Printer with cutting head

Abstract

The invention provides a printer with a cutting head. A printing carriage and a cutting carriage are connected more stably. The connection mechanism (80) includes a magnet (81), a first support member (82) provided on the printing carriage (40) and supporting the magnet (81), and an adsorption body (83) provided on the cutting carriage (60) and adsorbed to the magnet (81). The first support member (82) includes a support portion (82a) that supports the magnet (81), an attachment portion (82b) that is attached to the printing carriage (40), and reinforcing portions (82c, 82d) that are connected to the support portion (82a) and the attachment portion (82b), and is configured to be rotatable with respect to the printing carriage (40) about a first axis (L1) that extends in a first orthogonal direction (Z) that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction (Y).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a printer with a cutting head. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a known printer with a cutting head that has both a print head for printing on a recording medium and a cutting head for cutting the recording medium. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer with a cutting head, which includes a print head (ink head), a cutting head, a connecting device for connecting the print head and the cutting head, a guide rail for the print head and the cutting head to slide freely, and a device for moving the cutting head along the guide rail. The connecting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a magnet provided on the print head and a metal plate provided on the cutting head and adsorbed on the magnet. The print head can be moved by a moving device by connecting it to the cutting head.

[0003] The connection device described in Patent Document 1 further includes a rubber component inserted into the side opposite to the adsorption surface of the magnet. According to Patent Document 1, when the magnet is connected to the metal plate, the rubber component is deformed so that the adsorption surface of the magnet is parallel to the adsorption surface of the metal plate. Therefore, the contact area between the magnet and the metal plate is increased, and the connection force between the print head and the cutting head is increased.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-030393 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0008] When the ink head is connected to or separated from the cutting head, a relatively large impact load is applied to the component holding the magnet. Therefore, if the rigidity of the component holding the magnet is low, the component holding the magnet may bend. In the case of the structure described in Patent Document 1, even if the rubber component is deformed, the adsorption surface of the magnet cannot be made parallel to the adsorption surface of the metal plate, the adsorption force becomes weak, and a stable connection force cannot be exerted.

[0009] The present invention has been completed in view of this point, and its purpose is to provide a printer with a cutting head, which has a connecting mechanism that connects a printing carriage equipped with the printing head and a cutting carriage equipped with the cutting head, and can exert a more stable connecting force.

[0010] [Methods for solving the problem]

[0011] The printer with a cutting head disclosed herein comprises: a printing head for ejecting ink; a printing carriage for holding the printing head; a cutting head having a cutter capable of cutting a recording medium; a cutting carriage for holding the cutting head; a guide rail extending along a main scanning direction for engaging the printing carriage and the cutting carriage in a manner capable of sliding in the main scanning direction; a moving device for moving the printing carriage or the cutting carriage along the guide rail; and a connecting mechanism provided on the printing carriage and the cutting carriage for connecting the printing carriage and the cutting carriage. The connecting mechanism comprises: a magnet; a first supporting member provided on one of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage and supporting the magnet; and an adsorbent provided on the other of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage and adsorbed on the magnet. The above-mentioned first supporting component includes: a supporting portion supporting the above-mentioned magnet; a mounting portion mounted on the above-mentioned one of the above-mentioned printing slide and the above-mentioned cutting slide; and a reinforcing portion connected to the above-mentioned supporting portion and the above-mentioned mounting portion. The above-mentioned first supporting component is configured to be able to rotate around a first axis relative to the above-mentioned one of the above-mentioned printing slide and the above-mentioned cutting slide, and the first axis extends along a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the above-mentioned main scanning direction.

[0012] According to the above-mentioned printer with a cutting head, by enabling the first supporting member supporting the magnet to rotate around a first axis orthogonal to the main scanning direction, the orientation of the magnet can be made consistent with the orientation of the adsorber. In addition, the first supporting member includes a reinforcing portion connected to a supporting portion supporting the magnet and a mounting portion mounted on a printing slide or a cutting slide. The reinforcing portion increases the rigidity of the supporting portion by connecting the supporting portion to the mounting portion. Therefore, the supporting portion is difficult to bend, and the orientation of the magnet can be maintained when the printing slide is connected to or separated from the cutting slide. Thus, the connection between the printing slide and the cutting slide based on the connecting mechanism can be stabilized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the printer with a cutting head according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 It is the front view of the printing carriage and cutting carriage.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the printing carriage.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the cutting slide.

[0017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bottom plate of the print carriage.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a magnet holder.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a magnet holder.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a top view of the bottom plate with the magnet holder attached.

[0021] Fig. 9 This is a front view of the suction plate of the cutting slide.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a perspective view of the bottom plate of the print carriage according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the installation parts.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a front view of the base plate with the magnet holder and the mounting components mounted thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] [First embodiment]

[0026] [Structure of a printer with a cutting head]

[0027] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of a printer 10 with a cutting head (hereinafter referred to as printer 10) according to this embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the printer 10 of this embodiment is a device for printing and cutting a sheet-like recording medium 5. The recording medium 5 may be, for example, a sticker material composed of a backing paper and a release paper laminated on the backing paper and coated with an adhesive, or may be a recording paper or a sheet made of resin, etc. The recording medium 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can be a recording medium that can perform at least one of printing and cutting.

[0028] In this specification, "cutting" includes the case of cutting the entire recording medium 5 in the thickness direction (for example, the case of cutting both the backing paper and the release paper of the sticker material), and the case of cutting a part of the recording medium 5 in the thickness direction (for example, the case of cutting only the release paper without cutting the backing paper of the sticker material).

