Printer

A printer includes a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium; a winding unit that winds the printing medium on which the printing is performed by the printing unit; and a frame unit which is positioned between the printing unit and the winding unit on a feeding path of the printing medium, in which in a case where the printing medium is not wound by the winding unit, a receiving member for receiving the printing medium is detachably mounted to the frame unit, and in a case where the printing medium is wound by the winding unit, the receiving member is detached such that the frame unit comes in contact with the printing medium.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a printer on which a receiving member for receiving a printing medium is mounted.

In the related art, an ink jet printer including a stacker for receiving a recording sheet which is discharged from a discharging portion has been known (refer to JP-A-2011-032045).

The ink jet printer in the related art does not perform both of receiving a recording sheet by using a stacker, and winding the recording sheet. For this reason, it is not considered that the stacker is utilized in a case where the recording sheet is wound.

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printer which is capable of efficiently using a frame unit on which a receiving member is mounted in a case where a printing medium is wound.

SUMMARY

According to the invention, there is provided a printer including a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium; a winding unit that winds the printing medium on which the printing is performed by the printing unit; and a frame unit which is positioned between the printing unit and the winding unit on a feeding path of the printing medium, in which in a case where the printing medium is not wound by the winding unit, a receiving member for receiving the printing medium is detachably mounted to the frame unit, and in a case where the printing medium is wound by the winding unit, the receiving member is detached such that the frame unit comes in contact with the printing medium.

With such a configuration, in the case where the printing medium is not wound, the receiving member is mounted to the frame unit, and in the case where the printing medium is wound, the frame unit comes in contact with the printing medium so as to guide feeding of the printing medium. Therefore, according to this configuration, the frame unit on which the receiving member is mounted can be efficiently used in a case where the printing medium is wound.

In this case, it is preferable that the winding unit comes in contact with the printing medium such that a part of the printing medium before being wound by the winding unit is curved to the side opposite to the winding unit.

With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the part of the printing medium which is wound by the winding unit from rubbing against the part of the printing medium before being wound by the winding unit.

In this case, it is preferable that the frame unit includes an engaging portion which is engaged with the receiving member.

With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably attach the receiving member to the frame unit by using the engaging portion.

In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of the engaging portions are provided along a width direction of the printing medium.

With such a configuration, loads can be dispersed into the plurality of engaging portions, and thus it is possible to disperse the loads applied to the frame unit.

In this case, it is preferable that the receiving member is attached to the frame unit so as to be wound, and in the winding direction of the receiving member, the engaging portion is provided on the downstream side in the winding direction further than a position at a half circumference from a winding start position.

With such a configuration, the engaging portion is not provided on the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position. For this reason, even in a case where the printed part received in the receiving member covers the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position, the printed part does not come in contact with the engaging portion. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to prevent a printed surface of the printed part from being scratched in a case where the printed part comes in contact with the engaging portion.

In this case, it is preferable that a position where the frame unit is disposed in the case where the printing medium is not wound by the winding unit is the same as a position where the frame unit is disposed in the case where the printing medium is wound by the winding unit.

With such a configuration, it is possible to easily switch the case where the receiving member is used into a case where the receiving member is not used, without causing the frame unit to be movable.

In this case, it is preferable that the printer further includes a detecting unit which is capable of detecting that a slack amount of the printing medium wound by the winding unit approaches a predetermined amount, and the detecting unit is capable of being displaced between a detecting position where the slack amount that approaches a predetermined amount is detected, and a retractable position which is retracted from the detecting position.

With such a configuration, it is possible to detect that the slack amount of the printing medium approaches a predetermined amount, and thus it is possible to prevent the printing medium from being excessively slackened. In addition, the detecting unit is displaced to the retractable position, and thus in a case where the detecting unit is not used, it is possible to secure a space in the vicinity of a feeding path of the printing medium.

In this case, it is preferable that the detecting unit includes a first detecting unit and a second detecting unit, and at least one of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit is rotated so as to be displaced between the detecting position and the retractable position.

With such a configuration, it is possible to easily displace at least one of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit without replacing components.

In this case, it is preferable that the detecting unit is detachable from the winding unit.

With such a configuration, it is possible to use the winding unit and the detecting unit as a pair by mounting the detecting unit to the winding unit. For this reason, it is possible to easily store the detecting unit, or to prevent the detecting unit from being lost.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a printer100according to one embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. The printer100includes a receiving member mode and a winding mode. In the receiving member mode of the printer100, a printed part Pa of a printing medium P which is a continuous sheet is cut off by a cutting portion125, and the cut-off printed part Pa is discharged to a sheet-like receiving member3. Here, the receiving member mode may be used when the printing is performed by using a cut medium. In such a case, the printing medium P is originally a cut medium, and thus the cutting by the cutting portion125is not performed, and the printed cut medium is discharged to the receiving member3. In the winding mode of the printer100, the printed part Pa is wound without cutting off the printed part Pa. Note that, an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system is indicated in the following drawings in order to make disposing relations between respective portions of the printer clear as necessary.

A configuration of the printer100will be described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 6. The printer100is provided with an apparatus main body1, weight equipment2, and a receiving member3. The apparatus main body1is provided with a leg portion11, a housing portion12, a first receiving member mounting portion13, a second receiving member mounting portion16, a winding unit14, and a slack detecting sensor15. The slack detecting sensor15is an example of a detecting unit for detects a slack amount of the printing medium P.

