Printing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing device that can avoid detection of a near end state of a roll paper from being inhibited due to blocking of a space between the roll paper and a detection part.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: a roll paper housing part 15 that has a first placement surface 27 on which an outer peripheral surface Ra of a roll paper R wound with a recording paper P is placed and houses the roll paper R; a thermal head 67 that performs printing on the recording paper P pulled out from the roll paper R housed in the roll paper housing part 15; a first retraction part 77, provided retractably on the first placement surface 27, which is pressed by the roll paper R having the outer peripheral surface Ra placed on the first placement surface 27 to be embedded into the first placement surface 27, when a diameter of the roll paper R is larger than a predetermined diameter, and which is released from the pressing by the roll paper R to protrude from the first placement surface 27, when the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the predetermined diameter; and a detection part that detects retraction of the first retraction part 77.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a printer provided with a detection means for detecting a near-end state of a roll paper around which a recording paper serving as a printing medium is wound, that is, a state where the recording paper remains only slightly. This detection means is an optical reflection type sensor provided on the side wall of a paper storage section in which the roll paper is stored. That is, the detection means includes a light emitting section that irradiates light toward the side end face of the roll paper, and a light receiving section that receives the reflected light reflected by the side end face of the roll paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since a conventional printer is configured to detect the near-end state of the roll paper by the sensor receiving the reflected light reflected by the roll paper, for example, when a roll paper guide is attached between the roll paper and the side wall of the paper storage section for a roll paper with a small paper width, if the space between the roll paper and the sensor is blocked, the detection of the near-end state of the roll paper will be inhibited.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present invention has a mounting surface on which the outer surface of a roll of paper around which recording paper is wound is placed, and comprises a roll paper storage section for storing the roll of paper, a printing section for printing on the recording paper pulled out from the roll of paper stored in the roll paper storage section, and a retractable section that is retractable into the mounting surface, and whose outer surface is pressed down by the roll of paper placed on the mounting surface and retracts into the mounting surface when the diameter of the roll of paper is larger than a predetermined diameter, and which is released from being pressed down by the roll of paper and protrudes from the mounting surface when the diameter of the roll of paper is smaller than a predetermined diameter, and a detection section for detecting the retraction of the retractable section. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a printing device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the printing apparatus from a different angle than Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a printing device showing the roll paper guide installed in the roll paper storage section. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a printing device showing the roll paper guide removed from the roll paper storage section. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows the first and second overlapping regions. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a printing device. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the first-rotation lever. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the second-rotating lever. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing a state where the space between the light guide tube and the light receiving element is blocked. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a printing apparatus showing the state in which the space between the light guide tube and the light receiving element is open. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in the first position where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is larger than the third diameter. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in the first orientation, where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is smaller than the third diameter and larger than the first diameter. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in a first position, where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is smaller than the first diameter. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in the second orientation where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is larger than the fourth diameter. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in the second orientation, where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is smaller than the fourth diameter and larger than the second diameter. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing a state in a printing apparatus installed in the second orientation where the diameter of the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is smaller than the second diameter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes a printing device 1, which is one embodiment of the printing device, with reference to the attached drawings. The printing device 1 is used, for example, as a receipt printer. In the following description, directions using the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure will be used, but these directions are for the sake 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] [External configuration of the printing device] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the printing device 1 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and comprises a first face A, a second face B, a third face C (see Figure 9), a fourth face D, a fifth face E, and a sixth face F. An outlet 3 is provided on the first face A. Printed recording paper P is discharged from the outlet 3 (see Figure 11). When the printing device 1 is installed with the first face A facing the -Y direction and the outlet 3 located at the +Z end of the first face A, the face facing the +Y direction is called the second face B, the face facing the -X direction is called the third face C, the face facing the +X direction is called the fourth face D, the face facing the +Z direction is called the fifth face E, and the face facing the -Z direction is called the sixth face F.

[0009] The printing device 1 can be installed in two orientations: a first orientation (see Figure 11) where the first surface A, which has the output port 3, faces the -Y direction, and a second orientation (see Figure 14) where the first surface A faces the +Z direction. Therefore, if the user wants to discharge the recording paper P in the -Y direction, they should install the printing device 1 in the first orientation where the output port 3 faces the -Y direction, and if they want to discharge the recording paper P in the +Z direction, they should install the printing device 1 in the second orientation where the output port 3 faces the +Z direction.

[0010] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the direction in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system refers to the direction of the printing device 1 when it is set up in the first orientation. Furthermore, the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in each figure represents the direction of the printing device 1 when it is set up in the first orientation in Figures 1 to 13, and represents the direction of the printing device 1 when it is set up in the second orientation in Figures 14 to 16.

