Printing device

Abstract

A printing device includes: a web paper accommodating portion (15) having a first placement surface (27) for placing the outer peripheral surface (Ra) of a web paper (R) around which a recording paper (P) is wound, the web paper accommodating portion (15) accommodating the web paper (R); a thermal head (67) for printing on the recording paper (P) pulled out from the web paper (R) accommodated in the web paper accommodating portion (15); a first protruding / retracting portion (77) configured to be able to protrude and retract from the first placement surface (27), which is pressed by the web paper (R) placed on the first placement surface (27) by the outer peripheral surface (Ra) and retracts into the first placement surface (27) when the diameter of the web paper (R) is greater than a specified diameter, and protrudes from the first placement surface (27) when released from the pressing of the web paper (R) when the diameter of the web paper (R) is less than the specified diameter; and a detection portion for detecting the protrusion and retraction of the first protruding / retracting portion (77).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a printer including a detection unit that detects an almost empty state of a roll paper around which a recording paper as a printing medium is wound, that is, a state where only a small amount of the recording paper remains. The detection unit is a light reflection type sensor provided on a side wall of a paper storage unit that stores the roll paper. That is, the detection unit includes a light emitting unit that irradiates light to a side end surface of the roll paper and a light receiving unit that receives reflected light reflected by the side end surface of the roll paper.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-166617

[0004] In a conventional printer, the detection unit receives the reflected light reflected by the roll paper to detect the almost empty state of the roll paper. Therefore, for example, when a roll paper guide is installed between the roll paper and the side wall of the paper storage unit for a roll paper with a small paper width, if the space between the roll paper and the sensor is blocked, the detection of the almost empty state of the roll paper will be hindered. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a roll paper accommodation unit having a placement surface on which an outer peripheral surface of a roll paper around which a recording paper is wound is placed, the roll paper accommodation unit accommodating the roll paper; a printing unit that prints the recording paper pulled out from the roll paper accommodated in the roll paper accommodation unit; an emerging and disappearing unit that is configured to be able to emerge and disappear from the placement surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than a specified diameter, the emerging and disappearing unit is pressed by the roll paper whose outer peripheral surface is placed on the placement surface and sinks into the placement surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the specified diameter, the emerging and disappearing unit is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the placement surface; and a detection unit that detects the emergence and disappearance of the emerging and disappearing unit.

[0006] The printing apparatus of the present disclosure includes: a roll paper accommodation unit having a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper, the roll paper accommodation unit being capable of accommodating the roll paper; a printing unit that prints the recording paper pulled out from the roll paper; a protruding unit that is released from the pressing of the roll paper and protrudes from the surface of the roll paper accommodation unit when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than a specified diameter; and a detection unit that detects the protruding state of the protruding unit. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus.

[0008] Figure 2 is from Figure 1 a perspective view of the printing apparatus observed from a different angle.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a printing apparatus showing a state in which a web guide is installed in a web accommodating portion.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a printing apparatus showing a state in which the web guide is removed from the web accommodating portion.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a diagram schematically showing a first repeating region and a second repeating region.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a first rotating rod.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a second rotating rod.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing a state in which the light guide tube and the light receiving element are blocked.

[0016] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing a state between an open light guide tube and the light receiving element.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion of the printing apparatus set in the first posture is larger than the third diameter.

[0018] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion of the printing apparatus set in the first posture is smaller than the third diameter and larger than the first diameter.

[0019] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion of the printing apparatus set in the first posture is smaller than the first diameter.

[0020] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion of the printing apparatus set in the second posture is larger than the fourth diameter.

[0021] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion of the printing apparatus set in the second posture is smaller than the fourth diameter and larger than the second diameter.

[0022] Figure 16It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion in the printing apparatus set in the second posture is smaller than the second diameter. Detailed Description

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a printing apparatus 1 as an embodiment of a printing apparatus will be described. The printing apparatus 1 is used as a receipt printer, for example. It should be noted that hereinafter, the directions based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in each figure will be used for description, but these directions are only for convenience of description and do not limit the following embodiments in any way. The +X direction is an example of the "right direction", the -X direction is an example of the "left direction", the +Y direction is an example of the "rear direction", the -Y direction is an example of the "front direction", the +Z direction is an example of the "upper direction", and the -Z direction is an example of the "lower direction".

[0024] External Configuration of the Printing Apparatus

[0025] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the printing apparatus 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a first surface A, a second surface B, a third surface C (see Figure 9 ), a fourth surface D, a fifth surface E, and a sixth surface F. A discharge port 3 is provided on the first surface A. The printed recording paper P (see Figure 11 ) is discharged from the discharge port 3. When the printing apparatus 1 is set in a posture in which the first surface A faces the -Y direction and the discharge port 3 is located at the +Z direction end on the first surface A, 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.

[0026] The printing apparatus 1 can be set in a first posture in which the first surface A having the discharge port 3 faces the -Y direction (see Figure 11 ) and a second posture in which the first surface A faces the +Z direction (see Figure 14 ). For this purpose, when the user wants to discharge the recording paper P in the -Y direction, the printing apparatus 1 can be set in the first posture with the discharge port 3 facing the -Y direction, and when the user wants to discharge the recording paper P in the +Z direction, the printing apparatus 1 can be set in the second posture with the discharge port 3 facing the +Z direction.

[0027] It should be noted that in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions based on the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system mean the directions in the printing apparatus 1 set in the first posture. In addition, in Figures 1 to 13 , the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in each figure represents the directions in the printing apparatus 1 set in the first posture. In Figures 14 to 16In this case, the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in each figure represents the direction in the printing apparatus 1 set in the second posture.

