Printing device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of printing device for improving the conveying accuracy of medium.Printing device (1) has: conveying part (31);Printing part (20);First limit part (100A), as the limit component (100) for limiting the movement of medium in width direction (B);First medium holding part (42), it holds first medium (RP);Converging part (P2) and (P3), it makes as conveying path (30) first conveying path (30a) and (30R) and second conveying path (30b) and (30S) converge, first medium holding part (42) holds first medium (RP) in the state of reel body, first medium (RP) is conveyed through first conveying path (30a) and (30R) from first medium holding part (42), and not be conveyed through second conveying path (30b) and (30S), first limit part (100A) is set in first conveying path (30a) and (30R).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a printing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Various printing apparatuses have been used throughout history. Among them are printing apparatuses that transport and print on the transported medium. In such printing apparatuses, in order to prevent the medium from moving obliquely or shifting positionally in the width direction intersecting the transport direction, a limiting member is sometimes provided to restrict the movement of the medium in the width direction. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus having a mechanism that allows the medium to be guided to a desired width by closing the top cover while the medium is below the limiting member.

[0003] However, in the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1, the scenario of rewinding the medium once upstream of the limiting section and conveying it again is not envisioned. This is because, in this case, since the limiting section descends downwards to a position blocking the medium's path, media, except those narrower than the spacing between the limiting sections, will get stuck on the limiting section and become impossible to convey. On the other hand, in structures using roll-type media, such as when changing the media, rewinding the medium once upstream of the limiting member and conveying it again would facilitate operation. However, according to the structure of the printing apparatus, since the medium's travel distance is increased by rewinding it once and conveying it again, the slant of the medium gradually increases, causing the conveying position to shift significantly in the width direction, which could potentially cause the medium to get stuck on the limiting member.

[0004] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-218349. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The printing apparatus of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path in a conveying direction; a printing unit that is opposite to the medium conveyed on the conveying path; a first limiting unit that acts as a limiting member that restricts the movement of the medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction; a first medium holding unit that holds a first medium; and a merging unit that is provided in the conveying path and merges the first conveying path with a second conveying path, wherein the first medium holding unit holds the first medium in a roll state, the first medium is conveyed from the first medium holding unit through the first conveying path and is not conveyed through the second conveying path, and the first limiting unit is provided in the first conveying path. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 2 To indicate Figure 1 A perspective view of the periphery of the limiting and supporting components of the printing apparatus.

[0008] Figure 3 To indicate Figure 1 A side sectional view of the periphery of the transport path, limiting components, and supporting components of the printing apparatus.

[0009] Figure 4 To observe from an oblique angle Figure 1 A perspective view of the limiting and supporting components of the printing apparatus.

[0010] Figure 5 To indicate Figure 1 A perspective view of how the limiting components of the printing apparatus are mounted on the supporting components.

[0011] Figure 6 To indicate Figure 1 A perspective view of the limiting components of the printing apparatus.

[0012] Figure 7 To view from the conical side Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the limiting component of a printing apparatus. Detailed Implementation

[0013] First, the present invention will be described in a general sense.

[0014] A printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a medium along a conveying path in a conveying direction; a printing unit that is opposite to the medium conveyed on the conveying path; a first limiting unit that acts as a limiting member that restricts the movement of the medium in a width direction intersecting the conveying direction; a first medium holding unit that holds a first medium; and a merging unit that is provided in the conveying path and merges the first conveying path with a second conveying path, wherein the first medium holding unit holds the first medium in a roll state, the first medium is conveyed from the first medium holding unit through the first conveying path and is not conveyed through the second conveying path, and the first limiting unit is provided in the first conveying path.

[0015] According to this method, a first medium held in a first medium holding section in the form of a roll is conveyed from the first medium holding section through a first conveying path but not through a second conveying path, and a first limiting part is provided in the first conveying path. Since the first medium is conveyed through the first conveying path but not through the second conveying path, the possibility of the conveying path of the first medium becoming too long can be suppressed. Therefore, even if the medium is rewound upstream relative to the limiting member and conveyed again, the possibility of the conveying position shifting significantly in the width direction due to the gradual increase in the skewness of the medium can be reduced. Furthermore, since the first limiting part is provided in the first conveying path, it can guide the conveying of the medium in the first conveying path and reduce the possibility of the medium getting stuck on the limiting member and being unable to be conveyed. That is, the conveying accuracy of the medium can be improved.

[0016] The printing apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the first aspect, a first media front end holding portion is provided in the first transport path, the first media front end holding portion being capable of holding a downstream end of the front end of the first medium in the transport direction, and the first limiting portion is disposed upstream in the transport direction compared to the first media front end holding portion.

[0017] According to this method, the first limiting part is positioned upstream in the conveying direction compared to the first medium front-end holding part, which is capable of holding the downstream end of the medium. By configuring it in this way, the conveying of the medium can be guided before the downstream end of the medium reaches the first medium front-end holding part, thereby appropriately improving the conveying accuracy of the medium.

