JP7341088B2 - printing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, and more particularly, to a printing device in which a stacking tray on which printed recording paper with images printed thereon is disposed in front of and below a recording paper discharge section.

An example of this type of background technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The image processing device of the background art includes a device body in which a dye-sublimation printer is built-in, and a lid body attached to the front of the device body. A paper output tray (loading tray) is provided to sequentially stack recording paper (recording paper), and a recording paper output port (recording paper ejection port) is provided on the front of the lid to take out the printed recording paper stacked on the stacking tray. ) is provided.

In addition, in the image processing apparatus of the background art, a slope part that slopes downward toward the front side is provided between the sublimation printer and the stacking tray, and the printed recording paper printed by the sublimation printer is is guided to the stacking tray by sliding down the slope with the front side (printed side) facing upward.

Furthermore, the front wall of the loading tray is sloped upward from the bottom to the front side, and the leading edge of the recording paper that has slid down the slope (the leading side in the sliding direction of the slope) touches the front wall. After contact, it is guided down along the front wall to the bottom. Then, the recording paper that has reached the bottom is stacked on the stacking tray with the rear end tilting toward the front side around the leading edge, and the surface tilting from the horizontal direction so as to follow the front wall of the stacking tray. In other words, the recording sheets stacked on the stacking tray are stacked in such a manner that the rear end thereof is tilted toward the recording paper discharge port with respect to the leading end.

JP2013-234058A

In the background art, the recording paper is stacked on the stacking tray with the rear end tilted toward the front side with respect to the leading edge. This is because it is closer to the recording paper outlet, making it easier to take out the recording paper.

However, as shown in FIG. 14, when printing on recording paper that is long in the paper ejection direction, when the leading edge of the recording paper comes into contact with the front wall of the stacking tray, the center of gravity of the recording paper shifts to the inclined part. It may be located on the back side of the lower edge. In this case, the rear end of the recording paper may not tilt toward the front side, but may stop with its back leaning against the upper surface of the inclined portion (the recording paper follows the inclined portion). Therefore, the trailing edge of the recording paper is located on the back side (the back side when viewed from the recording paper outlet), and the trailing edge of the recording paper is far from the recording paper outlet, so the recording paper is removed from the recording paper outlet. There is a problem that it becomes difficult to take out.

Therefore, the main object of this invention is to provide a novel printing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that can improve the ease of taking out recording sheets from a stacking tray.

A first invention is a printing device that includes a printing unit, a paper discharge section, a stacking tray, a paper discharge guide, a guide slope, and a first protrusion. The printing unit prints an image on recording paper. The paper discharge section is formed on the front surface of the printing unit, and discharges the printed recording paper. The stacking tray has a front wall that slopes upward toward the front side, and is disposed on the front side and below the paper discharge section. The paper ejection guide forms a vertically extending cylindrical paper ejection path that guides the recording paper ejected from the paper ejection unit to the stacking tray. The guide slope portion is provided below the rear wall of the paper discharge guide and slopes downward toward the front side. The first protruding part is provided on the rear wall of the paper ejection guide, is arranged between the guide slope part and the paper ejection part, and is formed into a plate shape extending vertically and protruding toward the front side as it goes downward. . The guide slope protrudes further to the front side than the first protrusion, and the inclination angle of the virtual plane passing through the front end of the first protrusion and the front end of the guide slope with respect to the horizontal direction is equal to the horizontal direction of the guide slope. greater than the angle of inclination with respect to the direction.

A second invention is a printing device according to the first invention, in which the front wall of the loading tray extends from behind an imaginary line extending the guide slope downward to in front of the imaginary line, and The distance along the imaginary line from the front end of the inclined section to the front wall of the stacking tray is shorter than the length of the smallest recording sheet discharged from the paper discharge section in the paper discharge direction.

A third invention is a printing device according to the first or second invention, wherein the distance from the front end of the first protrusion to the front end of the guide slope is the minimum distance between the front end of the first protrusion and the front end of the guide slope. is longer than the length of the largest recording paper in the paper ejection direction, and shorter than the length of the largest recording paper ejected from the paper ejection unit in the paper ejection direction.

A fourth invention is a printing device according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the distance from the rear wall of the paper discharge guide to the front end of the first protrusion is The distance is 1/3 or less of the distance from the front wall of the paper discharge guide formed opposite to the rear wall of the guide to the rear wall of the paper discharge guide.

A fifth invention is a printing device according to the fourth invention, in which a downward slope is formed toward the front side at a position below the front wall of the paper discharge guide and facing the first protrusion. An enlarged slope is formed.

A sixth invention is a printing device according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, in which the rear wall of the paper discharge guide is arranged so as to be aligned with the first protrusion in the width direction of the recording paper. a plate-shaped second protrusion extending vertically and protruding toward the front side as it goes downward; and a connecting part extending in the width direction of the recording paper and connecting the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the second protrusion is shorter than the distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the first protrusion. The distance to the front end of the connecting portion is shorter than the distance from the rear wall of the paper discharge guide to the front end of the second protrusion.

According to this invention, it is possible to improve the ease of taking out recording sheets from the stacking tray.

The above objects, other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing the external configuration of an image forming system that is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the information processing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a paper discharge section, a paper discharge guide, and a money processing section. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the paper ejection guide. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection section and the paper ejection guide. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection section and the paper ejection guide. FIG. 7 is a perspective view (partially shown in cross section) schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection guide and the stacking tray. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection guide and the stacking tray. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the guide protrusion. FIG. 10A is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the guide protrusion. FIG. 10B is a front view schematically showing the configuration of the guide protrusion. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the attitude of L-size recording paper when it falls. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the attitude of the 2L size recording paper when it falls. FIG. 13 is a side view showing the posture of the curled 2L size recording paper as it falls. FIG. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing the structure of a conventional paper ejection guide.

[First example]
Referring to FIG. 1, an image forming system 100 that is a first embodiment of the present invention includes an information processing device 10 and an image forming device 70.