[0028] The printing apparatus 1 includes a device housing 5 and an opening / closing cover 7. The device housing 5 forms the outer shell of the printing apparatus 1 and is formed in a box shape with the surface in the -Y direction open. The device housing 5 includes a housing main body 9, a bottom cover 11, and a rear cover 13. When the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture, the bottom cover 11 is assembled to the sixth surface F facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is assembled to the second surface B facing the +Y direction. Further, when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the second posture, the bottom cover 11 is assembled to the second surface B facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is assembled to the sixth surface F facing the +Y direction (see Figure 14 ). A web accommodating portion 15 is provided inside the device housing 5 (see Figure 3 ).

[0029] Web accommodating portion

[0030] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the web accommodating portion 15 accommodates a web R around which a recording paper P as a printing medium is wound (see Figure 11 ). The web R is loaded into the web accommodating portion 15 in a drop-in manner with the rotation axis direction of the web R parallel to the X direction.

[0031] The web accommodating portion 15 can alternatively accommodate a web R of a first width and a web 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.

[0032] When the web R of the first width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15, two web guides 17 are assembled to the web accommodating portion 15 (see Figure 3 ), and when the web R of the second width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15, the two web guides 17 are removed from the web accommodating portion 15 (see Figure 4 ). The two web guides 17 are formed in a plate shape and are dispersedly assembled to the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction in the web accommodating portion 15. For this reason, the center in the width direction of the web R when the web R of the first width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 is substantially the same as the center in the width direction of the web R when the web R of the second width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15.

[0033] The web accommodating portion 15 includes a first side wall 23, a second side wall 25, a first placement surface 27, a second placement surface 29, a first recess 31 (see Figure 6 ), and a second recess 33.

[0034] The first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25 are arranged in the X direction, and the second side wall 25 is located in the +X direction relative to the first side wall 23. It should be noted that at the end of the first side wall 23 in the +Y direction, there are provided a retraction recess 35 that allows the later-described second retraction part 89 to retract and a suppression recess 37 that allows the later-described second suppression part 95 to retract (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0035] Two web guides 17 are assembled between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25. When the two web guides 17 are assembled to the web accommodating part 15 and the web R of the first width is accommodated in the web accommodating part 15, both end faces (not shown) of the web R located between the two web guides 17 are in sliding contact with the web guides 17. When the two web guides 17 are removed from the web accommodating part 15 and the web R of the second width is accommodated in the web accommodating part 15, both end faces of the web R located between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25 are in sliding contact with the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25.

[0036] The first placement surface 27 and the second placement surface 29 are provided between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25. The first placement surface 27 is in the -Z direction in the web accommodating part 15, and the second placement surface 29 is in the +Y direction in the web accommodating part 15. It should be noted that the wall part having the first placement surface 27 is called the first wall part 41, and the wall part having the second placement surface 29 is called the second wall part 43 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0037] When the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, the first placement surface 27 becomes the bottom of the web accommodating part 15 and is for placing the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R (refer to Figure 11 ). The first placement surface 27 is inclined toward the first recess 31. That is, the first placement surface 27 is an inclined surface where the end in the -Y direction is located at a position closer to the -Z direction than the end in the +Y direction (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0038] It should be noted that in the first placement surface 27, the area for placing the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R of the first width is called the first narrow-width area 45, and the area for placing the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R of the second width is called the first wide-width area 47 (refer to Figure 5 ). In addition, the area where the first narrow-width area 45 and the first wide-width area 47 overlap is called the first overlapping area 49. In the present embodiment, the entire first narrow-width area 45 is included in the first wide-width area 47, and thus, the first overlapping area 49 coincides with the first narrow-width area 45.

[0039] In addition, on the first placement surface 27, a first access port 51 is provided at an interval from the first side wall 23 in the +X direction. The first access port 51 is provided in the first repeating region 49 of the first placement surface 27. The first access port 51 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y direction. The first access portion 77 described later accesses from the first access port 51.

[0040] It should be noted that the -X direction web guide 17 of the two web guides 17 is provided between the first side wall 23 and the first access port 51. For this reason, even when the two web guides 17 are assembled to the web accommodating portion 15, it is possible to suppress the access of the first access portion 77 from being obstructed by the -X direction web guide 17.

[0041] When the printing apparatus 1 is set in the second posture, the second placement surface 29 becomes the bottom of the web accommodating portion 15 and supports the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R (see Figure 14 ). The second placement surface 29 is formed as a substantially arc-shaped curved surface.

[0042] It should be noted that in the second placement surface 29, the region for supporting the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R of the first width is referred to as the second narrow-width region 53, and the region for supporting the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R of the second width is referred to as the second wide-width region 55 (see Figure 5 ). In addition, the region where the second narrow-width region 53 and the second wide-width region 55 overlap is referred to as the second repeating region 57. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the entire second narrow-width region 53 is included in the second wide-width region 55, and thus, the second repeating region 57 coincides with the second narrow-width region 53.

[0043] In addition, a second access port 59 and a second restraining port 61 are provided in the second placement surface 29. The second access port 59 and the second restraining port 61 are located in the +X direction with respect to the first side wall 23. A part of the second access port 59 and a part of the second restraining port 61 are provided in the second repeating region 57 of the second placement surface 29. The second access port 59 is provided in the -Z direction with respect to the second recess 33 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. The second access portion 89 described later accesses from the second access port 59. The second restraining port 61 is provided in the +Z direction with respect to the second recess 33 and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. The second restraining portion 95 described later accesses from the second restraining port 61.

[0044] The first recess 31 is provided between the first placement surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7. The first recess 31 extends in a groove shape in the X direction.

