HK1066973B - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The designated Chinese patent application number is 200410032858.2

Description

Printer with a movable platen

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a media transport mechanism and a printer capable of printing continuous paper and documents and reading image data recorded on a card or other recording medium.

Background

Continuous paper (roll-to-roll) printers that print roll-to-roll paper for issuing sales receipts, admission tickets and the like, and document printers that print personal and commercial checks and other types of documents are widely used. These include hybrid printers of the type having both roll paper printing and document printing functions, so that a single printer can print both roll paper and documents.

An example of such a hybrid printer is shown in fig. 23, for example. The hybrid printer 210 shown in fig. 23 has: a roll paper P loading opening 221 in the top of the case 220; and a chamber 222 for the roll paper P inside the case 220. The roll paper P is freely rotatably held inside the chamber 222, and one end of the roll paper P is conveyed to the front inside the case 220 so as to pass through a conveying path 223 formed inside the case 220 when the cover 230 is closed. The thermal head 224 is disposed along the conveying path 223, and prints the roll paper P.

The cover 230 opens and closes the loading opening 221, and has a sheet insertion face 231 for inserting a sheet at the top front side of the cover 230. A sheet guide 232 is formed along one edge of the sheet insertion surface 231 in the insertion direction of the sheet S. When the cover 230 is closed, a gap between the housing 220 and the edge of the cover 230 forms a rolled sheet P exit 225 when the cover 230 is closed at a position below the document insertion face 231. A document printing unit 260 is provided at the top rear of the cover 230. See, for example, Japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2001 + 341369 (page 5, FIG. 2).

[ problem to be solved by the invention ]

Scanners for acquiring image data recorded on media such as driver's licenses and credit cards with a picture of a card holder are increasingly installed in stores in combination with the above-described hybrid printers. This obviously requires sufficient space to install the hybrid printer and scanner, i.e. two separate devices, and therefore often requires some modification in order to create the required space. More specifically, scanners and hybrid printers are typically installed at check-out counters where space is limited, and it is difficult to provide sufficient space for installing the scanners and printers.

Also, when the scanner and the hybrid printer are two separate devices, the scanner and the hybrid printer operate independently. Therefore, two devices must be operated, which reduces overall operation and work efficiency.

When communication is enabled between the scanner and the hybrid printer, additional equipment and cabling is required to connect the separate hybrid printer and scanner. This obviously further increases the number of components for installation and further stresses the required installation space.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is made to solve these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer having both a printer function and a scanner function, which can achieve efficient operation and can achieve efficient installation in a limited space.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a media transport mechanism for use in a scanner mechanism.

[ means for solving the problems ]

(1) A printer, comprising:

a rear case unit having a continuous paper chamber for holding continuous paper;

a top cover unit assembled to open and close toward the rear case unit so as to cover the continuous paper compartment when closed, the top cover unit forming a continuous paper transport path for transporting the continuous paper between the top cover unit and the rear case unit;

a first printing unit disposed on the continuous paper conveying path, for printing the continuous paper;

a data reading device provided to the top cover unit for reading information recorded on the medium; and

a medium conveying path provided in the top cover unit for conveying the medium.

(2) The printer according to (1), wherein the data reading means is an image scanning sensor for reading image data recorded on the medium.

(3) The printer according to (1) or (2), further comprising:

a front housing unit having a document transport path for transporting documents between the front housing unit and the rear housing unit; and

and the second printing unit is arranged on the bill conveying path and is used for printing the bill.

(4) The printer according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising:

an inner cover assembled between the top cover unit and the rear case unit for opening and closing toward the top cover unit;

wherein a medium conveying path for conveying the medium is formed between the inner lid and the top lid unit when the inner lid is closed; and

the data reading device is disposed on the medium conveying path.

(5) The printer according to (4), further comprising:

a medium insertion slot provided on the top cover unit for inserting a medium into the medium conveying path; and

a medium insertion preventing mechanism for preventing the medium from being inserted from the medium insertion groove when the inner lid is opened.

(6) The printer according to (5), further comprising:

a shutter rotatably provided to the top cover unit and integrally formed with an operation lever, the shutter blocking the medium conveying path when the inner cover is opened; and

a rod disposed on the inner lid;

wherein the lever contacts the operating lever of the shutter to push the shutter away from the medium conveying path when the inner cover is closed.

(7) The printer according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the top cover unit has a guide wall for guiding the medium along the medium conveying path.

(8) The printer according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein an opening is formed in the top cover unit to suspend the medium from the medium conveying path to the top cover unit externally.

(9) The printer according to (8), wherein a hanging length of the medium from the hanging opening is smaller than a distance between a position farthest from the rear side of the rear case unit when the top cover unit is opened and the rear side of the rear case unit.

(10) The printer according to (4), further comprising a medium movement prevention mechanism that prevents movement of the medium by protruding into the medium conveyance path when the top cover unit is opened.

(11) The printer according to (10), wherein the medium movement preventing mechanism includes:

a rotation member rotatably fitted to the inner lid or the cap unit and interposed in the medium conveying path when the cap unit is opened, wherein the rotation member includes:

an engaging portion rotatably fitted on the inner lid or the top lid unit, which engages with the rear case unit when the top lid unit is opened; and

a stopper protruding into the medium conveying path when the engaging portion is engaged with the rear case unit; and

and a holding member for holding the rotating member in a predetermined position allowing the medium to move when the top cover unit is closed, wherein the holding member is a spring member that urges the braking member to the retracted position to allow the data recording medium to move when the top cover unit is closed.

(12) The printer according to (11), wherein the stopper includes an elastic contact portion for holding the medium.

(13) The printer according to (12), wherein the elastic contact portion includes a clamping lever which is swingably fitted to the rotating member, and

and the spring piece is used for pushing the clamping rod along the clamping direction.

(14) A media transport mechanism comprising:

a top cover unit assembled to be opened and closed toward the top of the case;

a data reading device provided in the top cover unit for reading information recorded on the data recording medium;

an inner cover assembled to be opened and closed toward the top cover unit and between the top cover unit and the case top; and

a medium conveying path for conveying the data recording medium formed between the inner lid and the capping unit when the inner lid is closed.

