JP7420597B2 - 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 main body in which a dye-sublimation printer is disposed, and a lid body pivotably supported on the front side of the device body so as to be openable and closable. It is equipped with a coin return slot for coins to be returned, and a recording paper output slot (recording paper outlet) for taking out the printed recording paper that has been printed with a dye-sublimation printer and discharged into the paper output tray (loading tray). It will be done.

JP2013-234058A

As in the background art, in a printing unit (so-called roll paper printer) that prints an image on recording paper fed out from a roll paper, the amount of curl of the printed recording paper increases as it approaches the core of the roll paper. It has the characteristic of becoming. Furthermore, the greater the length of the recording paper in the roll direction, the greater the amount of curl. Therefore, printed recording paper includes paper with a large amount of curl and paper with a small amount of curl.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, the upper end of the recording paper with a large amount of curl is warped toward the opposite side of the loading surface (loading surface) of the loading tray. Therefore, the direction C in which you insert your finger to take out recording paper with a large amount of curl is higher than the direction NC in which you insert your finger to take out recording paper that is not curled or has a small amount of curl, and the recording paper is taken out. The problem is that it becomes difficult.

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 paper from a stacking tray regardless of the amount of curl of the recording paper.

The first invention provides a printing unit that prints an image on recording paper, a paper discharge section that is formed on the front surface of the printing unit and that discharges the printed recording paper, and a lower part of the paper discharge section that is located below the paper discharge section. The stacking tray is provided with a loading tray placed on the front side, and a sloped part provided below the paper ejection section and slopes downward toward the front side. The front wall of the loading tray is formed so that it slopes downward toward the rear side as it goes toward the slope, and the front wall of the loading tray slopes toward the front side from the rear of the imaginary line extending downward from the slope to the front of the imaginary line. The printing device is formed to have an upward slope, and at least a portion of the front side of the front wall has a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than other portions.

A second invention is a printing device according to the first invention, wherein the front wall includes a first inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction, and is arranged above the first inclined surface. , and a second inclined surface having a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than the first inclined surface, and the second inclined surface is located on the front side with respect to the imaginary line.

A third invention is a printing device according to the second invention, further comprising a protrusion provided on the front wall and protruding upward from the first slope, wherein the second slope is a projection. It is formed on the slope side of the section.

A fourth invention is a printing device according to the third invention, wherein the protrusion is formed in a part of the front wall in the width direction of the recording paper, and the first slope is formed by the protrusion. Extends to the front end of the front wall, except for the area where

A fifth invention is a printing device according to the third or fourth invention, which is provided between a paper discharge section and an inclined section, and guides recording paper discharged from the paper discharge section to a stacking tray. The stacking tray further includes a paper ejection guide, and the stacking tray is disposed at a position that is offset to one side in the left-right direction with respect to the paper ejection unit, and the paper ejection guide is arranged to guide the widthwise edge of the recording paper. a first side wall on the other side in the left-right direction and a second side wall on one side in the left- right direction; , is formed extending beyond the predetermined position to the second side wall side .

A sixth invention is a printing device according to any one of the second invention to the fifth invention, wherein the distance from the upper end of the second inclined surface to the rear end of the front wall is determined by a paper discharge portion. shorter than the length in the ejection direction of the smallest recording paper ejected from.

A seventh invention is a printing device according to the first invention, in which the front wall is curved such that the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction increases toward the front side.

According to this invention, it is possible to improve the ease of taking out the recording paper from the stacking tray regardless of the amount of curl of the recording paper.

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 schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection guide and the stacking tray. FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of the print outlet and the stacking tray. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the structure of the paper ejection guide and the stacking tray. FIG. 10 is a sectional view schematically showing a curl storage space formed in the stacking tray. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the dimensions and shape of the stacking tray. FIG. 12 is a front view showing the dimensions and shape of the loading tray. FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a state in which recording sheets are stacked on the stacking tray. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which recording sheets are stacked on the stacking tray. FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a stacking tray in the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view schematically showing the structure of a conventional stacking tray.

[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 to an arbitrary size, and an image is printed on the cut recording paper. (It is formed.

