Media exchange and printing device

Abstract

A printer (1) is provided with a printing section (10) that performs printing on a medium, and a medium changer (20) that can hold a plurality of rolls (R) of the medium (M) and can move a designated roll (R) among them to a medium supply position from which the medium (M) can be supplied to the printing section (10). The medium changer (20) is provided with a plurality of medium holding sections (21) and a rotating section (22). Each medium holding section (21) is provided with a set of holding sections (220, 230) that hold a single roll (R) in a rotatable manner, and a guide section (210) that supports one or both of the holding sections in a slidable manner. The rotating section (22) holds a plurality of the medium holding sections (21) in a configuration such that, in the case of rotation about a rotation axis, the roll (R) held in each medium holding section (21) is located at the medium supply position once during the rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to media exchangers and printing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Various media exchangers have been developed that, when printing media using an inkjet printer, pre-load multiple media rolls (a roll-shaped component formed by winding sheets of paper or cloth around a hollow core material) and selectively supply media to the printer from one of these media rolls. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a paper feeding device for a recording apparatus using roll paper, which includes a roll paper storage mechanism. This mechanism stores multiple rolls of the same or different types of paper in a predetermined order to save on paper changes when the same type of printing paper runs out or when switching to a different type of printing paper, and circulates these multiple rolls of paper sequentially through the paper feeding section in that order.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-252493 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional media switches only support media rolls of a specific shape and shape, especially media rolls with the same core length, and cannot accommodate media rolls of other specifications.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional media exchangers require a driven feed mechanism for each media roll in order to deliver media from the media rolls mounted on the exchange to the printing mechanism of the printing unit. Therefore, when such a media exchange carries multiple media rolls of different materials, and these rolls are used differently according to user requirements, the feed mechanism corresponding to the used media roll needs to cooperate with the feed mechanism on the printing unit side, and its operation needs to be individually adjusted according to the material of each media. This makes the overall media delivery control of the printing unit complex. Moreover, if such control fails, the media during delivery may break or wrinkle, leading to a decrease in print quality. Additionally, because multiple driven feed mechanisms are required, such media exchangers have higher operating costs in terms of energy consumption and maintenance labor.

[0009] Therefore, in view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a media switch and a printing apparatus that can appropriately distinguish and preferably transport media using multiple different media volumes mounted on the media switch.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The media exchange of the first technical solution of the present invention is capable of holding multiple media rolls and moving a designated media roll to a media supply position from which media can be supplied to the printing section of a printing device, characterized in that...

[0012] The media switch has the following features:

[0013] Multiple media holding sections; and

[0014] A rotating part, configured to hold multiple media holding parts in such a way that, when rotating about a rotation axis, the media roll held in each of the media holding parts is positioned at the media supply position once during the rotation.

[0015] Each of the media holding portions includes a set of clamping portions that can rotatably hold a single media roll, and a guide portion that can slidably support one or both of the set of clamping portions.

[0016] Based on the above structure, media rolls with different core lengths can be kept on the same media switch. Therefore, by keeping media rolls of various specifications with different core lengths on the same media switch, users can appropriately distinguish and use these media rolls.

[0017] It is possible that at least one of the medium holding portions includes a plurality of guide rods.

[0018] Based on the above structure, the clamping part can be stably supported by the guide. For example, this prevents the clamping part, which holds a heavy media roll, from rotating around the contact point that contacts the guide.

[0019] Alternatively, at least one of the guide portions of the media holding portion may support both the set of clamping portions of the media holding portion in a slidable manner.

[0020] Based on the above structure, media switches can replace media volumes of various specifications using a simple design.

[0021] The media exchange of the second technical solution of the present invention can hold multiple media rolls and can move a designated media roll to a media supply position from which media can be supplied to the printing section of the printing device, characterized in that,

[0022] The media switch has the following features:

[0023] Multiple media holding sections are configured to hold a single media roll, respectively;

[0024] A rotating part, configured to hold multiple media holding parts in such a way that, when rotating about a rotation axis, the media roll held in each of the media holding parts is positioned at the media supply position once during the rotation; and

[0025] A locking mechanism automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part when the new media holding part moves to the media supply position, and the lock can then be released by manual operation.

[0026] Based on the above structure, accidental rotation of the rotating part can be prevented. For example, this can prevent the rotating part from accidentally rotating on its own or the user from mistakenly rotating it in the reverse direction when multiple media rolls of different weights are mounted on a media exchange.

[0027] The media exchange of the third technical solution of the present invention can hold multiple media rolls and can move a designated media roll therein to a media supply position from which media can be supplied to the printing section of the printing device, characterized in that,

[0028] The media switch has the following features:

[0029] Multiple media holding sections are configured to hold a single media roll, respectively;

[0030] A rotating part, configured to hold multiple media holding parts in such a way that, when rotating about a rotation axis, the media roll held in each of the media holding parts is positioned at the media supply position once during the rotation; and

[0031] A ratchet mechanism that prevents the rotating part from rotating in the opposite direction.

[0032] Based on the above structure, accidental rotation of the rotating part can be prevented. For example, this can prevent the rotating part from accidentally rotating on its own or the user from mistakenly rotating it in the reverse direction when multiple media rolls of different weights are mounted on a media exchange.

[0033] The printing apparatus of the fourth technical solution of the present invention is characterized in that,

[0034] The printing device has the following features:

[0035] The printing unit, which prints onto the media; and

[0036] The media exchange of the first to third technical solutions of the present invention supplies the media to the printing unit.

[0037] Based on the above structure, users can appropriately differentiate and use multiple different media rolls, such as media rolls of various sizes, in the same printing device.

[0038] The printing apparatus of the fifth technical solution of the present invention is characterized in that,

[0039] The printing device has the following features:

[0040] A printing unit that feeds the medium in a predetermined direction and prints the medium; and

[0041] A media switch is capable of holding multiple media volumes and moving a designated media volume to a media supply position from which media can be supplied to the printing unit.

[0042] The printing unit has a drive-type feed mechanism for dispensing the medium.

[0043] Based on the above structure, since the drive-type feeding mechanism for dispensing media is unified with the printing unit, media delivery can be easily controlled even when the media exchange carries multiple media rolls of different materials and these media rolls are used differently according to user requirements. Furthermore, it can save on operating costs.

