaced apart from the side wall of the self-service printer body.

[0012] Optionally, the electronic control module further includes an antenna, which is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the information receiving module.

[0013] Optionally, the self-service printer also includes a cover plate, which is disposed on the control panel to cover the control panel of the printer body.

[0014] Optionally, the self-service printer has a paper guide plate at the paper inlet, and the self-service printer also includes a paper guide structure, which is installed on the paper guide plate. One end of the paper guide structure is adjacent to the paper inlet of the printer body, and the other end extends obliquely away from the paper inlet of the printer body.

[0015] Optionally, the housing has a plurality of first heat dissipation holes on its end face, the plurality of first heat dissipation holes being spaced apart from each other, and each of the first heat dissipation holes communicating with the interior of the housing.

[0016] Optionally, the bottom surface of the housing is provided with a plurality of second heat dissipation holes, which are spaced apart from each other, and each second heat dissipation hole communicates with the interior of the housing.

[0017] This utility model's technical solution involves mounting the housing on the side wall of the printer body and housing the information receiving module inside the housing. This module receives print information sent by the user and transmits it to the printer body. This setup eliminates the need for an external computer. Users can send files to the information receiving module on the printer directly via various methods, such as USB flash drives, networks, mobile phones, or memory cards, to complete the printing process. This simplifies the operation and improves convenience. Furthermore, mounting the electronic control module on the outside of the printer body physically isolates the heat-generating electronic components from the printer body's heat source, aiding in heat dissipation and stable operation, while also facilitating subsequent maintenance and upgrades of the electronic control module. The bottom of the housing has a mounting section extending towards the printer body, connecting to the bottom of the printer body. This extended mounting section forms a stable triangular or multi-point support structure. This effectively prevents the electronic control module from loosening, shaking, or even detaching due to external forces, such as collisions or excessive user operation, thus improving the housing's installation stability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the self-service printer of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a self-service printer in China;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Side view of a self-service printer in China;

[0023] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Exploded view of a self-service printer in China;

[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central control module;

[0025] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the mounting plate.

[0026] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0027] 10. Printer body; 20. Electronic control module; 21. Housing; 211. Mounting part; 2111. Through hole; 212. Flanged edge; 213. First heat dissipation hole; 214. Second heat dissipation hole; 22. Information receiving module; 23. Antenna; 30. Cover plate; 40. Paper guide structure; 50. Mounting plate; 51. First connecting plate; 52. Second connecting plate; 53. Third connecting plate

[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text is to include three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0032] This utility model proposes a self-service printer.

[0033] In the embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the self-service printer includes a printer body 10 and an electronic control module 20.

[0034] In this embodiment, the printer body 10 is responsible for the actual printing function, such as printing documents and photos. The electronic control module 20 includes a housing 21 and an information receiving module 22. The housing 21 is located on the side wall of the printer body 10, and the information receiving module 22 is installed inside the housing 21. The information receiving module 22 is responsible for receiving printing instructions sent by the user, processing these instructions, and sending them to the printer body 10 to execute the printing task. The information receiving module 22 includes electronic components such as a processor, memory, and network module, and realizes the function of receiving, processing, and forwarding printing information.

[0035] This setup eliminates the need for an external computer. Users can send files directly to the printer's information receiving module 22 via various methods (USB flash drive, network, mobile phone, memory card) to complete the printing process. This simplifies the operation and enhances convenience.

[0036] Installing the electronic control module 20 on the printer body 10 eliminates the need for a cabinet, which helps reduce the overall space occupied by the self-service printer. At the same time, it physically isolates the heat-generating electronic components from the heat source of the printer body 10, which helps with heat dissipation and stable operation. During maintenance, the first housing 21 can be removed directly without disassembling the structure of the printer body 10, which facilitates the maintenance and upgrading of the electronic control module 20 and does not affect the normal function of the printer body 10.

[0037] Furthermore, the bottom of the housing 21 has a mounting portion 211 extending toward the printer body 10, and the mounting portion 211 is connected to the bottom of the printer body 10. Specifically, the bottom of the printer body 10 has multiple screw holes spaced apart from each other, and the mounting portion 211 has multiple through holes 2111, each through hole 2111 corresponding to a screw hole. The self-service printer also includes multiple bolts, each bolt passing through the through hole 2111 and screwed into the corresponding screw hole.

[0038] This extended mounting section 211 connects to the bottom of the printer body 10, forming a stable triangular or multi-point support structure. This effectively prevents the electronic control module 20 from loosening, shaking, or even falling off due to external forces, such as collisions or excessive user operation, thus improving the installation stability of the housing 21.

[0039] Meanwhile, the through hole 2111 provided on the mounting part 211 corresponds to the original screw hole on the bottom of the printer body 10. This way, no hole needs to be opened during installation, which can reduce assembly costs and at the same time, it will not damage the overall structure of the printer body 10.

[0040] In this embodiment, the electronic control module 20 further includes a control module, a permission management unit, and a print execution module. The control module is configured to receive user input to grant at least one other user permission to use the printer body 10 for printing. The permission management unit is used to store and maintain the permission information of the authorized user. The print execution module is used to query the permission management unit to verify whether the current user has printing permission before executing the printing task. If the user does not have permission, the printing operation will be refused.

