Cutting device and printing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a cutting device and a printing device. The cutting device includes a cutter blade movable between a retracted position and a cutting position, a cutter holder facing the cutter blade, and first and second levers operated by a user. The cutter blade performs one of a half-cutting operation and a full-cutting operation with respect to a cutting target when positioned at the cutting position. The cutter holder is movable between a full-cutting position at which the cutter blade performs the full-cutting operation and a half-cutting position at which the cutter blade performs the half-cutting operation. When the first lever is operated, the cutter blade moves to the cutting position while the cutter holder remains at the half-cutting position. When the second lever is operated, the cutter blade moves to the cutting position and the cutter holder moves between the full-cutting position and the half-cutting position. The printing device includes a housing portion housing a cutting target, a cover, a printing unit, and the cutting device. The present invention reduces the weight of the cutting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a cutting device and a printing device including the cutting device. Background Technology

[0002] A cutting device for cutting objects such as tapes, labels, and tubes is known. Furthermore, printers employing the above-mentioned cutting device are also known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication 2005-224924 discloses a cutting device that includes a motor for driving a movable blade. The movable blade is driven by the motor to cut label sheets in conjunction with a cutter holder.

[0003] The conventional cutting device described above has the following problem: because the motor used to drive the movable blade is located in the cutting device, the weight of the cutting device is increased. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the foregoing, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cutting device with reduced weight and a printing device including the cutting device.

[0005] (1) To achieve the above and other objectives, this disclosure provides a cutting device comprising: a cutter blade; a cutter bracket; a first lever; and a second lever. The cutter blade is configured to cut a target. The cutter blade is movable between: a cutting position, in which the cutter blade is configured to perform one of a full cut operation and a half cut operation relative to the target by contacting the target; and a retracted position, in which the cutter blade is not in contact with the target. The cutter bracket faces the cutter blade. The cutter bracket is movable between: a full cut position, in which the cutter blade is configured to perform the full cut operation relative to the target in cooperation with the cutter bracket; and a half cut position, in which the cutter blade is configured to perform the half cut operation relative to the target in cooperation with the cutter bracket. The first lever is configured to be operated by a user. The first lever is configured to contact the cutter blade directly or indirectly. The first lever is movable from a first non-operating position to a first operation completed position. When no user operation is performed on the first lever, the first lever is located in the first non-operating position. When the user operation on the first lever has been completed, the first lever is located in the first operation completed position. The second lever is configured to be operated by the user. The second lever is configured to contact both the cutter blade and the cutter holder directly or indirectly. The second lever is movable from a second non-operating position to a second operation completed position. When no user operation is performed on the second lever, the second lever is located in the second non-operating position. When the user operation on the second lever has been completed, the second lever is located in the second operation completed position. The movement of the first lever from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position causes the cutter blade to move from the retracted position to the cutting position. The movement of the second lever from the second non-operating position to the second operation completed position causes: movement of the cutter blade from the retracted position to the cutting position; and movement of the cutter holder between the full cutting position and the half-cutting position.

[0006] According to aspect (1), the cutting device is configured to perform either a full cutting operation or a half cutting operation relative to the cutting target using a first lever and a second lever operated by the user. This configuration allows for a reduction in the weight of the cutting device compared to a configuration that includes a motor for moving the cutter blade.

[0007] (2) In the cutting device according to aspect (1), preferably, the first amount of movement is less than the second amount of movement, the first amount of movement indicating the amount of movement of the first lever from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position, and the second amount of movement indicating the amount of movement of the second lever from the second non-operating position to the second operation completed position.

[0008] (3) In the cutting device according to aspect (1) or (2), preferably, when the first lever and the second lever are operated under the same conditions, the first time period is shorter than the second time period, the first time period indicating the time period required for the first lever to move from the first non-operation position to the first operation completion position, and the second time period indicating the time period required for the second lever to move from the second non-operation position to the second operation completion position.

[0009] (4) In the cutting apparatus according to any one of aspects (1) to (3), preferably, the moment when the cutter bracket completes its movement is earlier than the moment when the cutter blade completes its movement, the movement of the cutter bracket between the half-cutting position and the full-cutting position caused by the movement of the second lever is completed at the moment when the cutter bracket completes its movement, and the movement of the cutter blade from the retracted position to the cutting position caused by the movement of the second lever is completed at the moment when the cutter blade completes its movement.

[0010] (5) Preferably, the cutting device according to any one of aspects (1) to (4) further includes a linkage for moving the first lever and the second lever in a linked relationship with each other. More preferably, in a state where the first lever and the second lever can move in a linked relationship with each other via the linkage: when one of the first lever and the second lever moves in a first movement direction, the first lever moves from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position; and when the one of the first lever and the second lever moves in a second movement direction different from the first movement direction, the second lever moves from the second non-operating position to the second operation completed position.

[0011] (6) Preferably, the cutting device according to any one of aspects (1) to (5) further includes a cutter holder that holds the cutter blade and is movable together with the cutter blade. It is also preferred that: the first lever causes movement of the cutter blade by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder; the second lever causes movement of the cutter blade by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder; and the second lever causes movement of the cutter bracket by indirectly contacting the cutter bracket via the cutter holder.

[0012] (7) In the cutting device according to aspect (6), it is preferred that: both the first lever and the second lever are configured to indirectly contact the cutter blade via the cutter holder; and the cutter holder includes: a first contact portion, to which the first lever contacts the first contact portion; and a second contact portion, to which the second lever contacts the second contact portion.

[0013] (8) In the cutting device according to aspect (6) or (7), preferably, the first distance between the first lever and the cutter holder in the first non-operating position is greater than the second distance between the second lever and the cutter holder in the second non-operating position.

[0014] (9) Preferably, the cutting device according to any one of aspects (1) to (5) further includes a cutter holder that holds the cutter blade and is movable together with the cutter blade. It is also preferred that: the first lever causes movement of the cutter blade by direct contact with the cutter blade or indirect contact with the cutter blade via the cutter holder; the second lever causes movement of the cutter blade by direct contact with the cutter blade or indirect contact with the cutter blade via the cutter holder; and the second lever causes movement of the cutter bracket by direct contact with the cutter holder.

[0015] (10) In the cutting device according to aspect (9), preferably, the first distance between the first lever and the cutter blade in the first non-operating position is greater than the second distance between the second lever and the cutter bracket in the second non-operating position.

[0016] (11) Preferably, the cutting device according to any one of aspects (1) to (10) further includes a retaining member for moving the cutter bracket, the retaining member extending in an extension direction including a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. It is also preferred that: the cutter bracket has an insertion portion into which the retaining member is inserted, and that, in the state where the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, the retaining member extends through the insertion portion and in the second direction; the cutter bracket includes a wall portion that, in the state where the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, faces the retaining member in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the extension direction, the orthogonal direction including a third direction and a fourth direction, the wall portion facing the retaining member at a position farther than the retaining member in the fourth direction; and the wall portion includes a first inclined portion positioned farther than the insertion portion in the first direction, the first inclined portion being inclined relative to the extension direction such that one end of the first inclined portion in the first direction is positioned farther than one end of the first inclined portion in the second direction in the fourth direction.

[0017] (12) In the cutting apparatus according to aspect (11), it is preferred that: the wall portion of the cutter bracket further includes a first load portion, the first load portion being positioned further than the first inclined portion in the second direction; and the retaining member is configured to contact the first load portion and apply a load to the first load portion when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0018] (13) In the cutting apparatus according to aspect (12), preferably, the first load portion is inclined relative to the extension direction, such that one end of the first load portion in the second direction is positioned in the fourth direction further than one end of the first load portion in the first direction.

[0019] (14) In the cutting device according to any one of aspects (11) to (13), preferably, in the state where the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, the retaining member does not contact the first inclined portion and does not apply a load to the first inclined portion.

[0020] (15) In the cutting apparatus according to any one of aspects (11) to (14), it is preferred that: the retaining member includes a portion facing the cutter bracket in the orthogonal direction at a position further than the cutter bracket in the third direction when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion; and the portion of the retaining member includes a second inclined portion, which is positioned further than the insertion portion in the first direction when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, the second inclined portion being inclined relative to the extension direction such that one end of the second inclined portion in the first direction is positioned further than one end of the second inclined portion in the second direction in the fourth direction.

[0021] (16) In the cutting device according to aspect (15), preferably, the portion of the retaining member further includes a second load portion, the second load portion being positioned further than the second inclined portion in the second direction, the second load portion being configured to contact the insertion portion and apply a load to the insertion portion when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion.

[0022] (17) In the cutting apparatus according to aspect (16), preferably, the second load portion is inclined relative to the extension direction, such that one end of the second load portion in the second direction is positioned in the fourth direction further than one end of the second load portion in the first direction.

[0023] (18) In the cutting apparatus according to any one of aspects (15) to (17), preferably, the second inclined portion does not contact the cutter bracket and does not apply a load to the cutter bracket.

[0024] (19) According to another aspect, this disclosure also provides a printing apparatus comprising: a receiving portion for receiving a cutting target therein; a cover; a printing unit; and a cutting device according to any one of aspects (1) to (18). The cover is configured to open and close the receiving portion, and the cover includes a protrusion. The printing unit is configured to perform printing on the cutting target. In the state where the cover closes the receiving portion, the protrusion protrudes toward the cutter holder to form a gap between the protrusion and the cutter holder.

[0025] According to the printing device in aspect (19), the protrusion can limit unintentional removal of the cutter bracket from the receiving portion, and can also limit the obstruction of the movement of the cutter bracket by the protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Specific features, advantages, and other objects of the embodiments will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the printing device;

[0028] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the box and printing device (with the cover omitted);

[0029] Figure 3 This is a view showing the internal structure of the cartridge receiving section of the printing device and the internal structure of the cartridge;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the cutting device of the printing apparatus;

[0031] Figure 5 This is another perspective view of the cutting device;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the cutting device;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a top view of the cutting device;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the cutting device;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a rear view of the cutting device;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the cutting device;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a rear view of the cutting device;

[0038] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the printing unit with the cutter bracket removed from the support.

[0039] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the printing apparatus;

[0040] Figure 14 This is another cross-sectional view showing this part of the printing device;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing this part of the printing device;

[0042] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 15 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion;

[0043] Figure 17 It is by Figure 3 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of observation along... Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken by line XVII-XVII;

[0044] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0045] Figure 19A This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0046] Figure 19B This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0047] Figure 19C This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0048] Figure 20A This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0049] Figure 20B This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0050] Figure 20C This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0051] Figure 20D This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0052] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0053] Figure 22A This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0054] Figure 22B This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0055] Figure 22C This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0056] Figure 23A This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device;

[0057] Figure 23B This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device; and

[0058] Figure 23C This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device. Detailed Implementation

[0059] [First Embodiment]

[0060] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 17 A printing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0061] The terms “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “backward” used in the following description correspond to the terms “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “backward” indicated by arrows in the drawing, respectively. Furthermore, the upward and downward directions will be collectively referred to as the up-down direction, the left and right directions as the left-right direction, and the forward and backward directions as the front-back direction.

[0062] [Overview of Printing Device 1]

[0063] Figure 1 The printing device 1 shown includes a housing 1A, an operation unit 1B, a display unit 1C, a cover 1D, and a cutting device 1E (see figure). Figure 4 The housing 1A has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. The operation unit 1B is located at the lower front portion of the housing 1A, that is, positioned further downward than approximately the center of the housing 1A in the vertical direction. The operation unit 1B is configured to receive input of various information via user operation. In user operation, the user directly touches the operation unit 1B to input information. The display unit 1C is located at the front of the housing 1A and positioned further upward than the operation unit 1B. The display unit 1C is configured to display various information.

[0064] As in Figure 2 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 further includes a cartridge receiving section 2, which is configured to receive a cartridge 9. The cartridge receiving section 2 consists of a cover 1D having a plate-like shape (see Figure 1). Figure 1 (Open or close.) The housing 1A has a rear end, which forms an opening 12 that communicates with the box receiving part 2.