[0011] The printing device 1 includes a device case 5 and an opening / closing cover 7. The device case 5 forms the outer shell of the printing device 1 and is formed in a box shape with the -Y direction surface open. The device case 5 includes a case body 9, a bottom cover 11, and a rear cover 13. When the printing device 1 is installed in the first posture, the bottom cover 11 is attached to the sixth surface F facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is attached to the second surface B facing the +Y direction. Also, when the printing device 1 is installed in the second posture, the bottom cover 11 is attached to the second surface B facing the -Z direction, and the rear cover 13 is attached to the sixth surface F facing the +Y direction (see FIG. 14). Inside the device case 5, a roll paper storage section 15 (see FIG. 3) is provided.

[0012] [Roll Paper Storage Section] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the roll paper storage section 15 stores a roll paper R (see FIG. 11) around which a recording paper P serving as a printing medium is wound. The roll paper R is inserted into the roll paper storage section 15 in a drop-in manner such that the rotation axis direction of the roll paper R is parallel to the X direction.

[0013] The roll paper storage section 15 can selectively store a roll paper R of the first width and a roll paper R of a second width larger than the first width. The first width is, for example, 58 mm, and the second width is, for example, 80 mm.

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

[0015] The roll paper storage section 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 Figure 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, with the second side wall 25 positioned in the +X direction relative to the first side wall 23. The +Y end of the first side wall 23 is provided with a retractable recess 35 that allows the retraction of the second retractable portion 89 (described later) and a suppression recess 37 that allows the retraction of the second suppression portion 95 (described later) (see Figure 6).

[0017] The two roll paper guides 17 are installed between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25. When the two roll paper guides 17 are installed in the roll paper storage section 15 and a roll of paper R of the first width is stored in the roll paper storage section 15, both end faces (not shown) of the roll paper R located between the two roll paper guides 17 slide against the roll paper guides 17. When the two roll paper guides 17 are removed from the roll paper storage section 15 and a roll of paper R of the second width is stored in the roll paper storage section 15, both end faces of the roll paper R located between the first side wall 23 and the second side wall 25 slide against 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 in the roll paper storage section 15, and the second mounting surface 29 is located in the +Y direction in the roll paper storage section 15. The wall portion having the first mounting surface 27 is referred to as the first wall portion 41, and the wall portion having the second mounting surface 29 is referred to as the second wall portion 43 (see Figure 6).

[0019] The first mounting surface 27 becomes the bottom of the roll paper storage section 15 when the printing device 1 is set up in the first position, and the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on it (see Figure 11). The first mounting surface 27 is inclined toward the first recess 31. That is, the first mounting surface 27 is an inclined surface in which the end in the -Y direction is located in the -Z direction compared to the end in the +Y direction (see Figure 6).

[0020] In addition, the area of ​​the first mounting surface 27 on which the outer surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is placed is called the first narrow area 45, and the area on which the outer surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is placed is called the first wide area 47 (see Figure 5). Furthermore, the area where the first narrow area 45 and the first wide area 47 overlap is called the first overlapping area 49. In this embodiment, since the entirety of the first narrow area 45 is included in the first wide area 47, the first overlapping area 49 coincides with the first narrow area 45.

[0021] Furthermore, the first mounting surface 27 is provided with a first retractable opening 51 spaced in the +X direction from the first side wall 23. The first retractable opening 51 is located in the first overlapping region 49 of the first mounting surface 27. The first retractable opening 51 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape that is elongated in the Y direction. The first retractable part 77, which will be described later, extends and retracts from the first retractable opening 51.

[0022] Of the two roll paper guides 17, the roll paper guide 17 in the -X direction is provided between the first side wall 23 and the first retractable opening 51. Therefore, even when two roll paper guides 17 are installed in the roll paper storage section 15, it is possible to prevent the retraction of the first retractable section 77 from being obstructed by the roll paper guide 17 in the -X direction.

[0023] The second mounting surface 29 becomes the bottom of the roll paper storage section 15 when the printing device 1 is set up in the second position, and the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed on it (see Figure 14). The second mounting surface 29 is formed as a curved surface with a roughly arc shape.

[0024] Of the second mounting surface 29, the area on which the outer surface Ra of the first width roll paper R is placed is called the second narrow region 53, and the area on which the outer surface Ra of the second width roll paper R is placed is called the second wide region 55 (see Figure 5). The area where the second narrow region 53 and the second wide region 55 overlap is called the second overlapping region 57. In this embodiment, since the entirety of the second narrow region 53 is included in the second wide region 55, the second overlapping region 57 coincides with the second narrow region 53.

