Printing device

Abstract

To provide a printer that can detect a near-end state of roll paper without requiring a user to perform a special operation in response to a change in a posture, even when the posture of the printer is changed.SOLUTION: A printer includes: a first retractable portion 77 positioned at a first holding position when a diameter of roll paper R is larger than a first diameter, and positioned at a first release position when a diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the first diameter, when a printer 1 is installed in a first posture; a second retractable portion 89 positioned at a second holding position when a diameter of the roll paper R is larger than a second diameter, and positioned at a second release position when a diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the second diameter, when the printer 1 is installed in a second posture; and a detection unit that has a single sensor and detects a displacement of the first retractable portion 77 and a displacement of the second retractable portion 89 by a sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, a printer equipped with a paper end detector is known that detects when a roll of recording paper, which serves as a print medium, is near-end, i.e., when only a small amount of recording paper is remaining. The paper end detector has a detector that enters the core of the roll of paper when the roll of paper is near-end. In this printer, the position of the paper end detector is adjustable. Therefore, even if the installation angle of the printer is changed, the user can detect when the roll of paper is near-end by simply moving the paper end detector to a position that corresponds to the new installation position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-080781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional printers, if the installation angle of the printer is changed, the near-end state of the roll paper cannot be detected unless the user moves the paper end detector to a position that corresponds to the new installation angle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device of the present invention is a printing device equipped with a roll paper storage section that stores roll paper around which recording paper is wound, and a printing section that prints on recording paper pulled out from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section. The roll paper storage section has a first loading surface and a second loading surface, and when the printing device is installed in a first position with the first loading surface at the bottom, when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first loading surface is larger than the first diameter, the roll paper storage section is pressed down to a first pressing position, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter, the roll paper storage section is pressed down to a second pressing position. a first displacement section that is positioned at a first release position where it is released from pressure by the roll paper; a second displacement section that is positioned at the second pressure position where it is pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second loading surface is larger than the second diameter when the printing device is installed in a second attitude where the second loading surface is the bottom, and that is positioned at the second release position where it is released from pressure by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the second diameter; and a detection section that has a single sensor and detects the displacement of the first displacement section and the displacement of the second displacement section by the sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing device as seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printing device showing the roll paper guide attached to the roll paper compartment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the printing device showing the roll paper guide removed from the roll paper compartment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first overlapping region and a second overlapping region. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first rotating lever. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second rotating lever. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the printing device showing a state in which the light guide tube and the light receiving element are blocked from each other. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the printing device showing a state in which the gap between the light guide tube and the light receiving element is open. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is larger than a third diameter in a printing device installed in a first position. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is smaller than the third diameter and larger than the first diameter in a printing device installed in a first position. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is smaller than the first diameter in a printing device installed in a first position. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is larger than a fourth diameter in a printing device installed in a second position. FIG. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is smaller than the fourth diameter and larger than the second diameter in a printing device installed in the second position. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper compartment is smaller than the second diameter in the printing device installed in the second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Below, we will explain one embodiment of a printing device, printing device 1, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Printing device 1 is used, for example, as a receipt printer. Note that the following explanation uses directions based on the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure, but these directions are for convenience of explanation only and do not limit the following embodiment in any way. The +X direction is an example of the "right direction," the -X direction is an example of the "left direction," the +Y direction is an example of the "backward direction," the -Y direction is an example of the "forward direction," the +Z direction is an example of the "upward direction," and the -Z direction is an example of the "downward direction."

[0008] [Printing device appearance] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing device 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and has a first surface A, a second surface B, a third surface C (see FIG. 9), a fourth surface D, a fifth surface E, and a sixth surface F. An outlet 3 is provided on the first surface A. Printed recording paper P is discharged from the outlet 3 (see FIG. 11). When the printing device 1 is installed with the first surface A facing the -Y direction and the outlet 3 located at the end of the first surface A in the +Z direction, the surface facing the +Y direction is referred to as the second surface B, the surface facing the -X direction is referred to as the third surface C, the surface facing the +X direction is referred to as the fourth surface D, the surface facing the +Z direction is referred to as the fifth surface E, and the surface facing the -Z direction is referred to as the sixth surface F.

[0009] The printing device 1 can be installed in a first position (see FIG. 11) in which the first surface A, on which the discharge outlet 3 is provided, faces the -Y direction, and a second position (see FIG. 14) in which the first surface A faces the +Z direction. Therefore, when the user wants to discharge the recording paper P in the -Y direction, the user can install the printing device 1 in the first position in which the discharge outlet 3 faces the -Y direction, and when the user wants to discharge the recording paper P in the +Z direction, the user can install the printing device 1 in the second position in which the discharge outlet 3 faces the +Z direction.

[0010] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, directions in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system refer to directions in the printing device 1 installed in the first position. Furthermore, the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure represents directions in the printing device 1 installed in the first position in Figures 1 to 13, and represents directions in the printing device 1 installed in the second position in Figures 14 to 16.

[0011] The printer 1 includes a printer case 5 and an openable cover 7. The printer case 5 forms the outer shell of the printer 1 and is box-shaped with the -Y side open. The printer case 5 includes a case body 9, a bottom cover 11, and a rear cover 13. When the printer 1 is installed in the first position, the bottom cover 11 is attached to the sixth side F facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is attached to the second side B facing the +Y direction. When the printer 1 is installed in the second position, the bottom cover 11 is attached to the second side B facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is attached to the sixth side F facing the +Y direction (see Figure 14). A roll paper compartment 15 (see Figure 3) is provided within the printer case 5.

