Printing device

Abstract

A printing apparatus includes: a first emitter (77) which, when the printing apparatus (1) is set in a first posture, is in a first pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper (R) is greater than a first diameter, and is in a first releasing position when the diameter of the roll paper (R) is less than the first diameter; a second emitter (89) which, when the printing apparatus (1) is set in a second posture, is in a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper (R) is greater than a second diameter, and is in a second releasing position when the diameter of the roll paper (R) is less than the second diameter; and a detection unit having a single sensor, wherein the detection unit detects the displacement of the first emitter (77) and the displacement of the second emitter (89) by means of the sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, printers equipped with a paper end detector are known to detect when a roll of paper containing recording paper as the printing medium is nearly exhausted, i.e., when only a small amount of recording paper remains. The paper end detector includes a detection component that enters the core of the paper roll when the roll is nearly exhausted. In this printer, the position of the paper end detector can be changed. Therefore, even if the printer's setting angle changes, the near-exhaustion of the paper roll can be detected by the user moving the paper end detector to a position corresponding to the changed setting position.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-080781

[0004] In previous printers, if the user did not move the paper end detector to a position corresponding to the changed setting angle when the printer setting angle was changed, the printer could not detect when the paper roll was nearly empty. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus disclosed herein includes: a roll paper receiving section for receiving a roll of paper wound with recording paper; and a printing section for printing on the recording paper pulled out from the roll paper received in the roll paper receiving section. The roll paper receiving section has a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The printing apparatus includes: a first displacement section, wherein when the printing apparatus is arranged in a first posture with the first mounting surface as its base, when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first mounting surface is greater than a first diameter, the first displacement section is pressed by the roll paper and positioned in a first pressing position; when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the first diameter, the first displacement section is... The first displacement part is located in a first release position where it is released from the pressure of the roll paper; the second displacement part, when the printing device is set in a second posture with the second mounting surface as the base, is located in a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is greater than the second diameter, and in a second release position where it is released from the pressure of the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the second diameter; and the detection part has a single sensor, which detects the displacement of the first displacement part and the displacement of the second displacement part by means of the sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the printing apparatus.

[0007] Figure 2 From and Figure 1Three-dimensional views of the printing apparatus as observed from different angles.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus showing the state in which the roll paper guide is installed in the roll paper receiving section.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus showing the state in which the paper roll guide has been removed from the paper roll receiving section.

[0010] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the first and second repeating regions.

[0011] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the first rotating rod.

[0013] Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view of the second rotating rod.

[0014] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing a state where the light guide tube and the light receiving element are blocked.

[0015] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing the state between the open light guide tube and the light receiving element.

[0016] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section of a printing apparatus arranged in a first position is greater than a third diameter.

[0017] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section of a printing apparatus arranged in a first posture is less than a third diameter and greater than a first diameter.

[0018] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section of a printing apparatus arranged in a first posture is smaller than a first diameter.

[0019] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section of a printing apparatus arranged in a second posture is greater than a fourth diameter.

[0020] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section in a printing apparatus arranged in a second posture is less than the fourth diameter and greater than the second diameter.

[0021] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll of paper housed in the roll paper receiving section of a printing apparatus arranged in a second posture is smaller than a second diameter. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, a printing apparatus 1, as an embodiment of a printing apparatus, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The printing apparatus 1 is used, for example, as a receipt printer. It should be noted that the following description uses directions based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in the figures; however, these directions are merely for ease of explanation and do not limit the scope of the following embodiment. The +X direction is an example of a "right direction," the -X direction is an example of a "left direction," the +Y direction is an example of a "backward direction," the -Y direction is an example of a "forward direction," the +Z direction is an example of an "upward direction," and the -Z direction is an example of a "downward direction."

[0023] External Composition of Printing Equipment

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape, having a first surface A, a second surface B, and a third surface C (see reference). Figure 9 The first side (A) has four sides (D), four sides (E), and six sides (F). A discharge port 3 is provided on the first side (A). Printed recording paper P is discharged from the discharge port 3 (see reference). Figure 11 When the printing device 1 is set up with the first surface A facing the -Y direction and the outlet 3 located at the end of the first surface A in the +Z direction, the surface facing the +Y direction is called the second surface B, the surface facing the -X direction is called the third surface C, the surface facing the +X direction is called the fourth surface D, the surface facing the +Z direction is called the fifth surface E, and the surface facing the -Z direction is called the sixth surface F.

[0025] The printing apparatus 1 can be configured in a first orientation with the first surface A, which has the discharge port 3, facing the -Y direction (see reference). Figure 11 ) and the second pose of the first face A facing the +Z direction (refer to Figure 14 Therefore, when the user wants the recording paper P to be discharged in the -Y direction, the printing device 1 can be set in a first position with the discharge port 3 facing the -Y direction; when the user wants the recording paper P to be discharged in the +Z direction, the printing device 1 can be set in a second position with the discharge port 3 facing the +Z direction.

[0026] It should be noted that, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system refers to the direction in the printing apparatus 1 set in the first posture. Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 13 In the figures, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system represents the orientation in the printing apparatus 1 set in the first posture. Figures 14 to 16In the figures, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system represents the orientation in the printing apparatus 1 set in the second posture.