The leg portion11supports the housing portion12and the like. The leg portion11is formed of metallic extruding materials in combination. The leg portion11is provided with two base portions111, two pillar portions112, and a beam113. Two of the base portions111are arranged in the X direction. The base portion111is provided such that the longitudinal direction is set to be the Y direction. A caster114is provided at each of both end portions of the base portion111in the Y direction. The pillar portions112are provided in a substantially intermediate portion of the base portion111in the longitudinal direction such that the pillar portions112face each other in the X direction. The beam113is provided such that the longitudinal direction is set to be the X direction. Both end portions of the beam113are fixed to two of the pillar portions112.

The housing portion12is supported by the leg portion11so as to cover two of the pillar portions112. The housing portion12is provided with a feeding portion121, a printing unit122, a pair of feed rollers123(refer toFIG. 3), and a cutting portion125therein. A discharging port124is provided on the +Y side of the housing portion12. In addition, the housing portion12is provided with an operation panel126which is a user interface. The receiving member mode and the winding mode are switched to each other based on an operation with respect to the operation panel126, for example.

A rolling body obtained by winding the printing medium P in a roll shape is set in the feeding portion121. The feeding portion121allows the rolling body to rotate such that the printing medium P is fed from the set rolling body. Note that, similar to a winding unit14described below, a plurality of the printing mediums P (rolling bodies) which have different widths are possibly set to the feeding portion121. The maximum width of the settable printing medium P is, for example, 64 inches.

The printing unit122performs the printing on the printing medium P by using a serial method. The printing unit122is provided with a carriage1221and a carriage guide1222. A plurality of ink jet heads (not shown) are mounted on the carriage1221. The carriage1221is capable of reciprocally moving in the X direction. The carriage guide1222guides the movement of the carriage1221to the X direction. When the ink jet head discharges ink while the carriage1221moves in the X direction, the printing is performed on the printing medium P. As such, the printer100includes the printing unit122which performs the printing on the printing medium P.

One or more pairs of feed rollers123are provided between the feeding portion121and the discharging port124on the feeding path of the printing medium P (only one pair of feed rollers123are illustrated in the drawings). The pair of feed rollers123intermittently transport the printing medium P which is fed from the feeding portion121to the discharging port124during the movement of the carriage1221.

In the receiving member mode, the cutting portion125cuts the printed part Pa, whereas in the winding mode, the cutting portion125does not cut the printed part Pa. Note that, in a case where the printing is performed by using the cut medium, the cutting is not performed by the cutting portion125even in the receiving member mode. The cutting portion125is provided between the printing unit122and the discharging port124on the feeding path of the printing medium P. The cutting portion125is provided with a cutter1251and a cutter guide1252. The cutter1251is capable of reciprocally moving in the X direction, and the printing medium P is cut in the width direction. The cutter guide1252guides the movement of the cutter1251in the X direction. When the cutter1251moves in the X direction in a state where a rear end of the printed part Pa is transported to the cutter1251, the printed part Pa is cut off.

The first receiving member mounting portion13is a frame unit which is formed into a frame shape. The first receiving member mounting portion13is positioned between the printing unit122and the winding unit14on the feeding path of the printing medium P. That is, the printer100is provided with the frame unit which is positioned between the printing unit122and the winding unit14on the feeding path of the printing medium P. In addition, the frame unit is configured to include a receiving member detachable portion which is capable of detaching the receiving member3for receiving the printing medium P in a case where the printing medium P is not wound by the winding unit14, and a medium supporting portion which supports the printing medium P in a case where the printing medium P is wound by the winding unit14. With such a configuration, it is possible to attach and detach the receiving member3with respect to the frame unit, and thus it is possible to easily switch a case where the receiving member3is used and a case where the receiving member3is not used are with each other without attaching and detaching the frame unit. Further, the frame unit includes a medium supporting portion, and thus it is possible to efficiently use the frame unit even in the case where the receiving member3is not used. The first receiving member mounting portion13as the frame unit will be described in detail.

The receiving member3is detachably mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16. In the receiving member mode, the cut-off printed part Pa is discharged so as be fall down to the mounted receiving member3which is mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16. On the other hand, in the winding mode, the receiving member3is not necessary and the receiving member3may interfere with the printed part Pa which is transported to winding unit14from the discharging port124in a state where the receiving member3is mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16. For this reason, in the receiving member mode, the receiving member3is mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16(refer toFIG. 1toFIG. 3); whereas in the winding mode, the receiving member3is detached between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16(refer toFIG. 4toFIG. 6). It can be said that the first receiving member mounting portion13is configured to include a receiving member detachable portion (specifically, a mounting-side engaging portion133described below) on which the receiving member3is detachably mounted. In addition, the receiving member3is for receiving the printing medium P in a case where the printing medium P is not wound by the winding unit14. In other words, the frame unit includes a receiving member detachable portion on which the receiving member3for receiving the printing medium P is detachably mounted in the case where the printing medium P is not wound by the winding unit14. Note that, in the winding mode, the receiving member3may be mounted on the second receiving member mounting portion16as it is.

An end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detachably mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13. The first receiving member mounting portion13is formed of metallic extruding materials in combination. The first receiving member mounting portion13is provided with a mounting bar131, two bar supporting materials132, and a plurality of (four) mounting-side engaging portions133(refer toFIG. 9). The mounting-side engaging portion133is also simply referred to as an engaging portion. That is, in the frame unit, the receiving member detachable portion is an engaging portion which is engaged with the receiving member3. With this, it is possible to preferably attach the receiving member3to the frame unit by using the engaging portion.

