Printing device and control method

Abstract

To provide a printing device which can improve usability.SOLUTION: A printing device includes: a printing part which prints an image on a printing medium; a paper feeding tray which has a first storage part capable of storing a wound body of a roll sheet used as the printing medium, and a second storage part capable of storing one or more cut sheets used as the printing medium, and can slide in parallel with a predetermined drawing direction between a predetermined mounting position and a drawing position; a first conveyance part which conveys the roll sheet from the wound body stored in the first storage part as the printing medium; and a second conveyance part which conveys the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage part one by one as the printing medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing device and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Research and development is ongoing into printing devices that print images on print media.

[0003] In this regard, a printing device is known that has a paper feed tray that can accommodate both a roll of roll paper and one or more cut sheets, and when the roll is contained in the paper feed tray and one or more cut sheets are not contained in the paper feed tray, prints based on a print job that requests printing an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll, and when the roll is not contained in the paper feed tray and one or more cut sheets are contained in the paper feed tray, prints based on a print job that requests printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-183989 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 could not print unless the paper feed tray contained either roll paper pulled from a reel or one or more cut sheets, and the paper appropriate for the accepted print job was not contained in the other paper feed tray. This is undesirable because it reduces the usability of the printing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present disclosure is a printing device having a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium, a first storage unit that can store a roll of roll paper used as the printing medium, and a second storage unit that can store one or more cut sheets of paper used as the printing medium, and is equipped with a paper feed tray that can slide parallel to a predetermined withdrawal direction between a predetermined mounting position and a withdrawal position, a first transport unit that transports the roll of paper from the roll stored in the first storage unit as the printing medium, and a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the printing medium.

[0007] Also, one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a printing device having a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium, a first storage unit that can store a roll of roll paper used as the print medium, and a second storage unit that can store one or more cut sheets used as the print medium, the control method including a paper feed tray that can slide parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined loading position and a pull-out position, a first transport unit that transports the roll of roll paper stored in the first storage unit as the print medium, and a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the print medium, the control method including determining whether the roll of roll paper is stored in the first storage unit or not, a control method for detecting whether the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage section, accepting a print job requesting printing of an image, and if the storage of the roll is detected and the print job requesting printing an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll is accepted, transporting the roll paper as the print medium by the first transport section, and if the storage of the one or more cut sheets is detected and the print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets is accepted, transporting at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium by the second transport section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance including the front surface of a printing device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 including the rear surface. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a printing device 1 when the opening / closing cover BD is open at the rear. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the cutting unit CT. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cutting section CT shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a paper feed tray TR. [Figure 7] 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the paper feed tray TR shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the first conveying section R1 shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing a list of the detection results of the storage status of print media by the printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the printing device 1 when a print job is accepted. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first conveying section R1. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a paper feed tray TR2 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the paper feed tray TR2 when a plurality of cut sheets CP are stacked in the second area RR2. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a paper feed tray TR2 according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the paper feed tray TR2 in a second state. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of a paper feed tray TR2 according to a second modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Outline of the printing device according to the first embodiment> First, an overview of the printing device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] The printing device according to the first embodiment includes a printing unit, a paper feed tray, a first transport unit, and a second transport unit. The printing unit prints images on print media. The paper feed tray has a first storage unit capable of housing a roll of roll paper used as the print medium, and a second storage unit capable of housing one or more cut sheets used as the print medium. The tray is slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined loading position and a pull-out position. The first transport unit transports the roll paper from the roll housed in the first storage unit as print media. The second transport unit transports one or more cut sheets housed in the second storage unit one by one as print media. This eliminates the need for the printing device to change the print media housed in the paper feed tray depending on the print job, thereby improving usability.

[0012] The configuration of the printing device according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0013] <Configuration of the printing device according to the first embodiment> The configuration of the printing device according to the first embodiment will be described below using the printing device 1 as an example.

[0014] In the first embodiment, for ease of explanation, a user of the printing device 1 will be referred to simply as a user. In this specification, the three-dimensional coordinate system TC is a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system that indicates directions in a diagram depicting the three-dimensional coordinate system TC. In the following, for ease of explanation, the X-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be referred to simply as the X-axis. In the following, for ease of explanation, the Y-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be referred to simply as the Y-axis. In the following, for ease of explanation, the Z-axis in the three-dimensional coordinate system TC will be referred to simply as the Z-axis. In the following, as an example, a case will be described in which the negative direction of the Z-axis coincides with the direction of gravity. Therefore, in the following, for ease of explanation, the positive direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as the upward direction or simply "up," and the negative direction of the Z-axis will be referred to as the downward direction or simply "down." In the following, for ease of explanation, the positive direction of the X-axis will be referred to as the forward direction or simply "forward," and the negative direction of the X-axis will be referred to as the backward direction or simply "rear."

[0015] Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the surface of the printing device 1 on the positive side of the X axis will be referred to as the front surface of the printing device 1, and the surface of the printing device 1 on the negative side of the X axis will be referred to as the rear surface of the printing device 1. Furthermore, the case where an object is viewed from a certain direction will be referred to as the case where the object is viewed from that direction.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance including the front side of a printing device 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance including the rear side of the printing device 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] The printer 1 uses roll paper RP pulled out from a roll RB around which roll paper RP is wound, or cut paper CP as the printing medium, and prints an image on the printing medium. The cut paper CP may be any medium as long as it is a cut sheet-like medium, such as cut printing paper or a sticker mount.

[0018] The printing device 1 includes a printing unit PR, a paper feed tray TR, a cutting unit CT, and an opening / closing cover BD. The printing device 1 may include other components, devices, etc. in addition to the printing unit PR, paper feed tray TR, cutting unit CT, and opening / closing cover BD. To simplify the illustration, FIG. 1 depicts the printing unit PR and cutting unit CT as rectangular parallelepiped objects. To simplify the illustration, FIG. 1 depicts the printing unit PR and cutting unit CT in positions different from their actual locations. To simplify the illustration, FIG. 2 omits the printing unit PR and cutting unit CT.

[0019] The printing section PR prints an image on a print medium conveyed by the printing device 1 from the paper feed tray TR.

[0020] The paper feed tray TR is a tray that can accommodate at least one of the aforementioned roll RB and one or more cut sheets CP as print media transported by the printing device 1. That is, the paper feed tray TR can accommodate only the roll RB, only one or more cut sheets CP, or both the roll RB and one or more cut sheets CP. The paper feed tray TR is also a tray that can slide parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined mounting position and a pull-out position. The following describes, as an example, a case where the pull-out direction coincides with the positive direction of the X-axis. The paper feed tray TR may be configured to be removable from the housing of the printing device 1, or may be configured to be non-removable from the housing of the printing device 1. The configuration of the paper feed tray TR will be described in detail below.

[0021] The cutting unit CT cuts the roll paper RP as it is pulled out from the roll RB. The cutting unit CT is located at a predetermined position on the path along which the print medium passes as it is transported from the paper feed tray TR. For ease of explanation, this position will be referred to as the cutting position below.

[0022] The opening / closing cover BD is a cover for opening and closing an opening formed on the rear surface of the printing device 1. For ease of explanation, this opening will be referred to as the rear opening in the following description. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the opening / closing cover BD closes the rear opening. In this case, the user cannot see the interior of the printing device 1 through the rear opening. Meanwhile, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the printing device 1 when the opening / closing cover BD is open. In this case, the user can see the interior of the printing device 1 through the rear opening. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the opening / closing cover BD is rotatable about an axis parallel to the Y axis on the housing of the printing device 1, but it may also be rotatable about another axis. Furthermore, the opening / closing cover BD may be detachable from the housing of the printing device 1.

[0023] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the user can expose the cutting position by opening the rear opening with the opening / closing cover BD. Therefore, in Fig. 3, the user can see the cutting unit CT through the rear opening. The rear opening is an opening that the user uses to replace the cutter of the cutting unit CT when the cutter has become dull, for example.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view showing an example of the configuration of the cutting unit CT. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cutting unit CT shown in FIG. 4. The dotted arrow PT in FIG. 4 indicates at least a portion of the path of the print medium passing through the cutting position. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cutting unit CT is mounted on the moving unit CR. That is, the printing device 1 includes the moving unit CR as well as the cutting unit CT. The moving unit CR is a member, such as a carriage, that moves the cutting unit CT back and forth in a movement direction that intersects with the transport direction in which the print medium is transported in the printing device 1. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the transport direction and the movement direction are perpendicular to each other. Also, the following describes, as an example, a case in which the movement direction is parallel to the Y axis. The cutting unit CT has a movable blade BL1, which is an example of the aforementioned cutter, and a fixed blade BL2 that is mounted on a base of the moving unit CR and extends parallel to the base. The cutting unit CT moves back and forth together with the moving unit CR while the movable blade BL1 abuts against the fixed blade BL2. This allows the cutting unit CT to cut the roll paper RP by pinching the roll paper RP between the movable blade BL1 and the fixed blade BL2.