[0027] The printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 5 and an opening / closing cover 7. The apparatus housing 5 constitutes the outer shell of the printing apparatus 1 and is formed as a box-shaped structure with an open surface in the -Y direction. The apparatus housing 5 includes a housing body 9, a bottom cover 11, and a back cover 13. When the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in a first posture, the bottom cover 11 is fitted to the sixth surface F facing the -Z direction, and the back cover 13 is fitted to the second surface B facing the +Y direction. Furthermore, when the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in a second posture, the bottom cover 11 is fitted to the second surface B facing the -Z direction, and the back cover 13 is fitted to the sixth surface F facing the +Y direction (see reference). Figure 14 A roll paper receiving section 15 is provided inside the device housing 5 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0028] Paper roll receiving section

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the roll paper receiving section 15 receives a roll paper R wound with recording paper P as a printing medium (see reference). Figure 11 The roll of paper R is inserted into the roll receiving section 15 in a drop-in manner, with the rotation axis of the roll of paper R parallel to the X direction.

[0030] The roll paper receiving section 15 can selectively receive a roll paper R of a first width and a roll paper R of a second width greater than the first width. It should be noted that the first width is, for example, 58 mm, and the second width is, for example, 80 mm.

[0031] When the first width of the roll paper R is received in the roll paper receiving portion 15, the two roll paper guides 17 are assembled into the roll paper receiving portion 15 (see reference). Figure 3 When the second width of the roll paper R is received in the roll paper receiving section 15, the two roll paper guides 17 are removed from the roll paper receiving section 15 (see reference). Figure 4 Two roll paper guides 17 are formed in the shape of plates and are disposed at the ends in the +X direction and the -X direction in the roll paper receiving portion 15. For this purpose, the center of the roll paper R in the width direction when the first width roll paper R is received in the roll paper receiving portion 15 is approximately aligned with the center of the roll paper R in the width direction when the second width roll paper R is received in the roll paper receiving portion 15.

[0032] The roll paper receiving portion 15 includes a first side wall 23, a second side wall 25, a first mounting surface 27, a second mounting surface 29, and a first recess 31 (see reference). Figure 6 ) and the second recess 33.

[0033] The first sidewall 23 and the second sidewall 25 are arranged in the X direction, with the second sidewall 25 located in the +X direction relative to the first sidewall 23. It should be noted that the end of the first sidewall 23 in the +Y direction has an appearance recess 35 that allows the second appearance portion 89 (described later) to appear and an inhibition recess 37 that allows the second inhibition portion 95 (described later) to appear and disappear (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0034] Two roll paper guides 17 are assembled between the first sidewall 23 and the second sidewall 25. When the two roll paper guides 17 are assembled into the roll paper receiving portion 15 and a roll paper R of the first width is received in the roll paper receiving portion 15, the two end faces (not shown) of the roll paper R located between the two roll paper guides 17 slide in contact with the roll paper guides 17. When the two roll paper guides 17 are removed from the roll paper receiving portion 15 and a roll paper R of the second width is received in the roll paper receiving portion 15, the two end faces of the roll paper R located between the first sidewall 23 and the second sidewall 25 slide in contact with the first sidewall 23 and the second sidewall 25.

[0035] A first mounting surface 27 and a second mounting surface 29 are disposed between a first sidewall 23 and a second sidewall 25. The first mounting surface 27 is located in the -Z direction within the roll paper receiving portion 15, and the second mounting surface 29 is located in the +Y direction within the roll paper receiving portion 15. It should be noted that the wall portion having the first mounting surface 27 is referred to as the first wall portion 41, and the wall portion having the second mounting surface 29 is referred to as the second wall portion 43 (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0036] When the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture, the first mounting surface 27 becomes the bottom of the roll paper receiving portion 15, for the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R to be mounted (see reference). Figure 11 The first mounting surface 27 is inclined toward the first recess 31. That is, the first mounting surface 27 is an inclined surface whose end in the -Y direction is located further toward the -Z direction than its end in the +Y direction (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0037] It should be noted that in the first mounting surface 27, the area on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is mounted is called the first width narrow region 45, and the area on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is mounted is called the first width wide region 47 (refer to...). Figure 5 Furthermore, the region where the first narrow region 45 overlaps with the first wide region 47 is referred to as the first repeating region 49. In this embodiment, the entire first narrow region 45 is contained within the first wide region 47; therefore, the first repeating region 49 coincides with the first narrow region 45.

[0038] Furthermore, a first exit opening 51 is provided on the first mounting surface 27 at a distance from the first sidewall 23 in the +X direction. The first exit opening 51 is provided in a first repeating region 49 in the first mounting surface 27. The first exit opening 51 is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the Y direction. The first exit portion 77, described later, exits from the first exit opening 51.

[0039] It should be noted that the X-direction paper guide 17 of the two paper roll guides 17 is disposed between the first side wall 23 and the first outlet 51. Therefore, even when the two paper roll guides 17 are assembled in the paper roll receiving portion 15, the obstruction of the X-direction paper roll guide 17 to the outlet 77 can be prevented.

[0040] When the printing device 1 is positioned in the second posture, the second mounting surface 29 becomes the bottom of the roll paper receiving section 15, for the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R to be mounted (see reference). Figure 14 The second mounting surface 29 is formed as a generally arc-shaped curved surface.

[0041] It should be noted that in the second mounting surface 29, the area on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is mounted is called the second width narrow region 53, and the area on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is mounted is called the second width wide region 55 (refer to...). Figure 5 Furthermore, the region where the second narrow region 53 overlaps with the second wide region 55 is referred to as the second repeating region 57. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the entire second narrow region 53 is contained within the second wide region 55; therefore, the second repeating region 57 is consistent with the second narrow region 53.