The information processing device 10 is a multimedia kiosk (MMK) terminal placed in stores such as supermarkets, restaurants, or convenience stores, as well as public facilities such as stations, bus terminals, airports, government offices, and libraries. This information processing device 10 provides various information or predetermined products or services to users depending on the location where it is placed. For example, the information processing device 10 can provide the user with a service of printing photographs and the like. Therefore, the information processing device 10 can also be said to be a printing device (printer). Further, although details will be described later, the information processing device 10 can also cooperate with the image forming device 70 to provide the user with predetermined services such as copying, facsimile (FAX), scanning, and printing.

In this specification, the information processing device 10 and its constituent members are referred to in the front-rear direction (depth direction) with the surface facing the user's standing position, that is, the surface on which the display surface of the display 14 (described later) is provided, as the front surface (front surface). ), and the left-right direction (horizontal direction) of the information processing device 10 and its constituent members are defined based on the state in which the information processing device 10 is viewed from the user. The same applies to the image forming apparatus 70.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the information processing device 10 includes a display 14 with a touch panel 12 as an operation section, a storage medium connection section 16, a paper printer 18, a code reading section 20, a short-range communication section 22, a currency The apparatus main body 28 includes a processing section 24 and a photo printing section 26. Further, a front door (front door) 30 is provided on the front side of the device main body 28 . For example, the front door 30 is attached to the device main body 28 using a hinge or the like so that it can be opened and closed.

The display 14 with the touch panel 12 is provided on an upper panel 28a that forms the upper surface of the device main body 28 (information processing device 10). However, the upper surface of the upper panel 28a (the upper surface of the device main body 28) is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear (back side of the information processing device 10) to the front (the front side of the information processing device 10). , a display 14 with a touch panel 12 is rotatably provided approximately in the center of the upper panel 28a in the front-rear direction.

The touch panel 12 is a general-purpose touch panel, and may be of any type, such as a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction type, a resistive film type, or an infrared type. In this first embodiment, a capacitive touch panel is used as the touch panel 12, and the touch panel 12 is provided on the display surface of the display 14. However, a touch panel display in which the touch panel 12 and the display 14 are integrally formed may also be used. As the display 14, for example, an LCD or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display can be used.

The storage medium connection section 16 includes a mounting section for mounting various storage media. Storage media connectable to the storage medium connection unit 16 include optical discs (such as CD-R, DVD-R, and BD-R) and portable nonvolatile memories (such as USB memory, SD memory card, and memory stick). flash memory), etc. In this embodiment, the storage medium connection section 16 includes an optical disk connection section (optical drive) and a memory connection section (memory slot section), the optical disk is attached to the optical disk connection section, and the portable nonvolatile memory is connected to the memory. Attached to the connection part.

The paper printer 18 is, for example, a thermal printer (thermal printer) or a dot impact printer, and issues paper pieces on which images such as receipts, journals, or coupons are printed. Specifically, the paper strip printer 18 prints various character strings, images, code patterns (barcodes, etc.) on roll paper, and discharges ( paper ejection).

The code reading unit 20 includes, for example, a laser scanner or a camera, and can read codes attached to products, product packaging, cards, receipts, etc., or codes displayed on the screen of a user terminal (mobile terminal). . Codes that can be read by the code reading unit 20 include barcodes (one-dimensional barcodes) and two-dimensional codes (eg, QR code (registered trademark), micro QR code, DataMATRIX, MaxiCODE, VeriCODE, etc.).

The short-range communication unit 22 performs wireless contactless data communication with a communication target, for example, in accordance with a communication standard such as ISO/IEC18092 (so-called NFC (Near Field Communication)). For example, the short-range communication unit 22 communicates with communication targets such as IC cards, mobile terminals (feature phones, smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.), ID cards, membership cards, employee cards, etc., in accordance with communication standards such as Felica (registered trademark). Perform wireless contactless data communication between the two. The communicable distance of the short-range communication unit 22 is approximately several centimeters to several meters. For example, the short-range communication unit 22 transmits, to the communication target, a signal (read command) instructing the communication target to read data stored in the communication target. The communication target transmits data to the short-range communication unit 22 as a response to the read command. Further, the short-range communication unit 22 transmits data to be written to the communication target (write data) as well as a signal instructing writing (write command). The communication target writes (stores) the received write data in the storage unit according to the write command.

Further, the communication targets with which the short-range communication unit 22 performs data communication include so-called electronic money media. An electronic money medium is an IC card, a mobile terminal, etc., and stores data (electronic money data) related to electronic money payments (electronic payments), including at least data on electronic money balances (electronic money balances). A medium that includes a storage unit. In this case, the short-range communication unit 22 transmits a read command to the electronic money medium to instruct reading of electronic money data stored in the electronic money medium. The electronic money medium transmits electronic money data to the short-range communication unit 22 as a response to the read command. Further, the short-range communication unit 22 transmits write data to be written to the electronic money medium as well as a write command instructing writing. The electronic money medium stores the received write data in the storage unit according to the write command. In this way, the short-range communication section 22 also functions as an electronic money reading section.

The money processing section (change machine) 24 includes a coin insertion section 24a and a coin return opening 24b. Note that the components of the money processing section 24, including the money input section 24a and the coin return port 24b, are attached to the front door 30. The coin insertion section 24a includes a coin insertion slot, a bill insertion slot, a change return lever, etc., and is arranged at the upper end of the front door 30. On the other hand, the coin return opening 24b is located below the coin insertion section 24a and is spaced apart from the coin insertion section 24a by a predetermined distance.

Coins inserted into the coin slot and banknotes inserted through the bill slot are classified by type and stored in the change machine main body. Specifically, the coins are stored in a coin storage section provided in the main body of the change machine. The money storage includes a storage for coins and a storage for banknotes. When coins or banknotes are inserted, the amount of money inserted is calculated according to the type and number of coins stored in the coin storage and the type and number of banknotes stored in the banknote storage. . When a predetermined service, etc. is executed in the information processing device 10, the cost corresponding to the content of the service, etc. (fee related to the provision of the service, etc.) is subtracted from the input amount, and the remaining amount after deducting the fee from the input amount. (remaining amount) is calculated. Further, when the change return lever is operated, coins or banknotes are returned depending on the remaining amount. However, coins are returned from the coin return slot 24b, and bills are returned from the bill slot.