[0044] The effects of the invention

[0045] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately differentiate the use of multiple different media volumes mounted on a media switch and to better transport the media. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a printer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A 3D view of the back of the printer.

[0048] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A side view of the printer.

[0049] Figure 4 It means Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure within the printing section.

[0050] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the medium holding section.

[0051] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The front view of the clamping part on the right side of the medium holding part.

[0052] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 The main view showing details of the right side of the drive section.

[0053] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Rear view of the drive unit.

[0054] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the area surrounding the pin locking mechanism of the drive section. The rotating shaft is omitted.

[0055] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of the driven gear.

[0056] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of the locking pin.

[0057] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 An enlarged view of the locking pin restriction mechanism.

[0058] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 The diagram only shows the driven gear, the pin locking mechanism, and the locking pin limiting mechanism.

[0059] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The image shows the result after the lock has been released.

[0060] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 The diagram shows the driven gear after it has rotated.

[0061] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The diagram shows the driven gear after it has rotated further.

[0062] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 The diagram shows the driven gear after it has rotated further.

[0063] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the right side of the drive unit in a modified example.

[0064] Figure 19 It means Figure 18 A front view showing details of the ratchet mechanism on the right side of the drive unit. The pin locking mechanism, locking pin limiting mechanism, and handle are omitted in this figure.

[0065] Figure 20 This is a front view showing the left side of the drive unit in a modified example.

[0066] Figure 21This is a schematic side view of a printer with a feed mechanism, representing a modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] (Structure of Printer 1)

[0069] Printer 1, for example Figures 1-4 The printer 1 is configured as shown and uses inkjet technology to print images onto a medium M. The printer 1 includes a printing unit 10, a media exchange 20, and a frame 30. The printing unit 10 is the part that prints images onto the medium M. The medium M is, for example, a sheet of paper or cloth, and is stored in a roll R formed by winding it around a hollow core material before printing. The media exchange 20 can hold multiple rolls R of medium M with different core material lengths or materials, and moves a designated roll R to a media supply position that can supply medium M from that roll R to the printing unit 10 as needed. The printing unit 10 and the media exchange 20 are supported by the frame 30 with an upward clearance from the ground to prevent the printed medium M discharged from the printing unit 10 and the rolls R held in the media exchange 20 (especially the lower rolls R) from touching the ground.

[0070] The printing unit 10 includes a printhead 110, an ink supply mechanism 120, a printhead moving mechanism 130, a feeding mechanism 140, an input unit 150, and a controller 160.

[0071] The printhead 110 ejects printing ink onto the medium M in an inkjet manner when printing an image. The inkjet method is arbitrary and can be either piezoelectric or thermal. The printing ink is, for example, YMCK ink in various colors.

[0072] The ink supply mechanism 120 has an ink supply path that supplies ink from the ink storage section (e.g., ink bottle or ink cartridge) to the print head 110.

[0073] The printhead moving mechanism 130 moves the printhead 110 along the main scanning direction (left-right direction in the figure). The printhead moving mechanism 130 includes a carriage carrying the printhead 110 and a guide rail that guides the carriage's movement in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the printhead moving mechanism 130 includes a drive belt with the carriage fixed to it, a drive pulley and a driven pulley wound around the drive belt, and a drive motor that rotates the drive pulley. By rotating the drive motor, the drive belt rotates, and the carriage moves in the main scanning direction.

[0074] The feed mechanism 140 is a structure for feeding the medium M in the sub-scanning direction (the depth direction in the figure). The feed mechanism 140 includes a platform 141 supporting the medium M, a drive motor, a drive roller that rotates by the drive motor, and multiple pinch rollers. The medium M is held by the drive roller and the multiple pinch rollers, and the medium M is fed out in the sub-scanning direction by the rotation of the drive roller.

[0075] The input unit 150 includes a touch panel or the like that receives operations from the user. The input unit 150 supplies an operation signal indicating the content of the operation received from the user to the controller 160.

[0076] The controller 160 controls the printer 1 as a whole based on the operation signals. The controller 160 is composed of various computers, such as a microcomputer that operates according to a program. In addition, the controller 160 can communicate with an external host computer or the like, and image data can be supplied to the controller 160.

[0077] The media switch 20 has multiple (e.g., 3) media holding parts 21, rotating parts 22, and driving parts 23.

[0078] The media holding section 21 holds each individual roll R in a rotatable manner. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the medium holding part 21 includes a guide part 210, a right clamping part 220, and a left clamping part 230.

[0079] The guide part 210 is a component that supports the left and right clamping parts 220 and 230 in a sliding manner, and includes two guide rods 211 and 212 arranged parallel to each other.

[0080] Clamping portions 220 and 230 respectively engage with the open ends of the hollow core material of roll R, clamping roll R in a rotatable manner. Clamping portion 220 includes a base plate 221, a locking screw 222, and a fitting portion 223. The base plate 221 has a through hole 221a for guide rod 211 to pass through and a through hole 221b for guide rod 212 to pass through. The locking screw 222 threadedly fixes guide rod 212 into the through hole 221b. Additionally, the base plate 221 may also include a sleeve 221c that defines the through hole 221b. The sleeve 221c is fixed to the main body of the base plate 221, for example, by a screw. The surface of the sleeve 221c defining the through hole 221b is configured to prevent guide rod 212 from rotating within the through hole 221b; for example, it may be formed of a material with a high coefficient of friction with the surface of guide rod 212. Sleeve 221c has a threaded hole through which a stop screw 222 is fitted. The stop screw 222 passes through the threaded hole and contacts the guide rod 212, pressing the guide rod 212 against the inner surface of sleeve 221c, thereby fixing the guide rod 212 relative to sleeve 221c and then relative to substrate 221. Fitting part 223 is a member that fits into one open end of the hollow core material of roll R and is fixed to substrate 221 in a rotatable manner. Similarly, clamping part 230 has substrate 231 (through holes 231a, 231b), stop screw 232, and fitting part 233. Except for the aspect in which they are arranged facing each other across roll R, these structures are the same as substrate 221 (through holes 221a, 221b), stop screw 222, and fitting part 223.