[0042] Furthermore, a second exit opening 59 and a second suppression opening 61 are provided on the second mounting surface 29, with the second exit opening 59 and the second suppression opening 61 located in the +X direction relative to the first sidewall 23. A portion of the second exit opening 59 and a portion of the second suppression opening 61 are provided in the second repeating region 57 in the second mounting surface 29. The second exit opening 59 is located in the -Z direction relative to the second recess 33 and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the X direction. The second exit portion 89, described later, exits from the second exit opening 59. The second suppression opening 61 is located in the +Z direction relative to the second recess 33 and is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the X direction. The second suppression portion 95, described later, exits from the second suppression opening 61.

[0043] The first recess 31 is disposed between the first mounting surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7. The first recess 31 extends in a groove shape in the X direction.

[0044] The second recess 33 is located at the part closest to the +Y direction of the second mounting surface 29, which is curved in a generally arc shape, that is, at the lowest part when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture. The second recess 33 extends in a groove shape in the X direction.

[0045] Open and close the lid

[0046] The opening and closing cover 7 opens and closes the roll paper receiving section 15. The opening and closing cover 7 is mounted on the -Z direction end of the device housing 5 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis approximately parallel to the X direction. The aforementioned discharge port 3 is located between the front end of the opening and closing cover 7, i.e., the +Z direction end, and the device housing 5. The discharge port 3 is formed into a generally rectangular shape that is longer in the X direction. Furthermore, an opening lever 63 (see reference) is provided at the corner of the first surface A in both the -X and +Z directions. Figure 1 The user can open the cover 7 by operating the opening lever 63.

[0047] Internal structure of printing equipment

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes an impression roller 65, a thermal head 67, an automatic cutter 69, a first rotating rod 71, a second rotating rod 73, and an optical sensor 75 (see reference). Figure 9 (and the control circuit shown in the diagram is omitted.)

[0049] The impression roller 65 is positioned inside the opening / closing cover 7 with its rotation axis direction approximately parallel to the X direction. The impression roller 65 pulls the recording paper P from the roll of paper R housed in the roll paper receiving section 15 and conveys it to the discharge port 3 by clamping the recording paper P between itself and the thermal head 67 and rotating it using a conveyor motor (not shown in the figure) as a drive source. It should be noted that when the printing device 1 is positioned in the first posture, the recording paper P is pulled out of the roll of paper R from the +Y direction (see reference...). Figure 11 When the printing device 1 is set in the second position, the recording paper P is pulled out from the -Y direction on the roll paper R (see reference). Figure 14 ).

[0050] The thermal head 67 is disposed inside the device housing 5 opposite to the impression roller 65. The thermal head 67 has multiple heating elements (not shown) and prints on the recording paper P pulled from the roll paper R.

[0051] An automatic cutter 69 is located near the discharge port 3. Using a cutter motor (not shown) as a drive source, it cuts the recording paper P along the width direction (X direction) behind the printed portion. More specifically, the automatic cutter 69 cuts the recording paper P such that approximately the center portion of the recording paper P is left in the width direction, so that the cut recording paper P remains at the discharge port 3.

[0052] The first rotating rod 71, the second rotating rod 73, and the optical sensor 75 are used to detect the near exhaustion of the roll of paper R.

[0053] The first rotating rod 71 is disposed in the -Z direction relative to the roll paper receiving portion 15. The first rotating rod 71 extends in the Y direction and is configured to rotate in a seesaw-like manner with approximately the middle portion in the Y direction as a fulcrum. The second rotating rod 73 is disposed in the -X direction relative to the roll paper receiving portion 15. The second rotating rod 73 extends in the Z direction and is configured to rotate with its end in the +Z direction as a fulcrum. An optical sensor 75 is disposed outside the roll paper receiving portion 15, located in the +Y direction and -Z direction relative to the roll paper receiving portion 15 (see reference). Figure 9 ).

[0054] First rotating rod

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the first rotating rod 71 includes a first emerging part 77, a first connecting part 79, a first blocking part 81, and a first shaft part 83.

[0056] The first emerging portion 77 constitutes approximately half of the first rotating rod 71 in the Y direction, and is formed in a wedge shape extending in the Y direction. The first emerging portion 77 emerges from the first emerging opening 51 provided on the first mounting surface 27 by rotating about the first shaft portion 83. It should be noted that the first emerging portion 77 emerges from the first repeating region 49 in the first mounting surface 27. Here, the first emerging portion 77 emerging from the first repeating region 49 means that at least a portion of the first emerging portion 77 emerges from the first repeating region 49. The first emerging portion 77 may also be described as a "first contact portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0057] When the first emerging part 77 is submerged in the first mounting surface 27, the first emerging surface 85 of the first emerging part 77, which mounts the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, is approximately flush with the first mounting surface 27 (see reference). Figure 11 In other words, when the first emerging part 77 retracts to the first mounting surface 27, it is approximately flush with the first mounting surface 27. Furthermore, the wall thickness of the first emerging part 77 is approximately equal to the wall thickness of the first wall part 41 (see reference). Figure 13 Therefore, since the first emerging part 77 can be provided by utilizing the thickness of the first wall part 41, space saving within the device housing 5 can be achieved.

[0058] The first connecting portion 79 constitutes approximately half of the first rotating rod 71 in the +Y direction and is formed into a generally rectangular plate shape. The first connecting portion 79 connects the first emerging portion 77 and the first blocking portion 81.