[0029] The printer 10 includes: a main body 11; a platen 12, which is provided on the main body 11 and supports the recording medium 5; a conveying device 20, which conveys the recording medium 5 supported by the platen 12; a print head 30, which ejects ink to the recording medium 5; a print carriage 40, which holds the print head 30; a cutting head 50, which cuts the recording medium 5; a cutting carriage 60, which holds the cutting head 50; a carriage moving device 70, which moves the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60; a connecting mechanism 80, which connects the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60; and a separating device 90 (see Figure 2), the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are disconnected and separated.

[0030] The details will be described later. The moving direction of the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 based on the carriage moving device 70 is the Y direction shown in the figure. In addition, the recording medium 5 is transported in the X direction shown in the figure by the transport device 20. Hereinafter, the Y direction is also referred to as the main scanning direction, and the X direction is also referred to as the sub-scanning direction. Here, the main scanning direction Y is the left-right direction. The sub-scanning direction X is the front-back direction. The main scanning direction Y, the sub-scanning direction X, and the up-down direction Z are orthogonal to each other. The up-down direction Z is an example of a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction Y. The sub-scanning direction X is an example of a second orthogonal direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction Y. The symbols F, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the accompanying drawings represent front, back, left, right, top, and bottom, respectively.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the transport device 20 includes a checkered platen roller 21, a pinch roller 22, and a feed motor 23. The checkered platen roller 21 is disposed on the platen 12. The checkered platen roller 21 is rotated by being driven by the feed motor 23. The pinch roller 22 is disposed above the checkered platen roller 21. The pinch roller 22 is disposed opposite to the checkered platen roller 21. The pinch roller 22 is configured to swing freely up and down so as to be able to approach and move away from the checkered platen roller 21. When the checkered platen roller 21 rotates in a state where the recording medium 5 is clamped between the pinch roller 22 and the checkered platen roller 21, the recording medium 5 is transported forward or backward. In addition, in Figure 1 In the figure, only three checkered platen rollers 21 and two pinch rollers 22 are shown, but in fact, more checkered platen rollers 21 and pinch rollers 22 may be arranged along the main scanning direction Y.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a front view of the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60. Figure 2 The state in which the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are connected is shown. The carriage moving device 70 moves the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 together when the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are connected. In addition, the carriage moving device 70 moves only the cutting carriage 60 alone when the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are separated.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, the carriage moving device 70 includes a guide rail 71, a belt 72 and a scanning motor 73. The guide rail 71 is arranged above the platen 12. The guide rail 71 extends in the main scanning direction Y. The printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are engaged with the guide rail 71 in a manner that they can slide in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the cutting head 50 is arranged at a position to the left of the printing head 30. A belt 72 extending in the main scanning direction Y is fixed to the upper back of the cutting carriage 60. The belt 72 is connected to the scanning motor 73. The scanning motor 73 and the belt 72 are an example of a moving device that moves the cutting carriage 60 along the guide rail 71. When the scanning motor 73 rotates, the belt 72 moves in the main scanning direction Y. As a result, the cutting carriage 60 moves in the main scanning direction Y. However, the carriage moving device 70 can also be configured to move the printing head 30 in the main scanning direction Y along the guide rail 71. In this case, the carriage moving device 70 moves only the print carriage 40 alone in a state where the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are separated.

[0034] The print head 30 is mounted on the print carriage 40 and is arranged above the platen 12. The print head 30 ejects ink toward the recording medium 5 supported by the platen 12. The print head 30 includes a plurality of ink heads 31. A plurality of nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink are respectively formed on the lower surfaces of the plurality of ink heads 31. Here, the ink head 31 is an inkjet head. There is no particular limitation on the number of ink heads 31, and there is no particular limitation on the type and color of ink ejected by the ink head 31. In addition, there is no particular limitation on the inkjet method of the ink head 31.

[0035] The cutting head 50 is mounted on the cutting carriage 60 and is arranged above the platen 12. The cutting head 50 includes a cutter 51 capable of cutting the recording medium 5 and a cutter holding device 52. The cutter holding device 52 moves the cutter 51 in the vertical direction Z to contact or move away from the recording medium 5 on the platen 12. The cutter holding device 52 includes a solenoid (not shown) that moves the cutter 51 in the vertical direction Z. When the solenoid is turned on / off, the cutter 51 moves in the vertical direction Z to contact the recording medium 5 or moves away from the recording medium 5.

[0036] The connection mechanism 80 is provided on the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60, and connects the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60. When printing is performed using the print head 30, the cutting carriage 60 is connected to the print carriage 40. Thus, the print carriage 40 can move together with the cutting carriage 60 in the main scanning direction Y. The connection mechanism 80 and the structures of the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 associated with the connection mechanism 80 will be described later.