[0081] When installing a roll R into the media holding section 21, the user first loosens the locking screws 222 and 232 of the left and right clamping sections 220 and 230. Next, if a roll R is already installed in the media holding section 21, the user slides one or both of the clamping sections 220 and 230 onto the guide section 210 to detach the roll R from the media holding section 21. Then, as needed, the user slides the clamping sections 220 and 230 onto the guide section 210 to adjust the spacing between the clamping sections 220 and 230 to be longer than the newly installed roll R. Next, after the user engages one open end of the core material of roll R with the engaging portion of a clamping part (e.g., engaging portion 223 of clamping part 220), the user slides another clamping part (e.g., clamping part 230) toward roll R, thereby engaging the engaging portion of the other clamping part (e.g., engaging portion 233) with the other open end of the core material of roll R. Finally, the user tightens the locking screws 222 and 232 of clamping parts 220 and 230, thus fixing the two clamping parts 220 and 230 to the guide part 210. This allows rolls R with different core material lengths to be installed on the media holding part 21.

[0082] The rotating section 22 is a set of shaft plates that are approximately rotationally symmetrical. Multiple media holding sections 21 are rotationally symmetrical about a common axis of rotation of the two plates and are circumferentially spaced and fixed to the two shaft plates. Specifically, the guide rods 211 and 212 are fixed to the rotating section 22 by clamping the rotating section 22 with the guide rods 211 and 212. When the roll R held in a media holding section 21 is in the media supply position, when the rotating section 22 rotates by a predetermined media exchange angle (e.g., 120°) about the aforementioned axis of rotation in a predetermined media exchange direction (e.g., counterclockwise when viewed from right to left in the figure), the roll R held in the next media holding section 21 moves to the media supply position and becomes capable of supplying media M to the printing section 10. The media exchange angle is determined by the number of media holding sections 21; specifically, it is the angle obtained by dividing 360° by the number of media holding sections 21.

[0083] The drive unit 23 rotates the rotating unit 22 about the rotation axis in the aforementioned medium exchange direction. The drive unit 23 includes a handle 300, a pair of left and right rotating shafts 310, a drive transmission mechanism 320, a pin locking mechanism 330, a locking pin limiting mechanism 340, and a pair of left and right support portions 350. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 and 8 Only the right side of the drive unit 23 is shown, while the left side (left rotating shaft 310 and left support 350) is not illustrated. The handle 300 is configured to be manually cranked. The left and right rotating shafts 310 are fixed with their rotation axes coaxial with the rotation axes of the left and right rotating units 22, respectively. The drive transmission mechanism 320 transmits the power generated by manually cranking the handle 300 to the right rotating shaft 310, causing the right rotating shaft 310 to rotate. When the handle is manually cranked, its power is transmitted to the right rotating shaft 310 via the drive transmission mechanism 320, causing the right rotating shaft 310 to rotate, which in turn rotates the rotating unit 22. Thus, by rotating the rotating unit 22, the media holding part 21 of the roll R is replaced at the media supply position. The support part 350 is a component that supports the various parts of the drive part 23. In particular, it supports the handle 300, the rotating shaft part 310, the drive transmission mechanism 320, the pin locking mechanism 330, and the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 so that they can operate.

[0084] The drive transmission mechanism 320 is a speed reducer, for example, comprising a drive gear 321 directly connected to the hand crank shaft of the handle 300 coaxially with the rotation axis, and a driven gear 322 directly connected to the rotating shaft 310 coaxially with the rotation axis. The reduction ratio of the drive transmission mechanism 320 is set such that the media holding part 21 used for printing is replaced after the handle 300 has been rotated a reasonable number of times. Furthermore, the teeth of the gears are omitted from the accompanying drawings for simplicity.

[0085] Furthermore, the driven gear 322 includes pin holes 322a corresponding to the locking pin 331 and protrusions 322b that allow the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 to move. The driven gear 322 has a number of pin holes 322a that are rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation and are equally spaced in the circumferential direction, the same number as the number of media holding portions 21. Additionally, the driven gear 322 has a number of protrusions 322b that are rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation and are equally spaced in the circumferential direction, the same number as the number of media holding portions 21.

[0086] The pin-locking mechanism 330 is a pin-locking type mechanism that automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part 22 when the new media holding part 21 moves to the media supply position, and can then be released by manual operation. Figure 11 As shown, the pin locking mechanism 330 includes a locking pin 331 and a spring 332. The locking pin 331 is a generally rod-shaped component, which, along its length from the front end, includes a pin portion 331a, a groove portion 331b, a spring pressing portion 331c, a spring storing portion 331d, a sliding limiting portion 331e, and a handle 331f. Figure 9 As shown, the locking pin 331 is held by the support portion 350 so that it can slide in a direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322. When the pin locking mechanism 330 is locked, the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331 is engaged in the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, preventing rotation of the driven gear 322. When the handle 331f is pulled outward (away from the driven gear 322) while the locking pin is locked, the pin locking mechanism 330 is released, the pin portion 331a disengages from the pin hole 322a, and the driven gear 322 can rotate.

[0087] The pin portion 331a is the front end of the locking pin 331, which is a protrusion that engages with the pin hole 322a provided in the driven gear 322.

[0088] The groove 331b is machined behind the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331 and fits into the protrusion 342a of the limiting portion 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340, which will be described later.

[0089] The spring pressing part 331c is an enlarged part located behind the groove 331b of the locking pin 331. When the pin locking mechanism 330 is released, the spring pressing part 331c presses the spring 332 together with a portion of the support part 350.

[0090] The spring storage portion 331d is a shaft for the spring 332 to be wound around, located behind the spring pressing portion 331c of the locking pin 331. The spring storage portion 331d restricts the force generated by the spring 332 to the length direction of the locking pin 331 (the direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322). Thus, when the pin locking mechanism 330 is released, the locking pin 331 is forced towards the driven gear 322.

[0091] The sliding limiting part 331e includes a shaft connecting the spring receiving part 331d and the handle 331f, and connecting parts located at both ends of the shaft and thicker than the shaft, which connect to the spring receiving part 331d and the handle 331f. The shaft portion of the sliding limiting part 331e passes through a through hole provided in the support part 350 and is slidably supported in the through hole, but the connecting parts at both ends of the sliding limiting part 331e do not pass through the through hole. Thus, the movement of the locking pin 331 in the direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322 is limited within a certain range by the sliding limiting part 331e.

[0092] The handle 331f is positioned behind the sliding limit portion 331e of the locking pin 331. The user can release the locking pin 331 by pulling out the handle 331f and lock the locking pin 331 by pressing down the handle 331f.