[0025] Furthermore, the second mounting surface 29 is provided with a second retractable opening 59 and a second suppression opening 61, located in the +X direction relative to the first side wall 23. Part of the second retractable opening 59 and part of the second suppression opening 61 are provided in the second overlapping region 57 of the second mounting surface 29. The second retractable 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. The second retractable part 89, which will be described later, retracts from the second retractable 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. The second suppression part 95, which will be described later, retracts from the second suppression opening 61.

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

[0027] The second recess 33 is located at the part of the second mounting surface 29 that is curved in a roughly arc shape, that is, the part that is at the bottom when the printing device 1 is installed in the second orientation. The second recess 33 extends in a groove-like manner in the X direction.

[0028] [Open / Close Cover] The opening / closing cover 7 opens and closes the roll paper storage section 15. The opening / closing cover 7 is mounted on the -Z end of the device case 5 so as to be rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the X direction. The discharge port 3 is provided between the tip of the opening / closing cover 7, i.e., the +Z end, and the device case 5. The discharge port 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 both the -X and +Z directions (see Figure 1). The user can open the opening / closing cover 7 by operating the open lever 63.

[0029] [Internal Configuration of a Printing Device] As shown in Figure 6, the printing apparatus 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 Figure 9), and a control circuit (not shown).

[0030] The platen roller 65 is located inside the opening / closing cover 7 so that its rotation axis is approximately parallel to the X direction. The platen roller 65 grips the recording paper P between itself and the thermal head 67 and rotates using a feed motor (not shown) as the drive source to pull the recording paper P from the roll paper R stored in the roll paper storage section 15 and feed it toward the discharge port 3. When the printing device 1 is set up in the first position, the recording paper P is pulled out from the +Y direction in the roll paper R (see Figure 11). When the printing device 1 is set up in the second position, the recording paper P is pulled out from the -Y direction in the roll paper R (see Figure 14).

[0031] The thermal head 67 is located inside the apparatus case 5, facing the platen roller 65. The thermal head 67 is equipped with multiple heating elements (not shown) and prints on the recording paper P drawn from the roll paper R.

[0032] The auto cutter 69 is located near the discharge port 3 and, using a cutter motor (not shown) as its driving source, cuts the recording paper P behind the printed portion, in the width direction, i.e., in the X direction. More specifically, the auto cutter 69 cuts the recording paper P leaving approximately the center of the recording paper P in the width direction intact, so that the cut recording paper P remains at the discharge port 3.

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

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

[0035] [First rotation lever] As shown in Figure 7, the first rotating lever 71 comprises a first retractable portion 77, a first connecting portion 79, a first blocking portion 81, and a first shaft portion 83.

[0036] The first retractable portion 77 constitutes approximately half of the first rotating lever 71 in the -Y direction and is formed in a wedge shape extending in the Y direction. The first retractable portion 77 rotates around the first shaft portion 83 and retracts from the first retractable opening 51 provided on the first mounting surface 27. The first retractable portion 77 retracts from the first overlapping region 49 of the first mounting surface 27. Here, the statement that the first retractable portion 77 retracts from the first overlapping region 49 means that at least a part of the first retractable portion 77 retracts from the first overlapping region 49. The first retractable portion 77 may also be described as the "first contact portion" that contacts the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0037] Of the first retractable portion 77, the first retractable surface 85 on which the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R is placed becomes approximately flush with the first mounting surface 27 when the first retractable portion 77 is retracted into the first mounting surface 27 (see Figure 11). In other words, when the first retractable portion 77 retracts into the first mounting surface 27, it becomes approximately flush with the first mounting surface 27. Furthermore, the thickness of the first retractable portion 77 is approximately equal to the thickness of the first wall portion 41 (see Figure 13). Therefore, since the first retractable portion 77 can be provided using the thickness of the first wall portion 41, space can be saved within the device case 5.

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

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

[0040] The first shaft portion 83 extends in the X direction, passing through approximately the center of the first rotating lever 71 in the Y direction. The first rotating lever 71 rotates about the first shaft portion 83. The first rotating lever 71 is subjected to a force by a first spring (not shown) in the direction in which the first retractable portion 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27, that is, clockwise when viewed from the +X direction.

[0041] [Second rotation lever] As shown in Figure 8, the second rotating lever 73 comprises a second fan section 87, a second retractable section 89, a second blocking section 91, a second shaft section 93, and a second suppression section 95.

[0042] The second fan section 87 is formed in a roughly fan-shaped plate form and is provided approximately parallel to the YZ plane.