[0059] The first blocking portion 81 protrudes from the end of the first connecting portion 79 in the -X and +Y directions toward the +Z direction, forming a generally polygonal plate shape. The first blocking portion 81, by rotating integrally with the first emerging portion 77 around the first shaft portion 83, blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 (described later) and the light receiving element 99 (see reference). Figure 9 ) or open (refer to) Figure 10 ).

[0060] The first shaft portion 83 passes through approximately the center of the first rotating rod 71 in the Y direction and extends in the X direction. The first rotating rod 71 rotates about the first shaft portion 83. It should be noted that the first rotating rod 71 is subjected to a force by the first spring (not shown) in the direction in which the first protruding part 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27, i.e., in a clockwise direction when viewed from the +X direction.

[0061] Second rotating rod

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the second rotating rod 73 includes a second fan portion 87, a second emerging portion 89, a second blocking portion 91, a second shaft portion 93, and a second suppressing portion 95.

[0063] The second sector 87 is formed into a roughly fan-shaped plate and is set to be roughly parallel to the YZ plane.

[0064] The second emerging portion 89 protrudes approximately from the center of the second fan portion 87 in the Z direction, i.e., radially in the second fan portion 87, toward the +X direction. The second emerging portion 89 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape and is positioned approximately parallel to the XY plane. The second emerging portion 89 emerges from the second emerging opening 59 provided on the second mounting surface 29 by rotating about the second shaft portion 93. It should be noted that the second emerging portion 89 emerges from the second repeating region 57 in the second mounting surface 29. Here, "the second emerging portion 89 emerges from the second repeating region 57" means that at least a portion of the second emerging portion 89 emerges from the second repeating region 57. The second emerging portion 89 may also be described as a "second contact portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0065] The second blocking portion 91 is provided radially outward of the second sector portion 87. The second blocking portion 91 is formed in a generally arc-shaped plate and is positioned approximately parallel to the YZ plane. The second blocking portion 91, by rotating integrally with the second emerging portion 89 around the second shaft portion 93, blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 (described later) and the light receiving element 99 (see reference). Figure 9 ) or open (refer to) Figure 10 ).

[0066] The second shaft portion 93 protrudes from the +Z end of the second sector portion 87 in the +X direction. The second rotating rod 73 rotates around the second shaft portion 93. It should be noted that the second rotating rod 73 is subjected to force by the second spring (not shown) in the direction in which the second protruding portion 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29, i.e., in the clockwise direction when viewed from the +X direction.

[0067] The second suppression part 95 is located between the second shaft part 93 and the second emergence part 89, and protrudes in a generally semi-cylindrical shape from the second fan part 87 in the +X direction. The second suppression part 95 emerges from the second suppression opening 61 provided on the second mounting surface 29 by rotating integrally with the second emergence part 89 about the second shaft part 93. It should be noted that the second suppression part 95 emerges from the second repeating region 57 in the second mounting surface 29. Here, the second suppression part 95 emerging from the second repeating region 57 means that at least a portion of the second suppression part 95 emerges from the second repeating region 57.

[0068] Optical sensor

[0069] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the optical sensor 75 is a light transmission type sensor, which includes a light-emitting element 97, a light-receiving element 99, and a light guide tube 101.

[0070] The light-emitting element 97 is positioned relative to the second sidewall 25 in the -Z direction. The light-emitting element 97 emits detection light towards the light-receiving element 99 in the -X direction. The light-receiving element 99 is positioned relative to the light-emitting element 97 in the -X direction. The light-receiving element 99 receives the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97. A light guide 101 is located between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 and extends in the X direction. The light guide 101 guides the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97 to the light-receiving element 99. It should be noted that the optical sensor 75 may also be configured without the light guide 101. However, by including the light guide 101, even if the distance between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 is increased, the light-receiving element 99 can still receive the detection light. Therefore, the flexibility in the arrangement of the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 can be improved.

[0071] It should be noted that since the optical sensor 75 is disposed outside the roll paper receiving section 15, paper dust generated from the roll paper R contained in the roll paper receiving section 15 is less likely to fall onto the optical sensor 75. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in detection accuracy of the optical sensor 75 due to paper dust falling onto the optical sensor 75. Furthermore, in the X direction, the light-receiving element 99 is located in the -X direction relative to the first sidewall 23. That is, the light-receiving element 99 is located outside the paper width direction of the roll paper R contained in the roll paper receiving section 15. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress paper dust generated from the roll paper R contained in the roll paper receiving section 15 from falling onto the light-receiving element 99. It should be noted that it is also possible that only the light-emitting element 97 is located outside the paper width direction of the roll paper R relative to the roll paper R, or that both the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 are located outside the paper width direction of the roll paper R relative to the roll paper R.

[0072] The optical sensor 75 configured in this way outputs a first signal when the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97 is not received by the light-receiving element 99 because at least one of the first blocking part 81 and the second blocking part 91 blocks the light between the light guide tube 101 and the light-receiving element 99 (i.e., between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99). Furthermore, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal when the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97 is received by the light-receiving element 99 because neither the first blocking part 81 nor the second blocking part 91 blocks the light between the light guide tube 101 and the light-receiving element 99 (i.e., between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99).

[0073] The control circuit includes a processor and memory, and comprehensively controls the printing apparatus 1 as a whole. For example, the control circuit determines whether the roll of paper R is nearly exhausted based on the signal received from the optical sensor 75. That is, when the control circuit receives a first signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the roll of paper R is not nearly exhausted. Furthermore, when the control circuit receives a second signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the roll of paper R is nearly exhausted. When the control circuit determines that the roll of paper R is nearly exhausted, it controls the notification unit to notify the user that the roll of paper R is nearly exhausted. It should be noted that, for example, a lamp, display, speaker, etc., provided with the printing apparatus 1 can be used as the notification unit.