[0093] The locking pin limiting mechanism 340 automatically restricts the movement of the locking pin 331 towards the driven gear 322 after the locking pin mechanism 330 is released, so that the locking pin mechanism 330 remains in the released state even when the user does not continuously pull the handle 331f. Furthermore, the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 automatically releases this restriction as the driven gear 322 rotates. Figure 12 As shown, the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 includes a shaft portion 341, a limiting portion 342, a magnet 343, and a releasing portion 344.

[0094] like Figure 9 and Figures 13-17 As shown, the shaft portion 341 is a shaft-shaped component that is held in place by the support portion 350 and is rotatable in a plane parallel to the driven gear 322. A limiting portion 342 and a releasing portion 344 are fixed to the shaft portion 341. When one of the limiting portion 342 and the releasing portion 344 rotates in a plane parallel to the driven gear 322, the other also rotates in coordination with it.

[0095] The limiting part 342 is a rod-shaped member extending from the shaft part 341, and has a protrusion 342a and a magnetic part 342b at its front end. The protrusion 342a is a protrusion that fits into the groove 331b of the locking pin 331. The magnetic part 342b is made of a magnetic material that is attracted by the magnet 343.

[0096] Magnet 343 applies force to the entire restricting portion 342 towards the locking pin 331 via the magnetic part 342b. Therefore, except when the releasing part 344 contacts the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322, the front end of the restricting portion 342 remains in contact with the side of the locking pin 331. Furthermore, when the pin locking mechanism 330 is released and the locking pin 331 moves away from the driven gear 322, during this movement, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the protrusion 342a of the limiting part 342 engages with the groove 331b of the locking pin 331 to prevent the locking pin 331 from moving toward the driven gear 322.

[0097] The release part 344 is a rod-shaped member extending from the shaft part 341, configured to collide with the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322 when the driven gear 322 rotates in the medium exchange direction. As a result, when the protrusion 322b collides with the release part 344, the release part 344 rotates away from the locking pin 331, and in conjunction with this, the limiting part 342 also rotates away from the locking pin 331. Consequently, when the protrusion 342a of the limiting part 342 is engaged with the groove 331b of the locking pin 331, the protrusion 342a disengages from the groove 331b, and the locking pin 331 becomes capable of moving again towards the driven gear 322.

[0098] (Operation of Media Switch 20)

[0099] First, the roll R held in a certain medium holding section 21 is in the medium supply position ( Figures 1-3 When the rotating part 22 and the media holding part 21 are in the middle position, the pin locking mechanism 330 is locked in such a way that the rotating part 22 and the media holding part 21 as a whole cannot rotate in either direction. When the pin locking mechanism 330 is locked, as Figure 13 As shown, the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331 is fitted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, and the protrusion 342a of the limiting portion 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 contacts the side of the locking pin 331 other than the groove portion 331b (the side of the spring pressing portion 331c in the figure).

[0100] When replacing the roll R of the printing medium M in this state with another roll R held in the media exchange 20, the user first removes the medium M from the feed mechanism 140 of the printing unit 10. Then, the removed portion is cut off using a cutting tool such as a knife, or the removed portion is wound back onto the roll R by rotating the roll R within the media holding part 21, thereby setting the previously used roll R in a state suitable for storage.

[0101] Next, the user pulls handle 331f to release the locking mechanism 330. With the locking mechanism 330 released, the locking pin 331 is forced towards the driven gear 322. Therefore, when the user removes their hand from handle 331f before the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 operates, the locking mechanism 330 automatically returns to the locked state. While the user pulls handle 331f until the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 operates, because the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 restricts the movement of the locking pin 331 towards the driven gear 322, the locking mechanism 330 remains released even if the user stops pulling handle 331f. After the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 operates, as... Figure 14 As shown, the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331 disengages from the pin hole 322a of the self-driven gear 322, and the protrusion 342a of the limiting portion 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 is embedded in the groove portion 331b of the locking pin 331.

[0102] Next, the user moves the handle 300 in the specified direction (e.g., Figures 1-3 Rotating clockwise (when viewed from right to left), causing the rotating part 22 and the medium holding part 21 to move as a whole in the medium exchange direction ( Figures 1-3 Rotate counterclockwise (when viewed from right to left) until the roll R held in the next medium holding section 21 moves to the medium supply position.

[0103] In this process, firstly, the restriction on the movement of the locking pin 331 towards the driven gear 322 by the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 is automatically released. Then, with the locking pin locking mechanism 330 released, the locking pin 331 moves towards the driven gear 322 because a force is applied to it in the direction of approaching the driven gear 322. Figure 15 As shown, just before the restriction of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 is about to be released, since there is no pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 on the front side of the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331, the result is as follows: Figure 16 As shown, the locking pin 331 collides with a portion of the driven gear 322 other than the pin hole 322a. In this state, the pin locking mechanism 330 remains released.

[0104] Furthermore, although the protrusion 342a of the limiting portion 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 is forced towards the locking pin 331, immediately after the restriction of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 on the movement of the locking pin 331 is released, such as Figure 16As shown, because it is obstructed by the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322 and the release portion 344 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 relative to the locking pin 331, the protrusion 342a will not move toward the locking pin 331. Furthermore, even if this obstruction is released, after the locking pin 331 collides with a portion other than the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, as... Figure 17 As shown, the protrusion 342a of the limiting part 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 will also come into contact with the side other than the groove 331b of the locking pin 331 again, and the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 will enter a standby state waiting for the next operation.

[0105] Furthermore, when the roll R, held in the next medium holding section 21, moves to the medium supply position, it becomes such that the next pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 exists on the front side of the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331. With the pin locking mechanism 330 released, the locking pin 331 is forced towards the driven gear 322, causing it to move towards the driven gear 322. As a result, as... Figure 13 As shown, the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331 is inserted into the next pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 on the front side, and the pin locking mechanism 330 is automatically locked again.

[0106] Finally, the user pulls out the media M from the retracted media supply position R and places a portion of the pulled-out media M onto the feed mechanism 140. Thus, the printer 1 is able to print on the new media M.