[0012] [Roll paper compartment] 3 and 4, the roll paper storage unit 15 stores roll paper R (see FIG. 11) around which recording paper P, which serves as the print medium, is wound. The roll paper R is dropped into the roll paper storage unit 15 so that the direction of the rotation axis of the roll paper R is parallel to the X direction.

[0013] The roll paper compartment 15 can alternatively accommodate roll paper R of a first width or roll paper R of a second width that is larger than the first width. The first width is, for example, 58 mm, and the second width is, for example, 80 mm.

[0014] When roll paper R of the first width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, two roll paper guides 17 are attached to the roll paper compartment 15 (see Figure 3), and when roll paper R of the second width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, the two roll paper guides 17 are removed from the roll paper compartment 15 (see Figure 4). The two roll paper guides 17 are formed in a plate shape and are attached to the end of the roll paper compartment 15 in the +X direction and the end of the -X direction. For this reason, the center of the width of the roll paper R when roll paper R of the first width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15 roughly coincides with the center of the width of the roll paper R when roll paper R of the second width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15.

[0015] The roll paper compartment 15 includes a first side wall 23, a second side wall 25, a first mounting surface 27, a second mounting surface 29, a first recess 31 (see FIG. 6), and a second recess 33.

[0016] The first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25 are arranged side by side in the X direction, and the second side wall 25 is located in the +X direction relative to the first side wall 23. The end of the first side wall 23 in the +Y direction is provided with a retraction recess 35 that allows the retraction of a second retraction portion 89 (described later) and a suppression recess 37 that allows the retraction of a second suppression portion 95 (described later) (see FIG. 6).

[0017] The two roll paper guides 17 are attached between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25. When the two roll paper guides 17 are attached to the roll paper compartment 15 and roll paper R of a first width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, both end faces (not shown) of the roll paper R located between the two roll paper guides 17 come into sliding contact with the roll paper guides 17. When the two roll paper guides 17 are removed from the roll paper compartment 15 and roll paper R of a second width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, both end faces of the roll paper R located between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25 come into sliding contact with the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25.

[0018] The first mounting surface 27 and the second mounting surface 29 are provided between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25. The first mounting surface 27 is located in the -Z direction of the roll paper compartment 15, and the second mounting surface 29 is located in the +Y direction of the roll paper compartment 15. The wall having the first mounting surface 27 is referred to as the first wall 41, and the wall having the second mounting surface 29 is referred to as the second wall 43 (see FIG. 6).

[0019] When the printing device 1 is installed in the first posture, the first loading surface 27 becomes the bottom of the roll paper compartment 15, and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on it (see FIG. 11). The first loading surface 27 is inclined toward the first recess 31. That is, the first loading surface 27 is an inclined surface whose end in the -Y direction is located in the -Z direction compared to its end in the +Y direction (see FIG. 6).

[0020] The area of ​​the first loading surface 27 where the outer peripheral surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is placed is referred to as the first narrow area 45, and the area where the outer peripheral surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is placed is referred to as the first wide area 47 (see FIG. 5). The area where the first narrow area 45 and the first wide area 47 overlap is referred to as the first overlapping area 49. In this embodiment, the entire first narrow area 45 is included in the first wide area 47, so the first overlapping area 49 coincides with the first narrow area 45.

[0021] Furthermore, a first inlet / outlet opening 51 is provided in the first mounting surface 27 at a distance from the first side wall 23 in the +X direction. The first inlet / outlet opening 51 is provided in the first overlapping region 49 of the first mounting surface 27. The first inlet / outlet opening 51 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the Y direction. A first inlet / outlet portion 77, which will be described later, appears and disappears from the first inlet / outlet opening 51.

[0022] Of the two roll paper guides 17, the -X direction roll paper guide 17 is located between the first side wall 23 and the first inlet / outlet 51. Therefore, even when two roll paper guides 17 are attached to the roll paper compartment 15, the -X direction roll paper guide 17 can prevent the first inlet / outlet 77 from being blocked from entering or leaving the compartment.

[0023] When the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture, the second loading surface 29 becomes the bottom of the roll paper compartment 15, and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on it (see FIG. 14). The second loading surface 29 is formed as a curved surface in a substantially arc shape.

[0024] The area of ​​the second loading surface 29 where the outer peripheral surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is placed is referred to as the second narrow region 53, and the area where the outer peripheral surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is placed is referred to as the second wide region 55 (see FIG. 5). The area where the second narrow region 53 and the second wide region 55 overlap is referred to as the second overlapping region 57. In this embodiment, the second narrow region 53 is entirely included in the second wide region 55, so the second overlapping region 57 coincides with the second narrow region 53.

[0025] Further, the second mounting surface 29 is provided with a second inlet / outlet opening 59 and a second suppression opening 61, which are located in the +X direction relative to the first side wall 23. A portion of the second inlet / outlet opening 59 and a portion of the second suppression opening 61 are provided in the second overlapping region 57 of the second mounting surface 29. The second inlet / outlet opening 59 is provided in the -Z direction relative to the second recess 33, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. A second inlet / outlet portion 89, which will be described later, appears and disappears from the second inlet / outlet opening 59. The second suppression opening 61 is provided in the +Z direction relative to the second recess 33, and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. A second suppression portion 95, which will be described later, appears and disappears from the second suppression opening 61.

[0026] The first recess 31 is provided between the first placement surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7. The first recess 31 extends in the X direction in a groove shape.