[0025] <Paper tray configuration> The configuration of the paper feed tray TR will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the paper feed tray TR. Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the paper feed tray TR shown in Figure 6. However, unlike Figure 6, the paper feed tray TR in Figure 7 contains a plurality of cut sheets CP together with a roll RB.

[0026] In the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the paper feed tray TR is a box-shaped tray with a recessed portion that opens upward. The shape of the paper feed tray TR may be other than the shape shown in FIG. 6. The space SP within the recessed portion of the paper feed tray TR is a space that can accommodate one or more cut sheets CP together with the roll RB. That is, the paper feed tray TR is a tray that can accommodate one or more cut sheets CP together with the roll RB. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the components that make up the paper feed tray TR and that are involved in accommodating the roll RB will be referred to as the first storage portion CT1. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the components that make up the paper feed tray TR and that are involved in accommodating one or more cut sheets CP will be referred to as the second storage portion CT2. A portion of the first storage portion CT1 may be integral with a portion of the second storage portion CT2. The first storage portion CT1 may also be a separate member from the second storage portion CT2. Furthermore, a certain member may constitute a part of the first storage portion CT1 and also a part of the second storage portion CT2.

[0027] The paper feed tray TR is supported by the housing BX so as to be slidable parallel to the pull-out direction between the mounted position and the pulled-out position. The housing BX may be configured separately from the printing device 1 or may be configured integrally with the printing device 1. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the housing BX is configured integrally with the printing device 1, as shown in FIG. 1. Here, the mounted position is the position at which the paper feed tray TR can slide within the housing BX, at which the printer 1 pulls out roll paper RP and cut sheets CP from the paper feed tray TR. The pulled-out position is the position at which the paper feed tray TR can slide within the housing BX, a predetermined distance away from the mounted position in the pull-out direction. The predetermined distance may be any distance. For example, the pulled-out position is the position at which the paper feed tray TR can slide within the housing BX, the position closest to the pull-out direction. The paper feed tray TR may be removable from the housing BX, or may not be removable from the housing BX. Furthermore, when the housing BX is configured separately from the printing device 1, the housing BX may be configured to be provided on the paper feed tray TR.

[0028] When the paper feed tray TR is attached to the printing device 1, the surface of the paper feed tray TR on the positive side of the X axis forms part of the front surface of the printing device 1. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the surface of the paper feed tray TR on the positive side of the X axis will be referred to as the front surface of the paper feed tray TR in the following description.

[0029] Here, the roll RB is accommodated in the paper feed tray TR so that it is located closer to the front of the paper feed tray TR than one or more cut sheets CP. That is, the first accommodation section CT1 is located closer to the front of the paper feed tray TR than the second accommodation section CT2. The roll RB is accommodated in the paper feed tray TR so that its axis is parallel to the front of the paper feed tray TR. The axis of the roll RB is the axis of rotation of the roll RB when the roll paper RP is pulled out from the roll RB accommodated in the first accommodation section CT1. In the example shown in FIG. 7, in the space SP, the roll RB is supported by a portion of the bottom surface of the paper feed tray TR and a member 10 provided above the bottom surface of the paper feed tray TR. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the connection between the lowest surface forming the space SP and the surface forming the space SP closest to the front of the paper feed tray TR is curved to follow the outer circumferential surface of the roll RB in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the roll RB. For convenience of explanation, the connection portion will be referred to as the target connection portion below.

[0030] The member 10 has a wound body support region 10A and a cut-sheet support region 10B. The wound body support region 10A is a region of the member 10 that has a curved surface that curves along the outer circumferential surface of the wound body RB in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the wound body RB. Therefore, the wound body RB is rotatably supported within the space SP by the target connection portion and the curved surface. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the first storage section CT1 described above is composed of the target connection portion and the wound body support region 10A. The cut-sheet support region 10B is a plate-shaped region of the member 10 that has a placement surface on which one or more cut sheets CP are placed. Therefore, in this example, the second storage section CT2 described above is composed of the cut-sheet support region 10B. The bottom surfaces of the wound body support region 10A and the cut-sheet support region 10B are connected without any steps. The roll support portion 10A and the cut paper support portion 10B may be configured to be separated from each other and not connected to each other.

[0031] Furthermore, member 10 is spaced above the lowest surface that defines space SP. That is, there is a gap between this surface and member 10 in paper feed tray TR. This gap functions as a roll paper passage PP along which roll paper RP passes as it is pulled from roll RB into the interior of printer 1. Note that Figure 7 shows roll paper RP being pulled into printer 1 through roll paper passage PP.

[0032] An opening HL is also formed in the cut-sheet support area 10B. The opening HL is formed so that when no cut sheets CP are stored in the second storage unit CT2, the rollers of the second transport unit R2 (described later) can come into contact with the rolled sheet RP passing through the rolled sheet path PP. The opening HL may be openable and closable using a plate-like member such as a flap. The opening HL is not an essential component in the first embodiment. That is, the first embodiment may be configured so that the opening HL is not formed and the rollers of the second transport unit R2 (described later) cannot come into contact with the rolled sheet RP passing through the rolled sheet path PP.

[0033] In the paper feed tray TR, the path taken by the roll paper RP transported into the printing device 1 via the roll paper passage PP and the path taken by the cut sheet CP transported from the second storage unit CT2 by the second transport unit R2 merge just before the cutting unit CT. In FIG. 7, the area where these two paths merge is indicated by the area enclosed by the dotted line RR. After these two paths merge, the roll paper RP and the cut sheet CP are transported sequentially along a common path to the cutting unit CT and the printing unit PR, respectively. Therefore, this common path is formed in the printing device 1. This allows the printing device 1 to be smaller compared to a case where the path taken by the roll paper RP transported into the printing device 1 via the roll paper passage PP and the path taken by the cut sheet CP transported from the second storage unit CT2 by the second transport unit R2 do not merge. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this common path will be referred to as the common transport path.

[0034] One or more cut sheets CP stored in the second storage unit CT2 are separated one by one before being transported to the common transport path. Therefore, the printing device 1 has a separation slope SL that separates one or more cut sheets CP stored in the second storage unit CT2 one by one. That is, by providing the separation slope SL, the printing device 1 can separate one or more cut sheets CP stored in the second storage unit CT2 one by one before being transported to the common transport path. Furthermore, the roll paper RP pulled out from the wound sheet RB stored in the first storage unit CT1 has a guide unit GD that guides the roll paper RP to the common transport path before being transported to the common transport path. Therefore, the printing device 1 can guide the leading edge of the roll paper RP in the transport direction to the common transport path with little load. For these reasons, in the printing device 1, the common transport path is located downstream of the separation slope SL in the transport direction of the print medium. Furthermore, in the printing device 1, the separation slope SL is located downstream of the guide unit GD in the transport direction of the print medium. The guide section GD is not connected to the common transport path, but rather has a curved shape that connects to the separation slope SL, as shown in FIG. 7. This allows the printing device 1 to prevent the leading edge of the roll paper RP from colliding with the separation slope SL and causing transport problems. The guide section GD may be configured to impose a smaller sliding load on the printing medium than the separation slope SL. This is because, when guiding the roll paper RP to the common transport path, it is not necessary to separate the roll paper RP one sheet at a time, as is the case with cut sheets CP. In this case, the printing device 1 can prevent transport problems from occurring due to a collision between the roll paper RP and the guide section GD. However, the separation slope SL may also form part of the common transport path. In this case, the guide section GD is connected to the common transport path.

[0035] In such a paper feed tray TR, the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB contained in the paper feed tray TR attached to the printing device 1 is transported by a first transport unit R1 into the interior of the printing device 1. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the first transport unit R1 shown in Figure 7. The first transport unit R1 has a roller R11, an actuator MT, and a transmission mechanism GRs that transmits the driving force of the actuator MT to the roller R11.

[0036] The roller R11 is arranged to support the roll RB at the target connection portion when the roll RB is housed in the first housing unit CT1. Therefore, in this case, the outer circumferential surface of the roller R11 abuts against the outer circumferential surface of the roll RB. This allows the printing device 1 to easily transport the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB. The roller R11 rotates due to the driving force transmitted from the actuator MT via the transmission mechanism GRs, causing the roll RB to rotate. For ease of explanation, the direction in which the roll RB rotates when the roll paper RP is pulled out from the roll RB will be referred to as the forward rotation direction, and the direction in which the roll RB rotates when the roll paper RP is rewound onto the roll RB will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction. For ease of explanation, hereinafter, rotating the wound body RB in the forward rotation direction will be referred to as "rotating the wound body RB forward," and rotating the wound body RB in the reverse rotation direction will be referred to as "rotating the wound body RB reversely." The roller R11 is provided with a gear that meshes with a gear of the transmission mechanism GRs. The gear is coaxial with the roller R11 and rotates together with the roller R11.

[0037] The transmission mechanism GRs is, for example, a gear train having a plurality of gears. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the transmission mechanism GRs is composed of a pinion provided on the rotation shaft of the actuator MT and five gears. However, instead of this, the transmission mechanism GRs may be another mechanism capable of transmitting the driving force of the actuator MT to the roller R11.