[0107] (The action of printer 1)

[0108] The controller 160 controls the print head 110, the nozzle moving mechanism 130, and the feed mechanism 140 based on image data supplied from an external source (such as a host computer) and data regarding the type of media supplied from an external source or input from the input unit 150, to print the image represented by the image data onto the media M. The controller 160 drives the nozzle moving mechanism 130 to move the print head 110 while simultaneously controlling the print head 110 to eject ink based on the image data. Using this process, one line of the image represented by the image data is printed. Then, the controller 160 drives the feed mechanism 140 to feed a predetermined amount of media M in the sub-scanning direction. By repeatedly printing one line of the image and feeding the media M by the feed mechanism 140, the image is printed onto the media M.

[0109] In particular, during the printing process, the controller 160 controls the speed at which the feed mechanism 140 delivers the medium M in the sub-scanning direction and / or the force by which the feed mechanism 140 holds the medium M (e.g., the rotational speed of the drive roller and / or the force that presses the pinch roller against the medium M) based on data about the type of media, thereby optimizing the tension applied to the medium M pulled out from the roll R located at the media supply position. For example, the tension applied to the medium M during printing is selected in a way that prevents the medium M from breaking, wrinkling, or otherwise hindering printing relative to the medium M. Furthermore, for example, the tension applied to the medium M during printing is selected such that it can be set to a maximum feed speed within a range that does not hinder printing relative to the medium M.

[0110] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0111] Traditional media switches only correspond to media rolls of a specified shape, particularly those with the same core length, and cannot accommodate media rolls of other sizes.

[0112] However, in this embodiment, the media exchange 20 of printer 1 can install media rolls with different core lengths onto the same media holding section 21. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish between media rolls of various specifications using printer 1.

[0113] Furthermore, conventional media exchangers require a driven feed mechanism for each media roll in order to deliver media from the media rolls mounted on the exchange to the printing mechanism of the printing unit. Therefore, when such a media exchange carries multiple media rolls of different materials, and these rolls are used differently according to user requirements, the feed mechanism corresponding to the used media roll needs to cooperate with the feed mechanism on the printing unit side, and its operation needs to be individually adjusted according to the material of each media. This makes the overall media delivery control of the printing unit complex. Moreover, if such control fails, the media during delivery may break or wrinkle, leading to a decrease in print quality. Additionally, because multiple driven feed mechanisms are required, such media exchangers have higher operating costs in terms of energy consumption and maintenance labor.

[0114] However, in this embodiment, the media exchange 20 does not have a drive-type feed mechanism for dispensing the media M, while only the printing unit 10 has a drive-type feed mechanism 140 for dispensing the media M. Therefore, the drive-type feed mechanism for dispensing the media M is unified with the printing unit. Thus, even if the media exchange 20 is equipped with multiple rolls R formed of media M of different materials, and these rolls are used differently according to the user's requirements, the delivery of the media M can be easily controlled simply by controlling the speed at which the feed mechanism 140 dispenses the media M in the sub-scanning direction and / or the force with which the feed mechanism 140 holds the media M. In addition, it is not necessary to provide multiple feed mechanisms in the media exchange 20, thus saving operating costs and manufacturing expenses.

[0115] (Modified Example)

[0116] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The following are examples of variations related to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the embodiments described above and the various variations described below can be combined without contradicting each other.

[0117] (Variation Example 1)

[0118] In the above embodiment, the printer 1 uses an inkjet printing method, but it can also use other methods, as long as it can print the roll R of the medium M supplied by the media exchange 20.

[0119] Furthermore, the structure of printer 1 other than the media exchange 20 can be any known structure suitable for the printing method, as long as it can print on the roll R of media M supplied from the media exchange 20. That is, printer 1 can be a printing device that includes a printing unit 10 that can print on media M in any way and a media exchange 20 that supplies media M to the printing unit 10.

[0120] Alternatively, printer 1 may be a printing device comprising a printing unit 10 which can deliver medium M in a predetermined direction and print medium M in any manner, and a media exchange 20 which supplies medium M to the printing unit 10, wherein a drive-type feed mechanism for delivering medium M is provided in the printing unit 10 but not in the media exchange 20.

[0121] Furthermore, for the roll R of media M installed on the media switch 20, the length of the core material can be the same or different, and the material of media M can be the same or different. Additionally, the core material of the roll R of media M installed on the media switch 20 is arbitrary, as long as its two ends are suitable for installation relative to the media switch 20 (e.g., the fitting portion 223 of the clamping portion 220 and the fitting portion 233 of the clamping portion 230), and is not limited to a hollow core material. For example, the core material can also be a solid core material with recesses or other mounting components at both ends for installation relative to the fitting portion 223 of the clamping portion 220 and the fitting portion 233 of the clamping portion 230.

[0122] (Variation Example 2)

[0123] The structure of the media exchange 20 is arbitrary, as long as it can hold multiple rolls R, especially multiple rolls R with different core lengths, and can move a specified roll R to a media supply position that can supply media M from that roll R to the printing unit 10 as needed.

[0124] (Variation Example 3)

[0125] The structure of the guide portion 210 of each media holding portion 21 and the left and right clamping portions 220 and 230 of the media switch 20 is arbitrary, as long as it can hold a single roll R in a rotatable manner, especially rolls R with different core material lengths in a rotatable manner.

[0126] For example, the guide portion 210 can be composed of one or more guide rods, or more than one track, as long as the clamping portions 220 and 230 are supported in a manner that allows them to slide along the length direction of the roll R when it is held in the medium holding portion 21. Alternatively, the clamping portions 220 and 230 can be slidably fixed to the guide portion 210 using any connecting member suitable for the guide portion 210, instead of the through holes 221a, 221b, 231a, and 231b provided on the substrates 221 and 231.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, the structure of the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230 is arbitrary, as long as the roll R can be held in a rotatable manner. Additionally, in the clamping portion 220, other holding members that hold the roll R in a rotatable manner can be used instead of the fitting portion 223. Similarly, in the clamping portion 230, other holding members that hold the roll R in a rotatable manner can be used instead of the fitting portion 233. For example, the clamping portions 220 and 230 can be provided with recesses, through holes, or support holes for inserting the end of the core material of the roll R as holding members instead of the fitting portions 223 and 233. Furthermore, the structure of the clamping portion 220 other than the fitting portion 223 or other holding members and the structure of the corresponding clamping portion 230 do not necessarily need to be arranged facing each other across the roll R.