[0037] The separation device 90 locks the print carriage 40 so that it cannot move in the main scanning direction Y, thereby separating the print carriage 40 from the cutting carriage 60. Figure 2 As shown, the separation device 90 includes a hook 91 hooked on the print carriage 40. The hook 91 is provided at the right end of the movable range of the print carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60. When cutting is performed using the cutting head 50, the print carriage 40 is positioned at a standby position at the right end of the movable range. In this state, the hook 91 is hooked on the print carriage 40 using an actuator not shown. Thus, the movement of the print carriage 40 is prevented. When the cutting carriage 60 moves to the left in this state, the cutting carriage 60 is separated from the print carriage 40. Thus, when the print carriage 40 is waiting at the standby position, only the cutting carriage 60 can be moved along the main scanning direction Y.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the printer 10 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 controls the operation of the feed motor 23 of the conveying device 20, the scanning motor 73 of the carriage moving device 70, the ink head 31 of the print head 30, the solenoid (not shown) of the cutting head 50, and the actuator (not shown) of the separating device 90. The structure of the control device 100 is not particularly limited, and for example, it includes: a central processing unit (CPU) that executes commands of a control program; a ROM (read only memory) that stores programs executed by the CPU; a RAM (random access memory) that is used as a work area for loading programs; and a storage device such as a memory that stores the above-mentioned programs and various data.

[0039] [Structure of the connecting mechanism]

[0040] Next, the connection mechanism 80 and the structures of the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 associated with the connection mechanism 80 will be described. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the print carriage 40 . Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the print carriage 40 shown in a manner such that the left side, that is, the side surface on the cutting carriage 60 side can be seen. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cutting carriage 60 . Figure 4 4 is a perspective view of the cutting carriage 60, in which the right side, i.e., the side of the printing carriage 40, can be seen. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the connection mechanism 80 includes a magnet 81, a magnet holder 82 supporting the magnet 81, and a portion thereof facing the magnet 81 (see also Figure 2 The adsorption plate 83 is provided in a manner of being adsorbed to the magnet 81. The magnet 81 and the magnet holder 82 are provided on the printing carriage 40. The adsorption plate 83 is provided on the cutting carriage 60. The adsorption plate 83 is formed of a magnetic body in a manner of being adsorbed to the magnet 81. The adsorption plate 83 is an example of an adsorbent adsorbed to the magnet 81.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the print carriage 40 has a storage print head 30 (see Figure 2 ) of the housing 41, the bottom plate 42 supporting the housing 41, and the linear guide 43 fixed to the bottom plate 42 and slidably engaged with the guide rail 71 (see Figure 2 ).

[0042] Figure 5 4 is a perspective view of the bottom plate 42 of the printing carriage 40. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom plate 42 is a plate-shaped member. The bottom plate 42 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z. A mounting portion 42a for mounting the magnet holder 82 is formed on the bottom plate 42. The mounting portion 42a is provided at the left end of the bottom plate 42. Figure 5 As shown, the mounting portion 42a is formed by cutting off a portion of the surface 42b of the bottom plate 42 extending in the main scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z, and bending it in a manner toward the vertical direction Z. In detail, a transverse cutting portion 42c extending in the main scanning direction Y and cutting through to the left edge and a longitudinal cutting portion 42d extending downward from the right end of the transverse cutting portion 42c are formed on the surface 42b of the bottom plate 42. A portion of the surface 42b is bent forward along a curved portion 42e extending from the lower end of the longitudinal cutting portion 42d in the main scanning direction Y. The portion bent forward forms the mounting portion 42a facing upward. The upper surface of the mounting portion 42a constitutes a mounting surface 42a1 on which the magnet holder 82 is mounted.

[0043] The mounting surface 42a1 is provided with screws 84L and 84R (described later, both refer to Figure 8 ) are screwed into the mounting portion 42a. The screw holes 42fL and 42fR are arranged in a row in the main scanning direction Y. However, the arrangement direction of the screw holes 42fL and 42fR is not limited to the main scanning direction Y. The screw holes 42fL and 42fR extend in the up-down direction Z. The screw hole 42fL on the left is an example of a first screw hole. The screw hole 42fR on the right is an example of a second screw hole. Here, the screw holes 42fL and 42fR pass through the mounting portion 42a respectively. However, the screw holes 42fL and 42fR do not necessarily have to be through screw holes that pass through the mounting portion 42a.

[0044] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the magnet holder 82 . Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bottom plate 42 with the magnet holder 82 installed. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the magnet holder 82 includes: a support wall 82a supporting the magnet 81; a bottom wall 82b connected to the support wall 82a; a first reinforcing wall 82c connected to the support wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b; and a second reinforcing wall 82d also connected to the support wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b. The first reinforcing wall 82c and the second reinforcing wall 82d are connected to the support wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b, forming a reinforcing portion that improves the rigidity of the support wall 82a.

[0045] The supporting wall 82a extends in the up-down direction Z and the sub-scanning direction X. Here, the supporting wall 82a is the left side wall of the magnet holder 82, that is, the side wall on the cutting slide 60 side. Here, the magnet 81 has a bottomed and hollow cylindrical shape. However, the shape of the magnet 81 is not particularly limited. The magnet 81 only needs to have a plane facing the direction of the cutting slide 60 (here, the left). The bottom of the magnet 81 is fixed to the supporting wall 82a by a screw 85 fastened to the supporting wall 82a. However, the structure of the supporting wall 82a supporting the magnet 81 is not particularly limited.

[0046] The bottom wall 82b is connected to the lower edge of the support wall 82a. The bottom wall 82b extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. The bottom wall 82b is a wall portion fixed to the print carriage 40 (specifically, the mounting surface 42a of the bottom plate 42) by screws 84L and 84R. However, the bottom wall 82b is configured to rotate in the front-rear direction relative to the print carriage 40 (mounting surface 42a1) when the screws 84L and 84R are loosened. The bottom wall 82b is an example of a mounting portion mounted on the print carriage 40.