However, electronic payment may be performed instead of or in addition to payment using money in the money processing unit 24. For example, after a service etc. is selected, a plurality of electronic money brands (types) are displayed on the display 14 of the information processing device 10 to allow the user to select electronic money for payment, and use the electronic money for payment. Once the payment is completed, the service etc. will be provided.

Furthermore, in electronic payment, when an electronic money medium corresponding to electronic money that can be used in the information processing device 10 is held over the short-range communication unit 22, the electronic money data included in the electronic money medium is read by the short-range communication unit 22. It will be done. At this time, the electronic money balance included in the electronic money data is read. Then, the cost corresponding to the content of the provided service etc. is subtracted from the electronic money balance.

The photo printing unit 26 is, for example, a sublimation printer or an inkjet printer (particularly an inkjet printer using dye ink), and prints on photo paper such as glossy paper (photo paper) or paper for labels and stickers (sticker paper). Print the image. Sticker paper has an adhesive layer coated with adhesive (glue) formed on the back side of the side on which the image is printed (printing side), and on this back side is a release paper (mounting paper or backing paper) that can be easily peeled off. is glued.

Further, the photo printing section 26 includes a first printing unit 260 and a second printing unit 262 stacked in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first printing unit 260 is arranged on the lower side (lower stage), and the second printing unit 262 is arranged on the upper side (upper stage). Further, in this embodiment, the first printing unit 260 is a so-called photo printer that prints images on photo paper, and the second printing unit 262 is a so-called sticker printer that prints images on sticker paper.

Further, the first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262 have photographic paper or sticker paper (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as "recording paper") in a rolled state (so-called rolled paper state). ) is set. In the first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262, a part of the recording paper on a roll fed out by a recording paper supply device (not shown) is cut into an arbitrary size, and an image is printed on the top surface of the cut recording paper. is printed (formed). That is, the top surface of the recording paper becomes the front surface (printing surface), and the bottom surface of the recording paper becomes the back surface.

Here, the image data for forming an image on recording paper in the photo printing section 26 may be image data stored in a storage medium connected to the storage medium connection section 16, or image data sent from an external computer such as a server. Image data etc. are used. The size of the recording paper printed by the photo printing unit 26 is L size (89 mm x 127 mm), square size (127 mm x 127 mm), or 2L size (178 mm x 127 mm).

The recording paper printed by the photo printing unit 26 (first printing unit 260 or second printing unit 262) passes through the paper discharge path R formed inside the main body 28 (front door 30), and passes through the stacking tray (photo printing unit 260). 32 (see FIGS. 3 to 7, etc.). The front door 30 is provided with a stacking tray 32 and a print outlet 26a for taking out the recording sheets stacked on the stacking tray 32, and the print outlet 26a is provided with a lid 26b that can be opened and closed. Note that the specific configuration of the paper discharge path R and the stacking tray 32 will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus (corresponding to the first image forming apparatus) 70 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a printing function, a copying function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and the like.

The image forming apparatus 70 includes an apparatus main body 80 including an image reading section 72, an image forming section 74, a paper feeding section 76, and a paper ejection tray 78. However, the image forming apparatus 70 is installed near the information processing apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 70 is provided adjacent to the right side of the information processing apparatus 10.

The image reading section 72 includes a document mounting table made of a transparent material, and is built into the main body 80 of the apparatus. A document holding cover 72a is attached above the document table via a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable.

Further, the image reading unit 72 includes a light source, a plurality of mirrors, an imaging lens, a line sensor, and the like. The image reading section 72 exposes the surface of the document to light using a light source, and guides the light reflected from the surface of the document to an imaging lens using a plurality of mirrors. Then, the reflected light is imaged by the imaging lens on the light receiving element of the line sensor. The line sensor detects the brightness or chromaticity of the reflected light focused on the light receiving element, and generates read image data based on the image of the surface of the document. As the line sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) is used.

The image forming section 74 is built into the apparatus main body 80 and is provided below the image reading section 72. The image forming section 74 is an electrophotographic image forming section that includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a transfer device, a fixing device, and the like. The image forming section 74 also has a color printing function, and includes a photoreceptor drum, a charging device, a developing device, etc. for each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). An image forming station is configured. For example, the image forming section 74 forms an image using an electrophotographic method on a predetermined recording medium (paper) conveyed from a paper feeding section 76 or the like, and transfers the image-formed paper to the image reading section 72 and the image forming section 74. The paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray 78 provided between the two.

However, as print image data for forming an image on paper, read image data read by the image reading unit 72, image data sent from the information processing device 10, image data sent from an external computer, etc. used. Note that the image forming section 74 is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming section. For example, the image forming section 74 may be an inkjet type image forming section.

Further, although not shown in the drawings, the device main body 28 of the information processing device 10 includes a control section, a main storage section, a communication module, and the like. Furthermore, the apparatus main body 80 of the image forming apparatus 70 similarly includes a control section, a main storage section, a communication module, and the like. Each of the control unit of the information processing device 10 and the control unit of the image forming device 70 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like. The control unit of the information processing device 10 transmits control signals to each part of the information processing device 10 and causes the information processing device 10 to perform various operations. A control signal is transmitted to the site to cause the image forming device 70 to perform various operations. However, in the present embodiment, the control section of the information processing apparatus 10 functions as a main control section of the image forming system 100, and the control section of the image forming apparatus 70 functions as a sub control section of the image forming system 100. That is, the information processing device 10 including the main control section functions as a main control device (master device) of the image forming system 100.

Further, each of the main storage unit of the information processing device 10 and the main storage unit of the image forming device 70 includes a ROM or an HDD, and each of the control unit of the information processing device 10 and the control unit of the image forming device 70 performs image forming. A control program for controlling the operation of each part of the system 100, default values for various information, display image data for various screens, etc. are appropriately stored. Each of the communication module of the information processing device 10 and the communication module of the image forming device 70 includes a communication circuit for connecting to a network such as the Internet. This communication circuit is a wired communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit, and communicates with an external computer (external terminal) via a network according to instructions from the control unit. Note that the information processing device 10 and the image forming device 70 can communicate with each other via their respective communication modules.