The mounting bar131is provided such that the longitudinal direction is set to be the width direction (the X direction) of the printing medium P. The mounting bar131is positioned between the discharging port124and the winding unit14in the Z direction, and is positioned on the +Y side further than the discharging port124and the winding unit14in the Y direction (refer toFIG. 3). In the receiving member mode, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is so mounted on the mounting bar131as to be suspended (refer toFIG. 1toFIG. 3). In the winding mode, the mounting bar131guides the printed part Pa which is transported to the −Z side (lower side) from the discharging port124so as to be bent to the +Y side (the side opposite to the winding unit14) (refer toFIG. 4toFIG. 6) in a state where the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detached. That is, the frame unit includes a medium supporting portion which supports the printing medium P in a case where the printing medium P is wound by the winding unit14. Specifically, a part coming in contact with the printing medium P in the mounting bar131corresponds to the medium supporting portion (refer toFIG. 4andFIG. 6).

In addition, the mounting bar131is formed into a rectangular tube shape having a substantially rectangular cross-section, and in four circumferential surfaces of the mounting bar131, a surface diagonal to the −Y side and +Z side is referred to as a first circumferential surface1311, a surface diagonal to the +Y side and +Z side is referred to as a second circumferential surface1312, a surface diagonal to the +Y side and the −Z side is referred to as a third circumferential surface1313, and a surface diagonal to the −Y side and the −Z side is referred to as a fourth circumferential surface1314(refer toFIG. 9).

Two of the bar supporting materials132support both end portions of the mounting bar131. The bar supporting materials132are provided such that the longitudinal direction is set to be the diagonal Y direction in which the +Y side faces the +Z side. An angle of the bar supporting material132with respect to the Y direction is variable, and the angle of the bar supporting material132with respect to the Y direction in the winding mode is greater (closer to the vertical direction) than that in the receiving member mode (refer toFIG. 3andFIG. 6). One end of the bar supporting material132is fixed to the end portion on the +Y side of the base portion111, and the other end of the bar supporting material132is fixed to the end portion of the mounting bar131.

Four of the mounting-side engaging portions133are provided in the mounting bar131with intervals in the X direction. That is, in the frame unit, the plurality of engaging portions are provided along the width direction of the printing medium P. With this, it is possible to disperse loads to the plurality of engaging portions, and thus the loads applied to the frame unit can be dispersed. The mounting-side engaging portions133are projected from the fourth circumferential surface1314of the mounting bar131. The mounting-side engaging portions133are engaged with receiving-member side engaging portions321(refer toFIG. 8) described below.

An end portion on the −Y side of the receiving member3is detachably mounted on the second receiving member mounting portion16. The second receiving member mounting portion16is formed into a cylindrical shape, and is cantilevered by the end portion on the −Y side of the base portion111on the +X side such that the longitudinal direction is set to be the X direction. That is, the second receiving member mounting portion16is provided in parallel to the first receiving member mounting portion13, and is provided on the −Y side and the −Z side with respect to the first receiving member mounting portion13.

The winding unit14winds the printing medium P on which the printing is performed by the printing unit122. Specifically, in the winding mode, the winding unit14winds the printed part Pa which is slackened from the discharging port124to the −Z side (the lower side) such that the printed surface is set to be the outer side (refer toFIG. 6). Note that, the winding unit14may wind the printing medium P such that the printed surface is set to be the inner side (indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 6). The winding unit14winds the printed part Pa based on the detecting result by the slack detecting sensor15. That is, the winding unit14does not wind the printed part Pa until the fact that a slack amount of the printed part Pa approaches a predetermined amount is detected by the slack detecting sensor15. The winding unit14winds a certain amount of the printed part Pa when the slack amount of the printed part Pa is gradually increased in accordance with a transporting operation by the pair of feed rollers123, and thus the fact that the slack amount approaches a predetermined amount is detected by the slack detecting sensor15. Here, “a predetermined amount” of the slack amount means, for example, a slack amount of the extent to which a lower end (a part positioned on the most −Z side) of a slackened part of the printed part Pa is proximate to a ground on which the printer100is installed. With this, it is possible to pull up the lower end of the slackened part of the printed part Pa to the +Z side by reducing the slack amount before the lower end of the slackened part of the printed part Pa comes in contact with the ground. In addition, the winding unit14is provided with a driving unit141and a driven unit142.

The driving unit141is provided with a driving-side engaging portion1411, a driving-side flange1412, and a winding box1413. The winding box1413is an example of a wiring connection portion which is connected to a first receiving and emitting unit and a second receiving and emitting unit which are described below. The driving-side engaging portion1411is engaged with an end portion of a paper tube C on the +X side in which the printing medium P is wound. That is, the driving-side engaging portion1411is inserted into the paper tube C from the end portion of a paper tube C on the +X side, and the paper tube C is interposed between the driving-side engaging portion1411and a driven-side engaging portion (not shown) described below. The driving-side engaging portion1411is rotatably held on the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413. The driving-side flange1412is provided on the same axis as that of the driving-side engaging portion1411. Although not shown, a winding motor which is a driving source for causing the driving-side engaging portion1411to rotate, a detecting circuit which is connected to the slack detecting sensor15, a control circuit for controlling the winding motor based on the output from the detecting circuit, and the like are provided in the winding box1413. The winding box1413is attached to the +Y side of the pillar portion112on the +X side. Note that, a light-emitting side supporting member1512and a light-receiving side supporting member1522which are described below are detachably mounted on the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413.

