Printing device

Abstract

A printing device is provided, which includes a printing mechanism that performs printing on a long strip of a medium and a cutting mechanism that cuts the printed medium in a width direction of the medium orthogonal to a conveying direction of the medium, wherein the medium can be printed by the printing mechanism and conveyed toward the cutting mechanism even during cutting of the medium by the cutting mechanism. A printing device (1) is provided with a tension imparting mechanism (10) having a tension bar (9) that imparts tension to a printed medium (2) by contacting the medium (2). The tension bar (9) is disposed between a printing mechanism (3) and a cutting mechanism (7) in a conveying direction of the medium (2).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on October 11, 2022 (entry into the Chinese national phase on April 18, 2024), with international application number PCT / JP2022 / 037791 (national application number: 202280070244.X) and entitled "Printing apparatus and cutting apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cutting device for cutting strips of media and a printing device for printing strips of media and cutting the printed media. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, inkjet recording apparatuses for printing on long, sheet-like media (recording media) were known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes: a transport roller and a clamping roller for transporting the media, a recording head for printing by ejecting ink onto the media, a carriage for mounting the recording head, a platform disposed opposite to the recording head, a cutter for cutting the printed media in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the media, and a longitudinal cutting cutter for cutting the printed media along the transport direction of the media.

[0004] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a cutting tool is disposed downstream of the platform in the media transport direction, and a longitudinal cutting tool is disposed downstream of the cutting tool in the media transport direction. The cutting tool includes a cutting tool unit with a cutting blade and a carriage that mounts the cutting tool unit. The cutting tool unit, as a cutting blade, has an upper movable blade and a lower movable blade. The longitudinal cutting tool includes two longitudinal cutting tool units with cutting blades. The longitudinal cutting tool unit, as a cutting blade, has an upper movable blade and a lower movable blade. The two longitudinal cutting tool units are arranged with a gap in the width direction of the media.

[0005] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the medium cut by a blade and a slitting blade is separated into a recording material and a cutting sheet. In this inkjet recording apparatus, a portion of the medium disposed between two slitting blade units in the width direction of the medium becomes the recording material, and the remaining portion of the medium disposed on both sides of the recording material in the width direction of the medium becomes the cutting sheet. The recording material and the cutting sheet are discharged through a paper discharge guide disposed downstream of the slitting blade in the medium transport direction.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-163726 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] In the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when the medium is cut using a cutting tool, if the medium is printed from the printing head and transported from the platen towards the cutting tool, the portion of the medium cut by the cutting tool may be loose, and the medium cannot be properly cut in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to print the medium and transport it towards the cutting tool while the medium is being cut using a cutting tool.

[0011] Furthermore, in the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the medium cannot be fed toward the slitting cutter during the printing process using the recording head. Therefore, in the inkjet recording apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the medium cannot be cut using the slitting cutter during the printing process using the recording head.

[0012] Therefore, the first objective of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus comprising a printing mechanism for printing a strip of medium and a cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium in the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium, wherein the printing mechanism can print the medium and transport the medium toward the cutting mechanism even while the medium is being cut by the cutting mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, a second objective of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus comprising a printing mechanism for printing a strip of medium and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium along the transport direction of the medium, wherein the medium can be cut by the second cutting mechanism even during the printing process by the printing mechanism.

[0014] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have developed a cutting device having a cutting mechanism for cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium, similar to the cutting tool described in Patent Document 1. Since the cutting tool described in Patent Document 1 has an upper movable blade and a lower movable blade overlapping in the vertical direction, the structure of the cutting tool becomes complex. Therefore, in order to simplify the structure of the cutting mechanism in the cutting device under development, the inventors of this application have explored the following approach: providing a cutting platform (cutting platform) with a counterpart portion arranged opposite to the cutting mechanism, thereby reducing the number of cutting blades in the cutting mechanism. In this case, if the end of the medium in the width direction of the medium floats off from the counterpart portion of the cutting platform when cutting begins in the width direction of the medium, the carriage or other components that mount the cutting blades may interfere with the end of the medium in the width direction, making it impossible to cut the medium properly.

[0015] Therefore, the third objective of the present invention is to provide a cutting device having a cutting mechanism for cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium, wherein the medium can be properly cut by means of the cutting mechanism even when the end of the medium in the width direction of the medium floats off the opposite part of the cutting table when cutting the medium begins in the width direction of the medium.

