Combination printer and image reader in L-shaped configuration
View Patent ↗An inkjet printer unit is provided comprising a media input assembly for supporting media for printing, a media output assembly for collecting printed media, and a print engine for printing an image on the media. The unit being configured such that the media output assembly is an image reading unit and the printed media is collected on a surface of the image reading unit.
1. An inkjet printer unit comprising:
a media input assembly for supporting media for printing;
a print engine for printing an image on the media; and,
a body supporting the media input assembly and print engine and being arranged to removably receive a media output assembly for collecting printed media, the media output assembly having an image reading unit with a surface for collecting the printed media; wherein,
when the body receives the media output assembly, the print engine is between the media input assembly and the media output assembly such that in use the media output assembly rests flat on a support surface and the media input assembly extends upwardly from the print engine.
2. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 1 , wherein the body supporting the media input assembly and the print engine is mounted on the image reader, and the image reader is configured to support the printer unit on a working surface.
3. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 2 , wherein the image reader extends outwardly from the print engine and the printed media is collected on an upper surface of the image reader.
4. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 3 , wherein the print engine comprises a media exit mechanism for ejecting said printed media from said print engine following printing.
5. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 4 , wherein the upper surface of the image reader is configured to capture said ejected printed media and to present the printed media for collection.
6. An inkier printer unit according to claim 5 , wherein the upper surface of the image reader comprises a stop member which contacts with a leading edge of the ejected media to capture said ejected media on the upper surface of the image reader for collection.
7. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 4 , wherein the print engine comprises a pagewidth printhead having a plurality of ink ejection nozzles disposed thereon for ejecting ink onto a surface of the media as the media is transported past the printhead.
8. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 7 , wherein the printhead is provided on a cartridge and the cartridge is removable from the print engine.
9. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 8 , wherein the cartridge comprises at least one ink storage reservoir for storing ink for printing by said printhead.
10. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 8 , wherein the print engine comprises a cradle and the cradle is configured to receive the cartridge.
11. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 10 , wherein the cradle comprises a media transport mechanism for transporting said media from said media input assembly past said printhead for printing.
12. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 11 , wherein the cradle comprises a control system which controls the operation of the printhead and the transport mechanism to facilitate printing of said image on the media.
13. An inkjet printer unit according to claim 12 , wherein the control system also controls the operation of the image reading unit.