[0045] The second concave portion 33 is provided at the portion of the second placement surface 29 that is bent in a substantially arc shape and is closest to the +Y direction, that is, the portion that is located at the bottom when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture. The second concave portion 33 extends in a groove shape in the X direction.

[0046] Opening and closing cover

[0047] The opening and closing cover 7 opens and closes the web accommodating portion 15. The opening and closing cover 7 is mounted at the -Z-direction end of the device housing 5 so as to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the X direction. The above-described discharge port 3 is provided between the front end portion of the opening and closing cover 7, that is, the +Z-direction end portion, and the device housing 5. The discharge port 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. In addition, an opening lever 63 (see Figure 1 ) is provided at the -X direction and +Z direction corner portion of the first surface A. The user can open the opening and closing cover 7 by operating the opening lever 63.

[0048] Internal structure of the printing device

[0049] As Figure 6 shown, the printing device 1 includes an impression roller 65, a thermal head 67, an automatic cutter 69, a first rotating rod 71, a second rotating rod 73, an optical sensor 75 (see Figure 9 ) and a control circuit (not shown).

[0050] The impression roller 65 is provided inside the opening and closing cover 7 with its rotation axis direction substantially parallel to the X direction. The impression roller 65 clamps the recording paper P between itself and the thermal head 67, and rotates with a conveyance motor (not shown) as a drive source, pulling out the recording paper P from the web R accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 and conveying it to the discharge port 3. It should be noted that when the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, the recording paper P is pulled out from the web R in the +Y direction (see Figure 11 ). When the printing device 1 is set in the second posture, the recording paper P is pulled out from the web R in the -Y direction (see Figure 14 ).

[0051] The thermal head 67 is provided inside the device housing 5 so as to face the impression roller 65. The thermal head 67 includes a plurality of heating elements (not shown) and prints on the recording paper P pulled out from the web R.

[0052] The automatic cutter 69 is provided near the discharge port 3 and, with a cutter motor (not shown) as a drive source, cuts the recording paper P in the width direction of the recording paper P, that is, the X direction, behind the printed portion. More specifically, the automatic cutter 69 cuts the recording paper P in such a way as to leave a substantially central portion in the width direction of the recording paper P so that the cut recording paper P stays at the discharge port 3.

[0053] The first rotating rod 71, the second rotating rod 73, and the optical sensor 75 are used to detect the near-exhausted state of the web R.

[0054] The first rotating rod 71 is disposed in the -Z direction with respect to the web accommodating portion 15. The first rotating rod 71 extends in the Y direction and is arranged to be rotatable in a seesaw shape with the approximate middle portion in the Y direction as a fulcrum. The second rotating rod 73 is disposed in the -X direction with respect to the web accommodating portion 15. The second rotating rod 73 extends in the Z direction and is arranged to be rotatable with the end portion in the +Z direction as a fulcrum. The optical sensor 75 is disposed outside the web accommodating portion 15 and is located in the +Y direction and -Z direction with respect to the web accommodating portion 15 (see Figure 9 ).

[0055] The first rotating rod

[0056] As Figure 7 shown, the first rotating rod 71 includes a first protruding / retracting portion 77, a first connecting portion 79, a first blocking portion 81, and a first shaft portion 83.

[0057] The first protruding / retracting 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 protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes and retracts from the first protruding / retracting opening 51 provided on the first placement surface 27 with the first shaft portion 83 as a center. It should be noted that the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes and retracts from the first repeating region 49 in the first placement surface 27. Here, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protruding and retracting from the first repeating region 49 means that at least a part of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes and retracts from the first repeating region 49. The first protruding / retracting portion 77 can also be described as the "first abutting portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R. In addition, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 can also be described as the "first protruding portion" that protrudes from the first placement surface 27.

[0058] When the first protruding / retracting portion 77 retracts into the first placement surface 27, the first protruding / retracting surface 85 on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R is placed in the first protruding / retracting portion 77 is substantially flush with the first placement surface 27 (see Figure 11 ). In other words, when the first protruding / retracting portion 77 retracts to the first placement surface 27, it is substantially flush with the first placement surface 27. In addition, the wall thickness of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 is substantially equal to the wall thickness of the first wall portion 41 (see Figure 13 ). For this reason, since the first protruding / retracting portion 77 can be provided using the thickness of the first wall portion 41, space saving within the device housing 5 can be achieved.

[0059] The first connecting portion 79 constitutes approximately half of the first rotating rod 71 in the +Y direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape. The first connecting portion 79 connects the first protruding / retracting portion 77 and the first blocking portion 81.

[0060] The first blocking portion 81 protrudes in the +Z direction from the end portion of the first connecting portion 79 in the -X direction and +Y direction, and is formed in a plate shape of a substantially polygon. The first blocking portion 81 rotates integrally with the first protruding and retracting portion 77 about the first shaft portion 83, thereby blocking (refer to Figure 9 ) or opening (refer to Figure 10 ) the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99 described later.

[0061] The first shaft portion 83 penetrates through the substantially central portion 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 a first spring (not shown) applies a force to the first rotating rod 71 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the +X direction, that is, in the direction in which the first protruding and retracting portion 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27.

[0062] The second rotating rod

[0063] As Figure 8 shown, the second rotating rod 73 includes a second fan portion 87, a second protruding and retracting portion 89, a second blocking portion 91, a second shaft portion 93, and a second restraining portion 95.