[0047] like Figure 7 As shown, the bottom wall 82b has a left through hole 82eL and a right through hole 82eR that penetrate in the up-down direction Z. The left through hole 82eL and the right through hole 82eR are arranged in the main scanning direction Y. The left threaded hole 42fL and the right threaded hole 42fR of the mounting surface 42a1 are formed at positions opposite to the left through hole 82eL and the right through hole 82eR, respectively (see FIG. Figure 8 ). The left screw 84L is inserted through the left through hole 82eL and screwed into the left threaded hole 42fL. The right screw 84R is inserted through the right through hole 82eR and screwed into the right threaded hole 42fR. The left screw 84L and the right screw 84R are an example of a first fixing member that fixes the magnet holder 82 to the print carriage 40.

[0048] The left through hole 82eL has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the left screw 84L. The left through hole 82eL is configured to have almost no play relative to the left screw 84L. By inserting the left screw 84L through the left through hole 82eL and screwing it into the left threaded hole 42fL, the position of the left through hole 82eL is determined above the left threaded hole 42fL.

[0049] The right through hole 82eR is formed to be larger than the diameter of the right screw 84R so that the magnet holder 82 can rotate around the left through hole 82eL and the left threaded hole 42fL. Here, the right through hole 82eR is formed as a long hole with a long length in the sub-scanning direction X. However, the right through hole 82eR only needs to be formed so that the magnet holder 82 can rotate only a required amount around the left through hole 82eL and the left threaded hole 42fL, and its shape may be, for example, circular or quadrilateral. Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, hereinafter, the axis passing through the left through hole 82eL and the left threaded hole 42fL and extending in the up-down direction Z is also referred to as the first axis L1. The first axis L1 is the rotation axis when the magnet holder 82 rotates. The magnet holder 82 is configured to rotate around the first axis L1 when the screws 84L and 84R are loosened. In addition, if the screws 84L and 84R are tightened, the magnet holder 82 cannot rotate around the first axis L1 and is fixed.

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the first reinforcing wall 82c is connected to the edge (here, the front edge) of one side of the supporting wall 82a in the secondary scanning direction X. The first reinforcing wall 82c is also connected to the front edge of the bottom wall 82b. The first reinforcing wall 82c extends in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z. Here, the first reinforcing wall 82c, etc. "extending in the main scanning direction Y" also includes the case where the extension direction of the first reinforcing wall 82c, etc. is slightly changed by rotating the magnet holder 82 within the rotatable range. In addition, the same is true for the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 described later. Even if the orientation is slightly changed by adjustment, it is also referred to as "the adsorption plate 83 extends along the up-down direction Z", etc. The first reinforcing wall 82c improves the rigidity of the supporting wall 82a by connecting the supporting wall 82a to the bottom wall 82b.

[0051] The second reinforcing wall 82d is connected to the edge (here, the rear edge) of the other side of the secondary scanning direction X of the supporting wall 82a. The second reinforcing wall 82d is also connected to the rear edge of the bottom wall 82b. The second reinforcing wall 82d extends in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z. The second reinforcing wall 82d extends approximately parallel to the first reinforcing wall 82c. The second reinforcing wall 82d is opposite to the first reinforcing wall 82c across the bottom wall 82b. The second reinforcing wall 82d also improves the rigidity of the supporting wall 82a by connecting the supporting wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b. Through these wall portions 82a to 82d, the magnet holder 82 is configured as a box shape without a cover, with a bottom, and the opposite surface of the supporting wall 82a is open.

[0052] like Figure 3As shown, the magnet holder 82 configures the magnet 81 on the side of the print carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y. Here, the magnet 81 is configured on the left side (the side of the cutting carriage 60) of the print carriage 40 through the magnet holder 82. Thus, the magnet 81 faces the cutting carriage 60.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the cutting carriage 60 is provided with a housing for the cutting head 50 (see Figure 2 ) and a linear guide 62 that is slidably engaged with the guide rail 71. In this embodiment, the adsorption plate 83 supports the housing 61 and is fixed to the linear guide 62. The adsorption plate 83 also serves as the bottom plate of the cutting carriage 60. Figure 4 As shown, the adsorption plate 83 includes: a bottom plate portion 83a extending in the main scanning direction Y and the vertical direction Z and serving as a bottom plate; and an adsorption portion 83b extending in the sub-scanning direction X and the vertical direction Z and adsorbed by the magnet 81. A portion of the adsorption plate 83 (here, the adsorption portion 83b) is provided on the cutting carriage 60 in a manner opposite to the magnet 81 and adsorbed to the magnet 81. The bottom plate portion 83a and the adsorption portion 83b are formed by bending the adsorption plate 83. The adsorption plate 83 is composed of a flat plate of magnetic metal, such as an iron plate.

[0054] Fig. 9 FIG. 8 is a front view of the suction plate 83 (bottom plate) of the cutting slide 60. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 8 , the adsorption plate 83 includes an upper through hole 83cU and a lower through hole 83cD respectively penetrating in the secondary scanning direction X. The upper through hole 83cU and the lower through hole 83cD are arranged in the vertical direction Z. Figure 2 As shown, an upper threaded hole 62aU and a lower threaded hole 62aD are formed at positions corresponding to the upper through hole 83cU and the lower through hole 83cD in the linear guide 62, respectively. An upper screw 86U is inserted through the upper through hole 83cU of the adsorption plate 83. The upper screw 86U is screwed into the upper threaded hole 62aU of the linear guide 62. A lower screw 86D is inserted through the lower through hole 83cD of the adsorption plate 83. The lower screw 86D is screwed into the lower threaded hole 62aD of the linear guide 62. The upper screw 86U and the lower screw 86D are an example of a second fixing member for fixing the adsorption plate 83 to the cutting carriage 60.

