Printer and cutting device

Abstract

The present invention provides a printer and a cutting device that can make each pinch roller approach or separate from a driving roller at a desired timing. The printer includes a driving roller and a plurality of pinch roller units (40) that move a medium supported on a support table along a conveying direction (X). Each pinch roller unit (40) includes a pinch roller (41), a supporting member (42) that holds the pinch roller (41) in a manner that allows it to approach or separate from the driving roller, and an operating member (45) that is disposed on the upstream (X2) side of the conveying direction relative to the pinch roller (41). The operating member (45) includes: an abutment portion (45a1) that is configured to abut against the supporting member (42); and an operating member (45a, 45b) that can move the pinch roller (41) in a direction away from the driving roller by pressing the abutment portion (45a1) against the supporting member (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printer and a cutting device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, printers and cutting devices having a conveying device for conveying a medium are known. The medium is an object to be printed or cut. Typically, the conveying device includes a driving roller embedded in a platen and a pinch roller that is arranged opposite to the driving roller and presses the medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer / plotter that includes a print head, a cutting head, a plurality of roller assemblies each having a pinch roller and a rod for raising and lowering the pinch roller, and an arm for operating the rod.

[0003] In the printer / plotter disclosed in Patent Document 1, a slide member of an arm is provided to engage with a guide rail with which a print head and a cutting head engage. In addition, the arm is configured to be movable to an engagement position in which the arm engages with a rod and a retracted position in which the arm does not abut against the rod. The rod swings in the horizontal direction to raise and lower the clamping roller. According to the printer / plotter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the arm position is switched between the engagement position and the retracted position based on a program, so that the slide member moves along the guide rail, thereby automatically operating the rods of a plurality of roller assemblies. As a result, the user can make fine adjustment settings of the clamp state without having to perform switching operations on each rod of all roller assemblies one by one.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-238671 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the printer / plotter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the raising and lowering of each pinch roller is automatically performed according to the program. Therefore, in the middle of the execution of the program, the raising and lowering action of the pinch roller that does not exist in the program cannot be automatically performed. However, in actual printing, for example, when a part of the medium floats unexpectedly, it is sometimes necessary to raise a part of the pinch rollers in the middle of printing.

[0009] As described above, when it is necessary to perform a lifting and lowering action of a pinch roller that does not exist in the program during the execution of the program, in the printer / plotter disclosed in Patent Document 1, the printing action is temporarily stopped, and the user can operate the lever to raise and lower the pinch roller. However, if printing is temporarily stopped in the middle, in most cases, there will be a problem that the printing state changes before and after the temporary stop. In the cutting device, if cutting is temporarily stopped, at least the productivity of cutting will also decrease. In order to avoid this situation, even if the user wants to operate the lever in the middle of printing or cutting, in the printer / plotter disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the print head and the cutting head move in front of the lever, such an operation is basically impossible.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printer and a cutting device including a plurality of pinch rollers, each of which can be raised and lowered at a desired timing.

[0011] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0012] The printer disclosed herein comprises: a support table for supporting a medium; a driving roller disposed on the support table for driving the medium supported on the support table to move along a prescribed conveying direction; a plurality of pinch roller units disposed in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and a print head disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the driving roller and the pinch roller unit, and opposite to the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller disposed in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member for holding the pinch roller in a manner capable of approaching or separating from the driving roller; and an operating member disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction relative to the pinch roller. The operating member comprises: a contact portion abutting against the supporting member; and an operating member capable of moving the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller by pressing the contact portion against the supporting member.

[0013] In addition, the cutting device disclosed herein comprises: a support table supporting a medium; a driving roller disposed on the support table to drive the medium supported on the support table to move along a specified conveying direction; a plurality of pinch roller units disposed in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and a cutting head disposed on the downstream side of the conveying direction relative to the driving roller and the pinch roller unit, and opposite to the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller disposed in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member to hold the pinch roller in a manner capable of approaching or separating from the driving roller; and an operating member disposed on the upstream side of the conveying direction relative to the pinch roller. The operating member comprises: an abutting portion abutting against the supporting member; and an operating member capable of moving the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller by pressing the abutting portion against the supporting member.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned printer or cutting device, each pinch roller unit has an operating component configured to separate the pinch roller from the driving roller, and the operating component is arranged at the upstream side of the conveying direction of the pinch roller. The print head and the cutting head are arranged at the downstream side of the conveying direction of the pinch roller unit, so the operating component is arranged in the opposite direction of the print head or the cutting head with reference to the pinch roller. According to the printer or cutting device, even when the print head or the cutting head is used in printing or cutting, the user can operate the operating component from the opposite side of the print head or the cutting head. Therefore, each pinch roller can be brought close to or separated from the driving roller at a desired timing including printing or cutting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the printer with a cutting head according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a front view of the print head and the cutting head in a state where the first carriage and the second carriage are connected.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a front view of the print head and the cutting head in a state where the first carriage and the second carriage are separated.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the main parts of the conveying device as seen from the front side.

[0019] Figure 5 This is the main view of the printer.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the conveying device taken along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction and the up-down direction.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the first short rail and the second short rail.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the pinch roller unit as seen from the front side.

[0023] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of the pinch roller unit as seen from the rear side.

[0024] Fig.10 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the pinch roller unit taken along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction and the up-down direction.

[0025] Fig.11 It is a partial perspective view of the pinch roller unit cut along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction and the up-down direction.

[0026] Fig.12 is the rear view of the printer.

[0027] Fig.13 This is a rear view of the pinch roller unit when the operating member is not in contact with the roller holder.

[0028] Fig.14 This is a rear view of the pinch roller unit when the operating member is in contact with the roller holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] [Structure of inkjet printer with cutting head]

[0030] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet printer 10 with a cutting head (hereinafter, referred to as printer 10) according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the printer 10 according to the present embodiment is a device for printing and cutting a sheet-like medium 5. The medium 5 may be, for example, a sheet composed of a backing paper and a release paper laminated on the backing paper and coated with an adhesive, or may be a recording paper or a sheet made of resin, etc. The medium 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can be at least one of printed and cut and can be transported by the transport device 20 described later.

[0031] The printer 10 comprises: a platen 11 supporting a medium 5; a conveying device 20 conveying the medium 5 supported on the platen 11 along a prescribed conveying direction; a print head 70 printing on the medium 5; a cutting head 80 cutting the medium 5; and a head moving device 90 moving the print head 70 and the cutting head 80.

[0032] As will be described in detail later, the print head 70 and the cutting head 80 are configured to be movable in the Y direction shown in the figure. In addition, the medium 5 is transported in the X direction shown in the figure. Hereinafter, the Y direction is also referred to as the main scanning direction, and the X direction is also referred to as the sub-scanning direction. The main scanning direction Y corresponds to the width direction of the medium 5, and the sub-scanning direction X corresponds to the length direction of the medium 5. The main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction here. The sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction here. The main scanning direction Y, the sub-scanning direction X, and the up-down direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The medium 5 is supplied from a supply roller (not shown) disposed on the back side of the printer 10, is transported forward by the transport device 20, and is then wound by a winding roller (not shown) disposed on the front side of the printer 10. The X1 direction shown in the figure is the downstream side of the transport direction of the medium 5, that is, the sub-scanning direction X. The X1 direction is the front here. The X2 direction shown in the figure is the upstream side of the transport direction of the medium 5, that is, the sub-scanning direction X. The X2 direction is the rear here. However, these directions are for convenience of explanation and do not limit the setting method of the printer 10. Symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings represent the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom of the printer 10, respectively.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying device 20 includes a plurality of checkered platen rollers 21, a feed motor (not shown), and a plurality of pinch roller units 40. The plurality of checkered platen rollers 21 are respectively provided on the platen 11, and are driven by the feed motor to rotate in the sub-scanning direction X. The plurality of pinch roller units 40 are provided above the platen 11. Each pinch roller unit 40 includes a pinch roller 41 that can contact or separate from the checkered platen roller 21. The pinch roller 41 is a component that presses the medium 5 from above. When the pinch roller 41 descends and the grid platen roller 21 rotates in a state where the medium 5 is sandwiched between the pinch roller 41 and the checkered platen roller 21, the medium 5 is conveyed to the downstream X1 side or the upstream X2 side of the sub-scanning direction X.

[0034] In this embodiment, the conveying device 20 is provided with an integral lifting mechanism 60 that raises or lowers all the pinch rollers 41 together. In addition, in this embodiment, each pinch roller unit 40 is provided with an operating member 45 that raises or lowers only its own pinch roller 41 in addition to the integral lifting mechanism 60 (see Fig. 9 The detailed structure of the conveying device 20 will be described later. In addition, the conveying device 20 has more checkered embossing rollers 21 and pinch roller units 40, but Figure 1 Illustration omitted.

[0035] The head moving device 90 is configured to move the print head 70 and the cutting head 80 in the main scanning direction Y. Figure 2 and Figure 3 70 and the cutting head 80. Figure 2The figure shows a state in which the first carriage 95 on which the print head 70 is mounted and the second carriage 96 on which the cutting head 80 is mounted are connected. Figure 3 The first carriage 95 and the second carriage 96 are shown in a separated state. The head moving device 90 moves the first carriage 95 and the second carriage 96 together in a coupled state. In addition, the head moving device 90 moves only the second carriage 96 alone in a separated state.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the head moving device 90 includes a guide rail 91, a belt 92, and a scanning motor (not shown). The guide rail 91 is arranged above the platen 11. The guide rail 91 extends along the main scanning direction Y. The print head 70 and the cutting head 80 are respectively engaged with the guide rail 91 in a slidable manner via a first slide 95 and a second slide 96. A belt 92 extending along the main scanning direction Y is fixed to the upper back side of the second slide 96. The belt 92 is connected to the scanning motor. When the scanning motor rotates, the belt 92 moves in the main scanning direction Y. As a result, the second slide 96 moves in the main scanning direction Y.

