Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device that makes it easy to hold an IC card over a card reader. [Solution] The printing apparatus 1 comprises an internal discharge section 8 from which printing media transported by a transport section 4 is discharged, an operation section 5 that receives input from a user, and a reading section 6 capable of housing a reading device that reads information from an information medium in which information is stored. The operation section 5 and the reading section 6 are located above the internal discharge section 8 in the vertical direction and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the apparatus body 2 when viewed from the front. The media discharge direction of the printing media in the internal discharge section 8 is either left or right when viewed from the front. When viewed from the front, the operation section 5 is located in the other direction of left or right relative to the reading section 6. When viewed from above, the operation section 5 is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8, and at least a part of the reading section 6 is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8. The operation section 5 and the reading section 6 each face upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes an operation unit, an in-body paper discharge unit, and a card reader in the apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus is an example of a printing apparatus. The operation unit is provided at one end of the apparatus main body in the left-right direction, the in-body paper discharge unit is provided so as to open a part of the other side in the left-right direction of the apparatus main body, and the card reader is provided on the other side in the left-right direction than the operation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, since the card reader is recessed deeper with respect to the operation unit, it is difficult to hold an IC card over the card reader.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing apparatus according to an application example of the present invention comprises: a transport unit for transporting a printing medium; a print head for printing on the printing medium transported by the transport unit; a main body housing the transport unit and the print head; an internal discharge unit formed in the main body from which the printing medium transported by the transport unit is discharged; an operation unit provided in the main body for receiving user input; and a reading unit provided in the main body capable of housing a reading device for reading information from an information medium containing information, wherein the operation unit and the reading unit The receiving section is located above the internal discharge section in the vertical direction and, in a front view, is arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the main body of the device, the media discharge direction of the printing medium in the internal discharge section is either left or right in a front view, the operating section is located in the other direction of left or right relative to the reading section in a front view, the operating section is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section in a plan view, and at least a part of the reading section is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section, and the operating section and the reading section each face upward. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the transport section of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the area around the reading unit in a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a left side view showing the area around the control panel in a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a right side view showing the area around the reading unit in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the reading unit in a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a left side view showing the area around the document supply and discharge device in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a front view showing the area around the viewing window in a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing the area around the document supply and discharge device in a printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] <First Embodiment> The printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0008] For the sake of explanation, each diagram shows three mutually orthogonal axes: the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The direction along the X-axis is referred to as the "X-axis direction," the direction along the Y-axis as the "Y-axis direction," and the direction along the Z-axis as the "Z-axis direction." The side of each axis indicated by the arrow is also referred to as the "positive side," and the side opposite the arrow as the "negative side." A plan view from the Z-axis direction is simply called a "plan view."

[0009] The X-axis direction is the width direction of the device. From the perspective of the operator of the printing device 1, the +X direction is left and the -X direction is right. The X-axis direction is also called the left-right direction. The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the printing device 1. The +Y direction is the direction from the operator toward the printing device 1, and is also called the rear direction. The -Y direction is the direction from the printing device 1 toward the operator, and is also called the front direction. Viewing the printing device 1 from the -Y side is simply called the "front view". The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction, that is, the height direction of the device. The +Z direction is up and the -Z direction is down. The operator corresponds to the user.

[0010] The printing device 1 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a printing medium P, such as printing paper.

[0011] The general configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described below. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 1 comprises a transport unit 4, a print head 12, a main body 2, an internal discharge unit 8, an operation panel 5, and a reading unit 6. The operation panel 5 corresponds to the operation unit. The main body 2 houses the transport unit 4 and the print head 12. Of the sides that make up the perimeter of the printing apparatus 1, the side on the +Y side is the rear 67, the side on the -Y side is the front 66, the side on the +X side is the left side 69, and the side on the -X side is the right side 68.

[0012] A specific example of the present invention will be described below. As shown in Figure 2, the transport unit 4 transports the printing medium P. The print head 12 prints on the printing medium P transported by the transport unit 4. In the following, the direction in which the printing medium P is transported may be referred to as "downstream," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "upstream." In the printing apparatus 1, the printing medium P is transported through paths T1 to T4.

[0013] The printing apparatus 1 has a media cassette 3 at the bottom of the apparatus body 2, which is equipped with a print head 12 (described later). A pick roller 21 is provided for feeding the contained printing medium P in the -X direction to the media cassette 3. A pair of feed rollers 25 is also provided for feeding the printing medium P fed by the pick roller 21 further downstream to the media cassette 3. Below the media cassette 3, there are several more media cassettes 3a, 3b, and 3c (see Figure 1). Each of these media cassettes 3a, 3b, and 3c is also provided with a pick roller (not shown) and a pair of feed rollers (not shown). In the following, unless otherwise specified, a "pair of rollers" consists of a drive roller driven by a power source such as a motor and a driven roller that rotates in contact with the drive roller.