[0065] The head holder 21, the drive shaft 22A, the ribbon take-up shaft 22B, the drive motor (not shown), and the auxiliary shaft 22C are arranged in a manner that... Figure 2 The cartridge receiving section 2 is shown in the diagram. The head holder 21 extends rearward from the right side of the cartridge receiving section 2. The printhead 21A (see...) Figure 3 The printhead 21A is disposed on the right surface of the printhead holder 21. The printhead 21A is a hot head, which includes a plurality of heat-generating elements arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0066] A belt drive shaft 22A is positioned above the head holder 21. A ribbon take-up shaft 22B is positioned to the left of the head holder 21. Each of the belt drive shaft 22A and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B is rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. A drive motor is connected to and drives the belt drive shaft 22A and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B. Accordingly, when driven by the drive motor, the belt drive shaft 22A and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B are rotated in a linked relationship with each other. An auxiliary shaft 22C has an axis extending in the front-rear direction and is fixed to the cartridge receiving section 2 at a position to the left of the belt drive shaft 22A and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B.

[0067] As in Figure 3 As shown, a pressure plate holder 23 extending in the vertical direction is positioned to the right of the cartridge receiving section 2. The pressure plate holder 23 supports the pressure plate roller 23B and the transfer roller 23C. Each of the pressure plate roller 23B and the transfer roller 23C is rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The pressure plate roller 23B is located on the right and faces the print head 21A, while the transfer roller 23C is located on the right and faces the belt drive shaft 22A.

[0068] The lower end of the pressure plate retainer 23 is supported by a shaft 23A extending in the front-rear direction, allowing the pressure plate retainer 23 to pivotally move. Specifically, the pressure plate retainer 23 can be positioned about the shaft 23A in a proximal position (see...). Figure 3 The platen retainer 23 pivots between a proximal position and a distal position (not shown). With the platen retainer 23 in the proximal position, the platen roller 23B and the transfer roller 23C are positioned close to the printhead 21A and the belt drive shaft 22A, respectively. With the platen retainer 23 in the distal position, the platen roller 23B and the transfer roller 23C are located to the right, spaced apart from the printhead 21A and the belt drive shaft 22A, respectively.

[0069] As the pressure plate holder 23 pivots from the distal position to the proximal position, the pressure plate roller 23B is switched to a state where it is coupled to and driven by a motor. The pressure plate holder 23 can move from the distal position to the proximal position as the cover 1D for closing the cartridge receiving section 2 is moved. The position of the pressure plate holder 23 between the pressure plate roller 23B and the print head 21A when it is in the proximal position is referred to as the "printing position".

[0070] [Overview of Box 9]

[0071] As in Figure 2As shown, the box 9, which is a laminated box, can be attached to the box receiving part 2. The box 9 includes a housing 90 having a box shape. The housing 90 houses the drive roller 91, and the housing 90 is formed with: support holes 92A, 92B, 92C and 92D penetrating the housing 90 in the front-rear direction; and a spraying part 93.

[0072] The belt drive roller 91 is located in the upper right corner of the housing 90 and has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The belt drive roller 91 is rotatably supported by the housing 90. With the box 9 mounted on the box receiving part 2, the belt drive shaft 22A is inserted into the internal space of the belt drive roller 91.

[0073] The support hole 92A rotatably supports the first tape reel 96A. The transparent film tape 99A is wound around the first tape reel 96A to form the first tape roll 97A. The transparent film tape 99A is released from the first tape roll 97A by rotating the first tape roll 97A with the first tape reel 96A about an axis extending in the front-back direction.

[0074] The support hole 92B rotatably supports the second tape reel 96B. Double-sided tape 99B is wound around the second tape reel 96B to form a second tape roll 97B. The double-sided tape 99B is a double-sided tape with a release sheet attached to its surface. As the second tape roll 97B rotates with the second tape reel 96B about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, the double-sided tape 99B is released from the second tape roll 97B. The double-sided tape 99B is guided toward the tape drive roller 91. When the cartridge 9 is attached to the cartridge receiving part 2, the auxiliary shaft 22C is inserted into the internal space of the support hole 92B.

[0075] Support hole 92C rotatably supports ribbon spool 96C. New (unused) ink ribbon 99C is wound onto ribbon spool 96C to form ribbon roll 97C. As ribbon roll 97C rotates with ribbon spool 96C about an axis extending in the front-to-back direction, ink ribbon 99C is released from ribbon roll 97C.

[0076] The support hole 92D rotatably supports the ribbon take-up spool 96D. The used ink ribbon 99C is configured to be wound around the ribbon take-up spool 96D to form a ribbon take-up roll 97D. The used ink ribbon 99C is wound by the ribbon take-up spool 96D as the ribbon take-up roll 97D rotates with the ribbon take-up spool 96D about an axis extending in the front-rear direction, thus forming the ribbon take-up roll 97D. When the cartridge 9 is attached to the cartridge receiving part 2, the ribbon take-up spool 22B is inserted into the internal space of the support hole 92D.

[0077] The spray section 93 has an opening that is open in the vertical direction at a position to the right and above the drive roller 91.

[0078] The housing 90 has a head opening 94A into which the head retainer 21 can be inserted. The head opening 94A is formed in the right side of the housing 90 to extend through the housing 90 in the front-rear direction. The housing 90 includes an arm 94B to the right of the head opening 94A. The arm 94B extends in the vertical direction and has an upper end portion with a first guide 95A (see...). Figure 3 The first guide 95A is an opening through which the dark strip 99C and the transparent film strip 99A located to the right of the dark strip 99C are discharged.

[0079] The transparent film strip 99A and the dark strip 99C, discharged from the first belt guide 95A, pass through the head opening 94A and are then guided toward the second belt guide 95B formed in the cartridge 9. The second belt guide 95B is an opening formed between the head opening 94A and the belt drive roller 91. The dark strip 99C separates from the transparent film strip 99A and is conveyed to the left at the portion between the second belt guide 95B and the belt drive roller 91, and is then wound up by the ribbon take-up reel 96D. In the following description, the position where the dark strip 99C separates from the transparent film strip 99A will be referred to as the "separation position".

[0080] The portion of the transparent film strip 99A conveyed to the upper part of the separation position is guided to the belt drive roller 91, where the transparent film strip 99A is stacked on the right surface (another surface) of the double-sided adhesive tape 99B. In the following description, the combination of the stacked transparent film strip 99A and double-sided adhesive tape 99B will be referred to as the "cutting target 99". The cutting target 99 is a strip whose width direction is aligned with the front-to-back direction. The cutting target 99 has a thickness of, for example, 100 μm.

[0081] [Cutting device 1E]

[0082] As in Figure 3 As shown, the cutting device 1E is positioned further upward than the drive shaft 22A. (As in...) Figure 4 As shown, the cutting device 1E includes a bracket portion 10A, a cutter portion 10B, and a lever portion 10C. The cutting device 1E is configured to utilize the cutter bracket 4A of the bracket portion 10A and the cutter blade 30 of the cutter portion 10B (see figure). Figure 9 The cutting operation is performed relative to the cutting target 99 by cooperating with the lever part 10C. The cutting operation is performed by the user operation relative to the lever part 10C.

[0083] The cutting operation is classified into full cutting and partial cutting. In a full cutting operation, the target 99 is completely cut along the thickness direction of the cutting edge of the cutter blade 30, and divided into two parts. Note that the extension direction of the cutting edge is consistent with the front-to-back direction. In a partial cutting operation, the target 99 is partially cut. That is, a cut is formed in the thickness direction of the target 99, but in a partial cutting operation, the target 99 is not divided into two parts.

[0084] [Cutter Section 10B]

[0085] The cutter section 10B is configured to perform a cutting operation relative to the cutting target 99 in conjunction with the bracket section 10A (described later). For example, in Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the cutter part 10B further includes a housing member 31, a cutter retainer 32, and a cutter spring (not shown). Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the cutting device 1E viewed from the lower right side at an angle. The box member 31 opens to the left. A notch 31A is formed in the center of the right end of the box member in the front-rear direction. The notch 31A opens to the right and extends in the vertical direction.

[0086] The cutter holder 32 is located inside the housing member 31 and is movable in the left-right direction. The cutter holder 32 has a left end that holds the cutter blade 30 (see [link to cutter blade]) for cutting the target 99. Figure 8 and Figure 10 The cutter blade 30 has a plate shape with a thickness in the vertical direction. The cutter blade 30 has a left edge that forms a cutting edge extending in the front-back direction. The cutter blade 30 is movable in the left-right direction together with the cutter holder 32.

[0087] When the cutter retainer 32 is in its rightmost position within its movable range, the cutter blade 30 is housed in the housing member 31 (see...). Figure 4 On the other hand, when the cutter retainer 32 is in its leftmost position within its movable range, the cutter blade 30 protrudes to the left from the housing member 31 (see...). Figure 8 and Figure 10 ). For example in Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the cutter blade 30 has a length “L30” in the direction of extension of the cutting edge (i.e., the front-to-back direction).

[0088] In the following description, such as Figure 4The position of the cutter blade 30 housed in the box member 31 shown will be referred to as the "retracted position". When the cutter blade 30 is in the retracted position, the cutter blade 30 is separated from the cutting target 99 and does not contact the cutting target 99. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 and Figure 10 The position of the cutter blade 30 protruding to the left from the box member 31 shown will be referred to as the "cutting position". When the cutter blade 30 is in the cutting position, the cutter blade 30 is in contact with the cutting target 99.

[0089] A cutter spring (not shown) is located inside the housing member 31. The cutter spring pushes the cutter retainer 32, causing the cutter blade 30 to be pushed from the cutting position toward the retracted position.

[0090] [Lever Section 10C]

[0091] The lever portion 10C is configured to cause the cutter portion 10B and the bracket portion 10A (described later) to move in response to user input to the lever portion 10C. Figure 4 As shown, the lever portion 10C includes a cutter lever 5, a cutter bracket lever 6, and a cutter lever spring (not shown). The cutter lever 5 and the cutter bracket lever 6 are arranged in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the cutter lever 5 is located in front of the cutter bracket lever 6. Inside the housing 1A, the cutter lever 5 and the cutter bracket lever 6 are connected by a lever shaft 100 extending in the front-rear direction (see...). Figure 6 The levers 5 and 6 are supported, allowing them to pivot about the lever axis 100. Each of the cutter lever 5 and the cutter bracket lever 6 can pivot via user operation.

[0092] Figures 4 to 7 The corresponding positions of the cutter lever 5 and the cutter bracket lever 6 when not operated by the user are shown. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the shape and configuration of the cutter lever 5 and the cutter bracket lever 6 will be described based on the orientation (such as front-back, left-right, and up-down) in the printing device 1 under the assumption that no user operation has been performed.

[0093] As in Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the cutter lever 5 includes a sleeve portion 50, an operating portion 51, a protrusion 52, and an extension portion 53. The operating portion 51 is the part that can be operated by the user. Meanwhile, the housing 1A has an upper right corner portion with an opening 11 formed therein (see...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operating part 51 protrudes outward from the housing 1A through the opening 11, that is, to the right and upward.

[0094] A sleeve portion 50 is provided on the left end of the operating portion 51. The sleeve portion 50 has a hollow cylindrical shape and defines an internal space within it. Lever shaft 100 (see...) Figure 6 The connection 63B between the cutter bracket lever 6 (described later) and the cutter bracket lever 6 (see) Figures 13 to 15 The sleeve portion 50 is inserted through the internal space of the sleeve portion 50 to allow the sleeve portion 50 to pivot about the lever axis 100. With this configuration, the operating portion 51 is pivotally supported by the lever axis 100 passing through the sleeve portion 50.

[0095] A protrusion 52 is provided on the rear surface of the operating part 51 to protrude rearward from the rear surface. The protrusion 52 includes an inlet 52A that extends obliquely to the left and downward. An extension 53 extends obliquely to the left and downward from the lower right corner of the operating part 51.

[0096] The cutter lever spring (not shown) is a torsion spring mounted on the lever shaft 100. Viewed from the rear side of the cutter lever 5, the cutter lever spring is... Figure 4 Arrow C51 indicates that the cutter lever 5 is pushed clockwise. Due to the pushing force of the cutter lever spring, the maximum pushing position of the cutter lever 5 in the clockwise direction C51 is referred to as the "half-cutting standby position." When the cutter lever 5 is not operated by the user, the cutter lever 5 is pushed by the cutter lever spring to be in the half-cutting standby position. Accordingly, Figures 4 to 7 The cutter lever 5 is shown in the half-cutting standby position.

