foil transfer device

Abstract

The foil transfer device is miniaturized. The foil transfer device (1) includes: an adhesive coating mechanism (5) that coats an adhesive onto a medium (2); and a transfer roller pair (8) that pushes a foil transfer sheet (3) onto the adhesive-coated medium (2) to transfer foil onto the medium (2). The adhesive coating mechanism (5) includes: a nozzle (23) that sprays adhesive onto the medium (2); and a platform (27) disposed below the nozzle (23) for holding the medium (2). In the foil transfer device (1), the transfer roller pair (8) is disposed below the platform (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a foil transfer apparatus for transferring foil to a medium. Background Technology

[0002] A foil transfer apparatus for transferring foil onto a strip-shaped medium is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The foil transfer apparatus includes an inkjet head that sprays an adhesive liquid onto the medium and a foil transfer clamping roller pair that presses the foil transfer sheet onto the medium coated with the adhesive liquid. Furthermore, the foil transfer apparatus includes a supply roller that feeds the medium to the inkjet head and a recovery roller that retracts the medium onto the foil transfer clamping roller pair by winding it back up.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-226880 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the foil transfer apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the inkjet head and foil transfer clamping rollers are arranged in a front-to-back direction between the supply roller and the return roller. Therefore, the foil transfer apparatus is large in the front-to-back direction, which may result in a large installation area being required.

[0008] The aim is to find a technology that can miniaturize foil transfer devices and reduce the area required for installation.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] (1) The foil transfer apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the foil transfer apparatus comprises: a coating mechanism that coats an adhesive onto a medium; and a roller that pushes a sheet on which a foil is formed on a substrate onto a medium coated with an adhesive to transfer foil onto the medium, the coating mechanism comprising: a nozzle that sprays an adhesive onto the medium; and a medium mounting portion disposed below the nozzle for mounting the medium, the roller being disposed at a position lower than the medium mounting portion.

[0011] In this invention, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the area required for its installation. In the foil transfer apparatus of this invention, the roller is positioned lower than the medium-carrying section where the medium is placed during adhesive coating. That is, in this invention, the position of the medium during adhesive coating and the position of the medium during foil transfer are offset in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this invention, the area for applying adhesive to the medium and the area for transferring foil to the medium can be offset in the vertical direction. Thus, in this invention, interference between the area for applying adhesive to the medium and the area for transferring foil to the medium can be prevented, and the two areas can be brought closer together in the front-back direction. Therefore, in this invention, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized in the front-back direction, resulting in a reduction in the installation area of ​​the foil transfer apparatus.

[0012] (2) In this invention, for example, the roller includes a pair of rollers that sandwich the medium and the sheet, and the pair of rollers are arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction. By arranging the pair of rollers opposite each other on the lower side of the medium mounting section, the medium 2 conveyed downward from the medium mounting section can be made to overlap with the foil transfer sheet 3 without changing the moving direction of the medium 2, which can help to miniaturize the foil transfer apparatus 1.

[0013] (3) In this invention, the foil transfer apparatus includes: a medium delivery section that delivers a medium relative to a coating mechanism; and a medium take-up section that takes up the medium that has passed through a roller. For example, at least one of the medium delivery section and the medium take-up section is disposed below the coating mechanism. In this case, compared to the case where the medium delivery section and the medium take-up section are disposed at positions offset from the lower side of the coating mechanism, the foil transfer apparatus can be further miniaturized in the front-back direction.

[0014] (4) In this invention, it is preferable that the foil transfer apparatus includes a tension application mechanism having a pull rod that contacts a medium coated with adhesive and applies tension to the medium. The pull rod is arranged vertically between the medium mounting section and the transfer roller pair, applying tension to the medium after the adhesive is applied and before the transfer foil. With this configuration, since the pull rod is arranged vertically between the medium mounting section and the rollers, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized in the front-back direction even if it includes a pull rod.

[0015] Furthermore, with this configuration, since the pull rod applies tension to the medium after the adhesive is applied and before the transfer foil, deviations in the tension of the medium during the transfer foil application can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transfer of foil to a relaxed medium or to a medium under applied high tension. For example, it is possible to suppress the situation where, when transferring foil to a relaxed medium, cracks occur in the foil when the medium after the transfer foil is stretched. Additionally, it is possible to suppress the situation where, when transferring foil to a medium under applied high tension, wrinkles occur in the foil when the tension of the medium after the transfer foil is eased.

[0016] (5) In this invention, preferably, the foil transfer apparatus includes a first heater and a second heater for heating medium, the first heater being positioned above the pull rod, and the second heater being positioned vertically between the pull rod and the roller.

[0017] With this configuration, since the first heater is positioned higher than the pull rod, and the second heater is vertically positioned between the pull rod and the transfer roller pair, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction even if it includes both the first and second heaters. Furthermore, with this configuration, even if the pull rod is positioned between the first heater and the roller, the second heater can enhance the adhesion of the adhesive applied to the medium upon reaching the roller. Therefore, foil can be appropriately transferred from the roller to the portion of the medium coated with adhesive.

[0018] (6) In this invention, for example, the foil transfer apparatus includes: a sheet feeding section that feeds the sheet relative to the roller; and a support body that supports the medium mounting section from below, the sheet feeding section being detachably mounted to the support body. In this case, for example, by removing the sheet feeding section from the support body and ejecting ink from the printhead, the foil transfer apparatus can be used as an inkjet printer. Therefore, the versatility of the foil transfer apparatus can be improved.

[0019] (7) In this invention, preferably, the roller comprises: a conveying roller that contacts the medium and conveys the medium; and a transfer roller that is forceped toward the conveying roller, with the medium and sheet sandwiched between the transfer roller and the conveying roller. The transfer roller is composed of a plurality of segmented rollers divided in the axial direction of the transfer roller, and the two ends of the plurality of segmented rollers are supported by bearings in a rotatable manner. With this configuration, even if the width of the medium is wide, the deflection of the foil transfer roller when the medium and the foil transfer sheet are pressed toward the conveying roller can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the width of the medium is wide, the foil can be properly transferred to the portion of the medium coated with adhesive using the roller.

[0020] (8) In this invention, it is preferable that the foil transfer apparatus includes an intermediate support member that supports the middle portion of the dividing roller in a rotatable manner. With this configuration, even if the width of the medium is wide, the deflection of the transfer roller when pressing the medium and the foil transfer sheet onto the transport roller can be effectively suppressed. Therefore, even if the width of the medium is wide, the foil can be transferred more appropriately using the portion of the roller coated with adhesive onto the medium.

[0021] (9) The foil transfer apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the foil transfer apparatus comprises: a coating mechanism that coats an adhesive onto a medium; a roller that pushes a sheet on which a foil is formed on a substrate onto a medium coated with an adhesive to transfer foil onto the medium; and a tension applying mechanism having a pull rod that contacts the medium and applies tension to the medium, the pull rod being disposed between the coating mechanism and the roller.

[0022] In the foil transfer apparatus of the present invention, by configuring a pull rod between the coating mechanism and the roller, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the area required for installation. The pull rod, configured between the coating mechanism and the roller, applies tension to the medium after the adhesive is applied and before the transfer foil. Therefore, in the present invention, deviations in the tension of the medium during foil transfer can be suppressed using the pull rod. Consequently, in the present invention, it is possible to suppress the transfer of foil to a relaxed medium or to a medium under applied high tension.

[0023] Therefore, in this invention, for example, it is possible to suppress the following situation: when transferring foil to a relaxed medium, the foil cracks as a result when the relaxation of the medium after the transfer foil is removed. Additionally, in this invention, for example, it is possible to suppress the following situation: when transferring foil to a medium under high tension, the foil wrinkles as a result when the tension of the medium after the transfer foil is relieved. That is, in the foil transfer apparatus of this invention, it is possible to suppress the formation of cracks and wrinkles in the foil transferred to the medium.

[0024] (10) In the present invention, for example, the coating mechanism has a nozzle for spraying adhesive onto the medium.

[0025] (11) In this invention, it is preferable that the coating mechanism applies adhesive to a portion of one surface of the medium in the width direction of the medium, and forms a non-coated area on one surface where no adhesive is applied in the width direction of the medium. The pull rod has a contact portion that contacts the non-coated area and a rod body portion that retains the contact portion. In the pull rod, only the contact portion contacts the medium. With this configuration, even if the pull rod contacts the adhesive coating surface, which is one surface of the medium, it is possible to prevent the adhesive applied to the medium from adhering to the pull rod.

[0026] (12) In this invention, for example, the medium before the adhesive is applied and the medium after the transfer foil is wound into a roll, and the sheet before the transfer foil is applied to the medium is wound into a roll.

[0027] (13) In this invention, it is preferable that the foil transfer apparatus includes a direction-changing roller that changes the movement direction of the medium in the state of overlapping with the sheet after passing through the roller. The direction-changing roller changes the movement direction of the medium to a direction different from the movement direction of the medium from the roller to the direction-changing roller. With this configuration, compared to the case where no direction-changing roller is provided, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized in the movement direction of the medium just after passing through the roller.