[0074] The printing apparatus is set up in the first position.

[0075] Reference Figures 11 to 13This explains how the first rotating rod 71 and the second rotating rod 73 operate when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first position, and the diameter of the roll paper R decreases as the recording paper P is consumed. It should be noted that in the following explanation, the first diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R as the threshold for whether the first protruding part 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first position. The third diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R as the threshold for whether the second protruding part 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first position. The first diameter is smaller than the third diameter. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, it can be said that the roll paper R is nearing depletion.

[0076] like Figure 11 As shown, when an unused roll of paper R, i.e., a roll of paper R with a diameter greater than the third diameter, is loaded into the roll of paper receiving portion 15, and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll of paper R is placed on the first mounting surface 27, the first protruding part 77 is pressed into the first mounting surface 27 by the roll of paper R, and the second protruding part 89 is pressed into the second mounting surface 29 by the roll of paper R. Here, the position where the first protruding part 77 is pressed into the first mounting surface 27 by the roll of paper R is called the first pressing position. The position where the second protruding part 89 is pressed into the second mounting surface 29 by the roll of paper R is called the second pressing position. When the first protruding part 77 is inserted, the first blocking part 81 blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and when the second protruding part 89 is inserted, the second blocking part 91 blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this reason, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. The control circuit determines that it is not close to exhaustion based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75.

[0077] It should be noted that, as described above, the first emerging portion 77 emerges from the first mounting surface 27 in the first repeating region 49. Therefore, whether the first width of the roll paper R is accommodated in the roll paper receiving portion 15 or the second width of the roll paper R is accommodated in the roll paper receiving portion 15, the first emerging portion 77 is pressed into the first mounting surface 27 by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R. Similarly, the second emerging portion 89 emerges from the second mounting surface 29 in the second repeating region 57. Therefore, whether the first width of the roll paper R is accommodated in the roll paper receiving portion 15 or the second width of the roll paper R is accommodated in the roll paper receiving portion 15, the second emerging portion 89 is pressed into the second mounting surface 29 by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R. This is also the case when the printing apparatus 1 is arranged in the second posture, as described later.

[0078] like Figure 12As shown, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the first diameter but smaller than the third diameter, the second protruding part 89 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. Here, the position where the second protruding part 89 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 is called the second release position. On the other hand, the first protruding part 77 is still pressed by the roll paper R and submerged in the first mounting surface 27. At this time, although the second blocking part 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, the first blocking part 81 still blocks the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this reason, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not close to being exhausted.

[0079] like Figure 13 As shown, when the recording paper P is further consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first protruding part 77 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. Here, the position where the first protruding part 77 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 is called the first release position. It should be noted that the second protruding part 89 still protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. At this time, the first blocking part 81 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. It should be noted that the second blocking part 91 still opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal. Based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is nearing depletion. Thus, when the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the second protruding part 89 and the first protruding part 77 protrude sequentially.

[0080] When the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture, as the diameter of the paper roll R decreases, due to the inclination of the first mounting surface 27, the paper roll R moves toward the opening / closing cover 7 in the -Y direction. It should be noted that even when the recording paper P is pulled in the -Y and +Z directions by the impression roller 65, the paper roll R still moves in the -Y direction. Therefore, when the diameter of the paper roll R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the paper roll R enters the first recess 31 (see reference). Figure 13 It should be noted that the roll paper R entering the first recess 31 means that the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is in contact with the bottom surface of the first recess 31. Therefore, when the user opens the opening and closing cover 7 to replace the roll paper R, the roll paper R with a diameter smaller than the first diameter, that is, the roll paper R that is nearly used up, or the roll paper R that is in a used-up state, enters the first recess 31 provided between the first mounting surface 27 and the opening and closing cover 7. Therefore, the roll paper R that is nearly used up, or the roll paper R that is in a used-up state, can be easily removed.

[0081] Furthermore, after the roll of paper R moves in the -Y direction and enters the first recess 31, the first protruding portion 77 protruding from the first mounting surface 27 is located in the +Y direction relative to the roll of paper R (see reference). Figure 13 Therefore, the first protruding portion 77 protruding from the first mounting surface 27 inhibits the roll paper R from moving from the first recess 31 in the +Y direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first protruding portion 77 from being pressed down by the roll paper R moving from the first recess 31 in the +Y direction and being submerged again, and to prevent false detection that the roll paper R is not nearly exhausted.

[0082] Here, in the first exiting part 77, when the diameter of the roll paper R is large, that is, when the weight of the roll paper R is large, the part that slides in contact with the roll paper R is prone to wear due to the sliding contact with the roll paper R. If wear occurs in the part of the first exiting part 77 that slides in contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes close to the first diameter, then before the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first exiting part 77 exits from the first mounting surface 27, and mistakenly detects that the roll paper R is in a near-depleted state before the roll paper R becomes in a near-depleted state.