[0043] The second retractable 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 retractable portion 89 is formed in a roughly rectangular plate shape and is provided approximately parallel to the XY plane. The second retractable portion 89 retracts and extends from the second retractable opening 59 provided on the second mounting surface 29 by rotating around the second shaft portion 93. The second retractable portion 89 retracts and extends from the second overlapping region 57 of the second mounting surface 29. Here, the statement that the second retractable portion 89 retracts and extends from the second overlapping region 57 means that at least a part of the second retractable portion 89 retracts and extends from the second overlapping region 57. The second retractable portion 89 may also be described as the "second contact portion" that contacts the outer peripheral surface Ra of the roll paper R.

[0044] The second blocking portion 91 is provided on the radially outer side 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 retractable portion 89 around the second shaft portion 93, thereby blocking (see Figure 9) or opening (see Figure 10) the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, which will be described later.

[0045] The second shaft portion 93 protrudes in the +X direction from the +Z end of the second fan portion 87. The second rotation lever 73 rotates around the second shaft portion 93. The second rotation lever 73 is subjected to force by a second spring (not shown) in the direction that causes the second retractable portion 89 to protrude from the second mounting surface 29, that is, clockwise when viewed from the +X direction.

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

[0047] [Optical sensor] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the optical sensor 75 is a light-transmitting sensor and comprises a light-emitting element 97, a light-receiving element 99, and a light guide tube 101.

[0048] The light-emitting element 97 is positioned 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 positioned 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. Although the optical sensor 75 may be configured without the light guide tube 101, the inclusion of the light guide tube 101 allows the light-receiving element 99 to receive detection light even when 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] Furthermore, since the optical sensor 75 is located outside the roll paper storage section 15, paper dust generated from the roll paper R stored in the roll paper storage section 15 is less likely to come into contact with the optical sensor 75, thereby suppressing a reduction in the detection accuracy of the optical sensor 75 due to paper dust that has come into contact with the optical sensor 75. In addition, the light-receiving element 99 is located in the -X direction with respect to the first side wall 23 in the X direction. That is, the light-receiving element 99 is located on the outside in the paper width direction of the roll paper R with respect to the roll paper R stored in the roll paper storage section 15. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress paper dust generated from the roll paper R stored in the roll paper storage section 15 coming into contact with the light-receiving element 99. It should be noted that among the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99, only the light-emitting element 97 may be located on the outside in the paper width direction of the roll paper R, or both the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99 may be located on the outside in the paper width direction of the roll paper R.

[0050] The optical sensor 75 configured in this way outputs a first signal when the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light-receiving element 99, i.e., between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99, is blocked by at least one of the first blocking section 81 and the second blocking section 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., between the light-emitting element 97 and the light-receiving element 99, is not blocked by either the first blocking section 81 or the second blocking section 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 comprehensively controls the entire printing device 1. For example, the control circuit determines whether the roll paper R is in a near-end state 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 in a near-end state. Also, when the control circuit receives a second signal from the optical sensor 75, it determines that the roll paper R is in a near-end state. When the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is in a near-end state, it controls the notification means so that the user is notified that the roll paper R is in a near-end state. The notification means can be, for example, a lamp, display, or speaker provided in the printing device 1.

[0052] [When the printing device is set up in the first orientation] Referring to Figures 11 to 13, the behavior of the first and second rotation levers 71 and 73 will be explained as the recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R decreases 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 whether the first retractable part 77 protrudes from the first mounting 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 whether the second retractable part 89 protrudes from the second mounting 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, the roll paper R can be said to be in a near-end state.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11, when an unused roll of paper R, i.e., a roll of paper R with a diameter larger than the third diameter, is inserted into the roll paper storage section 15 and the outer surface Ra of the roll of paper R is placed on the first mounting surface 27, the first retractable part 77 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and retracts into the first mounting surface 27, and the second retractable part 89 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and retracts into the second mounting surface 29. As a result, the first blocking part 81 blocks the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking part 91 blocks the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that it is not in a near-end state.

[0054] As described above, the first retractable portion 77 extends and retracts from the first mounting surface 27 in the first overlapping region 49. Therefore, when a roll of paper R of the first width is placed in the roll paper storage section 15, and when a roll of paper R of the second width is placed in the roll paper storage section 15, the first retractable portion 77 is pushed by the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R and retracts into the first mounting surface 27. Similarly, the second retractable portion 89 extends and retracts from the second mounting surface 29 in the second overlapping region 57. Therefore, when a roll of paper R of the first width is placed in the roll paper storage section 15, and when a roll of paper R of the second width is placed in the roll paper storage section 15, the second retractable portion 89 is pushed by the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R and retracts into the second mounting surface 29. This is also true when the printing device 1 is installed in the second orientation, as will be described later.