[0028] (14) In this invention, it is preferable that the medium and the sheet are separated when passing through the direction-changing roller. If configured in this way, the medium and the sheet overlap between the roller and the direction-changing roller, thus reducing the space required for the movement of the medium and the sheet between the roller and the direction-changing roller.

[0029] (15) The foil transfer apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that the foil transfer apparatus comprises: a coating mechanism that coats an adhesive onto a medium; a roller that pushes a sheet on which foil is formed on a substrate onto a medium coated with adhesive to transfer foil onto the medium; and a direction-changing roller that changes the movement direction of the medium after passing through the roller in a state of overlapping with the sheet, the direction-changing roller changing the movement direction of the medium to a direction different from the movement direction of the medium from the roller to the direction-changing roller.

[0030] In this invention, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the area required for its installation. In the foil transfer apparatus of this invention, a direction-changing roller, used to change the movement direction of the medium after it has passed the roller and overlapped with the sheet, changes the movement direction of the medium to a direction different from the movement direction of the medium from the roller to the direction-changing roller. Therefore, in this invention, compared to the case where no direction-changing roller is provided, the foil transfer apparatus can be miniaturized in the movement direction of the medium immediately after it has passed the roller.

[0031] (16) In this invention, the foil transfer apparatus includes, for example, a first changing roller as a direction changing roller, which causes the medium to bend in a predetermined direction.

[0032] (17) In this invention, it is preferable that the diameter of the first changing roller is 2 inches or more. With this configuration, even if the medium is bent in a predetermined direction using the first changing roller, cracks in the foil transferred to the medium can be suppressed.

[0033] (18) Furthermore, in this invention, it is more preferable that the diameter of the first changing roller is 3 inches or more. With this configuration, even if the medium is bent in a predetermined direction using the first changing roller, cracks in the foil transferred to the medium can be suppressed more effectively.

[0034] (19) In this invention, for example, the foil transfer apparatus includes a second changing roller as a direction changing roller, which guides the medium after passing through the first changing roller in a predetermined direction. When passing through the second changing roller, the medium separates from the sheet. In this case, the medium and the sheet overlap between the roller and the second changing roller, thus reducing the space required for moving the medium and the sheet between the roller and the second changing roller.

[0035] (20) In this invention, it is preferable that the foil transfer apparatus includes a guide roller for guiding the sheet that has passed through the second transfer roller and separated from the medium in a predetermined direction. With this configuration, the sheet separated from the medium can be properly guided in the predetermined direction.

[0036] (21) In this invention, it is preferable that the medium, which is overlapping with the sheet, is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second changing roller. With this configuration, the medium and the foil transfer sheet are separated at the position where the foil transfer sheet separates from the second changing roller. Therefore, for example, even if the medium after the transfer foil is wound into a roll and the outer diameter of the wound medium changes, the medium and the foil transfer sheet can be separated at a certain position.

[0037] (22) In this invention, it is preferable that, when viewed from the width direction of the medium, the medium separated from the sheet extends linearly from the second changing roller in a predetermined direction, the sheet separated from the medium extends linearly from the second changing roller in a predetermined direction, and the angle formed by the separated medium and the sheet is an acute angle. According to the inventors' research, with this configuration, foil can be appropriately transferred to the portion of the medium coated with adhesive.

[0038] (23) Furthermore, in this invention, it is more preferable that the angle between the separated medium and the sheet is 60° or less when viewed from the width direction of the medium. According to the inventors' research, with this configuration, the foil can be transferred more appropriately to the portion of the medium coated with adhesive.

[0039] (24) In this invention, the medium and the sheet may separate when passing through the first changing roller. In this case, the medium and the sheet overlap between the roller and the first changing roller, thus reducing the space required for the movement of the medium and the sheet between the roller and the first changing roller.

[0040] (25) In this invention, it is preferable that the medium, which is overlapping with the sheet, is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first changing roller. If configured in this way, the medium and the sheet are separated at the position where the sheet separates from the first changing roller. Therefore, for example, even if the medium after the transfer foil is wound into a roll and the outer diameter of the wound medium changes, the medium and the sheet can be separated at a certain position.

[0041] The effects of the invention

[0042] As described above, the foil transfer apparatus of the present invention can be miniaturized in the front-back direction, thereby reducing the area required for the foil transfer apparatus. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the foil transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 It means as Figure 1 A diagram showing the adhesive coating on one side of the medium.

[0045] Figure 3 (A) is used to explain Figure 1 The front view of the structure of the transfer roller pair shown. Figure 3 (B) is used to explain Figure 1 A side view of the structure of the transfer roller pair shown.

[0046] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A side view of the structure of the tension application mechanism shown.

[0047] Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the tie rod structure.

[0048] Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows the sensor used to detect the position of the pull rod.

[0049] Figure 7 (A) is used to explain Figure 1 The side view of the structure of the moving direction changing unit shown is shown. Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7 Enlarged view of part E of (A). Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] (Overall structure of the foil transfer device)

[0052] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the foil transfer apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It means as Figure 1 The diagram shows the adhesive coating surface 2a of one side of medium 2.

[0053] In the following description, the foil transfer device 1 is positioned on a horizontal plane as a reference. Figure 1The "Z direction" shown refers to the "vertical direction". The "Y direction", which is orthogonal to the vertical direction and along the width direction of the medium 2 mounted on the foil transfer device 1, is defined as the "left-right direction" of the foil transfer device 1. Furthermore, the "X direction", which is orthogonal to both the "vertical direction" and the "left-right direction", is defined as the "front-back direction" of the foil transfer device 1. One side in the front-back direction, namely the X1 side, is defined as the "front" side, and the other side in the front-back direction, namely the X2 side, is defined as the "back" side.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the foil transfer apparatus 1 of this method is an apparatus for transferring foil (metal foil) to a medium 2. The foil transfer apparatus 1 transfers foil to the medium 2 by pressing a foil transfer sheet 3 (sheet) on which foil is formed on a substrate onto the medium 2 coated with adhesive. Furthermore, the foil transfer apparatus 1 continuously applies adhesive to the medium 2 and continuously transfers foil to the medium 2. The medium 2 is in the form of a strip and is wound into a roll before applying the adhesive and after transferring the foil. Similarly, the foil transfer sheet 3 is in the form of a strip and is wound into a roll before transferring foil to the medium 2.

[0055] Medium 2 is a sheet-like medium formed from synthetic resin or paper. If the tensile modulus of medium 2 is low, medium 2 will easily elongate when tension is applied. If tension is applied to medium 2 after the transfer foil is applied, causing medium 2 to elongate by a predetermined amount or more, cracks may occur in the foil. Furthermore, if tension is applied to medium 2 during the transfer foil process, causing medium 2 to elongate by a predetermined amount or more, wrinkles may occur in the foil transferred to medium 2 after the tension is removed. Therefore, the tensile modulus of medium 2 is preferably a predetermined value or higher.

[0056] Specifically, the tensile modulus of medium 2 is preferably 0.1 × 10⁻⁶. 4 kg / cm 2 The above is preferred to be 0.2×10. 4 kg / cm 2 Therefore, the medium 2 of this method can be formed, for example, from a synthetic resin selected from polyvinylidene chloride, high-density polyethylene, medium-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Alternatively, the medium 2 can be formed from a synthetic resin composed of two or more synthetic resins selected arbitrarily from these synthetic resins. Furthermore, the medium 2 can also be formed from a composite material of fibers and synthetic resins with relatively high tensile modulus. For example, the medium 2 can be formed from oilcloth or the like.

[0057] The foil transfer device 1 includes an adhesive coating mechanism 5 (coating mechanism), a support body 6, a media conveying mechanism 7, a transfer roller pair 8 (roller), a tension application mechanism 10, and a movement direction changing unit 11.

[0058] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive to the medium 2. A support body 6 supports the adhesive coating mechanism 5 from below. A medium conveying mechanism 7 conveys the medium 2. A transfer roller pair 8 pushes the foil transfer sheet 3 onto the adhesive-coated medium 2 to transfer foil onto the medium 2. A tension applying mechanism 10 has a pull rod 9 that contacts the adhesive-coated medium 2 and applies tension to it. The foil transfer device 1 includes a movement direction changing unit 11, which changes the movement direction of the medium 2 after it has passed the transfer roller pair 8 and is in a state overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3. The pull rod 9 is positioned between the adhesive coating mechanism 5 and the transfer roller pair 8 in the medium 2 conveying direction (feeding direction of the medium 2). The movement direction changing unit 11 is positioned downstream of the transfer roller pair 8 in the medium 2 conveying direction.

[0059] In addition, the foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a first heater 14 and a second heater 15. The first heater 14 heats the medium 2 coated with adhesive. The second heater 15 heats the medium 2 before the transfer foil is applied, thereby increasing the adhesion of the adhesive coated on the medium 2 (i.e., activating the adhesive).