[0055] The upper through hole 83cU has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the upper screw 86U. The upper through hole 83cU is configured to have almost no looseness relative to the upper screw 86U. By inserting the upper screw 86U into the upper through hole 83cU and screwing it into the upper threaded hole 62aU, the position of the upper through hole 83cU is determined to be a position overlapping with the upper threaded hole 62aU (in this case, in front).

[0056] The lower through hole 83cD is formed to be larger than the diameter of the lower screw 86D so that the adsorption plate 83 can rotate around the upper through hole 83cU and the upper threaded hole 62aU. Here, the lower through hole 83cD is formed to be a circle with a larger diameter than the lower screw 86D. However, the shape of the lower through hole 83cD is not particularly limited. Figure 4 and Fig. 9 As shown, hereinafter, the axis passing through the upper through hole 83cU and the upper threaded hole 62aU and extending in the secondary scanning direction X is also referred to as the second axis L2. The second axis L2 is the rotation axis when the adsorption plate 83 rotates. The adsorption plate 83 is configured to be able to rotate around the second axis L2 when the screws 86U and 86D are loosened. When the screws 86U and 86D are tightened, the adsorption plate 83 cannot rotate around the second axis L2 and is fixed.

[0057] [Steps to adjust the orientation of the magnet and adsorption plate]

[0058] In the manufacturing process of the printer 10, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 and the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 around the second axis L2 are adjusted so that the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 face each other with high precision. Thus, the contact area between the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 is ensured as designed, and as a result, the adsorption force between the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 is ensured.

[0059] The orientation adjustment of the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 is performed in the following order. First, the magnet holder 82 is mounted on the bottom plate 42 with the screws 84L and 84R loosely tightened. Figure 8 As shown by the arrow, the magnet holder 82 can rotate in the front-rear direction around the first axis L1. In addition, the adsorption plate 83 is attached to the linear guide 62 with the screws 86U and 86D loosely tightened. Fig. 9 As shown by the arrow, in this state, the adsorption plate 83 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the second axis L2 in a front view.

[0060] If the magnet 81 is adsorbed onto the adsorption plate 83 in the above state, the magnet 81 and the magnet holder 82 rotate in a manner consistent with the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 when viewed from above (the inclination in the front-to-back direction). At the same time, the adsorption plate 83 rotates in a manner consistent with the orientation of the magnet 81 when viewed from the front (the inclination in the up-down direction). As a result, the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 are precisely opposite to each other, and the orientation of the magnet 81 is consistent with the orientation of the adsorption plate 83. That is, the orientation of the magnet 81 is parallel to the orientation of the adsorption plate 83. In this state, when the screws 84L, 84R, 86U and 86D are strongly tightened, the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83 are fixed in a state in which the entire adsorption surface of the magnet 81 can contact the adsorption plate 83.

[0061] [Effects of the First Embodiment]

[0062] Hereinafter, the effects that can be achieved by the printer 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0063] In the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, the connection mechanism 80 includes a magnet 81, a magnet holder 82 provided on the print carriage 40 and supporting the magnet 81, and an adsorption plate 83 provided on the cutting carriage 60 and adsorbed to the magnet 81. The magnet holder 82 includes a support wall 82a supporting the magnet 81, a bottom wall 82b mounted on the print carriage 40, and a first reinforcement wall 82c and a second reinforcement wall 82d (reinforcement portion) connected to the support wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b. The magnet holder 82 is configured to be rotatable relative to the print carriage 40 around a first axis L1 extending in the vertical direction Z.