[0097] On the other hand, in response to user operation of the operating section 51 of the cutter lever 5, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cutter lever 5 overcomes the pushing force of the cutter lever spring and pivots in the direction opposite to direction C51, i.e., in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow C52. The maximum position of movement of the cutter lever 5 in the counterclockwise direction C52 will be referred to as the "half-cutting operation position".

[0098] As in Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the cutter bracket lever 6 includes an operating part 61 and a contact part 62 (see...). Figures 13 to 15 The cutter lever 5 includes an extension 63 and a cutter bracket lever spring (not shown). The operating part 61 is a user-operable portion. The operating part 61 is located behind the operating part 51 of the cutter lever 5. Similar to the operating part 51 of the cutter lever 5, the operating part 61 protrudes outward (to the right and upward) through the opening 11 of the housing 1A. In plan view, the operating part 61 has a shape substantially consistent with the operating part 51.

[0099] A contact portion 62 is provided on the front surface of the operating portion 61 and protrudes forward from the front surface. The contact portion 62 is capable of contacting the protrusion 52 of the cutter lever 5. In the following description, the combination of the protrusion 52 and the contact portion 62 will sometimes be referred to as the "linkage portion 10D".

[0100] As in Figure 5 As shown, the operating part 61 has a left end, and the extension part 63 is provided at the left end. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the cutting device 1E as viewed from the upper right side. The extension 63 includes a disc portion 63A and a connecting portion 63B (see...). Figures 13 to 15 The disc portion 63A extends to the left from the left end of the operating portion 61 along the rear surface of the sleeve portion 50 of the cutter lever 5. A circular hole is formed at the center of the disc portion 63A to penetrate the center of the disc portion 63A in the front-rear direction.

[0101] The connecting portion 63B has a hollow cylindrical shape with a through hole extending in the front-rear direction. The connecting portion 63B extends forward from the front surface of the disc portion 63A through the internal space of the sleeve portion 50 of the cutter lever 5. The connecting portion 63B has a front end portion that protrudes further forward than the sleeve portion 50 of the cutter lever 5. The through hole of the connecting portion 63B communicates with the hole in the disc portion 63A.

[0102] Lever shaft 100 (see) Figure 6 The actuator 61 is inserted through a through hole in the connecting portion 63B to allow the connecting portion 63B to pivot about the lever axis 100. That is, the operating portion 61 is pivotally supported by the lever axis 100 passing through the disc portion 63A and the connecting portion 63B. Figure 6 As shown, arm 63C extends to the left and from the left end of connector 63B. Arm 63C has a through hole 631 extending through it in the front-rear direction (see figure). Figure 11 ).

[0103] The cutter bracket lever spring (not shown) is a torsion spring mounted on the lever shaft 100. Viewed from the rear side of the cutter bracket lever 6, the cutter bracket lever spring appears as if... Figure 4 and Figure 8 Arrow C61 indicates that the cutter bracket lever 6 is pushed clockwise. Due to the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring, the maximum pushing position of the cutter bracket lever 6 in the clockwise direction C61 is referred to as the "full-cutting standby position". When the cutter bracket lever 6 is not operated by the user, the cutter bracket lever 6 is pushed by the cutter bracket lever spring and is located in the full-cutting standby position. Accordingly, Figures 4 to 7 The cutter bracket lever 6 is shown in the full-cutting standby position.

[0104] On the other hand, such as in Figure 10 As shown, in response to user operation of the operating part 61 of the cutter bracket lever 6, the cutter bracket lever 6 overcomes the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring and pivots in the direction opposite to direction C61, i.e., in the counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow C62. The maximum movement position of the cutter bracket lever 6 in the counterclockwise direction C62 will be referred to as the "full cutting operation position".

[0105] Note that when the operating part 61 of the cutter bracket lever 6 is operated by the user, the contact part 62 of the cutter bracket lever 6 contacts the protrusion 52 of the cutter lever 5 to apply a force to the cutter lever 5 in the direction indicated by arrow C52. By applying force to the cutter lever 5, the cutter lever 5 pivots in the direction C52 in a linkage with the pivoting movement of the cutter bracket lever 6.

[0106] That is, as in Figure 10 As shown, through user operation only on the cutter bracket lever 6, the movement of the cutter lever 5 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position and the movement of the cutter bracket lever 6 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operating position are performed simultaneously in a linked relationship. On the other hand, when the cutter lever 5 moves from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position through user operation only on the cutter lever 5, the movement of the cutter bracket lever 6 that occurs with the movement of the cutter lever 5 is not performed, and the cutter bracket lever 6 is maintained in the full-cutting standby position (see...). Figure 8 ).

[0107] With the cutter lever 5 in the half-cutting standby position (see...) Figure 4 ) to the half-cut operation position (see Figure 8 and Figure 10 During the movement of the cutter lever 5, the inlet 52A of the cutter lever 5 enters the recess 31A of the housing member 31 of the cutter part 10B. At this time, the cutter holder 32 located inside the housing member 31 receives the force applied from the inlet 52A and is moved to the left, thereby moving the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position. Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the cutter blade 30, located at the cutting position, protrudes to the left from the box member 31.

[0108] [Bracket Section 10A]

[0109] The bracket section 10A is configured to switch the cutting operation relative to the cutting target 99 in conjunction with the cutter section 10B between full-cutting and half-cutting operations, in response to user operation of the lever section 10C. For example, in Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the bracket portion 10A includes a cutter bracket 4A and a pivot member 4B.

[0110] The cutter holder 4A has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape (box shape) and extends in the front-to-back direction. The cutter holder 4A is positioned to the left of the cutter holder 32, facing it. (As in...) Figure 12 As shown, the cutter bracket 4A includes an upper wall 40U, a lower wall 40S, a rear wall 40B, a right wall 40R, and a left wall 40L. The upper wall 40U, lower wall 40S, rear wall 40B, right wall 40R, and left wall 40L respectively constitute the upper end, lower end, rear end, right end, and left end of the cutter bracket 4A.

[0111] The right wall 40R extends perpendicularly to the left and right direction and is located to the left of the cutter holder 32. The upper wall 40U is connected to the upper end of the right wall 40R. The lower wall 40S is connected to the lower end of the right wall 40R. The upper wall 40U and the lower wall 40S are positioned to extend away from the cutter holder 32, i.e., to the left.

[0112] The upper wall 40U extends perpendicularly to the vertical direction. The lower wall 40S is inclined relative to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. (As in...) Figures 13 to 15 As shown, as these walls extend to the right, the gap between the upper wall 40U and the lower wall 40S gradually increases. The cutter bracket 4A has a front end that forms a forward-opening front opening 40A (see...). Figure 12 The front opening 40A and the internal space 40C defined by walls 40U, 40S, 40B, 40R and 40L (see...) Figures 13 to 15 Connect.

[0113] Support portion 26 with plate shape (see) Figure 12 The cutter holder 4A is disposed in the box receiving section 2 of the housing 1A. The support section 26 extends rearward from the bottom surface (front inner surface) of the box receiving section 2 and extends perpendicular to the vertical direction. The cutter holder 4A is movably supported by the support section 26.

[0114] Specifically, the support portion 26 is inserted into the internal space 40C of the cutter holder 4A through the front opening 40A, such that the cutter holder 4A is mounted on the support portion 26. The support portion 26 is positioned opposite to the cutter retainer 32 relative to the right wall 40R. The support portion 26 has a length in the left-right direction that is approximately equal to the length in the left-right direction of the internal space 40C defined by the right wall 40R and the left wall 40L of the cutter holder 4A (see [reference]). Figures 13 to 15 ).

[0115] The cutter holder 4A can be attached to the support 26 and can be detached from the support 26. For example, after the cutter holder 4A has deteriorated due to the use of the printing device 1, the user can replace the cutter holder 4A attached to the support 26 with a new cutter holder 4A.

[0116] As in Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the cutter bracket 4A further includes a first protrusion 401, a second protrusion 402, a third protrusion 403, and a fourth protrusion 404. The first protrusion 401 protrudes from the left end of the upper wall 40U toward the inside of the interior space 40C. The second protrusion 402 protrudes from the left end of the lower wall 40S toward the inside of the interior space 40C. The vertical gap between the first protrusion 401 and the second protrusion 402 is approximately equal to the thickness of the support portion 26 (i.e., the vertical length of the support portion 26). The first protrusion 401 and the second protrusion 402 cooperate with each other in the vertical direction to clamp the left end of the support portion 26 located within the interior space 40C.

[0117] The third protrusion 403 protrudes from the right end of the upper wall 40U into the inner side of the inner space 40C. The fourth protrusion 404 protrudes from the right end of the lower wall 40S into the inner side of the inner space 40C. The vertical gap between the third protrusion 403 and the fourth protrusion 404 is greater than the thickness of the support portion 26.

[0118] As in Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the right end of the cutter bracket 4A can move downwards until the third protrusion 403 abuts against the upper surface of the support portion 26. Furthermore, as in... Figure 15 As shown, the right end of the cutter holder 4A can move upward until the fourth protrusion 404 abuts against the lower surface of the support portion 26. Correspondingly, the cutter holder 4A can pivotally move in the vertical direction about the left end of the cutter holder 4A that holds the support portion 26 through the first protrusion 401 and the second protrusion 402.

[0119] Figure 13 and Figure 14 The image shows the "half-cut position" of the cutter bracket 4A, in which the third protrusion 403 abuts against the support 26 to position the cutter bracket 4A at its maximum counterclockwise pivot position when viewed from the rear of the cutter bracket 4A. On the other hand, Figure 15 The image shows the "full cut position" of the cutter bracket 4A, where, due to the fourth protrusion 404 abutting against the support portion 26, the cutter bracket 4A has reached its maximum clockwise pivoting position when viewed from its rear side. Accordingly, the cutter bracket 4A is capable of pivoting between the half cut position and the full cut position.

[0120] As in Figures 12 to 15As shown, a contact portion 41 is provided on the upper wall 40U. The contact portion 41 includes a first contact portion 41A, a second contact portion 41B, and a third contact portion 41C, all having a plate-like shape. The first contact portion 41A has a surface extending perpendicular to the left-right direction and extends upward from the right end of the upper wall 40U. The first contact portion 41A has a length in the front-rear direction approximately half the length of the upper wall 40U in the front-rear direction.

[0121] The second contact portion 41B extends obliquely to the left and downward from the upper end of the left surface of the first contact portion 41A. The second contact portion 41B has approximately one-third of the length of the first contact portion 41A in the front-rear direction in the front-rear direction.

[0122] The third contact portion 41C extends downward from the left end of the second contact portion 41B and is connected to the upper wall 40U. The third contact portion 41C has a length in the front-rear direction equal to that of the second contact portion 41B. The portion surrounded by the first contact portion 41A, the second contact portion 41B, and the third contact portion 41C will be referred to as the "insertion portion 410". The upper wall 40U, the first contact portion 41A, the second contact portion 41B, and the third contact portion 41C have a centrally located position in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the contact portion 41 is located at the central position in the vertical direction of the cutter bracket 4A.

[0123] As in Figure 4 As shown, the right wall 40R of the cutter holder 4A includes a first part 421 and a second part 422. The first part 421 and the second part 422 are configured to clamp the cutting target 99 in cooperation with the cutter blade 30. The first part 421 and the second part 422 are positioned offset from each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the first part 421 is located below the second part 422.

[0124] The first part 421 and the second part 422 have equal lengths in the front-rear direction and are equal to the front-rear length L40 of the cutter bracket 4A. (As in...) Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the length L40 of the cutter bracket 4A is less than the length L30 of the cutter blade 30 in the front-to-back direction.

[0125] When the cutter bracket 4A is in the half-cut position (see...) Figure 8 ( ) or cutter bracket 4A is in the full cutting position (see Figure 10In any of the following situations, the front end of the cutter blade 30 is positioned further forward than the front end of the cutter bracket 4A, and the rear end of the cutter blade 30 is positioned further rearward than the rear end of the cutter bracket 4A. That is, when the cutter bracket 4A is in the half-cut position and when the cutter bracket 4A is in the full-cut position, the front and rear ends of the cutter blade 30 are positioned further outward than the front and rear ends of the cutter bracket 4A, respectively.