[0083] To address this, in this embodiment, as the diameter of the paper roll R decreases, the paper roll R moves in the -Y direction. Therefore, the portion of the first emerging portion 77 that slides in contact with the outer peripheral surface Ra of the paper roll R shifts in the -Y direction as the diameter of the paper roll R decreases. That is, when the diameter of the paper roll R is greater than the third diameter, it slides in contact with the paper roll R at the base end of the first emerging portion 77 (see reference). Figure 11 However, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes close to the first diameter, it slides into contact with the front end of the first protruding part 77 (see reference). Figure 12 Thus, the first insertion section 77 is divided into a portion that slides into contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is large, and a portion that slides into contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller. This prevents wear from occurring at the portion that slides into contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes close to the first diameter, i.e., the front end of the first insertion section 77, due to friction with the roll paper R. Therefore, it is possible to prevent false detection that the roll paper R is nearly exhausted before it is actually nearly exhausted.

[0084] The printing apparatus is set up in a second posture.

[0085] Reference Figures 14 to 16This section explains how the first rotating rod 71 and the second rotating rod 73 operate when the printing device 1 is positioned in the second posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases due to the consumption of the recording paper P. It should be noted that in the following explanation, the second diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R as the threshold for whether the second protruding part 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 when the printing device 1 is positioned in the second posture. The fourth diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R as the threshold for whether the first protruding part 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 when the printing device 1 is positioned in the second posture. The second diameter is smaller than the fourth diameter. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, it can be said that the roll paper R is nearing depletion. It should be noted that the second diameter and the first diameter described above can be the same value or different values. The fourth diameter and the third diameter described above can be the same value or different values.

[0086] like Figure 14 As shown, when an unused roll of paper R, i.e., a roll of paper R with a diameter greater than the fourth diameter, is loaded into the roll of paper receiving portion 15, and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll of paper R is placed on the second mounting surface 29, the first protruding part 77 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and submerged into the first mounting surface 27, and the second protruding part 89 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and submerged into the second mounting surface 29. As a result, the first blocking part 81 blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking part 91 blocks the connection between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this purpose, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll is not nearing depletion.

[0087] like Figure 15 As shown, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the second diameter but smaller than the fourth diameter, the first protruding part 77 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. On the other hand, the second protruding part 89 is still pressed by the roll paper R and submerged in the second mounting surface 29. At this time, the first blocking part 81 opens the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the second blocking part 91 still blocks the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this reason, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not close to being exhausted.

[0088] like Figure 16As shown, when the recording paper P is further consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second protruding part 89 is released from the pressure of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. It should be noted that the first protruding part 77 still protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. At this time, the second blocking part 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. It should be noted that the first blocking part 81 still opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal. Based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is nearing depletion. Thus, when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the first protruding part 77 and the second protruding part 89 protrude sequentially.

[0089] When the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in the second posture, a second recess 33 is provided in the -Z direction relative to the roll of paper R placed on the second mounting surface 29. When the diameter of the roll of paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the roll of paper R enters the second recess 33 (see reference). Figure 16 It should be noted that the roll paper R entering the second recess 33 means that the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is in contact with the bottom surface of the second recess 33.

[0090] The second protruding portion 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 in the +Y direction relative to the second recess 33, that is, relative to the roll of paper R entering the second recess 33 on the side opposite to the pull-out side of the recording paper P. Therefore, even if the protrusion of the second protruding portion 89 is increased, it is possible to suppress the protruding second protruding portion 89 from obstructing the pull-out of the recording paper P. Therefore, by increasing the protrusion of the second protruding portion 89, the appearance of the second protruding portion 89 can be easily detected by the optical sensor 75.

[0091] Furthermore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second suppressing portion 95 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 together with the second protruding portion 89. The second suppressing portion 95 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 in the -Y direction relative to the second recess 33, that is, relative to the pull-out side of the recording paper P of the roll paper R entering the second recess 33. For this purpose, the second suppressing portion 95 can suppress the movement of the roll paper R entering the second recess 33 toward the impression roller 65 due to the pulling of the recording paper P by the impression roller 65.

[0092] It should be noted that, as described above, in the second rotating rod 73, the distance between the second inhibiting part 95 and the second shaft part 93 is less than the distance between the second protruding part 89 and the second shaft part 93. Therefore, the protrusion of the second inhibiting part 95 is less than the protrusion of the second protruding part 89. Thus, even if the second inhibiting part 95 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 relative to the roll paper R on the pull-out side of the recording paper P, it is possible to suppress the protruding second inhibiting part 95 from obstructing the pull-out of the recording paper P.

[0093] Furthermore, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the fourth diameter, the roll paper R slides into contact with the front end face of the second exit section 89 (see reference). Figure 14 When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes close to the second diameter, the roll paper R slides into contact with the side of the front end of the second protrusion 89 (see reference). Figure 16 Thus, the second ejector section 89 is divided into a portion where the roll of paper R slides into contact when its diameter is large, and a portion where it slides into contact when its diameter decreases. This prevents wear from occurring on the side of the front end of the second ejector section 89 due to friction with the roll of paper R at the portion where it slides into contact when its diameter becomes close to a second diameter. Therefore, it prevents the roll of paper R from being mistakenly detected as being nearly depleted before it reaches a state of near depletion.