[0038] The actuator MT is, for example, a servo motor, but is not limited to this. The actuator MT has a rotating shaft, and transmits the rotation of the rotating shaft to the roller R11 via a transmission mechanism GRs, causing the roller R11 to rotate forward or reverse. The actuator MT then rotates the roller R11 forward, transporting the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB into the interior of the printing device 1.

[0039] The roll paper RP transported by the first transport unit R1 is transported into the interior of the printing device 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the roll paper RP transported in this way passes between the print head C2 supported by the carriage C1 of the printing device 1 and the platen C3 of the printing device 1, whereby an image is printed. The carriage C1, print head C2, and platen C3 each make up the printing unit PR in the printing device 1. Of the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB, the roll paper RP after an image has been printed by the printing unit PR is separated by the cutting unit CT from the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB before an image has been printed by the printing unit PR. For this reason, in the printing device 1, the cutting unit CT is located upstream of the printing unit PR on the path along which the roll paper RP passes. The first transport unit R1 may also be configured to be provided in the paper feed tray TR.

[0040] Furthermore, one or more cut sheets CP stored in a paper feed tray TR attached to the printing device 1 are transported one by one into the interior of the printing device 1 by a second transport unit R2 provided in the printing device 1. The second transport unit R2 has, for example, a roller that transports one or more cut sheets CP one by one into the interior of the printing device 1. The rotation axis of the roller is parallel to the axis of the roll RB. The second transport unit R2 is provided in the printing device 1 so as to be able to swing about a rotation axis AX1 located above the roller on the front side of the paper feed tray TR. The roller abuts against the top surface of the uppermost cut sheet CP among the one or more cut sheets CP. Therefore, the second transport unit R2 transports the cut sheet CP into the interior of the printing device 1 as printing media. The rotation axis AX1 is parallel to the axis of the roll RB. The second transport unit R2 may also be configured to be provided in the paper feed tray TR.

[0041] As described above, in the paper feed tray TR, the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB and one or more cut sheets CP are each transported by separate members. Therefore, the printing device 1 does not need to switch the print media stored in the paper feed tray TR depending on the print job that specifies either the roll paper RP or the cut sheets CP as the print medium, thereby improving usability.

[0042] <Detection of print media storage status by printing device> The printing device 1 detects whether the roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 and whether the cut sheet CP is stored in the second storage unit CT2, and performs processing according to the detection results. For this reason, the printing device 1 has four detection units: a first detection unit S1, a second detection unit S2, a third detection unit S3, and a fourth detection unit S4, as shown in FIG.

[0043] The first detector S1 detects whether the roll RB is accommodated in the first storage unit CT1. The first detector S1 is, for example, a contact sensor, but is not limited to this. The first detector S1 is provided, for example, in the roll support portion 10A of the paper feed tray TR.

[0044] The second detection unit S2 detects whether the print medium against which the rollers of the second transport unit R2 are abutting is roll paper RP or one or more sheets of cut paper CP. The third detection unit S3 detects whether one or more sheets of cut paper CP are stored in the second storage unit CT2. The third detection unit S3 is located higher than the second detection unit S2. Therefore, if the rollers of the second transport unit R2 abut against the roll paper RP through the opening HL when no cut paper CP is stored in the second storage unit CT2, the second detection unit S2 detects the roll paper RP. However, the third detection unit S3 does not detect the roll paper RP even in this case. Each of the second detection unit S2 and the third detection unit S3 is, for example, a contact sensor, but is not limited to this. Each of the second detection unit S2 and the third detection unit S3 is, for example, mounted on the second transport unit R2 so as to be swingable around the rotation axis AX1 together with the second transport unit R2. However, the second detector S2 and the third detector S3 are provided on the second transport unit R2 so that the relative position and posture between the second detector S2 and the third detector S3 do not change due to the swinging of the second transport unit R2. In the first embodiment, the second detector S2 is not an essential component. That is, in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to use the third detector S3 to detect one or more cut sheets CP and to determine whether the printing medium against which the rollers of the second transport unit R2 are abutting is roll paper RP or one or more cut sheets CP. In particular, if the opening HL is not formed and the rollers of the second transport unit R2 cannot abut on roll paper RP passing through the roll paper passage PP, the printing medium against which the rollers of the second transport unit R2 are abutting is one or more cut sheets CP.

[0045] The fourth detection unit S4 is provided in front of two rollers that transport the print medium between the print head C2 and the platen C3 on the print medium transport path. The fourth detection unit S4 detects whether the print medium has passed through this position. The fourth detection unit S4 is, for example, an optical sensor, but is not limited to this.

[0046] The printing device 1 detects the storage of a roll RB in the first storage unit CT1 and the storage of a cut sheet CP in the second storage unit CT2 based on the detection results of the first, second, and third detection units S1, S2, and S3, respectively, among the first through fourth detection units S1 through S4. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list of the detection results of the storage status of the print media by the printing device 1. In FIG. 9, "ON" indicates that the first detection unit S1 has detected the storage of a roll RB. In FIG. 9, "OFF" indicates that the first detection unit S1 has not detected the storage of a roll RB. In FIG. 9, "ON" indicates that the second detection unit S2 has detected the storage of cut sheet CP or the roll paper RP in the roll paper passage path PP. In FIG. 9, "OFF" indicates that the second detection unit S2 has not detected both the storage of cut sheet CP and the roll paper RP in the roll paper passage path PP. 9, "ON" indicates that the third detection unit S3 has detected the storage of cut sheet CP. Also, in FIG. 9, "OFF" indicates that the third detection unit S3 has not detected the storage of cut sheet CP.

[0047] 9, when the first to third detectors S1 to S3 are all "OFF," the first storage unit CT1 does not store a rolled paper RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 does not store a cut sheet CP. Therefore, in this case, neither the rolled paper RP nor the cut sheet CP contacts the rollers of the second transport unit R2.

[0048] 9, the first detector S1 and the second detector S2 being "OFF" and the third detector S3 being "ON" is an inevitability event. In other words, the first detector S1 and the second detector S2 being "OFF" and the third detector S3 being "ON" cannot actually occur.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, when the first detector S1 and the third detector S3 are "OFF" and the second detector S2 is "ON," the first storage unit CT1 does not store a roll RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 does not store cut sheets CP. However, roll paper RP that has been pulled out from the roll RB may remain in the roll paper passage PP. This may occur, for example, when the printing device 1 pulls out all of the roll RP wound as the roll RB from the first storage unit CT1. In such a case, the roll paper RP may come into contact with the rollers of the second transport unit R2.

[0050] 9, when the first detector S1 is "OFF" and the second detector S2 and the third detector S3 are "ON," the first storage unit CT1 does not store a roll RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 stores a cut sheet CP. Furthermore, in this case, the cut sheet CP contacts the rollers of the second transport unit R2.

[0051] 9, when the first detector S1 is "ON" and the second detector S2 and the third detector S3 are "OFF," the first storage unit CT1 stores a roll RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 does not store a cut sheet CP. Therefore, the roll paper RP does not contact the rollers of the second transport unit R2. This is because the roll paper RP has not yet been pulled from the roll RB to the roll paper path PP.

[0052] 9, the first detector S1 and the third detector S3 being "ON" and the second detector S2 being "OFF" is a null event. In other words, the first detector S1 and the third detector S3 being "ON" and the second detector S2 being "OFF" cannot actually occur.

[0053] 9, when the first detector S1 and the second detector S2 are "ON" and the third detector S3 is "OFF," the first storage unit CT1 stores a roll RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 does not store a cut sheet CP. Therefore, in this case, the roll paper RP abuts against the rollers of the second transport unit R2. This is because the roll paper RP has been pulled out from the roll RB to the roll paper passage PP.

[0054] 9, when the first to third detectors S1 to S3 are "ON," the first storage unit CT1 stores a roll RB. Furthermore, in this case, the second storage unit CT2 stores a cut sheet CP. Therefore, in this case, the cut sheet CP contacts the rollers of the second transport unit R2.

[0055] In this way, the printing device 1 can detect the storage status of the printing media according to the detection results of each of the first to third detection units S1 to S3.

[0056] <Hardware configuration of the printing device> The hardware configuration of the printing device 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the printing device 1.

[0057] The printing device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, an input reception unit 13, a communication unit 14, a display unit 15, a printing unit PR, and a moving unit CR. These components are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. The printing device 1 also communicates with other devices, such as information processing devices, via the communication unit 14. Examples of such information processing devices include, but are not limited to, notebook PCs (Personal Computers), desktop PCs, workstations, tablet PCs, multi-function mobile phone terminals (smartphones), and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants).

[0058] The control unit 11 controls the entire printing device 1. The control unit 11 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control unit 11 executes various programs stored in the storage unit 12, for example, to perform various processes performed by the printing device 1.