[0041] Specifically, the control module is the "administrator center" or "permission configuration center". For example, when the self-service printer is used for rental and the lessee is the property management staff, the property management staff can grant printing permissions and set printing quotas for each tenant so that each tenant who is granted printing permissions can use the self-service printer, while non-tenants cannot use it, thus preventing unauthorized printing.

[0042] Furthermore, the electronic control module 20 also includes a print data monitoring unit and a data statistics unit. The print data monitoring unit is connected to the print execution module and is used to monitor and record the print usage data of the authorized user who triggered the print task when the print execution module executes the print task. The data statistics unit is connected to the print data monitoring unit and the access control unit and is used to associate and store the print usage data recorded by the print data monitoring unit with the corresponding user's record in the access control unit to count the print usage of each authorized user.

[0043] Specifically, property staff can use the printing data recorded by the printing data monitoring unit to know the printing usage of each authorized rental unit, thereby making accurate charges. At the same time, they can also use the recorded usage data to predict the consumption rate of consumables for each tenant, accurately arrange replenishment time, and avoid service interruptions.

[0044] This utility model's technical solution involves mounting the housing 21 on the side wall of the printer body 10 and installing the information receiving module 22 inside the housing 21. This module receives printing information sent by the user and sends it back to the printer body 10. This setup eliminates the need for an external computer. Users can send files to the information receiving module 22 on the printer via various direct methods, such as USB flash drives, networks, mobile phones, or memory cards, to complete the printing process. This simplifies the operation and improves convenience. Furthermore, mounting the electronic control module 20 on the outside of the printer body 10 effectively isolates the heat-generating electronic components from the heat source of the printer body 10, aiding in heat dissipation and stable operation, while also facilitating subsequent maintenance and upgrades of the electronic control module 20. The bottom of the housing 21 has a mounting portion 211 extending towards the printer body 10, which connects to the bottom of the printer body 10. This extended mounting portion 211, connected to the bottom of the printer body 10, forms a stable triangular or multi-point support structure. This effectively prevents the electronic control module 20 from becoming loose, shaking, or even falling off due to external forces, such as collisions or excessive user operation, thus improving the installation stability of the housing 21.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing 21 has an opening on the side facing the printer body 10. Specifically, the opening design allows cables to pass directly through the opening and be connected short-distance to the corresponding interface inside the adjacent printer body 10, thereby simplifying wiring. During maintenance, technicians can remove the housing 21 from the printer body 10 and directly inspect or replace the electronic components inside the housing 21 through the opening without completely disassembling the entire housing 21, which improves maintenance efficiency.

[0046] In some embodiments, the self-service printer further includes a mounting plate 50, which is mounted on the side wall of the printer body 10 and extends along the height direction of the housing 21. The extended end of the mounting plate 50 is spaced apart from the printer body 10. The top wall of the housing 21 is provided with an inwardly extending flange 212. When the housing 21 is provided on the printer body 10, the flange 212 is located between the mounting plate 50 and the printer body 10.

[0047] Specifically, after the flange 212 is inserted into the gap between the mounting plate 50 and the side wall of the printer body 10, the mounting plate 50 and the side wall of the printer body 10 can limit the flange 212, preventing the housing 21 of the electronic control module 20 from falling completely, thus preventing internal components from being damaged or cables from being broken, and increasing safety. Of course, in other embodiments, the self-service printer does not have a mounting plate 50.

[0048] In some embodiments, the mounting plate 50 includes an integrally formed first connecting plate 51, a second connecting plate 52, and a third connecting plate 53. The first connecting plate 51 and the third connecting plate 53 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second connecting plate 52 and are both perpendicular to the second connecting plate 52. The first connecting plate 51 is mounted on the side wall of the printer body 10, and the third connecting plate 53 is spaced apart from the side wall of the self-service printer body 10. Specifically, the first connecting plate 51 is fixedly mounted on the side wall of the printer body 10, and the third connecting plate 53 is located on the side of the second connecting plate 52 away from the printer body 10 and is parallel to the first connecting plate 51. This three-section design of the mounting plate 50 does not occupy additional space, while the integral structure also ensures structural strength.

[0049] In some embodiments, the electronic control module 20 further includes an antenna 23, which is disposed on the outside of the housing 21 and electrically connected to the information receiving module 22. Specifically, the antenna 23 is used to enhance the wireless signal transmission and reception capabilities, ensure reliable transmission of user commands, improve communication stability, and adapt to complex environments. The antenna 23 can be an external short-pole antenna 23, such as a Wi-Fi / 4G rod antenna 23.

[0050] Furthermore, the electronic control module 20 includes two antennas 23, both of which are located on the housing 21. One of the antennas 23 is located at one end of the housing 21, and the other is located on the top surface of the housing 21. Both antennas 23 are electrically connected to the signal receiving module.