[0126] The first part 421 is made of resin and has a flat surface. The second part 422 is made of metal and includes a flat surface portion 422A and a pair of protrusions 422B. The flat surface portion 422A has a flat surface. The pair of protrusions 422B are provided at corresponding ends of the flat surface portion 422A in the front-rear direction, protruding further to the right than the flat surface portion 422A. The pair of protrusions 422B are positioned apart from each other such that the flat surface portion 422A is located between the protrusions 422B in the front-rear direction.

[0127] The protrusion length of each protrusion 422B relative to the flat surface portion 422A in the left-right direction is approximately 50 μm. The minimum distance between the protrusions 422B in the front-back direction is greater than the length of the cutting target 99 in the front-back direction, that is, the width direction length of the cutting target 99.

[0128] The shaft 27, extending vertically, is fixed to the interior portion of the housing 1A, and as in Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the pivot member 4B is pivotally supported by a shaft 27. The pivot member 4B includes a base 46, a tubular portion 47, a retaining member 48, and a spring 49.

[0129] The base 46 functionally supports the tubular portion 47, which will be described later, and the retaining member 48. As particularly in Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the base 46 includes a substrate 460, a first abutment plate 46A, and a second abutment plate 46B. The substrate 460 extends perpendicular to the front-rear direction and is positioned further forward than the cutter bracket 4A.

[0130] The first abutment plate 46A and the second abutment plate 46B extend rearward from the rear surface of the substrate 460 and also extend perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first abutment plate 46A is disposed on the lower end of the substrate 460 and extends in the left-right direction over the entire length of the substrate 460 in the left-right direction. The first abutment plate 46A is positioned further upward than the upper wall 40U of the cutter bracket 4A.

[0131] The second abutment plate 46B is disposed on the upper end of the substrate 460 and extends to the right from the left end of the substrate 460. The second abutment plate 46B has a right end provided with a hook 461.

[0132] A tubular portion 47 is provided on the left end of the base 46 and extends rearward from the rear surface of the substrate 460. A shaft 27 is inserted through a hole formed in the substrate 460 and the internal space of the tubular portion 47. With this configuration, the pivoting member 4B can pivotally move about the shaft 27.

[0133] Spring 49 is a torsion spring having a coil portion disposed on the tubular portion 47 and an end held by a hook 461 of the base 46. When viewed from the rear side of the pivot member 4B, spring 49 pushes the pivot member 4B in a clockwise direction. The pushing force of spring 49 is less than the pushing force of the bracket lever spring (not shown) that pushes the cutter bracket lever 6 in a clockwise direction C61.

[0134] The retaining member 48 has a generally solid cylindrical shape and extends rearward from the base plate 460 of the base 46. During the process of attaching the cutter holder 4A to the support 26, the cutter holder 4A moves forward relative to the retaining member 48, such that the retaining member 48 is inserted from the front side of the insertion portion 410 into the insertion portion 410, which is surrounded by the first contact portion 41A, the second contact portion 41B, the third contact portion 41C, and the upper wall 40U. The retaining member 48 contacts a portion of the inner wall of the insertion portion 410.

[0135] Incidentally, the contact portion 41 is located at the center of the cutter bracket 4A in the vertical direction, as described above. Therefore, the contact portion 41 contacts the retaining member 48 at the center of the cutter bracket 4A in the front-rear direction.

[0136] As in Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, with the cutter bracket lever 6 in the full-cutting standby position, the left end of the arm 63C of the cutter bracket lever 6 is positioned above and abuts against the upper surface of the first abutment plate 46A. This abutment of the arm 63C against the first abutment plate 46A restricts the clockwise pivoting movement of the pivoting member 4B caused by the pushing force of the spring 49.

[0137] In this state, the member 48 remains in contact with the contact portion 41 of the upper wall 40U and the cutter bracket 4A, and the cutter bracket 4A is pressed downward. Meanwhile, as in Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the third protrusion 403 is pressed against the support portion 26, thereby positioning the cutter bracket 4A in the half-cutting position. Furthermore, in this state, the second portion 422 of the cutter bracket 4A is as shown in... Figure 4 and Figure 8 The image shown is located to the left of and facing the cutter blade 30.

[0138] On the other hand, during the movement of the cutter bracket lever 6 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position, the left end of the arm 63C of the extension 63 moves upward, causing the arm 63C to move as if in Figure 11 As shown, it separates from the first abutment plate 46A. As the arm 63C is separated upward, the pivot member 4B pivots in the clockwise direction by the pushing force of the spring 49, causing the retaining member 48 to move upward with the pivoting movement of the pivot member 4B.

[0139] Accordingly, the contact portion 41 of the cutter holder 4A receives an upward pressing force applied from the retaining member 48, causing the cutter holder 4A to pivotally move until the fourth protrusion 404 abuts against the support portion 26. As a result, the cutter holder 4A is moved from the half-cut position to the full-cut position. Furthermore, as in Figure 10 As shown, in the state where the cutter holder 4A is in the full cutting position, the first part 421 of the cutter holder 4A is located to the left of the cutter blade 30 and faces the cutter blade 30.

[0140] As in Figure 16 As shown, the direction of movement of the cutter holder 4A from the half-cutting position to the full-cutting position will be referred to as the "first movement direction Y11". In this case, the support 26 moves relative to the cutter holder 4A in the "second movement direction Y12", which is opposite to the first movement direction Y11. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the cutter blade 30 along with the movement of the cutter holder 32 will be referred to as the "cutter blade movement direction Y13".

[0141] The first moving direction Y11 is diagonally to the left and pointing upwards. The second moving direction Y12 is diagonally to the right and pointing downwards. The cutting blade moving direction Y13 is consistent with the left-right direction. That is, both the first moving direction Y11 and the second moving direction Y12 intersect the cutting blade moving direction Y13. Furthermore, during the movement of the cutting bracket 4A from the half-cutting position to the full-cutting position in the first moving direction Y11, the support portion 26 moves relative to the cutting bracket 4A in the second moving direction Y12, such that the lower right corner of the support portion 26 is pressed against the right wall 40R and the lower wall 40S of the cutting bracket 4A.

[0142] As in Figure 17 As shown, with the retaining member 48 inserted into the insertion portion 410, the upper wall 40U of the cutter bracket 4A is located below the retaining member 48 and faces it. The upper wall 40U includes a first inclined portion 44A, a first load portion 44B, and a first contact portion 44C.

[0143] In the upper wall 40U, the first inclined portion 44A is located in front of the insertion portion 410, the first contact portion 44C is located behind the insertion portion 410, and the first load portion 44B is located behind the first inclined portion 44A and in front of the first contact portion 44C. The first load portion 44B is aligned with the insertion portion 410 and constitutes the insertion portion 410. That is, the first inclined portion 44A, the first load portion 44B, and the first contact portion 44C are arranged in this order in the rearward direction.

[0144] The first inclined portion 44A is inclined relative to the front-rear direction. (See details in...) Figure 17 As shown, the first inclined portion 44A has a front end 441 and a rear end 442 adjacent to the first load portion 44B. The first inclined portion 44A extends forward and downward from the rear end 442 to the front end 441. In other words, the first inclined portion 44A is inclined forward such that the front end 441 is positioned further downward than the rear end 442.

[0145] Regardless of the relative position between the cutter bracket 4A and the retaining member 48, the first inclined portion 44A and the retaining member 48 are always spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. With this configuration, even when the retaining member 48 moves, no load is applied from the retaining member 48 to the first inclined portion 44A.

[0146] The first load portion 44B protrudes upward, positioning it further upward than the first inclined portion 44A. When the cutter bracket 4A is in the half-cut position, the first load portion 44B contacts the second load portion 45B (described later) of the retaining member 48. The first load portion 44B receives the load directly from the retaining member 48 to hold the cutter bracket 4A in the half-cut position.

[0147] The first load portion 44B has a front end 443 adjacent to the first inclined portion 44A and a rear end 444 adjacent to the first contact portion 44C. The first load portion 44B extends backward and downward away from the front end 443 to the rear end 444. In other words, the first load portion 44B is inclined backward such that the rear end 444 is positioned further downward than the front end 443.

[0148] The first contact portion 44C is positioned further downward than the first load portion 44B and contacts the second contact portion 45C (described later) of the retaining member 48 from below.

[0149] The retaining member 48 includes a second inclined portion 45A, a second load portion 45B, and a second contact portion 45C. The second inclined portion 45A, the second load portion 45B, and the second contact portion 45C are located above the cutter bracket 4A and face the cutter bracket 4A when the retaining member 48 is inserted into the insertion portion 410.

[0150] In the retaining member 48, the second inclined portion 45A is located in front of the insertion portion 410, the second contact portion 45C is located behind the insertion portion 410, and the second load portion 45B is located behind the second inclined portion 45A and in front of the second contact portion 45C. The second load portion 45B is aligned with the insertion portion 410 in the vertical direction and is located inside the insertion portion 410. That is, the second inclined portion 45A, the second load portion 45B, and the second contact portion 45C are arranged in this order in the rearward direction.

[0151] The second inclined portion 45A has a portion located above and facing the first inclined portion 44A. The second inclined portion 45A is inclined relative to the front-rear direction. Specifically, the second inclined portion 45A has a front end 451 and a rear end 452 adjacent to the second load portion 45B. The second inclined portion 45A is inclined forward and downward as it extends from the rear end 452 to the front end 451. In other words, the second inclined portion 45A is inclined forward such that the front end 451 is positioned further downward than the rear end 452.

[0152] Regardless of the relative position between the cutter bracket 4A and the retaining member 48, the second inclined portion 45A and the first inclined portion 44A of the cutter bracket 4A are always spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Accordingly, even when the retaining member 48 moves, the second inclined portion 45A does not apply a load to the cutter bracket 4A.

[0153] With the cutter bracket 4A in the half-cut position, the second load portion 45B contacts the first load portion 44B of the cutter bracket 4A. The second load portion 45B directly applies a load to the cutter bracket 4A to keep the cutter bracket 4A in the half-cut position.

[0154] The second load portion 45B has a front end 453 adjacent to the second inclined portion 45A and a rear end 454 adjacent to the second contact portion 45C. The second load portion 45B is inclined backward and downward as it extends from the front end 453 to the rear end 454. In other words, the second load portion 45B is inclined backward, such that the rear end 454 is positioned further downward than the front end 453.

[0155] The second contact portion 45C protrudes downward to be positioned further downward than the second load portion 45B, and contacts the first contact portion 44C of the cutter bracket 4A from above.

[0156] The cover 1D has an inner surface (i.e., front surface) with a protrusion 10F. When the cover 1D is closed to the box receiving portion 2, the protrusion 10F protrudes forward toward the cutter holder 4A attached to the support portion 26. The protrusion 10F is configured to prevent unintentional detachment of the cutter holder 4A from the support portion 26 of the box receiving portion 2. The protrusion 10F has a protruding end (i.e., front end) positioned to exit the cutter holder 4A in the front-rear direction, thereby forming a gap between the protrusion 10F and the cutter holder 4A.

[0157] [Print Operation]

[0158] Next, the printing operation performed in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the state where the cover 1D is open, the cartridge receiving section 2 is... Figure 2 In the state shown, the pressure plate holder 23 is in the distal position. When the user attaches the cartridge 9 to the cartridge receiving part 2, the ribbon take-up shaft 22B is inserted into the ribbon take-up shaft 96D, and simultaneously, the belt drive shaft 22A is inserted into the belt drive roller 91, and the head holder 21 is inserted into the head opening 94A. In this state, the width direction of each of the transparent film tape 99A, the black tape 99C, and the double-sided adhesive tape 99B is parallel to the front-to-back direction.

[0159] Then, as the cover 1D moves to close, the pressure plate holder 23 pivots from the distal position to the proximal position. As a result, the pressure plate roller 23B presses the stacked ink tape 99C and transparent film tape 99A against the printhead 21A. The transfer roller 23C presses the stacked double-sided adhesive tape 99B and transparent film tape 99A against the tape drive roller 91.

[0160] In response to a user's input of a printing command to the operation unit 1B, the drive motor is activated to rotate the belt drive shaft 22A, the pressure roller 23B, and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B. The belt drive roller 91 rotates together with the rotation of the belt drive shaft 22A, and the transfer roller 23C rotates along with the rotation of the belt drive roller 91. Therefore, the double-sided adhesive tape 99B, the transparent film tape 99A, and the ink tape 99C are conveyed within the printing device 1.

