Recording device

Abstract

The present invention provides a recording device, which solves the problem that the durability of the conveyor belt may be reduced whenever the holding part is moved in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. The printer (10) includes a recording head (22), a tape (27), a scale part (34), a reading head (36), a holding unit (50), and a return carriage (100). The tape has a first surface (28) for supporting the fabric (M) and a second surface (29) opposite thereto. The holding unit has a first contact portion (91) that contacts the first surface and a second contact portion (92) that contacts the second surface. The holding unit can be changed to a holding state in which it moves together while holding the tape and a release state in which it separates from the tape. The return carriage moves the holding unit in the release state in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. When the holding unit is in the release state, the first contact portion separates from the first surface, and in conjunction therewith, the second contact portion separates from the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a recording device. Background Art

[0002] The printing device described in Patent Document 1 includes: a conveyor belt; a scale portion provided along the conveying direction; a detection portion for detecting the amount of movement; a holding portion capable of changing between a holding state and a non-holding state with respect to the conveyor belt; and a switching portion for switching between the holding state and the non-holding state of the holding portion. The holding portion is configured to be able to sandwich the conveyor belt by the elastic force of an elastic member between the end of the substrate to be held and the end of the elastic member.

[0003] In the structure of Patent Document 1, although in the non-holding state of the holding portion, when the holding portion is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the end of the elastic member separates from the conveyor belt, the end of the holding substrate still remains in contact with the conveyor belt. Therefore, each time the holding portion is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, friction is generated due to the contact between the end of the holding substrate and the conveyor belt, which may reduce the durability of the conveyor belt.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-193199 Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the recording device according to the present invention is characterized by including: a recording portion capable of recording on a medium; a conveyor belt having a first surface for supporting the medium and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction, and conveying the medium in the conveying direction; a scale portion having a scale and provided along the conveying direction; a reading portion capable of reading the scale; a holding portion capable of moving integrally with the scale portion or the reading portion and capable of changing between a holding state and a release state, the holding state being a state of holding the conveyor belt in the thickness direction and moving together with the conveyor belt, and the release state being a state of separating from the conveyor belt; a return portion for moving the holding portion in the release state in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the holding portion having a first contact portion and a second contact portion, the first contact portion contacting the first surface in the holding state, and the second contact portion contacting the second surface in the holding state, and when the holding portion becomes the release state, the first contact portion separates from the first surface, and in conjunction therewith, the second contact portion separates from the second surface. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Figure 1 An overall view showing the internal structure of the printer according to Embodiment 1.

[0007] Figure 2 A perspective view showing the state of conveying a medium by the conveying unit in Embodiment 1.

[0008] Figure 3 A perspective view of the tape, the gripping unit, and the return unit in Embodiment 1.

[0009] Figure 4 A perspective view of the gripping unit and the return unit in Embodiment 1.

[0010] Figure 5 A perspective view showing the non-gripping state of the gripping unit in Embodiment 1.

[0011] Figure 6 A side view of the gripping unit in Embodiment 1.

[0012] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the internal structure of the gripping unit in Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 8 A perspective view showing the state of the gripping unit in Embodiment 1 with the mounting frame removed.

[0014] Figure 9 A perspective view showing the shock absorber in Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 10 (A) of is a schematic view showing the first step of detecting the moving distance of the tape using the gripping unit in Embodiment 1, Figure 10 (B) of is a schematic view showing the second step of detecting the moving distance, Figure 10 (C) of is a schematic view showing the third step of detecting the moving distance, Figure 10 (D) of is a schematic view showing the fourth step of detecting the moving distance, Figure 10 (E) of is a schematic view showing the fifth step of detecting the moving distance.

[0016] Figure 11 A schematic view showing the gripping state and the releasing state of the gripping unit in Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 12 A schematic view of the gripping unit of the printer in Embodiment 2.

[0018] Figure 13 A schematic view of the gripping unit of the printer in Embodiment 3.

[0019] Figure 14 A schematic view of the gripping unit of the printer in Embodiment 4.

[0020] Figure 15Schematic diagram of the holding unit of the printer according to Embodiment 5.

[0021] Figure 16 Schematic diagram of the holding unit of the printer according to Embodiment 6.

[0022] Figure 17 Schematic diagram of the holding unit of the printer according to Embodiment 7.

[0023] Figure 18 Schematic diagram of the holding unit of the printer according to Embodiment 8.

[0024] Figure 19 Schematic diagram of the holding unit of the printer according to Embodiment 9.

[0025] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of the holding unit of a modified example in the printer according to Embodiment 2. Detailed implementation mode

[0026] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described schematically.

[0027] The recording device according to the first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized by comprising: a recording unit capable of recording on a medium; a conveyor belt having a first surface for supporting the medium and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction, and conveying the medium in the conveying direction; a scale unit having a scale and provided along the conveying direction; a reading unit capable of reading the scale; a holding unit capable of moving integrally with the scale unit or the reading unit and capable of changing to a holding state and a release state, the holding state being a state of holding the conveyor belt in the thickness direction and moving together with the conveyor belt, and the release state being a state of separating from the conveyor belt; a return unit that moves the holding unit in the release state in a direction opposite to the conveying direction, the holding unit having a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion, the first abutting portion being in contact with the first surface in the holding state, and the second abutting portion being in contact with the second surface in the holding state, and when the holding unit becomes the release state, the first abutting portion separates from the first surface, and in conjunction therewith, the second abutting portion separates from the second surface.

[0028] According to this mode, in the released state, the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion are separated from the conveyor belt. Thus, when the holding portion in the released state moves in the opposite direction through the return portion, there will be no situation where one of the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion remains in contact with the conveyor belt and moves in the opposite direction. That is, the situation of generating friction on the conveyor belt is suppressed, and thus the reduction in the durability of the conveyor belt can be suppressed.

[0029] The recording device according to the second mode is characterized in that, in the first mode, it has: a switching portion that switches the holding portion between the holding state and the released state; a first supporting portion that supports the first abutting portion; and a second supporting portion that supports the second abutting portion. At least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion is made of a ferromagnetic material. The switching portion has an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force when an electric current flows, and by attracting at least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion with the electromagnet, the holding portion is switched from the released state to the holding state.

[0030] According to this mode, compared with a structure in which at least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion is pulled via a motor and a link mechanism, since there is no need for a space portion required for the movement of the link mechanism, the switching portion and the holding portion can be miniaturized.

[0031] The recording device according to the third mode is characterized in that, in the second mode, it has a main body member, on which the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are respectively rotatably connected, and a connecting portion that connects the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion is provided. An allowing portion that allows displacement of the connecting portion with respect to the main body member is provided on the main body member.

[0032] According to this mode, compared with a structure in which the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are connected to different members, since the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are connected to the same main body member, the relative assembly error between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion is reduced, and thus the relative positional deviation between the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion in the connecting portion can be suppressed.

[0033] The recording device according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect or the third aspect, at least one of the first support portion and the second support portion has an attracted portion attracted by the electromagnet, the attracted portion is disposed below the electromagnet in the direction in which gravity acts on the attracted portion, i.e., the direction of gravity, and separates from the electromagnet in the holding state.

[0034] According to this aspect, since the attracted portion, which is the portion attracted by the electromagnet, separates from the electromagnet in the holding state, the magnetization of the second support portion can be reduced as compared with the case where it does not separate. As a result, the residual magnetization of the second support portion after the current flowing through the electromagnet is cut off becomes small, and the second support portion separates from the electromagnet due to the action of gravity, so that the switching to the release state can be performed with a simple structure.

[0035] The recording device according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the scale portion is a magnetic scale on which a magnetic pattern is recorded as the scale.

[0036] According to this aspect, since the intensity of the magnetic field lines used in the magnetic scale is not easily reduced by foreign matters such as dust as compared with the intensity of light, when foreign matters adhere to the scale portion, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the reading accuracy of the scale in the reading portion.

[0037] The recording device according to the sixth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the holding portion is supported by an adjusting portion, and the adjusting portion can adjust the position of the holding portion in the device height direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0038] According to this aspect, by using the adjusting portion, it is possible to adjust the position of the holding portion in the thickness direction in the holding state. Even when the conveyor belt is deflected and the position of the conveyor belt is shifted in the thickness direction, the holding portion can hold the conveyor belt by this action.

[0039] The recording device according to the seventh aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, it includes: a guiding member that guides the holding portion in the conveying direction; a driving portion that drives the returning portion, the holding portion becomes the holding state at a first position in the conveying direction, and becomes the release state at a second position downstream of the first position, the returning portion is supported by the guiding member, and is driven by the driving portion at the second position to move the holding portion in the opposite direction.

[0040] According to this method, compared with the case where the driving part is provided in the holding part, it is possible to suppress the case where a mechanical load acts on the holding part. Thus, no mechanical load other than the mechanical load of the guiding member itself acting on the holding part acts on the holding part. Therefore, when the holding part in the holding state moves from the second position to the first position in the opposite direction, there is no case where the movement of the holding part is hindered by the mechanical load.

[0041] Therefore, the situation where the position where the holding part holds the conveyor belt shifts in the conveying direction is suppressed, and thus the situation where the detection accuracy of the moving amount of the conveyor belt implemented by the holding part is reduced can be suppressed.

[0042] The recording apparatus according to the eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the seventh aspect, when the holding part is in the second position, the returning part is located downstream of the holding part in the conveying direction so as to be separated from the holding part, and a buffering member is provided on at least one of the returning part and the holding part, and the buffering member buffers the impact force generated due to the contact between the returning part and the holding part.