[0027] The second recess 33 is provided in the portion of the second placement surface 29 that is curved in a substantially arc shape, which is located furthest in the +Y direction, i.e., the portion that becomes the bottom when the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture. The second recess 33 extends in the X direction like a groove.

[0028] [Opening and closing cover] The access cover 7 opens and closes the roll paper compartment 15. The access cover 7 is attached to the -Z end of the device case 5 so as to be rotatable around an axis that is approximately parallel to the X direction. The discharge opening 3 is located between the device case 5 and the tip of the access cover 7, i.e., the end in the +Z direction. The discharge opening 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the X direction. In addition, an open lever 63 is provided at the corner of the first surface A in the -X direction and the +Z direction (see Figure 1). The user can open the access cover 7 by operating the open lever 63.

[0029] [Internal configuration of the printing device] As shown in FIG. 6, the printing device 1 includes a platen roller 65, a thermal head 67, an auto-cutter 69, a first rotating lever 71, a second rotating lever 73, an optical sensor 75 (see FIG. 9), and a control circuit not shown.

[0030] The platen roller 65 is provided inside the openable cover 7 so that the direction of its rotation axis is approximately parallel to the X direction. The platen roller 65 holds the recording paper P between itself and the thermal head 67, and rotates using a feed motor (not shown) as its drive source, thereby pulling the recording paper P from the roll paper R stored in the roll paper compartment 15 and sending it toward the outlet 3. When the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, the recording paper P is pulled out from the +Y direction of the roll paper R (see FIG. 11). When the printing device 1 is installed in the second position, the recording paper P is pulled out from the -Y direction of the roll paper R (see FIG. 14).

[0031] The thermal head 67 is provided inside the device case 5 so as to face the platen roller 65. The thermal head 67 has multiple heating elements (not shown) and performs printing on the recording paper P pulled out from the roll paper R.

[0032] The auto-cutter 69 is provided near the discharge outlet 3, and is driven by a cutter motor (not shown) to cut the recording paper P in the width direction, i.e., the X direction, behind the printed portion of the recording paper P. More specifically, the auto-cutter 69 cuts the recording paper P, leaving approximately the center of the recording paper P in the width direction, so that the cut recording paper P remains at the discharge outlet 3.

[0033] The first rotating lever 71, the second rotating lever 73, and the optical sensor 75 are used to detect whether the roll paper R is near its end.

[0034] The first rotating lever 71 is located in the -Z direction relative to the roll paper compartment 15. The first rotating lever 71 extends in the Y direction and is rotatable like a seesaw, with its fulcrum located approximately in the middle in the Y direction. The second rotating lever 73 is located in the -X direction relative to the roll paper compartment 15. The second rotating lever 73 extends in the Z direction and is rotatable with its end in the +Z direction as a fulcrum. The optical sensor 75 is located outside the roll paper compartment 15 and is located in the +Y and -Z directions relative to the roll paper compartment 15 (see Figure 9).

[0035] [First rotating lever] As shown in FIG. 7, the first rotating lever 71 includes a first projecting / retracting portion 77, a first connecting portion 79, a first blocking portion 81, and a first shaft portion 83.

[0036] The first inset portion 77 constitutes approximately half of the first pivot lever 71 in the -Y direction, and is formed in a wedge shape extending in the Y direction. The first inset portion 77 rotates around the first shaft portion 83, and thereby appears and disappears through a first inset opening 51 provided in the first placement surface 27. The first inset portion 77 appears and disappears through the first overlapping region 49 of the first placement surface 27. Here, "the first inset portion 77 appears and disappears through the first overlapping region 49" means that at least a portion of the first inset portion 77 appears and disappears through the first overlapping region 49. The first inset portion 77 may also be referred to as a "first abutment portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0037] Of the first inset portion 77, the first inset surface 85 on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed becomes substantially flush with the first placement surface 27 when the first inset portion 77 is retracted into the first placement surface 27 (see FIG. 11). In other words, when the first inset portion 77 retracts into the first placement surface 27, it becomes substantially flush with the first placement surface 27. In addition, the thickness of the first inset portion 77 is substantially equal to the thickness of the first wall portion 41 (see FIG. 13). Therefore, the first inset portion 77 can be provided using the thickness of the first wall portion 41, thereby saving space within the device case 5.

[0038] The first connecting portion 79 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and constitutes approximately half of the first rotating lever 71 in the +Y direction. The first connecting portion 79 connects the first retracted portion 77 and the first blocking portion 81.

[0039] The first blocking portion 81 is formed in a substantially polygonal plate shape and protrudes in the +Z direction from the end of the first connecting portion 79 in the -X direction and the +Y direction. The first blocking portion 81 rotates integrally with the first retracted portion 77 around the first shaft portion 83, thereby blocking (see FIG. 9) or opening (see FIG. 10) the space between a light guide tube 101 and a light receiving element 99, which will be described later.

[0040] The first shaft 83 extends in the X direction, penetrating substantially the center of the first rotating lever 71 in the Y direction. The first rotating lever 71 rotates around the first shaft 83. A force is applied to the first rotating lever 71 by a first spring (not shown) in a direction in which the first retracted portion 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27, i.e., clockwise when viewed from the +X direction.

[0041] [Second rotating lever] As shown in FIG. 8, the second rotating lever 73 includes a second fan portion 87, a second projecting portion 89, a second blocking portion 91, a second shaft portion 93, and a second suppressing portion 95.