[0037] The first slide 95 and the second slide 96 are connected or separated by connecting members 95a and 96a. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the connecting parts 95a and 96a include a first connecting part 95a provided on the first slide 95 and a second connecting part 96a provided on the second slide 96. The first connecting part 95a is provided on the left side of the first slide 95. The second connecting part 96a is provided on the right side of the second slide 96. In the present embodiment, the connecting parts 95a and 96a connect the first slide 95 and the second slide 96 by magnetic force. One of the first connecting part 95a and the second connecting part 96a has a magnet, and the other has a magnetic body attracted to the magnet. However, the connecting parts 95a and 96a are not limited to parts using magnetic force, but may also be parts having other structures such as a snap-fit ​​part. The first slide 95 and the second slide 96 are connected by the first connecting part 95a contacting the second connecting part 96a.

[0038] An L-shaped receiving fitting 95b is provided on the right side of the first slide 95. In addition, a locking device 97 for fixing the first slide 95 is provided near the right end of the guide rail 91. The locking device 97 includes a hook 98 hooked to the receiving fitting 95b, and a locking device 97 for locking the hook 98 in a locked position (see FIG. Figure 3 ) and unlocked position (refer to Figure 2 ) between the locking solenoid 99.

[0039] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , when printing is performed using the print head 70, the hook 98 is set in the unlocked position. When the second carriage 96 moves to the right and the first connecting member 95a contacts the second connecting member 96a, the second carriage 96 is connected to the first carriage 95. As a result, the first carriage 95 can move together with the second carriage 96 in the main scanning direction Y. The head moving device 90 moves the print head 70 and the cutting head 80 in the main scanning direction Y in a state where the first carriage 95 is connected to the second carriage 96.

[0040] When the cutting head 80 is cutting, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first carriage 95 is positioned at the standby position at the right end of the movable range, and the hook 98 of the locking device 97 is set at the locking position. As a result, the movement of the first carriage 95 is blocked. If the second carriage 96 moves to the left in this state, the first connecting member 95a and the second connecting member 96a are separated, and the connection between the second carriage 96 and the first carriage 95 is released. As a result, the second carriage 96 can move in the main scanning direction Y while the first carriage 95 is waiting at the standby position.

[0041] The print head 70 is mounted on the first carriage 95. The print head 70 is arranged in a manner opposite to the platen 11. The print head 70 is arranged on the downstream X1 side of the grid platen roller 21 and the pinch roller unit 40 in the secondary scanning direction X. The print head 70 ejects ink to print on the medium 5. The print head 70 includes a plurality of inkjet heads 71. A plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink are respectively formed on the lower surfaces of the plurality of inkjet heads 71. The number of the inkjet heads 71 ​​is not particularly limited, and the type and color of the ink ejected by the inkjet heads 71 ​​are not particularly limited.

[0042] The cutting head 80 is mounted on the second carriage 96. The cutting head 80 is also disposed on the downstream X1 side of the grid platen roller 21 and the pinch roller unit 40 in the secondary scanning direction X, and is opposed to the platen 11. The cutting head 80 includes a cutter 81 and a solenoid 82. When the solenoid 82 is turned on / off, the cutter 81 moves in the vertical direction Z to contact with the medium 5 or separate from the medium 5. The cutter 81 cuts the medium 5 by contacting with the medium 5.

[0043] [Conveying device structure]

[0044] Hereinafter, the structure of the transport device 20 will be described in detail. As described above, the transport device 20 includes a plurality of checkered platen rollers 21 that rotate in the sub-scanning direction X, and a plurality of pinch roller units 40 that press the medium 5 from above. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the main part of the conveying device 20 as seen from the front side. Figure 5 1 is a front view of the printer 10. Figure 4As shown, a plurality of square platen rollers 21 are arranged in a row in the main scanning direction Y. Each square platen roller 21 extends along the main scanning direction Y.

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of square platen rollers 21 are embedded in the platen 11 in a manner that a portion of each of the square platen rollers 21 is exposed from the platen 11. As described above, each square platen roller 21 is connected to a feed motor (not shown) and is driven by the feed motor to rotate in the secondary scanning direction X. Each square platen roller 21 drives the medium 5 supported on the platen 11 to move in the downstream X1 direction of the secondary scanning direction X and in the upstream X2 direction, which is the opposite direction of the X1 direction. Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the length of the right-end square platen roller 21 in the main scanning direction Y is set longer than that of other square platen rollers 21. This is because the position of the right end of the medium 5 differs depending on the width of the medium 5. In addition, here, the number of square platen rollers 21 is plural, but the square platen roller 21 may be a single square platen roller that is longer in the main scanning direction Y.

[0046] A plurality of pinch roller units 40 are arranged in a manner opposite to the grid platen roller 21. Here, the plurality of pinch roller units 40 are respectively opposite to one grid platen roller 21. However, for example, in a case where the length of one grid platen roller 21 in the main scanning direction Y is long, a plurality of pinch roller units 40 may be arranged to be opposite to one grid platen roller 21. Each pinch roller unit 40 is configured to be able to change its position in the main scanning direction Y corresponding to the position of the grid platen roller 21 in the main scanning direction Y. The pinch roller units 40 other than the pinch roller unit 40 at the right end are adjusted in position in the main scanning direction Y when the printer 10 is manufactured, and are respectively positioned at positions opposite to one grid platen roller 21. Thus, as Figure 5 As shown, these pinch roller units 40 are respectively arranged at predetermined positions in the main scanning direction Y. The position of the right-end pinch roller unit 40 in the main scanning direction Y is changed by the user according to the width of the medium 5 .

[0047] In the present embodiment, the pinch roller units 40 at both ends of the main scanning direction Y are configured to press the medium 5 with a higher load than other pinch roller units 40. If the pressing force of all the pinch roller units 40 is equal, in the case of a medium 5 with a narrow width, the medium 5 is not pressed by only the right end or several pinch roller units 40 from the right end. In this case, it is not particularly necessary to move the pinch roller unit 40 at the right end in the main scanning direction Y. However, in the printer 10 involved in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the pinch roller units 40 at both ends press the two ends of the medium 5 with a high load. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to move the pinch roller unit 40 at the right end in the main scanning direction Y in accordance with the width of the medium 5. Figure 5As shown, a mark 22 indicating a reference of the position of the pinch roller unit 40 based on the width of the medium 5 is displayed on the front side of the printer 10 .

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveying device 20 includes a pinch rail 30 for engaging a plurality of pinch roller units 40. The plurality of pinch roller units 40 can slide along the pinch rail 30 in the main scanning direction Y. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pinch rail 30 is disposed above the platen 11 in a manner opposite to the platen 11 and extends in the main scanning direction Y. As shown in FIG.

[0049] Figure 6 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the conveying device 20 taken along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction and the up-down direction Z. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pinch rail 30 is a flat plate-shaped member extending in the main scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the pinch rail 30 is composed of a plurality of first short rails 30A and a plurality of second short rails 30B arranged in a row in the main scanning direction Y. The pinch rail 30 is a collection of a plurality of first short rails 30A and a plurality of second short rails 30B. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction Y. The details of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B will be described later. Figure 6 As shown, the plurality of first short rails 30A and the plurality of second short rails 30B are respectively abutted against the front panel 12 of the printer 10 and fastened to the front panel 12 by bolts B1. The plurality of first short rails 30A and the plurality of second short rails 30B are respectively installed on the front panel 12. The position of the pinch rail 30 in the secondary scanning direction X is determined by the abutment against the front panel 12. Figure 6 As shown, the front panel 12 is strong and precisely made so as to be suitable for allowing the guide rail 91 to be fixed thereto.

[0050] like Figure 6As shown, a guide rail 91 is fixed to the front panel 12. The guide rail 91 is arranged above the pinch rail 30. The first short rails 30A and the second short rails 30B constituting the pinch rail 30 abut against the surface of the guide rail 91 opposite to the platen 11, and abut against the lower surface 91a. The details will be described later, and the surfaces of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B abutting against the lower surface 91a of the guide rail 91 will also be referred to as positioning surfaces 34A1 and 34B1, respectively. The position of the pinch rail 30 in the up-down direction Z is determined by the positioning surfaces 34A1 and 34B1 abutting against the lower surface 91a of the guide rail 91. The guide rail 91 has high rigidity and high dimensional accuracy in order to make the first slide 95 and the second slide 96 slide smoothly. Moreover, the guide rail 91 is positioned with high accuracy relative to the platen 11 in a manner that the distance between the print head 70 and the cutting head 80 and the platen 11 becomes a specified distance. Therefore, the guide rail 91 is used for positioning of the pinch rail 30 in the up-down direction Z.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the pinch rail 30 has an engaged portion 32 for the pinch roller unit 40 to engage. The engaged portion 32 is provided at the lower end of the pinch rail 30. The engaged portion 32 of the pinch rail 30, which is a collection of a plurality of first short rails 30A and a plurality of second short rails 30B, is configured by arranging the engaged portions 32A of the plurality of first short rails 30A and the engaged portions 32B of the plurality of second short rails 30B in the main scanning direction Y. The pinch roller unit 40 moves in the main scanning direction Y by sliding along the engaged portion 32 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0052] [Structure of the first short rail and the second short rail]

[0053] Figure 7 30A and 30B. In the following description of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B, when directions are mentioned, the directions when the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are installed in the printer 10 are used as appropriate. Figure 7 As shown, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are both formed in a flat plate shape extending in the main scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Here, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are formed by resin molding. However, the material of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B is not particularly limited. The first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B can be formed by aluminum die casting, for example.

[0054] The first short rail 30A includes a flat plane portion 31A, an engaged portion 32A provided at the lower end of the plane portion 31A, a plurality of through holes 33A respectively penetrating the plane portion 31A in the secondary scanning direction X, and a plurality of protrusions 34A provided at the upper end of the plane portion 31A. The flat plane portion 31A has a front 31A1 and a back 31A2. When the first short rail 30A is mounted on the printer 10, the back 31A2 abuts against the front panel 12 of the printer 10. The engaged portion 32A is a portion to which the pinch roller unit 40 is engaged. The engaged portion 32A is configured as a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the main scanning direction Y. The plurality of through holes 33A are holes through which the bolts B1 are inserted when the first short rail 30A is fixed to the front panel 12. The plurality of through holes 33A respectively penetrate the front 31A1 and the back 31A2 of the plane portion 31A. The plurality of through holes 33A are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y.