[0064] The second fan portion 87 is formed in a plate shape of a substantially sector, and is disposed substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0065] The second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes in the +X direction from the substantially middle portion of the second fan portion 87 in the radial direction of the second fan portion 87 in the Z direction. The second protruding and retracting portion 89 is formed in a plate shape of a substantially rectangle, and is disposed substantially parallel to the XY plane. The second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes and retracts from a second protruding and retracting opening 59 provided in the second mounting surface 29 by rotating about the second shaft portion 93. It should be noted that the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57 in the second mounting surface 29. Here, the fact that the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57 means that at least a part of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57. The second protruding and retracting portion 89 may also be described as a "second abutting portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R. In addition, the second protruding and retracting portion 89 may also be described as a "second protruding portion" that protrudes from the second mounting surface 29.

[0066] The second blocking portion 91 is disposed on the radially outer side of the second fan portion 87. The second blocking portion 91 is formed in a plate shape of a substantially arc, and is disposed substantially parallel to the YZ plane. The second blocking portion 91 rotates integrally with the second protruding and retracting portion 89 about the second shaft portion 93, thereby blocking (refer to Figure 9 ) or opening (refer to Figure 10 ) the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99 described later.

[0067] The second shaft portion 93 protrudes in the +X direction from the end portion in the +Z direction of the second fan portion 87. The second rotating rod 73 rotates about the second shaft portion 93. It should be noted that a second spring (not shown) applies a force to the second rotating rod 73 in the clockwise direction when viewed from the +X direction, which is the direction in which the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes from the second placement surface 29.

[0068] The second restraining portion 95 is located between the second shaft portion 93 and the second protruding and retracting portion 89, and protrudes in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape in the +X direction from the second fan portion 87. The second restraining portion 95 rotates integrally with the second protruding and retracting portion 89 about the second shaft portion 93, and protrudes and retracts from the second restraining port 61 provided on the second placement surface 29. It should be noted that the second restraining portion 95 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57 in the second placement surface 29. Here, the fact that the second restraining portion 95 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57 means that at least a part of the second restraining portion 95 protrudes and retracts from the second repeating region 57.

[0069] Optical sensor

[0070] As Figure 9 And Figure 10 shown, the optical sensor 75 is a light-transmissive sensor, and includes a light-emitting element 97, a light-receiving element 99, and a light guide tube 101.

[0071] The light-emitting element 97 is provided in the -Z direction with respect to the second side wall 25. The light-emitting element 97 emits detection light in the -X direction toward the light-receiving element 99. The light-receiving element 99 is provided in the -X direction with respect to the light-emitting element 97. The light-receiving element 99 receives the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97. The light guide tube 101 is located between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 and extends in the X direction. The light guide tube 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 tube 101. However, by providing the light guide tube 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 receive the detection light. Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 can be improved.

[0072] It should be noted that since the optical sensor 75 is provided outside the web accommodating portion 15, paper dust generated from the web R accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 is not likely to fall on the optical sensor 75. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor 75 due to the paper dust falling on the optical sensor 75. Further, in the X direction, the light receiving element 99 is located in the -X direction with respect to the first side wall 23. That is, the light receiving element 99 is located outside the paper width direction of the web R with respect to the web R accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15. For this reason, it is possible to further suppress the paper dust generated from the web R accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 from falling on the light receiving element 99. It should be noted that it may be a configuration in which only the light emitting element 97 is located outside the paper width direction of the web R with respect to the web R among the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, or a configuration in which both the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99 are located outside the paper width direction of the web R with respect to the web R.

[0073] When the optical sensor 75 configured in this way is blocked by at least one of the first blocking portion 81 and the second blocking portion 91 between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, that is, between the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, and the detection light emitted from the light emitting element 97 is not received by the light receiving element 99, a first signal is output. Further, when the optical sensor 75 is not blocked by either the first blocking portion 81 or the second blocking portion 91 between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, that is, between the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, and the detection light emitted from the light emitting element 97 is received by the light receiving element 99, a second signal is output.

[0074] The control circuit includes a processor and a memory, and comprehensively controls the entire printing apparatus 1. For example, the control circuit determines whether the web R is in a state close to exhaustion based on the signal received from the optical sensor 75. That is, when the control circuit receives the first signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the web R is not in a state close to exhaustion. Further, when the control circuit receives the second signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the web R is in a state close to exhaustion. When the control circuit determines that the web R is in a state close to exhaustion, it controls the notification unit to notify the user that the web R is in a state close to exhaustion. It should be noted that as the notification unit, for example, a lamp, a display, a speaker, etc. provided in the printing apparatus 1 can be used.

[0075] In the case where the printing apparatus is set in the first posture

[0076] Refer to Figures 11 to 13, it explains how the first rotating rod 71 and the second rotating rod 73 operate as the diameter of the web R decreases as the recording paper P is consumed when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture. It should be noted that in the following description, the first diameter means the diameter of the web R that is the threshold for whether the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes from the first placement surface 27 when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture. The third diameter means the diameter of the web R that is the threshold for whether the second protruding / retracting portion 89 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 when the printing apparatus 1 is set in the first posture. The first diameter is smaller than the third diameter. When the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the first diameter, it can be said that the web R is in a state close to exhaustion.

[0077] As Figure 11 shown, when an unused web R, that is, a web R with a diameter greater than the third diameter, is loaded into the web accommodating portion 15 and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R is placed on the first placement surface 27, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 is pressed by the web R and sinks into the first placement surface 27, and the second protruding / retracting portion 89 is pressed by the web R and sinks into the second placement surface 29. As a result, the first blocking portion 81 blocks between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking portion 91 blocks 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, based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, that it is not in a state close to exhaustion.