[0064] According to the printer 10, by making the magnet holder 82 supporting the magnet 81 rotatable around the first axis L1 extending in the up-down direction Z, the orientation of the magnet 81 can be made consistent with the orientation of the adsorption plate 83. In addition, the magnet holder 82 has reinforcing parts 82c and 82d that increase the rigidity of the supporting wall 82a by connecting the supporting wall 82a supporting the magnet 81 to the bottom wall 82b. Therefore, the supporting wall 82a is difficult to bend, and the orientation of the magnet 81 can be maintained when the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 are connected or separated. As a result, the connection between the printing carriage 40 and the cutting carriage 60 based on the connection mechanism 80 can be stabilized.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the adsorption plate 83 is configured to be rotatable relative to the cutting slide 60 around the second axis L2 extending along the secondary scanning direction X. According to this structure, by rotating the magnet holder 82 supporting the magnet 81 around the first axis L1, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 can be changed, and by rotating the adsorption plate 83 around the second axis L2, the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 around the second axis L2 can be changed. Through these functions, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 can be made consistent with the adsorption plate 83, and the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 around the second axis L2 can be made consistent with the magnet 81. As a result, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the up-down direction Z and around the secondary scanning direction X is consistent with the orientation of the adsorption plate 83. In this way, the connection force of the connection mechanism 80 can be increased.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the connection mechanism 80 includes: screws 84L and 84R as the first fixing member, which fix the magnet holder 82 to the printing carriage 40; and screws 86U and 86D as the second fixing member, which fix the adsorption plate 83 to the cutting carriage 60. The magnet holder 82 is configured to be able to rotate around the first axis L1 when the screws 84L and 84R are loosened. The adsorption plate 83 is configured to be able to rotate around the second axis L2 when the screws 86U and 86D are loosened. According to this structure, after loosening the screws 84L, 84R, 86U and 86D to make the orientation of the magnet 81 consistent with the orientation of the adsorption plate 83, the screws 84L, 84R, 86U and 86D are tightened to fix the orientation of the magnet 81 and the adsorption plate 83, thereby making the connection force of the connection mechanism 80 more stable.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the bottom wall 82b of the magnet holder 82 has a left through hole 82eL and a right through hole 82eR which penetrate in the up-down direction Z. The print carriage 40 has a left threaded hole 42fL and a right threaded hole 42fR which are respectively formed at positions opposite to the left through hole 82eL and the right through hole 82eR and extend in the up-down direction Z. The left screw 84L is inserted through the left through hole 82eL and screwed with the left threaded hole 42fL. The right screw 84R is inserted through the right through hole 82eR and screwed with the right threaded hole 42fR. The left through hole 82eL has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the left screw 84L. The right through hole 82eR is formed to be larger than the diameter of the right screw 84R so that the magnet holder 82 can rotate around the left through hole 82eL. According to the printer 10 , the magnet holder 82 can be rotated about the first axis L1 extending in the vertical direction Z by a simple structure in which the right through hole 82 eR is formed larger than the diameter of the right screw 84R.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the print carriage 40 includes: a housing 41 that accommodates the print head 30; and a bottom plate 42 that extends in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z and supports the housing 41. The bottom plate 42 is formed by cutting and bending a portion of a surface 42b that extends in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z, and has a mounting surface 42a1 that faces upward. The left threaded hole 42fL and the right threaded hole 42fR are formed in the mounting surface 42a1. According to this structure, by cutting and bending the bottom plate 42 that supports the print head 30 and the housing 41, the mounting surface 42a1 formed with the left threaded hole 42fL and the right threaded hole 42fR can be provided without increasing the number of components.

[0069] In this embodiment, the reinforcement portion of the magnet holder 82 is a pair of reinforcement walls that are opposite to each other across the bottom wall 82b, and includes a pair of reinforcement walls 82c and 82d that are connected to the support wall 82a and the bottom wall 82b, respectively. According to this structure, the magnet holder 82 is box-shaped by the pair of reinforcement walls 82c and 82d, thereby further improving the rigidity of the support wall 82a.

[0070] [Second embodiment]

[0071] In the second embodiment, the magnet 81 rotates around an axis extending in the vertical direction Z and around an axis extending in the sub-scanning direction X. In the following description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment are used for components having the same functions as those of the first embodiment. In addition, repeated descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0072] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the bottom plate 42 of the printing carriage 40 of the second embodiment. Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 42a is not provided on the bottom plate 42 (see Figure 5 ). Although not shown in the figure, the adsorption plate 83 is fixed to the linear guide 62 in a non-rotatable manner.

[0073] Fig.11 FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the mounting member 87 corresponding to the mounting portion 42a of the first embodiment. Fig.11 As shown, the mounting member 87 is configured to be L-shaped when viewed in the main scanning direction Y. The mounting member 87 is formed by bending a flat plate into an L-shaped shape. The upper surface of the mounting member 87 constitutes a mounting surface 87a of the magnet holder 82. The mounting surface 87a extends in the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X. A surface 87b substantially orthogonal to the mounting surface 87a of the mounting member 87 extends in the main scanning direction Y and the up-down direction Z. The surface 87b of the mounting member 87 constitutes a movable surface 87b that can rotate relative to the bottom plate 42 around an axis (also referred to as a second axis L2 in this embodiment) extending in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0074] like Fig.11 As shown, screws 84L and 84R (see FIG. 1 ) for fixing the magnet holder 82 are formed on the mounting surface 87a of the mounting member 87. Figure 8 ). The screw holes 87cL and 87cR are arranged side by side in the main scanning direction Y. The screw holes 87cL and 87cR are formed in the left through hole 82eL and the right through hole 82eR of the magnet holder 82 (see Figure 7 ) are located at positions opposite to each other. The screw holes 87cL and 87cR extend in the up-down direction Z. The screw hole 87cL on the left side is an example of a third screw hole, and the screw hole 87cR on the right side is an example of a fourth screw hole.

[0075] The mounting member 87 includes a left through hole 87dL and a right through hole 87dR which penetrate in the sub-scanning direction X. The left through hole 87dL and the right through hole 87dR are formed in the movable surface 87b. The left through hole 87dL and the right through hole 87dR are examples of the fifth through hole and the sixth through hole, respectively. Fig.10 As shown, the bottom plate 42 of the print carriage 40 includes a left threaded hole 42gL and a right threaded hole 42gR formed at positions opposite to the left through hole 87dL and the right through hole 87dR, respectively. The left threaded hole 42gL and the right threaded hole 42gR extend in the sub-scanning direction X. The left threaded hole 42gL and the right threaded hole 42gR are examples of the fifth threaded hole and the sixth threaded hole, respectively.