[0016] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have developed a cutting device having a second cutting mechanism, similar to the longitudinal cutting blade described in Patent Document 1, for cutting the medium along the medium's transport direction. The inventors of this application have investigated the provision of a receiving section in the cutting device, which receives a portion of the medium equivalent to the recording medium described in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, the inventors of this application have investigated the provision of a medium winding mechanism in the cutting device, which winds up the remaining portion of the medium, equivalent to the cutting blade described in Patent Document 1, without cutting it in the width direction of the medium. That is, the inventors of this application have investigated the provision of a medium winding mechanism that winds up the remaining portion of a long, thin strip of medium in the medium's transport direction.

[0017] According to the inventor's research, it is clear that when the portion of the medium that is stored is designated as the first medium portion and the portion of the medium that is wound by the medium winding mechanism is designated as the second medium portion, if the second medium portion that is wound by the medium winding mechanism and moves toward the medium winding mechanism is tilted toward the first medium portion that moves toward the storage portion, then at a predetermined position in the medium transport direction, the end face of the second medium portion of the first medium portion and the end face of the first medium portion of the second medium portion will come into contact with excessive contact pressure, which may cause wrinkles in the first medium portion or cause a paper jam due to medium blockage inside the cutting device.

[0018] Therefore, the fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a cutting mechanism that includes a second cutting mechanism for cutting the medium along the transport direction of the medium, and the medium cut by the second cutting mechanism is separated into a first medium portion and a second medium portion, wherein even if the second medium portion, which is wound by the medium winding mechanism and moves toward the medium winding mechanism, tilts toward the first medium portion moving toward the storage portion, it is possible to prevent the end face of the second medium portion of the first medium portion and the end face of the first medium portion of the second medium portion from contacting each other with excessive contact pressure.

[0019] Solution for solving the problem

[0020] To solve the first problem mentioned above, the printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a printing mechanism for printing a strip of medium, a medium conveying mechanism for conveying the medium along the length direction of the medium, a cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium in the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium, and a tension applying mechanism having a tension bar that contacts the printed medium and applies tension to the medium, wherein the medium conveying mechanism is disposed upstream of the tension bar in the conveying direction of the medium, and the tension bar is disposed between the printing mechanism and the cutting mechanism in the conveying direction of the medium.

[0021] The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a tension applying mechanism having a tension bar that contacts the printed medium and applies tension to the medium. The tension bar is disposed between the printing mechanism and the cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction. Therefore, in the present invention, even when the medium is printed by the printing mechanism and transported towards the cutting mechanism by the medium transport mechanism during the cutting process by the cutting mechanism, the tension bar can be used to maintain the tension of the portion of the medium being cut by the cutting mechanism. As a result, the medium can be properly cut by the cutting mechanism.

[0022] Therefore, in this invention, even during the process of the cutting mechanism cutting the medium, the printing mechanism can print the medium and transport it towards the cutting mechanism. Furthermore, in this invention, since the tension bar can be used to suppress the deviation of the medium's tension during cutting by the cutting mechanism, the state of the medium during cutting can be stabilized.

[0023] In this invention, the printing apparatus includes, for example, a second media conveying mechanism for conveying the media along the length of the media and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed media along the media conveying direction. The second media conveying mechanism and the second cutting mechanism are arranged downstream of the tension bar in the media conveying direction. In this case, even when the printing mechanism stops printing the media, the second media conveying mechanism can convey the portion of the media to be cut by the second cutting mechanism downstream of the media conveying direction by an amount corresponding to the movement of the tension bar, and the second cutting mechanism can then cut the media.

[0024] Furthermore, in order to solve the second problem mentioned above, the printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a printing mechanism for printing a strip of medium, a medium conveying mechanism and a second medium conveying mechanism for conveying the medium along the length direction of the medium, a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed medium along the conveying direction of the medium, and a tension applying mechanism having a tension bar that contacts the printed medium and applies tension to the medium, wherein the medium conveying mechanism is disposed upstream of the tension bar in the conveying direction of the medium, the second medium conveying mechanism is disposed downstream of the tension bar in the conveying direction of the medium, and the tension bar is disposed between the printing mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the conveying direction of the medium.