[0043] According to this method, when the returning part moves the holding part in the opposite direction, compared with the case where the returning part is in direct contact with the holding part, the impact force acting on the holding part can be buffered by the buffering member. Thus, the occurrence of malfunctions in the operation of the holding part can be suppressed.

[0044] The recording apparatus according to the ninth aspect is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, a restricting part is provided, the restricting part restricts the moving range of the holding part in the conveying direction by coming into contact with the holding part, and another buffering member is provided on at least one of the holding part and the restricting part, and the another buffering member buffers the impact force generated due to the contact between the holding part and the restricting part.

[0045] According to this method, compared with the case where the holding part is in direct contact with the restricting part, the impact force applied to the holding part can be buffered by the another buffering member. Thus, the occurrence of malfunctions in the operation of the holding part can be suppressed.

[0046] Hereinafter, the printer 10 of Embodiment 1, which is an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, will be specifically described.

[0047] In Figure 1The overall structure of the printer 10 is shown. The printer 10 is configured as an inkjet device that records by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a cloth M, which is an example of a medium. In addition, the X-Y-Z coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system. Further, the surface of the cloth M on which recording is performed by the recording unit 20 is referred to as the recording surface MA, and the surface opposite to the recording surface MA is referred to as the back surface MB.

[0048] The X direction is the width direction of the cloth M and the width direction of the printer 10, and as an example, it is the horizontal direction. The direction of the X direction toward the left when viewed from the operator of the printer 10 is referred to as the +X direction, and the direction toward the right is referred to as the -X direction. In addition, the X direction is the width direction of the cloth M.

[0049] The Y direction is the conveyance direction of the cloth M supported by a plane 28A described later and is the depth direction of the printer 10, and as an example, it is the horizontal direction. The conveyance direction for conveying the cloth M is referred to as the +Y direction, and the direction opposite to the +Y direction is referred to as the -Y direction.

[0050] The Z direction is an example of the device height direction of the printer 10 and is the vertical direction. The direction of the Z direction upward is referred to as the +Z direction, and the direction downward is referred to as the -Z direction. The -Z direction is an example of the direction in which gravity acts, i.e., the gravity direction.

[0051] Embodiment 1

[0052] As a main part, the printer 10 includes a recording unit 20, a conveyance unit 26, a scale unit 34, a reading head 36, a guide unit 40 ( Figure 3 ), a gripping unit 50, a return carriage 100, and a motor 108 ( Figure 4 ). Moreover, the printer 10 includes a main body frame 12, a pull-out unit (not shown), and a control unit 18.

[0053] The main body frame 12 is configured as a base for setting up each part of the printer 10. A support frame 14 is mounted on the main body frame 12 symmetrically in the +X direction and the -X direction with respect to the center in the X direction. The support frame 14 is disposed in the +X direction and the -X direction with respect to a tape 27 described later.

[0054] As Figure 4 shown, as an example, the support frame 14 includes a bottom plate portion 15, a side plate portion 16, and a support plate 17. In addition, a stopper 19 is provided on the support frame 14. The length of the support frame 14 in the Y direction is shorter than the distance from a driven roller 32 described later to the recording unit 20 ( Figure 1) The length in the Y direction up to [the specified point]. Additionally, the support frame 14 on the +X direction side will be described, and the description of the support frame 14 on the -X direction side will be omitted.

[0055] The bottom plate portion 15 has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction.

[0056] The side plate portion 16 stands upright in the +Z direction from the end on the +X direction side of the bottom plate portion 15. Additionally, the side plate portion 16 has a predetermined thickness in the X direction and is arranged along the Y-Z plane.

[0057] In the present embodiment, two support plates 17 are provided. As an example, the support plate 17 has a predetermined thickness in the X direction and extends in the Z direction. Additionally, the two support plates 17 are mounted on the side surface on the +X direction side of the side plate portion 16 at intervals in the Y direction. A plurality of through holes (not shown) that penetrate the support plate 17 in the X direction and are arranged at intervals in the Z direction are formed in the support plate 17. By tightening a bolt inserted into one of the plurality of through holes to the main body frame 12 ( Figure 1 ), the height of the support plate 17 in the +Z direction can be adjusted.

[0058] In other words, the support frame 14 is an example of an adjustment portion and can adjust the position of the gripping unit 50 in the Z direction. Additionally, the support frame 14 supports the gripping unit 50.

[0059] The stopper 19 is a member that forms an L shape when viewed from the X direction and has a horizontal portion 19A and a vertical portion 19B.

[0060] The horizontal portion 19A extends in the Y direction and is fixed by being tightened to the end on the -Y direction side in the bottom plate portion 15 using screws or the like (not shown).

[0061] The vertical portion 19B stands upright in the +Z direction from the end on the -Y direction side of the horizontal portion 19A. Additionally, the vertical portion 19B is arranged so as to be able to contact the gripping unit 50 described later in the Y direction.

[0062] The stopper 19 is an example of a restricting portion and restricts the movement range of the gripping unit 50 in the Y direction by contacting the gripping unit 50.

[0063] In Figure 1 In the printer 10 shown, a pulling-out unit (not shown) that supports the cloth M wound into a roll shape is provided at the -Y direction with respect to the conveying unit 26. The cloth M is pulled out from this pulling-out unit.

[0064] The control unit 18 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a storage, which are not shown. In addition, the control unit 18 controls the conveyance of the fabric M in the printer 10, the recording operation on the fabric M performed by the recording unit 20, and the like.

[0065] The recording unit 20 includes a recording head 22 and a carriage 24. The recording head 22 is an example of a recording unit, and can perform recording on the recording surface MA by ejecting ink onto the recording surface MA. The carriage 24 is arranged to be movable along the X direction, and supports the recording head 22 so as to be movable in the X direction.

[0066] As Figure 2 shown, the conveyance unit 26 includes: a tape 27 as an example of a conveyor belt; a driving roller 31 whose rotation is controlled by the control unit 18 ( Figure 1 ); a driven roller 32 that rotates as the tape 27 moves. The driving roller 31 rotates by a motor (not shown).

[0067] The tape 27 is configured as a seamless belt. The thickness direction of the tape 27 is referred to as the D direction. In addition, the tape 27 has a first surface 28 that supports the fabric M and a second surface 29 that is opposite to the first surface 28 in the D direction.

[0068] The first surface 28 is an outer peripheral surface and has adhesiveness, and can adsorb the fabric M. The meaning of adhesiveness refers to the property of being able to temporarily adhere to other components and being able to be peeled off from the adhered state. The portion of the first surface 28 located in the +Z direction and along the X-Y plane is referred to as the plane 28A. The plane 28A is arranged facing the +Z direction and supports the fabric M. In addition, when the tape 27 is formed by applying an adhesive on the first surface 28, the outermost layer of the adhesive functions as the plane 28A that supports the fabric M.

[0069] The driving roller 31 and the driven roller 32 are separately arranged at the upstream and downstream in the +Y direction. The tape 27 is wound around the driving roller 31 and the driven roller 32. By rotating the driving roller 31 to move a part of the tape 27 in the +Y direction, the fabric M is conveyed in the +Y direction. In addition, in the conveyance unit 26, the conveyance speed of the fabric M can be made variable by adjusting the rotation speed of the driving roller 31 per unit time.

[0070] Thus, the tape 27 can convey the fabric M toward the recording unit 20 ( Figure 1It is conveyed in the +Y direction.

[0071] As Figure 3 shown, the scale portion 34 is an example of a graduated portion and has a plurality of magnets 35 as an example of graduations. That is, the scale portion 34 is formed as a magnetic scale on which magnetic patterns of N poles and S poles as graduations are recorded in an alternating manner in the Y direction. The entire scale portion 34 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the X direction.

[0072] In addition, one scale portion 34 is provided along the +Y direction on the -X direction side surface of the side plate portion 16 on the +X direction side and on the +X direction side surface of the side plate portion 16 on the -X direction side. The length of the scale portion 34 in the Y direction is equal to or greater than the length of the moving range of the reading head 36 described later in the +Y direction.

[0073] In addition, the scale portion 34 on the +X direction side and the scale portion 34 on the -X direction side are configured in the same manner and are symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the printer 10 in the X direction. Therefore, in the following description, the scale portion 34 on the +X direction side will be described, and the description of the scale portion 34 on the -X direction side will be omitted.

[0074] The reading head 36 is an example of a reading portion and is mounted on a holding unit 50 described later. In addition, the reading head 36 includes two detection heads (not shown) and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The two detection heads are arranged in the Y direction and are opposed to the scale portion 34 in the X direction. Specifically, the reading head 36 is arranged such that its phase is offset by 90 degrees with respect to the pitch of the magnetic stripe pattern recorded on the scale portion 34. The electrical signal obtained by the reading head 36 is sent to a signal processing circuit (not shown), converted into the position information of the reading head 36, and sent to the control unit 18( Figure 1 ). In this way, the reading head 36 is configured to be able to read the magnets 35. Moreover, when the holding unit 50 moves in the +Y direction, the reading head 36 can detect the moving distance of the holding unit 50 from the moving start position in the +Y direction and the stop position of the holding unit 50 in the +Y direction. In addition, the moving start position of the holding unit 50 is the first position described later. The reading head 36 can use, for example, a Hall element or a TMR element.

[0075] The guiding unit 40 guides the holding unit 50 and the return carriage 100 independently in the Y direction. Specifically, the guiding unit 40 includes a guide rail 42, a slider 44, and a slider 46.

[0076] The guide rail 42 is mounted on the -X direction side surface of the side plate portion 16. In addition, the guide rail 42 extends in the Y direction.