[0042] The second fan portion 87 is formed in a substantially fan-shaped plate shape, and is provided substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0043] The second inset portion 89 protrudes in the +X direction from approximately the middle of the second fan portion 87 in the Z direction, i.e., the radial direction of the second fan portion 87. The second inset portion 89 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape and is disposed approximately parallel to the XY plane. The second inset portion 89 rotates about the second shaft portion 93, thereby protruding from and retracting through a second inset opening 59 disposed in the second placement surface 29. The second inset portion 89 protrudes from and retracts through the second overlapping region 57 of the second placement surface 29. Here, "the second inset portion 89 protruding from and retracting through the second overlapping region 57" means that at least a portion of the second inset portion 89 protrudes from and retracts through the second overlapping region 57. The second inset portion 89 may also be referred to as a "second abutment portion" that abuts against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0044] The second blocking portion 91 is provided radially outward of the second fan portion 87. The second blocking portion 91 is formed in a substantially arc-shaped plate and is provided substantially parallel to the YZ plane. The second blocking portion 91 rotates integrally with the second inset portion 89 around the second shaft portion 93, thereby blocking (see FIG. 9) or opening (see FIG. 10) the gap between a light guide tube 101 and a light receiving element 99, which will be described later.

[0045] The second shaft portion 93 protrudes in the +X direction from the +Z direction end of the second fan portion 87. The second rotating lever 73 rotates around the second shaft portion 93. A force is applied to the second rotating lever 73 by a second spring (not shown) in a direction in which the second retracted portion 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29, i.e., clockwise when viewed from the +X direction.

[0046] The second suppression portion 95 is located between the second shaft portion 93 and the second protruding portion 89, and protrudes in a substantially semi-cylindrical shape from the second fan portion 87 in the +X direction. The second suppression portion 95 rotates integrally with the second protruding portion 89 around the second shaft portion 93, thereby protruding and retracting through the second suppression port 61 provided in the second mounting surface 29. The second suppression portion 95 protrudes and retracts from the second overlapping region 57 of the second mounting surface 29. Here, the second suppression portion 95 protruding and retracting from the second overlapping region 57 means that at least a portion of the second suppression portion 95 protrudes and retracts from the second overlapping region 57.

[0047] [Optical sensor] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the optical sensor 75 is a light transmission type sensor, and includes a light emitting element 97, a light receiving element 99, and a light guide tube 101.

[0048] The light-emitting element 97 is disposed in the −Z direction relative to the second side wall 25. The light-emitting element 97 emits detection light in the −X direction toward the light-receiving element 99. The light-receiving element 99 is disposed in the −X direction relative to the light-emitting element 97. The light-receiving element 99 receives the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97. The light guide tube 101 is located between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 and extends in the X direction. The light guide tube 101 guides the detection light emitted from the light-emitting element 97 to the light-receiving element 99. Note that the optical sensor 75 may not be configured to include the light guide tube 101; however, the inclusion of the light guide tube 101 allows the light-receiving element 99 to receive the detection light even if the distance between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 is increased, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99.

[0049] Since the optical sensor 75 is located outside the paper roll compartment 15, paper dust generated by the paper roll R stored in the paper roll compartment 15 is less likely to fall on the optical sensor 75, which prevents the detection accuracy of the optical sensor 75 from being reduced due to paper dust that falls on the optical sensor 75. The light receiving element 99 is located in the negative X direction relative to the first side wall 23 in the X direction. That is, the light receiving element 99 is located on the outer side of the paper roll R in the paper width direction relative to the paper roll R stored in the paper roll compartment 15. This further prevents paper dust generated by the paper roll R stored in the paper roll compartment 15 from falling on the light receiving element 99. Of the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, only the light emitting element 97 may be located on the outer side of the paper roll R in the paper width direction, or both the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99 may be located on the outer side of the paper roll R in the paper width direction.

[0050] The optical sensor 75 configured in this manner outputs a first signal when the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, i.e., the space between the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, is blocked by at least one of the first blocking portion 81 and the second blocking portion 91, and the detection light emitted from the light emitting element 97 is not received by the light receiving element 99. The optical sensor 75 also outputs a second signal when the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, i.e., the space between the light emitting element 97 and the light receiving element 99, is not blocked by either the first blocking portion 81 or the second blocking portion 91, and the detection light emitted from the light emitting element 97 is received by the light receiving element 99.

[0051] The control circuit includes a processor and memory, and provides overall control of the entire printing device 1. For example, the control circuit determines whether the roll paper R is near-end based on the signal received from the optical sensor 75. That is, when the control circuit receives a first signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the roll paper R is not near-end. When the control circuit receives a second signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the roll paper R is near-end. When the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is near-end, it controls the notification means to notify the user that the roll paper R is near-end. Note that the notification means can be, for example, a lamp, display, speaker, or the like provided in the printing device 1.

[0052] [When the printer is installed in position 1] 11 to 13, we will explain how the first pivot lever 71 and the second pivot lever 73 behave as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases as the recording paper P is consumed when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position. In the following explanation, the first diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold for determining whether the first inset portion 77 protrudes from the first loading surface 27 when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position. The third diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold for determining whether the second inset portion 89 protrudes from the second loading surface 29 when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position. The first diameter is smaller than the third diameter. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, it can be said that the roll paper R is near-end.