[0076] Fig.12 FIG. 4 is a front view of the bottom plate 42 with the magnet holder 82 and the mounting member 87 installed. Fig.12 As shown, the left screw 88L is inserted through the left through hole 87dL of the mounting member 87 and is screwed into the left threaded hole 42gL of the bottom plate 42. The right screw 88R is inserted through the right through hole 87dR of the mounting member 87 and is screwed into the right threaded hole 42gR of the bottom plate 42. The left screw 88L and the right screw 88R are an example of a fourth fixing member. The mounting member 87 is provided on the print carriage 40 and supports the magnet holder 82. The mounting member 87 arranges the magnet 81 supported by the magnet holder 82 on the side (here, the left side) of the print carriage 40 in the main scanning direction Y.

[0077] The left through hole 87dL of the mounting member 87 has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the left screw 88L. The right through hole 87dR is formed to be larger than the diameter of the right screw 88R so that the mounting member 87 can rotate around the left through hole 87dL. According to this structure, when the fixing of the screws 88L and 88R is loosened, the mounting member 87 can rotate around the second axis L2 extending in the secondary scanning direction X.

[0078] The magnet holder 82 is constructed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The left screw 84L and the right screw 84R are examples of a third fixing member that fixes the magnet holder 82 to the mounting member 87. When the fixing of the screws 84L and 84R is loosened, the magnet holder 82 can rotate relative to the mounting member 87 around the first axis L1 extending in the up-down direction Z. The mounting member 87 is interposed between the print carriage 40 and the magnet holder 82, and supports the magnet holder 82 so as to be rotatable around the first axis L1. In addition, the mounting member 87 is configured to be rotatable relative to the print carriage 40 around the second axis L2.

[0079] According to the printer 10 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the printer 10 of the first embodiment can be achieved. In this embodiment, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 and the orientation around the second axis L2 can be made consistent with the adsorption plate 83. As a result, the orientation of the magnet 81 and the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 are consistent around the up-down direction Z and around the sub-scanning direction X. Thus, the connection force of the connection mechanism 80 can be increased.

[0080] In addition, by using the same structure as the structure for rotating the magnet holder 82 relative to the mounting member 87 (forming the right through hole 87 dR larger than the diameter of the right screw 88R), the mounting member 87 can be easily rotated around the second axis L2 extending in the sub-scanning direction X.

[0081] [Other embodiments]

[0082] Several preferred embodiments have been described above, but the above embodiments are merely examples, and the technology disclosed herein can be implemented in various other forms.

[0083] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the magnet 81 is provided on the print carriage 40, and the adsorption plate 83 is provided on the cutter carriage 60. However, the magnet 81 may be provided on the cutter carriage 60, and the adsorption plate 83 may be provided on the print carriage 40.

[0084] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the magnet holder 82 includes a first reinforcing wall 82c and a second reinforcing wall 82d. However, the magnet holder 82 may include only one reinforcing portion. The reinforcing portion may not be connected to the edge of the supporting wall 82a supporting the magnet 81. For example, the reinforcing portion may be provided at the center of the supporting wall 82a in the secondary scanning direction X. The number, arrangement, shape, etc. of the components constituting the reinforcing portion are not particularly limited.

[0085] In the first embodiment described above, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 (the orientation around the axis extending in the vertical direction Z) and the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 around the second axis L2 (the orientation around the axis extending in the sub-scanning direction X) are adjusted. However, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the axis extending in the sub-scanning direction X and the orientation of the adsorption plate 83 around the axis extending in the vertical direction Z may be adjusted.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the orientation of the magnet 81 around the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 is adjusted. However, the orientation of the attraction plate 83 around the axis extending in the vertical direction Z and the axis extending in the secondary scanning direction X may be adjusted.

[0087] In the above embodiments, the connection mechanism for connecting the print carriage holding the print head and the cutting carriage holding the cutting head is described. However, the connection mechanism can be any mechanism for connecting two carriages and is not limited to connecting the print carriage and the cutting carriage.

[0088] In addition, the embodiments described here do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0089] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0090] 5 Recording media

[0091] 10 Printer with cutting head

[0092] 30 Printhead

[0093] 40 Print carriage

[0094] 41 Shell

[0095] 42 Base plate (mounting plate)

[0096] 42a1 Mounting surface

[0097] 42fL Left threaded hole (first threaded hole)

[0098] 42fR Right threaded hole (second threaded hole)

[0099] 42gL Left threaded hole (fifth threaded hole)

[0100] 42gR Right threaded hole (sixth threaded hole)

[0101] 50 Cutting head

[0102] 60 Cutting carriage

[0103] 71 Guide Rail

[0104] 73 Scanning motor (moving device)

[0105] 80 Connection mechanism

[0106] 81 Magnet

[0107] 82 magnet holder (first supporting member)

[0108] 82a Support wall (supporting portion)

[0109] 82b Bottom wall (mounting portion)

[0110] 82c First reinforcement wall (reinforcement portion, reinforcement member)

[0111] 82d Second reinforcement wall (reinforcement part, reinforcement member)

[0112] 82eL Left through hole (first through hole, third through hole)

[0113] 82eR Right through hole (second through hole, fourth through hole)

[0114] 83 Adsorption plate (adsorption body)

[0115] 84L Left screw (first fixing part, first screw, third fixing part, third screw)

[0116] 84R Right side screws (first fixing part, second screw, third fixing part, fourth screw)

[0117] 86D Lower screw (second fixing part)

[0118] 86U Upper screw (second fixing part)

[0119] 87 Mounting member (second supporting member)

[0120] 87cL Left threaded hole (third threaded hole)