[0059] The storage unit 12 is a storage device that includes, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). Note that instead of being built into the printing device 1, the storage unit 12 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as a universal serial bus (USB). The storage unit 12 stores various types of information, images, and programs processed by the printing device 1. In other words, the various types of information stored in the printing device 1 are stored in the storage unit 12.

[0060] The input reception unit 13 is an input device that receives operations to the printing device 1. The input reception unit 13 may be, for example, a hardware key such as a button, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 15, or another input device.

[0061] The communication unit 14 is a communication device that includes, for example, a digital input / output port such as a USB, an Ethernet (registered trademark) port, an antenna for wireless communication, and the like.

[0062] The display unit 15 is a display device including a liquid crystal display or the like.

[0063] <Processing performed by the printing device when a print job is accepted> The processing performed by the printing device 1 when a print job is accepted will be described below with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the printing device 1 when a print job is accepted. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the printing device 1 accepts a print job from an information processing device communicatively connected to the printing device 1 at a timing before the processing of step S110 shown in FIG. 11 is performed. Here, a print job is information including a command requesting the printing device 1 to print an image. The printing device 1 accepts the print job via, for example, the input acceptance unit 13, the communication unit 14, etc. The print job includes image data indicating an image to be printed on a print medium. The print job also includes information indicating whether the print medium on which the image is to be printed is roll paper RP or cut paper CP. For convenience of explanation, a print job that requests printing an image on at least one sheet of one or more cut sheets CP will be referred to as a cut-sheet print job. For convenience of explanation, a print job that requests printing an image on roll paper RP pulled from a roll RB will be referred to as a roll-paper print job. In the following, unless there is a need to distinguish between cut-sheet printing jobs and roll-sheet printing jobs, they will be collectively referred to as print jobs. To simplify the explanation, the following describes, as an example, a case in which the printing device 1 receives a print job that requests printing an image on one sheet of printing media at a given timing. The cut-sheet printing job may be a single-sided printing job or a double-sided printing job. A single-sided printing job is a cut-sheet printing job that requests printing an image on only one of the two sides of a cut sheet CP. A double-sided printing job is a cut-sheet printing job that requests printing an image on each of the two sides of a cut sheet CP.

[0064] After accepting a print job, the control unit 11 determines whether the accepted print job is a roll paper print job (step S110). In Figure 11, the processing of step S110 is indicated by "Use roll paper?". Note that the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 11 may start with the processing of determining whether the accepted print job in step S110 is a cut paper print job.

[0065] If the control unit 11 determines that the received print job is a roll paper print job (step S110-YES), it determines whether or not a roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 based on the detection results of the first to third detection units S1 to S3 (step S120). In Figure 11, the processing of step S120 is indicated by "Roll paper stored?"

[0066] When the control unit 11 determines that the wound body RB is not accommodated in the first storage unit CT1 (step S120-NO), it causes the display unit 15 to display an error message indicating that the wound body RB is not accommodated in the first storage unit CT1 (step S160), and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Note that the control unit 11 may prompt the user to accommodate the wound body RB in the first storage unit CT1.

[0067] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the rolled body RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 (step S120-YES), it starts transporting the roll paper RP and prints the image indicated by the image data included in the accepted print job onto the roll paper RP (step S130).

[0068] Next, the control unit 11 uses the cutting unit CT to cut the roll paper RP being printed on in step S130 from the roll paper RP not being printed on (step S140). This separates the roll paper RP being printed on in step S130 from the roll RB. The cutting in step S140 can be performed during printing, or after printing has finished. For example, if the printing unit PR and the cutting unit CT are separated in the transport direction of the roll paper RP, the printer 1 can perform the cutting in step S140 during printing, eliminating the need to return the roll paper RP for cutting and improving throughput.

[0069] Next, the control unit 11 performs printing as needed on the roll paper RP after it has been separated from the roll RB in step S140, ejects the roll paper RP after printing has been completed (step S150), and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11.

[0070] On the other hand, if control unit 11 determines that the received print job is not a roll paper print job (step S110-NO), it determines that the received print job is a cut sheet print job. Then, control unit 11 determines whether one or more cut sheets CP are stored in second storage unit CT2 based on the detection results of first detection unit S1 to third detection unit S3 (step S170). In Figure 11, the processing of step S170 is indicated by "Cut sheets stored?"

[0071] When the control unit 11 determines that one or more cut sheets CP are stored in the second storage unit CT2 (step S170-YES), it determines whether or not a roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 based on the detection results of the first to third detection units S1 to S3 (step S180). In Figure 11, the processing of step S180 is indicated by "Roll paper stored?"

[0072] If the control unit 11 determines that the roll RB is not stored in the first storage unit CT1 (step S180-NO), it starts transporting the cut sheet CP and prints the image indicated by the image data included in the accepted print job onto the cut sheet CP (step S200).

[0073] Next, the control unit 11 ejects the cut sheet CP after printing in step S200 (step S210), and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0074] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 (step S180-YES), it controls the first transport unit R1 to reversely rotate the roll RB and rewind the roll paper RP onto the roll RB by a predetermined rewinding amount (step S190). This rewinding amount can be any amount that prevents double feeding of the roll paper RP and cut sheets CP. Examples of this rewinding amount include an amount that allows the leading edge of the roll paper RP to retract from the common transport path, or an amount that prevents the leading edge of the roll paper RP from being visible through the opening HL. However, this rewinding amount is an amount that prevents the leading edge of the roll paper RP from being rewound onto the roll RB. This is because if the leading edge of the roll paper RP were to be rewound onto the roll RB, the user would have to pull the roll paper RP out of the roll RB. By rewinding the leading edge of the roll paper RP in this way, the printing device 1 can prevent double feeding of cut sheets CP and the roll paper RP. The printing device 1 may be configured to have a sensor that detects the roll paper RP located just before the cutting unit CT on the common transport path. In this case, the control unit 11 may be configured to execute the process of step S190 when the sensor detects the roll paper RP in step S180. In FIG. 11, the process of step S190 is indicated by "rewinding roll paper." After the process of step S190 is performed, the control unit 11 proceeds to step S200, starts transporting the cut paper CP, and prints onto the cut paper CP the image indicated by the image data included in the accepted print job.

[0075] In step S180, the determination of whether the roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 may be a determination of whether the previous print job was a roll paper print job. If the previous print job was a roll paper print job, the leading edge of the roll paper RP cut by the cutting unit CT in the previous print job may be located near the cutting unit CT downstream of the common transport path. Therefore, if the previous print job was a roll paper print job, the roll paper RP is located on the common transport path, and the printing device 1 can effectively prevent double feeding by rewinding the roll RB.

[0076] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that one or more cut sheets CP are not stored in the second storage unit CT2 (step S170-NO), it determines whether or not a roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 based on the detection results of the first to third detection units S1 to S3 (step S220). In Figure 11, the processing of step S220 is indicated by "Roll paper stored?"

[0077] If the control unit 11 determines that the roll RB is not stored in the first storage unit CT1 (step S220-NO), it causes the display unit 15 to display an error message indicating that the cut paper CP is not stored in the second storage unit CT2 (step S270), and terminates the processing of the flowchart shown in Figure 11.

[0078] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the roll RB is stored in the first storage unit CT1 (YES in step S220), it determines whether predetermined alternative printing conditions are met (step S230). In FIG. 11, the processing of step S230 is indicated by "Condition met?" Here, the alternative printing conditions are conditions that are met when printing can be performed on roll paper RP instead of cut paper CP. The alternative printing conditions include, for example, the following two conditions, Condition 1 and Condition 2.

[0079] Condition 1: The length of one of the long and short sides of the cut-sheet print job is a first length, and the length of the other of the long and short sides of the cut-sheet print job is a second length. Condition 2: The axial length of the wound body RB is the first length described above.

[0080] The first length is, for example, the length of the long side or the short side of an A4 sheet of paper, but is not limited to this. The second length is a length determined based on the first length. For example, if the first length is the length of the long side of an A4 sheet of paper, the second length is the length of the short side of the A4 sheet of paper. The alternative printing conditions are determined to be met when both Condition 1 and Condition 2 above are met. On the other hand, the alternative printing conditions are determined to be not met when at least one of Condition 1 and Condition 2 above is not met. When the alternative printing conditions are met, the roll paper RP can be used in place of the cut paper CP by cutting it so that its length in the transport direction is the second length.

[0081] If the control unit 11 determines that the alternative printing conditions are not met (step S230-NO), it proceeds to step S270, causes the display unit 15 to display an error message indicating that no cut sheet CP is stored in the second storage unit CT2, and ends the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Note that the control unit 11 may also prompt the user to store cut sheet CP of an appropriate size in the second storage unit CT2.

[0082] On the other hand, if the control unit 11 determines that the alternative printing conditions are met (step S230-YES), it starts transporting the roll paper RP and prints the image indicated by the image data included in the accepted print job onto the roll paper RP (step S240).