[0060] Furthermore, the foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a media delivery unit 16, a media take-up unit 17, a sheet delivery unit 18, and a sheet conveying mechanism 19. The media delivery unit 16 is equipped with a rolled-up media 2 and delivers the media 2 to the adhesive coating mechanism 5. The media 2, after passing through the transfer roller pair 8, is wound into a roll by the media take-up unit 17. The sheet delivery unit 18 is equipped with a rolled-up foil transfer sheet 3 and delivers the foil transfer sheet 3 to the transfer roller pair 8. The sheet conveying mechanism 19 conveys the foil transfer sheet 3 to the media 2 after foil transfer.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, a media feeder 16 is arranged at the rear of the foil transfer apparatus 1, and a media take-up section 17 is arranged at the front. An adhesive coating mechanism 5 and a transfer roller pair 8 are arranged between the media feeder 16 and the media take-up section 17 in the front-rear direction (X direction). The transfer roller pair 8 is positioned further forward than the adhesive coating mechanism 5.

[0062] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 is positioned above the media delivery section 16, the media winding section 17, and the transfer roller pair 8.

[0063] The transfer roller pair 8 is located below the adhesive coating mechanism 5 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and above the media take-up section 17.

[0064] A second heater 15, a tension application mechanism 10, and a first heater 14 are arranged on the upper side of the transfer roller pair 8, and a movement direction changing part 11 is arranged on the lower side. That is, when viewed from the vertical direction (Z direction), the transfer roller pair 8 is configured to have portions that overlap with the second heater 15, the tension application mechanism 10, the first heater 14, and the movement direction changing part 11.

[0065] The sheet feeding section 18 is located on the front side of the foil transfer device 1, above the media winding section 17. The sheet feeding section 18 is positioned above the transfer roller pair 8 in the vertical direction.

[0066] The sheet conveying mechanism 19 is located below the sheet delivery section 18 and above the media winding section 17 in the vertical direction.

[0067] When viewed from a vertical direction, the sheet delivery section 18 is configured to have a portion that overlaps with the sheet conveying mechanism 19 and the media winding section 17.

[0068] Thus, in the foil transfer apparatus 1 of this method, by arranging multiple structural parts in such a way that their positions are staggered in the vertical direction, each structural part can be arranged close together in the front-back direction, and the foil transfer apparatus 1 can be miniaturized in the front-back direction.

[0069] The structure of each part of the foil transfer device 1 will be described below.

[0070] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 includes an inkjet head 23 (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer head 23") for spraying adhesive onto the medium 2. That is, the adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive to the medium 2 by inkjet spraying. The adhesive coating mechanism 5 includes a carriage 24, a carriage drive mechanism 25, a support frame 26, and a platform 27. The carriage 24 houses the print head 23. The carriage drive mechanism 25 directs the carriage 24 in the main scanning direction, which is the width direction of the medium 2. Figure 1 The carriage 24 moves in the Y direction (e.g., the direction of movement). The support frame 26 supports the carriage 24 in such a way that the carriage 24 can move in the main scanning direction. The stage 27 is disposed on the underside of the nozzle 23. The carriage drive mechanism 25 includes, for example, a belt partially fixed to the carriage 24, a pulley for mounting the belt, and a motor for rotating the pulley.

[0071] The nozzle 23, mounted on the carriage 24, sprays adhesive toward the upper surface of the medium 2 mounted on the platform 27. That is, the nozzle 23 sprays adhesive downwards. Multiple nozzles for spraying adhesive are formed on the lower surface of the nozzle 23. Furthermore, the nozzle 23 may include, for example, a piezoelectric element for spraying adhesive from the nozzles. The platform 27 is supported from below by the support body 6. In this configuration, the platform 27 serves as a medium-carrying section for holding the medium 2 during adhesive application.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, one surface of the medium 2 becomes the adhesive coating surface 2a. Specifically, the surface of the medium 2 that becomes the upper surface of the medium 2 when placed on the platform 27 becomes the adhesive coating surface 2a. The adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive locally to the adhesive coating surface 2a along the width direction (Y direction) of the medium 2. Figure 1 As shown, medium 2 is conveyed from the rear side in the X direction to the upper surface of platform 27 via medium conveying mechanism 7. After the adhesive is applied by nozzle 23, medium 2 is transported from the upper surface of platform 27 to the front side in the X direction. Thus, adhesive is applied to medium 2 along the X direction.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, adhesive coating areas 2c extending along the X direction are formed in the medium 2. The adhesive coating mechanism 5 forms multiple adhesive coating areas 2c at intervals along the width direction (Y direction) of the medium 2. Figure 2 The example shown illustrates the formation of two adhesive coating regions 2c. An adhesive non-coating region 2b is formed in the portion of the medium 2 located between the adhesive coating regions 2c. That is, on the adhesive coating surface 2a, adhesive coating regions 2c (where adhesive may be applied) and adhesive non-coating regions 2b (where adhesive will not be applied) are alternately formed along the Y direction in the width direction of the medium 2. In this embodiment, for example, the regions on both ends of the adhesive coating surface 2a in the width direction of the medium 2, and the region at the center of the adhesive coating surface 2a in the width direction of the medium 2 (…). Figure 2 The shaded area becomes the adhesive non-coating area 2b.

[0074] The media conveying mechanism 7 conveys the elongated media 2 along the front-back direction (X direction) of the foil transfer apparatus 1. The media conveying mechanism 7 includes a conveying roller 30 and a pad roller 31. The pad roller 31 is located above and opposite the conveying roller 30, and is subjected to force towards the conveying roller 30. The conveying roller 30 and the pad roller 31 are positioned upstream of the table 27 in the conveying direction of the media 2. For example, the conveying roller 30 and the pad roller 31 can be positioned downstream of the table 27, below the support frame 26. The conveying roller 30 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the conveying roller 30, but this is not shown in the figure. The media 2 is conveyed in a state where it is sandwiched between the conveying roller 30 and the pad roller 31.

[0075] A backrest plate 32 is disposed on the front side of the platform 27. A tension application mechanism 10 is disposed on the lower side of the backrest plate 32.

[0076] A guide surface 32a is formed on the surface of the back panel 32. The guide surface 32a is formed into a convex curved surface. The guide surface 32a is curved in a manner that it is located at the lower side as it moves from the rear to the front. The medium 2, which is conveyed forward from the platform 27, comes into contact with the guide surface 32a. The side of the medium 2 opposite to the adhesive coating surface 2a comes into contact with the guide surface 32a. The medium 2 is guided by the pull rod 9 of the tension application mechanism 10 located at the lower side of the back panel 32 using the guide surface 32a.

[0077] The tension application mechanism 10 is located below the back panel 32. The transfer roller pair 8 is located below the tension application mechanism 10. That is, the transfer roller pair 8 is located below the pull rod 9. The movement direction changing unit 11 is located below the transfer roller pair 8. The specific structure of the tension application mechanism 10, the transfer roller pair 8, and the movement direction changing unit 11 will be described later.

[0078] The first heater 14 is disposed inside the back plate 32 along the guide surface 32a. The first heater 14 is disposed between the adhesive coating mechanism 5 and the pull rod 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, the first heater 14 is positioned above the pull rod 9. The first heater 14 heats the medium 2 that is in contact with the guide surface 32a.

[0079] The second heater 15 is disposed between the pull rod 9 and the transfer roller pair 8 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. Additionally, the second heater 15 is disposed between the pull rod 9 and the transfer roller pair 8 in the vertical direction. The second heater 15 has a front surface that is convex. The front surface is curved such that it is positioned downwards as it moves from the rear to the front. The side of the medium 2 opposite to the adhesive coating surface 2a contacts the front surface of the second heater 15. The medium 2 is heated by contact with the front surface of the second heater 15 and is guided towards the downward-positioned transfer roller pair 8. By heating the medium 2, the adhesive strength of the adhesive applied to the medium 2 is improved.

[0080] The media delivery section 16 holds the delivery roller 33, which is the media 2 wound into a roll. The media delivery section 16 is mounted on the support body 6. The media delivery section 16 is positioned lower than the platform 27. In addition, the media delivery section 16 is positioned below the adhesive coating mechanism 5. The media delivery section 16 has a rotating shaft that passes through the inner circumference of the delivery roller 33.

[0081] The media take-up section 17 holds the take-up roller 34, which is the media 2 wound into a roll. The media take-up section 17 is mounted on a support frame 35, which is fixed to the support body 6. The support frame 35 is located on the front side of the support body 6. The media take-up section 17 is located lower than the table plate 27. In addition, the media take-up section 17 is located in front of the back table plate 32 and in front of the adhesive coating mechanism 5. In addition, the media take-up section 17 is located lower than the transfer roller pair 8 and in front of the transfer roller pair 8.