[0077] The slider 44 is supported by the guide rail 42 and can move in the Y direction along the guide rail 42. In addition, the slider 44 is arranged with the position of the end on the +Y direction side of the guide rail 42 as the origin position of the return carriage 100.

[0078] The slider 46 is supported by the guide rail 42 and can move in the Y direction along the guide rail 42. In addition, the slider 46 is arranged with the position of the end on the -Y direction side of the guide rail 42 as the origin position of the gripping unit 50.

[0079] The guide rail 42 and the slider 46 are an example of a guiding member and guide the gripping unit 50 in the +Y direction. In addition, the slider 44 is also included in an example of the guiding member.

[0080] By moving the slider 46 along the guide rail 42, the gripping unit 50 can move integrally with the reading head 36 in the Y direction. In addition, the gripping unit 50 is configured to be able to change between a gripping state and a releasing state. The gripping state is a state of gripping the tape 27 in the D direction and moving together with the tape 27, and the releasing state is a state of separating from the tape 27. In addition, the gripping unit 50 does not have a drive source. Therefore, the gripping unit 50 is stationary except when moving along with the movement of the tape 27 in the gripping state and when moving along with the movement of the return carriage 100.

[0081] As Figure 5 shown, the gripping unit 50 has: a support bracket 52, a mounting frame 57, a fixed frame 66, a switching portion 71, a lower rod 74, an armature 84, an upper rod 86, a first abutting portion 91, and a second abutting portion 92. In addition, a shock absorber 98 ( Figure 9 ) is provided on the gripping unit 50.

[0082] The support bracket 52 has: a bottom wall 53, which is along the X-Y plane; a longitudinal wall 54, which stands upright in the +Z direction at the end on the +X direction side of the bottom wall 53; a longitudinal wall 55, which stands upright in the +Z direction at the end on the -X direction side of the bottom wall 53; and a flange 56, which extends in the -X direction from the end on the +Z direction side of the longitudinal wall 55.

[0083] The longitudinal wall 54 has a widened portion 54A that is widened in the Y direction compared to other portions in the Z direction at the end on the +Z direction side. The slider 46 is mounted on the side surface on the +X direction side of the longitudinal wall 54.

[0084] The height of the longitudinal wall 55 in the +Z direction is lower than the height of the longitudinal wall 54 in the +Z direction.

[0085] The mounting frame 57 is an example of a main component, and the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 described later are rotatably connected to the main component respectively. In addition, the mounting frame 57 has side plate portions 58, an upper plate portion 59, and a mounted portion 61.

[0086] In the present embodiment, two side plate portions 58 are provided. The two side plate portions 58 have a predetermined thickness in the Y direction and are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the side plate portion 58 has a rectangular-shaped portion where the dimension in the Z direction is longer than the dimension in the X direction, and a triangular-shaped portion having a vertex in the -X direction are integrated into one outer shape. A cutout portion 58A cut in the +X direction is formed at the end portion on the -X direction side of the side plate portion 58.

[0087] As Figure 6 shown, a circular through hole 58B is formed at the central portion in the Z direction and the end portion on the +X direction side of the side plate portion 58, and the through hole 58B penetrates the side plate portion 58 in the Y direction. A circular through hole 58C is formed at the portion on the +Z direction side and the end portion on the -X direction side of the side plate portion 58, and the through hole 58C penetrates the side plate portion 58 in the Y direction. Moreover, a long hole 58D is formed at the portion between the through hole 58B and the through hole 58C in the side plate portion 58, and the long hole 58D penetrates the side plate portion 58 in the Y direction. In addition, the case where the long hole 58D is formed in the side plate portion 58 is an example of the case where an allowance portion is provided on the side plate portion 58.

[0088] A first shaft 62 is inserted into the through hole 58B. A second shaft 63 is inserted into the through hole 58C.

[0089] A link shaft 64 is inserted through the long hole 58D. The long hole 58D is an example of an allowance portion that allows displacement of the link shaft 64 relative to the mounting frame 57.

[0090] The first shaft 62 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis along the Y direction and connects the two side plate portions 58 in the Y direction. In addition, the first shaft 62 serves as a rotation support shaft for the lower rod 74 described later.

[0091] The second shaft 63 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis along the Y direction and connects the two side plate portions 58 in the Y direction. In addition, the second shaft 63 serves as a rotation support shaft for the upper rod 86 described later.

[0092] The connecting rod shaft 64 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a central axis along the Y direction, and connects the two upper rods 86 in the Y direction. In addition, the connecting rod shaft 64 is arranged in such a manner that it can freely change its position in the X direction and the Z direction within the long hole 58D. In other words, the connecting rod shaft 64 can move in the longitudinal direction of the long hole 58D. Both ends of the connecting rod shaft 64 in the Y direction are fastened to the upper rod 86. Moreover, the connecting rod shaft 64 can interlock the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 to be described later by contacting a recess 88 to be described later. In other words, the connecting rod shaft 64 is an example of a connecting portion and connects the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74.

[0093] The upper plate portion 59 connects the +Z-direction ends of the two side plate portions 58 in the Y direction. In addition, the upper plate portion 59 has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The reading head 36 is mounted on the upper surface 59A on the +Z-direction side of the upper plate portion 59.

[0094] As Figure 5 shown, the mounted portion 61 protrudes from the +Z-direction end of the +X-direction end of each side plate portion 58 toward the +Y direction or the -Y direction. In addition, the mounted portion 61 is fixed to the widened portion 54A by tightening a bolt 65A.

[0095] The fixed frame 66 has a plate portion 67 and a protruding portion 68. The plate portion 67 has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and the protruding portion 68 protrudes from the plate portion 67 toward the -Z direction by bending a part of the plate portion 67. A part of both ends of the plate portion 67 in the Y direction is inserted into the notch portion 58A. The protruding portion 68 is fixed to the side plate portion 58 by tightening a bolt 65B. Thus, the mounting frame 57 and the fixed frame 66 are integrated with the support bracket 52.

[0096] As Figure 7 shown, the switching portion 71 has an electromagnet 72 as an example of an electromagnet. The electromagnet 72 is arranged at the -Z direction with respect to the plate portion 67 and is fixed to the plate portion 67 by tightening a bolt 65C. In addition, the electromagnet 72 is connected to a power source (not shown) via a cable. Moreover, the electromagnet 72 generates an electromagnetic force by causing an electric current to flow from the power source. In other words, the electromagnet 72 generates a magnetic field.

[0097] The switching portion 71 attracts the armature 84 of the lower rod 74 toward the +Z direction by passing an electric current through the electromagnet 72 and using the electromagnetic force, thereby setting the gripping unit 50 in the gripping state. In addition, the switching portion 71 sets the gripping unit 50 in the released state by disconnecting the electric current flowing through the electromagnet 72 and the armature 84 descending toward the -Z direction due to its own weight. Thus, the switching portion 71 switches the gripping unit 50 between the gripping state and the released state.

[0098] As shown Figure 8 in FIG. 2, the lower rod 74 is an example of a second support portion that supports the second contact portion 92. Further, the lower rod 74 is made of a ferromagnetic material and is formed into a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the ferromagnetic material means a metal including at least one of iron, cobalt, and nickel.

[0099] The lower rod 74 is disposed in the -Y direction and the +Y direction with respect to the electromagnet 72. The two lower rods 74 are connected by the first shaft 62, the upper member 76, and the armature 84. Specifically, the lower rod 74 includes a base portion 74A, an inclined portion 74B, a lower portion 74C, and an extension portion 74D.

[0100] As shown Figure 7 in FIG. 3, the base portion 74A is a portion disposed between the two side plate portions 58 in the Y direction. Further, a through hole 75A is formed at an end portion on the +X direction side of the base portion 74A and at an end portion that becomes the -Z direction side, and the through hole 75A penetrates the base portion 74A.

[0101] The first shaft 62 is inserted into the through hole 75A. Further, on the base portion 74A, a through hole 75B is formed at a portion on the -X direction side with respect to the through hole 75A and on the +Z direction side, and the through hole 75B penetrates the base portion 74A.

[0102] The link shaft 64 is inserted into the through hole 75B. Further, as an example, the through hole 75B is formed as an elongated hole that is long in an inclined direction intersecting the Z direction when viewed from the Y direction.

[0103] As shown Figure 8 in FIG. 4, the inclined portion 74B extends obliquely downward from the base portion 74A.

[0104] The lower portion 74C extends in the -Z direction from an end portion on the -Z direction side of the inclined portion 74B. A cutout portion 74E is formed at an end portion on the +X direction side of the lower portion 74C, and the cutout portion 74E is cut toward the -X direction side.

[0105] The extension portion 74D extends in the -X direction from an end portion on the +Z direction side of the end portions on the -X direction side of the base portion 74A.

[0106] As shown Figure 7 in FIG. 5, the upper member 76 has a plate-shaped mounting portion 77 and a second contact portion 92. The mounting portion 77 has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and the second contact portion 92 extends in the -X direction from an upper end portion on the +Z direction side of an end portion on the -X direction side of the mounting portion 77. Further, the upper member 76 is fastened to the extension portion 74D by a screw 79 ( Figure 8 ).

[0107] The second abutting portion 92 is made of a metallic material and is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the second abutting portion 92 is formed in a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the Y direction is longer than the dimension in the X direction. Further, when viewed from the Y direction, the second abutting portion 92 is disposed at a position in the -X direction and the +Z direction with respect to the lower rod 74. In the holding state of the holding unit 50, the second abutting portion 92 contacts the second surface 29 ( Figure 2 ).