The driven unit142is provided with the driven-side engaging portion, a driven-side flange1422, and a holding arm1423. The driven-side engaging portion is engaged with the end portion of the paper tube C on the −X side. That is, the driven-side engaging portion is inserted into the paper tube C from the end portion of the paper tube C on the −X side, and the paper tube C is interposed between the driven-side engaging portion and the driving-side engaging portion1411. The driven-side engaging portion is held so as to rotate around the holding arm1423. The driven-side flange1422is provided on the same axis as that of the driven-side engaging portion. The holding arm1423is provided so as to extend to the Y direction in which the +Y side faces the −X direction from the beam113, and holds the driven-side engaging portion so as to rotate around a tip end portion thereof. The holding arm1423is supported by the beam113so as to be movable in the X direction along the beam113.

When a user moves the holding arm1423along the beam113in the X direction, a position of the driven-side engaging portion in the X direction is adjusted so as to correspond to a length of the paper tube C, that is, a width of the printing medium P. With this, the winding unit14can wind various types of printing mediums P having different widths.

The driving-side engaging portion1411rotates such that the paper tube C which is interposed between the driving-side engaging portion1411and the driven-side engaging portion rotates, by using the winding motor as a driving source. The driven-side engaging portion rotates in accordance with the driving-side engaging portion1411via the paper tube C. With this, the printed part Pa which is slackened to the −Z side from the discharging port124is wound around the paper tube C while being guided to the width direction by the driving-side flange1412and the driven-side flange1422.

The slack detecting sensor15detects that the slack amount of the printed part Pa approaches a predetermined amount. The slack detecting sensor15a transmission-type photo-interrupter, and is provided with a light emitting unit151and a light receiving unit152. When the slack amount of the printed part Pa approaches a predetermined amount, the detected light from the light emitting unit151is shielded by the printed part Pa, and thus the light is not received by the light receiving unit152. With this, the slack detecting sensor15detects that the slack amount of the printed part Pa approaches a predetermined amount. As described above, “a predetermined amount” of the slack amount means, for example, a slack amount of the extent to which a lower end (a part positioned on the most −Z side) of a slackened part of the printed part Pa is proximate to a ground on which the printer100is installed. The slack detecting sensor15is provided in a position in which the printed part Pa in the above-described state (in the state where the lower end of the slackened part of the printed part Pa is proximate to a ground) can be detected.

In short, the printer100is provided with a detecting unit which can detect that the slack amount of the printing medium P wound by the winding unit14approaches a predetermined amount. With this, it is possible to detect that the slack amount of the printing medium P approaches a predetermined amount, and thus it is possible to prevent the printing medium P from being excessively slackened.

In addition, the detecting unit can be displaced to the detecting position where the slack amount that approaches a predetermined amount is detected and the retractable position which is retracted from the detecting position. With this, the detecting unit is displaced to the retractable position, and thus in the case where the detecting unit is not used, it is possible to secure the space in the vicinity of the feeding path of the printing medium P. The displacement of the detecting unit will be described below in detail.

The light emitting unit151is provided with a light emitting unit1511and a light-emitting side supporting member1512. The light emitting unit1511an example of is of the first detecting unit. The light emitting unit1511is formed into the substantially rectangular plate shape. The light emitting element (not shown) is incorporated into the light emitting unit1511, and emits the detected light. The light emitting element is, for example, an infrared-emitting diode. The light emitting unit1511is electrically connected to the detecting circuit in the winding box1413by a light-emitting side wire1513. The light-emitting side wire1513is an example of a first wire which connects the first receiving and emitting unit and the winding unit14.

The light-emitting side supporting member1512is formed into a substantially rectangular plate shape which is thinner than the light emitting unit1511, and is detachably mounted to the position close to the +Y side of the surface on the −X side with respect to the base portion111on the +X side. Here, the base portion111functions as a supporting member to which the light-emitting side supporting member1512is attached. That is, the base portion111is an example of the supporting member. The light-emitting side supporting member1512is attached to the base portion111by a small screw1514. In addition, the light-emitting side supporting member1512is not shown, but can be attached to the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413by the small screw1514. That is, the light-emitting side supporting member1512can be replaced with the winding box1413from the base portion111on the +X side. In other words, the light emitting unit151is detachably mounted on each of the base portion111on the +X side and the winding box1413.

The light-emitting side supporting member1512supports the light emitting unit1511so as to rotate around the Y-axis via a hinge (not shown). That is, the light emitting unit1511can be positioned in a first position (refer toFIG. 6) which is substantially orthogonal (substantially parallel to the XY plane) to the light-emitting side supporting member1512, and a second position (refer toFIG. 3) which is substantially parallel to (substantially parallel to the YZ plane) to the light-emitting side supporting member1512in a state of being mounted to the base portion111. In the state where the light emitting unit1511is positioned in the first position, the light can be received and emitted between a light emitting unit1511and a light receiving unit1521. In addition, in the state where the light emitting unit1511is positioned in the first position, the light emitting unit1511comes in contact with the mounted receiving member3mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16. On the other hand, in the state where the light emitting unit1511is positioned in the second position, the light cannot be received and emitted between the light emitting unit1511and the light receiving unit1521. In addition, in the state where the light emitting unit1511is positioned in the second position, the light emitting unit1511does not come in contact with the receiving member3mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16. The detected light is emitted from a tip end part of the light emitting unit1511. Accordingly, the light emitting part of the detected light in the light emitting unit1511is configured to be largely moved when the light emitting unit1511is displaced.