[0014] The transport unit 4 includes a media cassette 3, a pick roller 21, a pair of feed rollers 25, a pair of transport rollers 29, 33-36, 38-43, and a belt unit 52.

[0015] The conveyance path T1 is the conveyance path of the print medium P that is sent out from the medium cassette 3 and reaches the pair of conveyance rollers 34. The print medium P sent out from the medium cassette 3 receives a feeding force from the pairs of conveyance rollers 29 and 33 and is sent to the pair of conveyance rollers 34. The print medium P that receives the feeding force from the pair of conveyance rollers 34 is sent between the print head 12 and the conveyance belt 53, that is, to the printing position facing the print head 12.

[0016] The print head 12 ejects ink from the nozzles 13 provided on the nozzle surface 12a onto the print medium P to perform printing. In the present embodiment, the ejection direction of the ink from the nozzles 13 is downward. The print head 12 is an ink ejection head in which a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting ink are arranged so as to cover the entire width direction of the print medium P, and is configured as an ink ejection head capable of performing printing over the entire width without moving in the width direction of the print medium P. However, the ink ejection head is not limited to this, and it may be a type mounted on a carriage that ejects ink while moving in the width direction of the print medium P. Furthermore, the printing method is not limited to the inkjet method, and may also be an electrophotographic method such as a dot impact method, a laser method, or an LED method.

[0017] The print head 12 according to the present embodiment ejects inks of a plurality of colors as an example. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the plurality of nozzles 13 include a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting yellow ink, a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting magenta ink, a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting cyan ink, a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting black dye ink, and a plurality of nozzles 13 for ejecting black pigment ink.

[0018] Next, the conveyance belt 53 is an endless belt wound around the first roller 54 which is a driving roller and the second roller 55 which is a driven roller, and the first roller 54 rotates by being driven by a belt rotation motor (not shown). The print medium P is conveyed to a position facing the print head 12 while being adsorbed on the belt surface of the conveyance belt 53.

[0019] The first roller 54, the second roller 55, and the conveyor belt 53 constitute a belt unit 52. The belt unit 52 is an example of a support for supporting the printing medium P. The belt unit 52 is rotatable using the first roller 54 as the pivot axis and powered by a belt movement motor (not shown). As the belt unit 52 rotates, the conveyor belt 53 moves between a support position facing the print head 12 and a retracted position (not shown) away from the support position.

[0020] The printing medium P, on which printing has been done on the first surface by the print head 12, is sent by the transport roller pair 35 located downstream of the transport belt 53 towards either the transport roller pair 36 or the transport roller pair 40. A path switching flap (not shown) is provided downstream of the transport roller pair 35, and this path switching flap directs the printing medium P, which is receiving feed force from the transport roller pair 35, to either the transport roller pair 36 or the transport roller pair 40.

[0021] When printing is performed on the first side of the printing medium P and not on the opposite second side, i.e., when double-sided printing is not performed, the printing medium P is sent from the transport roller pair 35 towards the transport roller pair 36, and transported through the discharge path T4 to the discharge port 71 provided in the main body of the device 2. The discharge path T4 is provided with transport roller pair 38 and transport roller pair 39.

[0022] When printing is to be performed on both the first side and the opposite second side of the printing medium P, i.e., when double-sided printing is performed, the printing medium P is sent from the transport roller pair 35 to the transport roller pair 40 and enters the switchback path T2. Then, the rotation direction of the transport roller pair 40 is switched, and the printing medium P enters the reversal path T3 and is sent to the transport roller pair 34 by the transport roller pairs 41, 42, and 43.

[0023] The printing medium P, which has been sent to the transport roller pair 34, is printed on its second side by the print head 12. The printing medium P, which has been printed on its second side, is sent from the transport roller pair 35 to the transport roller pair 36, and is transported through the discharge path T4 to the discharge port 71 of the device body 2.