[0094] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a roll paper receiving portion 15, a thermal head 67, a first peep portion 77, a second peep portion 89, and an optical sensor 75. The roll paper receiving portion 15 includes a first mounting surface 27 and a second mounting surface 29. When the printing apparatus 1 is arranged in a first posture with the first mounting surface 27 as the bottom of the roll paper receiving portion 15, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than a first diameter, the first peep portion 77 is pressed into the first mounting surface 27 by the roll paper R mounted on the first mounting surface 27 and is located in a first pressed position. When the diameter of the roll paper R is less than the first diameter, the first peep portion 77 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 and is located in a first released position. When the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in a second posture with the second mounting surface 29 as the bottom of the roll paper receiving portion 15, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the second diameter, the second protruding portion 89 is pressed into the second mounting surface 29 by the roll paper R mounted on the second mounting surface 29, and is located in the second pressed position. When the diameter of the roll paper R is less than the second diameter, the second protruding portion 89 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29, and is located in the second released position. The optical sensor 75 detects the appearance of the first protruding portion 77 and the appearance of the second protruding portion 89.

[0095] According to this configuration, when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first position, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first protruding part 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27, that is, it displaces from the first pressing position to the first releasing position, and the protrusion, i.e., displacement, of the first protruding part 77 is detected by the optical sensor 75. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 can detect that the diameter of the roll paper R has become smaller than the first diameter, i.e., the roll paper R is nearing depletion. Furthermore, when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the second position, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second protruding part 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29, that is, it displaces from the second pressing position to the second releasing position, and the protrusion, i.e., displacement, of the second protruding part 89 is detected by the optical sensor 75. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 can detect that the diameter of the roll paper R has become smaller than the second diameter, i.e., the roll paper R is nearing depletion. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can detect the near-depletion state of the roll paper R even when the position of the printing apparatus 1 changes, without requiring the user to perform any special operation corresponding to the position change. Furthermore, by using a common sensor, namely an optical sensor 75, to detect the presence of the first presence unit 77 and the second presence unit 89, the number of components can be reduced.

[0096] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration in which the near-run-out state of the roll paper R is detected by receiving detection light reflected by the roll paper R through the optical sensor 75. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the detection of the near-run-out state of the roll paper R being hindered by the obstruction between the roll paper R and the optical sensor 75.

[0097] Furthermore, since the first emerging part 77 and the second emerging part 89 are pressed into the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, it is not necessary to provide space for the first emerging part 77 and the second emerging part 89 to emerge in the paper width direction of the roll paper R relative to the roll paper R. Therefore, space saving within the device housing 5 can be achieved.

[0098] Other variations

[0099] Undoubtedly, the implementation is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from its spirit. For example, the above-described embodiments can be modified in addition to the above-described manner, as follows. Furthermore, it can also be a configuration that combines embodiments and variations.

[0100] The printing apparatus 1 includes a first displacement portion 77 as an example of a first displacement portion, but the first displacement portion can be configured such that, when the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in a first posture, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than a first diameter, the first displacement portion is located at a first pressing position where it is pressed by the roll paper R, and when the diameter of the roll paper R is less than the first diameter, the first displacement portion is located at a first release position where it is released from the pressing of the roll paper R. That is, the first displacement portion is not limited to being pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, but can also be pressed by the side end surface of the roll paper R. In this case, the first displacement portion can, for example, be provided on the first side wall 23 or the second side wall 25 of the roll paper receiving portion 15.

[0101] Similarly, the printing apparatus 1 includes a second emerging portion 89 as an example of a second displacement portion. However, the second displacement portion can be configured such that, when the printing apparatus 1 is positioned in a second posture, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is located in a second pressing position where it is pressed by the roll paper R; and when the diameter of the roll paper R is less than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is located in a second releasing position where it is released from the pressing of the roll paper R. That is, the second displacement portion is not limited to being pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, but can also be pressed by the side end surface of the roll paper R. In this case, the second displacement portion can, for example, be provided on the first side wall 23 or the second side wall 25 of the roll paper receiving portion 15.

[0102] The printing apparatus 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the appearance of the first appearance part 77 and the appearance of the second appearance part 89 are detected by an optical sensor 75. It may also be a configuration in which the appearance of the first appearance part 77 and the appearance of the second appearance part 89 are detected by other types of sensors, such as microswitches.

[0103] The first emerging part 77 is not limited to a configuration in which it emerges from the first mounting surface 27 by rotation; for example, it may also be configured to emerge from the first mounting surface 27 by moving forward and backward in a straight line. Similarly, the second emerging part 89 is not limited to a configuration in which it emerges from the second mounting surface 29 by rotation; for example, it may also be configured to emerge from the second mounting surface 29 by moving forward and backward in a straight line.

[0104] The printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to thermal printing; for example, it can also be inkjet printing or electrophotography.

[0105] Notes

[0106] The printing apparatus will now be described in detail.

[0107] A printing apparatus includes: a paper roll receiving section for receiving a paper roll wound with recording paper; and a printing section for printing on the recording paper pulled out from the paper roll received in the paper roll receiving section. The paper roll receiving section has a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The printing apparatus also includes: a first displacement section, wherein when the printing apparatus is positioned in a first posture with the first mounting surface as its base, when the diameter of the paper roll placed on the first mounting surface is greater than a first diameter, the first displacement section is pressed by the paper roll and positioned in a first pressing position; when the diameter of the paper roll is less than the first diameter, the first displacement section... The first displacement part is located in a first release position where it is released from the pressure of the roll paper; the second displacement part, when the printing device is set in a second posture with the second mounting surface as the base, is located in a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is greater than the second diameter, and is located in a second release position where it is released from the pressure of the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the second diameter; and the detection part, which has a single sensor, detects the displacement of the first displacement part and the displacement of the second displacement part by means of the sensor.

[0108] According to this configuration, even if the posture of the printing device changes, it is possible to detect that the roll of paper is nearing its end without requiring the user to perform any special operations corresponding to the posture change.