(15) The medium conveying mechanism according to (14), wherein the data reading device is an image scanning sensor for reading image data recorded on the medium.

(16) The medium conveying mechanism according to (14) or (15), further comprising a medium movement prevention mechanism that is associated with the opening/closing operation of the top cover unit and prevents movement of the data recording medium by protruding into the medium conveying path when the top cover unit is opened.

(17) The medium transporting mechanism according to (16), wherein the medium movement preventing mechanism includes:

a rotation member rotatably fitted in the inner cap or the cap unit and interposed in the medium conveying path when the cap unit is opened, wherein the rotation member includes:

an engaging portion rotatably fitted on the inner lid or the cap unit, which engages with the case top when the cap unit is opened;

a stopper protruding into the medium conveying path when the engaging portion engages with the case top; and

a holding member for holding the rotating member in a retracted position allowing the data recording medium to move when the head unit is closed, wherein the holding member is a spring member that holds the stopper member in the retracted position to allow the data recording medium to move when the head unit is closed

(18) The medium transporting mechanism according to (17), wherein the stopper includes an elastic contact portion for holding the data recording medium.

(19) The medium transporting mechanism according to (18), wherein the elastic contact portion includes a gripping lever which is swingably fitted to the rotating member, and

and a spring member for flexibly urging the clamping lever in the clamping direction.

Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is an oblique exterior view of a printer with an image scanning sensor according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a document transport path;

FIG. 3 is an oblique view of a cover unit of a printer with an image scanning sensor;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a printer with an image scanning sensor;

FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the printer with the cover unit open;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the printer with the cover unit open;

FIG. 7 is an oblique view of the printer with the cover unit open and the inner cover inside open;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the printer with the cover unit open and the inner cover inside open;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the top of the card transport path with the inner lid open;

FIG. 10 is an oblique view of the baffle;

fig. 11 is a sectional view of the cover unit to describe an opening/closing operation of the barrier;

fig. 12 is a sectional view of the cover unit to describe an opening/closing operation of the barrier;

FIG. 13 is an oblique view of the card insertion opening with the shutter closed;

fig. 14 is a sectional view of a main portion of a printer with an image scanning sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 15 is a sectional view of main parts when the cover unit of fig. 14 is opened;

fig. 16 is a sectional view of main parts when the cover unit in fig. 15 is fully opened;

fig. 17 is a sectional view of main parts when the top cover unit in fig. 16 is opened and the inner cover is also opened;

FIG. 18 is an oblique view of the top cover unit shown in FIG. 14 with the top cover removed;

FIG. 19 is an oblique view of the cover unit shown in FIG. 18, as seen from below;

FIG. 20 is a partial exploded oblique view of the structure of the detent mechanism shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is an oblique view of the assembled detent mechanism shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an oblique view from a different angle showing the detent configuration shown in FIG. 21; and

fig. 23 is a sectional view of a conventional hybrid printer.

Detailed Description

A preferred embodiment of a printer with an image scanning sensor according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example 1

A first embodiment of a printer with an image scanning sensor according to the present invention will be described below.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a printer 10 of an image scanning sensor according to the present embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram of the main portions of a document transport path. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the top cover unit of the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor. Fig. 5 and 6 are an oblique view and a sectional view, respectively, of the printer when the top cover unit is opened. Fig. 7 and 8 are an oblique view and a sectional view, respectively, of the printer when the top cover unit is opened and the inner cover inside is also opened. Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the top of the card conveying path when the inner lid is opened. Fig. 10 is an oblique view of the baffle. Fig. 11 and 12 are sectional views of the cover unit to describe an opening/closing operation of the shutter. Fig. 13 is an oblique view of the card insertion opening when the shutter is closed.

The printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the printer 10) can print both the roll paper P (see fig. 4) and the document S (see fig. 2), and can read the image data recorded on the card C (see fig. 4).

The printer 10 has a rear case unit 11, a front cover unit 12, and a top cover unit 13, which are integrally configured. The rear case unit 11 accommodates a roll paper P as a continuous printer medium in a case 11a, and accommodates a printer mechanism for printing the roll paper P. The front cover unit 12 is disposed in front of the rear housing unit 11, and forms a sheet conveying path 21 through which the sheet S is conveyed between the front cover unit 12 and the rear housing unit 11. The top cover unit 13 is assembled so as to cover the top of the rear case unit 11, and the top cover unit 13 houses an image scanning sensor mechanism for reading image data recorded on a card or other medium.

The front cover unit 12 includes a front cover 12a separated from the rear housing unit 11 by a document feeding path 21, and a front side unit 12b supporting the front cover 12a in a cantilever manner. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the document S can be inserted to the document conveying path 21 from a document insertion opening 21a, which opening 21a opens into a gap between the housing 11a of the rear housing unit 11 and the front cover 12a of the front cover unit 12 at the front of the printer 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the sheet S inserted in the sheet conveying path 21 is conveyed to the rear printing unit 23 provided on the sheet conveying path 21 by the sub-sheet conveying roller 22a and the sub-sheet pressure roller 22b, which is provided opposite to the sub-sheet conveying roller 22a with the sheet conveying path 21 therebetween.

The rear printing unit 23 includes: a serial impact dot matrix printing unit 23a provided on the back or rear side of the document S; and a platen 23b, the platen 23b being provided opposite to the dot matrix printing unit 23a with the document feeding path 21 therebetween. The dot matrix printing unit 23a prints the back side (rear side) of the document S.

When the sheet S is conveyed downstream from the rear printing unit 23, a sheet conveying roller 24a and a sub-sheet pressure roller 24b, which is provided opposite to the sheet conveying roller 24a with the sheet conveying path 21 therebetween, feed the sheet to the front printing unit 25, and the front printing unit 25 is also provided on the sheet conveying path 21.

The front printing unit 25 includes: a serial impact dot matrix printing unit 25a provided on the front side of the document S; and a platen 25b provided opposite to the dot matrix printing unit 25a with the document feeding path 21 therebetween. Thus, the dot matrix printing unit 25a can print the front portion of the document S. When the document S is then further transported downstream from the front printing unit 25, the document S passes by the document image scanning sensor 26.