[0055] A plurality of protrusions 34A are arranged at the upper end of the plane portion 31A in a manner arranged in the main scanning direction Y, and protrude upward from the upper end of the plane portion 31A. The upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 34A form a discontinuous upper surface of the first short rail 30A. The upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 34A are configured to be flat and substantially parallel to the engaged portion 32A. Here, the upper surfaces of the plurality of protrusions 34A are a plurality of positioning surfaces 34A1 that abut against the lower surface 91a of the guide rail 91. The second short rail 30B also has the same plane portion 31B (more specifically, the front surface 31B1 and the back surface 31B2) as the first short rail 30A, the engaged portion 32B, a plurality of through holes 33B, and a plurality of protrusions 34B.

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the second short rail 30B and the first short rail 30A have different lengths in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the length of the second short rail 30B in the main scanning direction Y is configured to be shorter than the length of the first short rail 30A in the main scanning direction Y. The height of the first short rail 30A in the vertical direction Z is the same as the height of the second short rail 30B in the vertical direction Z. More specifically, the height of the engaged portion, the height of the flat portion, the height of the protruding portion, and the position of the through hole in the vertical direction Z of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are the same.

[0057] like Figure 7As shown, the diameter of the engaged portion 32A of the first short rail 30A is formed to be larger than the thickness of the plane portion 31A in the sub-scanning direction X. The engaged portion 32A protrudes in the front-back direction than the plane portion 31A. In addition, the engaged portion 32A protrudes outward from the plane portion 31A in the main scanning direction Y, in this case to the left and right. The engaged portion 32B of the second short rail 30B is constructed in the same manner. The thickness of the plane portion 31B of the second short rail 30B in the sub-scanning direction X is the same as the thickness of the plane portion 31A of the first short rail 30A in the sub-scanning direction X. The diameter of the engaged portion 32B of the second short rail 30B is the same as the diameter of the engaged portion 32A of the first short rail 30A.

[0058] The plurality of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A are arranged at equal intervals. The pitch of the plurality of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A corresponds to the pitch of the threaded holes 12a (see FIG. 1 ) through which the bolts B1 are fastened in the front panel 12. Figure 6 ). Although not shown in the figure, threaded holes 12a are provided on the front panel 12 at the same pitch as the plurality of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A. The pitch of the plurality of through holes 33B of the second short rail 30B is the same as the pitch of the plurality of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A. With this structure, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B can be mounted on the front panel 12. In addition, since the length of the second short rail 30B in the main scanning direction Y is shorter than that of the first short rail 30A, the number of through holes 33B of the second short rail 30B is less than the number of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A.

[0059] In addition, the distance between the through hole 33A at the end of the first short rail 30A in the main scanning direction Y (for example, the through hole 33A at the right end) and the end of the engaged portion 32A in the same direction (for example, the right end of the engaged portion 32A) is half the pitch of the threaded holes 12a. In the second short rail 30B, the distance between the through hole 33B at the end of the main scanning direction Y (for example, the through hole 33B at the left end) and the end of the engaged portion 32B in the same direction (for example, the left end of the engaged portion 32B) is also half the pitch of the threaded holes 12a. With this structure, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B can be arranged in the main scanning direction Y without a gap.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown in the figure, countersinks 35A are formed around the plurality of through holes 33A of the first short rail 30A for sinking the heads of the bolts B1. The countersinks 35A are provided on the front surface 31A1 side of the flat portion 31A. Similarly, the second short rail 30B also has countersinks 35B formed around the through holes 33A on the front surface 31B1 side of the flat portion 31B. The through holes 33A and the countersinks 35A of the first short rail 30A are the same as the through holes 33B and the countersinks 35B of the second short rail 30B, and correspond to the bolts B1.

[0061] In most cases, the first short rail 30A as a component is directed in any direction of the normal line of the flat surface portion 31A (in Figure 7 In the present embodiment, the countersink 35A is warped in a manner that the surface on the convex side of the first short rail 30A becomes the front surface 31A1. The countersink 35A may be formed by resin molding, in which case the direction of the warping is controlled during molding. Alternatively, the countersink 35A may be formed by cutting after resin molding, in which case the surface on which the countersink 35A is machined is determined by observing the direction of the warping of the first short rail 30A during molding. The same is true for the second short rail 30B.

[0062] In the first short rail 30A, a plurality of protrusions 34A are respectively provided above the through holes 33A. Therefore, the positioning surfaces 34A1 and the through holes 33A are arranged in the vertical direction. In addition, the number of the positioning surfaces 34A1 is the same as the number of the through holes 33A. The second short rail 30B is also configured in the same manner. Therefore, the number of the positioning surfaces 34B1 of the second short rail 30B is less than the number of the positioning surfaces 34A1 of the first short rail 30A.

[0063] As described above, the plurality of first short rails 30A and the plurality of second short rails 30B are individually screwed and fastened to the front panel 12. Here, the plurality of first short rails 30A and the plurality of second short rails 30B are alternately arranged in the main scanning direction Y. However, the plurality of first short rails 30A and the plurality of second short rails 30B may not be alternately arranged in the main scanning direction Y. In the fixing of the first short rail 30A to the front panel 12, for example, while the positioning surface 34A1 is pressed against the lower surface 91a of the guide rail 91, the bolt B1 inserted into the through hole 33A is tightened. Thus, the position of the sub-scanning direction X and the up-down direction Z of the first short rail 30A is determined. The same is true for the second short rail 30B.

[0064] The other short rails adjacent to one fixed short rail are aligned in a manner continuous with the previously fixed short rail in the main scanning direction Y. In order to perform this alignment, looseness relative to the bolt B1 may also be provided in the through hole and the countersunk hole. In detail, the adjacent short rails are aligned with each other in a manner that the ends of the engaged portions contact each other. The engaged portion 32A of the first short rail 30A and the engaged portion 32B of the second short rail 30B protrude outward in the main scanning direction Y more than the planar portions 31A and 31B. Therefore, the engaged portions 32A and 32B can be brought into contact with each other. By the adjacent engaged portions being in contact with each other, a seamless engaged portion 32 is formed.

[0065] Regarding the warping direction, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are fixed with the recessed surfaces, that is, the back surfaces 31A2 and 31B2, facing the front panel 12. The first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are respectively formed with one or more through holes 33A and 32B in the center of the main scanning direction Y. Therefore, by fastening the bolts B1 inserted through the through holes 33A and 32B in the center to the front panel 12, the warping of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B is corrected.

[0066] [Structure of the pinch roller unit]

[0067] Next, the structure of the pinch roller unit 40 will be described. As described above, the pinch roller unit 40 is a unit for pressing or releasing the medium 5 , and includes the pinch roller 41 for pressing the medium 5 . Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the pinch roller unit 40 as seen from the front side. Fig. 9 It is a perspective view of the pinch roller unit 40 as viewed from the rear side. Fig.10 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the pinch roller unit 40 taken along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction and the up-down direction Z. FIG. Fig.11 4 is a partial perspective view of the pinch roller unit 40 cut along a plane extending in the sub-scanning direction X and the up-down direction Z. Fig.12 2 is a rear view of the printer 10, which is a view of the plurality of pinch roller units 40 as viewed from the back side. Figure 8 to Figure 11 As shown, the pinch roller unit 40 includes a pinch roller 41, a main body 50 engaged with the pinch rail 30, a roller holder 42 swingably supported by the main body 50 and supporting the pinch roller 41, a swing shaft 43 of the roller holder 42, a spring 44 for applying force to the roller holder 42, and an operating member 45 for lifting and lowering the roller holder 42. Here, the pinch roller 41, the roller holder 42, the swing shaft 43, and the spring 44 are directly or indirectly supported by the main body 50. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the operating member 45 is supported by the back panel 13 of the printer 10. However, the operating member 45 may also be supported by the main body 50. Figure 8 and Fig.11 In the figure, the operating component 45 is omitted.

[0068] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main body 50 is formed in a hollow box shape. The main body 50 includes a front wall 50F, a left side wall 50L, a right side wall 50R, and an upper wall 50U. An internal space 50s (see FIG. 1 ) is formed inside the front wall 50F, the left side wall 50L, the right side wall 50R, and the upper wall 50U. Fig.11 The roller holder 42 is housed in the internal space 50s. In addition, the synchronous lifting cam 61 of the entire lifting mechanism 60 (the details will be described later) is housed in the internal space 50s.

[0069] The front wall 50F is provided with a front surface opening 51 through which the front end of the roller holder 42 passes. Fig. 9 As shown, the rear end of the main body 50 is open to form a back opening 52 for the rear end of the roller holder 42 to pass through. The front end of the roller holder 42 protrudes from the front surface opening 51 to the outside of the internal space 50s. The rear end of the roller holder 42 protrudes from the back opening 52 to the outside of the internal space 50s.

[0070] The upper wall 50U extends from the front end of the main body 50 to the center in the secondary scanning direction X. The upper wall 50U is provided with an engagement groove 53 and an upper surface opening 54. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the engagement groove 53 is a groove that engages with the engaged portion 32 of the pinch rail 30. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the engagement groove 53 is provided near the front end of the upper wall 50U. The engagement groove 53 is configured as a cylindrical hole corresponding to the engaged portion 32 of the pinch rail 30 and extends along the main scanning direction Y. The engagement groove 53 penetrates the upper wall 50U to the left and right. The engagement groove 53 reaches the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R. When the main body 50 is mounted on the pinch rail 30, the engagement groove 53 that penetrates to the left and right is mounted on the engaged portion 32 of the pinch rail 30.

[0071] The upper surface opening 54 is disposed at a position further back than the engagement groove 53. The upper surface opening 54 penetrates the rear end of the upper wall 50U. Fig.11 As shown, the upper surface opening 54 is an opening for inserting the synchronized lifting cam 61 into the internal space 50 s of the main body 50 .

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R respectively have a left support arm 50L1 and a right support arm 50R1 protruding upward from the rear end. The left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R are respectively formed into an L shape by the left support arm 50L1 and the right support arm 50R1 extending upward from the rear end. The left support arm 50L1 and the right support arm 50R1 are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. The upper surfaces of the left support arm 50L1 and the right support arm 50R1 are respectively provided with grooves 50L2 and 50R2 recessed in a manner extending in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z.