[0078] It should be noted that, as described above, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes from and retracts into the first placement surface 27 in the first repeating region 49. For this reason, when a web R of the first width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 and when a web R of the second width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R and sinks into the first placement surface 27. Similarly, the second protruding / retracting portion 89 protrudes from and retracts into the second placement surface 29 in the second repeating region 57. For this reason, when a web R of the first width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15 and when a web R of the second width is accommodated in the web accommodating portion 15, the second protruding / retracting portion 89 is pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R and sinks into the second placement surface 29. This is the same in the case where the printing apparatus 1 is set in the second posture, which will be described later.

[0079] As Figure 12As shown, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes greater than the first diameter but less than the third diameter, the second protruding and retracting portion 89 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second placement surface 29. On the other hand, the first protruding and retracting portion 77 is still pressed by the roll paper R and recessed into the first placement surface 27. At this time, although the second blocking portion 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, the first blocking portion 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 in a state close to exhaustion.

[0080] As Figure 13 shown, when the recording paper P is further consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes less than the first diameter, the first protruding and retracting portion 77 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first placement surface 27. It should be noted that the second protruding and retracting portion 89 still protrudes from the second placement surface 29. At this time, the first blocking portion 81 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. It should be noted that the second blocking portion 91 still opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this reason, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes less 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 in a state close to exhaustion. In this way, when the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller, the second protruding and retracting portion 89 and the first protruding and retracting portion 77 protrude in sequence.

[0081] When the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, due to the inclination of the first placement surface 27, the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction toward the opening / closing cover 7. It should be noted that even if the recording paper P is pulled in the -Y direction and +Z direction by the impression roller 65, the roll paper R still moves in the -Y direction. Then, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes less than the first diameter, the roll paper R enters the first concave portion 31 (refer to Figure 13 ). It should be noted that the roll paper R entering the first concave portion 31 means that the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is in contact with the bottom surface of the first concave portion 31. For this reason, when the user opens the opening / closing cover 7 to replace the roll paper R, the roll paper R with a diameter less than the first diameter, that is, the roll paper R in a state close to exhaustion or the core of the roll paper R in an exhausted state enters the first concave portion 31 provided between the first placement surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7. Therefore, it is possible to easily take out the roll paper R in a state close to exhaustion or the core of the roll paper R in an exhausted state.

[0082] In addition, after the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction and enters the first concave portion 31, the first protruding and retracting portion 77 protruding from the first placement surface 27 is located in the +Y direction with respect to the roll paper R (refer toFigure 13 )。Therefore, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protruding from the first placement surface 27 inhibits the web R from moving in the +Y direction from the first recess 31. Thereby, it is possible to inhibit the first protruding / retracting portion 77 from being pressed by the web R moving in the +Y direction from the first recess 31 and being retracted again, and it is possible to inhibit misdetection that the web R is not in a near-exhausted state.

[0083] Here, in the first protruding / retracting portion 77, when the diameter of the web R is large, that is, when the weight of the web R is large, the portion that slidably contacts the web R is easily worn due to the sliding contact with the web R. If wear occurs in the portion of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 that slidably contacts the web R when the diameter of the web R becomes close to the first diameter, the first protruding / retracting portion 77 protrudes / retracts from the first placement surface 27 before the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the first diameter, and it is misdetected that the web R is in a near-exhausted state before the web R becomes in a near-exhausted state.

[0084] In response to this, in the present embodiment, as the diameter of the web R becomes smaller, the web R moves in the -Y direction. Therefore, the portion of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 that slidably contacts the outer peripheral surface Ra of the web R is displaced in the -Y direction as the diameter of the web R becomes smaller. That is, when the diameter of the web R is larger than the third diameter, the base end portion of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 slidably contacts the web R (refer to Figure 11 ), but when the diameter of the web R becomes close to the first diameter, the front end portion of the first protruding / retracting portion 77 slidably contacts the web R (refer to Figure 12 ). Thus, in the first protruding / retracting portion 77, there are divided into a portion that slidably contacts the web R when the diameter of the web R is large and a portion that slidably contacts the web R when the diameter of the web R becomes smaller. Thereby, it is possible to inhibit the portion that slidably contacts the web R when the diameter of the web R becomes close to the first diameter, that is, the front end portion of the first protruding / retracting portion 77, from being worn due to friction with the web R. Therefore, it is possible to inhibit misdetection that the web R is in a near-exhausted state before the web R becomes in a near-exhausted state.

[0085] In the case where the printing device is provided in the second posture

[0086] Refer to Figures 14 to 16, it is described how the first rotating rod 71 and the second rotating rod 73 operate as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases as the recording paper P is consumed when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture. It should be noted that in the following description, the second diameter means the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold value for whether the second protruding and recessed portion 89 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture. The fourth diameter means the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold value for whether the first protruding and recessed portion 77 protrudes from the first placement surface 27 when the printing device 1 is set 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 has become in a nearly exhausted state. It should be noted that the second diameter and the above-mentioned first diameter can be the same value or different values. The fourth diameter and the above-mentioned third diameter can be the same value or different values.

[0087] As Figure 14 shown, when an unused roll paper R, that is, a roll paper R with a diameter greater than the fourth diameter, is loaded into the roll paper accommodating portion 15 and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on the second placement surface 29, the first protruding and recessed portion 77 is pressed by the roll paper R and recesses into the first placement surface 27, and the second protruding and recessed portion 89 is pressed by the roll paper R and recesses into the second placement surface 29. Thereby, the first blocking portion 81 blocks between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking portion 91 blocks 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, based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, that it is not in a nearly exhausted state.

[0088] As Figure 15 shown, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes greater than the second diameter but less than the fourth diameter, the first protruding and recessed portion 77 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the first placement surface 27. On the other hand, the second protruding and recessed portion 89 is still pressed by the roll paper R and recesses into the second placement surface 29. At this time, the first blocking portion 81 opens between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the second blocking portion 91 still blocks 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, based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, that the roll paper R is not in a nearly exhausted state.