Here, in the receiving member mode, when the light emitting unit1511is positioned in the first position, the light emitting unit1511comes in contact with the receiving member3, and thus the light emitting unit1511interferes with the receiving member3. In contrast, in the printer100in the receiving member mode, the light emitting unit1511can be positioned at the second position, and thus it is possible to prevent the light emitting unit1511from interfering with the receiving member3. In addition, the light emitting unit1511is supported by the light-emitting side supporting member1512through a hinge, and thus the light emitting unit1511can be positioned at the first position and the second position in a state where the light-emitting side supporting member1512is attached to the base portion111. Accordingly, the user is not required to perform an operation of attaching and detaching the light emitting unit1511such that the printer100switches the position of the light emitting unit1511to the first position and the second position.

In other words, the detecting unit allows at least one (here, the light emitting unit1511) of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit to be rotated so as to be displaced between the detecting position and the retractable position. With this, it is possible to easily displace at least one of the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit without replacing components.

The light receiving unit152is provided with the light receiving unit1521and the light-receiving side supporting member1522. The light receiving unit1521is an example of the second detecting unit. The light receiving unit1521is formed into a substantially “U” shape when seen from the Z direction. The light receiving element (not shown) is incorporated into the light receiving unit1521, and receives the detected light from the light emitting element. The light receiving element is, for example, an infrared phototransistor. The light receiving unit1521is electrically connected to the detecting circuit in the winding box1413by a light-receiving side wiring1523. The light-receiving side wiring1523is an example of a second wiring which connects the second receiving and emitting unit and the winding unit14.

The light-receiving side supporting member1522is formed into a box shape the −Y side is opened by diagonally cutting the corner portions on the +Y side and the +Z side. The light receiving unit1521is supported by the light-receiving side supporting member1522on the +Y side. The light-receiving side supporting member1522is detachably mounted on the base portion111on the +X side so as to cover the end portion on the +Y side of the base portion111on the +X side. The light-receiving side supporting member1522is attached to the base portion111by a small screw1524(refer toFIG. 6). In addition, the light-receiving side supporting member1522can be attached to the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413by using the small screw1524(refer toFIG. 3). That is, the light-receiving side supporting member1522can be replaced from the base portion111on the +X side to the winding box1413. That is, the light receiving unit152is detachably mounted on each of the base portion111on the +X side and the winding box1413. Note that, the small screws1514and1524which are used to attach the light-emitting side supporting member1512and the light-receiving side supporting member1522to the base portion111and the winding box1413are preferably manual type screws (hand-cranked screws), and among them, a screw with a captive washer is further preferably used so as to improve the workability.

Here, as described above, the light emitting unit151is detachably mounted on the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413. Similarly, the light receiving unit152is detachably mounted on the surface on the −X side of the winding box1413. Therefore, at the time of assembling the printer100, the light emitting unit151and the light receiving unit152are temporarily mounted on the winding box1413, that is, it is possible to attach the winding box1413to the pillar portion112in a state of temporary assembly. With this, in a state where the light emitting unit151hangs down from the winding box1413via the light-emitting side wire1513, and the light receiving unit152hangs down from the winding box1413via the light-receiving side wiring1523, it is possible to avoid performing the attaching operation of the winding box1413. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the light-emitting side wire1513or the light-receiving side wiring1523from being pulled and thus disconnected in the middle of the operation of attaching the winding box1413.

In other words for the above configuration, the detecting unit is configured so as to be detachably mounted on the winding unit14. When the detecting unit is mounted on the winding unit14, the winding unit14and the detecting unit can be set as a pair. For this reason, it is possible to easily store the detecting unit so as to be less likely to be lost.

In addition, in the receiving member mode, the light receiving unit152is not necessary and is provided at the end portion on the +Y side of the base portion111, and thus the user stumbles on the light receiving unit152at the time of passing through the vicinity of the printer100. For this reason, the light receiving unit152is detached from the base portion111and is mounted on the winding box1413in the receiving member mode. Note that, even in the receiving member mode, the light receiving unit152may be in a state of being mounted on the base portion111.

The weight equipment2is mounted at an end portion (lower end portion) on the −Z side of the printed part Pa slackened to the −Z side from the discharging port124. With this, the shape of the slackened part of the printed part Pa is stabilized.

The receiving member3is mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16with the slackness on the −Z side. The mounted receiving member3receives the printed part Pa discharged from the discharging port124. In a case where a plurality of printed parts Pa are sequentially transported from the discharging port124, the plurality of printed parts Pa are sequentially stacked on the receiving member3so as to be discharged to the receiving member3. Meanwhile, the receiving member3will be described below in detail.

In a case where the printer100which is configured as described above is used in the receiving member mode, the user moves the light emitting unit1511to the second position in advance, and mounts the light receiving unit152on the winding box1413. In addition, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13, and the end portion on the −Y side of the receiving member3is mounted on the second receiving member mounting portion16. In addition, in the receiving member mode, in the printer100, the printed part Pa is cut off by using the cutting portion125after the printing is performed on the printing medium P by the printing unit122, and the cut-off printed part Pa is discharged to the mounted receiving member3which is mounted between the first receiving member mounting portion13and the second receiving member mounting portion16.