[0053] 11, when unused roll paper R, i.e., roll paper R with a diameter larger than the third diameter, is inserted into the roll paper accommodation unit 15 and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on the first loading surface 27, the first inset portion 77 is pressed by the roll paper R and sinks into the first loading surface 27, and the second inset portion 89 is pressed by the roll paper R and sinks into the second loading surface 29. Here, the position where the first inset portion 77 is pressed by the roll paper R and sinks into the first loading surface 27 is referred to as the first pressing position. The position where the second inset portion 89 is pressed by the roll paper R and sinks into the second loading surface 29 is referred to as the second pressing position. As the first retracted portion 77 is retracted, the first blocking portion 81 blocks communication between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and as the second retracted portion 89 is retracted, the second blocking portion 91 blocks communication between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. This causes the optical sensor 75 to output a first signal. The control circuit determines that the near-end state is not present based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75.

[0054] As described above, the first in / out portion 77 protrudes from and retracts from the first loading surface 27 in the first overlapping area 49. Therefore, when roll paper R of the first width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, and when roll paper R of the second width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, the first in / out portion 77 is pushed by the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R and retracts into the first loading surface 27. Similarly, the second in / out portion 89 protrudes from and retracts from the second loading surface 29 in the second overlapping area 57. Therefore, when roll paper R of the first width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, and when roll paper R of the second width is stored in the roll paper compartment 15, the second in / out portion 89 is pushed by the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R and retracts into the second loading surface 29. The same is true when the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture, as described below.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 12 , when a certain amount of recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the first diameter but smaller than the third diameter, the second inset portion 89 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second loading surface 29. Here, the position where the second inset portion 89 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second loading surface 29 is referred to as the second release position. Meanwhile, the first inset portion 77 remains retracted into the first loading surface 27, being pressed down by the roll paper R. At this time, the second blocking portion 91 opens the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the first blocking portion 81 remains blocked between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. This causes the optical sensor 75 to output a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not near-end.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 13 , as more recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first inset portion 77 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first loading surface 27. Here, the position where the first inset portion 77 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first loading surface 27 is referred to as the first release position. The second inset portion 89 remains protruding from the second loading surface 29. At this time, the first blocking portion 81 opens the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. The second blocking portion 91 remains open between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal. The control circuit determines that the roll paper R is near-end based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75. In this way, when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, as the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller, the second inset portion 89 and the first inset portion 77 protrude in that order.

[0057] When the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction toward the access cover 7 due to the tilt of the first loading surface 27. The roll paper R also moves in the -Y direction when the platen roller 65 pulls the recording paper P in the -Y and +Z directions. Then, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the roll paper R enters the first recess 31 (see FIG. 13). Note that the roll paper R entering the first recess 31 means that the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R comes into contact with the bottom surface of the first recess 31. Therefore, when the user opens the opening / closing cover 7 to replace the roll paper R, the roll paper R whose diameter is smaller than the first diameter, i.e., the roll paper R that is in a near-end state or the core of the roll paper R that is in an end state, is inserted into the first recess 31 provided between the first loading surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7, so the user can easily remove the roll paper R that is in a near-end state or the core of the roll paper R that is in an end state.

[0058] Furthermore, after the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction and enters the first recessed portion 31, the first inset portion 77 that protrudes from the first loading surface 27 is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the roll paper R (see FIG. 13). Therefore, the first inset portion 77 that protrudes from the first loading surface 27 prevents the roll paper R from moving in the +Y direction from the first recessed portion 31. This prevents the first inset portion 77 from being pushed back in by the roll paper R that has moved in the +Y direction from the first recessed portion 31, and prevents the roll paper R from being mistakenly detected as not being in a near-end state.

[0059] Here, when the diameter of the roll paper R is large, that is, when the weight of the roll paper R is heavy, the portion of the first inset / retraction portion 77 that comes into sliding contact with the roll paper R is likely to wear out due to sliding contact with the roll paper R. If the portion of the first inset / retraction portion 77 that comes into sliding contact with the roll paper R wears out when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the first diameter, the first inset / retraction portion 77 will retract from the first loading surface 27 before the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, and the roll paper R will be erroneously detected as being in a near-end state before it actually reaches that state.

[0060] In contrast, in this embodiment, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction, and the portion of the first in / out portion 77 that makes sliding contact with the outer circumferential surface Ra of the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases. That is, when the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the third diameter, the base end of the first in / out portion 77 makes sliding contact with the roll paper R (see FIG. 11), but when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the first diameter, the tip of the first in / out portion 77 makes sliding contact with the roll paper R (see FIG. 12). In this way, the first in / out portion 77 has separate portions that make sliding contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is large and portions that make sliding contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R decreases. This makes it possible to prevent wear due to friction with the roll paper R at the portion that makes sliding contact with the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the first diameter, i.e., the tip of the first in / out portion 77. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the roll paper R from being mistakenly detected as being in a near-end state before the roll paper R actually reaches the near-end state.