[0108] The armature 84 is an example of a attracted portion attracted by the electromagnet 72 and is a member made of a metallic material and having magnetism. Further, as an example, the armature 84 has a plate-shaped main body portion 84A and mounting portions 84B that are bent in the -Z direction from both end portions in the Y direction of the main body portion 84A.

[0109] A part of both end portions in the Y direction of the armature 84 is inserted into the cutout portion 74E. Then, the armature 84 is mounted on the lower rod 74 by tightening a bolt 81 ( Figure 8 ) to the mounting portion 84B and the lower rod 74.

[0110] The armature 84 is disposed in the -Z direction as compared with the electromagnet 72. The main body portion 84A of the armature 84 faces the electromagnet 72 in the Z direction. Thus, when a magnetic field is generated in the electromagnet 72, the armature 84 moves toward the electromagnet 72 by being attracted by the magnetic field of the electromagnet 72. In other words, when a magnetic field is generated in the electromagnet 72, the lower rod 74 rotates about the second axis 63.

[0111] Further, in the holding state of the holding unit 50, the armature 84 is separated from the electromagnet 72. When described specifically, the armature 84 moves toward the electromagnet 72 by being attracted by the magnetic field of the electromagnet 72. Here, when the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 hold the tape 27 ( Figure 1 ), the rotation of the lower rod 74 stops due to the reaction force received from the tape 27 by the second abutting portion 92. At this time, the armature 84 is disposed such that a gap is formed between the main body portion 84A and the electromagnet 72 in the Z direction.

[0112] When the lower rod 74 is viewed in the -Y direction, the clockwise direction is defined as the +R direction and the counterclockwise direction is defined as the -R direction. The lower rod 74 rotates in the -R direction when a magnetic field is generated in the electromagnet 72. When the lower rod 74 rotates in the -R direction, the link shaft 64 moves in the +Z direction by the contact between the inner wall of the through hole 75B and the outer peripheral surface of the link shaft 64.

[0113] As Figure 6 shown, the upper rod 86 is an example of a first support portion that supports the first abutting portion 91 described later. Further, the upper rod 86 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Y direction. Specifically, the upper rod 86 is disposed on the +Y direction side with respect to the side plate portion 58 on the +Y direction side and on the -Y direction side with respect to the side plate portion 58 on the -Y direction side. In other words, the two upper rods 86 are disposed outside the Y direction with respect to the mounting frame 57. The two upper rods 86 are connected by a second shaft 63 and a connecting member 87.

[0114] As Figure 8 shown, the upper rod 86 is composed of a base portion 86A, a vertical portion 86B, a flange portion 86C, and an extension portion 86D.

[0115] The base portion 86A is a portion that overlaps the lower rod 74 within the range of the length L in the Z direction when projected in the Y direction. The lower portion of the base portion 86A located on the -Z direction side with respect to the center in the Z direction is formed in an inverted triangular shape. A concave portion 88 is formed in the lower portion of the base portion 86A.

[0116] Further, in the base portion 86A, a through hole 89A ( Figure 6 ) is formed at a position on the +Z direction side and on the -X direction side with respect to the concave portion 88, and the through hole 89A penetrates the base portion 86A in the Y direction. The Y-direction end portion of the second shaft 63 is inserted into the through hole 89A.

[0117] Moreover, in the base portion 86A, a through hole 89B is formed at a position on the +Z direction side and on the +X direction side with respect to the concave portion 88, and the through hole 89B penetrates the base portion 86A in the Y direction. By contacting the hole wall of the through hole 89B with a bolt 51 ( Figure 5 ) fixed to the side plate portion 58, the rotation range of the upper rod 86 is restricted within a predetermined range.

[0118] The vertical portion 86B stands upright in the +Z direction from the end portion on the +X direction side of the end portion on the +Z direction side of the base portion 86A.

[0119] The flange portion 86C extends in the +Y direction from the end portion on the +Z direction side of the vertical portion 86B.

[0120] The extension portion 86D extends in the -X direction from the end portion on the -X direction side of the end portion on the +Z direction side of the base portion 86A.

[0121] As Figure 6As shown, the recess 88 is recessed obliquely upward from the outer edge portion of the base portion 86A. Specifically, the recess 88 is recessed toward the positions on the +X direction side and the +Z direction side. A curved surface 88A is formed at the deepest part of the recess 88. In addition, a part of the link shaft 64 in the Y direction is inserted into the recess 88. Further, the recess 88 is configured to contact the outer peripheral surface of the link shaft 64 even when the lower rod 74 is rotated in any one of the +R direction and the -R direction. In other words, the upper rod 86 can be interlocked with the lower rod 74. Further, after the link shaft 64 is moved along the recess 88 while the tape 27 is held by the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92, and then both ends of the link shaft 64 in the Y direction are fastened to the upper rod 86, the rotation angles of the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 can be adjusted. Thereby, the holding force when the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 hold the tape 27 can be adjusted.

[0122] As Figure 7 shown, the connecting member 87 has a first abutting portion 91 and a mounting portion 94. The first abutting portion 91 extends in the Y direction, and the mounting portion 94 extends from the first abutting portion 91 in the +X direction.

[0123] The first abutting portion 91 is made of a metal material and has a plate-shaped bottom wall 95 and two vertical walls 96. The bottom wall 95 has a predetermined thickness in the Z direction, and the vertical walls 96 stand upright in the +Z direction from both end portions of the bottom wall 95 in the X direction. The bottom wall 95 is formed in a rectangular shape whose size in the Y direction is longer than the size in the X direction. In addition, the bottom wall 95 protrudes in the -Z direction compared with the extending portion 86D.

[0124] The mounting portion 94 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Y direction and is fixed to the extending portion 86D by a bolt 97 ( Figure 5 ).

[0125] The first abutting portion 91 contacts the first surface 28 ( Figure 2 ) in the holding state of the holding unit 50.

[0126] As described above, in the holding unit 50, the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 can be interlocked. Thereby, in the holding unit 50, when it becomes the release state, in conjunction with the operation of the first abutting portion 91 separating from the first surface 28, the second abutting portion 92 separates from the second surface 29 ( Figure 2 ).

[0127] As Figure 4As shown, the position of the gripping unit 50 in the +Y direction with the gripping unit 50 facing the end portion on the -Y direction side of the support frame 14 is set as the first position. Further, the position of the gripping unit 50 in the +Y direction that is downstream compared to the first position and when the gripping unit 50 is in the released state is set as the second position. That is, the gripping unit 50 is in the gripping state at the first position in the +Y direction and is in the released state at the second position.

[0128] As Figure 9 shown, the shock absorber 98 is an example of another buffering member and is mounted on the end portion on the -Y direction side of the bottom wall 53 via a bracket (not shown). In other words, the shock absorber 98 is indirectly provided on the gripping unit 50.

[0129] The shock absorber 98 has a main body portion 98A and a movable portion 98B that protrudes from the main body portion 98A in the -Y direction. The movable portion 98B faces the longitudinal portion 19B ( Figure 4 ) in the Y direction. In the shock absorber 98, the impact force acting on the movable portion 98B through contact with the longitudinal portion 19B is attenuated in the main body portion 98A. Thus, the shock absorber 98 buffers the impact force generated by the contact between the gripping unit 50 and the stopper 19 ( Figure 4 ).

[0130] As Figure 4 shown, the return carriage 100 is an example of a return portion and has a function of moving the released gripping unit 50 in the -Y direction. Further, the return carriage 100 can be driven in both the +Y direction and the -Y direction by a drive unit 105.

[0131] Specifically, the return carriage 100 has a bottom wall portion 101, longitudinal wall portions 102, and side wall portions 103. Further, a sponge 104 is provided on the return carriage 100.

[0132] The bottom wall portion 101 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Z direction. The longitudinal wall portions 102 stand up in the +Z direction from the end portion on the +X direction side of the bottom wall portion 101. The two side wall portions 103 extend in the -X direction from both ends in the Y direction of the longitudinal wall portions 102.

[0133] The longitudinal wall portions 102 are mounted on the slider 44 ( Figure 3 ). In other words, the return carriage 100 is supported by the slider 44. Thus, the return carriage 100 can move in the Y direction along the guide rail 42.

[0134] In addition, when the holding unit 50 is in the second position, the return carriage 100 is located downstream in the +Y direction relative to the holding unit 50 so as to be separated from the holding unit 50. In other words, when the holding unit 50 is in the second position, a gap is formed between the holding unit 50 and the return carriage 100 in a state where the sponge 104 is not provided.

[0135] The drive unit 105 is an example of a drive part, and includes a driven pulley 109, a drive pulley (not shown), a drive belt 107, and a motor 108.

[0136] The driven pulley 109 is arranged at a position on the -Y direction side with respect to the drive pulley, and is supported by the support frame 14 so as to be rotatable. The driven pulley 109 and the drive pulley can rotate around a shaft portion along the X direction.

[0137] The drive belt 107 is wound around the driven pulley 109 and the drive pulley, and can move in a loop. In addition, a bottom wall portion 101 is fixed to a part of the drive belt 107.

[0138] The motor 108 is driven by being powered from a power source (not shown), and rotates the drive pulley.

[0139] In this way, the drive unit 105 is configured to be able to drive the return carriage 100 in the Y direction.

[0140] When the holding unit 50 is in the second position, the drive unit 105 drives the return carriage 100 in the -Y direction based on an instruction from the control unit 18 ( Figure 1 ). In other words, the return carriage 100 is driven by the drive unit 105 at the second position, and thereby applies a pressing force in the -Y direction to the holding unit 50 via the sponge 104, so that the holding unit 50 moves in the -Y direction.