[0128] Alternatively, the fixing member that detachably secures the clamping portions 220 and 230 to the guide portion 210 is not limited to the stop screws 222 and 232; other fixing members may also be used. Alternatively, one of the clamping portions 220 and 230 may be permanently fixed to the guide portion 210. In this case, the position of the clamping portion of the media holding portion 21 permanently fixed to the guide portion 210 of each media holding portion 21 can be aligned in a consistent manner when the roll R held in the media holding portion 21 is moved to the media supply position. When one of the clamping portions 220 and 230 is permanently fixed to the guide portion 210, the guide portion 210 only needs to hold the other clamping portion 220 and 230 in a slidable manner.

[0129] Alternatively, a single media switch 20 can be configured to hold multiple volumes R. For example, a media switch 20 can be provided with a number of clamping parts 220 and 230 corresponding to the number of volumes R installed. In this case, to reduce the number of clamping parts 220 and 230, the clamping parts 220 and 230 disposed between adjacent volumes R can be integrated. For example, instead of distributing two clamping parts 220 and 230 between adjacent volumes R, a single clamping part 220 with holding members (e.g., fitting parts 223 and 233) can be disposed on the left and right sides respectively.

[0130] (Variation Example 4)

[0131] The structure of the rotating part 22 of the media exchange 20 is arbitrary, as long as multiple media holding parts 21 are held in a configuration such that, when the drive part 23 rotates around the rotation axis, the roll R held in each media holding part 21 is positioned at the media supply position once during this rotation. For example, the shape of the rotating part 22 is arbitrary; for example, a set of rotatable frames can replace a set of shaft plates. Furthermore, in Figures 1-3In the middle, when viewed from right to left in a planar perspective, the shape of the rotating part 22 is roughly rotationally symmetrical, but it can also be other shapes, as long as it does not hinder the rotation of the rotating part 22.

[0132] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the media holding section 21 is arranged symmetrically on the rotating section 22 about the rotation axis of the rotating section 22. However, the arrangement of the media holding section 21 on the rotating section 22 is arbitrary, as long as the roll R held in each media holding section 21 is in the media supply position once during the rotation of the rotating section 22. For example, each media holding section 21 may be in a position that overlaps with each other when rotating about the rotation axis of the rotating section 22. In this case, the media exchange angle required to move the roll R held in the next media holding section 21 to the media supply position when the roll R held in one media holding section 21 is in the media supply position may be different from the media exchange angle required to move the roll R held in the next media holding section 21 to the media supply position when the roll R held in another media holding section 21 is in the media supply position.

[0133] (Variation Example 5)

[0134] The dielectric holding section 21 can be adapted to multiple core materials with different end shapes. For example, such as Figure 5 , 6 As shown, the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230 are roughly designed as a shape in which smaller diameter disks are stacked on top of a larger diameter disk. Therefore, core materials with smaller diameter openings can be mounted on the smaller diameter disk portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230, while core materials with larger diameter openings can be mounted on the larger diameter disk portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230. When winding a medium around a core material, the required load-bearing capacity and / or chemical resistance of the core material vary depending on the length or material of the medium in the width direction. Therefore, it is sometimes preferable to use core materials of different materials and shapes for each medium. For example, to roll heavier media, it is preferable to use a harder and / or thicker core material. Therefore, when multiple media M rolls R with different lengths (and thus different core material lengths) or different materials are installed on the media switch 20, this modification can be adapted even if the ends of the core materials of these rolls R have different shapes. In this respect, this modification is preferred.

[0135] (Variation Example 6)

[0136] The structure of the drive unit 23 is arbitrary, as long as it can rotate the rotating unit 22 (for example, rotate it in the medium exchange direction to the required medium exchange angle) and move the roll R of the next medium holding unit to the medium supply position.

[0137] For example, in the drive unit 23, a foot pedal or other mechanical component can be used instead of the handle 300 to transmit human power to the drive transmission mechanism 320. Furthermore, the prime mover is not limited to human power; it can also replace human power or utilize power from a prime mover such as an electric motor to rotate the rotating unit 22. When using a prime mover, a switch can be provided in the drive unit 23 for the user to switch the start and stop of the prime mover. Additionally, when using a prime mover for human assistance, an electronic or mechanical device can be provided instead of a switch, or based on a switch, to start the prime mover only when the handle 300 or other mechanical component is moved manually.

[0138] The drive transmission mechanism 320 is arbitrary, as long as it is suitable for the aforementioned mechanical components and prime mover used for inputting human power. For example, such as... Figure 18 and 19 As shown, the drive transmission mechanism 320 may include: a drive gear 321, which is directly connected to the hand crank shaft of the handle 300 in a manner coaxial with the rotation axis; a driven gear 322, which is directly connected to the rotating shaft portion 310 in a manner coaxial with the rotation axis; a driven gear 323, which meshes with the drive gear 321; and a driven gear 324, which is fixed to the same rotation axis as the driven gear 323.

[0139] The rotating shaft 310 is arbitrary, as long as it is rotated by the drive transmission mechanism 320 and fixed to the rotating part 22.

[0140] The pin locking mechanism 330 can be any pin-locking mechanism, as long as it automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part 22 when the new media holding part 21 moves to the media supply position, and can then be released manually. For example, instead of the driven gear 322, the pin hole 322a and the protrusion 322b can be provided on a locking plate that is linked to the rotating part 22 in such a way that if the rotation of one is fixed, the rotation of the other is also fixed (e.g., fixed relative to the rotating part 22 in a manner coaxial with the rotation axis). In addition, the shape of the pin part 331a and the pin hole 322a is arbitrary, as long as they can fit together to prevent the rotation of the driven gear 322 or the locking plate. The arrangement of the pin hole 322a on the driven gear 322 or the locking plate is arbitrary, as long as the pin hole 322a is on the front side of the pin part 331a of the locking pin 331 when the roll R of each media holding part 21 is in the media supply position. Furthermore, the force-applying component that applies force to the locking pin 331 in the direction of approaching the driven gear 322 or the locking plate is arbitrary and not limited to the spring 332. In addition, the force-applying component can apply force to the locking pin 331 in the direction of approaching the driven gear 322 or the locking plate at least when the pin locking mechanism 330 is released, and can apply force or not when the pin locking mechanism 330 is locked.