[0083] Next, the control unit 11 causes the cutting unit CT to cut the roll paper RP on which the image was printed in step S240 so that the length in the transport direction of the roll paper RP is a second length (step S250). The control unit 11 performs the process of step S250 regardless of whether the received print job is a single-sided print job or a double-sided print job. This allows the printing device 1 to print an image on the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB contained in the paper feed tray TR, even if no cut sheets CP are contained in the paper feed tray TR. Furthermore, this allows the printing device 1 to print an image on the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB in the paper feed tray TR, for example, when the printing device 1 receives a double-sided print job or a single-sided print job on at least one of the cut sheets CP whose long sides have the first length, or when the printing device 1 receives a single-sided print job on at least one of one or more cut sheets whose short sides have the first length, print an image on the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB based on the print job, and cause the cutting unit CT to cut the roll paper RP on which the image was printed so that the length in the transport direction of the roll paper RP is the second length. In other words, in the case of double-sided printing, the printing device 1 substitutes for cut sheet CP by printing on roll paper RP only when the width direction is the long side in addition to the above conditions 1 and 2, and in the case of single-sided printing, the printing device 1 can substitute for cut sheet CP by printing on roll paper RP when the above conditions 1 and 2 are met. As a result, when the long side is parallel to the width direction, the printing device 1 prints images on roll paper RP in both double-sided and single-sided printing because double-sided printing is possible, and when the short side is parallel to the width direction, the printing device 1 prints images on roll paper RP only in single-sided printing, thereby reducing transport problems.

[0084] One way to prevent the paper feed tray TR from becoming larger is to restrict the maximum size cut sheet CP that can be printed by the printing device 1 to printing only using long edge feed (long edge feed), with the long edge being the width direction, and not using short edge feed (short edge feed), with the short edge being the width direction. With this configuration, roll paper RP is provided in the paper feed tray TR in an area upstream of the cut sheet CP loading area in the transport direction, preventing the paper feed tray TR from becoming larger. However, in this case, if the length of the inversion path is set based on the length of the short edge of the maximum size cut sheet CP, there is a risk that the paper cannot be inverted when a single-sided print job is executed on cut sheet CP whose short edge is the first length. Therefore, when a double-sided or single-sided printing job is received for at least one of the cut sheets CP whose long sides are the first length, or when a single-sided printing job is received for at least one of the cut sheets CP whose short sides are the first length, an image is printed on the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB based on the print job, and the roll paper RP is cut by the cutting unit CT so that the length in the transport direction of the roll paper RP on which the image is printed is the second length. This improves usability and reduces the possibility of transport errors. Furthermore, in this case, printing is possible based on a print job for a size that cannot be printed on cut sheet CP, thereby improving usability. Note that the printing device 1 may also be configured to perform alternative printing only for single-sided printing jobs when the second length is longer than the short side of the largest printable size cut sheet CP.

[0085] Note that if the alternative printing conditions are always met based on the type of cut sheet CP that can be accommodated in paper feed tray TR and the width of roll RB that can be accommodated in paper feed tray TR, printing device 1 may omit determining whether the alternative printing conditions are met in step S230. Also, printing device 1 may be configured to make this determination based on the detection results of a detection unit that detects the size of cut sheet CP accommodated in paper feed tray TR, or may be configured to make this determination based on information indicating the size input by the user.

[0086] Next, the control unit 11 prints as needed on the roll paper RP after it has been cut by the cutting unit CT and separated from the roll RB in step S250, and then ejects the roll paper RP after printing has been completed (step S260), ending the processing of the flowchart shown in Fig. 11. Note that if the cut-sheet printing job is a single-sided printing job, the printing device 1 ejects the paper after printing on one side is complete, but if the cut-sheet printing job is a double-sided printing job, the printing device 1 turns over the roll paper RP cut in step S250 after printing on the front side is complete, and ejects the paper after printing on the back side is complete.

[0087] As described above, when the first detection unit S1 detects the storage of the roll RB and a roll paper printing job is received, the printing device 1 transports the roll paper RP as the printing medium using the first transport unit R1, and when the third detection unit S3 detects the storage of one or more cut sheets CP and a cut paper printing job is received, the printing device 1 transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets CP as the printing medium using the second transport unit R2. This eliminates the need for the printing device 1 to switch the printing medium stored in the paper feed tray TR depending on whether the print job is a cut paper printing job or a roll paper printing job, thereby improving the usability of the printing device 1.

[0088] Furthermore, when the first detection unit S1 detects the storage of the roll RB and the third detection unit S3 detects the storage of one or more cut sheets CP, and the printer 1 receives a cut-sheet printing job, the first transport unit R1 reverses the rotation of the roll RB and rewinds the roll paper RP onto the roll RB before the second transport unit R2 transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets CP as printing media. This allows the printer 1 to prevent double-feeding of cut sheets CP and roll paper RP.

[0089] Furthermore, when the first detector S1 detects the presence of a roll RB whose axial length is a first length and the third detector S3 does not detect the presence of one or more cut sheets CP, and the printer 1 receives a cut-sheet printing job requesting printing an image on one or more cut sheets CP whose long and short sides are the first length and whose other long and short sides are the second length, the printer 1 prints an image on the roll paper RP pulled from the roll RB based on the cut-sheet printing job and then causes the cutting unit CT to cut the roll paper RP so that the length of the roll paper RP on which the image is printed in the transport direction is the second length. This allows the printer 1 to print using the roll paper RP without refilling the paper feed tray TR with cut sheets CP, even if the second storage unit CT2 does not contain any cut sheets CP, as long as the alternative printing conditions are met. As a result, the printer 1 can more reliably improve its usability. In the printing device 1, substitute printing using roll paper RP may be applied when the third detection unit S3 detects that one or more cut sheets CP are stored but the cut sheets CP suitable for the cut-sheet print job are not stored. The printing device 1 may also allow the user to select a mode in which substitute printing using roll paper RP is performed or a mode in which substitute printing is not performed.

[0090] In the printing apparatus 1 described above, the first transport section R1 may be configured to come into contact with the wound body RB from any direction to rotate the wound body RB. Furthermore, in the printing device 1 described above, the first transport unit R1 may be configured to directly rotate the axis of the wound body RB, which means, for example, that the first transport unit R1 may come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the wound body RB to rotate the wound body RB. In the printing device 1 described above, the first transport section R1 may be a pair of rollers that nip the roll paper RP that is pulled out from the roll RB by the user's hand. The printing device 1 described above may also be configured to include a detection unit that detects when the roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB runs out. For example, if the roll RB has a core and the end of the roll paper RP is glued to the core, the detection unit detects when the roll paper RP runs out in response to fluctuations in the load on the rollers of the second transport unit R2. For example, if the roll RB has a core and the end of the roll paper RP is not glued to the core, the detection unit detects when the roll paper RP runs out by detecting the rear end of the roll paper RP. The detection unit may also detect when the leading edge of the roll paper RP does not reach the roller. The detection unit may also be configured to detect when the roll paper RP runs out using other methods.

[0091] Furthermore, instead of the configuration in which the first conveying unit R1 described above rotates the wound body RB by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the wound body RB, the first conveying unit R1 may be configured to rotate the wound body RB by contacting at least one of both ends in the axial direction of the wound body RB. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first conveying unit R1.

[0092] In the example shown in FIG. 12, the first transport section R1 has a roller R12, an actuator MT, and a transmission mechanism GRs2 that transmits the driving force of the actuator MT to the roller R12.

[0093] When the wound body RB is housed in the first housing unit CT1, the roller R12 is arranged to be able to abut below the end of the wound body RB that is closer to the positive Y-axis than both ends in the axial direction. This allows the printing device 1 to prevent roller marks from being left on the surface of the roll paper RP. This also allows the printing device 1 to improve the positioning accuracy of the wound body RB in the paper feed tray TR. The roller R12 is supported by a jig that can rotate around a predetermined rotation axis and is rotatable between a position where it abuts below the end and a position where it is spaced apart from the end. In other words, in this case, the roller R12 abuts below the end. The roller R12 rotates due to the driving force transmitted from the actuator MT via the transmission mechanism GRs2, rotating the wound body RB. The roller R12 is provided with a gear that meshes with a gear of the transmission mechanism GRs2. This gear is coaxial with the roller R12 and rotates together with the roller R12. It is desirable that the roller R12 be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber or elastomer.

[0094] The transmission mechanism GRs2 is, for example, a gear train including multiple gears that rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the Z axis, multiple gears that rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the Y axis, and a pair of bevel gears that connect these gears. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the transmission mechanism GRs2 is composed of a pinion provided on the rotation axis of the actuator MT, four gears that mesh with the pinion, a bevel gear that meshes with one of the four gears, a bevel gear that meshes with the bevel gear to convert the rotation axis from an axis parallel to the Y axis to an axis parallel to the Z axis, and three gears that mesh with the bevel gear. One of the three gears meshes with a gear coaxial with the roller R12. As a result, the transmission mechanism GRs2 transmits the rotation of the rotation axis of the actuator MT to the roller R12. Note that the transmission mechanism GRs2 may instead be another mechanism that can transmit the driving force of the actuator MT to the roller R12.