[0141] In addition, when the holding unit 50 is in the first position, the drive unit 105 drives the return carriage 100 in the +Y direction based on an instruction from the control unit 18. As a result, the return carriage 100 returns to the origin position.

[0142] The sponge 104 is an example of a cushioning member, and is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In addition, the sponge 104 is adhered to the side surface on the -Y direction side of the side wall portion 103 on the -Y direction side, and faces the holding unit 50 in the Y direction.

[0143] The length corresponding to the thickness in the Y direction of the sponge 104 is set such that when the holding unit 50 is in the second position, the holding unit 50 contacts the sponge 104 and the sponge 104 is compressed. That is, when the holding unit 50 moves in the +Y direction and reaches the second position, the sponge 104 elastically deforms in the Y direction to mitigate the impact force generated by the contact between the return carriage 100 and the holding unit 50.

[0144] Next, the operation of the printer 10 will be described. In addition, when described using Figures 1 to 9 the description omits the recording of individual drawing numbers.

[0145] In Figure 10 the (A), (B), (C), (D), (E) of, schematic diagrams of the states of the holding unit 50 and the return carriage 100 are shown. The illustration of the fabric M ( Figure 1 ), the sponge 104 ( Figure 4 ), and the drive unit 105 ( Figure 4 ) etc. is omitted.

[0146] As Figure 10 shown in (A) of, the holding unit 50 is in the released state at the second position. The return carriage 100 is located at a position in the +Y direction relative to the holding unit 50.

[0147] As Figure 10 shown in (B) of, the holding unit 50 returns to the first position by the return carriage 100 being driven in the -Y direction by the drive unit 105.

[0148] As Figure 10 shown in (C) of, after the holding unit 50 returns to the first position, the return carriage 100 returns to its original position in the +Y direction by the drive unit 105.

[0149] As Figure 10 shown in (D) of, the holding unit 50 holds the tape 27 at the first position.

[0150] As Figure 10 shown in (E) of, in order to convey the fabric M, when the tape 27 moves in the +Y direction, the holding unit 50 holding the tape 27 moves in the +Y direction together with the tape 27. At this time, the magnetic scale of the scale portion 34 is read by the reading head 36, and thus the moving distance of the holding unit 50 in the +Y direction from the first position is detected as the moving distance of the tape 27 in the +Y direction.

[0151] In Figure 11The released state and the gripping state of the gripping unit 50 are shown. The solid lines indicate the outer shapes of the components in the released state, and the dashed lines indicate the outer shapes of the components in the gripping state.

[0152] In the released state of the gripping unit 50, by generating a magnetic field in the electromagnet 72, the armature 84 is attracted by the electromagnet 72. As a result, the lower rod 74 rotates in the -R direction.

[0153] As the lower rod 74 rotates in the -R direction, the link shaft 64 moves obliquely upward. At this time, the moved link shaft 64 contacts the concave portion 88, thereby applying a rotational force to the upper rod 86. The upper rod 86 rotates in the +R direction by receiving this rotational force. In this way, the rotation of the lower rod 74 in the -R direction and the rotation of the upper rod 86 in the +R direction are linked, so that the first contact portion 91 contacts the first surface 28, and the second contact portion 92 contacts the second surface 29. That is, both end portions of the tape 27 in the X direction are gripped by the gripping unit 50.

[0154] On the other hand, when the energization to the electromagnet 72 is stopped and the magnetic field disappears, the armature 84 separates from the electromagnet 72 due to its own weight. As a result, the lower rod 74 rotates in the +R direction.

[0155] As the lower rod 74 rotates in the +R direction, the link shaft 64 moves obliquely downward. At this time, since the rotational force applied from the link shaft 64 decreases, the upper rod 86 rotates in the -R direction. In this way, the rotation of the lower rod 74 in the +R direction and the rotation of the upper rod 86 in the -R direction are linked, so that the first contact portion 91 separates from the first surface 28, and the second contact portion 92 separates from the second surface 29. That is, the gripping unit 50 becomes the released state.

[0156] As described above, according to the printer 10, in the released state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 separate from the tape 27. As a result, when the gripping unit 50 in the released state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no situation where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that a decrease in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0157] In addition, compared with a structure in which at least one of the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 is pulled via a motor and a link mechanism, since there is no need for a space portion required for the movement of the link mechanism, the switching unit 71 and the gripping unit 50 can be miniaturized.

[0158] According to the printer 10, compared with the structure in which the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 are connected to different components, by connecting both the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 to the same mounting frame 57, the relative assembly error between the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 is reduced. Therefore, the deviation of the relative positions of the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 at the link shaft 64 can be suppressed.

[0159] In addition, since the armature 84, which is the part attracted by the electromagnet 72, separates from the electromagnet 72 in the holding state, the magnetization of the lower rod 74 can be reduced compared with the case where it does not separate. As a result, the residual magnetization of the lower rod 74 after the current flowing through the electromagnet 72 is cut off becomes smaller, and the lower rod 74 separates from the electromagnet 72 due to the action of gravity. Therefore, the switching to the release state can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0160] According to the printer 10, since the intensity of the magnetic field lines used in the scale unit 34 is not easily reduced by foreign matters such as dust compared with the intensity of light, when foreign matters adhere to the scale unit 34, the reduction in the reading accuracy of the plurality of magnets 35 in the reading head 36 can be suppressed.

[0161] In addition, since the holding unit 50 is supported by the support frame 14 including the support plate 17, the position of the holding unit 50 in the device height direction in the holding state can be adjusted. Even if the tape 27 is deflected and the position of the tape 27 is offset in the thickness direction, the holding unit 50 can hold the tape 27 by this action.

[0162] Moreover, compared with the case where the holding unit 50 is provided with the drive unit 105, the mechanical load acting on the holding unit 50 can be suppressed. As a result, no mechanical load other than the mechanical load of the guide rail 42 and the slider 44 itself acting on the holding unit 50 is applied. Therefore, when the holding unit 50 in the holding state moves from the second position to the first position along the -Y direction, the movement of the holding unit 50 will not be hindered due to the mechanical load.

[0163] Therefore, since the situation where the position where the holding unit 50 holds the tape 27 deviates in the +Y direction is suppressed, the reduction in the detection accuracy of the movement amount of the tape 27 performed by the holding unit 50 can be suppressed.

[0164] According to the printer 10, when the return carriage 100 moves the holding unit 50 in the -Y direction, compared with the case where the return carriage 100 is in direct contact with the holding unit 50, the impact force acting on the holding unit 50 can be alleviated by the sponge 104. As a result, the occurrence of malfunctions in the operation of the holding unit 50 can be suppressed.

[0165] In addition, compared with the case where the holding unit 50 is in direct contact with the blocking member 19, the impact force applied to the holding unit 50 can be alleviated by the shock absorber 98. Thus, the occurrence of malfunctions during the operation of the holding unit 50 can be suppressed.

[0166] Embodiment 2

[0167] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 110 of Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiment 1, and the description thereof and the description of individual drawing numbers are omitted.

[0168] In Figure 12 a part of the printer 110 of Embodiment 2 is shown.

[0169] The printer 110 includes a holding unit 112 in place of the holding unit 50 in the printer 10, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 10. The holding unit 112 is symmetrically disposed at the end on the +X direction side and the end on the -X direction side with respect to the center in the X direction of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0170] The holding unit 112 includes: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 116. In addition, although the holding unit 112 also includes a support bracket 52 and a mounting frame 57, the illustration and description thereof are omitted. The reading head 36 is mounted on the support bracket 52.

[0171] The first support member 113 includes: an arm portion 113A that extends in the X direction; an inclined portion 113B that extends obliquely downward from the end on the -X direction side of the arm portion 113A; and a mounting portion 113C that extends in the -X direction from the lower end of the inclined portion 113B. The first contact portion 91 is mounted on the upper surface 113D on the +Z direction side of the mounting portion 113C.

[0172] The second support member 114 includes: an arm portion 114A that extends in the X direction; an inclined portion 114B that extends obliquely upward from the end on the -X direction side of the arm portion 114A; and a mounting portion 114C that extends in the -X direction from the upper end of the inclined portion 114B. The second contact portion 92 is mounted on the lower surface 114D on the -Z direction side of the mounting portion 114C.

[0173] The inclined portion 113B and the inclined portion 114B are connected by a connecting pin 115 having a central axis along the Y direction so as to be relatively rotatable.

[0174] The switching unit 116 includes a tension spring 117, an electromagnet 118, and an electromagnet 119.

[0175] The tension spring 117 is disposed between the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A in the Z direction and connects the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A. Thereby, the tension spring 117 applies a pulling force in the direction of approaching each other to the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A.

[0176] The electromagnet 118 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the arm portion 113A and attracts the arm portion 113A in the +Z direction by energization.

[0177] The electromagnet 119 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the arm portion 114A and attracts the arm portion 114A in the -Z direction by energization.

[0178] In the gripping unit 112, when the electromagnet 118 and the electromagnet 119 are energized, the arm portion 113A is attracted in the +Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117, and the arm portion 114A is attracted in the -Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117. Thereby, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, so that the gripping unit 112 becomes a released state.

[0179] In addition, in the gripping unit 112, when the electromagnet 118 and the electromagnet 119 are not energized, due to the pulling force of the tension spring 117, the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A are pulled in the direction of approaching each other. Thereby, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 grip the tape 27, so that the gripping unit 112 becomes a gripping state.

[0180] According to the printer 110, in the released state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. Thereby, when the gripping unit 112 in the released state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no case where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the generation of friction on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that a decrease in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0181] Embodiment 3

[0182] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 120 of Embodiment 3 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, and the description thereof and the individual drawing numbers are omitted. The common parts also include structures in which the lengths of some parts are different.