[0024] The printing medium P, transported to the discharge port 71, is discharged from the discharge port 71 and placed on the mounting surface 72 of the device body 2. As will be described later, the mounting surface 72 is part of the surface that demarcates the cylinder discharge section 8. Therefore, the printing medium P transported by the transport section 4 is discharged into the cylinder discharge section 8.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the internal discharge section 8 is formed in the main body of the device 2. The main body of the device 2 has a first wall surface 73 facing to the right and having an outlet 71, a second wall surface 74 connected to the first wall surface 73 and the mounting surface 72 and facing forward, and a ceiling surface 75 facing downward and opposite the mounting surface 72. The internal discharge section 8 is a space partitioned by a virtual plane including the mounting surface 72, the first wall surface 73, the second wall surface 74, and the ceiling surface 75, a virtual plane including the front surface 66 of the main body of the device 2, and a virtual plane including the right side surface 68 of the main body of the device 2. The internal discharge section 8 is located to the right of the outlet 71. The internal discharge section 8 is provided to open up a portion of the main body of the device 2 in the front, right, and upward directions. As shown in Figure 3, the media discharge direction D1 of the printing medium P in the internal discharge section 8 is to the right in a front view. This configuration makes it easier to remove the printing medium P with the right hand.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, in plan view, the internal discharge section 8 is the region enclosed by the first wall surface 73, the second wall surface 74, the contour of the front surface 66 of the device body 2, and the contour of the right side surface 68 of the device body 2. In plan view, the contour of the front surface 66 of the device body 2 coincides with the front edge of the mounting surface 72. In plan view, the contour of the right side surface 68 of the device body 2 coincides with the right edge of the mounting surface 72.

[0027] If the first wall surface 73 is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the vertical and depth directions, or if it includes irregularities or curved sections, then in a plan view, the first wall surface 73 has width in the left-right direction. Similarly, if the second wall surface 74 is inclined with respect to a plane parallel to the vertical and left-right directions, or if it includes irregularities or curved sections, then in a plan view, the second wall surface 74 has width in the depth direction. In such cases, the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8 in a plan view is defined so as to maximize the area of ​​the area. That is, in a plan view, the end of the internal discharge section 8 in the left-right direction is defined on the leftmost side 69, and the end of the internal discharge section 8 in the depth direction is defined on the rearmost side 67.

[0028] The control panel 5 receives input from the user. Based on the input received by the control panel 5, the printing device 1 prints on the printing medium P and discharges the printing medium P into the cylinder discharge section 8.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the control panel 5 is mounted on the main body 2 of the device and is located above the main body 2. The control panel 5 is located above the ceiling surface 75 in the vertical direction. That is, the control panel 5 is located above the internal discharge section 8 in the vertical direction. In a plan view, the control panel 5 is located to the left of the first wall surface 73. That is, in a plan view, the control panel 5 is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8. In a plan view, the left end of the control panel 5 is aligned with the left side surface 69. In a plan view, the front end of the control panel 5 on the front surface 66 is aligned with the front surface 66. As shown in Figure 4, the control panel 5 has an operating surface 81 that receives user input. In Figure 4, the operating surface 81 faces upward. With this configuration, the operator can perform the task of inputting into the control panel 5 and the task of removing the printing medium P from the internal discharge section 8 without moving their standing position. Furthermore, in a plan view, the control panel 5 overlaps the main body of the device 2. This prevents the operator or anyone moving near the printing device 1 from colliding with the control panel 5.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the control panel 5 has a tilt axis 82 and can be tilted relative to the device body 2 around the tilt axis 82. The tilt axis 82 is located at the front end 66 side of the control panel 5 and extends in the left-right direction. By tilting the control panel 5, the direction in which the operating surface 81 faces can be changed between upward and forward. In Figure 5, the control panel 5 shown by a solid line is facing upward. When the control panel 5 is facing upward, it means that the perpendicular direction of the operating surface 81 has an upward component. The operating surface 81 is the surface that the operator faces when operating the device. By tilting the control panel 5, operation can be made easier.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the control panel 5 is a rectangle with longer sides extending horizontally when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the control surface 81. With this configuration, the operator's eyes are positioned horizontally, thus improving the visibility of the control surface 81.

[0032] The reading unit 6 reads the unique information stored on the user's IC card and performs user authentication by comparing the read unique information with pre-stored user information. An IC card is an example of an information medium.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the reading unit 6 is provided on the main body of the device 2. The reading unit 6 is located above the ceiling surface 75 in the vertical direction. That is, the reading unit 6 is located above the internal discharge section 8 in the vertical direction. The reading unit 6 is located above the main body of the device 2 and, in a front view, is arranged side by side with the operation panel 5 in the left-right direction. The reading unit 6 is located to the right of the operation panel 5. In a plan view, the reading unit 6 overlaps with the first wall surface 73. That is, in a plan view, a part of the reading unit 6 is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8. In other words, in a plan view, a part of the reading unit 6 overlaps with the area of ​​the internal discharge section 8. This configuration makes it less likely that the visibility and ease of removal of the printing medium P in the internal discharge section 8 will be impaired. It also makes it easier to avoid increasing the width of the printing device 1 in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the reading unit 6 has a reading surface 86 on which the operator holds the IC card. The reading surface 86 faces upward. With this configuration, the operator can access the reading unit 6 with the IC card and remove the printing medium P from the internal ejection unit 8 without changing their standing position.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the reading unit 6 is located to the right of the operation panel 5, and in a front view, the media ejection direction D1 is also to the right. This configuration makes it easy to access the reading unit 6 with the right hand and to remove the printed media P.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the reading unit 6 is a rectangle with a shorter side extending horizontally when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the reading surface 86. The length of the longer side of the reading unit 6 is the same as the length of the shorter side of the operation panel 5. The end of the reading unit 6 on the front 66 side is aligned with the front 66 of the device body 2 in a plan view. In other words, in a plan view, the reading unit 6 overlaps with the device body 2. This prevents the operator or anyone moving near the printing device 1 from colliding with the reading unit 6.