The document image scanning sensor 26 is a Contact Image Sensor (CIS) type image scanner and is arranged to scan the front side of the document S. The pressure roller 27 is disposed opposite the document image scanning sensor 26 with the document transport path 21 therebetween. The pressure roller 27 presses the document S to the scanning surface 26a of the document image scanning sensor 26 by a pressure member 27a with a certain pressure corresponding to the thickness of the document. The document image scanning sensor 26 is configured to: the image data recorded on the front of the document image scanning sensor 26 is read while the pressure roller 27 presses the document S to the scanning surface 26 a. Then, after the document S passes between the document image scanning sensor 26 and the pressure roller 27, the document S comes out of the document outlet 21 b.

A trailing edge sensor 28a provided at the sheet insertion opening 21a and a leading edge sensor 28b provided downstream of the sub-sheet pressure roller 22b are used to detect the presence of the sheet S in the sheet conveying path 21 and to control the indexing of the front and rear printing units 25, 23 when printing the sheet.

An ejection detector 29 is provided between the front printing unit 25 and the document image scanning sensor 26 for detecting whether the document S has been delivered from the document conveying path 21.

The operation of document feed path 21 and the operation along document feed path 21 are described above.

The roll paper conveying path 35 and the operations performed along the roll paper conveying path 35 will be described next with reference to fig. 4.

A roll paper conveying path 35 is formed between the rear case unit 11 and the top cover unit 13. The roll paper P is accommodated in a roll paper compartment 30, which compartment 30 is formed in the rear case unit 11 by a roll support wall 31. The roll paper P is conveyed along the roll paper conveying path 35, and is delivered from a roll paper outlet 35a that opens between the case 11a and the top cover 13 a.

The roll paper compartment 30 is a drop-in type roll paper compartment, enabling roll paper P to simply drop into the roll paper compartment 30. The paper is fed from the roller under the guide of the roll paper support wall 31 when the roll paper P rotates. The end of the roll paper P in the roll paper compartment 30 is pulled out from the roll paper compartment 30 and passes between the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 33.

The shaft 32a of the platen roller 32 is supported on the frame 51 of the top cover unit 13 so as to be freely rotatable in the axial direction, as shown in fig. 5. The gear 32b on the end of the shaft 32a is rotatably driven by a not-shown motor, thereby rotatably driving the platen roller 32 and conveying the roll paper P.

The thermal head 33 is configured to: the text is printed on the roll paper P conveyed by the platen 32. Then, the printed roll paper P passes through the roll paper conveying path 35 and is fed out from the roll paper exit 35 a.

As shown in fig. 4, an automatic paper cutter 34 is disposed above the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 33. The automatic paper cutter 34 has a fixed blade 34a provided on one side of the roll paper conveying path 35, and a movable blade 34b provided on the other side of the roll paper conveying path 35 opposite to the fixed blade 34 a.

The fixed blade 34a is supported by the frame 51 of the top cover unit 13 near the platen roller 32, as shown in fig. 5.

The movable blade 34b is configured to be movable to a roll paper conveying path in the direction of an arrow a in fig. 4, so that the movable blade 34b can cut the roll paper P between the movable blade 34b and the fixed blade 34 a.

The fixed blade 36 for roll paper cutting is provided with a length across the roll paper exit 35a and in the vicinity of the roll paper exit 35a, as shown in fig. 3. The fixed blade 36 for roll paper cutting is used to manually cut the roll paper P. Although this embodiment of the present invention has an automatic paper cutter 34 and a fixed knife 36 for manually cutting roll paper, the present invention may be configured to use only one.

Disposed below the top cover unit 13 is a main frame 51, as shown in fig. 5 and 6. The frame 51 rotates on a hinge 52 associated with a fixed portion 53 fitted to the rear case unit 11, thereby enabling the top cover unit 13 to open and close the roll paper compartment 30. To replace the roll paper P, the top cover unit 13 is pivoted on the hinge 52 to be opened so that the roll paper P can be inserted into the roll paper compartment 30.

The card image scanning unit 40 will be described next. As shown in fig. 4, a card image scanning unit 40 is provided between the top cover 13a and the roll paper chamber 30 so that a medium such as a card C having a thickness can be inserted from a card insertion slot 41a to a card conveying path 41 to enable image data to be acquired from the card C.

First conveying roller 43a, card image scanning sensor 44, and second conveying roller 46a are provided in card image scanning unit 40 along card conveying path 41 and on the top side of card conveying path 41, i.e., on the top cover 13a side. Below the card conveying path 41, i.e., on the side of the roll paper compartment 30, a first pressure roller 43b, a pressure roller 45, and a second pressure roller 46b are disposed opposite the first conveying roller 43a, the card image scanning sensor 44, and the second conveying roller 46 a.

A first conveying roller 43a and a first pressure roller 43b are located between the card insertion slot 41a and the card image scanning sensor 44 (upstream from the card image scanning sensor 44) for conveying the card C inserted into the card conveying path 41 so as to pass through the card conveying path 41 in both directions. The card C conveyed by the first conveying roller 43a and the first pressure roller 43b is held between the card image scanning sensor 44 and the pressure roller 45.

The card image scanning sensor 44 is a CIS scanner for reading characters and images recorded on the front portion of the card. The pressure roller 45 presses the surface of the card C against the scanning surface 44a of the card image scanning sensor 44 with a pressure suitable for the thickness of the card, whereby the card image scanning sensor 44 acquires image data of characters and images on the surface of the card C.

The second conveying roller 46a and the second pressure roller 46b are located downstream from the card image scanning sensor 44, and convey the card C inserted into the card conveying path 41 so as to pass through the card conveying path 41 in both directions.

An overhanging opening 41b is formed downstream from the second conveying roller 46a and the second pressure roller 46b, where the card conveying path 41 passes through the top cover 13 a. The overhang opening 41b momentarily allows the card C in the card conveying path 41 to be moved away from the rear side of the printer 10 while the card C is conveyed and held on the downstream side of the card conveying path 41 by the nip of the second conveying roller 46a and the second pressure roller 46 b.