[0183] In Figure 13 a part of the printer 120 of Embodiment 3 is shown.

[0184] The printer 120 includes a holding unit 122 instead of the holding unit 112 in the printer 110, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 110. The holding unit 122 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0185] The holding unit 122 has: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 124. In addition, although the holding unit 122 also has a reading head 36, a support bracket 52, and a mounting frame 57, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0186] The lengths of the respective inclined portions 113B and 114B in the inclined direction are longer than those of the inclined portions 113B and 114B of the second embodiment.

[0187] The switching unit 124 has two tension springs 117 and one electromagnet 126.

[0188] One tension spring 117 connects the arm portion 113A and the upper plate portion 59, and applies a tensile force in the +Z direction to the arm portion 113A. The other tension spring 117 connects the arm portion 114A and the bottom wall 53, and applies a tensile force in the -Z direction to the arm portion 114A.

[0189] The electromagnet 126 is located between the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A in the Z direction, and attracts the arm portion 113A in the -Z direction and attracts the arm portion 114A in the +Z direction by being energized.

[0190] In the holding unit 122, when the electromagnet 126 is not energized, due to the tensile force of the tension spring 117, the arm portion 113A is pulled in the +Z direction and the arm portion 114A is pulled in the -Z direction. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, so that the holding unit 122 is in a released state.

[0191] In addition, in the holding unit 122, when the electromagnet 126 is energized, the arm portion 113A is attracted in the -Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117, and the arm portion 114A is attracted in the +Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 122 is in a holding state.

[0192] According to the printer 120, in the released state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. Thus, when the holding unit 122 in the released state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there will be no situation where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0193] Embodiment 4

[0194] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 130 of Embodiment 4 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 3, and the description thereof and the individual drawing numbers are omitted. The common parts also include structures in which the lengths of a part are different.

[0195] In Figure 14 a part of the printer 130 of Embodiment 4 is shown.

[0196] The printer 130 includes a holding unit 132 instead of the holding unit 112 in the printer 110, and its structure is basically the same as that of the printer 110. The holding unit 132 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the end portion on the +X direction side and the end portion on the -X direction side of the tape 27. Therefore, the structure of one of them will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0197] The holding unit 132 has: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 134. In addition, although the holding unit 132 also has a reading head 36, a support bracket 52, and a mounting frame 57, their illustration and description are omitted.

[0198] The switching unit 134 has a tension spring 117, a cam member 136, and a motor 138.

[0199] The tension spring 117 connects the arm portions 113A and 114A and applies a tensile force in the direction of approaching each other to the arm portions 113A and 114A.

[0200] When viewed from the Y direction, the cam member 136 is formed in an elliptical shape. In addition, a support shaft 137 is provided on the cam member 136, and the support shaft 137 has a central axis passing through the center of the cam member 136 and extending along the Y direction. The support shaft 137 is supported by the side plate portion 58 so as to be rotatable.

[0201] The motor 138 rotates the cam member 136 by rotating the support shaft 137.

[0202] In the holding unit 132, when the major axis of the cam member 136 is arranged along the X direction, due to the tensile force of the tension spring 117 acting, the arm portions 113A and 114A are pulled in the direction of approaching each other. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 132 becomes a holding state.

[0203] In addition, in the holding unit 132, when the cam member 136 is rotated by the motor 138 and the major axis of the cam member 136 is arranged in a direction intersecting the X direction, the arm portion 113A is pressed in the +Z direction while resisting the tensile force of the tension spring 117, and the arm portion 114A is pressed in the -Z direction while resisting the tensile force of the tension spring 117. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 132 becomes a holding state.

[0204] According to the printer 130, the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 are separated from the tape 27 in the release state. Thus, when the holding unit 132 in the release state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no situation where one of the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0205] Embodiment 5

[0206] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 140 of Embodiment 5 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 4, and the description thereof and the description of individual drawing numbers are omitted. The common parts also include structures in which the lengths of some parts are different.

[0207] In Figure 15 a part of the printer 140 of Embodiment 5 is shown.

[0208] The printer 140 includes a holding unit 142 in place of the holding unit 132 in the printer 130, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 130. The holding unit 142 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0209] The holding unit 142 has: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 144. In addition, although the holding unit 142 also has a reading head 36, a support bracket 52, and a mounting frame 57, the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0210] The switching unit 144 has two pressing springs 146, a cam member 136, and a motor 138.

[0211] One pressing spring 146 connects the arm portion 113A and the upper plate portion 59, and applies a pressing force in the -Z direction to the arm portion 113A. The other pressing spring 146 connects the arm portion 114A and the bottom wall 53, and applies a pressing force in the +Z direction to the arm portion 114A.

[0212] In the holding unit 142, when the long axis of the cam member 136 is arranged along the X direction, the arm portion 113A is pressed in the -Z direction, and the arm portion 114A is pressed in the +Z direction. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 122 becomes a holding state.

[0213] In addition, in the holding unit 142, when the cam member 136 is rotated by the motor 138 and the long axis of the cam member 136 is arranged along a direction intersecting the X direction, the arm portion 113A is pressed in the +Z direction while counteracting the pressing force of the pressing spring 146, and the arm portion 114A is pressed in the -Z direction while counteracting the pressing force of the pressing spring 146. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, so that the holding unit 142 is in a released state.

[0214] According to the printer 140, in the released state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. Thus, when the holding unit 142 in the released state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no situation where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction. That is, the generation of friction on the tape 27 is suppressed, and thus the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0215] Embodiment 6

[0216] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 150 of Embodiment 6 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 5, and the description thereof and the individual drawing numbers are omitted. The structure in the common part also includes a structure in which the lengths of some parts are different.

[0217] In Figure 16 a part of the printer 150 of Embodiment 6 is shown.

[0218] The printer 150 includes a holding unit 152 instead of the holding unit 112 in the printer 110, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 10. The holding unit 152 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the end portion on the +X direction side and the end portion on the -X direction side of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0219] The holding unit 152 has: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 154. In addition, although the holding unit 152 also has a reading head 36, a support bracket 52, and a mounting frame 57, the illustration and description thereof are omitted. The lengths of the arm portions 113A, 114A and the inclined portions 113B, 114B are longer than those of the structure of Embodiment 2.

[0220] The switching unit 154 includes a tension spring 117, a rack 155, a rack 156, a pinion 157, and a motor 138.

[0221] The tension spring 117 connects the arm portions 113A and 114A, and applies a pulling force in the direction of approaching each other to the arm portions 113A and 114A.

[0222] The rack 155 is disposed in the -Z direction with respect to the arm portion 113A. The end portion on the +Z direction side of the rack 155 contacts the arm portion 113A. Further, the rack 155 is supported by a guide member (not shown) so as to be movable in the Z direction. A plurality of tooth portions 155A are formed on the rack 155.

[0223] The rack 156 is disposed in the +Z direction with respect to the arm portion 114A. The end portion on the -Z direction side of the rack 156 contacts the arm portion 114A. Further, the rack 156 is supported by a guide member (not shown) so as to be movable in the Z direction. A plurality of tooth portions 156A are formed on the rack 156.

[0224] A support shaft 158 is provided on the pinion 157, and the support shaft 158 has a central axis passing through the center of the pinion 157 and extending along the Y direction. The support shaft 158 is rotatably supported by the side plate portion 58. Further, a plurality of tooth portions 157A are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the pinion 157. A part of the plurality of tooth portions 157A meshes with a part of the plurality of tooth portions 155A. Another part of the plurality of tooth portions 157A meshes with a part of the plurality of tooth portions 156A.

[0225] The motor 138 rotates the pinion 157 by rotating the support shaft 158.

[0226] In the gripping unit 152, as the pinion 157 rotates by the motor 138 and the rack 155 moves in the +Z direction, the rack 156 moves in the -Z direction. Here, when the pressing force applied to the arm portions 113A and 114A from the rack 155 and the rack 156 is greater than the pulling force of the tension spring 117, the arm portion 113A is pushed up in the +Z direction, and the arm portion 114A is pushed down in the -Z direction. Thereby, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, so that the gripping unit 152 is in a released state.

[0227] In addition, in the holding unit 152, when the pinion 157 is rotated in the reverse direction by the motor 138, as the rack 155 moves in the -Z direction, the rack 156 moves in the +Z direction. Here, when the tensile force of the tension spring 117 is greater than the pressing force acting on the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A from the rack 155 and the rack 156, the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A approach each other. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connection pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 152 becomes a holding state.

[0228] According to the printer 150, in the released state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. Thus, when the holding unit 152 in the released state is moved in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no case where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that a decrease in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0229] Embodiment 7

[0230] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 160 of Embodiment 7 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 6, and the description thereof and the individual drawing numbers are omitted. The structure in which the length of a part is also different is also included in the common part.

[0231] In Figure 17 a part of the printer 160 of Embodiment 7 is shown.

[0232] The printer 160 includes a holding unit 162 in place of the holding unit 152 in the printer 150, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 150. The holding unit 162 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the end on the +X direction side and the end on the -X direction side of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0233] The holding unit 162 includes: a first support member 113 that supports the first contact portion 91; a second support member 114 that supports the second contact portion 92; and a switching unit 164. In addition, although the holding unit 162 also includes a reading head 36, a support bracket 52, and a mounting frame 57, the illustration and description thereof are omitted. The lengths of the arm portion 113A, the arm portion 114A, the inclined portion 113B, and the inclined portion 114B are the same as those of the structure of Embodiment 6.

[0234] The switching unit 164 includes two pressing springs 146, a rack 155, a rack 156, a pinion 157, and a motor 138.