Next, the configurations of the photo printing section 26, the stacking tray 32, and the paper discharge path R will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first printing unit 260 has a first paper discharge section 260a on a side surface that discharges printed recording paper (first recording paper). Similarly, the second printing unit 262 has a second paper ejection section 262a on its side surface that ejects printed recording paper (second recording paper). The first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a are formed in the shape of a horizontally long rectangular frame, and are arranged so as to face the same direction. In this embodiment, the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a are arranged in front of the first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262, respectively.

Next, the position of the stacking tray 32 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the stacking tray 32 receives and stacks recording paper (first recording paper and second recording paper) discharged from the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a. This is a part where the paper is stored (accommodated), and is provided below the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a. Further, the upper space of the stacking tray 32 communicates with a print output port 26a arranged side by side on the right side of the coin return port 24b, and the recording paper stacked on the stack tray 32 is transferred from the print output port 26a. It is possible to take it out through this upper space. In this way, by arranging the print outlet 26a side by side with the coin return opening 24b, it is possible to reduce the possibility of forgetting to take out recording paper, compared to arranging the print outlet 26a below the coin return opening 24b. can. Furthermore, by increasing the distance L1 (see FIG. 5) from the floor surface on which the information processing device 10 is placed to the print outlet 26a, the print outlet 26a can be placed as high as possible, making it easier for the user to The amount of bending is reduced, making it easier to take out the recording paper (improving the ease of taking out the recording paper).

However, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. In the direction perpendicular to the paper ejection direction (in other words, in the width direction of the recording paper that is ejected from the first paper ejection section 260a and the second paper ejection section 262a and falls) and in the front-rear direction (the thickness direction of the recording paper as it falls) placed in different (offset) positions. Note that the width direction of the recording paper can also be said to be a direction intersecting (orthogonal to) the moving direction of the recording paper guided by the paper discharge path R.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the stacking tray 32 is arranged on the front side (at a position closer to the front) than the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a in the front-rear direction. This is done because the first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262 are placed a predetermined distance from the front side of the front door 30 to the back side by the thickness of the money handling unit 24 in the front and back direction in order to avoid the money handling unit 24. On the other hand, in order to make it easier to take out the recording paper stacked on the stacking tray 32, the stacking tray 32 should be placed as close to the front side as possible (as close as possible to the front of the front door 30). This is because it needs to be placed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the stacking tray 32 is arranged on the right side (position closer to the right) than the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a in the left-right direction. The first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262 are arranged approximately at the center of the apparatus main body 28 (front door 30) in the left-right direction, and the center position of the first printing unit 260 and the second printing unit 262 in the left-right direction is The PC is approximately the same as the center position of the apparatus main body 28 in the left-right direction. On the other hand, the center position TC of the stacking tray 32 in the left-right direction is located to the right of the center position PC of the printing unit (apparatus main body 28). This is done because the money processing section 24 and the photo printing section 26 are arranged so as to overlap in the left and right direction, so the loading tray 32 is placed in a position that avoids the structure of the money processing section 24. This is because, in addition to the necessity of arranging the stacking tray 32, the print takeout port 26a and the coin return port 24b corresponding to the stacking tray 32 are arranged side by side.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, above the stacking tray 32, there is provided a paper ejection guide 34 formed in the shape of a rectangular cylinder with upper and lower openings. The paper ejection guide 34 forms a paper ejection path (guide path) R for guiding (guiding) the recording paper ejected from the first paper ejection section 260a and the second paper ejection section 262a to the stacking tray 32. be. The lower end (lower opening) of the paper ejection guide 34 communicates with the upper opening of the stacking tray 32, and the recording paper ejected from the first paper ejection section 260a or the second paper ejection section 262a is transferred to the paper ejection guide 34. The paper is guided to the stacking tray 32 by falling down the paper discharge path R formed therein in an upright position.

The paper ejection guide 34 includes a first side wall 40 and a second side wall 42 that guide the widthwise ends (left and right ends) of the recording paper falling down the paper ejection path R so as to sandwich the widthwise side edges of the recording paper. , a first guide wall 44 and a second guide wall 46 are provided to sandwich the front and back surfaces of the recording paper falling through the paper discharge path R and guide the front or back surface of the recording paper.

The first side wall 40 constitutes the left wall of the paper discharge guide 34, and the second side wall 42 constitutes the right wall of the paper discharge guide 34. Therefore, the first side wall 40 guides the left end of the recording paper, and the second side wall 42 guides the right end of the recording paper. As described above, since the stacking tray 32 is disposed on the right side (toward the right) of the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a in the left-right direction, the first side wall 40 is arranged on the stacking tray in the left-right direction. 32 (opposite side of the stacking tray 32), and the second sidewall 42 is a sidewall on the side closer to the stacking tray 32 in the left-right direction (loading tray 32 side).

The first guide wall 44 constitutes the rear wall of the paper discharge guide 34, and is provided to face the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a and to extend in the vertical direction. The second guide wall 46 constitutes a front wall of the paper discharge guide 34. Here, the first guide wall 44 is provided so as to face the second guide wall 46 at a predetermined distance L2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and the first paper discharge section 260a and the 2 disposed on the paper discharge section 262a side. Further, on the paper guide surface of the second guide wall 46, a plurality of guide ribs (protrusions) are formed that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction (that is, in the width direction of the recording paper) and extend in the vertical direction.

The distance L2 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46 (that is, the size of the paper discharge path R in the thickness direction (back and forth direction) of the recording paper) is the maximum size of recording applied to the photo printing section 26. The size is set so that even if paper (for example, 2L size) is curled by the maximum amount, it can pass through. On the other hand, if the distance L2 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46 is made too large, there is a problem in that the information processing device 10 (device main body 28) becomes larger in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance L2 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46 is such that a 2L size recording paper with the expected maximum amount of curl can pass therethrough, and the information processing apparatus 10 can pass through the distance L2. The size is set so as not to become larger than necessary, for example, 80 mm.