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 stacking tray 32 is passed through this upper space. It is possible to take out the print from the print take-out port 26a. 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 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 interval L2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and the first paper discharge section 260a and the 2 disposed on the paper discharge section 262a side. A plurality of guide ribs (protrusions) are formed on the paper guide surface of the second guide wall 46 and 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. These guide ribs may be provided on the first guide wall 44.

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 of the recording paper) is the maximum size of recording paper applied to the photo printing section 26 (for example, 2L). The size is set so that it can pass even if the paper size (format size) curls the maximum amount. 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 space 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, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, 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. Here, the interval between the first inclined part 48 and the opposite inclined part 54 is set to be larger than the diagonal length PW (155 mm) of the L size by a predetermined distance (see FIG. 12). That is, a predetermined gap is set between the first inclined part 48 and the opposing inclined part 54 in addition to the length PW of the diagonal line of the L size. In addition, the dimension of the gap added to the length PW of the diagonal line of the L size is 4.6 mm on the loading tray 32 side (the side of the loading tray 32) for every 10 mm when the inclination angle of the first inclined part 48 is 65 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. 2 side wall 42 side), it is set to less than half of that (for example, 2.1 mm). By providing this opposing inclined portion 54, it is possible to suppress or prevent recording paper from becoming jammed in the portion where the first inclined portion 48 protrudes toward the second side wall 42 (right side).

The second inclined portion 50 is provided below the first guide wall 44 and is inclined so as to approach the loading tray 32 side as it goes downward, that is, to have a downward slope toward the loading tray 32 side. 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 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) (see FIG. 9). That is, the enlarged inclined portion 56 is inclined forwardly and downwardly toward the front side as it goes downward. 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 with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the loading tray 32 is formed into a bottomed rectangular cylinder having an open upper space.

This stacking tray 32 includes a front wall 320 and a rear wall 322 that are provided to sandwich the front and back surfaces of the recording paper, and a left wall 324 and a right wall 326 that are provided to sandwich the widthwise side edges of the recording paper. Recording sheets are stacked in a space (loading space) surrounded (defined) by the front wall 320, the rear wall 322, the left wall 324, and the right wall 326.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the left side wall 324 and the right side wall 326 are provided to extend in the vertical direction, respectively. Specifically, the left side wall 324 and the right side wall 326 are substantially vertical surfaces, and the left side wall 324 and the right side wall 326 are substantially parallel.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, 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. Note that in this embodiment, the rear wall 322 is provided so as to be continuous with the second slope 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.

As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the front wall 320 is provided so as to be inclined forward as it goes upward. That is, 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.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, 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, 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 paper) has a first inclined surface 320c that is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle α1 with respect to the horizontal direction, and is arranged above the first inclined surface 320c. and includes a second inclined surface 328a that is inclined at an inclined angle α2 that is larger in the horizontal direction than the first inclined surface 320c (inclined angle α1). For example, the inclination angle α1 of the first inclined surface 320c is 20° to 40° with respect to the horizontal direction, and the inclination angle α2 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).

Therefore, the inner surface of the front wall 320 is formed to be recessed downward with respect to the virtual plane defined by the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328 (second inclined surface 328a) and the rear end 320a of the front wall 320, The shape is such that a concave portion having a substantially V-shaped cross section extending in the left-right direction is formed. Therefore, a first space CA recessed downward is created between the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328 and the rear end 320a of the front wall 320 (see FIG. 10).

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

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the protrusion 328 is formed in a partial area 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. The first inclined surface 320c extends at least to the front side of the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328, except for the region where the protrusion 328 is formed. For example, the first inclined surface 320c extends to the front end 320b of the front wall 320, except for the region where the protrusion 328 is formed. 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).

Further, the protruding portion 328 extends from the first side wall 40 of the first side wall 40 and the second side wall 42 of the paper ejection guide 34 on the side far from the stacking tray 32 in the left-right direction to a length PW in the width direction of the recording paper S. It is formed from the first side wall 40 side (left side) with respect to the predetermined position P1, which is away from the predetermined position P1, to the opposite side (right side) of the first side wall 40 beyond the predetermined position P1.