On the other hand, in a case where the printer100is used in the winding mode, the user detaches the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3from the first receiving member mounting portion13, and detaches the end portion on the −Y side of the receiving member3from the second receiving member mounting portion16. In addition, the user moves the light emitting unit1511to the first position and mounts the light receiving unit152on the base portion111. Further, the user extracts the tip end portion of the printing medium P to the winding unit14from the discharging port124by passing through the +Y side of the mounting bar131so as to be bonded to the paper tube C set in the winding unit14. In addition, in the winding mode, the printer100performs the printing on the printing medium P by the printing unit122while transporting the printing medium P by using a roll-to-roll method, and winds the printed part Pa by the winding unit14based on the detection result of the slack detecting sensor15, without cutting off the printed part Pa by the cutting portion125. In this case, the first receiving member mounting portion13comes in contact with the printed part Pa facing the winding unit14from the discharging port124, and guides feeding of the printed part Pa.

Here, the slack detecting sensor15is provided with the light emitting unit1511and the light receiving unit1521as separated units (the light emitting unit151and the light receiving unit152), and thus the light emitting unit1511and the light receiving unit1521can be separately disposed, and can correspond to various winding conditions. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6, in a case where the printing medium P (indicated by a two-dot chain line inFIG. 6) is wound such that the printed surface is positioned inside, the printing medium P passes through the +Y side as compared with the case where the printing medium P (shown by a solid line in theFIG. 6) is wound such that the printed surface is positioned outside. Also in this case, the slackened printing medium P passes through between the light emitting unit1511and the light receiving unit1521, and thus the fact that the slack amount of the printing medium P approaches a predetermined amount is detected.

The guide for the feeding of the printed part Pa by the first receiving member mounting portion13will be further described with reference toFIG. 6andFIG. 7. As illustrated inFIG. 7, unlike the printer100of the embodiment, in a printer100A according to the comparative example, the receiving member3is not detachably mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13, but the first receiving member mounting portion13is detachably mounted on the base portion111. For this reason, in the printer100A, the first receiving member mounting portion13is detachably mounted, and thus the receiving member3is detached. That is, the printer100A in the winding mode is used in a state where the first receiving member mounting portion13is detached from the base portion111. For this reason, in the printer100A, the printed part Pa discharged from the discharging port124is transported to the −Z side (the lower side) through the vicinity of the winding unit14. With this, as a winding amount of the printed part Pa which is wound around the paper tube C is increased, it is possible to prevent the printed part Pa which is transported to the −Z side (the lower side) from the discharging port124from rubbing against the printed surface of the printed part Pa, that is, the printing image, which is wound around the paper tube C. For this reason, in the printer100A, there is a concern in that the printed surface of the printed part Pa is scratched.

In contrast, the printer100according to the embodiment is configured such that the receiving member3is detachably mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13, as described above, and in the winding mode, the receiving member3is used in a state of being detached from the first receiving member mounting portion13. That is, in the printer100, the first receiving member mounting portion13can be used in a state of being fixed to the base portion111even in the winding mode. As illustrated inFIG. 6, in the winding mode, the first receiving member mounting portion13guides the printed part Pa transported to the −Z side (the lower side) from the discharging port124to be curved to the +Y side (the side opposite to the winding unit14). The meaning of “the first receiving member mounting portion13guides the printed part Pa” is that “the first receiving member mounting portion13corresponds to a portion of a path guiding the printed part Pa”. That is, the first receiving member mounting portion13functions as a medium supporting portion supporting the printing medium P. With this, even in a case where a winding amount of the printed part Pa which is wound around the paper tube C is increased, it is possible to prevent the printed part Pa which is transported to the −Z side (the lower side) from the discharging port124from rubbing against the printed surface of the printed part Pa which is wound around the paper tube C. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the printed surface of the printed part Pa from being scratched. In addition, the first receiving member mounting portion13is not required to be detachable, and thus it is possible to make the first receiving member mounting portion13have the robustness.

In other words for the above configuration, in a case where the printing medium P is wound by the winding unit14, the medium supporting portion supports the printing medium P such that a part of the printing medium P which is wound by the winding unit14, and a part of the printing medium P before being wound by the winding unit14do not contact with each other. With this, it is possible to prevent the part of the printing medium P which is wound by the winding unit14from rubbing against the part of the printing medium P before being wound by the winding unit14.

The receiving member3and an attaching and detaching operation of the receiving member3with respect to the first receiving member mounting portion13will be further described with reference toFIG. 8andFIG. 9. The receiving member3is provided with a sheet material31and a plate32.