[0018] The third-party printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in a mode subordinate to the first mode or the second mode, it includes a cutting section disposed downstream of the printing section in the transport direction, the cutting section cutting the first medium, and the second transport path being a path for transporting single sheets of paper cut by the cutting section from the first medium held from the first medium holding section.

[0019] According to this method, a cutting section is provided downstream in the conveying direction compared to the printing section, and a second conveying path is used to convey single sheets of paper cut by the cutting section from the first medium being conveyed from the first medium holding section. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to obtain a printed image from the elongated first medium as a single sheet of paper while improving the conveying accuracy of the medium.

[0020] The printing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the first or second aspect, it includes a second medium holding section, the second medium holding section holding a single sheet of paper, and the second transport path being a path for transporting the single sheet of paper.

[0021] According to this method, a second medium holding unit is provided to hold single sheets of paper, and a second transport path transports the single sheets of paper. By configuring it in this way, printing on single sheets of paper can be performed while improving the transport accuracy of the medium.

[0022] The printing apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the first or second aspect, it includes a third medium holding section, which holds a strip of medium in a state different from the first medium held by the first medium holding section, and the second transport path is a path for transporting the strip of medium from the third medium holding section.

[0023] According to this method, a third medium holding section is provided to hold a strip of medium in a different state than the first medium held by the first medium holding section, and a second transport path transports the strip of medium from the third medium holding section. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to print on both types of strip media while improving the transport accuracy of the medium.

[0024] The printing apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, it includes a second limiting part, which serves as a limiting member for restricting the movement of the medium in the width direction, and is disposed in the transport direction at a position between the printing part and the confluence part.

[0025] According to this method, a second limiting part is provided, which is positioned between the printing part and the confluence part in the transport direction. With this structure, printing can be performed while significantly improving the transport accuracy of the medium.

[0026] The printing apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, a plurality of the limiting members are arranged in the width direction and are rotatable about a pivot axis with the width direction as the rotation axis. When the medium is not in the transport path, the abutting part is located at an entry position that blocks the travel path of the medium in the transport direction. As the medium is transported, the downstream end of the medium in the transport direction abuts against the abutting part from the upstream side in the transport direction. The abutting part rotates about the pivot axis and retracts from the entry position to a retraction position that does not block the travel path.

[0027] According to this method, multiple limiting members are arranged in the width direction and can rotate around a pivot axis that serves as the rotation axis in the width direction. When the medium is not in the conveying path, the abutment part is in the entry position. As the downstream end of the medium abuts against the abutment part from the upstream side in the conveying direction, the abutment part rotates and retracts from the entry position to the retracted position. With this structure, even when using media of various widths, the limiting members can guide the conveying of the medium and reduce the possibility of the medium getting stuck on the limiting members and being unable to be conveyed. That is, the conveying accuracy of the medium can be improved.

[0028] The printing apparatus of the eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the seventh aspect, it includes a force-applying member that applies force to the abutting portion in a direction from the retracted position toward the entering position, the force of which is less than the force that causes the abutting portion to move from the entering position to the retracted position as the downstream end abuts against the abutting portion from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

[0029] According to this method, a force-applying member is provided to apply force to the abutment portion in a direction from the retracted position toward the entering position. The force applied by the force-applying member is less than the force that causes the abutment portion to move from the entering position to the retracted position as the downstream end abuts against the abutment portion. With such a structure, the limiting member located on the outer side of the conveyed medium in the width direction can be properly positioned in the entering position to guide the conveying of the medium, and the limiting member located on the inner side of the conveyed medium in the width direction can be properly rotated and retracted from the entering position to the retracted position as it abuts against the abutment portion from the upstream side.

[0030] The printing apparatus of the ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the eighth aspect, the limiting member has a shape that extends from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the width direction.

[0031] According to this method, the limiting member has a shape that extends from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the width direction. By configuring it in this way, the limiting member located inside the conveyed medium in the width direction can be properly rotated and retracted from the entering position to the retracted position as it comes into contact with the abutment from the upstream side, with a simple structure.

[0032] The printing apparatus of the tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the ninth aspect, it includes a support member disposed at a position opposite to the portion of the medium being transported in the transport path, and rotatably supports the limiting member, the limiting member having an end portion that forms the medium side in the direction from the support member toward the medium being transported in the transport path, the angle of inclination of the edge portion relative to the medium increasing as it tends toward the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0033] According to this method, the limiting member has an end that forms the medium side in the direction from the support member on which the limiting member is rotatably supported toward the medium being transported in the transport path, and the inclination angle of the edge relative to the medium increases as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction. By providing such a structure, the limiting member located inside the width direction of the transported medium can be rotated particularly appropriately from the entry position to the retracted position as it comes into contact with the abutment portion from the upstream side.