Specifically, the distance L4 between the end (left end) 328c of the protrusion 328 on the first side wall 40 side and the first side wall 40 in the width direction of the recording paper S is the length of the recording paper S in the width direction. Shorter than PW. Furthermore, since the first inclined portion 48 is inclined downward to the right as it goes downward, the distance L5 in the width direction of the recording paper S between the lower end 48b of the first inclined portion 48 and the left end 328c of the protruding portion 328 is , shorter than the length PW of the recording paper S in the width direction, and even shorter than the distance L4.

Note that the protruding portion 328 is located at a portion of the front wall 320 excluding the first side wall 40 side (the side closer to the first paper ejection portion 260a and the second paper ejection portion 262a, the left side in this embodiment), that is, at the predetermined position P1. It may be formed from the first side wall 40 side to the side wall (right side wall 326) on the opposite side of the first side wall 40.

13 and 14 show a state in which recording sheets are stacked on the stacking tray 32. FIG. The recording paper discharged from the first paper discharge section 260a or the second paper discharge section 262a falls downward along the paper discharge path R and reaches the stacking tray 32. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the recording sheets that have reached the stacking tray 32 are stacked downward so that the front surface (printed surface) leans against the upper surface (inner surface) of this front wall 320. However, the surface of the recording paper is the outer surface in the state of rolled paper. For this reason, when the recording paper curls, the recording paper has a shape in which the center portion of the recording paper bulges downward in the paper ejection direction in the photo printing section 26 (in the front-rear direction when stacked on the stacking tray 32).

As shown in FIG. 13, when the recording paper is stacked on the stacking tray 32, the leading edge of the recording paper (the leading edge in the recording paper guiding direction of the paper ejection guide 34) is attached to the front wall, regardless of whether it is curled or not. 320 (the rear end of the first inclined surface 320c), and the rear end of the recording paper is supported by the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328. That is, the recording paper is supported at two points, front and rear, by the rear end 320a of the front wall 320 and the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328.

However, as described above, the distance L3 from the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328 to the rear end 320a of the front wall 320 is longer than the length of the smallest recording paper printed in the photo printing section 26 in the paper ejection direction. Since it is small, even if the smallest recording paper is loaded, the upper end (front end) of the recording paper will protrude from the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328.

Further, the central portion of the recording paper in the front-rear direction is separated (floating) from the front wall 320 regardless of whether it is curled or not. As described above, the front wall 320 has a shape portion that is concave toward the front and downward, and the first space CA created thereby is shaped like a curled recording paper (the central part in the front-rear direction is downwardly curved). It is formed to follow the bulging shape. Therefore, when curled recording paper is stacked on the stacking tray 32, the center portion of the recording paper that bulges downward enters the first space CA. That is, the first space CA functions as a curl absorption space that absorbs the curled portion of the recording paper.

Therefore, even if curled recording paper is stacked on the stacking tray 32, the curled portion of the recording paper is absorbed into the first space CA formed on the inner surface of the front wall 320, so that curling will not occur. This suppresses the amount by which the recording paper approaches the rear wall 322 and prevents the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking tray 32 from decreasing. In addition, regardless of whether or not the recording paper is curled and the amount of curl if curled, direction C in which the finger is inserted to take out the recording paper with a large amount of curl, and direction C in which the finger is inserted to take out the recording paper that is not curled or with a small amount of curl. The direction NC in which the finger is inserted is approximately the same. That is, regardless of whether the recording paper is curled or not and the amount of curl if curled, the direction in which the finger is inserted is constant (the same), so that it is possible to improve the ease of taking out the recording paper from the stacking tray 32.