[0055] As shown in Figure 12, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the first diameter but smaller than the third diameter, the second retractable part 89 is released from being held down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. On the other hand, the first retractable part 77 remains retracted into the first mounting surface 27, held down by the roll paper R. At this time, the second blocking part 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the first blocking part 81 remains blocked between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not in a near-end state.

[0056] As shown in Figure 13, as the recording paper P is further consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the first retractable part 77 is released from being held down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. The second retractable part 89 remains protruding from the second mounting surface 29. At this time, the first blocking part 81 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. The second blocking part 91 also 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. Based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is in a near-end state. In this way, when the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the second retractable part 89 and then the first retractable part 77 protrude in that order.

[0057] When the printing device 1 is installed in the first position, the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction toward the opening / closing cover 7 due to the inclination of the first mounting surface 27 as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases. The roll paper R also moves in the -Y direction when the recording paper P is pulled in the -Y and +Z directions by the platen roller 65. When the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, the roll paper R enters the first recess 31 (see Figure 13). When the roll paper R enters the first recess 31, it means that the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R is in contact with the bottom surface of the first recess 31. Therefore, when a user opens the opening / closing cover 7 to replace the roll paper R, the core of the roll paper R whose diameter has become smaller than the first diameter, i.e., the roll paper R that is near-end, or the roll paper R that is at its end, has entered the first recess 31 provided between the first mounting surface 27 and the opening / closing cover 7, so the core of the roll paper R that is near-end or at its end can be easily removed.

[0058] Furthermore, after the roll paper R moves in the -Y direction and enters the first recess 31, the first retractable portion 77 that protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 is positioned in the +Y direction relative to the roll paper R (see Figure 13). Therefore, the first retractable portion 77 that protrudes from the first mounting surface 27 suppresses the roll paper R from moving in the +Y direction from the first recess 31. This prevents the first retractable portion 77 from retracting again due to being pushed by the roll paper R that has moved in the +Y direction from the first recess 31, and prevents false detection that the roll paper R is not in a near-end state.

[0059] Here, of the first retractable portion 77, when the diameter of the roll paper R is large, that is, when the weight of the roll paper R is large, the portion that slides against the roll paper R is prone to wear due to the sliding contact with the roll paper R. If the portion of the first retractable portion 77 that slides against the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is close to the first diameter wears down, the first retractable portion 77 will retract from the first mounting surface 27 before the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the first diameter, and the roll paper R will be incorrectly detected as being in a near-end state before it actually reaches a near-end 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. Therefore, the portion of the first retractable portion 77 that slides against the outer surface Ra of the roll paper R is displaced 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 retractable portion 77 slides against the roll paper R (see Figure 11), but when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the first diameter, the tip of the first retractable portion 77 slides against the roll paper R (see Figure 12). In this way, the first retractable portion 77 is divided into a portion that slides against the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R is large and a portion that slides against the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R decreases. This makes it possible to suppress wear due to friction with the roll paper R at the portion that slides against the roll paper R when the diameter of the roll paper R approaches the first diameter, i.e., the tip of the first retractable portion 77. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the false detection that the roll paper R is in the near-end state before it actually reaches the near-end state.

[0061] [When the printing device is installed in the second orientation] Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the behavior of the first and second rotation levers 71 and 73 will be explained as the recording paper P is consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R decreases 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 whether or not the second retractable part 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 whether or not the first retractable part 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, the roll paper R can be said to be in a near-end state. The second diameter may be the same value as the first diameter described above, or it may be a different value. The fourth diameter may be the same value as the third diameter described above, or it may be a different value.

[0062] As shown in Figure 14, when an unused roll of paper R, i.e., a roll of paper R with a diameter larger than the fourth diameter, is inserted into the roll paper storage section 15 and the outer surface Ra of the roll of paper R is placed on the second mounting surface 29, the first retractable part 77 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and retracts into the first mounting surface 27, and the second retractable part 89 is pressed down by the roll of paper R and retracts into the second mounting surface 29. As a result, the first blocking part 81 blocks the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, and the second blocking part 91 blocks the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that it is not in a near-end state.

[0063] As shown in Figure 15, when the recording paper P is consumed to a certain extent and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes larger than the second diameter but smaller than the fourth diameter, the first retractable part 77 is released from being held down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. On the other hand, the second retractable part 89 remains retracted into the second mounting surface 29, held down by the roll paper R. At this time, the first blocking part 81 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99, but the second blocking part 91 remains blocked between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. Therefore, the optical sensor 75 outputs a first signal. Based on the first signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is not in a near-end state.