[0061] [When the printer is installed in the second position] 14 to 16, we will explain how the first pivot lever 71 and the second pivot lever 73 behave as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases as the recording paper P is consumed when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position. In the following explanation, the second diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold for determining whether the second intrusion / retraction portion 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position. The fourth diameter refers to the diameter of the roll paper R that is the threshold for determining whether the first intrusion / retraction portion 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position. The second diameter is smaller than the fourth diameter. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, it can be said that the roll paper R is near-end. The second diameter may be the same as or different from the first diameter. The fourth diameter may be the same as or different from the third diameter.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 14 , when an unused paper roll R, that is, a paper roll R with a diameter larger than the fourth diameter, is inserted into the paper roll compartment 15 and the outer peripheral surface Ra of the paper roll R is placed on the second loading surface 29, the first inset portion 77 is pressed by the paper roll R and retracts into the first loading surface 27, and the second inset portion 89 is pressed by the paper roll R and retracts into the second loading surface 29. As a result, the first blocking portion 81 blocks communication between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking portion 91 blocks communication between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. This causes the optical sensor 75 to output a first signal. The control circuit determines that the near-end condition is not present based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 15 , when a certain amount of recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the second diameter but smaller than the fourth diameter, the first inset portion 77 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first loading surface 27. Meanwhile, the second inset portion 89 remains pressed by the roll paper R and retracted into the second loading surface 29. At this time, the first blocking portion 81 opens the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the second blocking portion 91 remains blocked between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. This causes the optical sensor 75 to output a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not near-end.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 16 , as more recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second inset portion 89 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second loading surface 29. The first inset portion 77 remains protruding from the first loading surface 27. At this time, the second blocking portion 91 opens the gap between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. The first blocking portion 81 remains open between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the optical sensor 75 outputs a second signal. The control circuit determines that the roll paper R is near-end based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75. In this way, when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position, the first inset portion 77 and the second inset portion 89 protrude in that order as the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller.

[0065] When the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture, a second recess 33 is provided in the -Z direction relative to the roll paper R placed on the second loading surface 29. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the roll paper R enters the second recess 33 (see FIG. 16). Note that when the roll paper R enters the second recess 33, the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R comes into contact with the bottom surface of the second recess 33.

[0066] The second inset portion 89 protrudes from the second loading surface 29 in the +Y direction relative to the second recess 33, that is, on the opposite side to the side where the recording paper P is pulled out relative to the roll paper R that has entered the second recess 33. Therefore, even if the protrusion amount of the second inset portion 89 is increased, it is possible to prevent the protruding second inset portion 89 from interfering with the pulling out of the recording paper P. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the second inset portion 89 can be increased, and the optical sensor 75 can easily detect the emergence and retraction of the second inset portion 89.

[0067] Furthermore, when the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second suppression portion 95 protrudes from the second loading surface 29 together with the second intruding portion 89. The second suppression portion 95 protrudes from the second loading surface 29 in the -Y direction relative to the second recess 33, that is, on the side of the recording paper P that is pulled out relative to the roll paper R that has entered the second recess 33. Therefore, the second suppression portion 95 can prevent the roll paper R that has entered the second recess 33 from moving toward the platen roller 65 when the recording paper P is pulled by the platen roller 65.

[0068] As described above, in the second pivot lever 73, the distance between the second suppression portion 95 and the second shaft portion 93 is smaller than the distance between the second inward / outward portion 89 and the second shaft portion 93, and therefore the amount of protrusion of the second suppression portion 95 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the second inward / outward portion 89. Therefore, even if the second suppression portion 95 protrudes from the second loading surface 29 on the side of the roll paper R where the recording paper P is to be drawn, the protruding second suppression portion 95 can be prevented from interfering with the drawing of the recording paper P.

[0069] Furthermore, when the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the fourth diameter, the roll paper R slides against the tip surface of the second in / out portion 89 (see FIG. 14), and when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the second diameter, the roll paper R slides against the side surface of the tip of the second in / out portion 89 (see FIG. 16). In this way, the second in / out portion 89 has separate areas where the roll paper R slides against it when the diameter of the roll paper R is large and areas where the roll paper R slides against it when the diameter of the roll paper R is small. This makes it possible to prevent wear due to friction with the roll paper R on the area that slides against the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the second diameter, i.e., the side surface of the tip of the second in / out portion 89. This makes it possible to prevent the roll paper R from being erroneously detected as being near-end before it actually reaches that state.

[0070] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the roll paper compartment 15, the thermal head 67, the first retractable portion 77, the second retractable portion 89, and the optical sensor 75. The roll paper compartment 15 includes the first loading surface 27 and the second loading surface 29. When the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, with the first loading surface 27 at the bottom of the roll paper compartment 15, if the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the first diameter, the first retractable portion 77 is pressed by the roll paper R placed on the first loading surface 27 and retracts into the first loading surface 27, and is located in the first pressing position. If the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the first diameter, the first retractable portion 77 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first loading surface 27, and is located in the first release position. When the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture in which the second loading surface 29 is the bottom of the roll paper accommodation unit 15, if the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the second diameter, the second retracted portion 89 is pressed by the roll paper R placed on the second loading surface 29 and retracts into the second loading surface 29, and is located in the second pressing position. If the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the second diameter, the second retracted portion 89 is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second loading surface 29, and is located in the second release position. The optical sensor 75 detects the emergence and retraction of the first loading portion 77 and the second loading portion 89.

[0071] With this configuration, when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, if the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first indented portion 77 protrudes from the first loading surface 27, i.e., it displaces from the first pressing position to the first released position, and the optical sensor 75 detects the protrusion, or displacement, of the first indented portion 77. This allows the printing device 1 to detect that the diameter of the roll paper R has become smaller than the first diameter, i.e., that the roll paper R is near-end. Also, when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position, if the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second indented portion 89 protrudes from the second loading surface 29, i.e., it displaces from the second pressing position to the second released position, and the optical sensor 75 detects the protrusion, or displacement, of the second indented portion 89. This allows the printing device 1 to detect that the diameter of the roll paper R has become smaller than the second diameter, i.e., that the roll paper R is near-end. Therefore, even if the orientation of the printer 1 is changed, the printer 1 of this embodiment can detect the near-end state of the roll paper R without the user having to perform any special operations in response to the change in orientation. Also, by using a common sensor, i.e., the optical sensor 75, to detect the appearance and retraction of the first inset / retract portion 77 and the appearance and retraction of the second inset / retract portion 89, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment differs from the configuration in which the optical sensor 75 detects the near-end state of the roll paper R by receiving detection light reflected by the roll paper R, and therefore it is possible to avoid the detection of the near-end state of the roll paper R being hindered by an obstruction between the roll paper R and the optical sensor 75.