[0037] The operation panel 5 and the reading unit 6 each face upward. The upward orientation of the reading unit 6 means that the perpendicular direction of the reading surface 86 has an upward component. This configuration makes it easier to access the IC card with the reading unit 6, eliminating the need to avoid the operation panel 5. Furthermore, in a plan view, the operation panel 5 is located outside the area of ​​the internal ejection section 8, and at least a portion of the reading unit 6 is also located outside the area of ​​the internal ejection section 8, thus minimizing the impairment of visibility and ease of removal of the printed medium P in the internal ejection section 8.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, when the operation panel 5 is facing upwards, the difference in height between the operation surface 81 and the reading surface 86 is small. In other words, the difference in the vertical position of the reading surface 86 relative to the operation surface 81 is small. This configuration allows for a smooth transition from accessing the IC card on the reading surface 86 to operating the operation panel 5. Therefore, the series of operations can be performed easily. Furthermore, by aligning the direction in which the operation surface 81 and the reading surface 86 face, the series of operations can be performed even more easily.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, the reading unit 6 includes a device housing 87 and a cover 88. The device housing 87 can house a card reader 85. The card reader 85 is a device that reads information from an IC card on which information is stored, and corresponds to a reading device. In Figure 7, the card reader 85 is housed in the device housing 87. The cover 88 covers the device housing 87. When an IC card is held over the reading surface 86, communication takes place between the IC card and the card reader 85 via the reading surface 86. The device housing 87 has a recess 89 in which the card reader 85 is housed. The card reader 85 can be attached to and detached from the reading unit 6 by the administrator of the printing device 1.

[0040] The cover 88 is openable and closable relative to the device housing 87, and covers the card reader 85 when closed. When the cover 88 is closed, the surface of the cover 88 is the reading surface 86. The surface of the cover 88 is the surface opposite to the surface of the cover 88 that faces the card reader 85. In this embodiment, the reading unit 6 is equipped with a hinge parallel to the depth direction, and the cover 88 opens and closes by swinging around an axis parallel to the depth direction. The material of the cover 88 is not particularly limited, as long as communication is possible through the cover 88, for example, hard plastic. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the card reader 85 from being damaged or soiled.

[0041] The reading unit 6 is equipped with locking parts 91 and 92, and the cover 88 can be locked with the device housing unit 87 covered by the locking parts 91 and 92. This configuration prevents the theft of the card reader 85 and prevents the removal of the card reader 85 by anyone other than the administrator. The locking method is not particularly limited and may include, for example, a rotating hook, a padlock, a dial lock, or an electromagnetic lock.

[0042] Inside the device housing 87, there is a connector 90 to which a wireless communication dongle can be electrically connected. This allows a wireless communication dongle to be connected to add wireless communication functionality to the printing device 1. The connection of the wireless communication dongle is performed with the cover 88 open relative to the device housing 87.

[0043] As shown in Figure 8, the printing device 1 further includes an image reading device 7 positioned above the main body 2 of the device. Also, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 8, the printing device 1 further includes a document supply and discharge device 11 positioned above the image reading device 7. The image reading device 7 is configured to read images such as characters and photographs printed on the document. The document supply and discharge device 11 is configured to supply and discharge documents toward the image reading device 7.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the document supply and discharge device 11 comprises a document transport means (not shown), a document supply tray 95, and a document discharge tray 96. The document transport means supplies the document placed on the document supply tray 95 to the image reading device 7, and then discharges the scanned document to the document discharge tray 96. The document supply tray 95 is positioned above the document discharge tray 96. The document supply tray 95 and the document discharge tray 96 are positioned to the right of the document transport means. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, in a plan view, a portion of the document supply tray 95 and the document discharge tray 96 overlaps with the internal discharge section 8.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, the document discharge direction D2 of the document supply and discharge device 11 is to the right. The document discharge direction D2 is the same as the medium discharge direction D1 of the printing medium P in the cylinder discharge section 8. With this configuration, the printing medium P discharged to the cylinder discharge section 8 and the document discharged to the document supply and discharge device 11 can be removed by the same hand.