During the actual scanning operation, the card C inserted from the card insertion slot 41a is conveyed from the card insertion slot 41a side toward the overhang opening 41b by the first conveying roller 43a and the first pressure roller 43b, and the second conveying roller 46a and the second pressure roller 46b until the card C has completely passed and moved away from the card-opening image scanning sensor 44. The card C is then conveyed toward the card insertion slot 41a side by driving the first conveying roller 43a and the second conveying roller 46a in the reverse direction. When the card C passes through the scanning surface 44a of the card image scanning sensor 44, the card image scanning sensor 44 reads text or image data from the surface of the card C. After the reading of the card C is finished, the card C is transferred out of the printer 10 from the card insertion slot 41 a.

Second conveyor roller 46a is arranged: the card C can be suspended from the suspended opening 41b such that when the top cover unit 13 is opened, as shown in fig. 6, the suspended portion of the card C is made shorter than the distance L between the rear side of the rear case unit 11 and the point P at which the top cover unit 13 is farthest from the rear side of the printer (i.e., from the rear side of the rear case unit 11).

Thus, it is desirable to have an installation: there is a wall behind the rear of the printer 10, and the printer 10 must be located at a distance of at least L from the wall in order to be able to open the cover unit 13 and maintain the open state of the cover 13, as shown in fig. 6. Therefore, by setting the length of the card C exposed to be smaller than the distance L, the card C can be made not to hit the wall behind the printer 10 when the card C is conveyed out from the overhanging opening 41 b. This eliminates the problem that the card C is conveyed out of the overhanging opening 41b and hits the wall, whereby the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor can be used without fear.

A first pressure roller 43b, a pressure roller 45, and a second pressure roller 46b on the side of the roll paper compartment 30 are rotatably provided on the inner cover 42 between the card conveying path 41 and the roll paper compartment 30. A card conveying surface 42a depicting a part of the card conveying path 41 is formed on the top side of the inner lid 42. First pressure roller 43b, pressure roller 45, and second pressure roller 46b are disposed to protrude from card conveying surface 42a so that they contact first conveying roller 43a, card image scanning sensor 44, and second conveying roller 46a, respectively.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, a guide wall 54 protrudes substantially perpendicularly to the top cover unit 13 in the card conveying direction, and the inner lid 42 is rotatably fitted to the guide wall 54 with an intervening hinge 55. More specifically, the hinge 55 is provided on the rear side of the inner lid 42, with the front of the inner lid 42 facing upward when the capping unit 13 is opened. The inner lid 42 can be opened so that the front of the inner lid 42 faces the front of the printer 10, so that a portion of the card conveying path 41 can be easily accessed and serviced from the front of the printer 10.

As shown in fig. 9, the guide wall 54 fitted to the inner lid 42 is configured as a guide that corrects the insertion direction of the card C inserted into the card conveying path 41. For example, if the card C is inserted at a slight angle in the card conveying direction (the direction perpendicular to the card insertion slot 41a and parallel to the card conveying surface 42a), the direction in which the card C travels will be reversed when it comes into contact with one of the guide walls 54 during conveyance by the first conveying roller 43a and the second conveying roller 46 a. As a result, when the card C is inserted into the card conveying direction at a slight angle, the guide wall 54 corrects the card conveying direction.

The correction of the card conveying direction by the first conveying roller 43a and the first pressure roller 43b, and the second conveying roller 46a and the second pressure roller 46b is performed while the card C is conveyed from the card insertion slot 41a to the overhanging opening 41b, and is completed when the card C has completely passed through the card image scanning sensor 44. Therefore, when the card C has completely passed over and away from the card image scanning sensor 44, the card C is conveyed on the scanning surface 44a of the card image scanning sensor 44 in the card conveying direction. As a result, it can be ensured that the card image scanning sensor 44 always acquires the card C image at the same angle.

Also, as shown in fig. 9, a card insertion detection sensor 48 is provided to the card conveyance path 41 and in the vicinity of the card insertion slot 41 a. The card insertion detection sensor 48 is used to detect a card or other medium inserted from the card insertion slot 41 a. First conveyor roller 43a and second conveyor roller 46a are configured such that: the driving is started after the card insertion detection sensor 48 detects that the card has been inserted. As a result, the start of card conveyance through the card conveyance path 41 is triggered by the insertion of a card.

The card insertion detection sensor 48 can also be configured to detect the length of the card when inserted and the length of the card when delivered. The length at the time of card insertion is related to a period of time until the card C is no longer detected by the sensor 48 from when the card C is detected by the card insertion detection sensor 48 and fed to the card conveying path 41. The length when the card C is transferred out is related to the time from when the card C is detected after the card image scanning sensor 44 acquires information from the card C until when the card C is transferred out of the card insertion slot 41a and is no longer detected by the sensor 48.

If the two detected card lengths are not the same, the printer 10 may determine that: due to some unknown external factors, for example, when the card is inserted or when the card is transferred after being scanned, the card C fails to be transferred at a constant speed, and it is determined that the image data acquisition from the card C fails.

The card image scanning sensor 44 may be used to detect the length of the card C instead of the card insertion detection sensor 48. The card image scanning sensor 44 detects the length at the time of card insertion based on the time from when the card C is detected until the card C is completely conveyed downstream from the card image scanning sensor 44 and is no longer detected, and the card image scanning sensor 44 detects the length at the time of card outgoing based on the time from when the card image scanning sensor 44 starts reading information from the card C until when the card C is transferred to and from the card insertion slot 41 a. In this way, the card image scanning sensor 44 performs the same detection as the card insertion detection sensor 48.

A shutter 47 and a lever 61 are also provided as a medium insertion prevention mechanism to prevent the card C from being inserted from the card insertion slot 41a when the inner lid 42 is opened.

As shown in fig. 10, the baffle plate 47 is an integrally molded piece having: the rotating shaft 47 a; an arcuate base 47b fixed near the center of the arc near one end of the rotating shaft 47 a; an arcuate insertion prevention portion 47c, the arcuate insertion prevention portion 47c being fixed near the other end of the rotation shaft 47a near the center of the arc; a reinforcing member 47d provided between the base 47b and the insertion preventing portion 47 c; and an operation lever 47e integrally supplied to the base 47 b.