[0064] As shown in Figure 16, as the recording paper P is further consumed and the diameter of the roll paper R becomes smaller than the second diameter, the second retractable part 89 is released from being held down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. The first retractable part 77 remains protruding from the first mounting surface 27. At this time, the second blocking part 91 opens the space between the light guide tube 101 and the light receiving element 99. The first blocking part 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. Based on the second signal received from the optical sensor 75, the control circuit determines that the roll paper R is in a near-end state. In this way, when the printing device 1 is installed in the second position, as the diameter of the roll paper R decreases, the first retractable part 77 and then the second retractable part 89 protrude in that order.

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

[0066] The second retractable portion 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 in the +Y direction relative to the second recess 33, that is, on the side opposite to the side from which the recording paper P is pulled out relative to the roll paper R that has entered the second recess 33. Therefore, even if the amount of protrusion of the second retractable portion 89 is increased, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the pulling out of the recording paper P by the protruding second retractable portion 89. Consequently, the amount of protrusion of the second retractable portion 89 can be increased, and the retraction of the second retractable portion 89 can be easily detected by the optical sensor 75.

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

[0068] As mentioned above, in the second rotating lever 73, the distance between the second suppressor 95 and the second shaft 93 is smaller than the distance between the second retractable part 89 and the second shaft 93. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the second suppressor 95 is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the second retractable part 89. For this reason, even if the second suppressor 95 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29 on the side of the recording paper P being pulled out relative to the roll paper R, it is possible to prevent the protruding second suppressor 95 from obstructing the pulling out of the recording paper P.

[0069] Furthermore, when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the fourth diameter, the roll paper R slides against the leading edge of the second retractable section 89 (see Figure 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 leading edge of the second retractable section 89 (see Figure 16). In this way, the second retractable section 89 is divided into areas where the roll paper R slides against the device when its diameter is large and areas where it slides against the device when its diameter is small. This prevents wear due to friction with the roll paper R at the area where the roll paper R slides against the device when its diameter approaches the second diameter, i.e., the side surface of the leading edge of the second retractable section 89. Therefore, it is possible to prevent false detection of the roll paper R being in a near-end state before it actually reaches that state.

[0070] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a roll paper storage section 15, a thermal head 67, a first retractable section 77, a second retractable section 89, and an optical sensor 75. The roll paper storage section 15 includes a first mounting surface 27 and a second mounting surface 29. When the printing apparatus 1 is installed in a first position where the first mounting surface 27 is the bottom of the roll paper storage section 15, the first retractable section 77 is retracted into the first mounting surface 27 when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the first diameter, with its outer peripheral surface Ra being pressed down by the roll paper R placed on the first mounting surface 27. When the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the first diameter, the first retractable section 77 is released from being pressed down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the first mounting surface 27. When the printing device 1 is installed in a second position where the second mounting surface 29 is the bottom of the roll paper storage section 15, the second retractable part 89 retracts into the second mounting surface 29 when the diameter of the roll paper R is greater than the second diameter, as its outer surface Ra is pressed down by the roll paper R placed on the second mounting surface 29. When the diameter of the roll paper R is smaller than the second diameter, the second retractable part 89 is released from being pressed down by the roll paper R and protrudes from the second mounting surface 29. The optical sensor 75 detects the retraction of the first retractable part 77 and the retraction of the second retractable part 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 retractable part 77 protrudes from the first mounting surface 27, and the optical sensor 75 detects the protrusion of the first retractable part 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 in a near-end state. Furthermore, 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 retractable part 89 protrudes from the second mounting surface 29, and the optical sensor 75 detects the protrusion of the second retractable part 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 in a near-end state. Thus, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment differs from a 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. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the obstruction of detecting the near-end state of the roll paper R due to an obstruction between the roll paper R and the optical sensor 75.

[0072] [Other variations] It goes without saying that the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from their spirit. For example, the embodiments described above can be modified to the following forms in addition to those described above. Furthermore, configurations combining embodiments and modifications are also acceptable.

[0073] The printing device 1 is not limited to a configuration that detects the appearance of the first retractable part 77 and the second retractable part 89 using an optical sensor 75, but may also be configured to detect the appearance of the first retractable part 77 and the second retractable part 89 using other types of sensors, such as a microswitch. Furthermore, the printing device 1 may be configured to include a first sensor for detecting the appearance of the first retractable part 77 and a second sensor for detecting the appearance of the second retractable part 89. In other words, the printing device 1 may detect the appearance of the first retractable part 77 and the second retractable part 89 using separate sensors. The printing device 1 may be configured to include either the first retractable part 77 or the second retractable part 89, or it may be configured to include three or more retractable parts. Similarly, the printing device 1 may be configured to include either the first rotating lever 71 or the second rotating lever 73, or it may be configured to include three or more rotating levers.