[0073] The upper part between the left support arm 50L1 and the right support arm 50R1 and the upper wall 50U is open. In the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R, a pair of cam bearings 55a are formed at the left and right positions of the space opened at the upper part. The pair of cam bearings 55a are respectively substantially circular through holes that penetrate the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R in the left and right directions. The upper part of the pair of cam bearings 55a is open. The pair of cam bearings 55a is a part that receives the shaft portion 61a (described later) of the simultaneous lifting cam 61. The pair of cam bearings 55a, the open space between the pair of cam bearings 55a, and the space below the upper surface opening 54 (hereinafter referred to as the cam accommodating space 55b) constitute the cam accommodating portion 55 that accommodates the simultaneous lifting cam 61.

[0074] A pair of swing bearings 56 are provided near the front lower corners of the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R. The pair of swing bearings 56 are through holes that penetrate the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R in the main scanning direction Y, respectively.

[0075] A spring locking member 57 is provided between the left supporting arm 50L1 and the right supporting arm 50R1. The spring locking member 57 is formed in a flat plate shape and is inserted into the groove 50L2 at the upper end of the left supporting arm 50L1 and the groove 50R2 at the upper end of the right supporting arm 50R1. However, the left supporting arm 50L1, the right supporting arm 50R1 and the spring locking member 57 may also be formed integrally. The spring locking member 57 has two spring locking portions 57a. Here, the spring locking portion 57a ​​is a through hole that penetrates the spring locking member 57 in the secondary scanning direction X. A pair of spring locking portions 57a are arranged in a row in the main scanning direction Y.

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of anti-rotation parts 58 are formed on the back of the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R. The pair of anti-rotation parts 58 are formed on the back of the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R, respectively, and are grooves extending in the main scanning direction Y. The pair of anti-rotation parts 58 are recessed from the back of the left side wall 50L and the right side wall 50R toward the front. Figure 6 As shown, the folded portion 13a of the rear panel 13 of the printer 10 folded forward is inserted into the pair of rotation stoppers 58. Thus, the main body 50 is prevented from rotating in the front-rear direction.

[0077] The roller holder 42 is accommodated in the internal space 50s of the main body 50 and is supported by the swing shaft 43 in a swingable manner. Figure 8 As shown, the swing shaft 43 is inserted into a pair of swing bearing portions 56. The swing shaft 43 extends in the main scanning direction Y at a front lower portion of the pinch roller unit 40.

[0078] The roller holder 42 is a member that supports the pinch roller 41 so that it can move closer to or farther from the checkered platen roller 21. The roller holder 42 swings while supporting the pinch roller 41, thereby allowing the pinch roller 41 to move closer to or farther from the checkered platen roller 21. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the roller holder 42 has a plate-like shape extending in the sub-scanning direction X. Approximately two-thirds of the front side of the roller holder 42 is a flat portion 42a that is substantially horizontal in the internal space 50s of the main body 50. The portion of the roller holder 42 that is further rearward than the flat portion 42a is an arm portion 42b that is bent upward. The arm portion 42b is further bent so that the rear end portion becomes substantially horizontal again. Fig.11 As shown, the roller holder 42 includes a roller support portion 42c, a swing shaft insertion portion 42d, a simultaneous lift cam receiving portion 42e, a spring locking portion 42f, and an individual lift cam receiving portion 42g. The roller support portion 42c, the swing shaft insertion portion 42d, the simultaneous lift cam receiving portion 42e, and the spring locking portion 42f are provided on the flat portion 42a. The individual lift cam receiving portion 42g is provided on the arm portion 42b.

[0079] The roller support portion 42c is provided at the front end portion of the flat portion 42a, i.e., the front end portion of the roller holder 42. The roller support portion 42c has a rotating shaft 42c1 extending in the main scanning direction. The roller support portion 42c supports the pinch roller 41 in a manner that it can rotate around the rotating shaft 42c1. Thus, the pinch roller 41 can rotate in the sub-scanning direction X. The pinch roller 41 is a cylindrical component. The axis of the pinch roller 41 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The pinch roller 41 is supported by the roller holder 42, and is thereby arranged in a manner that is opposite to the checkered embossing roller 21. In addition, the pinch roller 41 approaches or moves away from the checkered embossing roller 21 by swinging the roller holder 42.

[0080] The swing shaft insertion portion 42d is arranged at the rear of the roller support portion 42c. The swing shaft insertion portion 42d is a through hole that penetrates in the main scanning direction Y, and the swing shaft 43 is inserted therethrough. The roller holder 42 is configured to be able to swing around the swing shaft 43. As the roller holder 42 swings around the swing shaft 43, the pinch roller 41 supported at the front end of the roller holder 42 moves in the up-down direction Z. In detail, if the portion of the roller holder 42 that is rearward of the swing shaft 43 is pressed downward, the pinch roller 41 that is arranged in front of the swing shaft 43 moves upward. If the portion of the roller holder 42 that is rearward of the swing shaft 43 is lifted upward, the pinch roller 41 moves downward. In addition, the portion of the flat portion 42a that is rearward of the swing shaft insertion portion 42d is configured to be longer than the portion that is in front of the swing shaft insertion portion 42d.

[0081] The synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e is provided in the flat portion 42a at a position behind the swing shaft insertion portion 42d. Here, the distance between the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d is configured to be longer than the distance between the pinch roller 41 and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d. The synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e is a portion pushed by the synchronous lifting cam 61. Fig.11 As shown, the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e is located below the cam receiving space 55b. Therefore, if the synchronous lifting cam 61 is received in the pinch roller unit 40, it is arranged above the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e. When the synchronous lifting cam 61 rotates, the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e slides relative to the synchronous lifting cam 61 to draw a curved surface downward and become concave. When the synchronous lifting cam 61 rotates and presses the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e downward, the pinch roller 41 moves upward.

[0082] The spring locking portion 42f is provided in the flat portion 42a at a position further rearward than the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e. The spring locking portion 42f is configured to be hooked on the lower end hook 44d provided at the lower end of each of the pair of springs 44 (see Fig.10 ). When the spring locking portion 42f is pulled upward due to the contraction of the spring 44, the pinch roller 41 moves downward.

[0083] An individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is provided at the rear end portion of the arm portion 42b. The individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is a substantially horizontal flat surface provided at the rear end portion of the arm portion 42b. The individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is a portion pressed by the operating member 45. The details will be described later. When the user operates the operating member 45, the operating member 45 presses the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g downward. When the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is pressed downward, the pinch roller 41 moves upward.

[0084] The pair of springs 44 are locked to the pair of spring locking portions 57a of the spring locking member 57 and the spring locking portion 42f of the roller holder 42. Fig.10 As shown, the spring 44 is arranged upright, and the upper end hook 44u provided at the upper end of the spring 44 is hooked on the spring locking portion 57a. The lower end hook 44d provided at the lower end of the spring 44 is hooked on the spring locking portion 42f of the roller holder 42. The spring 44 is locked to the spring locking portions 57a and 42f in an extended state. Therefore, the spring 44 pulls the spring locking portion 42f upward. As a result, the spring 44 applies force to the pinch roller 41 downward. When the simultaneous lifting cam 61 or the operating member 45 does not press the roller holder 42, the pinch roller 41 is pressed downward by the restoring force of the spring 44.

[0085] The operating member 45 is a member for moving the pinch roller 41 closer to or farther from the checkered platen roller 21. The operating member 45 is provided for each pinch roller unit 40, and individually raises and lowers the pinch roller 41 of the provided pinch roller unit 40. In the present embodiment, the operating member 45 swings the roller holder 42 holding the pinch roller 41 according to the operation of the user, thereby moving the pinch roller 41 closer to or farther from the checkered platen roller 21.

[0086] like Fig. 9 As shown, the operating member 45 is disposed above the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g in a manner capable of abutting against the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g of the roller holder 42. Here, the operating member 45 is disposed on the back panel 13 of the printer 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, the back panel 13 is disposed on the upstream X2 side of the secondary scanning direction X relative to the pinch roller 41, and is exposed toward the X2 direction. The operating components 45 of each pinch roller unit 40 disposed on the back panel 13 can be observed from the rear side of the printer 10. The operating components 45 of each pinch roller unit 40 can be operated from the rear. In addition, in the present embodiment, the operating components 45 are disposed at the rear of each part of the pinch roller unit 40, but as long as they are at least disposed at the rear of the pinch roller 41 and can be manually operated by the user. Fig. 9 As shown, the operating member 45 has a plate-like shape extending along a vertical plane.

[0087] Fig.13 40 is a rear view of the pinch roller unit 40. Fig.13 As shown, the operating component 45 includes a cam portion 45a, a rod 45b, and a rotating shaft 45c. The rotating shaft 45c is provided on the back panel 13 and extends in the sub-scanning direction X. The cam portion 45a is supported on the rotating shaft 45c in a manner that it can rotate around the rotating shaft 45c. The cam portion 45a is an eccentric cam having an outer peripheral portion whose distance from the rotating shaft 45c varies depending on the rotation position. Here, the cam portion 45a has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the rear, and the rotating shaft 45c is provided at a position deviating from the center of the cam portion 45a. The cam portion 45a has an abutment portion 45a1 that abuts against or separates from the roller retainer 42 depending on the rotation position. The abutment portion 45a1 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the cam portion 45a, and more specifically, is provided on one vertex of the substantially triangular cam portion 45a. Here, the abutment portion 45a1 is a plane formed by cutting off the above-mentioned vertex. As shown Fig.13 As shown in the figure, the vertex of the substantially triangular shape provided with the contact portion 45a1 is the vertex farthest from the rotation axis 45c when viewed from behind. Therefore, the distance between the contact portion 45a1 and the rotation axis 45c is longer than other parts of the cam portion 45a. The contact portion 45a1 can contact the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g of the roller holder 42 by rotating the operating member 45. Fig.14FIG. 4 is a rear view of the pinch roller unit 40 when the operating member 45 is in contact with the roller holder 42. Fig.14 As shown, the contact portion 45 a 1 contacts the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42 g of the roller holder 42 by rotating the operating member 45 in the direction A in the figure.