As shown in fig. 4, 6, 8, and 9, a shutter 47 is fitted between the card insertion slot 41a and the first conveying roller 43a, and a rotating shaft 47a is supported freely rotatably in the axial direction at a fixing portion 50, the fixing portion 50 being provided on the top cover 13a side of the card conveying path 41.

As shown in fig. 11, the lever 61 is provided at the side of the inner lid 42 and at a position where the lever 61 contacts the operating lever 47e when the inner lid 42 is closed. When the inner lid 42 is closed, the lever 61 contacts the operation lever 47e of the shutter 47, thereby pushing the shutter 47 away from the card conveying path 47. From this position, shutter plate 47 is urged in the direction of turning toward card conveying path 41 by spring member 49.

However, when the inner lid 42 is opened, as shown in fig. 12, the lever 61 is separated from the operating lever 47e of the shutter 47, and the shutter 47 is rotated into the card conveying path 41 by the force of the spring member 49. Thereby, the insertion prevention portion 47C of the shutter 47 is positioned so that the insertion prevention portion 47C closes the card conveying path 41, thereby preventing the card C from being inserted from the card insertion slot 41a (see fig. 13).

As a result, when the top cover unit 13 is opened and the inner cover 42 is opened, or when the top cover unit 13 is closed and the inner cover 42 is still opened, the card C cannot be inserted from the card insertion slot 41 a.

It can be understood that the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention has: a rear case unit 11 including a roll paper compartment 30 for holding roll paper P; a front cover unit 12 forming a document conveying path 21 for conveying a document S between the rear case unit 11 and the front cover unit 12; a top cover unit 13 fitted to be openable and closable so as to cover the roll paper compartment 30 of the rear case unit 11 when the top cover unit 13 is closed, the top cover unit 30 forming a roll paper conveying path 35 for conveying roll paper P between the top cover unit 13 and the rear case unit 11; a front printing unit 25 and a rear printing unit 23 provided along the sheet conveying path 21, serving as sheet printing units that print the sheet S; a thermal head 33 provided along a roll paper conveying path 35 for printing roll paper P; and a card image scanning sensor 44 provided to the top cover unit 13 as an image scanner for acquiring image data recorded on the card C.

Thus, the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to this embodiment of the present invention can be used to print the document S, print the roll paper P, and acquire image data from the card C using the single printer 10 with the image scanning sensor. The printer with image scanning sensor according to the present invention is capable of printing documents S, printing rolled paper P and acquiring image data from cards C, and uses only the space required for installing a single device, when the installation space is limited and it is difficult to install two devices in the limited space of the sales counter, especially when the printer and the image scanner are to be installed.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor further has: an inner cover 42 for opening and closing toward the top cover unit 13 is located between the top cover unit 13 and the rear case unit 11. A card conveying path 41 for conveying the card C is formed between the inner lid 42 and the top cover unit 13 when the inner lid 42 is closed; and a card image scanning sensor 44 is disposed along the card conveying path 41.

By thus providing the operable inner cover 42 between the top cover unit 13 and the rear housing unit 11, the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve easy cleaning of parts, replacement of parts, and maintenance of parts on or around the card conveying path 41 by opening the top cover unit 13 and thus opening the inner cover 42.

Further, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor further has: a card insertion slot 41a provided on the top cover unit 13 for inserting the card C into the card conveyance path 41; and a medium insertion prevention mechanism for preventing the card C from being inserted from the card insertion slot 41a when the inner lid 42 is opened.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor thus configured prevents the card C from being inserted from the card insertion slot 41a when the inner cover 42 is opened. Inserting the card when the card conveying path 41 is not formed, i.e., when scanning cannot be performed, can prevent accidental damage to the printer due to forcible insertion of the card.

Also, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the medium insertion prevention mechanism of the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor has: a shutter 47 rotatably provided to the top cover unit 13 for blocking the card conveying path 41 when the inner cover 42 is opened; and a lever 61 provided on the inner lid 42 for holding the shutter 47 in a specific retracted position allowing insertion of the card C from the card insertion slot 41a when the inner lid 42 is closed.

In this way, by adding the shutter 47 of a simple configuration and the lever 61 for holding the shutter 47 in a specific position according to the open or closed position of the inner cover 42, the medium insertion prevention mechanism can be easily produced in the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to this embodiment of the present invention.

The top cover unit 13 of the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention has a guide wall 54 for guiding the card C along the card conveying path 41.

When the card C is inserted at an angle into the card conveying path 41, the guide wall 54 corrects the insertion direction of the card C in the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to this embodiment of the present invention so as to be aligned with the card conveying direction, thereby ensuring that the card image scanning sensor 44 always reads image data from the card C at the same angle.

The printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention may be configured to measure the length of the card using the card insertion detection sensor 48 instead of the card image scanning sensor 44.

The printer 10 with the image scanning sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention also has an overhanging opening 41b provided on the top cover unit 13 so that the card C inserted into the card conveying path 41 can be temporarily overhanging outside the top cover unit 13.

While the card conveying path 41 may be configured to have a sufficient actual physical length, this structure of the present invention can increase the effective length of the card conveying path 41 by suspending the card C to the outside. A compact card image scanning unit 40 can thereby be obtained.

Also, the amount of overhang of the card C from the overhang opening 41b in the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to this embodiment of the present invention is smaller than the distance L between the position of the top cover unit 13 farthest from the rear side of the printer 10 and the rear side of the housing 11 when the top cover unit 13 is fully opened.

Thus, if the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor is mounted to the wall through the back of the printer 10 and is located at a position that ensures the distance L between the housing and the wall when the top cover unit 13 is opened, if the overhanging amount of the card C is smaller than the distance L, the card C will not collide with the wall at the back of the printer when the card C overhangs from the overhanging opening 41 b. This enables the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor to be used without fear that the card C hits the wall when the card C is suspended from the suspended opening 41 b.

This embodiment of the invention provides a front printing unit 25 and a rear printing unit 23 for printing the document S so that the document S can be printed on both the front and rear sides only once through the document transport path 21.