[0089] As 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 and retracting portion 89 is released from the pressing of the roll paper R and protrudes from the second placement surface 29. It should be noted that the first protruding and retracting portion 77 still protrudes from the first placement surface 27. At this time, the second blocking portion 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. It should be noted that the first blocking portion 81 still opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. For this reason, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal. The control circuit determines that the roll paper R is approaching the end state based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75. In this way, when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture, as the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller, the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrude in sequence.

[0090] When the printing device 1 is set in the second posture, a second recess 33 is provided in the -Z direction with respect to the roll paper R placed on the second placement surface 29. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the roll paper R enters the second recess 33 (see Figure 16 ). It should be noted that the roll paper R entering the second recess 33 means a state where the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R contacts the bottom surface of the second recess 33.

[0091] The second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 in the +Y direction with respect to the second recess 33, that is, on the side opposite to the pulling-out side of the recording paper P with respect to the roll paper R entering the second recess 33. For this reason, even if the protruding amount of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 is increased, it is possible to prevent the protruding second protruding and retracting portion 89 from hindering the pulling out of the recording paper P. Therefore, the protruding amount of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 can be increased, and the protruding and retracting of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 can be easily detected by the optical sensor 75.

[0092] In addition, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second restraining portion 95 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 together with the second protruding and retracting portion 89. The second restraining portion 95 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 in the -Y direction with respect to the second recess 33, that is, on the pulling-out side of the recording paper P with respect to the roll paper R entering the second recess 33. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the roll paper R entering the second recess 33 from moving toward the impression roller 65 due to the recording paper P being pulled by the impression roller 65 by the second restraining portion 95.

[0093] It should be noted that as described above, in the second rotating rod 73, the distance between the second restraining portion 95 and the second shaft portion 93 is smaller than the distance between the second protruding and retracting portion 89 and the second shaft portion 93. Therefore, the protruding amount of the second restraining portion 95 is smaller than the protruding amount of the second protruding and retracting portion 89. For this reason, even if the second restraining portion 95 protrudes from the second placement surface 29 on the pulling-out side of the recording paper P with respect to the roll paper R, it is possible to prevent the protruding second restraining portion 95 from hindering the pulling out of the recording paper P.

[0094] Further, when the diameter of the web R is greater than the fourth diameter, the web R makes a sliding contact with the front end face of the second emerging portion 89 (see Figure 14 ), and when the diameter of the web R becomes close to the second diameter, the web R makes a sliding contact with the side surface of the front end portion of the second emerging portion 89 (see Figure 16 ). Thus, in the second emerging portion 89, there are a portion where the web R makes a sliding contact when the diameter of the web R is large and a portion where the web R makes a sliding contact when the diameter of the web R becomes small. Thereby, it is possible to suppress wear due to friction with the web R at the portion where the web R makes a sliding contact when the diameter of the web R becomes close to the second diameter, that is, the side surface of the front end portion of the second emerging portion 89. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a false detection that the web R is in a near-exhausted state before the web R actually becomes in a near-exhausted state.

[0095] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a web accommodating portion 15, a thermal head 67, a first emerging portion 77, a second emerging portion 89, and an optical sensor 75. The web accommodating portion 15 includes a first placement surface 27 and a second placement surface 29. When the printing apparatus 1 is set in a first posture with the first placement surface 27 as the bottom of the web accommodating portion 15, when the diameter of the web R is greater than the first diameter, the first emerging portion 77 is pressed by the web R whose outer peripheral surface Ra is placed on the first placement surface 27 and is submerged in the first placement surface 27. When the diameter of the web R is less than the first diameter, the first emerging portion 77 is released from the pressing of the web R and protrudes from the first placement surface 27. When the printing apparatus 1 is set in a second posture with the second placement surface 29 as the bottom of the web accommodating portion 15, when the diameter of the web R is greater than the second diameter, the second emerging portion 89 is pressed by the web R whose outer peripheral surface Ra is placed on the second placement surface 29 and is submerged in the second placement surface 29. When the diameter of the web R is less than the second diameter, the second emerging portion 89 is released from the pressing of the web R and protrudes from the second placement surface 29. The optical sensor 75 detects the emergence and submergence of the first emerging portion 77 and the second emerging portion 89.

[0096] According to this configuration, when the printing device 1 is set in the first posture, when the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first protruding and retracting portion 77 protrudes from the first placement surface 27, and the protrusion of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 is detected by the optical sensor 75. Thus, the printing device 1 can detect that the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the first diameter, that is, the state where the web R is approaching exhaustion. In addition, when the printing device 1 is set in the second posture, when the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second protruding and retracting portion 89 protrudes from the second placement surface 29, and the protrusion of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 is detected by the optical sensor 75. Thus, the printing device 1 can detect that the diameter of the web R becomes smaller than the second diameter, that is, the state where the web R is approaching exhaustion. In this way, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment is different from the configuration that detects the state where the web R is approaching exhaustion by receiving the detection light reflected by the web R with the optical sensor 75. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the detection of the state where the web R is approaching exhaustion being hindered due to the occlusion between the web R and the optical sensor 75.

[0097] Other modification examples

[0098] Needless to say, it is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from its gist. For example, in addition to the above-described manner, the above-described embodiment can also be changed to the following manner. In addition, it can also be a configuration in which the embodiments and modification examples are combined separately.