[0082] The media take-up section 17 includes a rotating shaft passing through the inner circumference of the take-up roller 34 and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating shaft. The take-up roller 34 rotates together with the rotating shaft. In addition, the media take-up section 17 includes a torque limiter for idling the take-up roller 34, which allows the take-up roller 34 to idle so that the tension of the media 2 wound on the take-up roller 34 does not exceed a predetermined tension.

[0083] The sheet feed section 18 holds the feed roller 36, which is a foil transfer sheet 3 wound into a roll. The sheet feed section 18 is mounted on the support frame 35. The sheet feed section 18 is, for example, positioned in front of the back panel 32 and at approximately the same height as the back panel 32 in the vertical direction. In addition, the sheet feed section 18 is positioned forward of the transfer roller pair 8 and the tension application mechanism 10.

[0084] The sheet feeding section 18 has a rotating shaft that extends through the inner circumference of the feeding roller 36. Additionally, the sheet feeding section 18 has a torque limiter for idling the feeding roller 36. This torque limiter idles the feeding roller 36 so that the foil transfer sheet 3 is fed out from the feeding roller 36 when the tension of the foil transfer sheet 3 reaches a predetermined tension.

[0085] The sheet conveying mechanism 19 is mounted on the support frame 35. The sheet conveying mechanism 19 includes a conveying roller 38 and a pad roller 39. The pad roller 39 is disposed opposite to the conveying roller 38 and is subjected to force toward the conveying roller 38. The conveying roller 38 and the pad roller 39 are positioned downstream of the moving direction changing section 11 in the conveying direction of the foil transfer sheet 3. Furthermore, the conveying roller 38 and the pad roller 39 are positioned forward of the transfer roller pair 8 and the moving direction changing section 11.

[0086] The conveyor roller 38 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the conveyor roller 38. This drive mechanism includes a torque limiter for idling the conveyor roller 38, ensuring that the tension of the foil transfer sheet 3 conveyed by the sheet conveying mechanism 19 does not exceed a predetermined tension. The foil transfer sheet 3 is conveyed in a state sandwiched between the conveyor roller 38 and the pad roller 39. The foil transfer sheet 3 conveyed by the sheet conveying mechanism 19 is, for example, wound into a roll.

[0087] As described above, the media take-up unit 17, the sheet feed unit 18, and the sheet conveying mechanism 19 are mounted on the support frame 35. Additionally, the movement direction changing unit 11 is mounted on the support frame 35. In this configuration, the foil transfer unit 40 is constituted by the movement direction changing unit 11, the media take-up unit 17, the sheet feed unit 18, the sheet conveying mechanism 19, and the support frame 35. The support frame 35 is fixed to the support body 6 using screws. Therefore, the foil transfer unit 40 is detachable from the support body 6. That is, the foil transfer unit 40 is detachably mounted to the support body 6. Furthermore, wheels 41 are mounted at the lower end of the support body 6 and the lower end of the support frame 35.

[0088] (Structure of the transfer roller pair)

[0089] Figure 3 (A) is used to explain Figure 1 The front view of the structure of transfer roller pair 8 shown is shown. Figure 3 (B) is used to explain Figure 1 The side view of the structure of the transfer roller pair 8 shown. Figure 3 (A) schematically shows the foil transfer roller 44 as viewed from the front side (X1 side) of the foil transfer device 1, and the position of the transport roller 43 is shown using imaginary lines. Figure 3 (B) schematically shows the structure of the transfer roller pair 8 as viewed from the left-right direction (Y direction) of the foil transfer device 1.

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the transfer roller pair 8 is positioned lower than the table plate 27 and higher than the media take-up section 17. That is, the transfer roller pair 8 is positioned vertically between the table plate 27 and the media take-up section 17. Furthermore, the transfer roller pair 8 is positioned lower than the second heater 15. Figure 3 As shown in (B), the transfer roller pair 8 includes a conveyor roller 43 and a foil transfer roller 44 (a pair of rollers). The conveyor roller 43 contacts the medium 2 and conveys the medium 2 downward. The foil transfer roller 44 holds the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 between itself and the conveyor roller 43.

[0091] The conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44 are configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending along the width direction of the medium 2, i.e., the Y direction. The foil transfer roller 44 is opposite to the conveyor roller 43 from the front. That is, the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44 are opposite each other in the X direction (front-to-back direction). In addition, the foil transfer roller 44 is subjected to force toward the conveyor roller 43. The conveyor roller 43 is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown) that rotates the conveyor roller 43. The foil transfer roller 44 rotates following the rotation of the conveyor roller 43.

[0092] The medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 converge at the transfer roller pair 8 and are tightly bonded between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44. Specifically, the foil transfer sheet 3, with its foil-formed surface and the adhesive-coated surface 2a of the medium 2, is tightly bonded between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44. Between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44, the foil transfer sheet 3 is positioned at the front and the medium 2 at the rear. The foil transfer roller 44 contacts the foil transfer sheet 3 from the front and the conveyor roller 43 contacts the medium 2 from the rear. A guide roller 45 is disposed on the upper side of the foil transfer roller 44 to guide the foil transfer sheet 3, which is fed from the sheet feed section 18, toward the transfer roller pair 8.

[0093] Foil is transferred from the foil transfer sheet 3 to the medium 2 between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44. Specifically, the portion of the foil coated with adhesive is transferred from the foil transfer sheet 3 to the medium 2. The medium 2 is heated by the second heater 15 before reaching the transfer roller pair 8. Furthermore, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 are conveyed by the transfer roller pair 8 in a state sandwiched between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44. Specifically, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 are conveyed downwards in a state sandwiched between the conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44.

[0094] like Figure 3 As shown in (A), the foil transfer roller 44 can be divided in the left-right direction (i.e., the axial direction of the foil transfer roller 44) and constituted by a plurality of segmented rollers 46. For example, as Figure 3 As shown in (A), the foil transfer roller 44 of this method consists of two dividing rollers 46. The dividing rollers 46 are, for example, rubber rollers made of rubber. The two dividing rollers 46 are arranged adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0095] The two dividing rollers 46 are rotatably supported at both ends by bearings 47. Specifically, the dividing rollers 46 are fixed to a rotating shaft 48 with the left-right direction as the axis, and the two ends of the rotating shaft 48 are rotatably supported by bearings 47. The length of each dividing roller 46 in the left-right direction is related to the adhesive coating area 2c of the medium 2 (see reference). Figure 2 The lengths of the rollers in the left and right directions are matched. The dividing roller 46 is positioned at the location traversed by the adhesive coating area 2c of the medium 2. The bearing 47 is positioned in the left and right directions at the location traversed by the non-adhesive coating area 2b of the medium 2.

[0096] Furthermore, the middle portion of each dividing roller 46 is supported in a rotatable manner by an intermediate support member 49. The intermediate support member 49 supports the dividing roller 46 from the front. That is, the intermediate support member 49 supports the dividing roller 46 on the side opposite to the conveying roller 43. In addition, the intermediate support member 49 supports the dividing roller 46 at the center position in the left-right direction. The intermediate support member 49 is equipped with a driven roller 50 that rotates with the dividing roller 46.

[0097] As described above, the foil transfer roller 44 is subjected to force toward the conveyor roller 43. Specifically, the bearing 47 and the intermediate support member 49 are mounted on a frame (not shown), which is subjected to force toward the conveyor roller 43. Furthermore, the conveyor roller 43 is composed of a single roller. Additionally, the conveyor roller 43 is formed, for example, of stainless steel. The surface (outer peripheral surface) of the conveyor roller 43 is a smooth surface.

[0098] (Structure of the tension application mechanism)

[0099] Figure 4 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A side view of the structure of the tension application mechanism 10 shown. Figure 5 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the structure of the tie rod 9. Figure 6 It is used for explanation Figure 4 The diagram shows sensors 56 and 57 that detect the position of pull rod 9.

[0100] As described above, the tension applying mechanism 10 includes a pull rod 9. In addition to the pull rod 9, the tension applying mechanism 10 also includes a tension coil spring 54 that applies force to the pull rod 9 in the direction of pressing the medium 2 (rear side) and a rod holding portion 55 that holds the pull rod 9 in a movable manner. Furthermore, the tension applying mechanism 10 includes two sensors 56 and 57 for detecting the position of the pull rod 9. The detection results of the sensors 56 and 57 are input to a control device that controls the drive mechanism that rotates the conveyor roller 43; however, this is not shown in the figure. The control device rotates or stops the conveyor roller 43 based on the detection results of the sensors 56 and 57.

[0101] A pull rod 9 is positioned between the adhesive coating mechanism 5 and the transfer roller pair 8, applying tension to the medium 2 after adhesive coating and before the transfer foil. Furthermore, the pull rod 9 is vertically positioned between the platform 27 and the transfer roller pair 8, and also between the first heater 14 and the second heater 15. The pull rod 9 is positioned rearward of the front surface of the second heater 15, which is in contact with the medium 2, and rearward of the lower end of the guide surface 32a of the back platform 32. The medium 2, guided by the guide surface 32a to the upper side of the pull rod 9, wraps around the pull rod 9 from the front side to the rear side, is rolled up by the pull rod 9, and returns to the front side from the lower side of the pull rod 9, contacting the front surface of the second heater 15. The pull rod 9 contacts the front surface side of the medium 2, i.e., the adhesive coating surface 2a.