This embodiment of the present invention is also configured with a scanner for acquiring image data from a document S disposed in the document transport path 21. If the inserted document S is, for example, a check, this configuration enables the document image scanning sensor 26 provided on the document transport path 21 to acquire an image of the check, and enables the card image scanning unit 40 to acquire an image of a driver' S license or other proof presented by the person who signed the check. Using the printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to this embodiment of the invention, checks are read and driver's licenses or other certificates containing information useful for verifying the person presenting the check are read, by which it is readily apparent who the person presenting the check is. The captured image data can also be sent to an external authentication server, for example, to verify the identity of the person using the check.

It should be noted that although the front printing unit 25 and the rear printing unit 23 are provided as the document S printing unit in this embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the front printing unit 25 or only the rear printing unit 23 may be provided.

Also, this embodiment of the present invention is configured to read image data from the document S, however, the present invention is not limited thereto, and image data may be selectively acquired from the document S as necessary.

Also, in this embodiment of the present invention, the driver's license or other card C is described as a card-type data recording medium, and the card image scanning sensor 44 (which is an image scanner) is used as the data reader, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the data recording medium read by the image scanner may be a business card or a magnetic stripe card, and the data reader may be a MICR reader for processing checks, or may be a magnetic card reader for reading magnetic stripe cards.

Example 2

Next, a second embodiment of the printer with an image scanning sensor according to the present invention is described. In order to avoid repetition, in the present embodiment, further description of the same components as those of the above-described printer 10 with an image scanning sensor according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

As shown in fig. 14, a stopper mechanism 100 is provided between the second pressure roller 46b and the overhang opening 41b and behind the rear case unit 11, and serves as a medium movement prevention mechanism for preventing the card C from moving when the top cover unit 13 is opened.

The stopper mechanism 100 can prevent the card C from falling out of the overhanging opening 41b when the top cover unit 13 is opened and the opening lever 70 is operated to open the inner lid 42, and the stopper mechanism 100 is provided toward the rear from the hinge 55 that freely rotatably supports the inner lid 42. It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, the stopper mechanism 100 is provided on the side of the top cover unit 13, as shown in fig. 18 and 19, but is not fitted to the inner cover 42.

The stopper mechanism 100 of the present embodiment blocks the movement of the card C (specifically, falls out from the overhanging opening 41 b) in conjunction with the opening and closing of the top cover unit 13, as shown in fig. 15 to 19. The main components of the braking member mechanism 100 are a rotating lever (rotating member) 101, a holder 102 and a torsion spring 104, and a torsion spring 103. The rotating lever 101 is rotatably supported on the head unit 13 by a support stud 111. The holder 102 and the torsion spring 104 are swingably provided on the rotating lever 101 through a support shaft 121, forming a stopper form having a flexible contact member to hold the card C. The coil spring 103 provides a holding member for holding the clamp member 102 in the retracted position to allow the card C to move when the top cover unit 13 is opened.

As shown in fig. 20 to 22, the rotating lever 101 of the brake mechanism 100 is a single plastic molded piece having an L shape as viewed from the side, and a pair of support studs 111 protrude from both sides at the bend of the L. These support studs 111 are fitted into support holes (not shown) in the head unit 13, so that the rotating lever 101 is freely rotated relative to the head unit 13.

As shown in fig. 20, the rotating lever 101 has a plate-like engaging portion 112 corresponding to one leg portion of the L and a pair of brackets 113 corresponding to the other leg portion of the L. The brackets 113 are spaced apart along the axis of the support stud 111 with a gap therebetween.

Slits 119 that facilitate the fitting of the support studs 111 into the mating holes of the head cover unit 13 are created in the engaging portion 112. The brackets 113 are positioned so that the slits 119 are not between the brackets 113, i.e., so that the brackets 13 do not interfere with the fitting of the support studs 111 into the mating holes by virtue of the flexibility provided by the slits 119. A support hole 113a is formed in each bracket 113 for assembly with the holder 102.

The clamp 102 fitted to the rotating lever 101 has: a rectangular plate portion 122, a surface of which 122 faces the card conveying path 41 when the stopper mechanism 100 is finally assembled to the top cover unit 13, as shown in fig. 14; a pair of side walls 123 formed on opposite ends of the plate portion 122 and formed to the rear side; and an intermediate wall 124 created between the pair of side walls 123 so as to ensure sufficient space for accommodating one of the brackets 113 between the intermediate wall 124 and one of the side walls 123.

The tip of the single support shaft 121 is fitted through the support hole 123a on each side wall 123, and the support shaft 121 is fitted in the support hole 113a in the bracket 113, so that the holder 102 is assembled to the bracket 113 of the rear case unit 11 so that the holder 102 can freely pivot on the support shaft 121. Note that a recess 124a is also created in the intermediate wall 124, and the support shaft 121 is fitted in this recess 124 a.

When the clamp 102 is fitted to the rotating lever 101, one of the brackets 113 is located outside one of the side walls 123, and the other bracket 113 is between the other side wall 123 and the intermediate wall 124, as shown in fig. 21. As shown in fig. 22, a hole 126 is opened in the plate portion 122 to avoid interference with the other bracket 113.

A support shaft 121 that rotatably supports the clamp 102 is provided at one side of the plate portion 122. Thus, the clamp 102 is supported by the support shaft 121 in a cantilevered manner, and the edge piece 122a at the rotation end of the plate portion 122 can swing at a position protruding from the edge of the bracket 113.

As shown in fig. 21, a coil spring 103 is wound around the outside of one of the support studs 111 and between the rotating lever 101 and the top cover unit 13 so as to rotatably push the rotating lever 101 in one direction of the top cover unit 13 (a retracted position allowing the card C to move; in the direction of an arrow f 1). Another coil spring 104 is wound around the outside of the support shaft 121 and between the clamp member 102 and the rotating lever 101 so as to elastically and rotatably urge the clamp member 102 in one direction of the rotating lever 101 (the clamping direction of the retainer card C; in the direction of the arrow f 2).

The clamp 102 is fitted to the rotating lever 101 so as to be substantially parallel to the bracket 113 (see fig. 21, 22), but can rock from that position toward the engaging portion 112. Restricting pieces 115 and 125 are provided between the rotating lever 101 and the clamp 102 for preventing the clamp 102 from rotating past a position substantially parallel to the bracket 113 (see fig. 20).