[0034] The printing apparatus of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the tenth aspect, the edge has a tapered shape that tapers at the front end as it moves from the support member side toward the medium being conveyed in the transport path.

[0035] According to this method, the edge has a tapered shape that tapers at the front end as it moves from the support member side toward the medium being conveyed in the conveying path. By configuring it in this way, the component is restricted from introducing the medium in a tapered shape, thereby allowing for appropriate correction of positional deviations of the conveyed medium in the width direction to guide the conveying of the medium.

[0036] The printing apparatus of the twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in a manner subordinate to the tenth or eleventh aspect, it includes a media support member that forms the transport path and supports the transported media, the support member being disposed at a position where it clamps the transported media together with the media support member, and being configured such that the interval between the support member and the media support member narrows from upstream to downstream in the transport direction.

[0037] According to this method, the support member that rotatably supports the limiting member is positioned at a location where the medium being transported is sandwiched together with the medium support member that supports the medium, and is configured such that the gap between the support member and the medium support member narrows from upstream to downstream in the transport direction. With this structure, even if the transported medium has bends such as curling or wrinkling, the bends can be reduced by contacting the support member at the location where the gap between the support member and the medium support member narrows, thereby appropriately suppressing situations such as the medium being transported at an angle.

[0038] The printing apparatus of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in any of the tenth to twelfth aspects, the limiting members are symmetrically arranged in the width direction with the center position of the medium in the width direction as the boundary, and each of the limiting members has a symmetrical shape in the width direction.

[0039] According to this method, the limiting components are symmetrically arranged in the width direction, with the center position of the medium as the boundary, and each of the limiting components has a symmetrical shape in the width direction. By setting it in this way, the limiting components can abut against both ends of the medium in the width direction, thereby properly guiding the transport of the medium, and each limiting component can be used as a general-purpose component, thereby improving the production efficiency of the limiting components.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, referring to... Figure 1 The outline of a printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The printing apparatus 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink onto a medium. In the coordinate system shown in the drawings, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 1 is placed on a horizontal plane, and three mutually orthogonal imaginary axes are designated as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Y-axis is an axis parallel to the front-back direction of the printing apparatus 1, and the front end of the arrow representing the Y-axis is designated as "front". The X-axis is an axis parallel to the left-right direction of the printing apparatus 1, and the front end of the arrow representing the X-axis is designated as "right". The Z-axis is an imaginary axis parallel to the vertical direction, and the front end of the arrow representing the Z-axis is designated as "up".

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2. Inside the housing 2 are a roll paper storage section 40 for storing roll paper RP, which is a medium, a sheet paper storage section 60 for storing sheet paper SP, which is a medium other than roll paper RP, and a printing section 20 capable of printing roll paper RP supplied from the roll paper storage section 40 and sheet paper SP supplied from the sheet paper storage section 60.

[0042] The printing unit 20 includes a head 22 with a nozzle that ejects ink toward a medium, and a carriage 21 that mounts the head 22. Furthermore, the printing unit 20 is configured to allow the carriage 21 to reciprocate along the X-axis. A support portion 25 is provided opposite the head 22 to support the medium. The head 22 ejects ink while reciprocating in the width direction B together with the carriage 21, thereby printing on the medium supported by the support portion 25. In this embodiment, a serial head configuration where the head 22 reciprocates in the width direction is exemplified as the printing unit 20, but it could also be a row head configuration where the heads extend in the width direction and are fixedly arranged.

[0043] Inside the housing 2, there is a transport path 30 for transporting the medium and a cutting section 27 for cutting the medium printed by the printing section 20. The transport path 30 has a supply path 30a and a turning path 30b located upstream of the support section 25, and a discharge path 30c located downstream of the support section 25. Furthermore, the supply path 30a has a roll paper supply path 30R for supplying roll paper as an example of the medium, and a sheet paper supply path 30S for supplying sheet paper as an example of the medium.

[0044] Supply path 30a is a path connecting the roll paper supply path 30R to the support section 25. Upstream of supply path 30a is a roll paper confluence point P2 that merges with the roll paper supply path 30R. Downstream of supply path 30a is a branch point P1 that branches off from supply path 30a when the medium is transported from downstream to upstream. Reversing path 30b is a path connecting branch point P1 to roll paper confluence point P2. Between roll paper confluence point P2 and branch point P1 in supply path 30a is a single-sheet paper confluence point P3 that merges with the single-sheet paper supply path 30S.

[0045] A discharge port 14 for discharging the printed medium is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. The discharge path 30c is a path connecting the support portion 25 to the discharge port 14. A cutting portion 27 is provided in the middle of the discharge path 30c to cut off the medium printed by the printing portion 20.