[0074] The first retractable part 77 is not limited to a configuration in which it retracts from the first mounting surface 27 by rotating, but may also be configured to retract from the first mounting surface 27 by moving linearly back and forth. Similarly, the second retractable part 89 is not limited to a configuration in which it retracts from the second mounting surface 29 by rotating, but may also be configured to retract from the second mounting surface 29 by moving linearly back and forth.

[0075] The printing apparatus 1 is not limited to a configuration that allows installation in two positions, a first position and a second position; it may also be a configuration that allows installation in one position, or a configuration that allows installation in three or more positions.

[0076] The printing method of the printing device 1 is not limited to the thermal method, but may also be, for example, an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method.

[0077] [Note] The following is a supplementary note regarding the printing equipment. The printing apparatus has a mounting surface on which the outer surface of a roll of paper around which recording paper is wound is placed, and includes a roll paper storage section for storing the roll of paper, a printing section for printing on the recording paper pulled out from the roll of paper stored in the roll paper storage section, and a retractable section that is retractable into the mounting surface, and whose outer surface is pressed down by the roll of paper when the diameter of the roll of paper is greater than a predetermined diameter and retracts into the mounting surface, and which is released from being pressed down by the roll of paper and protrudes from the mounting surface when the diameter of the roll of paper is less than a predetermined diameter, and a detection section for detecting the retraction of the retractable section.

[0078] This configuration differs from one in which the detection unit detects the near-end state of the roll paper by receiving detection light reflected from the roll paper. Therefore, it avoids the obstruction of the detection of the near-end state of the roll paper due to an obstruction between the roll paper and the detection unit. Note that the first mounting surface 27 is an example of a "mounting surface". The second mounting surface 29 is an example of a "mounting surface". The thermal head 67 is an example of a "printing area". The first diameter is an example of a "predetermined diameter". The second diameter is an example of a "predetermined diameter". The first retractable part 77 is an example of a "retractable part". The second retractable part 89 is an example of a "retractable part".

[0079] In this case, the detection unit has an optical sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The device has a retractable part and a blocking part that can block the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, and is equipped with a rotatable lever, wherein the blocking part preferably switches between a state in which the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is blocked and a state in which the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is open, depending on the retraction of the retractable part.

[0080] With this configuration, the presence or absence of the protruding part can be detected by switching between a state where the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is blocked and a state where the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is open, depending on whether the protruding part is present or absent. Note that the first shut-off section 81 is an example of a "shut-off section". The second shut-off section 91 is an example of a "shut-off section". The first rotating lever 71 is an example of a "rotating lever". The second rotating lever 73 is an example of a "rotating lever".

[0081] In this case, it is preferable that the optical sensor is located outside the roll paper storage section.

[0082] With this configuration, paper dust generated from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is less likely to come into contact with the optical sensor, thus suppressing the reduction in detection accuracy of the optical sensor due to paper dust that comes into contact with the optical sensor.

[0083] In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is provided on the outside of the roll paper in the width direction relative to the roll paper.

[0084] With this configuration, paper dust generated from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage section is less likely to come into contact with the light-emitting or light-receiving elements located on the outside of the roll paper in the width direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in detection accuracy of the optical sensor caused by paper dust adhering to the light-emitting or light-receiving elements.

[0085] In this case, the mounting surface is inclined so that the roll paper moves in a first direction as the diameter of the roll paper decreases, and after the roll paper has moved in the first direction, the protruding portion from the mounting surface is preferably located in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the roll paper.

[0086] With this configuration, the retractable portion that protrudes from the mounting surface prevents the roll paper from moving in the second direction. This prevents the retractable portion from retracting again due to being pushed by the roll paper that has moved in the second direction, and prevents false detection that the roll paper is not in a near-end state. Note that the -Y direction is an example of the "first direction," and the +Y direction is an example of the "second direction."

[0087] In this case, it is preferable that the device includes an opening / closing cover for opening and closing the roll paper storage section, and that the opening / closing cover is provided in a first direction with respect to the mounting surface.

[0088] In this configuration, as the diameter of the paper roll decreases, the paper roll moves towards the opening / closing cover. Therefore, when the user opens the opening / closing cover to replace the paper roll, they can easily remove the paper roll that is near its end.