[0025] The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a tension applying mechanism having a tension bar that contacts the printed medium and applies tension to the medium. The tension bar is disposed between the printing mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction. Therefore, in the present invention, even when the portion of the medium to be printed by the printing mechanism is stopped during the printing process, the second medium transport mechanism can transport the portion of the medium to be cut by the second cutting mechanism downstream in the medium transport direction by an amount corresponding to the movement of the tension bar, and the second cutting mechanism can then cut the medium.

[0026] Therefore, in this invention, even during the printing process using the printing mechanism, the medium can be cut by the second cutting mechanism. Furthermore, in this invention, since the tension bar can suppress any deviation in the tension of the medium when it is cut by the second cutting mechanism, the state of the medium can be stabilized during the cutting process.

[0027] In this invention, for example, the tension-applying mechanism includes a force-applying member that applies force to the tension rod in the direction that causes it to press against the medium, and a rod-holding portion that holds the tension rod in a movable manner. The tension rod is movable relative to the rod-holding portion in the force-applying direction side and the side opposite to the force-applying direction side.

[0028] In this invention, the printing apparatus includes, for example, a heater for heating the printed medium, which is disposed between the printing mechanism and the tension bar in the medium transport direction. In this case, for example, the distance between the printing mechanism and the cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction becomes longer. However, in this invention, even if the distance between the printing mechanism and the cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction becomes longer, the printing mechanism can still print the medium and transport it towards the cutting mechanism while the medium is being cut by the cutting mechanism. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the distance between the printing mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction becomes longer. However, in this invention, even if the distance between the printing mechanism and the second cutting mechanism in the medium transport direction becomes longer, the second cutting mechanism can still cut the medium while the printing mechanism is printing the medium.

[0029] In this invention, the printing mechanism includes, for example, an inkjet head that ejects ink to a medium, a carriage that mounts the inkjet head, and a carriage drive mechanism that moves the carriage in the main scanning direction of the width direction of the medium.

[0030] In this invention, it is preferable that the tension-applying mechanism includes a first sensor for detecting the position of the tension rod on the side of the applied force direction and a second sensor for detecting the position of the tension rod on the side opposite to the applied force direction. With this configuration, by controlling the amount of medium delivered based on the detection results of the first and second sensors, deviations in the tension of the medium during cutting by the cutting mechanism and during cutting by the second cutting mechanism can be effectively suppressed.

[0031] To solve the third problem mentioned above, the cutting device of the present invention is used to cut long strips of medium. The cutting device is characterized by comprising: a medium conveying mechanism for conveying the medium along the length direction of the medium; a cutting mechanism for cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium; and a cutting platform having a counter-part arranged opposite to the cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes: a cutter for cutting the medium; a carriage for holding the cutter; a carriage drive mechanism for moving the carriage in the width direction of the medium; and a medium pressing member for pressing the medium toward the counter-part. The medium pressing member is mounted on the carriage, and a counter-face is formed on the medium pressing member that is opposite to the counter-part. When the travel direction side of the carriage when the cutter cuts the medium is set as the first direction side, a first inclined surface is formed at the end of the first direction side of the counter-face, which inclines toward the side away from the counter-part as it moves toward the first direction side. The first inclined surface is positioned closer to the first direction side than the cutter.

[0032] In the cutting device of the present invention, the cutting mechanism includes a medium pressing member for pressing the medium toward the opposing portion of the cutting platform, and the medium pressing member is mounted on a carriage. Furthermore, in the present invention, the medium pressing member has an opposing surface opposite to the opposing portion. Also, in the present invention, when the travel direction of the carriage when the cutter cuts the medium is designated as the first direction side, a first inclined surface is formed at the end of the opposing surface on the first direction side, which inclines toward the side away from the opposing portion as it moves toward the first direction side, and the first inclined surface is positioned closer to the first direction side than the cutter.

[0033] Therefore, in this invention, when cutting the medium begins in the width direction, even if the end of the medium in the width direction floats up from the opposite part of the cutting platform (specifically, even if the end of the medium on the side opposite to the first direction side floats up), the medium pressing member can press the end of the medium in the width direction that floats up from the opposite part towards the opposite part, and the cutter can begin cutting the medium. Thus, in this invention, when cutting the medium begins in the width direction, even if the end of the medium in the width direction floats up from the opposite part of the cutting platform, interference between the carriage or the end of the medium in the width direction can be prevented, and as a result, the medium can be properly cut using the cutting mechanism.