[0046] A conveying section 31 is provided in the conveying path 30 to convey the medium supplied to the conveying path 30. In the supply path 30a, the conveying section 31, from upstream, includes an intermediate roller 32, a plurality of driven rollers 33 disposed on the outer periphery of the intermediate roller 32, and an upstream conveying roller pair 34. The driven rollers 33 are rotatably disposed and rotate drivenly while sandwiching the medium between themselves and the intermediate roller 32. In the discharge path 30c, the conveying section 31, from upstream, includes a downstream conveying roller pair 35, a roller pair 36, and a roller pair 37. The roller pair 36 is located upstream of the cutting section 27, and the roller pair 37 is located downstream of the cutting section 27.

[0047] The intermediate roller 32, driven roller 33, upstream conveying roller pair 34, downstream conveying roller pair 35, roller pair 36, and roller pair 37 convey the medium by rotating while the medium is being held between them. By driving the conveying unit 31 to rotate forward, the medium is conveyed from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction A. By driving the conveying unit 31 to rotate in reverse, the medium is conveyed from downstream to upstream in the opposite direction to conveying direction A.

[0048] The printing apparatus 1 drives the conveying unit 31 to rotate forward, conveying the medium from upstream to downstream, and sprays ink from the printing unit 20 onto the medium located at the support unit 25, thereby printing on the first surface of the medium. The printing apparatus 1 is configured to perform printing on the back side, i.e., the second surface, of the medium. The printing apparatus 1 drives the conveying unit 31 to rotate in reverse, conveying the medium after the first surface is printed in the opposite direction. The medium arrives at the upstream of the supply path 30a from the branch point P1 via the reversing path 30b. The printing apparatus 1 rotates the medium once around the outer circumference of the intermediate roller 32 by driving the conveying unit 31 to rotate forward again, thereby reversing the surface of the medium. The printing apparatus 1 conveys the medium from upstream to downstream, and sprays ink from the printing unit 20 onto the medium located at the support unit 25, thereby printing on the second surface of the medium. Thus, printing is performed on both sides of the medium. In addition, when the medium is a roll of paper RP unwound from a roll, printing on the back side is performed on the medium that has been cut into single sheets by the cutting unit 27 after printing on the surface.

[0049] Furthermore, a roll paper storage section 40 is provided inside the housing 2. The roll paper storage section 40 includes a first medium holding section 42 that holds the roll paper RP in a roll state, and the roll paper RP is rotatably supported via a support shaft 41 extending in the X direction of the housing 2. That is, the roll paper RP is supported by the roll paper storage section 40 in a manner that allows it to rotate together with the support shaft 41 around the support shaft 41 as a rotation center. The support shaft 41 is configured to rotate in both the forward and reverse directions. In the roll paper storage section 40, a roll paper transport path 50 is provided at a position opposite to the support member 43 for transporting the roll paper RP unwound from the roll state. The roll paper transport path 50 constitutes a roll paper supply path 30R.

[0050] The roll paper transport path 50 includes a first roll pair 51, a second roll pair 52, a third roll pair 53, and a curved surface 54. The first roll pair 51 includes a drive roll 51a driven by a motor and a driven roll 51b opposite to the drive roll 51a and rotating passively as the drive roll 51a rotates. The second roll pair 52 includes a drive roll 52a driven by a motor and a driven roll 52b opposite to the drive roll 52a and rotating passively as the drive roll 52a rotates. The third roll pair 53 includes a drive roll 53a driven by a motor and a driven roll 53b opposite to the drive roll 53a and rotating passively as the drive roll 53a rotates. The curved surface 54 has a curved surface 54a for sliding of the transported medium. In the roll paper conveying path 50, the medium is conveyed from the conveying direction A, i.e., upstream as the positive direction, by being pressed against the curved surface 54a of the curved section 54 and driving the first roller pair 51, the second roller pair 52 and the third roller pair 53 to rotate forward.

[0051] A single-sheet paper storage section 60 is provided inside the housing 2. The single-sheet paper storage section 60 has a box-shaped tray 61 for storing single-sheet paper SP, which is a single-sheet medium. The tray 61 has a pair of edge guides 65 that are operated when positioning the single-sheet paper SP in the width direction, a stop 64 that is operated when positioning the single-sheet paper SP in the front-back direction, and a mounting surface 63 that faces the downstream end of the single-sheet paper SP stored in the tray 61 against the pickup roller 72.

[0052] The single-sheet paper storage section 60 constitutes part of the single-sheet paper supply unit 70 that supplies single-sheet paper SPs toward the printing section 20. The single-sheet paper supply unit 70 includes the single-sheet paper storage section 60, the single-sheet paper transport path 71, the pickup roller 72, the damping roller 73, the separation roller 74, and the separation member 76, etc. The single-sheet paper storage section 60 has a mounting surface 63 as a mounting section capable of holding multiple single-sheet paper SPs. The pickup roller 72 is a feed roller that is set at a position opposite to the single-sheet paper storage section 60 and feeds the single-sheet paper SPs placed in the single-sheet paper storage section 60 toward the transport direction A from the single-sheet paper storage section 60 toward the printing section 20.