[0073] Furthermore, since the first and second recessed portions 77 and 89 are recessed by being pressed against the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, there is no need to provide space for the first and second recessed portions 77 and 89 to protrude and retract in the paper width direction of the roll paper R, thereby saving space within the device case 5.

[0074] [Other variations] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted within the scope of the spirit thereof. For example, the above-described embodiment can be modified in the following manner in addition to the above. Furthermore, the embodiment and the modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0075] The printing device 1 is equipped with a first retractable portion 77 as an example of a first displacement portion, but the first displacement portion may be configured so that when the printing device 1 is installed in the first posture, the first displacement portion is positioned at a first pressure position where it is pressed by the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the first diameter, and is positioned at a first release position where it is released from pressure by the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the first diameter. In other words, the first displacement portion is not limited to being pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, but may also be configured to be pressed by the side edge surface of the roll paper R. In this case, the first displacement portion may be provided, for example, on the first side wall 23 or second side wall 25 of the roll paper accommodation unit 15.

[0076] Similarly, the printing device 1 is equipped with a second retractable portion 89 as an example of a second displacement portion, but the second displacement portion may be configured so that when the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture, the second displacement portion is positioned at a second pressure position where it is pressed by the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is larger than the second diameter, and is positioned at a second release position where it is released from pressure by the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the second diameter. In other words, the second displacement portion is not limited to being pressed by the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R, but may also be configured to be pressed by the side edge surface of the roll paper R. In this case, the second displacement portion may be provided, for example, on the first side wall 23 or second side wall 25 of the roll paper accommodation portion 15.

[0077] The printing device 1 is not limited to a configuration in which the appearance and disappearance of the first intrusion portion 77 and the appearance and disappearance of the second intrusion portion 89 are detected by the optical sensor 75, but may also be configured to detect the appearance and disappearance of the first intrusion portion 77 and the appearance and disappearance of the second intrusion portion 89 by another type of sensor, for example, a microswitch.

[0078] The first retractable portion 77 is not limited to a configuration in which it appears and disappears from the first placing surface 27 by rotating, and may be configured, for example, to appear and disappear from the first placing surface 27 by linearly advancing and retreating. Similarly, the second retractable portion 89 is not limited to a configuration in which it appears and disappears from the second placing surface 29 by rotating, and may be configured, for example, to appear and disappear from the second placing surface 29 by linearly advancing and retreating.

[0079] The printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the thermal method, but may be, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method.

[0080] [Note] The following additional information is provided regarding the printing device. The printing device is equipped with a roll paper storage section that stores roll paper around which recording paper is wound, and a printing section that prints on recording paper pulled out from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section. The roll paper storage section has a first loading surface and a second loading surface, and when the printing device is installed in a first position with the first loading surface at the bottom, when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first loading surface is larger than the first diameter, the roll paper storage section is pressed down by the roll paper and positioned at a first pressing position, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter, the roll paper storage section is pressed down by the roll paper and positioned at a first pressing position. a first displacement section that is positioned at a first release position and is released from the pressure applied by the roll paper when the printing device is installed in a second attitude in which the second mounting surface is the bottom; a second displacement section that is positioned at the second pressure position and is pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is larger than the second diameter, and that is positioned at the second release position and is released from the pressure applied by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the second diameter; and a detection section that has a single sensor and detects the displacement of the first displacement section and the displacement of the second displacement section by means of the sensor.

[0081] With this configuration, even if the orientation of the printing device is changed, the roll paper near-end state can be detected without the user having to perform any special operations in response to the change in orientation. The thermal head 67 is an example of a "printing section." The first appearing-and-receiving section 77 is an example of a "first displacement section." The second appearing-and-receiving section 89 is an example of a "second displacement section." The optical sensor 75 is an example of a "sensor."

[0082] In this case, it is preferable that the first displacement portion is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear on the first mounting surface, and when the printing device is installed in the first position, when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than the first diameter, it is pressed by the roll paper and sinks into the first mounting surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter, it is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface; and the second displacement portion is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear on the second mounting surface, and when the printing device is installed in the second position, it is pressed by the roll paper and sinks into the second mounting surface when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than the second diameter, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the second diameter, it is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the second mounting surface.

[0083] With this configuration, the first displacement section and the second displacement section are displaced by being pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the roll paper, so there is no need to provide space in the width direction of the roll paper for the first displacement section and the second displacement section to displace, thereby saving space inside the printing device.

[0084] In this case, the sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, and is preferably equipped with a first pivotable lever having a first displacement portion and a first blocking portion capable of blocking communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, and a second pivotable lever having a second displacement portion and a second blocking portion capable of blocking communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, wherein the first blocking portion switches between a state in which it blocks communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and a state in which it opens communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, depending on the displacement of the first displacement portion, and the second blocking portion switches between a state in which it blocks communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element and a state in which it opens communication between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, depending on the displacement of the second displacement portion.