[0034] In this invention, the cutting device includes, for example, a second cutting mechanism for cutting the medium along the transport direction of the medium. The second cutting mechanism is arranged upstream of the cutting mechanism in the transport direction of the medium. The cutting mechanism cuts the medium in a manner that intersects with the portion of the medium that is cut by the second cutting mechanism, and cuts a portion of the medium in the width direction of the medium.

[0035] In this invention, when the portion of the medium cut by the second cutting mechanism is designated as the cutting line, the portion of the medium disposed on one side of the medium's width direction, bounded by the cutting line, is designated as the first medium portion, and the portion of the medium disposed on the other side of the medium's width direction, bounded by the cutting line, is designated as the second medium portion, the cutting device includes, for example, a receiving portion for receiving the first medium portion and a medium winding mechanism for winding the second medium portion. Furthermore, in this invention, for example, the receiving portion is positioned lower than the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism.

[0036] In this case, due to the influence of the contact between the bottom surface of the first medium section and the storage section, and the influence of the weight of the first medium section, the end of the first medium section in the width direction may easily float from the opposite part of the cutting table. However, in the present invention, when the first medium section is cut in the width direction of the medium, even if the end of the first medium section in the width direction floats from the opposite part of the cutting table, the end of the first medium section in the width direction that floats from the opposite part can be pressed towards the opposite part by the medium pressing member and the first medium section can be cut by the cutter. Therefore, interference from the carriage or the like with the end of the first medium section in the width direction can be prevented, and the first medium section can be properly cut by the cutting mechanism.

[0037] In this invention, the cutting device includes, for example, a printing mechanism for printing media, which is positioned upstream of the second cutting mechanism in the media conveying direction.

[0038] In this invention, it is preferable that the medium pressing member includes an inclined surface forming portion having a first inclined surface, and the downstream end of the inclined surface forming portion in the medium conveying direction becomes a second inclined surface that is inclined towards the upstream side in the medium conveying direction as it moves towards the first direction side. With this configuration, even when the medium moves away from the opposite portion of the cutting platform as it moves towards the downstream side in the medium conveying direction, it is possible to prevent contact between the end of the medium floating from the opposite portion in the width direction and the end of the inclined surface forming portion in the first direction side, and to press the end of the medium floating from the opposite portion in the width direction using the inclined surface forming portion.

[0039] In this invention, when the side opposite to the first direction side is designated as the second direction side, for example, a third inclined surface is formed at the end of the second direction side of the opposing surface, which inclines toward the side away from the opposing portion as it moves toward the second direction side.

[0040] In this invention, for example, the cutter is a single-edged blade with a fine tip. In this case, if the end of the medium in the width direction of the medium floats off the opposite part of the cutting platform when the cutter begins to cut the medium in the width direction, the part of the cutter other than the sharp part may interfere with the end of the medium in the width direction, making it difficult to cut the medium properly. However, in this invention, even if the end of the medium in the width direction of the medium floats off the opposite part of the cutting platform when the cutter begins to cut the medium in the width direction, the medium pressing member can press the end of the medium in the width direction that floats off the opposite part towards the opposite part and the cutter can begin to cut the medium. Therefore, interference between the part of the cutter other than the sharp part and the end of the medium in the width direction can be prevented, and the medium can be cut properly by the cutting mechanism.

[0041] Furthermore, in order to solve the fourth problem mentioned above, the cutting device of the present invention is used to cut long strips of medium. The cutting device is characterized by comprising a medium conveying mechanism for conveying the medium along the length direction of the medium and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the medium along the conveying direction of the medium. When the portion of the medium cut by the second cutting mechanism is designated as the cutting line, the portion of the medium disposed on one side of the width direction of the medium orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium, defined by the cutting line, is designated as the first medium portion, and the portion of the medium disposed on the other side of the width direction of the medium, defined by the cutting line, is designated as the second medium portion, the cutting device includes: a receiving portion for receiving the first medium portion, a medium winding mechanism for winding the second medium portion, and a guiding member disposed between the receiving portion and the second cutting mechanism in the conveying direction of the medium and guiding the first medium portion away from the second medium portion.