[0053] The single-sheet paper transport path 71 curves upward from the separating roller 74 and the damping roller 73, thus forming the single-sheet paper supply path 30S. Single-sheet paper transport roller pairs 75, which apply transport force to the single-sheet paper SP, are appropriately spaced along the single-sheet paper transport path 71. The single-sheet paper SP is transported by rotating the single-sheet paper transport roller pairs 75.

[0054] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes: a conveying unit 31 that conveys a medium along a conveying path 30 in the conveying direction A; a printing unit 20 that is opposite to the medium conveyed along the conveying path 30; and a first medium holding unit 42 that holds the roll of paper RP, which is the first medium, in a roll state. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes multiple limiting members 100 in the region S1 of the support member 43 and the region S2 constituting the supply path 30a, which restrict the movement of the medium in the width direction B that intersects the conveying direction A.

[0055] Therefore, the following refers to... Figures 2 to 7 The details of the limiting member 100 will now be explained. Furthermore, the first limiting portion 100A, which is provided in region S1, and the second limiting portion 100B, which is provided in region S2, have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, the limiting member 100 will be explained using the first limiting portion 100A as an example, but the second limiting portion 100B can also be considered as such.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the limiting components 100 are arranged along the width direction B. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the limiting member 100 has a support shaft 101 with the width direction B as the axis of rotation, as... Figure 3 As shown, it is configured to rotate about the support shaft 101 in both rotational directions D1 and D2. Figure 3 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the limiting member 100 has an abutment portion 102 that can abut against the medium being transported.

[0057] Furthermore, when the medium is not on the transport path 30, the limiting component 100, as Figure 3 As shown by the solid line in state 1001, the contact portion 102 is positioned at the entry position L1, which blocks the travel path of the medium in the conveying direction A. Then, as the medium is conveyed, the downstream end of the medium in the conveying direction A abuts against the contact portion 102 from the upstream side in the conveying direction A, thereby... Figure 3 As shown by the dashed line in state 1002, the abutment portion 102 rotates in the rotation direction D2 around the support shaft 101 and retracts from the entry position L1 to the retraction position L2, which is the path of travel that does not obstruct the medium. Figure 3 In the diagram, the restricting member 100 is shown in solid line when the contact portion 102 is in the entry position L1 state 1001, and the restricting member 100 is shown in dashed line when the contact portion 102 is in the retraction position L2 state 1002.

[0058] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured in such a way that even when using media of various widths, the limiting member 100 can guide the transport of the media, and the possibility of the media getting stuck on the limiting member 100 and being unable to be transported is reduced. That is, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can improve the transport accuracy of the media. In detail, the limiting member 100 at the position where it overlaps with the inside of the transported media in the width direction B retracts to the retracted position L2 after abutting against the front end of the transported media, and presses against the media in the surface direction. On the other hand, the limiting member 100 located outside the transported media in the width direction B does not abut against the front end of the transported media, so it remains in the entry position L1, and is guided in a way that prevents the media from shifting position in the width direction B.

[0059] Furthermore, by arranging multiple limiting components 100 in the width direction B, the positional deviation of the medium in the width direction B can be appropriately corrected according to the size of the medium, and the transport of the medium can be guided. In addition, by providing an abutment portion 102 at a position having a length from the support shaft 101, which serves as the center of rotation, the load on the medium pressed by the rotational torque can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, while conveying the medium, the abutment portion 102 of the desired restricting member 100 can be positioned in the retracted position L2, and the abutment portions 102 of other restricting members 100 can be positioned in the entering position L1. Moreover, since the restricting member 100 is structured to accept the conveyed medium, even when using media of various widths, the restricting member 100 can be automatically positioned appropriately in the entering position L1 and the retracted position L2 without requiring changes to the configuration of the restricting member 100 by the user. Furthermore, the restricting member 100 can be positioned at various locations within the conveying path 30.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a torsion spring 110 as a force-applying component. The torsion spring 110 applies force to the contact portion 102 in a rotation direction D1, which is the direction from the retracted position L2 to the entry position L1. Here, the force applied by the torsion spring 110 is less than the force that causes the contact portion 102 to move from the entry position L1 to the retracted position L2 as the downstream end of the medium abuts against the contact portion 102 from the upstream side in the conveying direction A.