[0046] The document setting direction D3 of the document feeding and ejection device 11 is to the left. The document setting direction D3 is opposite to the document ejection direction D2. This configuration makes it easy for the operator to remove the document ejected from the document feeding and ejection device 11 with the same hand that set the document. In other words, the operation from setting the document to removing the document becomes easier. In particular, the operator can easily set the document in the document feeding tray 95 with their right hand while facing the front 66, and remove the document from the document ejection tray 96 with their right hand.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the document supply and discharge device 11 can be opened and closed relative to the image reading device 7 by rotating around the pivot axis 101. The document supply and discharge device 11 is opened when a document is placed directly on the image reading device 7. The pivot axis 101 extends along the left-right direction and is located at the rear end of the image reading device 7.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the document feeder / discharger 11 is provided with a handle 102. The handle 102 allows the operator to grip the document feeder / discharger 11 when opening it. The handle 102 is a recess extending in the left-right direction, located at the front end of the document feeder / discharger 11. The recess is open to the front and downward. In a plan view, the handle 102 is located within the area overlapping with the internal discharge section 8. The right end 103 and the left end 104 of the handle 102 are located to the right of the operation panel 5 and the reading section 6 in the left-right direction.

[0049] This configuration encourages operators to place their hands in a safe position when opening or closing the document feeder / discharger 11 while the control panel 5 is upright. This helps prevent the operator's fingers from getting caught between the document feeder / discharger 11 and the control panel 5. Furthermore, the operator does not need to move the control panel 5 or the reading unit 6 when placing their hand on the handle 102. Therefore, the operation of opening and closing the document feeder / discharger 11 can be easily performed. In addition, the operator can perform the operation of opening and closing the document feeder / discharger 11 and the operation of removing the printing medium P from the internal discharge unit 8 with the same hand.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the aforementioned control panel 5 is positioned on the opposite side of the pivot axis 101 from the document feeding and ejection device 11. The tilt axis 82 of the control panel 5 is positioned on the opposite side of the control panel 5 from the document feeding and ejection device 11. As shown in Figure 5, when the control panel 5 is tilted, there is a gap G between the trajectory M traced by the end of the control panel 5 on the opposite side of the tilt axis 82 and the document feeding and ejection device 11. The size of the gap G is large enough for the operator's fingers to fit through. This configuration improves the workability when the operator tilts the control panel 5.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the device body 2 further comprises an ink storage section 10 and a viewing window 111. As shown in Figure 9, an ink cartridge 112 containing ink supplied to the print head 12 (see Figure 2) can be installed in the ink storage section 10. The ink cartridge 112 is detachably housed in the ink storage section 10 of the device body 2. The viewing window 111 is formed on the front surface 66 of the device body 2. The user can view the ink storage section 10 of the device body 2 through the viewing window 111. In other words, the user can view the ink cartridge 112 installed in the ink storage section 10 of the device body 2 through the viewing window 111. The ink supplied to the print head 12 is packed in ink cartridges 112 according to the type of ink. In this embodiment, the type of ink is the color of the ink. The ink supplied to the print head 12 is housed in different ink cartridges 112 for each ink color. In a front view, the viewing window 111 is located below the operation panel 5. In a front view, the viewing window 111 overlaps the ink storage section 10. When multiple ink cartridges 112 are installed in the ink storage section 10, the multiple ink cartridges 112 can be seen lined up horizontally through the viewing window 111.

[0052] The main body of the device 2 has an ink cartridge cover (not shown) that opens and closes in part, opening the ink storage section 10. Opening the ink storage section 10 allows for the replacement of the ink cartridge 112. The location where the ink cartridge cover is provided is not particularly limited and may be, for example, the front 66 or left side 69 of the main body of the device 2. The ink cartridge cover may also include a viewing window 111.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the operation panel 5 includes a display unit 115 capable of displaying information regarding the remaining amount of ink in the ink storage unit 10. In this embodiment, the display unit 115 also serves as the operation surface 81. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the display unit 115 may be a monitor without input functionality. The display unit 115 is located above the viewing window 111. The ink cartridge cover can be opened and closed even when the operation panel 5 is upright relative to the main body 2. This configuration allows for intuitive visual identification of the ink cartridge 112 that needs to be replaced among multiple ink cartridges 112. This reduces the time required for replacement work and prevents errors such as accidentally replacing the wrong cartridge.

[0054] The left-right arrangement of the information on multiple ink cartridges 112 displayed on the display unit 115 is the same as the left-right arrangement of the multiple ink cartridges 112 installed in the ink storage unit 10. This makes it easier to intuitively identify which ink cartridge 112 needs to be replaced.

[0055] For ink cartridges 112 of the same type, it is desirable that the position displayed on the display unit 115 and the position where they are installed in the ink storage unit 10 are aligned vertically. This reduces the need for the operator or the person replacing the ink cartridge 112 to move their eyes, making it easier to intuitively identify the ink cartridge 112 that needs to be replaced.