Further, the first guide wall 44 has a horizontally long rectangular opening formed at a position facing the first paper discharge section 260a, and this opening receives the recording paper discharged from the first paper discharge section 260a. 1 reception port 36. Further, the upper opening of the paper ejection guide 34 serves as a second receiving opening 38 for receiving the recording paper ejected from the second paper ejection section 262a.

Further, the first guide wall 44 is provided with a guide rib (guide protrusion) 60 for controlling the longitudinal position (posture) of the recording paper falling through the paper discharge path R. Note that the specific configuration of the guide protrusion 60 will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the paper discharge path (guide path) R, recording sheets are placed on a stacking tray 32 that is offset from the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a. A first slope portion 48, a second slope portion 50, an opposing slope portion 54, and an enlarged slope portion 56 are provided to smoothly guide the flow. Each of the first slope portion 48 , the second slope portion 50 , the opposing slope portion 54 , and the enlarged slope portion 56 is provided below at least the first receiving port 36 .

The first inclined portion 48 is provided below the first side wall 40, and moves downward toward the stacking tray 32 side (center TC side of the stacking tray 32) or the second side wall 42 side, that is, toward the stacking tray 32 side. It slopes downwards towards the top. In this embodiment, the first inclined portion 48 is inclined downward to the right so as to move toward the right side as it goes downward. However, the first inclined portion 48 is not inclined in the front-rear direction. Note that the inclination angle of the first inclined portion 48 is 60° to 70° with respect to the horizontal direction.

The opposing slope part 54 is provided below the second side wall 42 and moves downward toward the opposite side of the first side wall 40 (first slope part 48) so as to maintain a distance from the first slope part 48. (in the same inclination direction as the first inclined part 48). That is, the opposing slope portion 54 slopes downward to the right so as to move toward the right side as it goes downward. Note that the opposing inclined portion 54 is not inclined in the front-rear direction.

The second inclined part (corresponding to a guide inclined part) 50 is provided below the first guide wall 44, and has a downward slope toward the loading tray 32 side as it goes downward, that is, toward the loading tray 32 side. It is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle α1 with respect to the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined section 50 is provided between the first paper discharging section 260a and the second paper discharging section 262a and the stacking tray 32, and is inclined forwardly and downwardly so as to approach the front side as it goes downward. do. However, the second inclined portion 50 is not inclined in the left-right direction. Note that the inclination angle α1 of the second inclined portion 50 is 60° to 70° with respect to the horizontal direction.

The enlarged slope part 56 is provided on the second guide wall 46 and extends downward toward the opposite side of the second guide wall 46 (second slope part 50) so as to maintain a distance from the second slope part 50. (in the same inclination direction as the second inclined part 50). That is, the enlarged inclined portion 56 is inclined forwardly and downwardly toward the front side as it goes downward (see FIG. 8). Note that the distance between the second sloped portion 50 and the enlarged sloped portion 56 is such that the distance between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46 is such that even if the maximum size of recording paper to be applied is curled, it can pass through. The distance is set so as not to be narrower than the interval L2 (preferably, to be larger than L2). Therefore, it is possible to suppress or prevent the recording paper from becoming jammed in the portion where the second inclined portion 50 protrudes toward the second guide wall 46 side (front side).

As described above, the paper discharge path R for guiding the recording paper to the stacking tray 32 is bent toward the right side, that is, toward the center (TC) of the stacking tray 32 by the first slope portion 48 and the opposing slope portion 54. There is. Further, the paper discharge path R is bent by the second slope portion 50 and the enlarged slope portion 56 so as to face the front side, that is, toward the stacking tray 32 .

Next, a specific configuration of the stacking tray 32 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the loading tray 32 is formed into a bottomed rectangular cylinder having an open upper space.

This stacking tray 32 has a front wall 320 and a rear wall 322 provided to sandwich the front and back surfaces of the recording paper, and records are recorded in a space (defined) between the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322 (loading space). Paper is loaded.

Further, the rear wall 322 is provided below the second inclined portion 50, and is inclined so as to approach the back side as it goes downward, that is, to have a downward slope toward the back side. In other words, the lower end of the rear wall 322 is closer to the back than the upper end of the rear wall 322. In this way, the rear wall 322 is inclined in the opposite direction in the front-rear direction with respect to the second inclined portion 50. In addition, in this embodiment, the rear wall 322 is provided so as to be continuous with the front end (lower end) 50a of the second inclined portion 50. Therefore, the continuous portion (intersecting portion) of the second inclined portion 50 and the rear wall 322 has a bent shape when viewed from the side.

Further, the upper surface (inner surface) of the front wall 320 is provided so as to be inclined forward at a predetermined inclination angle α2 as it goes upward. That is, the inner surface of the front wall 320 slopes upward toward the front side. Note that the direction of inclination of the front wall 320 is the same as the direction of inclination of the rear wall 322. Therefore, the stacking tray 32 as a whole has a shape that approaches the front side (print output port 26a) as it goes upward.

The inclination angle α2 of the front wall 320 (of the first inclined surface 320c) with respect to the horizontal direction is smaller than the inclination angle α1 of the second inclined portion 50 (nearly horizontal). Further, as shown in FIG. 8 , the front wall 320 intersects substantially perpendicularly to the virtual line VL extending the second inclined portion 50 downward, that is, to the inclination direction of the second inclined portion 50. It is arranged like this. Therefore, the inclination angle α2 of the front wall 320 is 20° to 30°.

Further, the front wall 320 extends from behind the imaginary line VL extending the second inclined portion 50 downward to in front of the imaginary line VL. Note that the front of the virtual line VL refers to the front of the part where the virtual line VL and the front wall 320 intersect, and the rear of the virtual line VL refers to the part where the virtual line VL and the front wall 320 intersect. It is about the rear. That is, the rear end portion 320a of the front wall 320 (the bottom portion of the loading tray 32 where the front wall 320 and the rear wall 322 intersect) is located on the back side (rearward) of the virtual line VL, and the front end portion of the front wall 320 (The front end of the stacking tray 32) 320b is located on the front side (front) of the virtual line VL. In other words, it can be said that the front wall 320 extends toward the front side from the bottom of the stacking tray 32 to a position where it straddles (exceeds) the virtual line VL. In other words, the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32 is formed to intersect with the virtual line VL extending downward from the second slope portion 50, and slopes upward toward the front side.