The sheet material31is formed into a substantially rectangular shape, and the width dimension (dimension in the X direction) is larger than the width of the printing medium P (dimension in the X direction) of the settable maximum width. The material of the sheet material31is, for example, fabric. A first cylindrical portion311is provided at an end portion on the +Y side of the sheet material31and a second cylindrical portion312is provided at an end portion on the −Y side of the sheet material31. The first cylindrical portion311is folded and stitched such that the end portion on the +Y side of the sheet material31is formed into a cylindrical shape. The sheet material31is inserted into the first cylindrical portion311. In addition, a plurality of (here, four) notches313are provided in the first cylindrical portion311. Four of the notches313are correspondingly provided to the above-described four mounting-side engaging portions133with intervals in the X direction. Note that, the number of the notches313may be five or more, or may be one to three. Similar to the first cylindrical portion311, the second cylindrical portion312is folded and stitched such that the end portion on the −Y side of the sheet material31is formed into a cylindrical shape. The second cylindrical portion312is mounted on the second receiving member mounting portion16so as to cover the second receiving member mounting portion16from the tip end side (−X side) of the second receiving member mounting portion16.

The plate32is formed into an elongated plate shape in the X direction. That is, the length of the plate32in the X direction is substantially the same as the width dimension (the length in the X direction) of the sheet material31. In addition, the width (the length in the Y direction inFIG. 8, and the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) of the plate32is slightly smaller than the width (the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) of the fourth circumferential surface1314of the mounting bar131(refer toFIG. 9). The plate32is formed of a resin, for example. A plurality of (four) receiving-member side engaging portions321and a plurality of (four) knob portions322are provided on the plate32. Four of the receiving-member side engaging portion321are provided to the plate32with intervals in the longitudinal direction (the X direction), and are engaged with four of the mounting-side engaging portions133. The receiving-member side engaging portion321is formed such that one of the long side portions of the plate32is notched. Four of the knob portions322are correspondingly positioned at four of the receiving-member side engaging portions321. The knob portion322is formed so as to be folded toward the corresponding receiving-member side engaging portion321from the other long side portion of the plate32. The knob portion322becomes a portion which is peaked when the engagement of the receiving-member side engaging portion321and the mounting-side engaging portion133is released. Note that, the number of each of the receiving-member side engaging portion321and the knob portion322may be five or more, or may be one to three.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, when the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13, first, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is wound from the mounting bar131from the +Z side (upper side). That is, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is wound around the mounting bar131from the first circumferential surface1311to the fourth circumferential surface1314via the second circumferential surface1312and the third circumferential surface1313. At this time, the mounting-side engaging portion133which is provided on the fourth circumferential surface1314is exposed to the notch313which is provided on the sheet material31. In this state, the receiving-member side engaging portion321and the mounting-side engaging portion133are engaged with each other by pressing the plate32in the direction of arrow D such that the mounting-side engaging portion133fits into the receiving-member side engaging portion321, and thus the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted to the first receiving member mounting portion13. On the other hand, when the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detached from the first receiving member mounting portion13, first, the knob portion322is picked and pulled in the direction of arrow E, and thus the mounting-side engaging portion133is detached from the receiving-member side engaging portion321, and the engagement of the receiving-member side engaging portion321and the mounting-side engaging portion133is released. Subsequently, when the winding of the receiving member3wound around the mounting bar131is released, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detached from the first receiving member mounting portion13.

Here, when the receiving member3is provided with the plate32, even in a state where four of the receiving-member side engaging portions321and four of the mounting-side engaging portions133are engaged with each other, the sheet material31is prevented from being slackened between the receiving-member side engaging portions321. Therefore, in the printer100, the printed part Pa comes in contact with wrinkles occurring in the sheet material31, and thus it is possible to prevent the printed surface of the printed part Pa from being scratched. Note that, it is preferable that the plate32has rigidity which is enough to prevent the sheet material31from being slackened. In addition, four of the receiving-member side engaging portions321are provided on the plate32, and thus it is not necessary that four of the receiving-member side engaging portions321are provided apart from the plate32, and the number of components can be reduced.

In addition, the mounting-side engaging portion133in the winding direction of the receiving member3is not provided on the first circumferential surface1311and the second circumferential surface1312on the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F, but is provided on the fourth circumferential surface1314on the downstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from a winding start position F. For this reason, the printed part Pa is received in the receiving member3such that the cut-off printed part Pa is long, the rear end portion of the printed part Pa is fell down to the +Y side further than the mounting bar131, and thus even in the case where the printed part Pa covers the first circumferential surface1311and the second circumferential surface1312on the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F, the printed part Pa does not come in contact with the mounting-side engaging portion133. Accordingly, in the printer100, when the printed part Pa comes in contact with the mounting-side engaging portion133, it is possible to prevent the printed surface of the printed part Pa from being scratched. Note that, the third circumferential surface1313is also provided on the downstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F, and thus the mounting-side engaging portion133may be provided on the third circumferential surface1313.

In other words for the above configuration, refer to the following description. First, the receiving member3is attached to the frame unit so as to be wound. In addition, in the winding direction of the receiving member3, the engaging portion is provided on the downstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F. With this, the engaging portion is not provided on the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F. For this reason, even in a case where the printed part Pa received in the receiving member3covers the upstream side in the winding direction further than the position at a half circumference from the winding start position F, the printed part Pa does not come in contact with the engaging portion. Accordingly, according to this configuration, when the printed part Pa comes in contact with the engaging portion, it is possible to prevent the printed surface the printed part Pa from being scratched.

In addition, a knob portion322is provided on the plate32, and the knob portion322is picked and pulled such that the engagement of the receiving-member side engaging portion321with the mounting-side engaging portion133can be released. In this way, the printer100is capable of improving workability at the time of releasing the engagement of the receiving-member side engaging portion321with the mounting-side engaging portion133. In the embodiment, the width of the plate32(the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) is smaller than the width of the fourth circumferential surface1314(the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) of the mounting bar131, and it is difficult to pick and pull the entire the plate32in the width direction at the time of releasing the engagement of the receiving-member side engaging portion321with the mounting-side engaging portion133, and thus the knob portion322is particularly effective.