[0102] As described above, since the pull rod 9 is stretched by the helical spring 54 and exerts force to the rear, the medium 2 is rolled up by the pull rod 9 and pulled to the rear and subjected to tension.

[0103] The pull rod 9 includes a support shaft 59 formed into an elongated cylindrical shape and a roller 60 rotatably held on the support shaft 59. The support shaft 59 is arranged along the axial direction and the left-right direction (Y direction). The roller 60 includes a roller body portion 61 formed into an elongated cylindrical shape in the left-right direction and a cylindrical contact portion 62 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body portion 61. The length of the contact portion 62 in the left-right direction is set to match the length of the adhesive non-coating area 2b formed on the medium 2 in the left-right direction, and is arranged to match the position where the adhesive non-coating area 2b is formed, while being spaced apart in the left-right direction. For example, the roller 60 of this type includes one roller body portion 61 and three contact portions 62.

[0104] The length (length in the left-right direction) of the roller body 61 is shorter than the length (length in the left-right direction) of the support shaft 59. The length (length in the left-right direction) of the contact portion 62 is shorter than the length (length in the left-right direction) of the roller body 61. The support shaft 59 passes through the inner circumference of the roller body 61, and the roller 60 can rotate axially relative to the support shaft 59 in the left-right direction. The two ends of the support shaft 59 protrude outward in the left-right direction from the two ends of the roller body 61, respectively.

[0105] The contact portion 62 is a cylindrical spacer. The contact portion 62 is fixed to three locations: the two ends in the left-right direction and the center in the left-right direction of the roller body 61. Furthermore, the contact portion 62 is fixed to the roller body 61 such that its axis coincides with the axis of the roller body 61. That is, the contact portion 62 bulges outwards relative to the roller body 61. The outer diameter of the portion of the roller 60 where the contact portion 62 is located is larger than the outer diameter of the other portions of the roller 60. Therefore, when the medium 2 is wound up by the pull rod 9, only the contact portion 62 contacts the medium 2. As described above, the contact portion 62 is positioned to match the location where the adhesive non-coating region 2b is formed; therefore, the contact portion 62 does not contact the adhesive coating region 2c, but only contacts the adhesive non-coating region 2b. Thus, the pull rod 9 can apply tension to the medium 2 without interfering with the adhesive coated on the medium 2. In this configuration, the roller body 61 is a rod body that holds the contact portion 62.

[0106] The rod retaining portion 55 supports both ends of the support shaft 59. The rod retaining portion 55 is formed on both sides of the support member 63 arranged in the left-right direction of the roller 60. The rear end of the support member 63 is fixed to the support body 6. A guide groove 55a is formed in the rod retaining portion 55 for the end of the support shaft 59 to pass through. The guide groove 55a is formed as a straight line (slit-like) with the longitudinal direction as the long side. The support shaft 59 can move along the guide groove 55a in the longitudinal direction. That is, the pull rod 9 can move relative to the rod retaining portion 55 in the longitudinal direction.

[0107] Tension helical springs 54 are disposed on both sides of roller 60 in the left-right direction. One end of tension helical spring 54 engages with the end of support shaft 59, and the other end of tension helical spring 54 engages with support member 63. Tension helical spring 54 applies force to pull rod 9 in the rearward direction.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, sensors 56 and 57 are transmissive optical sensors with a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part, which are arranged opposite each other, for example, with a gap in the vertical direction. Sensors 56 and 57 are mounted on support member 63, but in Figure 4 Illustrations are omitted. For example... Figure 6 As shown, sensors 56 and 57 are arranged with a gap in the front-to-back direction. Sensor 56 is positioned rearward than sensor 57, functioning to detect the position of the pull rod 9 from the rear. Sensor 57, on the other hand, functions to detect the position of the pull rod 9 from the front. The support shaft 59 of the pull rod 9 is fixed to the light-shielding member 64 by a predetermined component.

[0109] The light-shielding member 64 has a light-shielding part 64a that can shield the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor 56, and a light-shielding part 64b that can shield the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor 57. In this configuration, when the pull rod 9 is positioned such that the light-shielding part 64a shields the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor 56, and the light-shielding part 64b shields the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the sensor 57, the conveying roller 43 is activated, and the transfer roller can be used to convey the 8 pairs of media 2 and foil transfer sheet 3.

[0110] Furthermore, in this method, during the driving of the conveyor roller 43, when the pull rod 9 moves to the position where the light-emitting part of the sensor 56 and the light-receiving part of the light-shielding part 64a are separated from each other, or the light-shielding part 64b is separated from the light-emitting part of the sensor 57, the control device controlling the drive mechanism of the conveyor roller 43 stops the rotation of the conveyor roller 43. By stopping the rotation of the conveyor roller 43, the conveying of the medium 2 is stopped. That is, by conveying the medium 2 only when the pull rod 9 is in a predetermined position, the deviation of the tension applied to the medium 2 by the pull rod 9 can be reduced. In addition, in this method, even if the pull rod 9 moves within a predetermined range in the front-back direction, the state of the light-shielding part 64a blocking the light-emitting part of the sensor 56 and the light-receiving part blocking the light-emitting part of the sensor 57 can be maintained.

[0111] (Structure of the movement direction changing unit)

[0112] Figure 7 (A) is used to explain Figure 1 A side view of the structure of the moving direction changing unit 11 shown. Figure 7 (B) is Figure 7 Enlarged view of part E of (A).

[0113] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the movement direction changing unit 11 includes a first changing roller 67, a second changing roller 68, and a guide roller 69. The first changing roller 67 bends the medium 2 after passing through the transfer roller pair 8 in a predetermined direction. The movement direction changing unit 11 includes the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 for guiding the medium 2 after passing through the first changing roller 67 in the predetermined direction. The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 are rotatably supported on the support frame 35. The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 are axially rotatable relative to the support frame 35, with the left and right directions being the rotational axes.

[0114] The first changing roller 67 is disposed below the foil transfer roller 44. The first changing roller 67 is positioned adjacent in the front-to-back direction to the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, which pass through the foil transfer roller 44 and move downwards, and is positioned to contact the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 from the front. The second changing roller 68 is disposed in front of the first changing roller 67. Furthermore, the second changing roller 68 is positioned slightly lower than the first changing roller 67. However, the upper end of the second changing roller 68 is positioned higher than the lower end of the first changing roller 67.

[0115] The axis of the take-up roller 34 of the media take-up section 17 is positioned at the lower front of the second change roller 68. The guide roller 69 is positioned at the upper front of the second change roller 68. The conveyor roller 38 and the pad roller 39 of the sheet conveying mechanism 19 are positioned further at the upper front of the guide roller 69. In addition, the conveyor roller 38 and the pad roller 39 are positioned at the upper front of the axis of the take-up roller 34.

[0116] After passing through transfer roller 8, the medium 2 moves downward in a state overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3. The first changing roller 67 bends the medium 2, which is overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, towards the front. The second changing roller 68 guides the medium 2, which is overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, obliquely forward and upward after passing through the first changing roller 67. The medium 2, overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, passes over the second changing roller 68. The medium 2, overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second changing roller 68.

[0117] In this configuration, the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 serve as movement direction changing rollers for changing the movement direction of the medium 2, which is in a state of overlap with the foil transfer sheet 3 after passing through the transfer roller pair 8. The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the movement direction of the medium 2, which moves downward from the transfer roller pair 8 to the first changing roller 67 in a state of overlap with the foil transfer sheet 3, to an obliquely upward direction. That is, the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the movement direction of the medium 2, which is in a state of overlap with the foil transfer sheet 3, to a direction different from the movement direction of the medium 2 from the transfer roller pair 8 to the first changing roller 67 (i.e., the movement direction of the medium 2 from the transfer roller pair 8 to the movement direction changing roller).

[0118] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown in (A), the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3, after passing through the transfer roller pair 8, move downwards in an overlapping state and come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first changing roller 67 disposed adjacent to the front side. The medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 are guided to change direction by the arcuate surface 67a of the first changing roller 67.

[0119] The arc surface 67a is an arc surface formed on the rear side of the first changing roller 67, between the position through which a tangent parallel to the vertical direction passes and the position through which a tangent parallel to the front-rear direction passes on the lower side of the first changing roller 67. The central angle of the arc surface 67a is 90°, and it is curved in a way that it is located on the front side as it moves downward. The movement direction of the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 is guided by this arc surface 67a and rotates approximately 90° around the axis of the first changing roller 67. Specifically, the movement direction of the medium 2 changes from a downward direction to a forward direction. The medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, with their movement directions changed, are conveyed with the medium 2 located on the lower side of the foil transfer sheet 3.