[0161] Specifically, double-sided adhesive tape 99B is released from the second tape roll 97B, transparent film tape 99A is released from the first tape roll 97A, and ink tape 99C is released from the ribbon roll 97C. The transparent film tape 99A and the ink tape 99C are ejected through the first tape guide 95A and conveyed toward the printing position due to the rotation of the drive motor.

[0162] In the printing apparatus 1, the print head 21A generates heat to allow the ink contained in the ink ribbon 99C to be transferred to the transparent film tape 99A, thereby printing characters onto the transparent film tape 99A at the printing position. The transparent film tape 99A and the used ink ribbon 99C are conveyed toward the second tape guide 95B by the rotation of the pressure roller 23B and the ribbon take-up shaft 22B.

[0163] As the ink ribbon 99C separates from the transparent film tape 99A at the separation position, the ink contained in the ink ribbon 99C is released from the ink ribbon 99C. The used ink ribbon 99C, which has moved past the separation position, is wound up as a ribbon take-up roll 97D by the rotation of the ribbon take-up shaft 22B. By the rotation of the transfer roller 23C and the belt drive roller 91, the printed transparent film tape 99A, which has moved past the separation position, is guided to the second belt guide 95B.

[0164] At a position between the drive roller 91 and the conveyor roller 23C, one surface of the double-sided adhesive tape 99B and the transparent film tape 99A, which has already moved past the second belt guide 95B, are combined to provide a cutting target 99. The provided cutting target 99 is conveyed toward the jetting section 93. The cutting target 99, having moved past the jetting section 93, passes through the cutting device 1E and is discharged toward the upper part of the housing 1A. Then, the drive motor and the print head 21A stop, and the printing operation terminates. When the user inputs a new printing command through the operation section 1B, subsequent printing operations can be repeated in this manner.

[0165] [Half-cutting operation]

[0166] Next, we will describe how a half-cutting operation is performed in the cutting device 1E. For example, a half-cutting operation is performed each time a printing operation is performed. To perform a half-cutting operation, the user operates only the cutter lever 5 to overcome the pushing force of the cutter lever spring (not shown) in the direction indicated by arrow C52 from the half-cutting standby position (see...). Figure 4 and Figure 6 Move to the half-cut operation position (see) Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0167] Through this operation, the inlet 52A of the cutter lever 5 enters the recess 31A of the housing member 31 of the cutter section 10B to contact the cutter holder 32, thereby overcoming the pushing force of the cutter spring (not shown) and moving the cutter holder 32. As the cutter holder 32 moves, the cutter blade 30 also moves from its retracted position (see...). Figure 4 Move to the left to the cutting position (see) Figure 8 ).

[0168] Note that when only the cutter lever 5 is operated by the user, the cutter bracket lever 6 is not moved and is maintained in its full-cutting standby position. Accordingly, as Figure 14 As shown, the cutter bracket 4A is held in the semi-cut position. In this state, as... Figure 8 and Figure 14 As shown, the second part 422 of the cutter bracket 4A faces the cutter blade 30 at a position to the left of the cutter blade 30.

[0169] The cutter blade 30, moving together with the cutter holder 32, clamps the cutting target 99 in cooperation with the second part 422. The cutter blade 30 presses the cutting target 99 to the left and contacts a pair of protrusions 422B of the second part 422. Because the cutting edge of the cutter blade 30 cannot reach the flat surface portion 422A of the second part 422, the cutting target 99 is partially cut in its thickness direction. Thus, a half-cutting operation is performed relative to the cutting target 99 through the cooperation of the cutter blade 30 and the second part 422 of the cutter holder 4A.

[0170] After completing a partial cut relative to the cutting target 99, the user releases the operation on the cutter lever 5, allowing the cutter lever 5 to be pushed by the cutter lever spring by arrow C51 (see...). Figure 4 The cutter lever 5 is moved from the half-cutting operation position back to the half-cutting standby position in the direction indicated. The inlet 52A of the cutter lever 5 is moved out of the notch 31A of the housing member 31 of the cutter part 10B. Therefore, the cutter holder 32 is moved by the pushing force of the cutter spring to move the cutter blade 30 from the cutting position (see...) Figure 8 Move to the right to the retracted position (see) Figure 4 The cutter blade 30 is therefore housed in the box component 31.

[0171] [Full cutting operation]

[0172] The process of a full cut operation will then be described. For example, a full cut operation is performed after a printing operation and a corresponding half cut operation have been repeatedly performed. To perform a full cut operation, only the cutter bracket lever 6 is operated by the user to overcome the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring (not shown) and move from the full cut standby position (see arrow C62) in the direction indicated by arrow C62. Figures 4 to 9 Move to the full cutting operation position (see...) Figure 10 and Figure 11 ).

[0173] As the cutter bracket lever 6 moves, the pivoting member 4B also pivots due to the pushing force of the spring 49. In response to the movement of the retaining member 48, a load is applied to the cutter bracket 4A, thereby moving the cutter bracket 4A from the half-cut position (see...). Figure 13 Move to the full cut position (see) Figure 15 That is, the cutter bracket lever 6 indirectly contacts the cutter bracket 4A via the pivot member 4B, and is used to move the cutter bracket 4A from the half-cut position to the full-cut position. In the full-cut position of the cutter bracket 4A, the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 4A faces the cutter blade 30 of the cutter holder 32 at a position to the left of the cutter blade 30.

[0174] Furthermore, as the cutter bracket lever 6 moves, the contact portion 62 of the cutter bracket lever 6 contacts the protrusion 52 of the cutter lever 5, thereby overcoming the pushing force of the cutter lever spring and moving the cutter lever 5 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position. That is, since the cutter bracket lever 6 is operated only by the user, the cutter lever 5 moves in a linkage relationship with the cutter bracket lever 6 via the linkage portion 10D.

[0175] At this time, the protrusion 52 of the cutter lever 5 enters the recessed hole 31A of the housing member 31 of the cutter section 10B to move the cutter holder 32. Therefore, the cutter holder 32 moves the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position (see...). Figure 4 Move to the left to the cutting position (see) Figure 10 ).

[0176] The cutter blade 30, which has moved together with the cutter holder 32, clamps the cutting target 99 in cooperation with the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 4A. The cutting edge of the cutter blade 30 presses the cutting target 99 to the left and contacts the first part 421. Because the cutting edge reaches the first part 421, the cutting target 99 is completely cut in its thickness direction and divided into two parts. Through the cooperation of the cutter blade 30 and the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 4A, a full cutting operation relative to the cutting target 99 is performed in this manner.

[0177] After the full cutting operation on the cutting target 99 is terminated, the user operation on the cutter bracket lever 6 is released. Due to the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring, the cutter bracket lever 6 is at the position indicated by arrow C61 (see arrow C61). Figure 4 The cutter bracket 4A moves from the full-cut operating position back to the full-cut standby position in the direction indicated by the indicator. Furthermore, as the cutter bracket lever 6 moves, the pivot member 4B pivotally moves back against the pushing force of the spring 49, causing the cutter bracket 4A to move from the full-cut position (see...) Figure 15 Move to the half-cut position (see) Figure 13 ).

[0178] Furthermore, as the cutter bracket lever 6 moves to the full-cutting standby position, the contact portion 62 of the cutter bracket lever 6 separates from the protrusion 52 of the cutter lever 5. As a result, the cutter lever 5 also moves from the half-cutting operation position back to the half-cutting standby position by the pushing force of the cutter lever spring, causing the inlet portion 52A of the cutter lever 5 to disengage from the recess 31A of the housing member 31 of the cutter section 10B. Therefore, the cutter retainer 32 moves to the right by the pushing force of the cutter spring to move the cutter blade 30 from the cutting position (see...). Figure 10 Move to the right to the retracted position (see) Figure 4 The cutter blade 30 is therefore housed in the box component 31.

[0179] [Second Embodiment]

[0180] [Overview of Cutting Device 1F]

[0181] Reference Figures 18 to 20D The cutting apparatus 1F according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is described, wherein the same parts and components are indicated by the same reference numerals as those shown in the first embodiment, in order to avoid repetition of description.

[0182] Instead of the aforementioned cutting device 1E, a cutting device 1F is provided in the printing device 1. The basic structure and operation of the cutting device 1F are substantially the same as those of the cutting device 1E. The structure of the cutting device 1F, which differs from the cutting device 1E, and its associated operation will be described.

[0183] As in Figure 18 As shown, the cutting device 1F includes a lever portion 110C, which includes a cutter lever 105 and a cutter bracket lever 106. However, the cutting device 1F does not include the linkage portion 10D (see [reference needed]) provided in the cutting device 1E of the first embodiment. Figure 4 The corresponding structure is as follows. Accordingly, the cutter lever 105 and the cutter bracket lever 106 can move independently of each other. Furthermore, similar to the cutter lever 105 which includes an entry portion 152A, the cutter bracket lever 106 includes an entry portion 162A. The housing member 131 of the cutter section 110B is formed with a first hole 131B and a second hole 131C.

[0184] Figure 18The image shows the cutter lever 105 in its half-cutting standby position and the cutter bracket lever 106 in its full-cutting standby position. The entry portion 152A of the cutter lever 105 is configured to enter the housing member 131 through a first hole 131B as the cutter lever 105 moves from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position due to user operation. Furthermore, the entry portion 162A of the cutter bracket lever 106 is configured to enter the housing member 131 through a second hole 131C as the cutter bracket lever 106 moves from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operating position due to user operation.

[0185] The cutter holder 132 of the cutter section 110B includes a first cutter holder 136 and a second cutter holder 137. The first cutter holder 136 directly supports the cutter blade 30. As the inlet 152A of the cutter lever 105 enters the first hole 131B of the housing member 131 to press the first cutter holder 136 to the left, the first cutter holder 136 moves the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position. That is, the cutter lever 105 indirectly contacts the cutter blade 30 through the first cutter holder 136 to move the cutter blade 30.

[0186] The second cutter holder 137 includes a base 1370, an abutment portion 137A, and an arm portion 137B. The abutment portion 137A and the arm portion 137B are disposed on the base 1370. The base 1370 is movable as the entry portion 162A of the cutter bracket lever 106 enters the housing member 131 through the second hole 131C and contacts the base 1370.

[0187] The abutment portion 137A abuts against the first cutter holder 136 as the base portion 1370 moves (see...). Figure 20C This allows the cutter blade 30 to be moved from the retracted position toward the cutting position via the first cutter holder 136. That is, the cutter bracket lever 106 indirectly contacts the cutter blade 30 via the first cutter holder 136 and the second cutter holder 137 to move the cutter blade 30.

[0188] The arm 137B functions the same as the pivot member 4B in the cutting device 1E according to the first embodiment. That is, the arm 137B is configured to abut against the cutter bracket 104A as the base 1370 moves, moving the cutter bracket 104A from its half-cut position to its full-cut position. Specifically, the cutter bracket lever 106 indirectly contacts the cutter bracket 104A via the second cutter holder 137 to move the cutter bracket 104A.

[0189] In this embodiment, the pivot member 4B of the cutting device 1E (see...) Figure 6The corresponding component is omitted, and the bracket portion 110A only includes the cutter bracket 104A. When the cutter bracket 104A is in the half-cut position, the second part 422 of the cutter bracket 104A faces the cutter blade 30 to the left. When the cutter bracket 104A is in the full-cut position, the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 104A faces the cutter blade 30 to the left.

[0190] In the following text, the distance between the first cutter holder 136 and the entry portion 152A of the cutter lever 105 located in the half-cutting standby position will be referred to as the "first distance L11". Specifically, the first distance L11 is the distance in the direction of movement (i.e., left-right direction) between the portion of the entry portion 152A that contacts the first cutter holder 136 and the portion of the first cutter holder 136 that contacts the entry portion 152A.

[0191] That is, the first distance L11 corresponds to the distance that the entry part 152A is moved when the cutter lever 105 moves from the half-cutting standby position toward the half-cutting operation position until the entry part 152A contacts the first cutter holder 136.

[0192] Furthermore, the distance between the second cutter holder 137 and the entry portion 162A of the cutter bracket lever 106 located in the full-cutting standby position will be referred to as the "second distance L12". Specifically, the second distance L12 is the distance between the portion of the entry portion 162A that contacts the second cutter holder 137 and the portion of the second cutter holder 137 that contacts the entry portion 162A in the direction of movement (i.e., the left-right direction) in which the entry portion 162A is moved.