Further, the width (the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) of the plate32is slightly smaller than the width (the length of the diagonal surface so as to be downwardly sloped inFIG. 9) of the fourth circumferential surface1314of the mounting bar131. With this, in a state where the receiving-member side engaging portion321provided on the plate32is engaged with the mounting-side engaging portion133provided on the mounting bar131, it is possible to prevent the plate32from being projected from the first circumferential surface1311, and it is possible to prevent a convex portion from being generated in the receiving member3by the plate32which is projected from the first circumferential surface1311. For this reason, the printed part Pa is received in the receiving member3such that the cut-off printed part Pa is long, the rear end portion of the printed part Pa is fell down to the +Y side further than the mounting bar131, and thus even in the case where the printed part Pa covers the first circumferential surface1311, the convex portion generated in the receiving member3does not come in contact with the printed surface of the printed part Pa. Accordingly, in the printer100, when the convex portion generated in the receiving member3comes in contact with the printed surface of the printed part Pa, it is possible to prevent the printed surface of the printed part Pa from being scratched.

As described above, the printer100of the embodiment includes the receiving member mode and the winding mode. In the receiving member mode, the printer100cuts off the printed part Pa of the printing medium P which is a continuous sheet, and discharges the cut-off printed part Pa to a sheet-like receiving member3. In the winding mode of the printer100, the printed part Pa is wound without cutting off the printed part Pa. In addition, the printer100is provided with the printing unit122, the cutting portion125, the winding unit14, the first receiving member mounting portion13, and the second receiving member mounting portion16. The printing unit122performs the printing on the printing medium P. The cutting portion125cuts off the printed part Pa. The winding unit14winds the printed part Pa. The end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detachably mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13. The end portion on the −Y side of the receiving member3is detachably mounted on the second receiving member mounting portion16. In addition, in the receiving member mode, the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted on the first receiving member mounting portion13, and in the winding mode, the first receiving member mounting portion13guides feeding of the printed part Pa facing the winding unit14in a state where the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is detached.

With such a configuration, the first receiving member mounting portion13functions as a portion on which the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted in the receiving member mode, and functions as a guide for guiding feeding of the printed part Pa in the winding mode. Accordingly, in the printer100, the first receiving member mounting portion13on which the end portion on the +Y side of the receiving member3is mounted in the receiving member mode can be efficiently used even in the winding mode.

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be employed without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the present embodiment can be changed to the following forms.

A configuration that the light receiving unit1521can be positioned at the first position and the second position may be employed instead of the configuration that the light emitting unit1511can be positioned at the first position and the second position. That is, the light receiving unit1521may be configured to be capable of being positioned at the first position which can receive and emit the detected light between the light receiving unit1521and the light emitting unit1511, and which comes in contact with the mounted receiving member3, and at the second position which can receive and emit the detected light between the light receiving unit1521and the light emitting unit1511, and which does not come in contact with the mounted receiving member3.

In addition, the slack detecting sensor15is not limited to a transmission-type photo-interrupter, and may be a reflective photo-interrupter which is provided with the light receiving and emitting unit and a reflector, for example. In this case, one of the light receiving and emitting unit and the reflector may be configured to be positioned at the first position and the second position. That is, one of the light receiving and emitting unit and the reflector may be configured to be capable of being positioned at the first position which can receive and emit the detected light between both of the light receiving and emitting unit and the reflector, and which comes in contact with the mounted receiving member3, and at the second position which can receive and emit the detected light between both of the light receiving and emitting unit and the reflector, and which does not come in contact with the mounted receiving member3.

The angle of the bar supporting material132with respect to the Y direction may be the same in both of the receiving member mode and the winding mode. That is, the position of the first receiving member mounting portion13on which the receiving member3is mounted in the receiving member mode mane the same as the position of the first receiving member mounting portion13for guiding the printed part Pa in the winding mode. With this, whenever the receiving member mode and the winding mode are switched to each other, the user is not required to perform an operation of changing the position of the first receiving member mounting portion13. In addition, since the first receiving member mounting portion13is not required to be movable, it is possible to enhance the robustness of the first receiving member mounting portion13.

In other words for the above configuration, the frame unit is configured such that the position in a case where the printing medium P is not wound by the winding unit14is the same as the position in a case where the printing medium P is wound by the winding unit14. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily switch the case where the receiving member3is used into a case where the receiving member3is not used, without causing the frame unit to be movable.

The printing unit122is not limited to a serial type, and may discharge ink by using a line type. Further, the printing unit122is not limited to an ink jet type, and may be an electrophotographic type and a thermal type, for example.

Note that, as a reference, the printer100in a state where the printing medium P is not set is illustrated inFIG. 10toFIG. 14.FIG. 10is a first perspective view of when viewing the printer100from a first angle.FIG. 11is a second perspective view of when viewing the printer100from a second angle.FIG. 12is a third perspective view of when viewing the printer100from a third angle.FIG. 13is a fourth perspective view of when viewing the printer100from a fourth angle.FIG. 14is a fifth perspective view of when viewing the printer100from a fifth angle.

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-205855, filed Oct. 19, 2015. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-205855 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.