[0042] The cutting device of the present invention includes a guide member disposed between a receiving portion and a second cutting mechanism in the medium conveying direction, the guide member guiding the first medium portion away from the second medium portion. Therefore, in the present invention, even if the second medium portion, which is wound by the medium winding mechanism and moves toward the medium winding mechanism, tilts toward the first medium portion moving toward the receiving portion, it is possible to prevent the end face of the second medium portion of the first medium portion and the end face of the first medium portion of the second medium portion, which is guided away from the second medium portion by the guide member, from contacting each other with excessive contact pressure.

[0043] In this invention, the cutting device includes, for example, a cutting mechanism for cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium, which is disposed between the second cutting mechanism and the guide member in the medium conveying direction.

[0044] In this invention, it is preferred that the cutting device includes a cutting platform having a counter portion disposed opposite to the cutting mechanism. The cutting mechanism includes: a cutter for cutting the medium, a carriage for holding the cutter, a carriage drive mechanism for moving the carriage in the width direction of the medium, and a medium pressing member for pressing the medium toward the counter portion. The medium pressing member is mounted on the carriage and has a counter surface opposite to the counter portion. When the travel direction side of the carriage when the cutter cuts the medium is set as the first direction side, a first inclined surface is formed at the end of the first direction side of the counter surface, which is inclined toward the side away from the counter portion as it moves toward the first direction side. The first inclined surface is disposed at a position closer to the first direction side than the cutter.

[0045] In this invention, since the first medium portion is guided away from the second medium portion using a guiding member, when cutting the first medium portion begins in the width direction of the medium, the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion floats off the opposite portion of the cutting platform. This could cause interference from the carriage or similar components with the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion, preventing proper cutting. However, with this configuration, even if the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion floats off the opposite portion of the cutting platform when cutting begins in the width direction of the medium, the medium pressing member can press the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion that floats off the opposite portion towards the opposite portion, and the cutter can begin cutting the first medium portion. Therefore, when cutting the first medium portion begins in the width direction of the medium, even if the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion floats off the opposite portion, interference from the carriage or similar components with the end portion in the width direction of the first medium portion can be prevented. As a result, the first medium portion can be properly cut using the cutting mechanism.

[0046] In this invention, the cutting device includes, for example, a printing mechanism for printing media, which is positioned upstream of the second cutting mechanism in the media conveying direction.

[0047] In this invention, the cutting device includes, for example, a cutting platform having a second opposing portion configured opposite to the second cutting mechanism, and a guide member is mounted on the cutting platform.

[0048] In this case, it is preferable that the guide member includes a fixed member fixed to the cutting platform and a contact member that contacts the first medium portion. The contact member is mounted on the fixed member, and its mounting position relative to the fixed member in the thickness direction of the medium can be adjusted. With this configuration, the direction in which the guide member guides the first medium portion can be adjusted. Therefore, even if the second medium portion, which is wound by the medium winding mechanism and moves toward the medium winding mechanism, tilts toward the first medium portion moving toward the storage portion, it is possible to effectively prevent the end face of the second medium portion of the first medium portion and the end face of the first medium portion of the second medium portion, which are guided away from the second medium portion, from contacting each other with excessive contact pressure.

[0049] In this invention, the guide member can also be installed on the storage part or formed integrally with the storage part.

[0050] The effects of the invention

[0051] As described above, in this invention, in a printing apparatus comprising a printing mechanism for printing strips of media and a cutting mechanism for cutting the printed media in the width direction of the media orthogonal to the media transport direction, the printing mechanism can print the media and transport the media toward the cutting mechanism even while the media is being cut by the cutting mechanism. Furthermore, in this invention, in a printing apparatus comprising a printing mechanism for printing strips of media and a second cutting mechanism for cutting the printed media along the media transport direction, the second cutting mechanism can cut the media even while the printing mechanism is printing the media.

[0052] Furthermore, in the present invention, in a cutting device equipped with a cutting mechanism for cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium, when cutting the medium in the width direction of the medium begins, even if the end of the medium in the width direction of the medium floats off from the opposite part of the cutting platform, the medium can be properly cut by the cutting mechanism.