[0056] Referring to Figure 3, it was explained that the media discharge direction D1 of the printing medium P in the cylinder discharge section 8 is to the right when viewed from the front, and the operation panel 5 is located to the left relative to the reading section 6 when viewed from the front. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the media discharge direction D1 may be to the left when viewed from the front, and the operation panel 5 may be located to the right relative to the reading section 6 when viewed from the front. In other words, the media discharge direction D1 may be either to the left or to the right when viewed from the front, and the operation panel 5 may be located in the other direction relative to the reading section 6 when viewed from the front. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

[0057] Furthermore, although it was explained that the control panel 5 overlaps the main body of the device 2 in a plan view, this is not the only limitation. For example, in a plan view, a portion of the control panel 5 may extend beyond the main body of the device 2. This allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the control panel 5 relative to the main body of the device 2.

[0058] Furthermore, while it has been explained that the operation panel 5 and the reading unit 6 overlap the main body of the device 2 in a plan view, this is not the only possible configuration. For example, in a plan view, a portion of the operation panel 5 and a portion of the reading unit 6 may protrude from the main body of the device 2 in the front direction. In this case, the operation surface 81 and the reading surface 86 only need to be facing upwards. This makes it easier to access the reading unit 6 with an IC card and eliminates the need to move around the operation panel 5.

[0059] Furthermore, while an IC card was used as an example of an information medium in this explanation, it is not limited to this. For example, a smartphone or smartwatch that supports short-range wireless communication would also be acceptable.

[0060] Furthermore, although the operation panel 5 has been described as a rectangle with longer sides extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the perpendicular direction of the operation surface 81, it is not particularly limited to this. For example, the rectangle may have longer sides extending in the depth direction when viewed from the perpendicular direction of the operation surface 81. By doing so, the operability of the operation panel 5 can be improved. In addition, the amount of information displayed on the display unit 115 can be increased.

[0061] Furthermore, although the reading unit 6 has been described as a rectangle with short sides extending in the left-right direction when viewed from the perpendicular direction of the reading surface 86, it is not particularly limited to this. For example, the rectangle may have short sides extending in the depth direction when viewed from the perpendicular direction of the reading surface 86. This makes it easier for the operator to hold the IC card over the reading surface 86 with its long side facing left-right.

[0062] Furthermore, although it has been explained that the opening and closing of the cover 88 included in the reading unit 6 is done by a swinging mechanism, it is not limited to this. For example, it may be done by a sliding mechanism. Also, the cover 88 may be detachable from the device housing unit 87. This would allow the cover 88 to be replaced.

[0063] Furthermore, although the operation panel 5 and the reading unit 6 have been described as being separate components, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the operation panel 5 and the reading unit 6 may be integrated into a single unit.

[0064] Furthermore, although it was explained that the document supply and discharge device 11 can be opened and closed relative to the image reading device 7, it may also be possible to lock it to restrict opening. This would prevent unauthorized persons from using the image reading device 7.

[0065] <Second Embodiment> A printing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a plan view of the printing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment.

[0066] The printing apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment comprises a transport unit 4, a print head 12, a device body 2, an internal discharge unit 8, an operation panel 5a, and a reading unit 6a. The operation panel 5a and the reading unit 6a are located above the device body 2 and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction when viewed from the front. The reading unit 6a is located to the right of the operation panel 5a. The printing apparatus 1a is the same as the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except that the position of the reading unit 6a relative to the internal discharge unit 8 is different.

[0067] In a plan view, the reading unit 6a is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge unit 8. This configuration further improves the visibility and ease of removal of the printing medium P in the internal discharge unit 8. In a plan view, the right end of the reading unit 6a is aligned with the first wall surface 73.

[0068] Furthermore, the front end 66 side of the first wall surface 73 of the main body of the device 2 is open upward. This prevents the operator's hand from colliding with the reading unit 6a when removing the printing medium P from the internal discharge unit 8.

[0069] Furthermore, the contact area of ​​the reading unit 6a with the main body 2 can be increased. This ensures that the reading unit 6a is securely fixed to the main body 2. Therefore, for example, when removing the card reader 85, it is possible to prevent the reading unit 6a from falling off the main body 2.

[0070] <Third Embodiment> The printing apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a front view showing the area around the document supply and discharge device 11b in the printing apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment.

[0071] The printing apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment comprises a transport unit 4, a print head 12, a device body 2, an internal discharge unit 8, an operation panel 5, a reading unit 6, an image reading device 7, and a document supply and discharge device 11b. The document supply and discharge device 11b is provided with a handle 102b that the operator can grip when opening the document supply and discharge device 11b. The printing apparatus 1b is the same as the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment except that the length of the handle 102b in the left-right direction is different.