[0193] That is, the second distance L12 corresponds to the distance that the entry part 162A moves from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position as the cutter bracket lever 106 moves until the entry part 162A contacts the second cutter holder 137. The first distance L11 is greater than the second distance L12.

[0194] [Half-cutting operation]

[0195] Reference Figures 19A to 19C This describes a partial cut operation relative to the cutting target 99 performed by user operation of the cutter lever 105. To perform the partial cut operation, only the cutter lever 105 is operated by the user to overcome the pushing force of the cutter lever spring (not shown) from... Figure 19A The half-cut standby position shown in the image is moved to... Figure 19C The half-cutting operation position is shown in the figure.

[0196] During this movement of the cutter lever 105, the entry portion 152A of the cutter lever 105 enters the first hole 131B of the housing member 131 of the cutter portion 110B (see...). Figure 18 And as Figure 19B The first cutter retainer 136 is shown in contact with the cutter lever 105. As the cutter lever 105 moves further, the first cutter retainer 136 is compressed to move with the movement of the inlet 152A to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position (see...). Figure 19B Move to the left to the cutting position (see) Figure 19C Therefore, the moved cutter blade 30 and the second part 422 of the cutter bracket 104A clamp the cutting target 99 between the cutter blade 30 and the second part 422, thereby cooperating with each other to perform a half-cutting operation to cut the cutting target 99.

[0197] Figure 19C The first movement amount L21 shown indicates the amount (distance) that the cutter lever 105 moves from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position. Furthermore, the movement of the cutter lever 105 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position occupies a first time period t11 when a predetermined compressive force is applied to the cutter lever 105 by the user.

[0198] [Full cutting operation]

[0199] Reference Figures 20A to 20D This describes a full cut operation relative to the cutting target 99 performed by user operation of the cutter bracket lever 106. When the full cut operation is performed, only the cutter bracket lever 106 is operated by the user. The cutter bracket lever 106 overcomes the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring (not shown) from... Figure 20A The fully cut standby position shown in the image has been moved to... Figure 20D The position of the full cutting operation is shown in the figure.

[0200] During the movement of the cutter bracket lever 106, the inlet 162A of the cutter bracket lever 106 enters the second hole 131C of the housing member 131 of the cutter section 110B (see...). Figure 18 And contact with such Figure 20B The second cutter holder 137 is squeezed to the left as shown. When the cutter bracket lever 106 is as... Figure 20C When the second cutter holder 137 is moved further as shown, the arm 137B of the second cutter holder 137 is moved to abut against the cutter bracket 104A, such that the cutter bracket 104A moves from the half-cut position (see...) Figure 20B Move upwards to the full cut position (see...) Figure 20CThus, the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 104A faces the cutter blade 30 at a position to the left of the cutter blade 30.

[0201] The moment when the cutter bracket 104A completes its movement from the half-cutting position to the full-cutting position will be referred to as the "cutter bracket movement completion moment E11".

[0202] Simultaneously, the abutment portion 137A of the second cutter holder 137 abuts against the first cutter holder 136 due to the leftward movement of the second cutter holder 137, causing the first cutter holder 136 to move from the abutment portion 137A to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position (see...). Figure 20C Move to the left to the cutting position (see) Figure 20D ).

[0203] The moment when the cutter blade 30 completes its movement from the retracted position to the cutting position is referred to as the "cutter blade movement completion moment E12". Here, the cutter bracket movement completion moment E11 is earlier than the cutter blade movement completion moment E12. Accordingly, the cutting target 99 is reliably held between the cutter blade 30 and the first part 421. In this way, a full cutting operation is performed relative to the cutting target 99 through the cooperation between the cutter blade 30 and the cutter bracket 104A.

[0204] Figure 20D The second movement L22 shown indicates the amount (distance) by which the cutter bracket lever 106 moves from the full-cut standby position to the full-cut operation position. The second movement L22 during full-cut operation is greater than the first movement L21 during half-cut operation (see figure) of the cutter bracket lever 105 moving from the half-cut standby position to the half-cut operation position. Figure 19C ).

[0205] Furthermore, in the case where the predetermined extrusion force is applied to the cutter bracket lever 106 by the user, the movement of the cutter bracket lever 106 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position occupies a second time period t12.

[0206] Assuming that under the same conditions (i.e., when the same predetermined compressive force is applied to each of the cutter lever 105 and the cutter bracket lever 106), the user operates the cutter lever 105 and the cutter bracket lever 106. The second time period t12, which is the time required for the cutter bracket lever 106 to move from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position during a full-cutting operation, is greater than the first time period t11. That is, the time required for the cutter lever 5 to move from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position during a half-cutting operation.

[0207] [Third Embodiment]

[0208] [Overview of Cutting Device 1G]

[0209] Reference Figures 21 to 23C The cutting apparatus 1G according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is described, wherein the same parts and components are indicated by the same reference numerals as those shown in the first and second embodiments, in order to avoid repetitive description.

[0210] Instead of the aforementioned cutting device 1E or cutting device 1F, a cutting device 1G is provided in the printing device 1. The cutting device 1G has a structure substantially the same as that of the cutting devices 1E and 1F, and performs operations substantially the same as those of the cutting devices 1E and 1F. The structure and operation of the cutting device 1G, which differ from the cutting devices 1E and 1F, will be described primarily.

[0211] As in Figure 21 As shown, the cutting device 1G includes a lever portion 210C, which includes a cutter lever 205 and a cutter bracket lever 206. However, the lever portion 210C does not include a linkage portion 10D (see [reference needed]) provided in the cutting device 1E according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The corresponding components. Therefore, the cutter lever 205 and the cutter bracket lever 206 can move independently of each other.

[0212] Furthermore, the cutter bracket lever 206 includes an entry portion 267A and an arm portion 267B. The entry portion 267A and the arm portion 267B are components that correspond to the abutment portion 137A and the arm portion 137B respectively provided in the second cutter holder 137 of the cutting device 1F according to the second embodiment. Figure 21 The image shows the state where the cutter lever 205 is in its half-cutting standby position and the cutter bracket lever 206 is in its full-cutting standby position.

[0213] The cutting device 1F also includes a cutter section 210B, which includes a housing member 231. The housing member 231 has a first hole 231B and a second hole 231C. The entry portion 252A of the cutter lever 205 is configured to enter the housing member 231 through the first hole 231B as the cutter lever 205 moves from a half-cutting standby position to its half-cutting operating position due to user operation (see...). Figure 22C The entry portion 267A of the cutter bracket lever 206 is configured to enter the housing component 231 through the second hole 231C as the cutter bracket lever 206 moves from the full-cutting standby position to its full-cutting operating position due to user operation (see...). Figure 23C ).

[0214] The cutter holder 232 of the cutter section 210B is not provided with the second cutter holder 137 of the cutting device 1F in the second embodiment (see... Figure 18 Instead of the corresponding component, only a first cutter holder 236 is provided. The first cutter holder 236 directly supports the cutter blade 30. The first cutter holder 236 is configured to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position when the inlet 252A of the cutter lever 205 enters the housing component 231 through the first hole 231B and the first cutter holder 236 is pressed to the left. That is, the cutter lever 205 indirectly contacts the cutter blade 30 through the first cutter holder 236, thereby moving the cutter blade 30.

[0215] Furthermore, the first cutter holder 236 is configured to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position when the inlet 267A of the cutter bracket lever 206 enters the housing member 231 through the second hole 231C to press the first cutter holder 236 to the left. That is, the cutter bracket lever 206 indirectly contacts the cutter blade 30 through the first cutter holder 236 for moving the cutter blade 30.

[0216] The arm 267B of the cutter bracket lever 206 functions the same as the pivot member 4B of the cutting device 1E according to the first embodiment. The arm 267B is configured to abut against the cutter bracket 204A of the bracket portion 210A as the cutter bracket lever 206 moves, thereby moving the cutter bracket 204A from its half-cut position to its full-cut position. That is, the cutter bracket lever 206 directly contacts the cutter bracket 204A for moving the cutter bracket 204A.

[0217] As in Figure 21 As shown, the distance between the first cutter holder 236 and the entry portion 252A of the cutter lever 205 located in the half-cutting standby position will be referred to as the "first distance L31". Specifically, the first distance L31 is the distance in the direction of movement (i.e., left-right direction) between the portion of the entry portion 252A that contacts the first cutter holder 236 and the portion of the first cutter holder 236 that contacts the entry portion 252A. That is, the first distance L31 corresponds to the distance the entry portion 252A is moved when the cutter lever 205 moves from the half-cutting standby position toward the half-cutting operation position until the entry portion 252A contacts the first cutter holder 236.

[0218] Furthermore, the total length of the first distance L31 and the length of the first cutter holder 236 in the moving direction of the entry portion 252A (the length of the first cutter holder 236 in the left-right direction) will be referred to as the "first distance L311". The first distance L311 corresponds to the distance between the cutter blade 30 and the entry portion 252A of the cutter lever 205 located in the half-cutting standby position.

[0219] As in Figure 21 As shown, the distance between the cutter bracket 204A and the arm 267B of the cutter bracket lever 206 located in the full-cutting standby position will be referred to as the "second distance L32". Specifically, the second distance L32 is the distance in the direction of movement (i.e., left-right direction) between the portion of the arm 267B that contacts the cutter bracket 204A and the portion of the cutter bracket 204A that contacts the arm 267B.

[0220] That is, the second distance L32 corresponds to the distance that the arm 267B is moved when the cutter bracket lever 206 moves from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operating position until the arm 267B contacts the cutter bracket 204A. The first distance L31 and the first distance L311 are greater than the second distance L32.

[0221] [Half-cutting operation]

[0222] Next, refer to Figures 22A to 22C This describes a partial cut operation relative to the cutting target 99 performed by user operation of the cutter lever 205. To perform the partial cut operation, only the cutter lever 205 is operated by the user. The cutter lever 205 thus overcomes the pushing force of the cutter lever spring (not shown) from... Figure 22A The half-cut standby position shown in the image is moved to... Figure 22C The half-cutting operation position is shown in the figure.

[0223] During the movement of the cutter lever 205, the entry portion 252A of the cutter lever 205 passes through the first hole 231B (see...). Figure 21 The box component 231 enters the cutter section 210B, so as... Figure 22B The first cutter holder 236 is shown in the diagram. The first cutter holder 236 is compressed and moved by the movement of the inlet 252A to move the cutter blade 30 from its retracted position. Figure 22A and Figure 22B Move to the left to the cutting position. Figure 22CTherefore, the second part 422 of the cutter blade 30 and the cutter bracket 204A clamps the cutting target 99 between the cutter blade 30 and the second part 422. As a result, a half-cutting operation is performed relative to the cutting target 99 through the cooperation between the cutter blade 30 and the cutter bracket 204A.

[0224] Figure 22C The movement amount L41 shown indicates the amount (distance) that the cutter lever 205 moves from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position. Furthermore, in the case where a predetermined compressive force is applied to the cutter lever 205 by the user, the movement of the cutter lever 205 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position occupies a first time period t21.

[0225] [Full cutting operation]

[0226] Next, refer to Figures 23A to 23C This describes a full cut operation performed relative to the cutting target 99 by user operation of the cutter bracket lever 206. When the full cut operation is performed, only the cutter bracket lever 206 is operated by the user to overcome the pushing force of the cutter bracket lever spring (not shown) from... Figure 23A The fully cut standby position shown in the image has been moved to... Figure 23C The position of the full cutting operation is shown in the figure.

[0227] During the movement of the cutter bracket lever 206, the arm 267B of the cutter bracket lever 206, as... Figure 23B The contact and compression of the cutter holder 204A shown in the figure thereby moves the cutter holder 104A from the half-cut position (see figure 104A). Figure 23A Move to the full cut position (see) Figure 23C Therefore, the first part 421 of the cutter bracket 204A faces the cutter blade 30 at a position to the left of the cutter blade 30. The moment when the movement of the cutter bracket 204A from the half-cut position to the full-cut position is completed will be called the "cutter bracket movement completion moment E21".