[0109] It should be noted that the thermal head 67 is an example of a "printing section". The first emerging section 77 is an example of a "first displacement section". The second emerging section 89 is an example of a "second displacement section". The optical sensor 75 is an example of a "sensor".

[0110] In this case, preferably, the first displacement portion is configured to be able to protrude from the first mounting surface. When the printing device is set in the first posture, when the diameter of the roll paper is greater than the first diameter, the first displacement portion is pressed into the first mounting surface by the roll paper, and when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the first diameter, the first displacement portion is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface. The second displacement portion is configured to be able to protrude from the second mounting surface. When the printing device is set in the second posture, when the diameter of the roll paper is greater than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is pressed into the second mounting surface by the roll paper, and when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the second mounting surface.

[0111] According to this configuration, since the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion are displaced by being pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper, it is not necessary to provide space for the displacement of the first displacement portion and the second displacement portion in the paper width direction relative to the roll paper. Therefore, space saving inside the printing apparatus can be achieved.

[0112] In this case, preferably, the sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and the printing apparatus includes: a first rotating rod having a first displacement portion and a first blocking portion capable of blocking the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the first rotating rod being rotatable; and a second rotating rod having a second displacement portion and a second blocking portion capable of blocking the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, the second rotating rod being rotatable, wherein the first blocking portion switches between blocking the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and opening the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element according to the displacement of the first displacement portion, and the second blocking portion switches between blocking the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and opening the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element according to the displacement of the second displacement portion.

[0113] According to this configuration, the displacement of the first displacement portion can be detected by switching the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element that is blocked and the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element that is open, based on the displacement of the first displacement portion. Furthermore, the displacement of the second displacement portion can be detected by switching the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element that is blocked and the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element that is open, based on the displacement of the second displacement portion.

[0114] In this case, it is preferable to place the optical sensor outside the roll paper receiving section.

[0115] According to this configuration, paper dust generated from the paper roll contained in the paper roll receiving section is less likely to fall onto the optical sensor. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor due to paper dust falling onto the optical sensor.

[0116] In this case, preferably at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is disposed on the outside of the width direction of the roll paper relative to the roll paper.

[0117] According to this configuration, paper dust generated from the paper roll contained in the paper roll receiving section is less likely to fall onto the light-emitting element or light-receiving element located on the outside of the width direction of the paper roll relative to the paper roll. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in detection accuracy of the optical sensor due to paper dust falling onto the light-emitting element or light-receiving element.

[0118] In this case, preferably, the roll paper receiving portion has a first wall portion having a first placement surface, and the wall thickness of the first displacement portion is equal to the wall thickness of the first wall portion.

[0119] According to this configuration, the first displacement portion can be provided by utilizing the thickness of the first wall portion, thereby enabling space-saving within the printing apparatus.

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: A roll paper receiving section for receiving a roll of paper wound with recording paper; and The printing unit prints on the recording paper pulled from the roll of paper contained in the roll paper receiving section. The roll paper receiving section has a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The printing apparatus includes: When the printing device is set in a first posture with the first mounting surface as the base, the first displacement part is pressed by the roll paper and located in a first pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first mounting surface is greater than the first diameter, and the first displacement part is located in a first release position when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the first diameter. When the printing device is set in a second posture with the second mounting surface as the base, the second displacement part is pressed by the roll paper and located in a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is greater than the second diameter, and the second displacement part is located in a second release position when the diameter of the roll paper is less than the second diameter. as well as The detection unit has a single sensor, which detects the displacement of the first displacement unit and the displacement of the second displacement unit. The first displacement portion is configured to protrude from and emerge from the first mounting surface. When the printing apparatus is positioned in the first posture, if the diameter of the roll paper is greater than the first diameter, the first displacement portion is pressed into the first mounting surface by the roll paper; if the diameter of the roll paper is less than the first diameter, the first displacement portion is released from the pressure of the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface. When the printing apparatus is positioned in the second posture, if the diameter of the roll paper is greater than a fourth diameter, the first displacement portion is pressed into the first mounting surface by the roll paper; if the diameter of the roll paper is less than the fourth diameter, the first displacement portion is released from the pressure of the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface. The fourth diameter is greater than the second diameter. The second displacement portion is configured to be able to protrude from the second mounting surface. When the printing device is set in the first posture, when the diameter of the roll paper is greater than the third diameter, the second displacement portion is pressed into the second mounting surface by the roll paper. When the diameter of the roll paper is less than the third diameter, the second displacement portion is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the second mounting surface. The third diameter is greater than the first diameter. When the printing device is set in the second posture, when the diameter of the roll paper is greater than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is pressed into the second mounting surface by the roll paper. When the diameter of the roll paper is less than the second diameter, the second displacement portion is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the second mounting surface.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor is an optical sensor with a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The printing apparatus includes: A first rotating rod has a first displacement portion and a first blocking portion capable of blocking the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, and the first rotating rod is configured to be rotatable. as well as The second rotating rod has a second displacement portion and a second blocking portion capable of blocking the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The second rotating rod is configured to be rotatable. The first blocking part switches between blocking the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and opening the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element according to the displacement of the first displacement part. The second blocking part switches between blocking the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and opening the state between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element according to the displacement of the second displacement part.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical sensor is located outside the roll paper receiving section.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is disposed on the outside of the width direction of the roll of paper relative to the roll of paper.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The roll paper receiving portion includes a first wall portion, and the first wall portion has the first mounting surface. The wall thickness of the first displacement portion is equal to the wall thickness of the first wall portion.

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