[0072] In the left-right direction, the left end 104b of the handle portion 102b is positioned to overlap with the operation panel 5. In a front view, the handle portion 102b is positioned across the center C in the left-right direction of the document feeding and ejection device 11b. The length of the handle portion 102b in the left-right direction is approximately 80% of the length of the document feeding and ejection device 11b in the left-right direction. This allows the operator to easily grasp the handle portion 102b.

[0073] With the control panel 5 lying flat against the main body 2, a gap larger than the size of a finger is provided between the handle 102b and the control panel 5. This allows the operator to easily place their hand on the end of the control panel 5 opposite to the tilt axis 82. Therefore, the operator can easily rotate the control panel 5.

[0074] <Summary of this disclosure> A summary of this disclosure is provided below.

[0075] (Note 1) The device comprises a transport unit for transporting a printing medium, a print head for printing on the printing medium transported by the transport unit, a main body housing the transport unit and the print head, an internal discharge unit formed in the main body from which the printing medium transported by the transport unit is discharged, an operation unit provided in the main body for receiving user input, and a reading unit provided in the main body that can house a reading device for reading information from an information medium in which information is stored, wherein the operation unit and the reading unit are located vertically. A printing apparatus comprising: a unit located above the internal discharge section in the direction of the cylinder, and arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the main body of the apparatus in a front view, the direction of discharge of the printing medium from the internal discharge section being either left or right in a front view, the operating unit located in the other direction of left or right relative to the reading unit in a front view, the operating unit located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section in a plan view, and at least a part of the reading unit located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section, and the operating unit and the reading unit each facing upward.

[0076] As per the configuration described in Appendix 1, the operating unit and the reading unit face upwards, making it easier to access the information medium with the reading unit and eliminating the need to move around the operating unit.

[0077] (Note 2) A printing apparatus as described in Note 1, wherein, in a front view, the media discharge direction is to the right.

[0078] As per the configuration described in Appendix 2, the reading unit is located to the right of the operating unit, making it easier to access the reading unit and remove the printed media with the right hand.

[0079] (Note 3) A printing apparatus as described in Note 1 or Note 2, wherein, in a plan view, the reading unit is located outside the area of ​​the cylinder discharge unit.

[0080] The configuration described in Appendix 3 further improves the visibility and ease of removal of the printing medium in the discharge section inside the cylinder.

[0081] (Note 4) A printing apparatus as described in Notes 1 to 3, further comprising an image reading device positioned above the main body of the apparatus, and a document supply and discharge device positioned above the image reading device, wherein the document discharge direction of the document supply and discharge device is the same as the media discharge direction.

[0082] As per the configuration described in Appendix 4, the document discharge direction is the same as the media discharge direction, allowing the printing media discharged to the cylinder discharge section and the document discharged to the document supply and discharge device to be removed by the same hand.

[0083] (Note 5) A printing apparatus as described in Note 4, wherein the document setting direction of the document supply and discharge device is in the opposite direction to the document discharge direction.

[0084] As per the configuration described in Appendix 5, the document setting direction is opposite to the document discharge direction, allowing the user to remove the document discharged from the document supply and discharge device with the same hand that set the document. In other words, the entire process from document setting to document removal becomes easier.

[0085] (Note 6) A printing apparatus as described in Note 4 or Note 5, wherein the document supply and discharge device is openable and closable relative to the image reading device, the document supply and discharge device is provided with a handle, and the handle is located in a region that overlaps with the cylinder discharge section in a plan view.

[0086] As described in Appendix 6, the document feeder / discharge device can be opened and closed by placing your hand on it while avoiding the operation and scanning sections. Therefore, the opening and closing of the document feeder / discharge device can be easily performed.

[0087] (Note 7) A printing apparatus as described in Notes 4 to 6, wherein the document supply and discharge device is openable and closable relative to the image reading device by rotating around a pivot axis, the operating unit is located on the opposite side of the pivot axis relative to the document supply and discharge device and is tiltable relative to the main body of the apparatus by a tilt axis, the tilt axis is located on the opposite side of the operating unit relative to the document supply and discharge device, and when the operating unit is tilted, there is a gap between the trajectory traced by the end of the operating unit on the opposite side of the tilt axis and the document supply and discharge device.

[0088] The configuration described in Appendix 7 improves the ease of operation when tilting the control panel.

[0089] (Note 8) A printing apparatus as described in Notes 1 to 7, wherein the reading unit includes a device housing for housing the reading device and a cover for covering the device housing, and the cover is lockable while covering the device housing.

[0090] The configuration described in Appendix 8 prevents the theft of the reading device and prevents the removal of the reading device by anyone other than the administrator.

[0091] (Note 9) A printing apparatus as described in Note 8, wherein the device housing section is equipped with a connector to which a wireless communication dongle can be electrically connected.

[0092] The configuration described in Appendix 9 allows for the connection of a wireless communication dongle.