The coil spring 103 flexibly rotatably urges the holder 102 in a direction to bring the restricting pieces 115, 125 into contact. When the restricting pieces 115, 125 are not in contact, the clip member 102 can flexibly apply pressure to the component on the surface side of the contact plate portion 122 (the card C in the present embodiment).

The operation of the thus configured brake mechanism 100 will be described below.

First, as shown in fig. 14, the stopper mechanism 100 is fitted to the head cover unit 13 and at a specific position where the rotating lever 101 is positioned to the side of the overhanging opening 41b (the rear of the printer), the clamp 102 is positioned on the side of the second pressure roller 46b (the front of the printer), and the engaging portion 112 of the rotating lever 101 is directed downstream from the support stud 111.

When thus assembled, the top edge of the case 11a of the rear case unit 11 is near the outside of the engaging portion 112 (the rear side of the printer), and the rotating lever 101 is pushed in the counterclockwise direction as viewed in the drawing by the force of the torsion spring 103 when the top cover unit 13 is closed. As a result, the clamp 102 fitted to the rotating lever 101 is held at the position retracted from the card conveying path 41, and the card C can be freely moved.

Further rotation of the stem 101 or clamp 102 under the force of the torsion spring 103 may be limited by contact with the capping unit 13 or other housing portion. Also, at the time of such assembly, the clamp member 102 is rotatably pushed toward the card conveying path 41, but the clamp member 102 is held in the retracted position substantially parallel to the bracket 113 by the stoppers 115, 125.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, in conjunction with the upward opening of the top cover unit 13 in the direction of the arrow F1, the engaging portion 112 of the rotating lever 101 moves and contacts the top edge of the case 11 a. As a result, the rotating lever 101 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in the drawing against the force of the torsion spring 103, whereby the clamp 102 fitted to the tip end of the rotating lever 101 projects into the card conveying path 41.

That is, in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover unit 13, the rotating lever 101 rotates because the top edge portion of the case 11a is appropriately positioned to the rotation path of the engaging portion 112 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover unit 13.

If the card C is jammed in the card conveying path 41 near the overhanging opening 41b, the card C is held against the top cover 13a by the force of the coil spring 104 since the edge piece 122a of the holder 102 applies pressure to the surface of the card C.

If the inner lid 42 is pulled away from the top lid unit 13 in the direction of the arrow F2 as shown in fig. 17, the card conveying path 41 is opened immediately, the card C is released by the rollers 43a, 43b, 46a and 46b, however, the card C is held securely between the top lid 13a and the gripper 102 because the edge member 122a of the gripper 102 in this stopper mechanism 100 still presses the card C flexibly toward the top lid 13a at this time.

As a result, even when the top cover unit 13 is opened to the substantially vertical open position, then the inner cover 42 is opened, and the roller that conveys the card C through the card conveying path 41 releases the card C, the card C does not fall out of the overhanging opening 41b at the rear of the printer 10. It should be noted that pushing the card C upstream or downstream along the card conveying path 41 or grasping the card C from the opening portion of the inner cover 42 can easily remove the card C prevented from falling out by the stopper mechanism 100.

As described above, when the top cover unit 13 of the printer 10 with the image scanning sensor and the medium conveying mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened, the gripper 102 of the rotating lever 101 in the stopper mechanism 100 protrudes into the card conveying path 41, thereby gripping the card C and preventing the card C from moving. As a result, when the top cover unit 13 is opened and the inner lid 42 is opened, the card C can be prevented from falling out of the overhanging opening 41 b.

Also, if the card C is jammed in the card conveying path 41, the inner cover 42 of the top cover unit 13 can be opened without worrying that the card C will fall behind the rear of the printer, whereby the jammed card C can be easily removed.

Also, the rotating lever 101 of the stopper mechanism 100 is normally pushed to the retracted position by the force of the coil spring 103, and since the engaging portion 12 is engaged with the top edge of the housing 11a when the top cover unit 13 is opened, the rotating lever 101 is rotated to the card holding side, thereby providing a compact device for preventing the card C from falling.

Also, since the coil spring 104 flexibly urges the holder 102 for holding the card C against the top cover 13a in the holding direction, the card C can be reliably held regardless of variations in thickness of the card C. Also, this configuration absorbs assembly errors between various components, and thus can be used without increasing component precision or assembly precision.

It is apparent that the structure of the top cover unit, the data reader, the inner cover, the medium conveying path, and the medium movement preventing mechanism in the medium conveying mechanism in the present invention are not limited to the above-described structures, and may be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present embodiment is described using the coil spring 103 as a retainer for retaining the clamp 102 in the retracted position, the force of the coil spring 103 pushing the rotating lever 101 to the retracted position, and the rotation of the rotating lever 101 in the card retaining direction against the force of the coil spring 103 is linked with the engagement between the engaging portion 112 and the top edge of the case 11a when the top cover unit 13 is opened. However, the rotating lever 101 may be flexibly pushed in the card holding direction by a coil spring, and a lever may be produced on the case 11a side as a retainer for retaining the rotating lever 101 in the retracted position against the force of the coil spring so that the rotating lever 101 engages with the clamp 102 when the top cover unit 13 is closed and separates from the clamp 102 when the top cover unit 13 is opened.

The present embodiment has also been described as using a stopper member having a flexible contact portion for holding the card C, the holder member 102 and the coil spring 104 being rockably provided on the rotating lever 101, but the holder member 102 and the coil spring 104 may not be used, that is, the card C may be directly held by a resilient contact member made of a resilient material (e.g., rubber) on the tip of the stopper member integrally formed to the rotating lever. With this structure, the rubber on the stopper tip absorbs the thickness variation of the card C.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the medium movement prevention mechanism configured to press the card C to the top cover 13a using the gripper 102 of the rotating lever 101 prevents the movement of the card C by protruding into the card conveyance path 41 when the top cover unit 13 is opened. However, the medium movement prevention mechanism is not limited to a mechanism that applies pressure on the card C in order to prevent the card C from moving.

When the total length of the card conveying path formed between the inner lid and the top lid unit is longer than the card C, and the card C may be sandwiched in the card conveying path at such an upstream position: that is, the stopper on the rotating lever intervenes at an upstream position in the card conveying path, the card C is prevented from moving or falling out by configuring the stopper to be inserted at a position capable of receiving the card C which may be arbitrarily dropped.