[0051] Specifically, by installing antennas 23 in both directions of the housing 21, it is ensured that at least one antenna 23 can stably receive signals regardless of the angle from which the user approaches the printer. Furthermore, in complex environments where wireless signals may be interfered with by reflections from walls and other devices, the dual antennas 23 can select the optimal signal path through diversity reception, reducing lag or disconnections and further improving communication stability.

[0052] In some embodiments, the self-service printer further includes a cover plate 30, which is disposed over the control panel to cover the control panel of the printer body 10. Specifically, the cover plate 30 is used to cover the control panel of the printer body 10 to prevent the user from making copies through the control panel.

[0053] In some embodiments, the printer body 10 has a paper guide at the paper inlet, and the self-service printer also includes a paper guide structure 40, which is mounted on the paper guide. One end of the paper guide structure 40 is adjacent to the paper inlet of the printer body 10, and the other end extends obliquely away from the paper inlet of the printer body 10.

[0054] Specifically, the paper guide plate is an inherent component at the paper inlet of the printer body 10, used to hold and constrain the sides of the paper to ensure that the paper enters the printer. The paper guide structure 40 is installed on the original paper guide plate of the printer body 10. One end of the paper guide structure 40 is close to the paper inlet of the printer, and the other end extends upwards from the paper inlet in a direction away from the printer. When the paper is placed on the paper guide structure 40, the inclined structure can guide the paper, allowing the paper to slide towards the paper inlet, making the paper feeding action smoother. At the same time, reducing paper jams and paper friction means less paper scraps and dust are generated, which helps to reduce dust entry.

[0055] In some embodiments, the housing 21 has a plurality of first heat dissipation holes 213 on its end face, the plurality of first heat dissipation holes 213 are spaced apart from each other, and each first heat dissipation hole 213 communicates with the interior of the housing 21.

[0056] Specifically, the number of first heat dissipation holes 213 is at least two. External airflow can flow into the housing 21 through the first heat dissipation holes 213, and airflow inside the housing 21 can flow out through the first heat dissipation holes 213, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic components inside the housing 21. Furthermore, placing the first heat dissipation holes 213 on the end face, compared to placing them on the top face, can reduce the ingress of dust. For example, the number of first heat dissipation holes 213 can be, but is not limited to, two, three, four, etc.

[0057] Furthermore, the bottom surface of the housing 21 is provided with a plurality of second heat dissipation holes 214, which are spaced apart from each other, and each second heat dissipation hole 214 communicates with the interior of the housing 21. Specifically, the number of second heat dissipation holes 214 is at least two, and the second heat dissipation holes 214 and the first heat dissipation holes 213 form convection, that is, one of the second heat dissipation holes 214 and the first heat dissipation holes 213 is used to allow external airflow into the housing 21, and the other is used to allow airflow from inside the housing 21 to flow out of the housing 21. This arrangement helps to further improve the heat dissipation efficiency of the electronic control module 20. For example, the number of second heat dissipation holes 214 can be, but is not limited to, two, three, four, etc. In addition, in other embodiments, the bottom surface of the housing 21 is not provided with second heat dissipation holes 214.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A self-service printer, characterized in that, include: Printer body; The electronic control module includes a housing and an information receiving module. The housing is disposed on the side wall of the printer body, and the information receiving module is installed inside the housing. The information receiving module is used to receive printing information sent by the user and send the printing information to the printer body. The bottom of the housing has a mounting part extending toward the printer body, and the mounting part is connected to the bottom of the printer body.

2. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printer body has multiple screw holes at its bottom, which are spaced apart from each other. The mounting part has multiple through holes, each corresponding to one of the screw holes. The self-service printer also includes multiple bolts, each of which passes through the through hole and is screwed into the corresponding screw hole.

3. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has an opening on the side facing the printer body.

4. The self-service printer as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The self-service printer also includes a mounting plate, which is installed on the side wall of the printer body and extends along the height direction of the housing. The extended end of the mounting plate is spaced apart from the printer body. The top wall of the housing is provided with an inwardly extending flange. When the housing is installed on the printer body, the flange is located between the mounting plate and the printer body.

5. The self-service printer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting plate includes an integrally formed first connecting plate, a second connecting plate, and a third connecting plate. The first connecting plate and the third connecting plate are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the second connecting plate and are both perpendicular to the second connecting plate. The first connecting plate is installed on the side wall of the printer body, and the third connecting plate is spaced apart from the side wall of the self-service printer body.

6. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electronic control module also includes an antenna, which is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the information receiving module.

7. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The self-service printer also includes a cover plate, which is placed over the control panel to cover the control panel of the printer body.

8. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The self-service printer has a paper guide plate at the paper inlet. The self-service printer also includes a paper guide structure, which is installed on the paper guide plate. One end of the paper guide structure is adjacent to the paper inlet of the printer body, and the other end extends obliquely away from the paper inlet of the printer body.

9. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a plurality of first heat dissipation holes on its end face, the plurality of first heat dissipation holes being spaced apart from each other, and each first heat dissipation hole communicating with the interior of the housing.

10. The self-service printer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the housing is provided with a plurality of second heat dissipation holes, which are spaced apart from each other, and each second heat dissipation hole communicates with the interior of the housing.

Images