[0093] (Note 10) A printing apparatus as described in Notes 1 to 9, wherein the main body of the apparatus further comprises an ink storage section into which an ink cartridge for storing ink supplied to the print head can be mounted, and a viewing window formed on the front of the main body of the apparatus, allowing the ink cartridge mounted in the ink storage section to be viewed, and the operating section includes a display unit capable of displaying information regarding the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge, the display unit being located above the viewing window.

[0094] The configuration described in Appendix 10 allows for intuitive visual identification of which ink cartridge needs replacing among multiple cartridges. This reduces the time required for replacement and prevents errors such as accidentally replacing the wrong cartridge. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1,1a,1b…Printing device, 2…Device body, 3…Media cassette, 4…Conveyor unit, 5,5a…Operation panel, 6,6a…Reading unit, 7…Image reader, 8…Cylinder discharge unit, 10…Ink storage unit, 11,11b…Document supply and discharge device, 12…Print head, 12a…Nozzle surface, 13…Nozzle, 21…Pick roller, 25…Feed roller pair, 29,33~36,38~43…Conveyor roller pair, 52…Belt unit, 53…Conveyor belt, 54…First roller, 55…Second roller, 66…Front view, 67…Rear view, 68…Right side view, 69…Left side view, 71…Discharge port, 72…Placement surface 73...First wall, 74...Second wall, 75...Ceiling, 81...Operation surface, 82...Tilt axis, 85...Card reader, 86...Reading surface, 87...Device housing, 88...Cover, 89...Recess, 90...Connector, 91,92...Locking part, 95...Document supply tray, 96...Document output tray, 101...Rotating axis, 102,102b...Handle part, 103...End, 104,104b...End, 111...Viewing window, 112...Ink cartridge, 115...Display part, C...Center, D1...Media output direction, D2...Document output direction, D3...Document setting direction, G...Gap, M...Trajectory, T1~T4...Path

Claims

1. A transport unit that transports the printing medium, A print head that prints on the printing medium transported by the transport unit, The transport unit and the main body of the device housing the print head, The apparatus body includes an internal discharge section into which the printing medium conveyed by the conveying section is discharged, The device body includes an operating unit that receives input from the user, The device comprises a reading unit provided in the main body of the device, which is capable of housing a reading device that reads the information from an information medium on which the information is stored, The operating section and the reading section are located above the internal discharge section in the vertical direction, and are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the main body of the device when viewed from the front. The media discharge direction of the printing medium in the discharge section inside the cylinder is either left or right when viewed from the front. In a front view, the operating section is located in the left or right direction relative to the reading section. In a plan view, the operating section is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section, and at least a part of the reading section is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge section. The operating unit and the reading unit each face upward. Printing device.

2. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, In a front view, the media discharge direction is to the right. Printing device.

3. A printing apparatus according to claim 2, In a plan view, the reading unit is located outside the area of ​​the internal discharge unit. Printing device.

4. A printing apparatus according to claim 3, An image reading device positioned above the main body of the aforementioned device, The image reading device further comprises a document supply and discharge device positioned above the image reading device, The document discharge direction of the document supply and discharge device is the same as the media discharge direction. Printing device.

5. A printing apparatus according to claim 4, The document setting direction of the document feeding and ejection device is opposite to the document ejection direction. Printing device.

6. A printing apparatus according to claim 5, The document supply and ejection device is openable and closable relative to the image reading device. The aforementioned document feeding and ejection device is provided with a handle, The aforementioned handle portion is located in a region that overlaps with the internal discharge portion of the body in a plan view. Printing device.

7. A printing apparatus according to claim 5, The document supply and ejection device can be opened and closed relative to the image reading device by rotating around a pivot axis. The operating unit is positioned on the opposite side of the pivot axis from the document feeding and ejection device, and is tiltable around the tilt axis relative to the main body of the device. The tilt axis is positioned on the opposite side of the operating unit from the document feeding and ejection device. When the operating unit is tilted, there is a gap between the trajectory traced by the end of the operating unit opposite to the tilt axis and the document feeding and ejection device. Printing device.

8. A printing apparatus according to claim 1, The reading unit includes a device housing unit for housing the reading device and a cover for covering the device housing unit. The cover can be locked while covering the device housing. Printing device.

9. A printing apparatus according to claim 8, The device housing section is equipped with a connector to which a wireless communication dongle can be electrically connected. Printing device.

10. A printing apparatus according to claim 5, The main body of the device includes an ink storage section into which an ink cartridge containing ink supplied to the print head can be installed, The device further comprises a viewing window formed on the front of the main body of the device, which allows the ink cartridge installed in the ink storage section to be viewed, The operation unit includes a display unit capable of displaying information regarding the remaining amount of ink in the ink cartridge. The display unit is located above the viewing window. Printing device.

Images