[0120] When the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 pass through the arc surface 67a, they move obliquely upward and separate from the outer peripheral surface of the first change roller 67 and are guided by the second change roller 68, and come into contact with the arc surface 68a.

[0121] The arc surface 68a is an arc surface formed on the rear side of the second changing roller 68, between the position through which the tangent parallel to the vertical direction passes and the position through which the tangent parallel to the front-back direction passes on the upper side of the second changing roller 68. The central angle of the arc surface 68a is 90°, and it is curved in such a way that it is located on the upper side as it moves forward.

[0122] The medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 are guided on the arc surface 68a, thereby moving to the upper side of the second change roller 68.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), the foil transfer sheet 3, which has moved upward, separates from the arc surface 68a and is guided by the guide roller 69 located on the upper side.

[0124] On the other hand, the medium 2, located below the foil transfer sheet 3, moves further along the arc surface 68a, and thus separates from the foil transfer sheet 3 near the end of the arc surface 68a. The medium 2 separates from the second change roller 68 as it passes the arc surface 68a and is guided by the take-up roller 34 located below it.

[0125] The outer diameter of the first changing roller 67 is 2 inches or more. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the first changing roller 67 is 3 inches or more. Specifically, the outer diameter of the first changing roller 67 is 3 inches. The outer diameter of the second changing roller 68 is the same as that of the first changing roller 67. Alternatively, the outer diameters of the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 may be different.

[0126] The medium 2, separated from the foil transfer sheet 3, is conveyed forward in the second changing roller 68 and wound onto the take-up roller 34. The foil transfer sheet 3, separated from the medium 2, is guided obliquely forward and upward by the guide roller 69 and conveyed by the sheet conveying mechanism 19. The movement direction changing unit 11 includes a guide roller 69 for guiding the foil transfer sheet 3, which has passed through the second changing roller 68 and separated from the medium 2, in a predetermined direction.

[0127] The guide roller 69 is rotatably supported on the support frame 35. The guide roller 69 is axially rotatable relative to the support frame 35, with the left-right direction being the rotational direction. The guide roller 69 is positioned obliquely forward and upward on the second change roller 68. Furthermore, the guide roller 69 is positioned obliquely rearward and upward on the axis of the take-up roller 34. The foil transfer sheet 3, separated from the medium 2, passes over the guide roller 69. The foil transfer sheet 3, separated from the medium 2, is guided by the guide roller 69 from the second change roller 68 towards the obliquely forward and upward direction.

[0128] As described above, the medium 2, which overlaps with the foil transfer sheet 3, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the second changing roller 68. At the position where the foil transfer sheet 3 separates from the second changing roller 68 (near the end of the arc surface 68a), the medium 2 separates from the foil transfer sheet 3. Furthermore, the position where the foil transfer sheet 3 separates can be appropriately adjusted, for example, by the position of the guide roller 69 and the setting of its outer diameter. In this configuration, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 separate at a certain position. Additionally, after separating from the foil transfer sheet 3, the medium 2 moves slightly along the outer peripheral surface of the second changing roller 68 and then separates from the second changing roller 68. Therefore, when viewed from the left and right directions, the angle formed by the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 when they separate is constant.

[0129] The medium 2, separated from the foil transfer sheet 3, moves toward the take-up roller 34 and extends in a straight line forward from the second change roller 68 when viewed from the left and right. Meanwhile, the foil transfer sheet 3, separated from the medium 2, moves toward the guide roller 69 and extends in a straight line diagonally forward from the second change roller 68 when viewed from the left and right. In this configuration, the angle θ formed by the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, separated by the second change roller 68, when viewed from the left and right (refer to...) Figure 7 (A) is an acute angle. That is, the angle θ formed by the medium 2 extending in a straight line forward from the second changing roller 68 and the foil transfer sheet 3 extending in a straight line diagonally forward from the second changing roller 68 is an acute angle. Specifically, the angle θ is 60° or less. In this embodiment, the angle θ is 45° or less.

[0130] The position at which the medium 2, separated from the foil transfer sheet 3, separates from the second change roller 68 varies depending on the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34. For example, when the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34 is relatively large, the medium 2... Figure 7 The position (B) indicated by the solid line separates from the second change roller 68. On the other hand, if the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34 becomes smaller, the medium 2 in Figure 7 The position of (B), indicated by the double-dotted line, is separated from the second change roller 68. Furthermore, the angle θ varies depending on the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34. Additionally, if the position of the guide roller 69 can be adjusted, the angle θ can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the guide roller 69.

[0131] (The main effects of this method)

[0132] As described above, the foil transfer device 1 of this method has the following structure.

[0133] (1) The foil transfer device 1 is equipped with an adhesive coating mechanism 5 (coating mechanism) and a transfer roller pair 8 (roller).

[0134] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive to the medium 2.

[0135] The transfer rollers 8 push the foil transfer sheet 3 (sheet) with foil formed on the substrate onto the medium 2 coated with adhesive, thereby transferring the foil onto the medium 2.

[0136] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 includes: an inkjet head 23 (printer head) that sprays adhesive onto the medium 2; and a platform 27 (medium placement section) disposed below the inkjet head 23 for placing the medium 2.

[0137] The transfer roller pair 8 is positioned below the table plate 27.

[0138] That is, in this method, the position of the medium 2 when applying the adhesive is offset from the position of the medium 2 when transferring the foil in the vertical direction. In other words, the area for applying the adhesive to the medium 2 is offset from the area for transferring the foil to the medium 2 in the vertical direction. Therefore, in this method, it is possible to prevent the area for applying the adhesive to the medium 2 and the area for transferring the foil to the medium 2 from interfering with each other, and it is possible to bring the two areas closer together in the front-back direction (X direction).

[0139] Therefore, in this method, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the front-back direction, and as a result, the installation area of ​​the foil transfer device 1 can be reduced.

[0140] (2) The transfer roller pair 8 has a pair of rollers (conveyor roller 43 and foil transfer roller 44) that sandwich the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3. The conveyor roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44 are arranged opposite each other in the front-back direction (orthogonal to the vertical direction) of the foil transfer device 1.

[0141] By arranging the conveying roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44 opposite each other in the front-to-back direction on the underside of the table 27, the medium 2 conveyed downward from the table 27 can overlap with the foil transfer sheet 3 without changing its direction, which helps to miniaturize the foil transfer device 1.

[0142] (3) The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes: a medium delivery section 16 that delivers medium 2 relative to the adhesive coating mechanism 5; and a medium take-up section 17 that takes up the medium 2 that has passed through the transfer roller pair 8. The medium delivery section 16 and the medium take-up section 17 are disposed, for example, on the lower side of the adhesive coating mechanism 5.

[0143] Therefore, the foil transfer device 1 can be further miniaturized in the front-to-back direction, resulting in a further reduction in the installation area of ​​the foil transfer device 1.

[0144] Alternatively, either the media delivery unit 16 or the media take-up unit 17 may be disposed on the lower side of the adhesive coating mechanism 5.

[0145] (4) The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a tension application mechanism 10, which has a pull rod 9 that contacts the medium 2 coated with adhesive and applies tension to the medium 2. The pull rod 9 is arranged vertically between the table 27 and the transfer roller pair 8.

[0146] Therefore, even though the foil transfer device 1 is equipped with the pull rod 9, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction.

[0147] (5) The foil transfer device 1 has a first heater 14 and a second heater 15 for heating medium 2.

[0148] The first heater 14 is positioned above the pull rod 9. The second heater 15 is positioned vertically between the pull rod 9 and the transfer roller pair 8.

[0149] Therefore, even if the foil transfer device 1 is equipped with the first heater 14 and the second heater 15, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the front-back direction.

[0150] In this embodiment, the foil transfer apparatus 1 includes sensors 56 and 57 for detecting the position of the pull rod 9. When the position of the pull rod 9 detected by the sensors 56 and 57 is within a predetermined range, the transfer roller assembly 8 transports the medium 2 via the conveyor roller 43. Specifically, when the pull rod 9 is positioned such that the light-emitting part of the sensor 56 is shielded by the light-shielding part 64a and the light-shielding part of the sensor 57 is shielded by the light-shielding part 64b, the transfer roller assembly 8 can transport the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, thereby transferring the foil onto the medium 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tension deviation of the medium 2 during foil transfer can be suppressed by utilizing the pull rod 9.

[0151] Therefore, in this method, it is possible to suppress the transfer of foil to a relaxed medium 2 or to a medium 2 under applied high tension. Thus, in this method, for example, it is possible to suppress the following situation: when transferring foil to a relaxed medium 2, the foil cracks when the relaxation of the medium 2 after the transfer foil is removed. Furthermore, in this method, for example, it is possible to suppress the following situation: when transferring foil to a medium 2 under applied high tension, the foil wrinkles when the tension of the medium 2 after the transfer foil is relieved. That is, in this method, it is possible to suppress the formation of cracks and wrinkles in the foil transferred to the medium 2.