[0095] As described above, even though the printing device 1 is configured so that the first conveying section R1 rotates the wound body RB by abutting against at least one of the axial ends of the wound body RB, there is no need to change the printing media contained in the paper feed tray TR depending on the print job, thereby improving usability.

[0096] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0097] <Outline of printing device according to second embodiment> First, an overview of a printing device according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0098] A printing device according to a second embodiment includes a printing unit, a paper feed tray, and a transport unit. The printing unit prints images on print media. The paper feed tray has a first storage unit capable of housing a roll of roll paper used as the print medium and a second storage unit capable of housing one or more cut sheets used as the print medium, and is a tray that can slide parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined loading position and a pull-out position. The transport unit transports roll paper from the roll housed in the first storage unit as print media, and transports one or more cut sheets housed in the second storage unit individually as print media. The transport unit also transports the medium as print media by contacting either the roll paper pulled from the roll or the topmost cut sheet of one or more cut sheets in a predetermined transport area. The second storage section also has a first area RR1 in which one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section are stacked so that they can be transported one by one as printing media, and a second area RR2 in which one or more cut sheets are stacked so that roll paper pulled out from a roll stored in the first storage section can be transported as printing media. The first area RR1 includes a transport area, and the second area RR2 does not include a transport area. This allows the printing device to reduce the effort required to change printing media according to a print job, thereby improving usability.

[0099] The configuration of the printing device according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0100] <Configuration of printing device according to the second embodiment> The configuration of a printing device according to the second embodiment will be described below using printing device 2 as an example. However, printing device 2 has the same configuration as printing device 1 except that it has paper feed tray TR2 instead of paper feed tray TR, does not have first transport unit R1, and has second transport unit R2 as transport unit R3. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the configuration of paper feed tray TR2 will be described in detail. Note that in the second embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a user of printing device 2 will be simply referred to as a user. Also, in the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0101] 13 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a paper feed tray TR2 according to the second embodiment. The paper feed tray TR2 has the same configuration as the paper feed tray TR except that it includes a member 20 instead of the member 10. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the configuration of the member 20 will be described in detail.

[0102] The member 20 has a roll support portion 10A, a cut paper support portion 10B, a cut paper rear end support portion 10C, and a restricting portion 10D.

[0103] The cut-sheet rear end support portion 10C is a rectangular, flat member with a surface parallel to the front surface of the paper feed tray TR2. The cut-sheet rear end support portion 10C is a plate-like member that protrudes upward from the top surface of the cut-sheet support portion 10B and supports the rear ends of one or more cut sheets CP stacked on the top surface of the cut-sheet support portion 10B. The rear ends of one or more cut sheets CP refer to the ends of the one or more cut sheets CP that are upstream in the print medium transport direction. In other words, the rear ends of one or more cut sheets CP refer to the ends of the one or more cut sheets CP that are closest to the front surface of the paper feed tray TR2. The cut-sheet rear end support portion 10C is slidably mounted on the top surface parallel to the pull-out direction. Specifically, the cut-sheet-rear-end support section 10C is slidable between a first position where it supports the rear ends of one or more cut sheets CP in a first region RR1 of the regions of the second storage section CT2, and a second position where it supports the rear ends of one or more cut sheets CP in a second region RR2 of the regions of the second storage section CT2. Here, the first region RR1 is an area where one or more cut sheets CP stored in the second storage section CT2 are stacked so that they can be transported one by one as printing media. In other words, when one or more cut sheets CP are stacked in the first region RR1, the printer 2 can transport one or more cut sheets CP one by one as printing media using the transport section R3. Therefore, in this case, the printer 2 cannot transport roll paper RP pulled out from the roll RB as printing media. On the other hand, the second region RR2 is a region in which one or more cut sheets CP are stacked so that roll paper RP from the roll RB stored in the first storage unit CT1 can be transported as a printing medium. In other words, when one or more cut sheets CP are stacked in the second region RR2, the printer 2 can transport the roll paper RP as a printing medium using the transport unit R3. Therefore, in this case, the printer 2 cannot transport one or more cut sheets CP as a printing medium. In the example shown in FIG. 13, one or more cut sheets CP are stacked in the first region RR1. Note that in FIG. 13, the first region RR1 is a region that includes at least an area that overlaps with the multiple cut sheets CP shown in FIG. 13.In addition, in FIG. 13, the first position is the position where the cut-sheet rear end support portion 10C shown in FIG. 13 is located.

[0104] Here, the reason why the printing device 2 can transport the cut sheet CP when one or more cut sheets CP are loaded in the first region RR1 is because the first region RR1 includes a transport region. The transport region is an area where the rollers of the transport unit R3 can come into contact. Therefore, in this case, the rollers can come into contact with the uppermost cut sheet CP among the one or more cut sheets CP. On the other hand, when one or more cut sheets CP are loaded in the second region RR2, the second region RR2 does not include a transport region, so the rollers cannot come into contact with any of the one or more cut sheets CP. Therefore, in this case, the printing device 2 cannot transport the cut sheet CP. However, in this case, the opening HL of the cut sheet support portion 10B is not covered by the cut sheet CP and is exposed, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0105] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example of the paper feed tray TR2 when multiple cut sheets CP are stacked in the second region RR2. In FIG. 14, the second region RR2 is an area that includes at least an area that overlaps with the multiple cut sheets CP shown in FIG. 14. That is, in the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second region RR2 is an area located upstream of the first region RR1 in the print medium transport direction. Note that the second region RR2 may also be located adjacent to the first region RR1 in another direction. As shown in FIG. 14, in this case, the opening HL formed in the cut sheet support portion 10B is visible and not covered by the cut sheets CP. Note that in FIG. 14, the cut sheet trailing end support portion 10C is hidden behind the roll RB and cannot be seen because it is supporting the trailing ends of the multiple cut sheets CP at the second position.

[0106] The restricting unit 10D is a member that opens and closes the opening HL in response to a received operation. Specifically, the restricting unit 10D can change its position between a restricting position that restricts the downstream end of one or more cut sheets CP and a support position that supports one or more cut sheets CP placed in the first region RR1 in response to the received operation. This allows the printing device 2 to prevent the restricting unit 10D from interfering with the transport of the cut sheets CP. The downstream end of one or more cut sheets CP refers to the end of each of the one or more cut sheets CP that is located downstream in the transport direction. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the opening HL is closed by the restricting unit 10D. Therefore, the position of the restricting unit 10D in FIG. 13 is the support position. That is, in FIG. 13, the restricting unit 10D supports multiple cut sheets CP from below together with the cut sheet support region 10B. As a result, the restricting unit 10D is hidden behind the multiple cut sheets CP and is not visible in FIG. 13. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the opening HL is opened by the restricting portion 10D. In this example, the restricting portion 10D stands upright facing upward from the loading surface. That is, the position of the restricting portion 10D shown in FIG. 14 is the restricting position. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the restricting portion 10D abuts against the downstream ends of multiple cut sheets CP. Therefore, the restricting portion 10D restricts the movement of each of one or more cut sheets CP toward the downstream side in the transport direction of the print medium, that is, restricts the downstream ends of one or more cut sheets CP. This allows the printing device 2 to prevent the multiple cut sheets CP stacked in the second region RR2 from collapsing, which could result in failure to transport the roll paper RP. It is desirable that the upper surface of the restricting portion 10D in the support position and the upper surface of the cut-sheet support portion 10B be connected without any steps.

[0107] When one or more cut sheets CP are loaded in the second area RR2, the rollers of the transport unit R3 come into contact with the roll paper RP via the opening HL. In other words, the transport area overlaps the opening HL in the direction of gravity. This prevents the printer 2 from transporting the roll paper RP unless the restrictor 10D is shifted from the supporting position to the restricting position. This prevents the user from forgetting to change the position of the restrictor 10D from the supporting position to the restricting position when printing on the roll paper RP.

[0108] As described above, in the printing device 2, the second storage unit CT2 has a first area RR1 and a second area RR2. This allows the user to load one or more sheets of cut paper CP in either the first area RR1 or the second area RR2, depending on whether they want to use roll paper RP or cut paper CP as the printing medium. As a result, the printing device 2 can reduce the effort required to change printing media according to a print job, improving usability. Furthermore, because the printing device 2 can transport both roll paper RP and cut paper CP using a single transport unit R3, it is possible to simplify the structure, prevent increases in manufacturing costs, and prevent the printing device 2 from becoming larger.

[0109] <Modification 1 of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0110] In the printing device 2, the paper feed tray TR2 may be configured to be able to change its state between a first state in which the loading surface is located in the first region RR1 and a second state in which the loading surface is located in the second region RR2, as shown in Figures 15 and 16. In this case, the paper feed tray TR2 may be configured without the restricting unit 10D, or may be configured with the restricting unit 10D. The following describes, as an example, a case in which the paper feed tray TR2 does not include the restricting unit 10D.

[0111] 15 is a perspective view showing an example of a paper feed tray TR2 according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 2. In Modification 1, the housing of the paper feed tray TR2 is made up of a first housing B1 and a second housing B2.