[0121] 87cR Right threaded hole (fourth threaded hole)

[0122] 87dL Left through hole (fifth through hole)

[0123] 87dR Right through hole (sixth through hole)

[0124] 88L Left screw (fourth fixing part, fifth screw)

[0125] 88R Right screw (fourth fixing part, sixth screw)

[0126] L1 First axis

[0127] L2 Second axis

[0128] X sub-scanning direction (second orthogonal direction)

[0129] Y Main scanning direction

[0130] Z up and down direction (first orthogonal direction)

Claims

1. A printer with a cutting head, comprising: Print head, ejects ink; a print carriage holding the print head; a cutting head having a cutter capable of cutting off the recording medium; a cutting carriage holding the cutting head; A guide rail extending along a main scanning direction for engaging the printing carriage and the cutting carriage in a manner of being able to slide in the main scanning direction; A moving device, causing the printing carriage or the cutting carriage to move along the guide rail; and A connecting mechanism is provided on the printing slide and the cutting slide to connect the printing slide with the cutting slide. The connecting mechanism comprises: magnet; a first supporting member disposed on one of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage and supporting the magnet; and An adsorbent is disposed on the other of the printing slide and the cutting slide and is adsorbed on the magnet. The first supporting member comprises: A supporting portion, supporting the magnet; A mounting portion mounted on one of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage; and a reinforcing portion connected to the supporting portion and the mounting portion, The first support member is configured to be rotatable relative to one of the print carriage and the cutter carriage about a first axis extending in a first orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction.

2. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, wherein: The adsorbent is configured to be rotatable relative to the other of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage about a second axis, the second axis extending along a second orthogonal direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the first orthogonal direction.

3. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 2, wherein: The connecting mechanism comprises: a first fixing member, fixing the first supporting member to the one of the printing slide and the cutting slide; and A second fixing member fixes the absorbent body to the other of the printing slide and the cutting slide, The first supporting member is configured to be rotatable about the first axis when the fixation by the first fixing member is released. The adsorptive body is configured to be rotatable about the second axis when fixation by the second fixing member is released.

4. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 3, wherein: The mounting portion includes a first through hole and a second through hole respectively penetrating along the first orthogonal direction. One of the printing slide and the cutting slide has a first threaded hole and a second threaded hole, the first threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the first through hole and extends along the first orthogonal direction, and the second threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the second through hole and extends along the first orthogonal direction. The first fixing component comprises: A first screw is inserted into the first through hole and screwed into the first threaded hole; and A second screw is inserted into the second through hole and screwed into the second threaded hole. The first through hole has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the first screw, The second through hole is formed to be larger than a diameter of the second screw so that the first support member can rotate around the first through hole.

5. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 4, wherein: One of the printing carriage and the cutting carriage comprises: A housing for accommodating the printing head or the cutting head; and a mounting plate extending along the main scanning direction and the first orthogonal direction and supporting the housing, The mounting plate is formed by cutting and bending a portion of a surface extending in the main scanning direction and the first orthogonal direction, and has a mounting surface facing the first orthogonal direction. The first threaded hole and the second threaded hole are formed on the mounting surface.

6. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, wherein: A direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction and the first orthogonal direction is set as a second orthogonal direction, The connecting mechanism includes a second supporting member, which is located between the one of the printing slide and the cutting slide and the first supporting member, supporting the first supporting member so that it can rotate around the first axis and can rotate around a second axis extending along the second orthogonal direction relative to the one of the printing slide and the cutting slide.

7. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 6, wherein: The connecting mechanism comprises: a third fixing member, fixing the first supporting member to the second supporting member; and a fourth fixing member, fixing the second supporting member to the one of the printing slide and the cutting slide, The first supporting member is configured to be rotatable about the first axis when the fixation by the third fixing member is released. The second supporting member is configured to be rotatable about the second axis when fixation by the fourth fixing member is released.

8. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 7, wherein: The mounting portion includes a third through hole and a fourth through hole respectively penetrating in the first orthogonal direction. The second support member includes a third threaded hole and a fourth threaded hole, the third threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the third through hole and extends along the first orthogonal direction, and the fourth threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the fourth through hole and extends along the first orthogonal direction. The third fixing member comprises: A third screw is inserted into the third through hole and screwed into the third threaded hole; and A fourth screw is inserted into the fourth through hole and screwed into the fourth threaded hole. The third through hole has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the third screw, The fourth through hole is formed to be larger than a diameter of the fourth screw so that the first support member can rotate around the third through hole.

9. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 8, wherein: The second support member includes a fifth through hole and a sixth through hole respectively penetrating in the second orthogonal direction. One of the printing slide and the cutting slide has a fifth threaded hole and a sixth threaded hole, the fifth threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the fifth through hole and extends along the second orthogonal direction, and the sixth threaded hole is formed at a position opposite to the sixth through hole and extends along the second orthogonal direction, The fourth fixing member comprises: A fifth screw is inserted into the fifth through hole and screwed into the fifth threaded hole; and A sixth screw is inserted into the sixth through hole and screwed into the sixth threaded hole. The fifth through hole has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the fifth screw, The sixth through hole is formed to be larger than a diameter of the sixth screw so that the second support member can rotate around the fifth through hole.

10. The printer with a cutting head according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcing portion includes a pair of reinforcing members, the pair of reinforcing members are opposed to each other across the mounting portion, and are respectively connected to the supporting portion and the mounting portion.

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