[0235] One pressing spring 146 connects the arm portion 113A and the upper plate portion 59, and applies a pressing force in the -Z direction to the arm portion 113A. The other pressing spring 146 connects the arm portion 114A and the bottom wall 53, and applies a pressing force in the +Z direction to the arm portion 114A.

[0236] In the holding unit 162, as the pinion 157 rotates by the motor 138 and the rack 155 moves in the +Z direction, the rack 156 moves in the -Z direction. Here, when the pressing forces applied to the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A from the rack 155 and the rack 156 are greater than the pressing force of the pressing spring 146, the arm portion 113A is pushed upward in the +Z direction, and the arm portion 114A is pushed downward in the -Z direction. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, so that the holding unit 162 becomes a release state.

[0237] In addition, in the holding unit 162, when the pinion 157 rotates in the reverse direction by the motor 138, as the rack 155 moves in the -Z direction, the rack 156 moves in the +Z direction. Here, when the pressing force of the two pressing springs 146 is greater than the pressing forces applied to the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A from the rack 155 and the rack 156, the arm portion 113A and the arm portion 114A approach each other. As a result, the first support member 113 and the second support member 114 rotate about the connecting pin 115, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 hold the tape 27, so that the holding unit 162 becomes a holding state.

[0238] According to the printer 160, in the release state, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. As a result, when the holding unit 162 in the release state is moved in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there will be no situation where one of the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation of generating friction on the tape 27 is suppressed, so that the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0239] Embodiment 8

[0240] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 170 of Embodiment 8 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 7, and the description thereof and the description of individual drawing numbers are omitted. The common parts also include structures in which part of the length is different.

[0241] In Figure 18 is shown a part of the printer 170 of Embodiment 8.

[0242] The printer 170 includes a holding unit 172 instead of the holding unit 50 in the printer 10, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 10. The holding unit 172 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the tape 27. Therefore, one structure will be described and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0243] The holding unit 172 has: a first support member 173 that supports the first abutting portion 91; a second support member 174 that supports the second abutting portion 92; a guide member 176; and a switching unit 178. In addition, although the holding unit 172 also has a reading head 36 and a support bracket 52, illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0244] The first support member 173 has: an arm portion 173A that extends in the X direction; a vertical portion 173B that extends from the -X direction end of the arm portion 173A in the -Z direction; and a mounting portion 173C that extends from the lower end of the vertical portion 173B in the -X direction. The first abutting portion 91 is mounted on the lower surface 173D on the -Z direction side of the mounting portion 173C. Two pins 175A having a central axis along the Y direction are respectively provided at both ends in the Y direction of the arm portion 173A.

[0245] The second support member 174 has: an arm portion 174A that extends in the X direction; a vertical portion 174B that extends from the -X direction end of the arm portion 174A in the +Z direction; a mounting portion 174C that extends from the upper end of the vertical portion 174B in the -X direction. The second abutting portion 92 is mounted on the upper surface 174D on the +Z direction side of the mounting portion 174C. Two pins 175B having a central axis along the Y direction are respectively provided at both ends in the Y direction of the arm portion 174A. The two pins 175B are guided in the +Z direction along a groove portion 177 described later.

[0246] The guide member 176 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Y direction. Further, two guide members 176 are provided on the support bracket 52 at intervals in the Y direction such that the groove portions 177 described later face each other in the Y direction. In addition, the guide member 176 on the -Y direction side will be described, and the description of the guide member 176 on the +Y direction side will be omitted.

[0247] Two groove portions 177 are formed on the side surface on the +Y direction side of the guide member 176. The two groove portions 177 are arranged at intervals in the X direction and extend in the Z direction respectively. Further, both of the two groove portions 177 open in the +Y direction. In addition, it may be that the pin 175B is provided on the guide member 176 and the groove portions 177 are formed on the first support member 173 and the second support member 174.

[0248] The switching unit 178 has a tension spring 117, an electromagnet 118, and an electromagnet 119.

[0249] The tension spring 117 connects the arm portion 173A and the arm portion 174A in the Z direction. Thereby, the tension spring 117 applies a pulling force in the direction of approaching each other to the arm portion 173A and the arm portion 174A.

[0250] The electromagnet 118 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the arm portion 173A and attracts the arm portion 173A in the +Z direction by energization.

[0251] The electromagnet 119 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the arm portion 174A and attracts the arm portion 174A in the -Z direction by energization.

[0252] In the holding unit 172, when the electromagnet 118 and the electromagnet 119 are energized, the arm portion 173A is attracted in the +Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117, and the arm portion 174A is attracted in the -Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117. Thereby, the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 are separated, and the holding unit 172 becomes a released state.

[0253] In addition, in the holding unit 172, when the electromagnet 118 and the electromagnet 119 are not energized, due to the pulling force of the tension spring 117 acting, the arm portion 173A and the arm portion 174A are pulled in the direction of approaching each other. Thereby, the first support member 173 and the second support member 174 approach in the Z direction, and the first contact portion 91 and the second contact portion 92 hold the tape 27, and the holding unit 172 becomes a holding state.

[0254] According to the printer 170, in the released state, the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 are separated from the tape 27. Thus, when the gripping unit 172 in the released state is moved in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there will be no situation where one of the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, and thus the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0255] Embodiment 9

[0256] Next, as an example of the recording apparatus according to the present invention, the printer 180 of Embodiment 9 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to Embodiments 1 to 8, and the description thereof and the individual drawing numbers are omitted. The common parts also include structures in which the lengths of a part are different.

[0257] In Figure 19 a part of the printer 180 of Embodiment 9 is shown.

[0258] The printer 180 includes a gripping unit 182 in place of the gripping unit 50 in the printer 10, and the other structures are basically the same as those of the printer 10. The gripping unit 182 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the center in the X direction at the +X direction end and the -X direction end of the tape 27. Therefore, the description of one structure will be given, and the description of the other will be omitted.

[0259] The gripping unit 182 includes a first abutting portion 91, a second abutting portion 92, a support member 183, and a switching portion 186. In addition, although the gripping unit 182 also includes a reading head 36 and a support bracket 52, the illustration and description thereof are omitted.

[0260] The support member 183 includes a first arm portion 184A, a first mounting portion 184B, a second arm portion 185A, and a second mounting portion 185B, and they are integrated.

[0261] The first arm portion 184A extends obliquely upward. The second arm portion 185A extends obliquely downward. The +X direction ends of the first arm portion 184A and the second arm portion 185A are joined.

[0262] The first mounting portion 184B extends in the -X direction from the -X direction end of the first arm portion 184A. The first abutting portion 91 is mounted on the lower surface 184C on the -Z direction side of the first mounting portion 184B.

[0263] The second mounting portion 185B extends in the -X direction from the end portion on the -X direction side of the second arm portion 185A. The second abutting portion 92 is mounted on the upper surface 185C on the +Z direction side of the second mounting portion 185B.

[0264] The switching portion 186 includes a tension spring 117, an electromagnet 118, and an electromagnet 119.

[0265] The tension spring 117 connects the first arm portion 184A and the second arm portion 185A in the Z direction. Thus, the tension spring 117 applies a pulling force in the direction of approaching each other to the first arm portion 184A and the second arm portion 185A. In addition, instead of using the tension spring 117, the restoring force of the support member 183 may be utilized.

[0266] The electromagnet 118 is located in the +Z direction with respect to the first mounting portion 184B and attracts the first mounting portion 184B in the +Z direction by energization.

[0267] The electromagnet 119 is located in the -Z direction with respect to the second mounting portion 185B and attracts the second mounting portion 185B in the -Z direction by energization.

[0268] In the gripping unit 182, when the electromagnets 118 and 119 are energized, the first mounting portion 184B is attracted in the +Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117, and the second mounting portion 185B is attracted in the -Z direction while counteracting the pulling force of the tension spring 117. Thus, the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 are separated, and the gripping unit 182 becomes the release state.

[0269] In addition, in the gripping unit 182, when the electromagnets 118 and 119 are not energized, due to the pulling force of the tension spring 117, the first mounting portion 184B and the second mounting portion 185B approach each other. Thus, the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 grip the tape 27, and the gripping unit 182 becomes the gripping state.

[0270] According to the printer 180, the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 are separated from the tape 27 in the release state. Thus, when the gripping unit 182 in the release state moves in the -Y direction by the return carriage 100, there is no situation where one of the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 remains in contact with the tape 27 and moves in the -Y direction, that is, the situation where friction is generated on the tape 27 is suppressed, and thus the reduction in the durability of the tape 27 can be suppressed.

[0271] Although the printers 10 to 180 according to Embodiments 1 to 9 of the present invention are printers having the above-described structure as a basic structure, it is of course possible to make local structural changes or omissions within the scope not departing from the gist of the invention of the present application. Hereinafter, each modification will be described.

[0272] In Figure 20 as a modification of the holding unit 112 in the printer 110 according to Embodiment 2, the holding unit 192 is shown.

[0273] Although the holding unit 192 has the same structure as that of Embodiment 2 in that the connecting pin 115 is provided on the inclined portion 114B, it is different from the structure of Embodiment 2 in that the hole portion 194 is formed on the inclined portion 113B. In addition, a flat shaft portion (not shown) is formed on the connecting pin 115.

[0274] The hole portion 194 has two circular portions 194A and a straight portion 194B. The connecting pin 115 can rotate in the circular portion 194A, and the straight portion 194B connects the two circular portions 194A. In addition, the illustration of one of the two circular portions 194A is omitted.

[0275] The size of the circular portion 194A is such that the shaft portion of the connecting pin 115 can be inserted therethrough and the connecting pin 115 will not fall off.