[0053] Furthermore, in the present invention, in a cutting device that includes a second cutting mechanism for cutting the medium along the transport direction of the medium and separates the medium cut by the second cutting mechanism into a first medium portion and a second medium portion, even if the second medium portion, which is wound up by the medium winding mechanism and moves toward the medium winding mechanism, tilts toward the first medium portion moving toward the storage portion, it is possible to prevent the end face of the second medium portion of the first medium portion and the end face of the first medium portion of the second medium portion from contacting each other with excessive contact pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the printing and cutting device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of printing media using the printing mechanism shown, and an example of cutting media using the cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism.

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part E.

[0057] Figure 4 (A) is Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the carriage of the cutting mechanism and the medium pressing component, etc. Figure 4 (B) is Figure 3 A top view of the front end of the cutter of the cutting mechanism shown.

[0058] Figure 5 (A) is Figure 4 The front view of the medium pressing component shown in (A) is as follows. Figure 5(B) is Figure 4 (A) is a top view of the medium pressing component.

[0059] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial view of the support frame and a perspective view of the second cutting mechanism.

[0060] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The side view shows a portion of the support frame, a portion of the cutting table, and the second cutting mechanism.

[0061] Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the function of the guiding component.

[0062] Figure 9 It is used for detection Figure 3 Side view of the first and second sensors showing the position of the tension bar.

[0063] Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the printing and cutting device.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the printing and cutting method of the medium according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the printing and cutting device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 13 This is a side view illustrating the structure of a guide member according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] [Implementation Method 1]

[0069] (Overall structure of the printing and cutting device)

[0070] Figure 1 This is a side view illustrating the structure of the printing and cutting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The printing and cutting device 1 is both a printing device and a cutting device. Figure 2 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 1 The diagram shows an example of printing medium 2 using printing mechanism 3 and an example of cutting medium 2 using cutting mechanism 7 and second cutting mechanism 8.

[0071] The printing and cutting device 1 of this method is a business inkjet printer that prints on a strip of medium 2 and cuts the printed medium 2 into a predetermined shape. It prints on the strip of medium 2 cut after printing. The medium 2 is, for example, a sheet-like medium made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the medium 2 can also be a sheet-like medium made of paper such as transfer paper or photographic paper. Furthermore, the medium 2 can be made of waterproof fabric or window film.

[0072] The printing and cutting device 1 includes a printing mechanism 3 for printing on a strip of medium 2, a support body 4 supporting the printing mechanism 3 from below, a medium conveying mechanism 5 for conveying the medium 2, a heater (rear heater) for heating the printed medium 2, a cutting mechanism 7 for linearly cutting (slitting) the medium 2 in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the medium 2, a second cutting mechanism 8 for linearly cutting (slitting) the medium 2 along the conveying direction of the medium 2, and a tension applying mechanism 10 having a tension bar 9 that contacts the medium 2 and applies tension to the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the printed medium 2. The tension bar 9 contacts the printed medium 2 and applies tension to the medium 2.

[0073] Tension bar 9 is positioned between printing mechanism 3 and cutting mechanism 7 in the conveying direction of medium 2 (the feeding direction of medium 2). Heater 6 is positioned between printing mechanism 3 and tension bar 9 in the conveying direction of medium 2. Second cutting mechanism 8 is positioned between tension bar 9 and cutting mechanism 7 in the conveying direction of medium 2. That is, tension bar 9 is positioned between printing mechanism 3 and second cutting mechanism 8 in the conveying direction of medium 2.

[0074] The printing cutting device 1 uses the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 to cut a rectangular or square cut-off portion 2a (see reference) from the sheet-like medium 2, which includes the printed portion. Figure 2 The printing cutting device 1 cuts, for example, from the medium 2. Figure 2 The cut-off portion 2a shown in (A) or Figure 2 The cut-off portion 2a is shown in (B). When the portion of the medium 2 cut by the cutting mechanism 7 is designated as the cutting line (cutting line) CL1, and the portion of the medium 2 cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 is designated as cutting lines CL11 to CL14, as follows: Figure 2 As shown, after being cut by the cutting mechanism 7, the medium 2 has a cutting line CL1 parallel to the width direction of the medium 2, and after being cut by the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium 2 has cutting lines CL11 to CL14 along the conveying direction of the medium 2.