[0228] Simultaneously, the entry portion 267A of the cutter bracket lever 206 enters the housing member 231 of the cutter section 210B through the second hole 231C and contacts the first cutter holder 236, causing the first cutter holder 236 to move from the entry portion 267A to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position. Figure 23A and Figure 23B Move to the left to the cutting position (see) Figure 23C The moment when the cutter blade 30 completes its movement from the retracted position to the cutting position will be called the "cutter blade movement completion moment E22".

[0229] Here, the completion time E21 of the cutter bracket 204A's movement to the full-cut position is earlier than the completion time E22 of the cutter blade's movement. Accordingly, the cutting target 99 is reliably held between the cutter blade 30 and the first part 421. In this way, a full-cut operation is performed on the cutting target 99 through the cooperation between the cutter blade 30 and the cutter bracket 104A.

[0230] Figure 23C The second movement amount L42 shown indicates the amount (distance) by which the cutter bracket lever 206 moves from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operating position. The second movement amount L42 is greater than the first movement amount L41 (see...). Figure 22C ).

[0231] Furthermore, when the predetermined compressive force is applied to the cutter bracket lever 206 by the user, the movement of the cutter bracket lever 206 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position occupies a second time period t22. When the cutter lever 205 and the cutter bracket lever 206 are operated under the same conditions (i.e., the predetermined compressive force is applied to each of the cutter lever 205 and the cutter bracket lever 206), the second time period t22 required for the cutter bracket lever 206 to move from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position is greater than the first time period t21, which is the time period required for the cutter lever 205 to move from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position.

[0232] [Beneficial effects in the embodiments]

[0233] In the cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G according to the first to third embodiments described above, a full or partial cutting operation relative to the cutting target 99 is performed by user operation of the cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 or the cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206. That is, the cutting operation can be performed in the cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G without using a motor to move the cutter blade 30. Accordingly, compared to a configuration where a motor is installed in the cutting device, the weight of the cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G can be reduced.

[0234] In the cutting device 1F, the second movement L22 of the cutter bracket lever 106 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position is greater than the first movement L21 of the cutter lever 105 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position. Similarly, in the cutting device 1G, the second movement L42 of the cutter bracket lever 206 from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position is greater than the first movement L41 of the cutter lever 205 from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position.

[0235] Based on these differences in the amount of movement, in cutting devices 1F and 1G, movement of cutter levers 105 and 205 causes movement only of the cutter blade 30, while movement of cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 causes movement not only of the cutter blade 30 but also of the cutter brackets 104A and 204A. By setting the second amount of movement L22 in cutting device 1F to be greater than the first amount of movement L21 and by setting the second amount of movement L42 in cutting device 1G to be greater than the first amount of movement L41, it is possible to achieve movement of the cutter brackets 104A and 204A simultaneously via cutter levers 5 and 105 and cutter bracket levers 106 and 206.

[0236] In the cutting device 1F, when the cutter lever 105 and the cutter bracket lever 106 are operated by the same predetermined extrusion force, the second time period t12 required for the cutter bracket lever 106 to move from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position is greater than the first time period t11 required for the cutter lever 105 to move from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position.

[0237] Similarly, in the cutting device 1G, when the cutter lever 205 and the cutter bracket lever 206 are operated by the same predetermined extrusion force, the second time period t22 required for the cutter bracket lever 206 to move from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position is greater than the first time period t21 required for the cutter lever 205 to move from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position.

[0238] Using the above structure, users can intuitively identify which half-cut or full-cut operation has been performed based on the time period required to complete the operation.

[0239] In the cutting device 1F, the time E11 when the cutter bracket 104A has been completely moved from the half-cutting position to the full-cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 106 is earlier than the time E12 when the cutter blade 30 has been completely moved from the retracted position to the cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 106.

[0240] Similarly, in the cutting device 1G, the time E21 when the cutter bracket 104A has been completely moved from the half-cutting position to the full-cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 206 is earlier than the time E22 when the cutter blade 30 has been completely moved from the retracted position to the cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 206.

[0241] By utilizing the difference between the completion time of the movement of the cutter blade 30 and the completion time of the movement of the cutter supports 104A and 204A, in the cutting devices 1F and 1G, after the cutter supports 4A and 104A have moved to the full-cut position through user operation of the cutter support levers 106 and 206, the cutting target 99 can be cut by the cutter blade 30. Accordingly, the mode for cutting the cutting target 99 by the cutter blade 30 can be appropriately switched from the mode for performing a half-cut operation to the mode for performing a full-cut operation.

[0242] The cutter holder 132 of the cutting device 1F includes: a first cutter holder 136, to which the cutter lever 105 contacts; and a second cutter holder 137, to which the cutter bracket lever 106 contacts. Because the first cutter holder 136, which contacts the cutter lever 105, and the second cutter holder 137, which contacts the cutter bracket lever 106, are disposed separately from each other in the cutter holder 132, the mechanical strength of the cutter holder 132 can be adequately maintained.

[0243] The cutting device 1F includes a second cutter holder 137 for moving the cutter bracket 104A. The second cutter holder 137, together with a first cutter holder 136 for holding the cutter blade 30, constitutes a cutter holder 132. Because the components for moving the cutter bracket 104A do not need to be separately arranged in the cutting device 1F, the construction of the cutting device 1F can be simplified, thereby enabling a reduction in size, weight, and cost of the cutting device 1F.

[0244] The cutting device 1G includes a cutter bracket lever 206 for moving the cutter bracket 204A, and there is no need for a separate component for moving the cutter bracket 204A. Accordingly, the construction of the cutting device 1G can be simplified, and thus it is possible to reduce the size, weight and cost of the cutting device 1G.

[0245] In the cutting device 1F, the first distance L11 between the cutter lever 105 and the first cutter holder 136 in the half-cutting standby position is greater than the second distance L12 between the cutter bracket lever 106 and the second cutter holder 137 in the full-cutting standby position. Furthermore, in the cutting device 1G, the first distance L311 between the cutter lever 205 and the cutter blade 30 in the half-cutting standby position is greater than the second distance L32 between the cutter bracket lever 206 and the cutter bracket 204A in the full-cutting standby position.

[0246] With this configuration of the cutting devices 1F and 1G, while the cutter blade 30 is moved to perform a full cut operation relative to the cutting target 99, the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 can move the cutter brackets 104A and 204A respectively, and the cutter levers 105 and 205 can move the cutter blade 30 to perform a half cut operation relative to the cutting target 99 without moving the cutter brackets 104A and 204A.

[0247] In the cutting device 1E, the first inclined portion 44A of the upper wall 40U of the cutter bracket 4A slopes downward in the forward direction as it extends from the rear end 442 to the front end 441. Furthermore, the second inclined portion 45A of the retaining member 48 slopes downward in the forward direction as it extends from the rear end 452 to the front end 451. With this configuration, when the cutter bracket 4A is moved forward during attachment to the support portion 26, the retaining member 48 can be easily inserted into the insertion portion 410 of the cutter bracket 4A. Therefore, this facilitates the process of attaching the cutter bracket 4A relative to the support portion 26.

[0248] In the cutting device 1E, the first load portion 44B of the upper wall 40U of the cutter bracket 4A tilts downward in the rearward direction as it extends from the front end 443 to the rear end 444. Furthermore, the second load portion 45B of the retaining member 48 tilts downward in the rearward direction as it extends from the front end 453 to the rear end 454.

[0249] With this configuration, a forward-directing force is applied to the cutter bracket 4A while the retaining member 48 is pressed against the upper wall 40U of the cutter bracket 4A from above. This force is directed in the opposite direction to the direction in which the insertion portion 410 of the cutter bracket 4A is disassembled from the retaining member 48 (i.e., the rearward direction). Accordingly, the first load portion 44B and the second load portion 45B can prevent unintentional disassembly of the retaining member 48 from the insertion portion 410.

[0250] In the case where the first inclined portion 44A of the cutter bracket 4A and the second inclined portion 45A of the retaining member 48 are in contact with each other and a load is applied to the cutter bracket 4A from the retaining member 48, a force pointing in the rearward direction to release the retaining member 48 from the insertion portion 410 may be applied to the cutter bracket 4A, which leads to an unfavorable situation (i.e., the retaining member 48 is unintentionally dislodged from the insertion portion 410).

[0251] However, according to the printing apparatus 1, regardless of the positional relationship between the cutter bracket 4A and the retaining member 48, the first inclined portion 44A and the second inclined portion 45A are always spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the retaining member 48 from being unintentionally disassembled from the insertion portion 410.

[0252] In the cutting apparatus 1E, with the cutter bracket 4A in the half-cutting position, the first load portion 44B of the cutter bracket 4A and the second load portion 45B of the retaining member 48 are in contact with each other. In this state, when a load is applied to the cutter bracket 4A from the retaining member 48, a force pointing in the forward direction (i.e., the direction in which the insertion portion 410 is attached to the retaining member 48) is applied from the retaining member 48 to the cutter bracket 4A, thereby ensuring that the retaining member 48 is inserted into the insertion portion 410. Accordingly, the first load portion 44B and the second load portion 45B can be used to prevent the insertion portion 410 from being released from the retaining member 48.

[0253] In the cutting device 1E, the cover 1D includes a protrusion 10F, which prevents the cutter holder 4A from being detached from the support 26. Furthermore, when the cover 1D closes the receiving portion 2, a gap is formed between the protrusion 10F and the cutter holder 4A. Therefore, the cutter holder 4A can move smoothly between the half-cutting position and the full-cutting position without mechanical interference between the cutter holder 4A and the protrusion 10F.

[0254] [Variation]

[0255] Although detailed description has been given with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be made thereto.

[0256] For example, the cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G may not be installed in the printing device 1, but may be installed in another device that will cut the cutting target 99. Furthermore, the cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G may not be installed in the device, and may be independent cutting devices for cutting the cutting target 99.

[0257] In cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G, cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 can be configured to directly contact the cutter blade 30 during movement from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operating position to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position. Furthermore, cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 can be configured to directly contact the cutter blade 30 during movement from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operating position to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position.

[0258] Furthermore, when the cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 and the cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 are not operated by the user, the cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A can be located in the full-cut position. In this case, the cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 can be configured to move the cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A from the full-cut position to the half-cut position and move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position by user operation of the cutter levers 5, 105, and 205, thereby performing a half-cut operation relative to the cutting target 99. Furthermore, the cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 can be configured to move the cutter blade 30 from the retracted position to the cutting position by user operation of the cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 while maintaining the cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A in the full-cut position, thereby performing a full-cut operation relative to the cutting target 99.

[0259] In the cutting device 1F, the first movement amount L21 of the cutter lever 105 can be greater than the second movement amount L22 of the cutter bracket lever 106. Alternatively, the first movement amount L21 can be equal to the second movement amount L22. Furthermore, the first time period t11 required for the movement of the cutter lever 105 can be greater than, or equal to, the second time period t12 required for the movement of the cutter bracket lever 106.

[0260] Furthermore, the moment when the cutter bracket 104A is moved to the full cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 106 (cutter bracket movement completion time E11) and the moment when the cutter blade 30 is moved to the cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 106 (cutter blade movement completion time E12) can be simultaneous.

[0261] Furthermore, the first distance L11 between the cutter lever 105 and the first cutter holder 136 in the half-cutting standby position can be less than the second distance L127 between the cutter bracket lever 106 and the second cutter holder 13 in the full-cutting standby position. Alternatively, the first distance L11 can be equal to the second distance L12.

[0262] In the cutting device 1G, the first movement amount L41 of the cutter lever 205 can be greater than the second movement amount L42 of the cutter bracket lever 206, or the first movement amount L41 can be equal to the second movement amount L42. Furthermore, the first time period t21 required for the movement of the cutter lever 205 can be greater than the second time period t22 required for the movement of the cutter bracket lever 206. Alternatively, the first time period t21 can be equal to the second time period t22.

[0263] Furthermore, the moment when the cutter bracket 204A is moved to the full cutting position by the user operation of the cutter bracket lever 206 (cutter bracket movement completion time E21) and the moment when the cutter blade 30 is moved to the cutting position (cutter blade movement completion time E22) can be simultaneous.

[0264] Furthermore, the first distance L311 between the cutter lever 105 and the cutter blade 30 in the half-cutting standby position can be less than the second distance L32 between the cutter bracket lever 206 and the cutter bracket 104A in the full-cutting standby position. Alternatively, the first distance L311 can be equal to the second distance L32.