Furthermore, the distance L3 along the virtual line VL from the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 to the front wall 320 is the length PL1 in the paper discharge direction of the smallest recording paper printed in the photo printing section 26 (see FIG. 11). ) is shorter than Further, the distance L3 from the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 to the front wall 320 along the virtual line VL is longer than 1/2 (half) of the minimum length PL1 of the recording paper in the paper discharge direction. In this embodiment, since the smallest recording paper printed by the photo printing section 26 is L size, the distance L3 along the virtual line VL from the front end 50a of the second inclined section 50 to the front wall 320 is 44. It is longer than .5mm and shorter than 89mm.

Furthermore, at least a portion of the upper side (front side) of the front wall 320 has a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than other portions, for example, the lower side (back side) of the front wall 320. That is, at least a portion of the upper side of the front wall 320 has a steeper upward slope than other portions. However, the upper side (front side) of the front wall 320 is the part above the imaginary line VL (front side), and the lower side (back side) of the front wall 320 is the part below the imaginary line VL. This refers to the side (back side) part. That is, the inner surface of the front wall 320 has a shape that is bent upward at a predetermined position on the front side of the virtual line VL.

In this embodiment, the upper part of the front wall 320 has a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than other parts including the lower end. Specifically, the front wall 320 (the inner surface thereof, that is, the side surface of the stacked recording sheets) has a first inclined surface 320c that is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle α2 with respect to the horizontal direction, and is arranged above the first inclined surface 320c. and includes a second sloped surface 328a that slopes at a larger slope angle with respect to the horizontal direction than the first sloped surface 320c. For example, the inclination angle of the second inclined surface 328a is 70° to 85° with respect to the horizontal direction.

Here, the second inclined surface 328a is located closer to the front side than the virtual line VL. More specifically, the front wall 320 is provided with a protrusion 328 that protrudes upward from the first slope 320c, and the second slope 328a is formed on the rear wall 322 side of the protrusion 328. In other words, the protrusion 328 is located on the front side of the virtual line VL, and has the second inclined surface 328a on the back side of the protrusion 328 (the surface on the rear wall 322 side), in other words, on the second inclined part 50 side. Therefore, the inclination angle of the front wall 320 changes at a portion where the first inclined surface 320c and the second inclined surface 328a intersect (the front wall 320 has a bent portion).

Further, the distance (shortest distance) from the upper end of the protrusion 328 (second inclined surface 328a) to the rear end 320a of the front wall 320 (first inclined surface 320c) is the minimum distance printed by the photo printing unit 26. is set to be smaller than the length PL1 of the recording paper in the paper discharge direction. In this embodiment, since the smallest recording paper is L size, the distance L3 from the upper end of the protrusion 328 to the rear end 320a of the front wall 320 is set to be shorter than 89 mm.

Further, the protrusion 328 is formed in a part of the front wall 320 in the left-right direction (the width direction of the recording paper). Specifically, the protrusion 328 is formed at the center of the front wall 320 in the left-right direction. Therefore, a level difference occurs between the region where the protrusion 328 is formed and the region where the protrusion 328 is not formed (the region to the right of the protrusion 328 and the region to the left of the protrusion 328).

Next, a specific configuration of the guide protrusion 60 will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the guide protrusion 60 is provided on the first guide wall 44, and the guide protrusion 60 is provided at the first paper discharge section 260a and the second paper discharge section 262a (the first receiving port 36 and the second receiving port 38). and the second inclined portion 50. Further, the guide protrusions 60 are formed to protrude from the first guide wall 44 to the front side, and two guide protrusions 60 are arranged at the same height so as to be lined up at a predetermined interval in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the recording paper. be done. Further, the guide protrusion 60 is formed at a position facing the enlarged inclined portion 56. In other words, the enlarged inclined portion 56 is provided at a position facing the guide protrusion 60. Specifically, the enlarged inclined portion 56 is provided so as to overlap at least a portion of the guide protrusion 60 (in this embodiment, the lower end of the guide protrusion 60) in the vertical direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the front end portion (most protruding position) 60a of the guide protrusion 60 is located on the back side (the side farther from the stacking tray 32) than the front end portion 50a of the second slope portion 50. As shown in FIG. In other words, the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50 is located closer to the front than the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60, and the second inclined part 50 is located closer to the front than the guide protrusion 60 (closer to the loading tray 32). ) to stand out. The distance L5 in the front-rear direction between the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 and the front end 50a of the second slope 50 (the amount of protrusion of the second slope 50) is 45 mm to 55 mm.

Furthermore, the inclination angle α3 of the virtual plane VF passing through the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 and the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50 with respect to the horizontal direction is larger than the inclination angle α1 of the second inclined part 50. That is, the virtual surface VF has a steeper downward slope angle than the second slope portion 50, and has an angle close to vertical.

Furthermore, the distance L4 from the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 to the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 is longer than the length PL1 in the discharge direction of the smallest recording paper printed in the photo printing section 26; It is shorter than the length PL2 (see FIG. 12) of the maximum recording paper printed by the photo printing unit 26 in the paper discharge direction. In this embodiment, the smallest recording paper is L size and the largest one is 2L size, so the distance L4 from the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 to the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50 is , longer than 89mm and shorter than 178mm.

Further, the distance L6 from the first guide wall 44 to the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 (the amount of protrusion toward the front side of the guide protrusion 60, that is, the protrusion height) is the distance L6 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46. This is 1/3 or less of the distance L2 between them. As described above, in this embodiment, the distance L2 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46 is 80 mm, so the distance L6 from the first guide wall 44 to the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 is 80 mm. is 27 mm or less.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, the guide protrusion 60 includes a first protrusion 62, a second protrusion 64, and a connecting portion 66. Each of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 is formed into a plate shape extending in the vertical direction (the direction in which the recording paper falls), and the upper surfaces of the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 are directed downward. It slopes closer to the front as you go. That is, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 protrude toward the front side as they go downward.