Further, the upper end side of the recording paper (the rear side in the recording paper guiding direction of the paper discharge guide 34) is supported by the upper end portion 328b of the protrusion 328 located above the first inclined surface 320c. That is, the upper end side of the recording paper is supported by a protrusion 328 that protrudes above the first inclined surface 320c. Therefore, a second space 60 is formed in an area where the protrusion 328 is not formed (between the first inclined surface 320c and the recording paper). By inserting a finger into this second space 60, the recording paper can be easily taken out. (See Figures 7 and 14)
Note that, as described above, between the region of the front wall 320 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) A case where a second space 60 is formed between the recording paper stacked on the stacking tray 32 and the first inclined surface 320c due to the step provided in the projecting portion 328 and the first inclined surface 320c. can grasp both sides of the recording paper by inserting the thumb into the second space 60, so the front wall 320 (first inclined surface 320c) can be grasped from the upper end 328b of the protrusion 328 (second inclined surface 328a). The distance (shortest distance) L3 to the rear end portion 320a may be longer than the length of the smallest recording paper printed by the photo printing section 26 in the paper ejection direction. Furthermore, since the upper end 328b of the second inclined surface 328a, that is, the end of the protruding part 328 on the second inclined part 50 side, is the place where the printed recording paper comes into contact, care should be taken not to damage the printed recording paper. In order to achieve this, it is desirable that the end portion has a curved shape (R shape).

With the information processing apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, as described above, it is possible to improve the ease of taking out the recording paper from the stacking tray 32 regardless of the amount of curl of the recording paper.
[Second example]
The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the shape of the front wall 320 is partially different. Therefore, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and redundant explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the second embodiment, the inner surface of the front wall 320 is curved (upward) so that the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction becomes larger toward the front side. Specifically, the inner surface of the front wall 320 is recessed downward with respect to a virtual plane defined by the upper end of the front wall 320 and the rear end 320a of the front wall 320, and has a substantially circular cross section extending in the left-right direction. It has a shape that looks like an arcuate recess. That is, since the inner surface of the front wall 320 is concave downward, it is formed to follow the shape of the curled recording paper (a shape in which the central portion in the front-rear direction bulges downward).

Therefore, the curved portion of the inner surface of the front wall 320 functions as a curl absorbing space that absorbs the curled portion of the recording paper. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the amount by which the recording paper approaches the rear wall 322 due to curling, and to prevent the number of sheets that can be stacked on the stacking tray 32 from decreasing. Furthermore, the ease with which recording sheets can be taken out from the stacking tray 32 can be improved.

Note that 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 320c... First inclined surface 328... Projection part 328a... Second inclined surface 34... Paper discharge guide 40... First 1 side wall 42...2nd side wall 44...1st guide wall 46...2nd guide wall 50...2nd slope R...paper discharge path

Claims (7)

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 stacking tray disposed below the paper ejection section and on the front side of the paper ejection section; and a slope section provided below the paper ejection section and sloped downward toward the front side;
The rear wall of the loading tray is provided below the slope, and is formed to slope downward toward the rear side as it goes downward;
The front wall of the loading tray is formed to have an upward slope toward the front side from behind an imaginary line extending downward from the sloping portion to a point in front of the imaginary line,
In the printing device, at least a portion of the front side of the front wall has a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than other portions. The front wall includes a first inclined surface that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction, and a second inclined surface that is arranged above the first inclined surface and has a larger inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction than the first inclined surface. including the surface,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second inclined surface is located closer to the front than the virtual line. further comprising a protrusion provided on the front wall and protruding upward from the first slope,
The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the second inclined surface is formed on the inclined portion side of the protrusion. The protrusion is formed in a part of the front wall in the width direction of the recording paper,
4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein the first inclined surface extends to a front end of the front wall except for a region where the protrusion is formed. further comprising a paper ejection guide that is provided between the paper ejection section and the inclined section and guides the recording paper ejected from the paper ejection section to the stacking tray,
The stacking tray is arranged at a position biased to one side in the left-right direction with respect to the paper discharge section,
The paper ejection guide includes a first side wall on the other side in the left-right direction and a second side wall on the one side in the left-right direction, for guiding an edge of the recording paper in the width direction,
The protruding portion is formed from the first side wall side beyond a predetermined position separated from the first side wall by a length in the width direction of the recording paper, and extends beyond the predetermined position to the second side wall side. 5. The printing device according to claim 3 or 4. Claims 2 to 5, wherein the distance from the upper end of the second inclined surface to the rear end of the front wall is shorter than the length in the paper discharge direction of the smallest recording sheet discharged from the paper discharge section. The printing device described in any of the above. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the front wall is curved so that the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal direction increases toward the front side.

Images