[0112] The first housing B1 is a housing that constitutes the first housing unit CT1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the wound body support portion 10A is included in the first housing B1. Therefore, the wound body RB is housed in the first housing B1. The first housing B1 can be pulled out in the pull-out direction. However, the first housing B1 is provided slidably relative to the second housing B2 so as not to come off the second housing B2. That is, in Modification 1 of the second embodiment, the paper feed tray TR2 is extendable and retractable along the pull-out direction. In Modification 1, the placement surface slides relative to the second housing B2 together with the first housing B1 as the first housing B1 slides relative to the second housing B2. In other words, in Modification 1, the cut-sheet support portion 10B slides relative to the second housing B2 together with the first housing B1 as the first housing B1 slides relative to the second housing B2. As a result, in this modification 1, when the first housing B1 is pulled out from the second housing B2 in the pull-out direction, the cut sheets CP stacked on the loading surface move from the first area RR1 to the second area RR2, as shown in Fig. 16. This prevents the printer 2 from becoming larger when transporting the cut sheets CP.

[0113] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the paper feed tray TR2 in the second state. In the example shown in FIG. 16, a portion of the separation slope SL slides in the pull-out direction together with the first housing B1 as the separation slope SL2. Therefore, the separation slope SL2 restricts the downstream end of one or more cut sheets CP stacked on the loading surface of the paper feed tray TR2 in the second state. As a result, in the second state, the paper feed tray TR2 can prevent one or more cut sheets CP from collapsing, which could result in failure to transport the roll paper RP.

[0114] 15 and 16 may be a known structure or a structure to be developed in the future. Also, such state changes of the paper feed tray TR2 may be automatically performed by an actuator or the like.

[0115] <Modification 2 of the Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a second modification of the second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0116] In the printing device 2, the paper feed tray TR2 may have a separation slope SL3 instead of the separation slope SL, as shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the paper feed tray TR2 according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment.

[0117] In Modification 2 of the second embodiment, a separation slope SL3 is provided at the downstream end of the cut-sheet support section 10B. Therefore, in Modification 2, the guide section GD is not connected to the separation slope SL3, but has a curved shape that connects to the common transport path. In this case, the separation slope SL3 prevents the multiple cut sheets CP stacked on the loading surface of the paper feed tray TR2 from collapsing, thereby preventing failure to transport the roll paper RP.

[0118] Note that the printing device 2 according to the second embodiment may be capable of executing the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the printing device 2 determines in each of steps S120, S180, and S220 whether the area where one or more cut sheets CP are stacked is the second area RR2. Similarly, in this case, the printing device 2 determines in step S170 whether the area where one or more cut sheets CP are stacked is the first area RR1. In this determination, the printing device 2 can also use the detection results of the first through third detection units S1 through S3. This is because, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing device 2 can determine whether the print medium contacting the rollers of the second transport unit R2, i.e., the rollers of transport unit R3, is roll paper RP or cut paper CP.

[0119] Furthermore, the features described above may be combined in any manner. Substitute printing using roll paper RP in steps S220 to S260 of FIG. 11 may be applied to printing devices other than the printing device 1 of the first embodiment and the printing device 2 of the second embodiment. That is, substitute printing using roll paper RP may be applied to printing devices that, as in the prior art, cannot perform printing unless one of the roll paper RP pulled from the roll RB and one or more cut sheets CP, appropriate for the accepted print job, is housed in the paper feed tray TR, and the other sheet is not housed in the paper feed tray TR. Such a configuration can also reduce the number of times the roll RB and cut sheets CP need to be replaced, effectively improving usability.

[0120] <Appendix 1> [1] A printing device having a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium, a first storage unit that can store a roll of roll paper used as the printing medium, and a second storage unit that can store one or more cut sheets used as the printing medium, the printing device comprising: a paper feed tray that can slide parallel to a predetermined withdrawal direction between a predetermined mounting position and a withdrawal position; a first transport unit that transports the roll of paper from the roll stored in the first storage unit as the printing medium; and a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the printing medium. [2] The printing device according to [1], wherein the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by rotating the roll body around the axis of the roll body. [3] The printing device described in [2], wherein the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by contacting the outer peripheral surface of the roll and rotating the roll around its axis. [4] The printing device described in [2], wherein the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by contacting at least one of the ends of the roll in the axial direction of the roll and rotating the roll around the axis of the roll. [5] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [4], wherein the second transport unit abuts against the top surface of the cut sheet to be transported that is located at the top of the one or more cut sheets, and transports the cut sheet to be transported. [6] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [5], wherein a common transport path is formed through which both the roll paper pulled out from the wound body stored in the first storage section and each of the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section pass, and the roll paper pulled out from the wound body stored in the first storage section passes below the second storage section and joins the transport path. [7] The printing device described in [6], wherein the paper feed tray has a separation slope that separates the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section one by one, and a guide section that guides the roll paper pulled out from the roll stored in the first storage section to the transport path, the separation slope being located downstream of the guide section in the transport direction of the printing medium, and the guide section having a curved shape that connects to the separation slope. [8] The paper feed tray has a separation slope that separates the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section one by one, and a guide section that guides the roll paper pulled out from the roll stored in the first storage section to the transport path, the transport path being located downstream of the separation slope and the guide section in the transport direction of the printing medium, and the guide section is not connected to the separation slope but has a curved shape that connects to the transport path. [6] A printing device as described in. [9] The printing device according to [7] or [8], wherein the guide portion has a smaller sliding load on the printing medium than the separation slope.

[10] A printing device described in any one of [1] to [9], comprising a first detection unit that detects whether the roll is stored in the first storage unit, a second detection unit that detects whether the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage unit, and a control unit, wherein the control unit, when the first detection unit detects the storage of the roll and receives a print job requesting printing an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll, transports the roll paper as the printing medium using the first transport unit, and when the second detection unit detects the storage of one or more cut sheets and receives a print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets, transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the printing medium using the second transport unit.

[11] The printing device described in

[10] , wherein when the first detection unit detects the storage of the roll body, the second detection unit detects the storage of one or more cut sheets, and the control unit receives a print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets, the control unit causes the first transport unit to reverse rotate the roll body and rewind the roll paper onto the roll body before the second transport unit transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the printing medium.

[12]

[10] or

[11] . The printing device is provided with a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper pulled out from the reel, and when the first detection unit detects the storage of the reel having a first length in a width direction intersecting the transport direction and the second detection unit does not detect the storage of one or more cut sheets having one of the long sides and the short side having the first length and the other of the long sides and the short side having the second length, the control unit prints an image on the roll paper pulled out from the reel based on the print job and causes the cutting unit to cut the roll paper so that the length of the roll paper on which the image has been printed in the transport direction is the second length.

[13] a paper feed tray having a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium, a first storage unit that can store a roll of roll paper used as the print medium, and a second storage unit that can store one or more cut sheets used as the print medium, the paper feed tray being slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined loading position and a pull-out position; a first transport unit that transports the roll of roll paper stored in the first storage unit as the print medium; and a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the print medium, the method comprising: detecting whether the roll is stored in the first storage unit; a control method for detecting whether the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage unit, accepting a print job requesting printing of an image, and if the storage of the roll is detected and the print job requesting printing of an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll is accepted, transporting the roll paper as the print medium by the first transport unit, and if the storage of the one or more cut sheets is detected and the print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets is accepted, transporting at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium by the second transport unit.

[14]

[13] A control method as described in

[13] , wherein when the storage of the roll body is detected, the storage of one or more cut sheets is detected, and the print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets is received, the first transport unit reverses the rotation of the roll body and rewinds the roll paper onto the roll body before the second transport unit transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the printing medium.

[15] The printing device is equipped with a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper pulled out from the reel, and when the printing device detects the storage of the reel where the length in the width direction intersecting the transport direction is a first length, and has not detected the storage of one or more cut sheets where one of the long sides and the short side has the first length and the other of the long sides and the short side has a second length, the printing device prints an image on the roll paper pulled out from the reel based on the print job, and causes the cutting unit to cut the roll paper so that the length in the transport direction of the roll paper on which the image has been printed is the second length.