[0265] Cutting devices 1F and 1G may be provided with components corresponding to the linkage 10D provided in cutting device 1E, for moving cutter levers 105 and 205 in a linkage relationship with cutter bracket levers 106 and 206. Furthermore, by utilizing the structure in which cutter levers 105 and 205 move in a linkage relationship with cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 via the linkage, the cutting operation can be switched between a half-cutting operation and a full-cutting operation by changing the direction in which the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 are operated.

[0266] For example, while the cutter levers 105 and 205 and the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 can move in a linkage relationship with each other through the linkage, the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 can move from the half-cutting standby position to the half-cutting operation position to perform a half-cutting operation relative to the cutting target 99.

[0267] On the other hand, while the cutter levers 105 and 205 and the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 can move in a linkage relationship with each other through the linkage, the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 can move from the full-cutting standby position to the full-cutting operation position to perform the full-cutting operation when the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 move in the second moving direction (e.g., to the left).

[0268] In the cutting devices 1F and 1G with the above-described structure, a half-cutting operation caused by the movement of cutter levers 105 and 205, and a full-cutting operation caused by the movement of cutter levers 106 and 206, can be easily performed simply by switching the direction in which the cutter bracket levers 106 and 206 are operated. Note that the cutting operation can be switched between a full-cutting operation and a half-cutting operation by switching the direction in which the cutter levers 105 and 206 are operated.

[0269] In the cutting device 1E, at least one of the first inclined portion 44A of the cutter bracket 4A and the second inclined portion 45A of the retaining member 48 can extend parallel to the front-back direction. Specifically, the second inclined portion 45A of the retaining member 48 can extend parallel to the front-back direction, while the first inclined portion 44A of the cutter bracket 4A is inclined downward in the forward direction. Furthermore, at least one of the first load portion 44B of the cutter bracket 4A and the second load portion 45B of the retaining member 48 can extend parallel to the front-back direction.

[0270] Furthermore, when the cutter bracket 4A is in the half-cut position, the first inclined portion 44A of the cutter bracket 4A and the second inclined portion 45A of the retaining member 48 can contact each other. Additionally, when the cutter bracket 4A is in the half-cut position, the first load portion 44B of the cutter bracket 4A and the second load portion 45B of the retaining member 48 can separate from each other.

[0271] The protruding end of the protrusion 10F of the cover 1D can contact the cutter bracket 4A. Alternatively, the cover 1D may not include the protrusion 10F.

[0272] Although the combination of transparent film tape 99A and double-sided adhesive tape 99B is used as an example of cutting target 99 in the above embodiment, other objects can also be cutting targets 99. For example, printing paper, labels, other types of tapes, tubes, etc. can be used as cutting targets 99, and cutting operations can be performed on these objects using cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G.

[0273] [Remark]

[0274] The rightward direction is an example of the first moving direction. The leftward direction is an example of the second moving direction. The forward and backward directions are examples of the extending directions. The forward direction is an example of the first direction. The backward direction is an example of the second direction. The up and down directions are examples of orthogonal directions. The upward direction is an example of the third direction. The downward direction is an example of the fourth direction. Cutting devices 1E, 1F, and 1G are examples of cutting devices. The cutter blade 30 is an example of a cutter blade. The cutting target 99 is an example of a cutting target. The cutting position of the cutter blade 30 is an example of a cutting position. The retracted position of the cutter blade 30 is an example of a retracted position. Cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A are examples of cutter brackets. The full cutting position of cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A is an example of the full cutting position of the cutter brackets. The half cutting position of cutter brackets 4A, 104A, and 204A is an example of the half cutting position of the cutter brackets. Cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 are examples of the first lever. The half-cutting standby position of cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 is an example of the first non-operating position of the first lever. The half-cutting operating position of cutter levers 5, 105, and 205 is an example of the first operating completed position of the first lever. Cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 are examples of the second lever. The full-cutting standby position of cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 is an example of the second non-operating position of the second lever. The full-cutting operating position of cutter bracket levers 6, 106, and 206 is an example of the second operating completed position of the second lever. First movement amounts L21 and L41 are examples of the first movement amounts. Second movement amounts L22 and L42 are examples of the second movement amounts. First time periods t11 and t21 are examples of the first time periods. Second time periods t12 and t22 are examples of the second time periods. Cutter bracket movement completion times E11 and E21 are examples of the cutter bracket movement completion times. The cutter blade movement completion times E12 and E22 are examples of cutter blade movement completion times. Cutter holders 132 and 232 are examples of cutter holders. The first cutter holder 136 is an example of a first contact portion. The second cutter holder 137 is an example of a second contact portion. The first distances L11 and L311 are examples of first distances. The second distances L12 and L32 are examples of second distances. The retaining member 48 is an example of a retaining member. The insertion portion 410 is an example of an insertion portion. The first inclined portion 44A is an example of a first inclined portion. The front end 441 is an example of one end of the first inclined portion in the first direction. The rear end 442 is an example of one end of the first inclined portion in the second direction. The first load portion 44B is an example of a first load portion. The front end 443 is an example of one end of the first load portion in the first direction. The rear end 444 is an example of one end of the first load portion in the second direction. The second inclined portion 45A is an example of a second inclined portion.Front end 451 is an example of one end of the second inclined portion in the first direction. Rear end 452 is an example of one end of the second inclined portion in the second direction. Second load portion 45B is an example of a second load portion. Front end 453 is an example of one end of the second load portion in the first direction. Rear end 454 is an example of one end of the second load portion in the second direction. Printing device 1 is an example of a printing device. Receiving portion 2 is an example of a receiving portion. Cover 1D is an example of a cover. Protrusion 10F is an example of a protrusion. Print head 21A is an example of a printing unit.

Claims

1. A cutting device, comprising: A cutter blade configured to cut a target, the cutter blade being movable between the following positions: The cutting position, at which the cutter blade is configured to perform one of a full cut operation and a half cut operation relative to the cutting target by contacting the cutting target; and The cutter blade is in a retracted position where it is not in contact with the target being cut. A cutter holder facing the cutter blade, the cutter holder being movable between the following positions: Full-cut position, in which the cutter blade is configured to perform the full-cut operation relative to the cutting target in conjunction with the cutter bracket; and In the half-cut position, the cutter blade is configured to perform the half-cut operation relative to the cutting target in conjunction with the cutter bracket; A first lever, configured to be operated by a user, is configured to contact the cutter blade directly or indirectly. The first lever is capable of moving from a first non-operational position to a first operation completed position. When no user operation is performed on the first lever, the first lever is located at the first non-operational position. When the user operation on the first lever has been completed, the first lever is located at the first operation completed position. and A second lever, configured to be operated by the user, is configured to contact both the cutter blade and the cutter bracket, directly or indirectly. The second lever is movable from a second non-operating position to a second operation completed position. When no user operation is performed on the second lever, the second lever is located in the second non-operating position; when the user operation on the second lever has been completed, the second lever is located in the second operation completed position. The movement of the first lever from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position causes the cutter blade to move from the retracted position to the cutting position, and The movement of the second lever from the second non-operational position to the second operation completed position causes the movement of the cutter blade from the retracted position to the cutting position and the movement of the cutter bracket between the full cutting position and the half cutting position.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, The first movement amount is less than the second movement amount. The first movement amount indicates the amount by which the first lever moves from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position, and the second movement amount indicates the amount by which the second lever moves from the second non-operating position to the second operation completed position.

3. The cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, in, In the case where the first lever and the second lever are operated under the same conditions, the first time period is shorter than the second time period. The first time period indicates the time required for the first lever to move from the first non-operational position to the first operation completed position, and the second time period indicates the time required for the second lever to move from the second non-operational position to the second operation completed position.

4. The cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, The cutter bracket completes its movement earlier than the cutter blade completes its movement. At the moment the cutter bracket completes its movement, the movement of the cutter bracket between the half-cut position and the full-cut position caused by the movement of the second lever is completed. At the moment the cutter blade completes its movement, the movement of the cutter blade from the retracted position to the cutting position caused by the movement of the second lever is completed.

5. The cutting device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a linkage part for moving the first lever and the second lever in a linkage relationship with each other. in, When the first lever and the second lever can move in a linked relationship with each other via the linkage: In the case where one of the first levers and the second lever moves in the first movement direction, the first lever moves from the first non-operating position to the first operation completed position; and In the case where one of the first levers and the second lever moves in a second movement direction different from the first movement direction, the second lever moves from the second non-operational position to the second operation completed position.

6. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cutter holder that holds the cutter blade, and the cutter holder being movable together with the cutter blade. The first lever causes the movement of the cutter blade by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder. The second lever causes the cutter blade to move by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder, and The second lever causes movement of the cutter holder by indirectly contacting the cutter holder via the cutter holder.

7. The cutting device according to claim 6, Both the first lever and the second lever are configured to indirectly contact the cutter blade via the cutter holder, and The cutter retainer includes: The first contact portion, the first lever is in contact with the first contact portion; and The second contact portion is where the second lever contacts the second contact portion.

8. The cutting device according to claim 6, The first distance between the first lever and the cutter holder in the first non-operating position is greater than the second distance between the second lever and the cutter holder in the second non-operating position.

9. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cutter holder that holds the cutter blade, and the cutter holder being movable together with the cutter blade. The first lever causes the movement of the cutter blade by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder. The second lever causes the cutter blade to move by directly contacting the cutter blade or indirectly contacting the cutter blade via the cutter holder, and The second lever causes the cutter bracket to move by directly contacting the cutter bracket.

10. The cutting device according to claim 9, The first distance between the first lever and the cutter blade in the first non-operating position is greater than the second distance between the second lever and the cutter bracket in the second non-operating position.

11. The cutting apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a retaining member for moving the cutter bracket, the retaining member extending in an extending direction including a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The cutter holder has an insertion portion into which the retaining member is inserted. With the retaining member inserted into the insertion portion, the retaining member extends through the insertion portion and extends in the second direction. The cutter holder includes a wall portion that, with the retaining member inserted into the insertion portion, faces the retaining member in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the extending direction, the orthogonal direction including a third direction and a fourth direction, wherein the wall portion faces the retaining member at a position further than the retaining member in the fourth direction, and The wall portion includes a first inclined portion, which is positioned further than the insertion portion in the first direction. The first inclined portion is inclined relative to the extension direction such that one end of the first inclined portion in the first direction is positioned further than one end of the first inclined portion in the second direction in the fourth direction.

12. The cutting device according to claim 11, The wall portion of the cutter bracket further includes a first load portion, which is positioned further away from the first inclined portion in the second direction, and The retaining member is configured to contact the first load portion and apply a load to the first load portion when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion.

13. The cutting device according to claim 12, The first load portion is inclined relative to the extension direction, such that one end of the first load portion in the second direction is positioned in the fourth direction further than one end of the first load portion in the first direction.

14. The cutting device according to claim 11, In the state where the retaining member is inserted into the insertion part, the retaining member does not contact the first inclined part and does not apply a load to the first inclined part.

15. The cutting device according to claim 11, The retaining member includes a portion that, when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, faces the cutter bracket in the orthogonal direction at a position further away from the cutter bracket in the third direction. The portion of the retaining member includes a second inclined portion, wherein, in the state where the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion, the second inclined portion is positioned further than the insertion portion in the first direction, and the second inclined portion is inclined relative to the extension direction such that one end of the second inclined portion in the first direction is positioned further than one end of the second inclined portion in the second direction in the fourth direction.

16. The cutting device according to claim 15, The portion of the retaining member further includes a second load portion positioned further than the second inclined portion in the second direction, the second load portion being configured to contact the insertion portion and apply a load to the insertion portion when the retaining member is inserted into the insertion portion.

17. The cutting device according to claim 16, The second load portion is inclined relative to the extension direction, such that one end of the second load portion in the second direction is positioned in the fourth direction further than one end of the second load portion in the first direction.

18. The cutting apparatus according to claim 15, The second inclined portion does not contact the cutter bracket and does not apply a load to the cutter bracket.

19. A printing apparatus, comprising: A receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is used to receive the cutting target; A cover, configured to open and close the receiving portion, the cover including a protrusion; A printing unit configured to perform printing on the cutting target; and The cutting apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, With the cover closed, the protrusion protrudes toward the cutter bracket to form a gap between the protrusion and the cutter bracket.

Images