[0085] According to this configuration, the displacement of the first displacement section is switched between a state in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disconnected and a state in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are opened in response to the displacement of the first displacement section, thereby making it possible to detect the displacement of the first displacement section. Also, the displacement of the second displacement section is switched between a state in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disconnected and a state in which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are opened in response to the displacement of the second displacement section.

[0086] In this case, it is preferable that the optical sensor be provided outside the roll paper compartment.

[0087] With this configuration, paper dust generated from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is less likely to fall on the optical sensor, thereby preventing the detection accuracy of the optical sensor from being reduced due to paper dust falling on the optical sensor.

[0088] In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is provided on the outer side of the roll paper in the width direction of the roll paper.

[0089] With this configuration, paper dust generated from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is less likely to fall on the light-emitting element or light-receiving element located outside the width of the roll paper, thereby preventing the detection accuracy of the optical sensor from being reduced by paper dust that falls on the light-emitting element or light-receiving element.

[0090] In this case, it is preferable that the roll paper accommodation section includes a first wall section having a first placement surface, and that the thickness of the first displacement section is equal to the thickness of the first wall section.

[0091] According to this configuration, the thickness of the first wall portion can be utilized to provide the first displacement portion, thereby making it possible to save space inside the printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1...printing device, 15...roll paper storage section, 27...first loading surface, 29...second loading surface , 41...first wall portion, 67...thermal head, 71...first rotating lever, 73...second rotating lever, 75...optical sensor, 77...first recessed portion, 81...first blocking portion, 89...second recessed portion, 91...second blocking portion, 97...light-emitting element, 99...light-receiving element, P...recording paper, R...roll paper, Ra...outer surface.

Claims

1. A printing device comprising: a roll paper storage unit that stores roll paper around which recording paper is wound; and a printing unit that prints on the recording paper pulled out from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit, the roll paper storage section has a first loading surface and a second loading surface; a first displacement unit that, when the printing device is installed in a first position with the first placement surface at the bottom, is positioned at a first pressing position while being pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first placement surface is larger than a first diameter, and is positioned at a first release position where it is released from being pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter; a second displacement unit that, when the printing device is installed in a second posture in which the second mounting surface is the bottom, is pressed by the roll paper and positioned at a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is larger than a second diameter, and is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and positioned at a second release position when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the second diameter; a detection unit having a single sensor and detecting a displacement of the first displacement unit and a displacement of the second displacement unit by the sensor; the first displacement section is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear from the first mounting surface, and when the printing device is installed in the first position, if the diameter of the roll paper is larger than the first diameter, the first displacement section is pressed down by the roll paper and sinks into the first mounting surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter, the first displacement section is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface; when the printing device is installed in the second position, if the diameter of the roll paper is larger than a fourth diameter that is larger than the second diameter, the first displacement section is pressed down by the roll paper and sinks into the first mounting surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the fourth diameter, the first displacement section is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the first mounting surface; The second displacement section is provided so as to be able to appear and disappear from the second loading surface, and when the printing device is installed in the first position, when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than a third diameter that is larger than the first diameter, the second displacement section is pressed down by the roll paper and sinks into the second loading surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the third diameter, the second displacement section is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the second loading surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than the second diameter, the second displacement section is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and protrudes from the second loading surface.

2. the sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, a first pivot lever having the first displacement portion and a first blocking portion that can block communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the first pivot lever being rotatably provided; a second pivot lever having the second displacement portion and a second blocking portion capable of blocking communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the second pivot lever being rotatably provided; the first blocking portion switches between a state in which communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked and a state in which communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is opened in accordance with the displacement of the first displacement portion; The printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second blocking section switches between a state in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are blocked and a state in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are opened in accordance with the displacement of the second displacement section.

3. 3. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the optical sensor is provided outside the roll paper compartment.

4. 4. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is provided on the outer side of the roll paper in the width direction of the roll paper.

5. the roll paper storage section includes a first wall portion having the first placement surface; 5. The printing device according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the first displacement portion is equal to the thickness of the first wall portion.

6. A printing device comprising: a roll paper storage unit that stores roll paper around which recording paper is wound; and a printing unit that prints on the recording paper pulled out from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit, the roll paper storage section has a first loading surface and a second loading surface; a first displacement unit that, when the printing device is installed in a first position with the first placement surface at the bottom, is positioned at a first pressing position while being pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the first placement surface is larger than a first diameter, and is positioned at a first release position where it is released from being pressed by the roll paper when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the first diameter; a second displacement unit that, when the printing device is installed in a second posture in which the second mounting surface is the bottom, is pressed by the roll paper and positioned at a second pressing position when the diameter of the roll paper placed on the second mounting surface is larger than a second diameter, and is released from the pressure exerted by the roll paper and positioned at a second release position when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the second diameter; a detection unit having a single sensor and detecting a displacement of the first displacement unit and a displacement of the second displacement unit by the sensor; the sensor is an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, a first pivot lever having the first displacement portion and a first blocking portion that can block communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the first pivot lever being rotatably provided; a second pivot lever having the second displacement portion and a second blocking portion capable of blocking communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the second pivot lever being rotatably provided; the first blocking portion switches between a state in which communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is blocked and a state in which communication between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is opened in accordance with the displacement of the first displacement portion; A printing device characterized in that the second blocking section switches between a state in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are blocked and a state in which the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are opened depending on the displacement of the second displacement section.

Images