[0152] In this method, a second heater 15, used to increase the adhesive force of the adhesive applied to the medium 2 before heating the transfer foil, is disposed between the pull rod 9 and the transfer roller pair 8 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. Therefore, in this method, even with the pull rod 9 disposed between the first heater 14 and the transfer roller pair 8, the second heater 15 can be used to increase the adhesive force of the adhesive applied to the medium 2 upon reaching the transfer roller pair 8. Consequently, in this method, the transfer foil can be appropriately transferred to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive using the transfer roller pair 8.

[0153] (6) The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes: a sheet feeding section 18 that feeds foil transfer sheets 3 relative to the transfer roller pair 8; and a support body 6 that supports a lower platform 27. The sheet feeding section 18 is detachably mounted on the support body 6.

[0154] Therefore, for example, by removing the foil transfer unit 40, including the sheet delivery section 18, from the support body 6 and ejecting ink from the printhead 23, the foil transfer apparatus 1 can be used as an inkjet printer. Thus, in this embodiment, the versatility of the foil transfer apparatus 1 can be improved. Furthermore, when using the foil transfer apparatus 1 as an inkjet printer, the media take-up section 17 is, for example, mounted on the support body 6.

[0155] (7) In the foil transfer apparatus 1, the transfer roller pair 8 includes: a conveying roller 43 that contacts the medium 2 and conveys the medium 2; and a foil transfer roller 44 (transfer roller) that is forced toward the conveying roller 43, with the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 sandwiched between the foil transfer roller 44 and the conveying roller 43. The foil transfer roller 44 is composed of two (or more) dividing rollers 46 that are divided in the left-right direction (Y direction) along the axial direction of the foil transfer roller 44. The two ends of the two dividing rollers 46 are rotatably supported on bearings 47.

[0156] Therefore, in this method, even if the width of the medium 2 is relatively wide, the deflection of the foil transfer roller 44 when pressing the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 onto the conveying roller 43 can be suppressed. Thus, in this method, even if the width of the medium 2 is relatively wide, the transfer roller can be used to properly transfer the foil to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive.

[0157] (8) In the foil transfer device 1, the middle part of the dividing roller 46 is supported by the intermediate support member 49 in a rotatable manner.

[0158] Therefore, even if the width of the medium 2 is relatively wide, the deflection of the foil transfer roller 44 when pressing the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 onto the conveying roller 43 can be effectively suppressed. Thus, in this method, even if the width of the medium 2 is relatively wide, the transfer roller can more appropriately transfer the foil to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive.

[0159] (9, 10) The foil transfer device 1 includes an adhesive coating mechanism 5 (coating mechanism), a transfer roller pair 8 (roller), and a tension application mechanism 10.

[0160] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive to the medium 2.

[0161] The transfer rollers 8 push the foil transfer sheet 3 (sheet) with foil formed on the substrate onto the medium 2 coated with adhesive, thereby transferring the foil onto the medium 2.

[0162] The tension applying mechanism 10 has a pull rod 9 that is in contact with the medium 2 and applies tension to the medium 2.

[0163] The pull rod 9 is positioned between the adhesive coating mechanism 5 and the transfer roller pair 8.

[0164] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 is equipped with an inkjet head 23 (printer head) for spraying adhesive onto the medium 2.

[0165] By placing the pull rod 9 between the adhesive coating mechanism 5 and the transfer roller pair 8, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the front-to-back direction (X direction).

[0166] In addition, in this method, when the pull rod 9 is positioned between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the light-shielding part 64a and between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the light-shielding part 64b, the transfer roller can be used to transport the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, and the foil can be transferred to the medium 2.

[0167] Therefore, in this method, the tension deviation of the medium 2 during the transfer foil transfer can be suppressed by using the pull rod 9. Thus, in this method, the transfer of foil to a relaxed medium 2 or to a medium 2 under applied high tension can be suppressed. Therefore, in this method, for example, the following situation can be suppressed: when transferring foil to a relaxed medium 2, the foil cracks when the relaxation of the medium 2 after the transfer foil transfer is eliminated. Furthermore, in this method, for example, the following situation can be suppressed: when transferring foil to a medium 2 under applied high tension, the foil wrinkles when the tension of the medium 2 after the transfer foil transfer is eased. That is, in this method, the formation of cracks and wrinkles in the foil transferred to the medium 2 can be suppressed.

[0168] (11) In the foil transfer apparatus 1, the adhesive coating mechanism 5 applies adhesive to a portion of the adhesive coating surface 2a, which is one side of the medium 2, in the width direction of the medium 2.

[0169] An adhesive non-coating region 2b (uncoated region) is formed on the adhesive coating surface 2a, in which no adhesive is coated in the width direction of the medium 2.

[0170] The pull rod 9 has a contact portion 62 that contacts the adhesive non-coating area 2b of the adhesive coating surface 2a of the medium 2, and a roller body portion 61 (rod body portion) that holds the contact portion 62. In the pull rod 9, only the contact portion 62 contacts the medium 2.

[0171] Therefore, even if the tie rod 9 comes into contact with the adhesive coating surface 2a of the medium 2, the adhesive coated on the medium 2 can be prevented from adhering to the tie rod 9.

[0172] (12) The medium 2 before the adhesive is applied and the medium 2 after the transfer foil are rolled into a roll, and the foil transfer sheet 3 before the transfer foil is applied to the medium 2 is rolled into a roll.

[0173] Thus, by winding the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 into a roll in the medium delivery section 16, the medium winding section 17, and the sheet delivery section 18, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0174] (13) The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a first changing roller 67 and a second changing roller 68 (direction changing roller). The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the movement direction of the medium 2, which is in a state of overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3 after passing through the transfer roller pair 8. The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the movement direction of the medium 2 to a direction different from the movement direction of the medium 2 from the transfer roller pair 8 to the first changing roller 67.

[0175] Therefore, compared to the case where the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 are not provided, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the direction of movement of the medium 2 immediately after passing the transfer roller pair 8. For example, in this method, by changing the direction of movement of the medium 2 from the vertical direction to the front-back direction after passing the transfer roller pair 8, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction.

[0176] (14) In the foil transfer device 1, when passing through the second change roller 68, the medium 2 separates from the foil transfer sheet 3.

[0177] That is, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 overlap between the transfer roller pair 8 and the second changing roller 68 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. Therefore, in this method, the space required for the movement of the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 can be reduced between the transfer roller pair 8 and the second changing roller 68 in the conveying direction of the medium 2.

[0178] (15) The foil transfer device 1 includes an adhesive coating mechanism 5 (coating mechanism), a transfer roller pair 8 (roller), a first change roller 67 and a second change roller 68 (direction change roller).

[0179] The adhesive coating mechanism 5 (coating mechanism) applies adhesive to the medium 2.

[0180] The transfer rollers 8 push the foil transfer sheet 3, on which foil is formed on the substrate, toward the medium 2 coated with adhesive to transfer the foil onto the medium 2.

[0181] The first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the direction of movement of the medium 2, which is in a state of overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3 after passing through the transfer roller pair 8.

[0182] Therefore, in this method, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized, thereby reducing the area required for its installation.

[0183] For example, the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the direction of movement of the medium 2, which is moving downward from the transfer roller pair 8 to the first changing roller 67 in a state overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, to a direction moving obliquely forward and upward. That is, in this mode, the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 change the direction of movement of the medium 2, which is overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, to a direction different from the direction of movement of the medium 2 from the transfer roller pair 8 to the first changing roller 67.

[0184] Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the first changing roller 67 and the second changing roller 68 are not provided, the large size of the foil transfer device 1 in the direction of movement of the medium 2 immediately after passing through the transfer roller pair 8 can be reduced. That is, in this embodiment, the foil transfer device 1 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction.

[0185] (16, 17, 18) The foil transfer device 1 includes a first changing roller 67 as a direction changing roller, which causes the medium 2 to bend in a predetermined direction.

[0186] In this method, for example, the diameter of the first changing roller 67 can be 2 inches or more. Therefore, in this method, the radius of curvature of the medium 2 bent by the first changing roller 67 can be relatively large. Thus, according to the inventors' research, in this method, even when the medium 2 is bent by the first changing roller 67, cracking of the foil transferred to the medium 2 can be suppressed. In particular, in this method, the diameter of the first changing roller 67 is 3 inches or more, therefore, even when the medium 2 is bent by the first changing roller 67, cracking of the foil transferred to the medium 2 can be suppressed more effectively.

[0187] (19) The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a second changing roller 68 as a moving direction changing roller, which is used to guide the medium 2 after passing through the first changing roller 67 in a predetermined direction. When passing through the second changing roller 68, the medium 2 separates from the foil transfer sheet 3.

[0188] In other words, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 overlap between the transfer roller pair 8 and the second changing roller 68 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. Therefore, in this configuration, the space required for the movement of the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 can be reduced between the transfer roller pair 8 and the second changing roller 68 in the conveying direction of the medium 2.