[0088] The rod 45b extends along the side of the cam portion 45a opposite to the abutment portion 45a1. The extension direction of the rod 45b is substantially parallel to the extension direction of the abutment portion 45a1. The rod 45b extends in the above-mentioned direction and protrudes to the outside of the cam portion 45a. The rod 45b is connected to the cam portion 45a and is an example of a holding portion capable of rotating the cam portion 45a. The user can hold the rod 45b to rotate the operating member 45. Here, the rod 45b is integrally formed with the cam portion 45a. However, the rod 45b may also be formed as a component different from the cam portion 45a and mounted on the cam portion 45a. The cam portion 45a and the rod 45b constitute an operating portion capable of moving the pinch roller 41 in a direction away from the checkered embossing roller 21 by pressing the abutment portion 45a1 against the roller retainer 42.

[0089] like Fig. 9 As shown, the back panel 13 is provided with a stopper mounting portion 13b to which a stopper 46 can be attached and detached. The stopper 46 is installed on the stopper mounting portion 13b by the user when necessary. The stopper 46 is removed from the stopper mounting portion 13b when it is not needed. Here, the stopper mounting portion 13b is a threaded hole. The stopper 46 is a screw that engages with the stopper mounting portion 13b. The stopper mounting portion 13b is provided on the moving path of the rod 45b. The stopper 46 is to prevent the operating member 45 from moving. Fig.14 The location shown returns to Fig.13 The method of using the stopper 46 will be described later.

[0090] [Structure of the overall lifting mechanism]

[0091] The integral lifting mechanism 60 is a mechanism for lifting all the pinch rollers 41 of the plurality of pinch roller units 40 together. The integral lifting mechanism 60 is configured to enable all the pinch rollers 41 of the plurality of pinch roller units 40 to approach or move away from the checkered impression roller 21. The integral lifting mechanism 60 is capable of holding all the pinch rollers 41 in a state separated from the checkered impression roller 21. As described later, the integral lifting mechanism 60 is also configured to simultaneously release the holding of each pinch roller 41 by each operating member 45 of the plurality of pinch roller units 40.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, the integral lifting mechanism 60 comprises: a plurality of synchronous lifting cams 61, which are accommodated in each pinch roller unit 40; a shaft 62, which is connected to the plurality of synchronous lifting cams 61; and a pinch roller lever 63 (see Figure 1), the shaft 62 is rotated. Fig. 9 As shown, the shaft 62 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The shaft 62 is a rectangular shaft when viewed in the axial direction. The shaft 62 is set in a manner that passes at least above the entire area of ​​the main scanning direction Y of the platen 11. Although omitted from the figure, the pinch roller rod 63 is connected to the shaft 62. By moving the pinch roller rod 63 up and down, the shaft 62 can be rotated around the axis. In addition, the overall lifting mechanism 60 has a mechanism that fixes the pinch roller rod 63 and the shaft 62, which is not shown in the figure. The shaft 62 is inserted into a plurality of simultaneous lifting cams 61, and the plurality of simultaneous lifting cams 61 rotate together with the rotation of the shaft 62.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the simultaneous lifting cam 61 includes a pair of shaft portions 61a, an eccentric portion 61b and an axial hole 61c. The eccentric portion 61b is accommodated in the cam accommodation space 55b of the pinch roller unit 40. The pair of shaft portions 61a extend to the left and right from the eccentric portion 61b, respectively, and are mounted on the cam bearing 55a. The axial hole 61c penetrates the pair of shaft portions 61a and the eccentric portion 61b in the main scanning direction Y. When viewed in the axial direction, the axial hole 61c is a hole having a rectangular shape corresponding to the shaft 62. Since the cross-sections of the shaft 62 and the axial hole 61c are configured as rectangles, when the shaft 62 rotates, the simultaneous lifting cam 61 does not slide relative to the shaft 62, but rotates together with the shaft 62.

[0094] The shaft portion 61a is formed into a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cam bearing 55a. The shaft portion 61a is inserted from above into the cam bearing 55a opened from above. The shaft hole 61c is formed so that the center coincides with the shaft portion 61a. Therefore, when the shaft 62 rotates, the shaft portion 61a rotates without eccentricity. The shaft portion 61a rotates along the inner peripheral surface of the cam bearing 55a.

[0095] like Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the eccentric portion 61b is configured as an eccentric cam. The pair of shaft portions 61a and the eccentric portion 61b are configured as one continuous component. The eccentric portion 61b has a protrusion 61b1 extending radially outward from the shaft portion 61a when viewed in the axial direction. Fig.11 As shown, when the eccentric portion 61b is in a rotational position where the protrusion 61b1 extends backward, the protrusion 61b1 does not contact the roller holder 42. This state is a state in which the pinch roller lever 63 is operated and the pinch roller 41 descends. When the pinch roller 41 no longer descends due to abutting against the medium 5 or the checkered platen roller 21, the eccentric portion 61b separates from the roller holder 42. At this time, the pinch roller 41 is pressed downward by the contraction force of the spring 44. In addition, in order to obtain the pressing force of the pinch roller 41, the distance between the spring locking portion 42f and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d is set to be longer than the distance between the pinch roller 41 and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d. Thus, based on the lever principle, a pressing force stronger than the contraction force of the spring 44 is obtained.

[0096] The protrusion 61b1 is formed so that the distance from the center of the shaft hole 61c (the rotation center of the synchronous lifting cam 61) varies depending on the circumferential position, and has an abutment portion 61b2 that can abut against the synchronous lifting cam receiving portion 42e when the pinch roller 41 is in the lowered state. Fig.10 By rotating in the direction B of the spring 44, the contact portion 61b2 can be brought into contact with the simultaneous lifting cam receiving portion 42e. As a result, the roller holder 42 is pressed downward by the simultaneous lifting cam 61. As a result, the position of the simultaneous lifting cam receiving portion 42e is lowered to overcome the contraction force of the spring 44, and the pinch roller 41 is raised. In addition, if the pinch roller rod 63 is fixed, the pinch roller 41 remains separated from the checkered impression roller 21.

[0097] Thus, the integral lifting mechanism 60 includes a shaft 62 as an integral swing member for swinging all roller holders 42 and a plurality of synchronous lifting cams 61. In addition, the integral lifting mechanism 60 includes a pinch roller lever 63 connected to the shaft 62 as an integral swing member and configured to operate the shaft 62 as an integral swing member and the plurality of synchronous lifting cams 61. The integral lifting mechanism 60 is configured to enable all the pinch rollers 41 of the plurality of pinch roller units 40 to approach or move away from the checkered platen roller 21 and to hold all the pinch rollers 41 in a state separated from the checkered platen roller 21.

[0098] [Individual lifting and lowering of pinch rollers and simultaneous release of individual holding]

[0099] The following describes the individual lifting and lowering of the pinch rollers 41 and the collective release of the individual holding of the pinch rollers 41. When the pinch rollers 41 are not lifted by the overall lifting mechanism 60, basically all of the pinch rollers 41 are lowered by the force of the springs 44 and come into contact with the medium 5 or the grid platen roller 21. The upper and lower positions of the pinch rollers 41 in contact with the medium 5 or the grid platen roller 21 are also referred to as the lowered positions Pd (see Fig.10 ).like Fig.10 As shown, when the pinch rollers 41 are located at the lowered position Pd, the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g of the roller holder 42 is located at the first position P1. Printing and cutting are usually performed with all the pinch rollers 41 located at the lowered position Pd.

[0100] However, during printing or cutting, there is a case where a part of the pinch roller 41 is desired to be raised and separated from the medium 5. For example, when a part of the medium 5 unexpectedly floats, the pinch roller 41 on the floating path needs to be raised in order to avoid collision with the floating medium 5. In this embodiment, in such a case, the operating member 45 of the pinch roller unit 40 can be operated to raise the pinch roller 41.

[0101] When the pinch roller 41 is not lifted by the operating member 45, the operating member 45 is positioned at Fig.13 Hereinafter, the position of the operating member 45 at this time is referred to as the separation position R1. Fig.13 As shown, in the separation position R1, the operating member 45 is separated from the roller holder 42. Fig.13 In the state shown, the pinch roller 41 descends to press the medium 5 from above. In the separation position R1, the lower end of the operating member 45 is located above the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g in the first position P1. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g moves below the first position P1, so the pinch roller 41 can move freely when the operating member 45 is in the separated position R1. The pinch roller 41 is usually lowered by the integral lifting mechanism 60 during printing or cutting. In addition, for example, when the medium 5 is replaced, the pinch roller 41 is separated from the medium 5 or the grid platen roller 21 by the integral lifting mechanism 60. Fig.13 As shown, in the separated position R1, the rod 45b is directed downward.

[0102] When the user wants to raise the pinch rollers 41 individually, he moves the rod 45b from Fig.13 The state shown is facing upward ( Fig.14 A direction) rotation. Fig.14 As shown in the figure, when the rod 45b is rotated to be approximately horizontal, the contact portion 45a1 approximately parallel to the rod 45b is also approximately horizontal. At this time, the contact portion 45a1 moves to a position lower than the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g when it is located at the first position P1. Therefore, the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is pressed downward by the operating member 45. Hereinafter, the position of the operating member 45 at this time is also referred to as the holding position R2. The operating member 45 is configured to move between the holding position R2 and the separation position R1 according to the operation of the rod 45b. Fig.10 The position P2 is the position of the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g in which the operating member 45 is moved to the state of maintaining the position R2. Hereinafter, the position of the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g is also referred to as the second position P2. Fig.10 As shown, when the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g moves to the second position P2, the pinch roller 41 rises from the descending position Pd and moves to the individual ascending position Pi.

[0103] When the operating member 45 is positioned at the holding position R2, the abutment portion 45a1 receives an upward force from the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g. Through this force, a friction force acts between the abutment portion 45a1 and the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g. Therefore, the operating member 45 is held at the holding position R2. When the operating member 45 is located at the holding position R2, the pinch roller 41 is held at the individual rising position Pi, in other words, is held in a state separated from the checkered embossing roller 21. The pinch roller unit 40 is configured to be able to hold the pinch roller 41 in a state separated from the checkered embossing roller 21 by operating the operating member 45.