[0062] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the limiting member 100 located on the outer side of the width direction B of the conveyed medium is appropriately positioned in the entry position L1 to guide the conveying of the medium, and the limiting member 100 located on the inner side of the width direction B of the conveyed medium is appropriately rotated and retracted from the entry position L1 to the retraction position L2 as it comes into contact with the contact portion 102 from the upstream side.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has the following structure: a support member 43, which rotatably supports the limiting member 100 based on the conveying unit 31, is disposed approximately above, and a roll paper conveying path 50, which serves as a media support member, is disposed approximately below. Furthermore, the limiting member 100 is configured such that the contact portion 102 moves from the retraction position L2 to the entry position L1 by moving the media from approximately above to approximately below. However, this is not a limitation; the apparatus may also have a structure in which the limiting member 100 is disposed approximately below the conveying unit 31, and the contact portion 102 moves from the retraction position L2 to the entry position L1 by moving the media from approximately below to approximately above.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 6As shown, the limiting member 100 of this embodiment has a shape that extends from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction A when viewed from the width direction B. By providing such a structure, the limiting member 100 located inside the width direction B of the conveyed medium can be appropriately rotated and retracted from the entry position L1 to the retraction position L2 as it comes into contact with the abutment portion 102 from the upstream side with a simple structure.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a first medium holding portion 42 that rotatably supports the limiting member 100 at a position opposite to the medium being transported in the transport path 30. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the limiting member 100 has an abutment portion 102 that is a side portion at the end that is the medium side in the rotation direction D1, which is the direction from the first medium holding portion 42 toward the medium being conveyed in the conveying path 30.

[0066] Here, the contact portion 102 has side portions 102a, 102b, and 102c, and the inclination angle relative to the medium increases as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction A. Specifically, in Figure 6 In this configuration, the angle θ2 formed by the conveying direction A and the edge 102b is greater than the angle θ1 formed by the conveying direction A and the edge 102a, and the angle θ3 formed by the conveying direction A and the edge 102c is greater than the angle θ2 formed by the conveying direction A and the edge 102b. By configuring the structure in this way, the limiting member 100 located inside the width direction B of the conveyed medium can rotate appropriately from the entry position L1 to the retraction position L2 as it comes into contact with the abutment portion 102 from the upstream side.

[0067] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the abutment portion 102, which serves as the edge, has a tapered shape. Specifically, it has a tapered shape that tapers at the front end as it moves in the rotational direction D1, which is the direction from the support member 43 towards the medium being conveyed in the conveying path 30. By configuring it in this way, the member 100 is restricted from introducing the medium in a tapered shape, thereby allowing for appropriate correction of any positional deviation of the conveyed medium in the width direction B, thus guiding the conveying of the medium.

[0068] As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a roll paper transport path 50 that serves as a media support member constituting the transport path 30 and supporting the transported medium. Here, as Figure 1 as well as Figure 3As shown, the support member 43 is positioned to sandwich the conveyed medium together with the roll paper conveying path 50, and is configured such that the gap between it and the roll paper conveying path 50 narrows from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction A.

[0069] By designing the structure in this way, even when the conveyed medium has bends such as curls or wrinkles, the bends can be brought into contact with the support member 43 at locations where the gap between the support member 43 and the roll paper conveying path 50 narrows, thereby reducing the presence of bends. This appropriately suppresses situations where the medium is conveyed at an angle. In other words, although the medium creeps up and down as it is conveyed, a bearing surface can be formed on both the upper and lower surfaces to accommodate this creeping motion.

[0070] Furthermore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, multiple limiting components 100 are symmetrically arranged in the width direction B, with the center position of the medium in the width direction B as the boundary. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, each limiting component 100 has a shape that is symmetrical in the width direction B.

[0071] By adopting such a structure, the limiting member 100 can abut against both ends of the medium in the width direction B, thereby properly guiding the transport of the medium. Furthermore, each limiting member 100 can be used as a universal component, thereby improving the production efficiency of the limiting member 100. In other words, since the configuration of each limiting member 100 is not specified, the printing apparatus 1 has good assemblability, and the components are standardized, thereby reducing costs.

[0072] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the medium is conveyed in a manner in which the center of the medium in the width direction is aligned with the center of the conveying path 30 in the width direction B. However, it is not limited to this structure. For example, it may be configured to convey the medium in a manner in which one end of the medium in the width direction is aligned with one end of the conveying path 30 in the width direction B. In such a configuration, multiple limiting members 100 can be arranged at the other end in the width direction B. In other words, it is possible to adopt a structure in which a wall is provided on one side of the conveying path 30 in the width direction B, and the medium is conveyed with reference to this wall. When the conveyed medium shifts position to the other side in the width direction B, the conveying of the medium is guided by the limiting members 100 provided on the opposite side of the wall.

[0073] like Figure 1As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a roll paper supply path 30R and a supply path 30a as a first transport path, a single sheet paper supply path 30S as a second transport path, and a flipping path 30b as a transport path 30. Furthermore, the transport path 30 includes a roll paper confluence point P2 and a single sheet paper confluence point P3, which are confluence points where the first and second transport paths converge. Moreover, the first medium holding unit 42 holds the roll paper RP, which serves as the first medium, in a roll state.