[0276] The size of the straight portion 194B is such that the shaft portion of the connecting pin 115 can be inserted therethrough and the connecting pin 115 cannot be inserted therethrough. In the straight portion 194B, when the shaft portion of the connecting pin 115 is in a predetermined posture, it can move from one circular portion 194A to the other circular portion 194A.

[0277] In the holding unit 192, by changing the position of the connecting pin 115, the distances from the connecting pin 115 serving as a fulcrum to the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 are changed. Thus, in the holding unit 192, the holding force held by the first abutting portion 91 and the second abutting portion 92 can be adjusted.

[0278] It may also be configured such that in the printer 10, the upper rod 86 is made of a ferromagnetic material, and by attracting the upper rod 86 with the electromagnet 72, the holding unit 50 is set in a holding state. In addition, it may also be configured such that both the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 are made of a ferromagnetic material, and by attracting the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 with the electromagnet 72, the holding unit 50 is set in a holding state.

[0279] In addition, the upper rod 86 and the lower rod 74 may also be connected to different components.

[0280] Moreover, the electromagnet 72 and the armature 84 can also be brought into contact with each other.

[0281] In the printer 10, instead of the magnetic scale, the scale portion 34 can also be changed to an optically readable scale. In addition, the portion to be read read by the reading head 36 can be provided on the holding unit 50, and the reading portion corresponding to the reading head 36 can be provided on the support frame 14.

[0282] In addition, the position of the support frame 14 in the Z direction can also be fixed. Moreover, instead of driving the return carriage 100, the holding unit 50 can be returned to the upstream position in the +Y direction manually.

[0283] As a cushioning member, instead of the sponge 104, an elastic member such as rubber can also be used. In addition, the cushioning member can be provided on the holding unit 50. Moreover, the cushioning member can be provided on both the return carriage 100 and the holding unit 50.

[0284] The shock absorber 98 can also not be provided on the holding unit 50.

[0285] In addition, the structure of the above-described modification of the printer 10 can be applied in cooperation with the structures of the printers 110 to 180.

[0286] The medium is not limited to the fabric M, and can also be paper or other sheets.

[0287] The recording unit is not limited to a component that records in a serial manner such as the recording head 22, and can also be a component that records in a line head manner. In addition, the recording unit can also be a component that performs electrophotographic recording.

[0288] The conveyor belt is not limited to the belt 27, and can also be a belt that does not adsorb the medium. In addition, as the adsorption method of the medium to the conveyor belt, in addition to the adsorption methods described above, various adsorption force generation mechanisms can also be used, that is, the electrostatic adsorption method using the electrostatic force generated by applying a voltage, the vacuum suction method using a compressor, the intermolecular force method in which a plurality of micro protrusions are provided on the first surface 28, etc. In addition, the conveyor belt can be made of an organic polymer material such as silicone rubber or butyl rubber, and the medium can also be adsorbed on the conveying member by the adhesiveness inherent in the material itself. That is, the adhesive can also not be applied.

[0289] Symbol Explanation

[0290] 10…Printer; 12…Main frame; 14…Support frame; 15…Bottom plate part; 16…Side plate part; 17…Support plate; 18…Control unit; 19…Blocking member; 19A…Horizontal part; 19B…Vertical part; 20…Recording unit; 22…Recording head; 24…Carriage; 26…Transport unit; 27…Tape; 28…First surface; 28A…Flat surface; 29…Second surface; 31…Drive roller; 32…Driven roller; 34…Scale part; 35…Magnet; 36…Reading head; 40…Guide unit; 42…Guide rail; 44…Slider; 46…Slider; 50…Grip unit; 51…Bolt; 52…Support bracket; 53…Bottom wall; 54…Vertical wall; 54A…Widened part; 55…Vertical wall; 56…Flange; 57…Mounting frame; 58…Side plate part; 58A…Cutout part; 58B…Through hole; 58C…Through hole; 58D…Slot; 59…Upper plate part; 59A…Upper surface; 61…Mounted part; 62…First shaft; 63…Second shaft; 64…Link shaft; 65A…Bolt; 65B…Bolt; 65C…Bolt; 66…Fixed frame; 67…Plate part; 68…Protrusion; 71…Switching part; 72…Electromagnet; 74…Lower rod; 74A…Base part; 74B…Inclined part; 74C…Lower part; 74D…Extension part; 74E…Cutout part; 75A…Through hole; 75B…Through hole; 76…Upper member; 77…Mounting part; 79…Screw; 81…Bolt; 84…Armature; 84A…Main body part; 84B…Mounting part; 86…Upper rod; 86A…Base part; 86B…Vertical part; 86C…Flange part; 86D…Extension part; 87…Connecting member; 88…Recess; 88A…Curved surface; 89A…Through hole; 89B…Through hole; 91…First abutting part; 92…Second abutting part; 94…Mounting part; 95…Bottom wall; 96…Vertical wall; 97…Bolt; 98…Shock absorber; 98A…Main body part; 98B…Movable part; 100…Return carriage; 101…Bottom wall part; 102…Vertical wall part; 103…Side wall part; 103A…Side surface; 104…Sponge; 105…Drive unit; 107…Drive belt; 108…Motor; 109…Driven pulley; 110…Printer; 112…Grip unit; 113…First support member; 113A…Arm part; 113B…Inclined part; 113C…Mounting part; 113D…Upper surface; 114…Second support member; 114A…Arm part; 114B…Inclined part; 114C…Mounting part; 114D…Lower surface; 115…Connecting pin; 116…Switching part; 117…Tension spring; 118…Electromagnet; 119…Electromagnet; 120…Printer; 122…Grip unit; 124…Switching part; 126…Electromagnet; 130…Printer; 132…Grip unit; 134…Switching part; 136…Cam member; 137…Support shaft; 138…Motor; 140…Printer; 142…Grip unit; 144…Switching part; 146…Pressing spring; 150…Printer; 152…Grip unit154... switching section; 155... rack; 155A... tooth portion; 156... rack; 156A... tooth portion; 157... pinion; 157A... tooth portion; 158... support shaft; 160... printer; 162... holding unit; 164... switching section; 170... printer; 172... holding unit; 173... first support member; 173A... arm portion; 173B... longitudinal portion; 173C... mounting portion; 173D... lower surface; 174... second support member; 174A... arm portion; 174B... longitudinal portion; 174C... mounting portion; 174D... upper surface; 175A... pin; 175B... pin; 176... guide member; 177... groove portion; 178... switching section; 180... printer; 182... holding unit; 183... support member; 184A... first arm portion; 184B... first mounting portion; 184C... lower surface; 185A... second arm portion; 185B... second mounting portion; 185C... upper surface; 186... switching section; 192... holding unit; 194... hole portion; 194A... circular portion; 194B... linear portion; L... length; M... fabric; MA... recording surface; MB... back surface.;

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, Comprising: A recording unit capable of recording on a medium; A conveyor belt having a first surface for supporting the medium and a second surface opposite to the first surface in the thickness direction, and conveying the medium in the conveying direction; A scale unit having a scale and provided along the conveying direction; A reading unit capable of reading the scale; A gripping unit capable of moving integrally with the scale unit or the reading unit, and capable of changing between a gripping state and a releasing state. The gripping state is a state of gripping the conveyor belt in the thickness direction and moving together with the conveyor belt, and the releasing state is a state of separating from the conveyor belt; A return unit that moves the gripping unit in the releasing state in a direction opposite to the conveying direction; The gripping unit has a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion. The first abutting portion contacts the first surface in the gripping state, and the second abutting portion contacts the second surface in the gripping state; When the gripping unit becomes the releasing state, the first abutting portion separates from the first surface, and in conjunction therewith, the second abutting portion separates from the second surface; The recording device has: A switching unit that switches the gripping unit between the gripping state and the releasing state; A first supporting portion that supports the first abutting portion; A second supporting portion that supports the second abutting portion; At least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion is made of a ferromagnetic material; The switching unit has an electromagnet that generates an electromagnetic force when an electric current flows, and switches the gripping unit from the releasing state to the gripping state by attracting at least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion with the electromagnet; The recording device has a main body member, and the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are respectively rotatably connected to the main body member, and A connecting portion is provided that connects the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion; An allowing portion is provided on the main body member that allows displacement of the connecting portion relative to the main body member.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion has an attracted portion attracted by the electromagnet; The attracted portion is disposed below the electromagnet in the direction in which gravity acts on the attracted portion, i.e., the gravity direction, and separates from the electromagnet in the gripping state.

3. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein: The scale unit is a magnetic scale on which a magnetic pattern is recorded as the scale.

4. The recording device according to claim 1, wherein: The gripping unit is supported by an adjusting unit that can adjust the position of the gripping unit in the device height direction intersecting the conveying direction.

5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Comprising: A guiding member that guides the gripping unit in the conveying direction; A driving unit that drives the return unit; The holding part assumes the holding state at a first position in the conveying direction and assumes the releasing state at a second position downstream of the first position. The return part is supported by the guiding part and moves the holding part in the opposite direction by being driven by the driving part at the second position.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: When the holding part is at the second position, the return part is located downstream of the holding part in the conveying direction so as to be separated from the holding part. A cushioning member is provided on at least one of the return part and the holding part, and the cushioning member cushions the impact force generated by the contact between the return part and the holding part.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A restricting part is provided, and the restricting part restricts the moving range of the holding part in the conveying direction by contacting the holding part. Another cushioning member is provided on at least one of the holding part and the restricting part, and the another cushioning member cushions the impact force generated by the contact between the holding part and the restricting part.

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