[0099] The printing device 1 is not limited to the configuration that detects the protrusion and retraction of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and the protrusion and retraction of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 by the optical sensor 75. It can also be a configuration that detects the protrusion and retraction of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and the protrusion and retraction of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 by a sensor of other means, such as a microswitch. In addition, the printing device 1 can also be a configuration that includes a first sensor that detects the protrusion and retraction of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and a second sensor that detects the protrusion and retraction of the second protruding and retracting portion 89. That is, the printing device 1 can also detect the protrusion and retraction of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and the protrusion and retraction of the second protruding and retracting portion 89 by separate sensors. The printing device 1 can also be a configuration that includes any one of the first protruding and retracting portion 77 and the second protruding and retracting portion 89, and can also be a configuration that includes three or more protruding and retracting portions. Similarly, the printing device 1 can also be a configuration that includes any one of the first rotating rod 71 and the second rotating rod 73, and can also be a configuration that includes three or more rotating rods.

[0100] The first protruding and retracting portion 77 is not limited to the configuration that protrudes and retracts from the first placement surface 27 by rotation. For example, it can also be a configuration that protrudes and retracts from the first placement surface 27 by linearly advancing and retreating. Similarly, the second protruding and retracting portion 89 is not limited to the configuration that protrudes and retracts from the second placement surface 29 by rotation. For example, it can also be a configuration that protrudes and retracts from the second placement surface 29 by linearly advancing and retreating.

[0101] The printing device 1 is not limited to a configuration that can be set to two postures, i.e., the first posture and the second posture. It can also be a configuration that can be set to one posture, or a configuration that can be set to three or more postures.

[0102] The printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the thermal sensitive method. For example, it can also be the inkjet method or the electrophotographic method.

[0103] Note

[0104] Next, a note on the printing device will be given.

[0105] The printing device includes: a web paper accommodating portion having a placement surface for placing the outer peripheral surface of a web paper around which a recording paper is wound, and the web paper accommodating portion accommodates the web paper; a printing portion that prints on the recording paper pulled out from the web paper accommodated in the web paper accommodating portion; an emerging and retracting portion that is arranged to be able to emerge and retract from the placement surface. When the diameter of the web paper is larger than a specified diameter, the emerging and retracting portion is pressed by the web paper whose outer peripheral surface is placed on the placement surface and sinks into the placement surface. When the diameter of the web paper is smaller than the specified diameter, the emerging and retracting portion is released from the pressing of the web paper and protrudes from the placement surface; and a detection portion that detects the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting portion.

[0106] According to this configuration, different from the configuration that detects the near-exhaust state of the web paper by the detection portion receiving the detection light reflected by the web paper, it is possible to avoid the detection of the near-exhaust state of the web paper being hindered due to the occlusion between the web paper and the detection portion.

[0107] It should be noted that the first placement surface 27 is an example of the "placement surface". The second placement surface 29 is an example of the "placement surface". The thermal head 67 is an example of the "printing portion". The first diameter is an example of the "specified diameter". The second diameter is an example of the "specified diameter". The first emerging and retracting portion 77 is an example of the "emerging and retracting portion". The second emerging and retracting portion 89 is an example of the "emerging and retracting portion".

[0108] In this case, preferably, the detection portion has an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

[0109] It includes a rotating rod arranged to be able to rotate. The rotating rod has an emerging and retracting portion and a blocking portion that can block the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The blocking portion switches the state of blocking the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the state of opening the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element according to the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting portion.

[0110] According to this configuration, by switching the state of blocking the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the state of opening the light path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element according to the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting portion, it is possible to detect the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting portion.

[0111] It should be noted that the first blocking portion 81 is an example of the "blocking portion". The second blocking portion 91 is an example of the "blocking portion". The first rotating rod 71 is an example of the "rotating rod". The second rotating rod 73 is an example of the "rotating rod".

[0112] In this case, it is preferable that the optical sensor is provided outside the web accommodating portion.

[0113] According to this configuration, paper dust generated from the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion is less likely to fall on the optical sensor. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor due to paper dust falling on the optical sensor.

[0114] In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is provided outside the web in the width direction of the web with respect to the web.

[0115] According to this configuration, paper dust generated from the web accommodated in the web accommodating portion is less likely to fall on the light emitting element or the light receiving element provided outside the web in the width direction of the web with respect to the web. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor due to paper dust falling on the light emitting element or the light receiving element.

[0116] In this case, preferably, the placement surface is inclined so that the web moves in the first direction as the diameter of the web decreases. After the web has moved in the first direction, the protruding and retracting portion protruding from the placement surface is located in the second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the web.

[0117] According to this configuration, the protruding and retracting portion protruding from the placement surface suppresses the web from moving in the second direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the protruding and retracting portion from being pressed by the web moving in the second direction and being retracted again, and it is possible to suppress a misdetection that the web is not in a near-exhausted state.

[0118] It should be noted that the -Y direction is an example of the "first direction". The +Y direction is an example of the "second direction".

[0119] In this case, it is preferable to include an opening / closing lid for opening and closing the web accommodating portion, and the opening / closing lid is provided in the first direction with respect to the placement surface.

[0120] According to this configuration, as the diameter of the web decreases, the web moves toward the opening / closing lid. Therefore, when the user opens the opening / closing lid to replace the web, it is possible to easily take out the web that has become in a near-exhausted state.

[0121] In this case, it is preferable that the protruding and retracting portion protrudes from and retracts into the placement surface on the side opposite to the paper pull-out side of the web with respect to the web.

[0122] According to this configuration, even if the protruding amount of the protruding and retracting portion is increased, it is possible to suppress the protruding and retracting portion from obstructing the pulling out of the recording paper.

[0123] In this case, it is preferable to provide a suppressing portion that is configured to be able to protrude and retract from the mounting surface. When the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than a specified diameter, the suppressing portion protrudes from the mounting surface on the pulling-out side of the recording paper with a protruding amount smaller than that of the protruding and retracting portion with respect to the roll paper.