[0074] The roll of paper RP is conveyed from the first media holding unit 42 through the roll paper supply path 30R and supply path 30a, which serve as the first conveying path, and without being conveyed through the single sheet paper supply path 30S and flipping path 30b, which serve as the second conveying path, to the printing position opposite the printing unit 20. Here, the first limiting part 100A in the limiting member 100 is provided in region S1, that is, it is provided in the first conveying path. In addition, "without being conveyed through the single sheet paper supply path 30S and flipping path 30b, which serve as the second conveying path" means that it is not conveyed in a continuous strip state from the roll of paper RP, and does not mean that the single sheets cut by the cutting part 27 described later are not conveyed.

[0075] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, since the roll paper RP is conveyed through the first conveying path but not through the second conveying path, the possibility of the conveying path 30 of the roll paper RP becoming too long can be suppressed. Therefore, even when the medium is rewound upstream of the limiting member 100 and conveyed again, the possibility of the conveying position shifting significantly in the width direction B due to the gradual increase in the skewness of the medium can be reduced. Furthermore, since the first limiting member 100A is provided in the first conveying path, it can guide the conveying of the medium in the first conveying path and reduce the possibility of the medium getting stuck on the limiting member 100 and being unable to be conveyed. That is, the conveying accuracy of the medium can be improved.

[0076] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a third roller pair 53 in the roll paper supply path 30R, which serves as the first transport path. However, the third roller pair 53 also functions as a first media front-end holding part capable of holding the front end, i.e., the downstream end, of the roll paper RP in the transport direction A. Moreover, as Figure 1 As shown, the first limiting part 100A is positioned upstream of the third roller pair 53 in the conveying direction A.

[0077] In other words, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a limiting member 100 disposed upstream of the standby position of the medium. By adopting such a structure, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can guide the transport of the medium before the downstream end of the medium reaches the third roller pair 53, which serves as the first medium front end holding part, thereby appropriately improving the transport accuracy of the medium. In addition, when the elongated medium, which is continuous with the roll paper RP, is transported in the transport direction A in the roll paper supply path 30R, the third roller pair 53, which serves as the first medium front end holding part, can hold the front end of the medium and keep it in standby state.

[0078] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a cutting section 27 downstream of the printing section 20 in the transport direction A, capable of cutting the roll paper RP. Furthermore, the reversing path 30b, which is a second transport path, can transport single sheets of paper formed from the roll paper RP cut by the cutting section 27 and transported from the first media holding section 42. By providing such a structure, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can obtain printed images from long, thin roll paper RP as single sheets of paper while improving the transport accuracy of the media.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes an upstream conveying roller pair 34, but the upstream conveying roller pair 34 also functions as a second medium holding part capable of holding single sheets of paper. Furthermore, the single sheet paper supply path 30S and the flipping path 30b, which serve as the second conveying path, can convey single sheets of paper.

[0080] The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured in such a way that it can print single sheets of paper while improving the transport accuracy of the medium. In addition, the upstream conveying roller pair 34, which serves as the second medium front end holding section, can hold the front end of the medium when the medium, which is a strip of medium that is continuous with the roll paper RP, is cut into single sheets by the cutting section 27, or when single sheets of paper are transported from the single sheet storage section 60 to the transport direction A via the confluence section (roll paper confluence point P2, single sheet paper confluence point P3) and are transported downstream of the confluence section in the transport direction A, and thus stand by in this state.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment has a structure that can only accommodate one roll of paper RP. However, it is not limited to this structure. For example, it is also possible to use a structure in which a third medium holding section is provided at the lower part of the first medium holding section 42 or elsewhere to hold a strip of medium that is in a different state from the roll of paper RP held by the first medium holding section 42, and the second roll of paper supply path 30R, which is the second transport path, can transport the strip of medium from the third medium holding section. By setting it to such a structure, it is possible to print two kinds of strip of medium while improving the transport accuracy of the medium. In addition, in such a structure, the third medium holding section can be set to the same structure as the first medium holding section 42, and the limiting member 100 and other structures that are the same as those of the roll of paper supply path 30R, which is the second transport path, can be arranged in the second roll of paper supply path 30R, which is the second transport path.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a second limiting part 100B in region S2, which serves as a limiting member 100 to restrict the movement of the medium in the width direction B. In other words, the second limiting part 100B is provided in the transport direction A at a position between the printing unit 20 and the web paper confluence point P2 or the single sheet paper confluence point P3, which serves as a confluence point. By adopting such a structure, the limiting member 100 is positioned near the printing unit 20, i.e., upstream in the transport direction A during printing standby, thereby enabling printing to be performed with particularly appropriate improvement in the transport accuracy of the medium.

[0083] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be implemented through various structures without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the summary section can be appropriately replaced or combined. Moreover, any technical feature that is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification can be appropriately deleted.