And as described above, the stopper mechanism 100 may be provided on the inner lid 42 instead of the top cover unit 13.

This embodiment of the present invention is also described as using a driver's license or the like card C as the card-type data recording medium, and using the card image scanning sensor 44 as the data reader. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be applied to a medium conveyance mechanism for conveying an information storage medium such as a business card, a check, or a magnetic stripe card as a data recording medium, or using a magnetic card reader or other data reader.

[ Effect of the invention ]

The printer according to the present invention uses a single printer with an image scanning sensor to effect printing of documents, printing of continuous sheets, and reading of image data from media. Therefore, when the available installation space is limited at a checkout counter of a shop, for example, and sufficient installation space for only one device can be secured, it is possible to print a bill, print a continuous sheet, and read image data from a card. Thus, there is no need to consider how two devices, such as a printer and a scanner, are installed.

Also, since with the printer according to the present invention, the medium movement prevention mechanism is inserted in the medium conveyance path and prevents the data recording medium from moving when the top cover unit is opened, when the top cover unit is opened and the inner cover is also opened, the medium can be prevented from falling out of the printer.

Therefore, the inner lid fitted to the top cover unit can be opened for service and maintenance can be performed without fear that the medium falls behind the print housing. The medium prevented from falling out by the medium movement prevention mechanism can be easily removed by pushing the medium upstream or downstream in the medium conveying path or by grasping the medium from the opening portion of the inner lid.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims (19)

1. A printer, comprising:

a rear case unit having a continuous paper chamber for holding continuous paper;

a top cover unit assembled to open and close toward the rear case unit so as to cover the continuous paper compartment when closed, the top cover unit forming a continuous paper conveying path for conveying the continuous paper between the top cover unit and the rear case unit;

a first printing unit disposed on the continuous paper conveying path, for printing the continuous paper;

a data reading device provided to the top cover unit for reading information recorded on the medium; and

a medium conveying path provided in the top cover unit for conveying the medium.

2. The printer of claim 1, wherein the data reading device is an image scanning sensor for reading image data recorded on the medium.

3. The printer of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a front housing unit having a document transport path for transporting documents between the front housing unit and the rear housing unit; and

and the second printing unit is arranged on the bill conveying path and is used for printing the bill.

4. The printer of claim 1, further comprising:

an inner cover assembled between the top cover unit and the rear case unit for opening and closing toward the top cover unit;

wherein a medium conveying path for conveying the medium is formed between the inner lid and the top lid unit when the inner lid is closed; and

the data reading device is disposed on the medium conveying path.

5. The printer of claim 4, further comprising:

a medium insertion slot provided on the top cover unit for inserting a medium into the medium conveying path; and

a medium insertion preventing mechanism for preventing the medium from being inserted from the medium insertion groove when the inner lid is opened.

6. The printer of claim 5, further comprising:

a shutter rotatably provided to the top cover unit and integrally formed with an operation lever, the shutter blocking the medium conveying path when the inner cover is opened; and

a rod disposed on the inner lid;

wherein the lever contacts an operation lever of the shutter to push the shutter away from the medium conveying path when the inner cover is closed, thereby holding the shutter in a predetermined position that allows insertion of the medium from the medium insertion slot.

7. The printer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the top cover unit has a guide wall for guiding the medium in the medium conveying path.

8. The printer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein an opening is formed in the top cover unit to suspend the medium externally from the medium conveying path to the top cover unit.

9. The printer of claim 8, wherein the overhanging length of the media from the overhanging opening is less than the distance between the position of the top cover unit furthest from the rear side of the rear housing unit and the rear side of the rear housing unit when the top cover unit is open.

10. The printer according to claim 4, further comprising a medium movement prevention mechanism that prevents movement of the medium by protruding into the medium conveying path when the top cover unit is opened.

11. The printer of claim 10, wherein the media movement prevention mechanism comprises:

a rotation member rotatably fitted to the inner lid or the top lid unit and interposed in the medium conveying path when the top lid unit is opened, wherein the rotation member includes an engagement portion engaged with the rear case unit and a stopper protruding into the medium conveying path when the engagement portion is engaged with the rear case unit; and

a holding member for holding the rotating member in a predetermined position that allows the medium to move when the top cover unit is closed, wherein the holding member has a spring member that urges the braking member to the retracted position.

12. The printer of claim 11, wherein the retaining member includes a resilient contact portion for retaining the media.

13. The printer according to claim 12, wherein the elastic contact portion includes a holding lever which is rockably fitted to the rotating member, and

and the spring piece is used for pushing the clamping rod along the clamping direction.

14. A media transport mechanism comprising:

a top cover unit assembled to be opened and closed toward the top of the case;

a data reading device provided in the top cover unit for reading information recorded on the data recording medium;

an inner lid assembled to be opened and closed toward the top cover unit, the inner lid being located between the top cover unit and the case top; and

a medium conveying path for conveying the data recording medium, the path being formed between the inner lid and the capping unit when the inner lid is closed.

15. The media transport mechanism of claim 14, wherein the data reading device is an image scanning sensor for reading image data recorded on the media.

16. The medium conveying mechanism according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a medium movement preventing mechanism that is associated with the opening/closing operation of the top cover unit and prevents movement of the data recording medium by protruding into the medium conveying path when the top cover unit is opened.

17. The media transport mechanism of claim 16, wherein the media movement prevention mechanism comprises:

a rotating member rotatably fitted in the inner lid or the top lid unit and interposed in the medium conveying path when the top lid unit is opened, wherein the rotating member includes an engaging portion engaged with the rear case unit and a stopper protruding into the medium conveying path when the engaging portion is engaged with the rear case unit; and

a holding member for holding the rotating member in a predetermined position that allows the medium to move when the top cover unit is closed, wherein the holding member has a spring member that urges the braking member to the retracted position.

18. The medium transporting mechanism according to claim 17, wherein the stopper includes an elastic contact portion for holding the data recording medium.

19. The medium transporting mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the elastic contact portion includes a gripping lever rockably fitted to the rotating member, and

a spring member for flexibly urging the clamping lever in the clamping direction.