Further, two second protrusions 64 are formed so as to be lined up on the left and right (on both sides) of the first protrusion 62 in the left-right direction (that is, the width direction of the recording paper). The connecting portion 66 extends in the left-right direction (that is, the width direction of the recording paper) and is formed to connect the first protruding portion 62 and the second protruding portion 64.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the distance L7 from the first guide wall 44 to the front end of the second protrusion 64 (the protrusion height of the second protrusion 64) is The distance L8 from the first guide wall 44 to the front end of the connecting portion 66 (the protruding height of the connecting portion 66) is shorter than the distance from the first guiding wall 44 to the front end of the second protruding portion 62. It is shorter than the distance L7 to the front end of the section 64.

Therefore, among the first protruding part 62, the second protruding part 64, and the connecting part 66, the first protruding part 62 protrudes most toward the front side, and the front end (lower end) of the first protruding part 62 is the guide protrusion. This becomes the front end portion 60a of 60. Therefore, it is the first protrusion 62 that contributes to controlling the longitudinal position (posture) of the recording paper falling down the paper discharge path R. The second protruding portion 64 and the connecting portion 66 improve the strength (rigidity) of the first protruding portion 62 and prevent the recording paper falling down the paper ejection path R from tilting (falling down) in the movement direction (left and right direction). It is provided for.

11 to 13 show the posture of the recording paper discharged from the first paper discharge section 260a or the second paper discharge section 262a as it falls. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the case of recording paper S that is not curled or has a small amount of curl, the recording paper S is discharged from the first paper discharge section 260a or the second paper discharge section 262a, and is ejected from the paper discharge path. R and slides down the second slope 50 with the surface (printed surface) facing upward to reach the stacking tray 32.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the case of L-size recording paper S whose length in the paper ejection direction is relatively short, the recording paper S is moved along the second inclined portion 50 (with the inclination angle α1 of the second inclined portion 50). When the center of the recording paper S in the paper ejection direction (the center of gravity position PG of the recording paper) passes the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50, the second inclined part 50 of the recording paper S slides down. The leading edge of the recording paper S (the leading edge in the recording paper guiding direction in the paper ejection guide 34, the lower end when stacked on the stacking tray 32) is moved by the weight of the recording paper S, centering on the part that is in contact with the front end 50a. rotates (tilts) to the back side. Therefore, with respect to the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32, the recording paper S has its rear end (the rear end in the recording paper guiding direction in the paper ejection guide 34, the upper end when stacked on the stacking tray 32) facing the front side. When the leading edge of the recording paper S contacts the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32, the rear end of the recording paper S further rotates toward the front side around the leading edge of the recording paper S. . Therefore, the recording sheets S that have reached the stacking tray 32 are stacked downward so that the front surface leans against the upper surface (inner surface) of the front wall 320. The posture in which the surface of the recording paper S leans against the upper surface of the front wall 320 in this manner is the normal posture in this embodiment.

The reason for doing this is that if the rear end of the recording paper S is located on the front side, the rear end of the recording paper S will be closer to the print outlet 26a, and it will be easier to take out the recording paper S. In addition, when multiple recording sheets S are printed, the recording sheet S that was printed earlier is on the lower side (the side closer to the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32), and the recording sheet S that was printed later is on the upper side. (the side farthest from the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32).

Note that the distance L3 from the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 to the front wall 320 along the virtual line VL is shorter than the minimum length PL1 of the recording paper in the paper discharge direction, and Since the direction and the inclination direction of the front wall 320 are arranged in a direction that intersects with each other, in the case of L-size recording paper S whose length in the paper ejection direction is short, it is assumed that the rear end of the recording paper S is on the front side. Even if the leading end of the recording paper S contacts the first inclined surface 320c of the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32 without tilting to the side, the rear end of the recording paper S will not touch the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50. Since it is in the supported state, when the first inclined surface 320c guides the leading end of the recording paper S to the rear end 320a of the first inclined surface 320c, the rear end of the recording paper S rotates toward the front side. move. In other words, the rear end of the recording paper S does not tilt toward the back side (opposite to the normal position).

Furthermore, since the distance L3 along the virtual line VL from the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 to the front wall 320 is longer than 1/2 of the length PL1 of the minimum recording paper in the paper discharge direction, In the case of L-size recording paper S with a short length, the center of gravity PG of the recording paper reaches the front end of the second inclined portion 50 before the leading edge of the recording paper S contacts the front wall 320 of the stacking tray 32. Pass through 50a. Therefore, the attitude of the recording paper S can be appropriately controlled as described above.

On the other hand, in the case of 2L size recording paper S, which has a long length in the paper ejection direction, as shown in FIG. When the recording paper comes into contact with the wall, the center of gravity of the recording paper may be located on the back side of the inclined portion rather than the front end thereof. In this case, the rear end of the recording paper may not be tilted, and the recording paper may stop with its back leaning against the upper surface of the inclined portion (tilted on the opposite side from its normal position). In this situation, the trailing edge of the recording paper is located on the back side (rear side) and the trailing edge of the recording paper is far from the recording paper outlet, making it difficult to remove the recording paper from the recording paper outlet. Become. Also, when printing on multiple recording sheets, if the recording paper stops with its back leaning against the top surface of the sloping part, the next printed recording paper will overlap the previously printed recording paper. It will enter the front side (the side closer to the front wall 320 of the loading tray 32). In other words, the stacking order of the recording sheets is changed, and there is a problem that the printing order does not match the stacking order. As described above, there is a problem in controlling the posture of recording paper that is long in the paper ejection direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, in the case of 2L size recording paper S having a long length in the paper ejection direction, when the leading edge of the recording paper S passes the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50, , the rear end of the recording paper S is still in contact with the guide protrusion 60. This is because the distance L4 from the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 to the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50 is shorter than the length PL2 of the largest recording paper (2L size) in the paper discharge direction.