[0189] (20) In the foil transfer apparatus 1, the moving direction changing unit 11 is provided with a guide roller 69, which is used to guide the foil transfer sheet 3, which has passed through the second changing roller 68 and separated from the medium 2, in a predetermined direction.

[0190] Therefore, in this method, the foil transfer sheet 3, which is separated from the medium 2, can be properly guided in a predetermined direction. Furthermore, if the position of the guide roller 69 can be adjusted, as described above, the angle θ formed by the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, which have passed through the second changing roller 68 and separated, can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the guide roller 69.

[0191] (21) In the foil transfer device 1, the medium 2, which is in a state of overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second change roller 68.

[0192] That is, at the position where the foil transfer sheet 3 separates from the second change roller 68, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 are separated. Therefore, in this method, even if the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34 changes, as described above, the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 can be separated at a certain position.

[0193] (22, 23) In the foil transfer apparatus 1, when viewed from the width direction of the medium 2, the medium 2, separated from the foil transfer sheet 3, extends linearly from the second changing roller 68 in a predetermined direction, and the foil transfer sheet 3, separated from the medium 2, extends linearly from the second changing roller 68 in a predetermined direction. When viewed from the left-right direction (Y direction), the angle θ formed by the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3, which have passed through the second changing roller 68 and separated, is an acute angle.

[0194] Therefore, in this method, foil can be appropriately transferred to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive. In particular, in this method, the angle θ is 60° or less, thus, foil can be transferred more appropriately to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive.

[0195] (Other implementation methods)

[0196] The above-described method is merely an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto. Various modifications can be implemented without altering the spirit of the present invention.

[0197] In the above-described manner, the movement direction changing unit 11 may not include the guide roller 69. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the movement direction changing unit 11 may not include the second changing roller 68. In this case, when passing the first changing roller 67, the overlapping medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 separate. Additionally, in this case, at the position where the medium 2 separates from the first changing roller 67, the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 separate; therefore, the position where the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 separate varies depending on the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34. In this case, between the transfer roller pair 8 and the first changing roller 67, the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 overlap; therefore, the space required for the movement of the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 between the transfer roller pair 8 and the first changing roller 67 can be reduced.

[0198] Furthermore, if the moving direction changing unit 11 does not have a second changing roller 68, causing the overlapping medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 to separate as they pass the first changing roller 67, the medium 2 can also be positioned between the transport roller 43 and the foil transfer roller 44, in front of the foil transfer sheet 3. Additionally, the transport roller 38 and the pad roller 39 can be positioned lower than the take-up roller 34. In this case, the medium 2, overlapping with the foil transfer sheet 3, contacts the outer peripheral surface of the first changing roller 67, and the medium 2 separates from the foil transfer sheet 3 at the position where the foil transfer sheet 3 separates from the first changing roller 67. Therefore, similarly to the above method, even if the outer diameter of the take-up roller 34 changes, the medium 2 and foil transfer sheet 3 can be separated at a certain position.

[0199] In the above configuration, the foil transfer roller 44 can be positioned opposite the conveyor roller 43 from an obliquely upper front side or from an obliquely lower front side. Additionally, in the above configuration, the media take-up section 17 can also be positioned below the adhesive coating mechanism 5. In this case, the media take-up section 17 is, for example, mounted on the support body 6. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the media delivery section 16 can also be positioned rearward of the adhesive coating mechanism 5.

[0200] In the above-described manner, the foil transfer roller 44 can also be composed of three segmented rollers 46 divided in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, if the deflection of the segmented rollers 46 can be suppressed, the middle portion of the segmented rollers 46 may not require support from the intermediate support member 49. Moreover, in the above-described manner, if the deflection of the foil transfer roller 44 can be suppressed, the foil transfer roller 44 can also be composed of a single roller.

[0201] In the above-described manner, the foil transfer device 1 may not include the second heater 15. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the foil transfer device 1 may not include the movement direction changing unit 11. In this case, for example, when passing through the transfer roller pair 8, the medium 2 separates from the foil transfer sheet 3. Moreover, in the above-described manner, the pull rod 9 may be stressed by a spring member other than the tension coil spring 54.

[0202] In the above-described manner, if the foil can be appropriately transferred to the portion of the medium 2 coated with adhesive, the angle θ formed by the medium 2 and the foil transfer sheet 3 after passing through the second changing roller 68 and separating can be either a right angle or an obtuse angle. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, if cracking of the foil transferred to the medium 2 can be suppressed, the diameter of the first changing roller 67 can be less than 2 inches. Moreover, in the above-described manner, the adhesive coating mechanism 5 can also apply adhesive to the medium 2 using methods other than inkjet printing.

[0203] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0204] 1. Foil transfer device; 2. Medium; 3. Foil transfer sheet; 5. Adhesive coating mechanism; 6. Support body; 8. Transfer roller pair; 9. Tie rod; 10. Tension application mechanism; 14. First heater; 15. Second heater; 16. Medium delivery section; 17. Medium winding section; 18. Sheet delivery section; 23. Printhead; 27. Table (medium placement section); 40. Foil transfer unit; 43. Conveyor roller; 44. Foil transfer roller; 46. Dividing roller; 47. Bearing; 49. Intermediate support member; Y, width direction of the medium, axial direction of the foil transfer roller.

Claims

1. A foil transfer device, characterized in that, This foil transfer device has the following features: A coating mechanism that applies adhesive to a medium; A roller that pushes a sheet with foil formed on a substrate toward a medium coated with the adhesive to transfer the foil onto the medium; as well as A tension applying mechanism having a pull rod that contacts the medium and applies tension to the medium. The pull rod is positioned between the coating mechanism and the roller. The coating mechanism applies the adhesive to a portion of one surface of the medium along the width direction of the medium. A non-coated area is formed on one surface where the adhesive is not applied in the width direction of the medium. The pull rod has a contact portion that contacts the uncoated area and a rod body portion that retains the contact portion. In the pull rod, only the contact portion contacts the medium.

2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating mechanism includes a spray head for spraying the adhesive onto the medium.

3. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium before the adhesive is applied and the medium after the foil is transferred are wound into a roll. The sheet is wound into a roll before the foil is transferred to the medium.

4. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating mechanism includes: a spray head for spraying the adhesive onto the medium; and a medium placement section disposed below the spray head for placing the medium. The roller is positioned below the medium-carrying portion.

5. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The roller includes a pair of rollers that sandwich the medium and the sheet between them, the pair of rollers being arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

6. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, This foil transfer device has the following features: A medium dispensing unit that dispenses the medium relative to the coating mechanism; and The media take-up section winds up the media that has passed through the rollers. At least one of the media delivery section and the media take-up section is disposed on the lower side of the coating mechanism.

7. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pull rod is arranged vertically between the medium-carrying part and the roller.

8. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The foil transfer device includes a first heater and a second heater for heating the medium. The first heater is positioned above the pull rod. The second heater is arranged vertically between the pull rod and the roller.

9. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, This foil transfer device has the following features: Sheet feeding section, which feeds the sheet relative to the roller; and The support body supports the medium-carrying part from below. The sheet feeding section can be detachably installed on the support.

10. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The roller comprises: a conveying roller that contacts the medium to convey the medium; and a transfer roller that is forceped toward the conveying roller, wherein the medium and the sheet are sandwiched between the transfer roller and the conveying roller. The transfer roller is composed of multiple segmented rollers that are divided along the axial direction of the transfer roller. The two ends of the plurality of dividing rollers are supported by bearings in a rotatable manner.

11. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The foil transfer device includes an intermediate support member that supports the middle portion of the dividing roller in a rotatable manner.

12. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foil transfer apparatus includes a direction-changing roller that changes the direction of movement of the medium after it has passed over the roller and is in an overlapping state with the sheet. The direction-changing roller changes the direction of movement of the medium to a direction different from the direction of movement of the medium from the roller to the direction-changing roller.

13. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, As the medium passes through the direction-changing roller, it separates from the sheet.

14. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The foil transfer apparatus includes a first changing roller as the direction changing roller, which bends the medium in a predetermined direction.

15. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The diameter of the first changing roller is 2 inches or more.

16. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that, The diameter of the first changing roller is 3 inches or more.

17. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, The foil transfer apparatus includes a second changing roller as the direction changing roller, which guides the medium after passing through the first changing roller in a predetermined direction. As the medium passes through the second changing roller, it separates from the sheet.

18. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The foil transfer apparatus includes a guide roller for guiding the sheet, which has passed through the second change roller and separated from the medium, in a predetermined direction.

19. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The medium, which is in an overlapping state with the sheet, comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second change roller.

20. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, When viewed from the width direction of the medium, the medium separated from the sheet extends in a straight line from the second changing roller in a predetermined direction, the sheet separated from the medium extends in a straight line from the second changing roller in a predetermined direction, and the angle formed by the separated medium and the sheet is an acute angle.

21. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 20, characterized in that, When viewed from the width direction of the medium, the angle between the separated medium and the sheet is less than 60°.

22. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, As the medium passes through the first changing roller, it separates from the sheet.

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