[13] or

[14]

[0121] <Appendix 2> [1] a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium; a paper feed tray having a first storage section capable of storing a roll of roll paper used as the printing medium and a second storage section capable of storing one or more cut sheets used as the printing medium, the paper feed tray being slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined mounting position and a pull-out position; a transport unit that transports the roll paper from the roll housed in the first housing unit as the printing medium and transports the one or more cut sheets housed in the second housing unit one by one as the printing medium; Equipped with the transport unit transports the medium as the printing medium by contacting either the roll paper pulled out from the roll body or the uppermost cut sheet of the one or more cut sheets in a predetermined transport area; the second storage section has a first area in which the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section are stacked in a state in which the one or more cut sheets can be transported one by one as the printing medium, and a second area in which the one or more cut sheets pulled out from the roll stored in the first storage section are stacked in a state in which the roll paper can be transported as the printing medium, the first region includes the transport region, The second region does not include the transport region. Printing device. [2] the transport region is located downstream in the first region in a transport direction of the print medium, the second region is located upstream of the first region in the transport direction of the print medium; [1] The printing device according to [1]. [3] the second storage section has a regulating section that regulates a downstream end in a conveyance direction of the one or more cut sheets placed in the second area; [1] or [2]. [4] the restricting unit can change its position between a restricting position in which it restricts the downstream edge of the one or more cut sheets and a supporting position in which it supports the one or more cut sheets placed in the first area, in response to a received operation. [3] The printing device according to [3]. [5] the restricting portion in the supporting posture overlaps with the transport area in the gravity direction; [4] The printing device according to [4]. [6] the regulating portion in the supporting position has a separating member on a surface that contacts the one or more cut sheets; [4] or [5]. [7] the second storage section can change its state between a first state in which a placement surface on which the one or more cut sheets are placed is located in the first area and a second state in which the placement surface is located in the second area, in response to a received operation. [1] or [2]. [8] the second storage section has a separation slope that separates the one or more cut sheets one by one; the separating slope restricts the downstream edge of the one or more cut sheets in the second state; [7] The printing device according to [7]. [9] a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium; a paper feed tray having a first storage section capable of storing a roll of roll paper used as the printing medium and a second storage section capable of storing one or more cut sheets used as the printing medium, the paper feed tray being slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined mounting position and a pull-out position; a first detection unit that detects whether the wound body is accommodated in the first accommodation unit; a second detection unit that detects whether or not the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage unit; a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper pulled out from the roll; A control unit; Equipped with When the control unit receives a print job requesting printing an image on the one or more cut sheets, one of whose long sides and short sides has the first length and the other of whose long sides and short sides has a second length, in a state in which the first detection unit has detected the storage of the roll having a first length in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction and the second detection unit has not detected the storage of the one or more cut sheets, the control unit prints an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll based on the print job, and causes the cutting unit to cut the roll paper so that the length of the roll paper on which the image has been printed in the transport direction is the second length. Printing device.

[10] The control unit When a double-sided printing job or a single-sided printing job for at least one of the one or more cut sheets whose long side has the first length is received, or when a single-sided printing job for at least one of the one or more cut sheets whose short side has the first length is received, an image is printed on the roll paper pulled out from the roll based on the print job, and the roll paper is cut by the cutting unit so that the length of the roll paper on which the image has been printed in the transport direction is the second length. [9] The printing device according to [9].

[0122] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and may be changed, substituted, deleted, etc. as long as it does not deviate from the gist of this disclosure.

[0123] Furthermore, a program for implementing the functions of any of the components of the device described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and then loaded into a computer system for execution. Here, the device in question may be, for example, a printing device 1. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and compact disks (CDs)-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0124] The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may also be a program for realizing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file or differential program that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1, 2...printing device, 10, 20...member, 10A...roll body support portion, 10B...cut paper support portion, 10C...cut paper rear end support portion, 10D...regulating portion, 11...control portion, 12...storage portion, 13...input receiving portion, 14...communication portion, 15...display portion, AX1...rotating shaft, B1...first housing, B2...second housing, BD...opening / closing cover, BL1...movable blade, BL2...fixed blade, BX...housing, CR...moving portion, C1...carriage, C2...print head, C3...platen, CP...cut paper, CT...cutting portion, CT1...first storage portion , CT2...second storage section, GD...guide section, GRs, GRs2...transmission mechanism, HL...opening, MT...actuator, PP...roll paper passage, PR...printing section, R1...first transport section, R2...second transport section, R3...transport section, R11, R12...roller, RB...roll body, RP...roll paper, RR1...first area, RR2...second area, S1...first detection section, S2...second detection section, S3...third detection section, S4...fourth detection section, SL, SL2, SL3...separation slope, TC...three-dimensional coordinate system, TR, TR2...paper feed tray

Claims

1. a printing unit that prints an image on a printing medium; a paper feed tray having a first storage section capable of storing a roll of roll paper used as the printing medium and a second storage section capable of storing one or more cut sheets used as the printing medium, the paper feed tray being slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined mounting position and a pull-out position; a first transport unit that transports the roll paper as the printing medium from the roll housed in the first housing unit; a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the printing medium; A printing device comprising:

2. the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by rotating the roll body around the axis of the roll body; The printing device of claim 1 .

3. the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by contacting an outer peripheral surface of the roll and rotating the roll around its axis. The printing device according to claim 2 .

4. the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the printing medium by contacting at least one of both ends of the roll in the axial direction of the roll and rotating the roll around the axis of the roll. The printing device according to claim 2 .

5. the second transport section comes into contact with an upper surface of the uppermost cut sheet to be transported among the one or more cut sheets, and transports the cut sheet to be transported; The printing device of claim 1 .

6. a common conveyance path is formed through which both the roll paper pulled out from the wound body contained in the first storage section and each of the one or more cut sheets contained in the second storage section pass, The roll paper pulled out from the wound body accommodated in the first accommodation section passes below the second accommodation section and joins the conveyance path. The printing device of claim 1 .

7. The paper feed tray is a separating slope that separates the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section one by one; a guide section that guides the roll paper pulled out from the roll housed in the first housing section to the transport path; and the separating slope is located downstream of the guide portion in the conveying direction of the print medium, The guide portion has a curved shape that connects to the separation slope. The printing device according to claim 6.

8. The paper feed tray is a separating slope that separates the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage section one by one; a guide section that guides the roll paper pulled out from the roll housed in the first housing section to the transport path; and the transport path is located downstream of the separating slope and the guide portion in a transport direction of the print medium, the guide portion is not connected to the separation slope and has a curved shape connected to the conveying path. The printing device according to claim 6.

9. the guide portion has a smaller sliding load on the printing medium than the separation slope; The printing device according to claim 7.

10. a first detection unit that detects whether the wound body is accommodated in the first accommodation unit; a second detection unit that detects whether or not the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage unit; A control unit; Equipped with The control unit When the first detection unit detects that the roll is stored and a print job is received that requests printing an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll, the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the print medium, When the second detection unit detects that the one or more cut sheets are stored and a print job is received that requests printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets, the second transport unit transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium.

10. A printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. when the first detection unit detects that the roll body is stored and the second detection unit detects that the one or more cut sheets are stored, and the control unit receives a print job that requests printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets, the control unit causes the first transport unit to reversely rotate the roll body and rewind the roll paper onto the roll body before the second transport unit transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium. The printing device of claim 10.

12. a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper pulled out from the roll, When the first detection unit has detected the storage of the roll having a first length in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction and the second detection unit has not detected the storage of the one or more cut sheets having the first length of one of the long sides and the short side and the second length of the other of the long sides and the short side, and a print job has been received requesting printing an image on the one or more cut sheets having the first length and the second length of the other of the long sides and the short side, the control unit prints an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll based on the print job and causes the cutting unit to cut the roll paper so that the length of the roll paper on which the image has been printed in the transport direction is the second length. The printing device of claim 10.

13. a paper feed tray having a printing unit that prints an image on a print medium, a first storage unit that can store a roll of roll paper used as the print medium, and a second storage unit that can store one or more cut sheets used as the print medium, the paper feed tray being slidable parallel to a predetermined pull-out direction between a predetermined loading position and a pull-out position; a first transport unit that transports the roll of paper stored in the first storage unit as the print medium; and a second transport unit that transports the one or more cut sheets stored in the second storage unit one by one as the print medium, detecting whether the wound body is accommodated in the first accommodation section; detecting whether the one or more cut sheets are stored in the second storage section; Accepts a print job requesting that an image be printed, When the storage of the roll is detected and the print job is received that requests printing an image on the roll paper pulled out from the roll, the first transport unit transports the roll paper as the print medium, when the storage of the one or more cut sheets is detected and the print job requesting printing an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets is received, the second conveying unit conveys at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium. Control method.

14. when the storage of the roll body is detected, the storage of the one or more cut sheets is detected, and the print job requesting printing of an image on at least one of the one or more cut sheets is received, the first transport unit reverses the rotation of the roll body and rewinds the roll paper onto the roll body before the second transport unit transports at least one of the one or more cut sheets as the print medium; The control method according to claim 13.

15. the printing device includes a cutting unit that cuts the roll paper pulled out from the roll, when the storage of the roll of paper having a length in a width direction intersecting with the transport direction that is a first length has been detected, and the storage of the one or more cut sheets having one of the long and short sides that is the first length and the other of the long and short sides that is a second length has not been detected, if the print job requesting printing an image on the one or more cut sheets having one of the long and short sides that is the first length and the other of the long and short sides that is the second length is received, an image is printed on the roll paper pulled out from the roll of paper based on the print job, causing the cutting unit to cut the roll paper on which the image has been printed so that the length in the transport direction of the roll paper is the second length; 15. The control method according to claim 13 or 14.

Images