[0084] Symbol Explanation 1… Printing apparatus; 2… Housing; 14… Discharge port; 20… Printing section; 21… Carriage; 22… Head; 25… Support section; 27… Cutting section; 30… Conveying path; 30a… Supply path (first conveying path); 30b… Tilting path (second conveying path); 30c… Discharge path; 30R… Roll paper supply path (first conveying path); 30S… Single sheet paper supply path (second conveying path); 31… Conveying section; 32… 33…Intermediate roll; 34…Driven roll; 35…Upstream conveyor roll pair (second medium holding section); 36…Downstream conveyor roll pair; 37…Roll pair; 40…Roll paper storage section; 41…Support shaft; 42…First medium holding section; 43…Support member; 50…Roll paper conveying path; 51…First roll pair; 51a…Driver roll; 51b…Driven roll; 52…Second roll pair; 52a…Driver roll; 52b…Driven roll; 53…Third roll pair (Second media holding section); 53a…Drive roller; 53b…Driven roller; 54…Curved surface; 54a…Curved surface; 60…Single sheet paper storage section; 61…Tray; 63…Placement surface; 64…Stop; 65…Edge guide; 70…Single sheet paper supply unit; 71…Single sheet paper transport path; 72…Pick-up roller; 73…Damping roller; 74…Separation roller; 75…Single sheet paper transport roller pair; 76…Separation component; 100…Restriction component; 100 A…First limiting section; 100B…Second limiting section; 101…Support shaft; 102…Abutting section; 102a…Side section; 102b…Side section; 102c…Side section; 1001…State; 1002…State; L1…Entering position; L2…Retreating position; P1…Branch point; P2…Roll paper joining point (joining section); P3…Single sheet paper joining point (joining section); RP…Roll paper (first medium); SP…Single sheet paper (second medium).

Claims

1. A printing apparatus, characterized in that, have: The conveying unit transports the medium along the conveying path in the conveying direction; A printing section, which is opposite to the medium being transported in the transport path; The first limiting part serves as a limiting member that restricts the movement of the medium in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction; A first medium holding section holds a first medium, which is said to be the medium; A merging section is provided in the aforementioned conveying path, and the first conveying path and the second conveying path are merged. The first medium holding section holds the first medium in a roll-like state. The first medium is conveyed from the first medium holding section through the first conveying path, but not through the second conveying path. The first limiting part is disposed in the first conveying path.

2. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first conveying path includes a first medium front-end holding section, which is capable of holding the downstream end of the front end of the first medium in the conveying direction. The first limiting part is positioned upstream of the first medium front end holding part in the conveying direction.

3. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a cutting section, which is located downstream of the printing section in the conveying direction and cuts the first medium. The second conveying path is a path for conveying single sheets of paper cut by the cutting section from the first medium held in the first medium holding section.

4. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a second media holding section that holds single sheets of paper. The second conveying path is the path for conveying the single sheet of paper.

5. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a third medium holding section, which holds a strip of medium in a state different from that of the first medium held by the first medium holding section, resembling a roll. The second conveying path is the path through which the elongated medium is conveyed from the third medium holding section.

6. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a second limiting part, which serves as a limiting member for restricting the movement of the medium in the width direction. The second limiting part is disposed at a position between the printing part and the confluence part in the conveying direction.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Multiple limiting components are arranged in the width direction and are capable of rotating about a pivot axis that serves as the rotation axis in the width direction. When the medium is not in the conveying path, the abutment portion is located at an entry position that blocks the medium's path of travel in the conveying direction. As the medium is conveyed, the downstream end of the medium in the conveying direction abuts against the abutting part from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The abutting part rotates about the support shaft and retracts from the entry position to a retraction position that does not obstruct the travel path.

8. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The device includes a force-applying component that applies force to the abutting portion in a direction from the retracted position toward the entering position. The force applied by the force-applying component is less than the force that causes the abutting portion to move from the entry position to the retraction position as the downstream end abuts against the abutting portion from the upstream side in the conveying direction.

9. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The limiting member has a shape that extends from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction when viewed from the width direction.

10. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The device includes a support member positioned opposite the portion of the medium being transported in the transport path and rotatably supporting the limiting member. The limiting member has an end that forms the medium side in the direction from the supporting member toward the medium being conveyed in the conveying path. The angle of inclination of the edge relative to the medium increases as it moves from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the conveying direction.

11. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The edge has a tapered shape that tapers at the front end as it moves from the support member side toward the medium being conveyed in the conveying path.

12. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The system includes a media support component that forms the transport path and supports the transported media. The support member is positioned to clamp the conveyed medium together with the medium support member, and is configured such that the interval between the support member and the medium support member narrows from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction.

13. The printing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The limiting component is symmetrically arranged in the width direction, with the center position of the medium in the width direction as the boundary. Each of the limiting components has a shape that is symmetrical in the width direction.

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