[0075] In this method, cutting lines CL11, CL12 or cutting lines CL13, CL14 are formed on both sides of the cut-off portion 2a in the width direction of the medium 2. Figure 2 In the example shown in (A), the portion surrounded by two cutting lines CL1 and two cutting lines CL11 and CL12 is called the cut-off portion 2a. Figure 2 In the example shown in (B), the portion surrounded by two cutting lines CL1 and two cutting lines CL11, CL12, and the portion surrounded by two cutting lines CL1 and two cutting lines CL13, CL14 become the cut-off portion 2a. The medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 after being cut by the second cutting mechanism 8.

[0076] The cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 in a manner that intersects with the cutting lines CL11 to CL14 (i.e., the portion of the medium 2 cut by the second cutting mechanism 8). Specifically, the two ends of the cutting line CL1 in the width direction of the medium 2 are positioned outside the width direction of the medium 2, compared to the two cutting lines CL11, CL12 or the two cutting lines CL13, CL14. Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 does not cut the medium 2 over its entire width direction, but rather cuts a portion of the medium 2 in that direction. Additionally, for example, in situations such as... Figure 2 When the two cut portions 2a shown in (B) are arranged in the width direction of the medium 2, the two cutting lines CL1 corresponding to the two cut portions 2a are formed with a gap in the width direction of the medium 2. In this configuration, there is a blank portion between the cut portions 2a in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, there are elongated blank portions on both sides of the cut portions 2a in the width direction of the medium 2 in the transport direction of the medium 2.

[0077] The print cutting device 1 includes a media release section 14 that holds a release roller 13, which is the media 2 wound into a roll before printing. Furthermore, the print cutting device 1 includes a receiving section 15 that receives a first blank portion 2b and the cut portion 2a, which are blank portions between the cut portions 2a in the transport direction of the media 2; and a media take-up section 17 that holds a take-up roller 16 that winds a second blank portion 2c into a roll, the second blank portion 2c being the blank portions on both sides of the cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b in the width direction of the media 2. That is, the print cutting device 1 includes a media release section 14 that holds the wound media 2 before being transported toward the printing mechanism 3; and a media take-up section 17 that holds the wound media 2 (more specifically, a portion of the media 2) after passing through the printing mechanism 3.

[0078] The printing mechanism 3 includes an inkjet head 20 (hereinafter referred to as "printhead 20") that ejects ink to the medium 2, a carriage 21 that mounts the printhead 20, and a main scanning direction that positions the carriage 21 in the width direction of the medium 2. Figure 1 The system comprises a carriage drive mechanism 22 that moves in the Y direction (e.g., the carriage 21), a support frame 23 that supports the carriage 21 in a manner that allows it to move in the main scanning direction, and a print platen 24 disposed below the carriage 21. The printhead 20 ejects ink downwards. The carriage drive mechanism 22 includes, for example, a belt partially fixed to the carriage 21, a pulley around which the belt is wound, and a motor for rotating the pulley. The print platen 24 holds the printing medium 2.

[0079] In the following description, the main scanning direction (width direction of medium 2, Y direction) is set as "left-right direction", and the vertical direction is set as "right-left direction". Figure 1 The direction orthogonal to the Z-direction (e.g., the left-right direction) is defined as the "front-back direction". Furthermore, one side of the front-back direction is... Figure 1 The X1 direction side is set as the "front" side, and will be the side opposite to it. Figure 1 The X2 direction side is designated as the "rear" side. In this method, the medium 2 before printing is conveyed from the rear side to the upper surface of the printing platen 24, and the medium 2 after printing is conveyed from the upper surface of the printing platen 24 to the front side.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side where the medium discharge section 14 is disposed in the transport direction of the medium 2 is designated as the upstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2, and the side where the medium take-up section 17 is disposed in the transport direction of the medium 2 is designated as the downstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2. In the following description, the transport direction of the medium 2 will sometimes be referred to as the "medium transport direction," and the width direction of the medium 2, which is orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium 2, will sometimes be referred to as the "medium width direction." Furthermore, in the following description, the upstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2 will sometimes be referred to as the "upstream side of the transport direction," and the downstream side in the transport direction of the medium 2 will sometimes be referred to as the "downstream side of the transport direction."