[0104] In addition, at the holding position R2, the contact portion 45a1 is substantially parallel to the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g. Therefore, the contact portion 45a1 receives only a substantially upward force from the roller holder 42. Therefore, the operating member 45 is difficult to disengage from the holding position R2, and the pinch roller 41 is stably held at the individual lifting position Pi. Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the distance between the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d is set longer than the distance between the spring locking portion 42f and the swing shaft insertion portion 42d. Therefore, based on the lever principle, the pinch roller 41 can be raised with less force. Afterwards, when it is desired to lower the pinch rollers 41 individually, the operating member 45 can be returned to the separation position R1.

[0105] The individual holding of the pinch rollers 41 can also be released collectively by the collective lifting mechanism 60. As described above, when the plurality of collective lifting cams 61 are rotated by the lifting operation of the pinch roller lever 63, all the pinch rollers 41 are lifted. Fig.10 The position Pt is the position of the pinch roller 41 when it is raised by the integral lifting mechanism 60. Hereinafter, the position of the pinch roller 41 is also referred to as the simultaneous rising position Pt. Fig.10 As shown, in the present embodiment, the simultaneous rising position Pt is above the individual rising position Pi. At this time, the position P3 (referred to as the third position P3) of the individual lifting cam receiving portion 42g corresponding to the simultaneous rising position Pt of the pinch roller 41 is below the second position P2. Therefore, when the pinch roller 41 is moved to the simultaneous rising position Pt by the integral lifting mechanism 60, the operating component 45 is separated from the roller retaining member 42. It is configured so that when the simultaneous lifting cam 61 as an integral swinging member is pressed against the simultaneous lifting cam receiving portion 42e by the operation of the pinch roller lever 63, the roller retaining member 42 is separated from the operating component 45 in the holding position R2 (in detail, the abutment portion 45a1 when the operating component 45 is in the holding position R2).

[0106] The operating member 45 is configured so that when the contact portion 45a1 is separated from the roller holder 42, the operating member 45 returns from the holding position R2 to the separation position R1 due to its own weight. Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , the rod 45b of the operating member 45 is located to the right of the cam portion 45a at the holding position R2 and is held substantially horizontally. When the operating member 45 is separated from the roller holder 42 in this state, the operating member 45 rotates counterclockwise (opposite to the direction A) when viewed from behind. As a result, the operating member 45 moves to the separation position R1. As a result, the holding of the individual pinch rollers 41 by the operating member 45 is released.

[0107] Thus, the holding of the individual pinch rollers 41 by the pinch roller unit 40 is released by holding all the pinch rollers 41 at the collectively raised position Pt by the collective lifting mechanism 60. Then, all the pinch rollers 41 are raised by the collective lifting mechanism 60 while the individual raised states are released.

[0108] [How to use the limiter]

[0109] In this embodiment, by installing the stopper 46 on the stopper installation portion 13b, it is also possible to maintain the individual holding state of the pinch roller 41. By maintaining the individual holding state of the pinch roller 41, for example, the pinch roller 41 that is always separated from the medium 5 can be separated from the medium 5 without operating the operating member 45 each time.

[0110] When the stopper 46 is used, the operating member 45 is first positioned at the holding position R2. Then, the stopper 46 is mounted on the stopper mounting portion 13b. Fig.14 As shown, the limiter 46 is arranged below the rod 45b at the holding position R2. Therefore, the limiter 46 prevents the operating member 45 from moving to the separation position R1. As a result, the pinch rollers 41 are maintained in an individual rising state. If the user does not need to maintain the pinch rollers 41 in an individual rising state, the individual rising state of the pinch rollers 41 can be released by removing the limiter 46. In addition, the limiter 46 does not need to maintain the operating member 45 in the holding position R2. The limiter 46 only needs to prevent the operating member 45 from moving to the separation position R1, and the pinch rollers 41 can be separated from the checkered embossing roller 21 when the limiter 46 is installed on the limiter mounting portion 13b and the operating member 45 is prevented from moving by the limiter 46.

[0111] [Effects of this embodiment]

[0112] Hereinafter, the effects achieved by the printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0113] [Effect of the split pinch rail]

[0114] First, the effect of the divided pinch rail 30 is described. In the past, the part (referred to as the engaged part) that the pinch roller unit engages in a manner that allows it to move in the main scanning direction was not divided as in the present embodiment, but was formed as one part. The engaged part is formed by, for example, cutting a metal material by cutting. In order to allow the pinch roller unit to slide smoothly, it is preferred that the engaged part is formed as straight as possible. Therefore, the engaged part is configured to have high rigidity and high dimensional accuracy. Therefore, the engaged part is made of, for example, a high-strength metal or is formed in a manner that has a large thickness and high dimensional accuracy. Therefore, its cost is relatively high. The longer the length of the engaged part in the main scanning direction is, the more significant this tendency is.

[0115] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the pinch rail 30 is divided into a plurality of short rails 30A and 30B arranged in the main scanning direction Y. Since the lengths of the plurality of short rails 30A and 30B in the main scanning direction Y are shorter than the entire pinch rail 30, bending can be reduced even if the pinch rail 30 does not have the rigidity as in the case where the pinch rail 30 is formed as a single component. In addition, since the lengths of the short rails 30A and 30B in the main scanning direction Y are short, the dimensional error is small even if they are not processed with high precision. Therefore, the cost of the pinch rail 30 can be suppressed. As a result, the cost of the printer 10 can be suppressed.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the plurality of short rails 30A and 30B are formed by resin molding. Since high rigidity and high dimensional accuracy are not required for each of the short rails 30A and 30B, the short rails 30A and 30B can be formed of resin, for example. Therefore, compared with the case where the pinch rail 30 is formed by cutting stainless steel, for example, the cost can be greatly reduced. In addition, when the plurality of short rails 30A and 30B are formed by aluminum die casting, the cost can also be reduced in the same manner.

[0117] In the present embodiment, the plurality of short rails 30A and 30B include a plurality of (or one) first short rails 30A and a plurality of (or one) second short rails 30B having a length different from that of the first short rail 30A in the main scanning direction Y. By preparing a plurality of types of short rails 30A and 30B having different lengths in the main scanning direction Y, the method of dividing the pinch rails can be applied to printers having various lengths in the main scanning direction Y. In addition, the short rails as components can be made common for printers having various lengths in the main scanning direction Y.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the guide rail 91 to which the print head 70 and the cutting head 80 are engaged has a surface (here, the lower surface 91a) facing the platen 11, and each positioning surface 34A1, 34B1 of the plurality of short rails 30A, 30B abuts against the lower surface 91a of the guide rail 91. Thus, as described above, the position of the pinch rail 30 in the up-down direction Z is more accurately positioned. By making the position of the pinch rail 30 in the up-down direction Z relative to the platen 11 more accurate, the deviation between the forces of the plurality of pinch rollers 41 pressing the medium 5 is reduced. In the present embodiment, since the pinch rail 30 is divided into a plurality of short rails 30A and 30B, the pinch rail 30 can be more accurately and easily abutted against the guide rail 91. In the case where the pinch rail is not divided into a plurality of short rails, for example, due to deformation of the pinch rail, it may not be possible to accurately abut the pinch rail against the guide rail. In addition, such abutting operation is difficult to perform due to the length of the pinch rail. In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the length of each short rail 30A, 30B in the main scanning direction Y is short, the deformation of each short rail 30A, 30B is small, and the pinch rail 30 can be more accurately abutted against the guide rail 91. In addition, the abutment operation is also easy. In addition, since the pinch rail 30 is divided into a plurality of short rails 30A and 30B, the pinch rail 30 can also be more accurately and easily abutted against the front panel 12.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the short rails 30A and 30B are provided with a plurality of protrusions 34A protruding upwards from other parts, and the positioning surface 34A1 as the upper surface of the protrusion 34A constitutes the discontinuous upper surface of the short rails 30A and 30B. According to this structure, the position accuracy of the positioning surfaces 34A1 and 34B1 relative to the engaged parts 32A and 32B can be improved. For example, if the upper surface of the first short rail 30A is formed as a continuous surface, the length of the upper surface in the main scanning direction Y becomes longer. The first short rail 30A is a resin molded product here, so if the length of the upper surface in the main scanning direction Y becomes longer, the position of the upper surface in the vertical direction Z relative to the engaged part 32A is easily deviated accordingly. In contrast, in the present embodiment, by providing a plurality of protrusions 34A protruding upwards from other parts, the length of the positioning surface 34A1 in the main scanning direction Y is shortened. Therefore, the deviation of the positioning surface 34A1 in the vertical direction Z relative to the engaged part 32A becomes smaller. The same is true for the second short rail 30B. The accuracy of the distance between the engaged portion 32A and the positioning surface 34A1 and the accuracy of the distance between the engaged portion 32B and the positioning surface 34B1 are improved, thereby making the positions of the multiple engaged portions 32A and 32B more consistent in the vertical direction Z. As a result, the linearity of the engaged portion 32 as a whole is improved, and the pinch roller unit 40 can be moved more smoothly along the pinch rail 30. In addition, the accuracy of the position of the pinch roller 41 in the vertical direction Z relative to the platen 11 is also improved.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the engaged portion 32A of the first short rail 30A and the engaged portion 32B of the second short rail 30B protrude outward in the main scanning direction Y relative to other portions of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B. According to this structure, when the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are arranged along the main scanning direction Y, the engaged portion 32A can be brought into contact with the engaged portion 32B. As a result, the engaged portion 32 can be made seamlessly continuous. For example, when the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are arranged along the main scanning direction Y, if the plane portions 31A and 31B are brought into contact, and the engaged portions 32A and 32B are not brought into contact, the engaged portion 32 becomes discontinuous. If such a state is achieved, the smooth sliding of the pinch roller unit 40 may be hindered. In the present embodiment, this problem is prevented by making the engaged portions 32A and 32B protrude outward in the main scanning direction Y relative to other portions of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B.

[0121] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are fixed to the front panel 12 in the same warping direction so as to protrude toward the side opposite to the front panel 12. Therefore, the warping of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B is corrected. In addition, such correction of warping is possible because the rigidity of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B is not too high.