[0141] The locking pin limiting mechanism 340 can be any mechanism that automatically restricts the movement of the locking pin 331 toward the driven gear 322 or the locking plate after the locking mechanism 330 is released, so that the locking mechanism 330 is maintained in the released state even when the user does not continuously pull the handle 331f, and the restriction is automatically released as the driven gear 322 or the locking plate rotates. For example, the shapes of the groove 331b of the locking pin 331 and the protrusion 342a of the limiting part 342 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 are arbitrary, as long as they can fit together to prevent the locking pin 331 from moving toward the driven gear 322 or the locking plate. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the release portion 344 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 and the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322 or locking plate, as well as the shape of these components, are arbitrary, as long as the restriction on the movement of the locking pin 331 by the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 is released before or when the pin hole 322a reaches the front of the pin portion 331a of the locking pin 331. Additionally, the shaft portion 341, limiting portion 342, and release portion 344 of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 are preferably generally less dense than the magnetic body portion 342b of the limiting portion 342, so that they are easily attracted by the magnet 343. The shaft portion 341, limiting portion 342 (except for the magnetic body portion 342b), and release portion 344 are preferably formed of a lightweight resin material. Furthermore, the force-applying component that applies force to the limiting portion 342 as a whole in the direction closer to the locking pin 331 is not limited to the magnet 343, but can also be other force-applying components such as a leaf spring. Furthermore, the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b can be omitted.

[0142] Alternatively, any locking mechanism can be used instead of the pin locking mechanism 330 and the pin hole 322a, or based on the pin locking mechanism 330 and the pin hole 322a, as long as the rotation of the rotating part 22 is automatically locked when the new medium holding part 21 moves to the medium supply position, and the lock can be released by manual operation. For example, an electrically controlled or mechanically controlled disc brake system can be cited as such a locking mechanism. When using such a locking mechanism, the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b can also be omitted.

[0143] (Variation Example 7)

[0144] From the perspective of preventing accidents and malfunctions, in order to prevent the rotating part 22 from rotating rapidly in the opposite direction to the medium exchange direction when the drive unit 23, especially when manually rotating the rotating part 22 in the medium exchange direction, devices such as ratchet mechanisms, rotation dampers, disc dampers, and torque limiters can be provided in the medium exchanger 20 (e.g., drive transmission mechanism 320 or rotating shaft part 310) to prevent or suppress reverse rotation.

[0145] For example, such as Figure 18 and 19 As shown, a ratchet mechanism 400 can be provided on the rotation axis of the handle 300. The ratchet mechanism 400 includes a ratchet gear 410 fixed to the rotation axis of the handle 300 and an anti-rotation part 420 that restricts the rotation of the ratchet gear 410 to one direction. The ratchet gear 410 has one or more components that restrict the rotation of the ratchet gear 410 in one direction (…). Figure 19 In the clockwise direction, it does not engage with the anti-rotation member 420a of the anti-rotation part 420 (described later), but in the opposite direction ( Figure 19 The teeth engage with the anti-rotation member 420a when the gear rotates counterclockwise. The anti-rotation part 420 includes, for example, an anti-rotation member (or pawl) 420a that is subjected to force toward the ratchet gear 410 by a spring or the like.

[0146] Additionally, for example, such as Figure 20 As shown, the ratchet mechanism 400' can also be provided on the left side of the drive unit 23, on the rotating shaft unit 310. The ratchet mechanism 400' includes a ratchet gear 410' fixed to the left end of the rotating shaft unit 310 and an anti-rotation part 420' that restricts the rotation of the ratchet gear 410' to one direction. The ratchet gear 410' has one or more components that restrict the rotation of the ratchet gear 410' to one direction ( Figure 20 In the case of rotation (counterclockwise direction), it does not engage with the anti-rotation member 420a' of the anti-rotation part 420' described later, and in the opposite direction ( Figure 20 The teeth engage with the anti-rotation member 420a' when the gear rotates clockwise. The anti-rotation member 420a' includes, for example, an anti-rotation member (or pawl) 420a' that is subjected to force toward the ratchet gear 410' by a spring or the like.

[0147] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, a pin locking mechanism 330' and a locking pin limiting mechanism 340' for preventing the rotation of the ratchet gear 410' at regular intervals may also be provided on the left side of the drive unit 23. The structures of the pin locking mechanism 330' and the locking pin limiting mechanism 340' are the same as those of the pin locking mechanism 330 and the locking pin limiting mechanism 340, so detailed descriptions are omitted. In this case, the ratchet gear 410' and the driven gear 322 are similarly provided with pin holes corresponding to the locking pins of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340' and protrusions that allow the locking pin limiting mechanism 340' to move. In addition, the pin hole of the ratchet gear 410' is provided at a position where the locking pin of the locking pin limiting mechanism 340' can be inserted when the locking pin 331 is inserted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322.

[0148] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, in order to prevent the rotating part 22 from rotating rapidly in the medium exchange direction when the drive unit 23 is used, especially manually, to rotate it, a rotation damper, disc damper, or other device to suppress rotation can be installed in the medium exchanger 20 (e.g., drive transmission mechanism 320 or rotating shaft 310). For example, if the hand is removed from the handle 300 when the medium holding part 21, which carries a heavy roll R, is positioned above it, such rapid rotation of the rotating part 22 in the medium exchange direction may occur. This rapid rotation of the rotating part 22 in the medium exchange direction, combined with the rapid rotation of the medium holding part 21 carrying the heavy roll R and the rapid rotation of the handle 300, may cause harm to people near the medium holding part 21 or to the person turning the handle 300. For example, as... Figure 18 As shown, a disc damper 500 can also be mounted on the rotating shaft of the handle 300 and the drive gear 321. Figure 18 In the middle, the disc damper 500 is fixed to the back of the support 350, and is therefore indicated by a dashed line.

[0149] From the perspective of preventing accidents and malfunctions, to prevent the rotating part 22 from being rotated in the direction of media exchange or its opposite direction by the drive unit 23, especially by human force, a torque limiter can be provided in the media exchanger 20 (e.g., drive transmission mechanism 320 or rotating shaft 310). For example, if the locking pin 331 is embedded in the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, or if a device such as a ratchet mechanism 400, 400' is used to prevent the rotating part 22 from rotating in the opposite direction of media exchange, forcibly rotating the handle 300 may cause damage to the machine. The torque limiter prevents such forced rotation of the handle 300. In addition, for example, if the handle 300 is rotated when a heavy roll R is mounted on the media holding part 21, it is possible to apply a force exceeding its mechanical strength to the handle 300 or drive transmission mechanism 320. In such cases, the torque limiter can also prevent the rotation of the handle 300 and thus prevent the rotation of the rotating part 22. For example, as Figure 18 As shown, a torque limiter 600 may be provided on the rotation axis of the handle 300.