At this time, the recording paper S is in a state of being inclined at the same inclination angle α3 as the virtual plane VF passing through the front end 60a of the guide protrusion 60 and the front end 50a of the second inclined part 50, and the second inclined part 50 It is in a state where it is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction more than an inclination angle α1 of (a state in which the rear end is tilted toward the front side or a state in which it is close to vertical). That is, the recording paper S slides down toward the front wall 320 at an angle steeper than the inclination angle of the second inclined portion 50, that is, with the center of gravity of the recording paper S being closer to the front side. Therefore, the leading edge of the recording paper S comes into contact with the first inclined surface 320c of the front wall 320, and at the timing when the leading edge of the recording paper S is guided to the rear end 320a of the first inclined surface 320c, the recording paper S The rear end portion becomes easier to rotate toward the front side (centering on the point of contact between the recording paper S and the front end portion 50a of the second inclined portion 50) due to the influence of the center of gravity that has moved forward. Therefore, the recording sheets S that have reached the stacking tray 32 are stacked downward in a normal posture so that the front surface leans against the upper surface (inner surface) of the front wall 320.

Furthermore, when the recording paper S is curled, the recording paper S slides down on the second inclined part 50 with only the leading edge in contact with the second inclined part 50, so that the leading edge of the recording paper S When the recording paper passes through the front end 50a of the second inclined portion 50, the center of gravity PG of the recording paper protrudes toward the front side. (See FIG. 13. The recording paper S depicted in FIG. 13 has a 2L size.) Therefore, in the case of a curled recording paper S, it is difficult for the recording paper S to tilt to the opposite side from its normal orientation.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the guide protrusion 60 is provided, the width of the paper discharge path R in the thickness direction (back and forth direction) of the recording paper is narrowed, so that in the portion where the guide protrusion 60 is provided, There is a possibility that the recording paper S may become jammed.

To solve this problem, if the recording paper S ejected from the first paper ejection section 260a of the lower first printing unit 260 near the stacking tray is curled, the recording paper S is ejected from the first paper ejection section 260a. The recording paper S is discharged in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 13 due to the curling of the recording paper S. That is, since the leading end of the recording paper S is ejected so as to avoid the guide protrusion 60, the recording paper S will not become jammed due to the presence of the guide protrusion 60.

Furthermore, if the recording paper S discharged from the second paper discharge section 262a of the second printing unit 262 in the upper stage far from the stacking tray is curled, it falls down the paper discharge path R (as indicated by the arrow b in FIG. 13). Direction) The leading edge of the recording paper S may come into contact with the guide protrusion 60. However, even in such a state, the amount of protrusion L6 of the guide protrusion 60 toward the front side is 1/3 or less of the distance L2 between the first guide wall 44 and the second guide wall 46, and Since the paper ejecting section 262a is disposed upwardly away from the guide protrusion 60, the speed at which the leading edge of the recording paper S comes into contact with the guide protrusion 60 (falling speed) is fast, so the recording paper S is bent. In addition to being easily deformed, the enlarged inclined portion 56 is provided at a position facing the guide protrusion 60, and the paper ejection path R is formed so that the recording paper S is easily deformed. Even if it comes into contact with the guide protrusion 60, it will not become clogged.

With the information processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, as described above, it is possible to easily take out the recording paper from the stacking tray 32 regardless of the size of the recording paper or the amount of curl of the recording paper. can be improved.

Further, the specific configurations mentioned in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the actual product.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100... Image forming system 10... Information processing device 28... Housing 30... Front door 32... Loading tray 320... Front wall 34... Paper discharge guide 40... First side wall 42... Second side wall 44... First guide wall 46... Third 2 guide wall 50...Second slope part (guide slope part)
60...Guide rib (guide protrusion)
62...First protruding part 64...Second protruding part 66...Connection part R...Sheet discharge path

Claims (6)

Printing unit that prints images on recording paper,
a paper ejecting section formed on the front surface of the printing unit and ejecting printed recording paper;
a loading tray that is disposed on the front side and below the paper discharge section and has a front wall that slopes upward toward the front side;
a paper ejection guide forming a vertically extending cylindrical paper ejection path that guides the recording paper ejected from the paper ejection unit to the stacking tray;
a guide slope section provided below the rear wall of the paper ejection guide and sloped downward toward the front side; and a guide slope section provided on the rear wall of the paper ejection guide between the guide slope part and the paper ejection section. a plate-shaped first protrusion extending vertically and protruding toward the front side as it goes downward;
The guide slope portion protrudes further to the front side than the first protrusion portion,
In the printing device, an inclination angle of a virtual plane passing through a front end of the first protrusion and a front end of the guide slope with respect to the horizontal direction is larger than an inclination angle of the guide slope with respect to the horizontal direction. The front wall of the loading tray extends from behind an imaginary line extending the guide slope downward to in front of the imaginary line,
A distance along the imaginary line from the front end of the guide slope to the front wall of the stacking tray is shorter than a length in the paper discharge direction of the smallest recording sheet discharged from the paper discharge section. Printing device as described. The distance from the front end of the first protrusion to the front end of the guide slope is longer than the length in the paper ejection direction of the smallest recording paper ejected from the paper ejection section, and 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is shorter than the length of the largest recording sheet to be printed in the paper ejection direction. The distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the first protrusion is the distance from the front wall of the paper ejection guide formed opposite to the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the rear wall of the paper ejection guide. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is 1/3 or less of the distance from . 5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein an enlarged sloped portion that slopes downward toward the front side is formed at a position below the front wall of the paper ejection guide and opposite to the first protrusion. A second protrusion in the form of a plate extending vertically is formed on the rear wall of the paper ejection guide so as to be aligned with the first protrusion in the width direction of the recording paper, and protrudes toward the front side as it goes downward; and further comprising a connecting part extending in the width direction of the recording paper and connecting the first protruding part and the second protruding part,
The distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the second protrusion is shorter than the distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the first protrusion,
Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the connecting portion is shorter than the distance from the rear wall of the paper ejection guide to the front end of the second protrusion. The printing device described in .

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