[0122] [Effects of the pinch roller unit that can raise and lower the pinch rollers individually]

[0123] Next, the effect of the pinch roller unit 40 that can raise and lower the pinch rollers 41 individually will be described. As described above, in the present embodiment, each pinch roller unit 40 includes an operating member 45 configured to separate the pinch roller 41 from the grid platen roller 21 individually. Therefore, for example, in the case where a portion of the medium 5 floats from the platen 11, the pinch roller 41 provided at the portion where the floating portion of the medium 5 passes can be raised. Thus, for example, it is possible to avoid a problem such as the medium 5 and the pinch roller 41 being entangled and jammed. In addition, the printer 10 as a whole can continue to press the medium 5. Moreover, there are many cases where the floating of the medium 5 is eliminated by separating the pinch roller 41 near the portion where the floating of the medium 5 occurs from the medium 5, so in such a case, after the floating is eliminated, the pinch roller 41 separated from the medium 5 can be brought into contact with the medium 5 again.

[0124] In many cases, the need to raise and lower the pinch rollers 41 as described above individually occurs during printing or cutting. However, a print head 70 and a cutting head 80 are provided on the downstream X1 side of the plurality of pinch roller units 40, and the print head 70 or the cutting head 80 moves / drives during printing or cutting. Therefore, it is basically impossible to operate the pinch roller unit 40 from the downstream X1 side of the secondary scanning direction X. In addition, if printing or cutting is temporarily stopped, there is a high possibility that the printing quality or cutting quality will be affected. In the case of printing, if the printing operation is temporarily stopped, the printing state may change, for example, before and after the temporary stop. In the case of cutting, if the cutting operation is temporarily stopped, for example, ink may penetrate into the medium 5 and change the size of the medium 5, causing the cutting position to shift before and after the temporary stop, or causing the printing position and the cutting position to shift. In addition, if printing or cutting is interrupted, the productivity of printing or cutting is reduced.

[0125] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the operating member 45 is disposed in the upstream X2 direction of the secondary scanning direction X relative to the pinch roller 41, and is configured to be operable by the user. According to this structure, the user can perform individual lifting and lowering operations of the pinch roller 41 from the upstream X2 side of the secondary scanning direction X. Therefore, even during printing or cutting, the individual lifting and lowering operations of the pinch roller 41 can be performed without interrupting the printing or cutting operation. That is, according to the printer 10 involved in the present embodiment, the lifting and lowering of each of the plurality of pinch rollers 41 can be performed at a desired timing including during printing and cutting.

[0126] Furthermore, the pinch roller unit 40 according to the present embodiment includes a roller holder 42 that swings while supporting the pinch roller 41 so that the pinch roller 41 approaches or moves away from the checkered stamping roller 21, and an operating member 45 is configured to swing the roller holder 42 by contacting or separating with the roller holder 42, thereby moving the pinch roller 41 in the up-down direction Z. More specifically, the operating member 45 includes: a cam portion 45a having an abutting portion 45a1 that contacts or separates with the roller holder 42 according to the rotational position; and a lever 45b that is connected to the cam portion 45a and can rotate the cam portion 45a. According to this structure, the user can move the pinch roller 41 by a simple operation such as holding the lever 45b to rotate the cam portion 45a.

[0127] The printer 10 involved in this embodiment also has an integral lifting mechanism 60, which can make all the pinch rollers 41 approach or move away from the grid platen roller 21, and can keep all the pinch rollers 41 in a state separated from the grid platen roller 21. In this embodiment, the individual holding of the pinch rollers 41 by the pinch roller unit 40 is released by holding all the pinch rollers 41 by the integral lifting mechanism 60. According to this structure, the individual holding state of the pinch rollers 41 can be released at the same time by operating the integral lifting mechanism 60. Therefore, the operation of releasing the holding state of the pinch rollers 41 is simplified. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the user from forgetting to release the holding state.

[0128] In more detail, in the present embodiment, when the simultaneous lifting cam 61 is brought into contact with the roller holder 42 by the operation of the pinch roller lever 63 and the roller holder 42 is held by the simultaneous lifting cam 61, the roller holder 42 is separated from the operating member 45 located at the holding position R2. Here, when being held by the simultaneous lifting cam 61, the roller holder 42 moves below the operating member 45 located at the holding position R2. When leaving the roller holder 42, the operating member 45 moves from the holding position R2 to the separation position R1. Thus, the individual holding of the pinch roller 41 by the operating member 45 is released. According to this structure, there is no need for a special member connecting the overall lifting mechanism 60 and each operating member 45, so that the simultaneous release of the individual holding of the pinch roller 41 can be achieved with a simple structure.

[0129] Moreover, in the release of the above-mentioned holding state, the operating member 45 is configured to move from the holding position R2 to the separation position R1 due to its own weight. According to this structure, the holding state of the pinch roller 41 can be released at once with a simpler structure. In addition, the structure for moving the operating member 45 from the holding position R2 to the separation position R1 after the operating member 45 is separated from the roller holder 42 is not limited to the structure using its own weight. For example, the operating member 45 may also move from the holding position R2 to the separation position R1 by the force of an elastic body such as a spring after it is separated from the roller holder 42.

[0130] The printer 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a stopper 46 for preventing the operating member 45 from moving to the separation position R1, and a stopper mounting portion 13b to which the stopper 46 can be attached and detached. The pinch roller 41 is configured to be separated from the grid platen roller 21 when the stopper 46 is mounted on the stopper mounting portion 13b and the operating member 45 is prevented from moving by the stopper 46. According to this structure, by mounting the stopper 46 on the stopper mounting portion 13b, each pinch roller 41 can be individually maintained in a state separated from the grid platen roller 21. By maintaining the state in which each pinch roller 41 is separated from the grid platen roller 21, for example, the pinch roller 41 that is always intended to be separated from the medium 5 can be separated from the medium 5 without operating the operating member 45 each time. In addition, if it is not necessary, the holding state of the pinch roller 41 can be released by removing the stopper 46.

[0131] [Other embodiments]

[0132] A preferred embodiment has been described above, but the above embodiment is merely an example, and the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various other forms.

[0133] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the plurality of short rails 30A and 30B are configured in a flat plate shape, but the shape of the short rails and the pinch rails as a collection thereof is not particularly limited. The short rails and the pinch rails may also be configured in a prism shape or a cylindrical shape, for example. The short rails do not necessarily need to be positioned against the guide rail engaged with the carriage, nor do they need to be fixed to the front panel. The positioning method and fixing method of the short rails are not limited.

[0134] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the number of the first short rail 30A and the second short rail 30B are both plural, but the number of one may be 1 or 0. In addition, the number of both may be 1. The pinch rail may be composed of a plurality of short rails arranged in the main scanning direction. For example, the pinch rail may be composed of one type of short rail arranged in the main scanning direction.

[0135] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a plurality of short rails 30A and 30B are arranged in contact with each other in the main scanning direction Y, and the pinch rail 30 is continuous in the main scanning direction Y, but the pinch rail may be provided in a manner extending intermittently in the main scanning direction. The pinch rail may be discontinuous as long as it is composed of a plurality of short rails arranged in the main scanning direction. "The pinch rail extending in the main scanning direction" includes a pinch rail composed of a plurality of short rails arranged continuously in the main scanning direction, and a pinch rail composed of a plurality of short rails arranged intermittently in the main scanning direction. For example, the pinch rail may be present intermittently in the range where the pinch roller unit needs to slide, and not in other parts. In addition, in the case where the user does not need to move the pinch roller unit, the pinch rail may be provided intermittently and used only in the position adjustment of the pinch roller unit when the printer is manufactured.

[0136] The medium conveying device for conveying the medium may also include, for example, a support table for supporting the medium and a conveying device for conveying the medium supported on the support table in a specified conveying direction, wherein the conveying device includes a first track, a second track, a first pinch roller unit, a second pinch roller unit, and a driving roller arranged on the support table and extending in an orthogonal direction to the conveying direction. The driving roller rotates in the conveying direction. The first track may also be arranged in a manner opposite to the support table and extending in an orthogonal direction. The second track may be arranged in a manner arranged in an orthogonal direction with the first track and extending in the orthogonal direction. The first pinch roller unit may include a first pinch roller that can contact or separate from the driving roller, and may be engaged with the first track in a manner that can move along the first track in an orthogonal direction. The second pinch roller unit may also include a second pinch roller that can contact or separate from the driving roller, and may be engaged with the second track in a manner that can move along the second track in an orthogonal direction. In the medium conveying device having such a structure, the first track may also be arranged within the slidable range of the first pinch roller unit, and the second track may be arranged within the slidable range of the second pinch roller unit. There may be a gap between the first track and the second track. Therefore, compared with the long track that is provided to engage with the first pinch roller unit and the second pinch roller unit, the material used to form the track can be saved. In addition, the cost of producing the medium conveying device can also be reduced.

[0137] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the pinch roller 41 is raised and lowered by the cam portion 45a of the operating member 45, but the movement mode of the pinch roller is not limited. The pinch roller may also move in the up-down direction along a sliding guide, for example. Alternatively, the pinch roller may also move by inserting and removing a wedge-shaped member between the supporting member of the pinch roller and other members, for example. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the pinch roller 41 is raised by the abutment of the operating member 45, but it may also be lowered by the abutment of the operating member 45. For example, the pinch roller may also be forced upward by an elastic member and moved downward by the abutment of the operating member. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the roller retaining member 42 swings around the swing shaft 43, thereby moving the pinch roller 41 in the up-down direction Z, but it may also be moved in the up-down direction by, for example, moving the roller retaining member in the up-down direction (for example, sliding).

[0138] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the printer 10 includes the integral lifting mechanism 60 for moving all the pinch rollers 41 of the plurality of pinch roller units 40 in the vertical direction Z, but may not include the integral lifting mechanism. Even in the case of including the integral lifting mechanism, the printer may not be configured to release all the individual holding states of the pinch rollers by operating the integral lifting mechanism. The printer may include other mechanisms for releasing the individual holding states of the pinch rollers at once, or may not include the mechanism for releasing the individual holding states of the pinch rollers at once.