[0150] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, if the drive unit 23 is configured such that the rotating part 22 can also be rotated in the opposite direction to the medium exchange direction (for example, in the above embodiment where the locking pin limiting mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b are omitted), a device to suppress rotation, such as a rotation damper, a disc damper, or a torque limiter, may be provided in the medium exchanger 20 (e.g., the drive transmission mechanism 320 or the rotating shaft part 310).

[0151] (Variation Example 8)

[0152] In the above-described embodiments, the media exchanger 20 (especially the media holding section 21) is not equipped with a driven feeding mechanism (e.g., a drive roller) that actively supplies the media M from the roll R to the printing section 10. However, to assist in the supply of the media M to the printing section 10, a driven feeding mechanism driven by a prime mover or manual force may be provided in the media exchanger 20 (especially each media holding section 21). For example, a drive roller disposed at a position abutting against the roll R may be provided in the media holding section 21. In addition, one or both of the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping sections 220 and 230 may be configured to be rotated by a prime mover or manual force so as to supply the media M from the roll R mounted on the component to the printing section 10.

[0153] (Variation Example 9)

[0154] The feeding mechanism 140 is arbitrary, as long as it can deliver the medium M supplied by the medium exchanger 20 in the specified direction.

[0155] For example, in the feed mechanism 140, other conveying components that transport the medium M in a predetermined direction can be used instead of the drive roller. Examples of such other conveying components include a winding device that rewinds the printed medium M into a roll, a belt conveyor, etc. Such a winding device can be used in combination with a table, belt conveyor, or drive roller arranged facing the printhead 110.

[0156] Alternatively, in the feeding mechanism 140, other pressing components that press the conveyed medium M against the conveying member can be used instead of pinch rollers. Examples of such pressing components include pressure plates with smooth surfaces facing the medium M. Furthermore, pressing components such as pinch rollers can be omitted from the feeding mechanism 140. For example, when conveying the medium M as fabric using a belt conveyor, a sticky adhesive can be applied to the belt of the belt conveyor instead of using pressing components.

[0157] For example, it could be, such as Figure 18 As shown, the feeding mechanism includes a drive roller 142 and multiple pinch rollers 143 between the supply port 11 for supplying the medium M to the printing unit 10 and the area where the ink ejected from the print head 110 falls. The drive roller 142, for example, is positioned in the left-right direction (…). Figure 18A wider roller (vertical to the paper surface) is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). Multiple pinch rollers 143 are arranged in the left-right direction, with the medium M clamped between the pinch rollers 143 and the drive rollers 142. The medium M is fed out in the sub-scanning direction by the rotation of the drive rollers 142. Alternatively, one or more driven rollers or drive rollers capable of clamping the medium M together with the drive rollers 142 and feeding the medium M in a predetermined direction can be used instead of the pinch rollers 143.

[0158] This invention can be implemented and modified in various ways without departing from its broad spirit and scope. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are illustrative of one example of the invention and do not limit its scope. The above embodiments and modifications can be combined arbitrarily. Moreover, removing a portion of the constituent elements of the above embodiments as needed is also included within the scope of the technical concept of this invention.

[0159] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-129764 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-129765, filed on August 6, 2021. The disclosures of the patent applications on which they are based are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0160] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0161] 1. Printer; 10. Printing section; 11. Supply port; 20. Media exchanger; 21. Media holding section; 22. Rotating section; 23. Drive section; 30. Stand; 110. Printhead; 120. Ink supply mechanism; 130. Printhead moving mechanism; 140. Feeding mechanism; 141. Table; 142. Drive roller; 143. Pinch roller; 150. Input section; 160. Controller; 210. Guide section; 211. Guide rod; 212. Guide rod; 220. Clamping section; 221. Base plate; 221a. Through hole; 221b. Through hole; 222. Stop screw; 223. Fitting section; 230. Clamping section; 231. Base plate; 232. Stop screw; 233. Fitting section; 300. Handle; 310. Rotating shaft; 320. Drive transmission mechanism; 3 21. Drive gear; 322. Driven gear; 322a. Pin hole; 322b. Protrusion; 330, 330'. Pin locking mechanism; 331. Locking pin; 331a. Pin part; 331b. Groove part; 331c. Spring pressing part; 331d. Spring storage part; 331e. Sliding limiting part; 331f. Handle; 332. Spring; 340, 340'. Locking pin limiting. Mechanism; 341, Shaft; 342, Restriction part; 342a, Protrusion; 342b, Magnetic part; 343, Magnet; 344, Release part; 350, Support part; 400, 400', Ratchet mechanism; 410, 410', Ratchet gear; 420, 420', Anti-rotation part; 420a, 420a', Anti-rotation element; 500, Disc damper; 600, Torque limiter.

Claims

1. A media exchange capable of holding a plurality of media rolls and capable of moving a designated media roll thereon to a media supply position from which media can be supplied to the printing section of a printing apparatus, characterized in that, The media switch has the following features: Multiple media holding sections; and A rotating part, configured to hold multiple media holding parts in such a way that, when rotating about a rotation axis, the media roll held in each of the media holding parts is positioned at the media supply position once during the rotation. Each of the media holding portions includes a set of clamping portions that can rotatably hold a single media roll, and a guide portion that can slidably support one or both of the set of clamping portions. At least one of the media holding portions includes a plurality of guide rods. The rotating part consists of two shaft plates, and at least one of the media holding parts is mounted between the two shaft plates using the plurality of guide rods.

2. The media switch according to claim 1, wherein, The guide portion of at least one of the media holding portions supports both the set of clamping portions of the media holding portion in a slidable manner.

3. The media switch according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of media holding sections are configured to hold a single media roll, respectively. The media exchange also has a pin locking mechanism that automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part when the new media holding part moves to the media supply position, and the lock can then be released by manual operation.

4. The media switch according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of media holding sections are configured to hold a single media roll, respectively. The media exchange also has a ratchet mechanism to prevent the rotating part from rotating in the opposite direction.

5. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, The printing device has the following features: The printing unit, which prints onto the media; and The media switch according to any one of claims 1 to 4 supplies the media to the printing unit.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The printing unit feeds the medium in a predetermined direction and prints the medium. The printing unit has a drive-type feed mechanism for dispensing the medium.

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