[0124] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the movement of the roll paper toward the pulling-out side of the recording paper by the suppressing portion. In addition, since the protruding amount of the suppressing portion is small, it is possible to suppress the protruding suppressing portion from obstructing the pulling out of the recording paper.

[0125] It should be noted that the second suppressing portion 95 is an example of the "suppressing portion".

[0126] In this case, preferably, the roll paper accommodating portion can alternatively accommodate a roll paper of a first width and a roll paper of a second width wider than the first width. The protruding and retracting portion protrudes and retracts from a repeating region where a narrow-width region and a wide-width region overlap in the mounting surface. The narrow-width region is for mounting the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper of the first width, and the wide-width region is for mounting the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper of the second width.

[0127] According to this configuration, when the roll paper of the first width is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion and when the roll paper of the second width is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion, the protruding and retracting portion is pressed by the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper and retracts into the mounting surface. Therefore, when the roll paper of the first width is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion and when the roll paper of the second width is accommodated in the roll paper accommodating portion, it is possible to detect whether the roll paper is in a state close to exhaustion.

[0128] It should be noted that the first narrow-width region 45 is an example of the "narrow-width region". The second narrow-width region 53 is an example of the "narrow-width region". The first wide-width region 47 is an example of the "wide-width region". The second wide-width region 55 is an example of the "wide-width region". The first repeating region 49 is an example of the "repeating region". The second repeating region 57 is an example of the "repeating region".

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, Comprising: A web paper accommodating part having a placement surface for placing the outer peripheral surface of a web paper around which a recording paper is wound, and the web paper accommodating part accommodates the web paper; A printing part that prints on the recording paper pulled out from the web paper accommodated in the web paper accommodating part; An emerging and retracting part that is arranged to be able to emerge and retract from the placement surface. When the diameter of the web paper is greater than a specified diameter, the emerging and retracting part is pressed by the web paper placed on the placement surface by the outer peripheral surface and sinks into the placement surface. When the diameter of the web paper is less than the specified diameter, the emerging and retracting part is released from the pressing of the web paper and protrudes from the placement surface; A detection part having an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the detection part detects the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting part; A rotating rod having the emerging and retracting part and a blocking part that can block between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the rotating rod is arranged to be able to rotate; And A suppression part that is arranged to be able to emerge and retract from the placement surface. When the diameter of the web paper is less than the specified diameter, the suppression part protrudes from the placement surface on the pulling-out side of the recording paper with respect to the web paper by an amount less than the protruding amount of the emerging and retracting part, The blocking part switches the state of blocking between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the state of opening between the light emitting element and the light receiving element according to the emergence and retraction of the emerging and retracting part.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical sensor is arranged outside the web paper accommodating part.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is arranged outside the width direction of the web paper with respect to the web paper.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The placement surface is inclined in such a way that the web paper moves in a first direction as the diameter of the web paper decreases, After the web paper has moved in the first direction, the emerging and retracting part protruding from the placement surface is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the web paper.

5. The printing device according to claim 4, wherein: The printing device includes an opening / closing cover for opening and closing the web paper accommodating part, The opening / closing cover is arranged in the first direction with respect to the placement surface.

6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The emerging and retracting part emerges and retracts from the placement surface on the side opposite to the pulling-out side of the recording paper with respect to the web paper.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The web paper accommodating part can alternatively accommodate the web paper with a first width and the web paper with a second width wider than the first width, The emerging and retracting part emerges and retracts from a repeating area where a narrow-width area and a wide-width area overlap on the placement surface. The narrow-width area is for placing the outer peripheral surface of the web paper with the first width, and the wide-width area is for placing the outer peripheral surface of the web paper with the second width.

8. A printing device, characterized in that, Comprising: A web paper accommodating portion having a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the web paper, and the web paper accommodating portion is capable of accommodating the web paper; A printing portion that prints on a recording paper pulled out from the web paper; A protruding portion that is released from being pressed by the web paper and protrudes from the surface of the web paper accommodating portion when the diameter of the web paper is smaller than a specified diameter; A detection portion having an optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and the detection portion detects the protruding state of the protruding portion; A rotating rod having the protruding portion and a blocking portion capable of blocking between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, and the rotating rod is arranged to be rotatable; And A suppression portion that, when the diameter of the web paper is smaller than the specified diameter, protrudes from the surface of the web paper accommodating portion on the pulling-out side of the recording paper with respect to the web paper by an amount smaller than the protruding amount of the protruding portion, According to the protruding state of the protruding portion, the blocking portion switches between a state of blocking between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and a state of opening between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The optical sensor is provided outside the web paper accommodating portion.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein At least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is arranged outside the width direction of the web paper with respect to the web paper.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The surface of the web paper accommodating portion is inclined so as to move the web paper in a first direction as the diameter of the web paper decreases, After the web paper has moved in the first direction, the protruding portion protruding from the surface of the web paper accommodating portion is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the web paper.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein The printing apparatus includes an opening / closing cover for opening / closing the web paper accommodating portion, The opening / closing cover is arranged in the first direction with respect to the surface of the web paper accommodating portion.

13. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The protruding portion protrudes from the surface of the web paper accommodating portion on the side opposite to the pulling-out side of the recording paper with respect to the web paper.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The web paper accommodating portion is capable of alternatively accommodating the web paper of a first width and the web paper of a second width wider than the first width, The protruding portion protrudes from a repeating region where a narrow-width region and a wide-width region of the surface of the web paper accommodating portion overlap, the narrow-width region faces the outer peripheral surface of the web paper of the first width, and the wide-width region faces the outer peripheral surface of the web paper of the second width.

Images