[0089] In this case, it is preferable that the retractable portion extends and retracts from the mounting surface on the side opposite to the side from which the recording paper is pulled out relative to the roll paper.

[0090] With this configuration, even if the protrusion of the retractable part is increased, it is possible to suppress the obstruction of the recording paper being pulled out by the protruding part.

[0091] In this case, it is preferable to have a restraining part that is provided on the mounting surface so as to be able to extend and retract, and which, when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than a predetermined diameter, extends from the mounting surface on the side of the recording paper that is pulled out relative to the roll paper, by a smaller amount than the extension and retracting part.

[0092] With this configuration, the restraining part can prevent the roll paper from moving towards the paper dispenser. Furthermore, because the amount of protrusion of the restraining part is small, it can prevent the protruding restraining part from obstructing the dispenser of the paper. Note that the second suppression unit 95 is an example of a "suppression unit".

[0093] In this case, the roll paper storage section is capable of selectively accommodating a roll paper of a first width and a roll paper of a second width that is wider than the first width, and it is preferable that the retractable section retracts from an overlapping area on the mounting surface where the narrow area on which the outer surface of the first width roll paper is placed and the wide area on which the outer surface of the second width roll paper is placed overlap.

[0094] With this configuration, when a roll of paper of the first width is placed in the roll paper storage section, and when a roll of paper of the second width is placed in the roll paper storage section, the retractable part is pressed against the outer surface of the roll paper and retracts into the mounting surface. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the roll paper is in a near-end state, in both cases, whether a roll of paper of the first width is placed in the roll paper storage section, and whether a roll of paper of the second width is placed in the roll paper storage section. Note that the first narrow region 45 is an example of a "narrow region". The second narrow region 53 is an example of a "narrow region". The first wide region 47 is an example of a "wide region". The second wide region 55 is an example of a "wide region". The first overlapping region 49 is an example of an "overlapping region". The second overlapping region 57 is an example of an "overlapping region". [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1…Printing device, 7…Opening / closing cover, 15…Roll paper storage section, 45…First narrow area, 47…First wide area, 49…First overlapping area, 53…Second narrow area, 55…Second wide area, 57…Second overlapping area, 67…Thermal head, 71…First rotating lever, 73…Second rotating lever, 75…Optical sensor, 77…First retractable part, 81…First blocking part, 89…Second retractable part, 91…Second blocking part, 95…Second suppression part, 97…Light-emitting element, 99…Light-receiving element, 101…Light guide tube, P…Recording paper, R…Roll paper, Ra…Outer surface.

Claims

1. It has a mounting surface on which the outer surface of a roll of paper around which recording paper is wound is placed, and a roll paper storage section for storing the roll of paper, A printing unit that prints on the recording paper drawn out from the roll paper stored in the roll paper storage unit, The retractable portion is provided so as to extend and retract from the mounting surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is larger than a predetermined diameter, the outer surface is pressed down by the roll paper placed on the mounting surface and retracts into the mounting surface, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the predetermined diameter, it is released from being pressed down by the roll paper and protrudes from the mounting surface. A detection unit for detecting the appearance or disappearance of the aforementioned protruding part, A restraining part is provided on the mounting surface so as to be able to extend and retract, and when the diameter of the roll paper is smaller than the predetermined diameter, it protrudes from the mounting surface on the side of the recording paper that is pulled out relative to the roll paper by a smaller amount than the retractable part, thereby preventing the recording paper from being pulled and the roll paper from moving. A printing apparatus characterized by being equipped with

2. The detection unit has an optical sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. The system includes a rotating lever that is rotatably mounted and has a retractable portion and a blocking portion capable of blocking the space between the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking portion 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 protrusion and recession of the retractable portion.

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

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the light-emitting element and the light-receiving element is provided on the outside of the roll paper in the width direction relative to the roll paper.

5. The mounting surface is inclined such that the roll paper moves in a first direction as the diameter of the roll paper decreases. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, after the roll paper moves in the first direction, the retractable portion that protrudes from the mounting surface is located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the roll paper.

6. It includes an opening / closing cover for opening and closing the roll paper storage section, The printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening and closing cover is provided in the first direction with respect to the mounting surface described above.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the retractable portion retracts from the aforementioned mounting surface on the side opposite to the side from which the recording paper is pulled out relative to the roll paper.

8. The roll paper storage section is capable of selectively storing a roll paper of a first width and a roll paper of a second width that is wider than the first width. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the retractable portion retracts from an overlapping area where the narrow area on which the outer surface of the first width roll paper is placed and the wide area on which the outer surface of the second width roll paper is placed overlap the aforementioned surface.

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