[0139] In the above-described embodiment, the operating member 45 is disposed in the upstream X2 direction of the print head 70, the cutting head 80, and the pinch roller 41 in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the pinch roller unit may further include other operating members disposed on the downstream side of the pinch roller in the sub-scanning direction and operable from the front of the printer.

[0140] The device involved in the above-mentioned embodiment is a printer with a cutting head, and the technology disclosed herein can also be applied to devices other than printers with cutting heads. The device to which the technology disclosed herein is applied may be, for example, a printer having a print head for printing on a medium but not having a cutting head, a cutting device having a cutting head for cutting a medium but not having a print head, etc. Even if the device to be used is a printer with a cutting head, its structure is not limited to the structure shown in the embodiment. The device to which the technology disclosed herein is applied may be, for example, a medium conveying device that does not have a head such as a print head or a cutting head for processing a medium.

[0141] In addition, the embodiments described herein do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. For example, the structure of the pinch roller unit and the structure of the entire lifting mechanism described above are merely examples and do not limit the present invention.

[0142] Description of symbols

[0143] 5 Medium

[0144] 10Inkjet printer with cutting head

[0145] 11 Pressing plate (supporting platform)

[0146] 13b limiter installation part

[0147] 20Conveying device

[0148] 21 square embossing roller (driving roller)

[0149] 40 Pinch Roller Unit

[0150] 41 Pinch Roller

[0151] 42 Roller holder (supporting member)

[0152] 45 Operating parts

[0153] 45a Cam section (eccentric cam)

[0154] 45a1 contact portion

[0155] 45b rod (handle)

[0156] 46 limiter

[0157] 60 integral lifting mechanism (integral moving device)

[0158] 61 simultaneous lifting cam (integral swing component)

[0159] 62 axis (integral swing part)

[0160] 63 pinch roller lever (integral operating part)

[0161] 70 print heads

[0162] 80 cutting head

[0163] R1 separation position

[0164] R2 Hold Position

[0165] X1 Downstream in the secondary scanning direction (downstream in the conveying direction)

[0166] X2: Upstream in the sub-scanning direction (upstream in the conveying direction).

Claims

1. A printer having: Support platform, supporting medium; a driving roller disposed on the support platform to drive the medium supported on the support platform to move in a predetermined conveying direction; A plurality of pinch roller units are arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and The print head is arranged on the downstream side of the driving roller and the pinch roller unit in the conveying direction and faces the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller, arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member that supports the pinch roller so as to be able to approach or separate from the driving roller; and The operating member comprises: a contact portion that contacts the support member; and an operating member that can press the contact portion against the support member to move the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller. Each of the operating members is provided on the upstream side of the corresponding pinch roller in the conveying direction, and is configured to be able to individually move the corresponding pinch roller toward and away from the driving roller.

2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: The operating unit comprises: Axis of rotation; an eccentric cam having an outer peripheral portion whose distance from the rotation axis varies depending on the rotation position, and wherein the abutment portion is provided on the outer peripheral portion, and the eccentric cam is rotatable about the rotation axis; and The holding portion is connected to the eccentric cam.

3. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: The printer further includes an overall moving device, which is capable of bringing all the pinch rollers of the plurality of pinch roller units close to or away from the driving roller, and is capable of keeping all the pinch rollers separated from the driving roller. The operating member is capable of holding the corresponding pinch roller in a state separated from the driving roller. The entire moving device releases the holding of the pinch rollers by the operating member by holding all the pinch rollers.

4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein: The support member is configured to support the pinch roller and swing the pinch roller so as to bring the pinch roller closer to or away from the driving roller. The operating member is configured to move between a holding position where the contact portion is pressed against the support member and a separation position where the contact portion is separated from the support member in accordance with an operation of the operating portion. The overall mobile device comprises: an integral swing member that swings all the support members by contacting or separating from all the support members, and holds all the pinch rollers by pressing on all the support members; and an integral operating portion connected to the integral swing component and configured to operate the integral swing component; When the support member is pressed by the whole swing member by the operation of the whole operation part while in contact with the contact part, the support member moves away from the contact part. When the contact portion is separated from the support member, the operation member moves from the holding position to the separation position.

5. The printer according to claim 4, wherein: The printer also has: a stopper to prevent the operating component from moving toward the separation position; and The stopper installation part is capable of installing and removing the stopper. The pinch roller is separated from the driving roller in a state in which the stopper is mounted on the stopper mounting portion and the operation member is prevented from moving by the stopper.

6. The printer according to claim 1, wherein: The printer further includes a back panel, the back panel being disposed on the upstream side of the pinch roller in the conveying direction and having a surface exposed toward the upstream side in the conveying direction. The operating component is arranged on the back panel. The operation unit is provided on a surface of the rear panel that is exposed toward the upstream side in the conveying direction.

7. A printer comprising: Support platform, supporting medium; a driving roller disposed on the support platform to drive the medium supported on the support platform to move in a predetermined conveying direction; A plurality of pinch roller units are arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and The print head is arranged on the downstream side of the driving roller and the pinch roller unit in the conveying direction and faces the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller, arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member that supports the pinch roller so as to be able to approach or separate from the driving roller; and The operating member comprises: a contact portion that contacts the support member; and an operating member that can press the contact portion against the support member to move the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller. The operating member is disposed on the upstream side of the pinch roller in the conveying direction. The support member is configured to support the pinch roller so that the pinch roller and the driving roller are brought close to or separated from each other. The operating member is configured to move between a holding position where the contact portion is pressed against the support member and each of the pinch rollers is held in a state of being separated from the driving roller and a separation position where the contact portion is separated from the support member in accordance with an operation of the operating portion. The printer further comprises an overall moving device, wherein the overall moving device comprises: an integral swing member that swings all the support members by contacting or separating from all the support members, and holds all the pinch rollers by pressing on all the support members; and an integral operating portion connected to the integral swing component and configured to operate the integral swing component; When the support member is pressed by the whole swing member by the operation of the whole operation part while in contact with the contact part, the support member moves away from the contact part. The operation member is configured to move from the holding position to the separation position by its own weight when the contact portion is separated from the support member.

8. A cutting device comprising: Support platform, supporting medium; a driving roller disposed on the support platform to drive the medium supported on the support platform to move in a predetermined conveying direction; A plurality of pinch roller units are arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and The cutting head is arranged on the downstream side of the driving roller and the pinch roller unit in the conveying direction and faces the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller, arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member that supports the pinch roller so as to be able to approach or separate from the driving roller; and The operating member comprises: a contact portion that contacts the support member; and an operating member that can press the contact portion against the support member to move the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller. Each of the operating members is provided on the upstream side of the corresponding pinch roller in the conveying direction, and is configured to be able to individually move the corresponding pinch roller toward and away from the driving roller.

9. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein: The operating unit comprises: Axis of rotation; an eccentric cam having an outer peripheral portion whose distance from the rotation axis varies depending on the rotation position, and wherein the abutment portion is provided on the outer peripheral portion, and the eccentric cam is rotatable about the rotation axis; and The holding portion is connected to the eccentric cam.

10. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein: The cutting device further includes an overall moving device, which is capable of bringing all the pinch rollers of the plurality of pinch roller units close to or away from the driving roller, and is capable of keeping all the pinch rollers separated from the driving roller. The operating member is capable of holding the corresponding pinch roller in a state separated from the driving roller. The entire moving device releases the holding of the pinch rollers by the operating member by holding all the pinch rollers.

11. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein: The support member is configured to support the pinch roller and swing the pinch roller so as to bring the pinch roller closer to or away from the driving roller. The operating member is configured to move between a holding position where the contact portion is pressed against the support member and a separation position where the contact portion is separated from the support member in response to an operation of the operating portion. The overall mobile device comprises: an integral swing member that swings all the support members by contacting or separating from all the support members, and holds all the pinch rollers by pressing on all the support members; and an integral operating portion connected to the integral swing component and configured to operate the integral swing component; When the support member is pressed by the whole swing member by the operation of the whole operation part while in contact with the contact part, the support member moves away from the contact part. When the contact portion is separated from the support member, the operation member moves from the holding position to the separation position.

12. The cutting device according to claim 11, wherein: The cutting device also has: a stopper to prevent the operating component from moving toward the separation position; and The stopper installation part is capable of installing and removing the stopper. The pinch roller is separated from the driving roller in a state in which the stopper is mounted on the stopper mounting portion and the operation member is prevented from moving by the stopper.

13. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein: The cutting device further includes a back panel, the back panel being disposed on the upstream side of the pinch roller in the conveying direction and having a surface exposed toward the upstream side in the conveying direction. The operating component is arranged on the back panel. The operation unit is provided on a surface of the rear panel that is exposed toward the upstream side in the conveying direction.

14. A cutting device comprising: Support platform, supporting medium; a driving roller disposed on the support platform to drive the medium supported on the support platform to move in a predetermined conveying direction; A plurality of pinch roller units are arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; and The cutting head is arranged on the downstream side of the driving roller and the pinch roller unit in the conveying direction and faces the support table. Each of the pinch roller units comprises: a pinch roller, arranged in a manner opposite to the driving roller; a supporting member that supports the pinch roller so as to be able to approach or separate from the driving roller; and The operating member comprises: a contact portion that contacts the support member; and an operating member that can press the contact portion against the support member to move the pinch roller in a direction away from the driving roller. The operating member is disposed on the upstream side of the pinch roller in the conveying direction. The support member is configured to support the pinch roller so that the pinch roller and the driving roller are brought close to or separated from each other. The operating member is configured to move between a holding position where the contact portion is pressed against the support member and each of the pinch rollers is held in a state of being separated from the driving roller and a separation position where the contact portion is separated from the support member according to an operation of the operating portion. The cutting device further comprises an overall moving device, wherein the overall moving device comprises: an integral swing member that swings all the support members by contacting or separating from all the support members, and holds all the pinch rollers by pressing on all the support members; and an integral operating portion connected to the integral swing component and configured to operate the integral swing component; When the support member is pressed by the whole swing member by the operation of the whole operation part while in contact with the contact part, the support member moves away from the contact part. The operation member is configured to move from the holding position to the separation position by its own weight when the contact portion is separated from the support member.

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