[0081] A back support plate 25 is disposed on the front side of the printing plate 24. A guide surface 25a is formed on the surface of the back support plate 25, which guides the medium 2 conveyed from the printing plate 24 toward the tension rod 9. The guide surface 25a is formed into a convex curved surface. The medium 2 conveyed from the printing plate 24 toward the tension rod 9 contacts the guide surface 25a. A heater 6 is disposed inside the back support plate 25 along the guide surface 25a.

[0082] The media conveying mechanism 5 conveys the elongated media 2 along its length. The media conveying mechanism 5 includes a conveying roller 27 and a pad roller 28, the pad roller 28 being positioned opposite the conveying roller 27 and subjected to force towards it. The conveying roller 27 and the pad roller 28 are positioned upstream of the printing platen 24 in the conveying direction of the media 2, and the media conveying mechanism 5 is positioned upstream of the tension bar 9 in the conveying direction of the media 2. The conveying roller 27 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the conveying roller 27. The media 2 is conveyed in a state where it is sandwiched between the conveying roller 27 and the pad roller 28.

[0083] Tension applying mechanism 10 is disposed on the lower side of back panel 25. Second cutting mechanism 8 is disposed on the lower side of tension applying mechanism 10. Cutting mechanism 7 is disposed on the lower side of second cutting mechanism 8. The specific structure of tension applying mechanism 10 will be described later. Furthermore, the structure of cutting mechanism 7, the structure of second cutting mechanism 8, and the specific structure of the peripheral parts of cutting mechanism 7 and second cutting mechanism 8 will be described later.

[0084] The media dispensing section 14 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. The media dispensing section 14 has a rotating shaft that extends through the inner circumference of the dispensing roller 13. The receiving section 15 is, for example, formed as a rectangular box with an open upper surface. The receiving section 15 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. Furthermore, the receiving section 15 is disposed below the cutting mechanism 7.

[0085] The media take-up section 17 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. Furthermore, the media take-up section 17 is positioned below the cutting mechanism 7. Additionally, the media take-up section 17 is positioned rearward of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the storage section 15. The media take-up section 17 includes a media take-up mechanism 26 for taking up the second blank portion 2c. The media take-up mechanism 26 includes a rotating shaft passing through the inner circumference of the take-up roller 16, a drive mechanism for rotating the rotating shaft, and a torque limiter for idling the take-up roller 16 in a manner that the tension on the second blank portion 2c taken up by the take-up roller 16 does not exceed a predetermined tension. The end of the rotating shaft in the transport direction downstream is fixed to the rotating shaft.

[0086] In this configuration, the portion of medium 2 that consists of the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b becomes the first medium portion. This first medium portion is the portion of medium 2 that is positioned on one side of the medium 2 along the width direction, bounded by cutting lines CL11 to CL14, and is housed in the receiving portion 15. Furthermore, the second blank portion 2c becomes the second medium portion. This second medium portion is the portion of medium 2 that is positioned on the other side of the medium 2 along the width direction, bounded by cutting lines CL11 to CL14, and is wound up by the medium winding mechanism 26.

[0087] (Structure of the cutting mechanism, the second cutting mechanism and the surrounding parts)

[0088] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part E. Figure 4 (A) is Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the carriage 34 of the cutting mechanism 7 and the medium pressing member 44, etc. Figure 4 (B) is Figure 3 A top view of the front end side portion of the cutter 38 of the cutting mechanism 7 shown. Figure 5 (A) is Figure 4 The front view of the medium pressing member 44 shown in (A) is shown. Figure 5 (B) is Figure 4 (A) is a top view of the medium pressing member 44. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A partial view of the support frame 35 and a perspective view of the second cutting mechanism 8. Figure 7 yes Figure 3 The side view shows a portion of the support frame 35, a portion of the cutting table 31, and the second cutting mechanism 8. Figure 8 It is used for explanation Figure 3 The diagram shows the function of the guide member 29.

[0089] The cutting mechanism 7 is positioned downstream of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. That is, the second cutting mechanism 8 is positioned upstream of the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, the second cutting mechanism 8 is positioned downstream of the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The printing mechanism 3 is positioned upstream of both the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. As described above, the cutting mechanism 7 is positioned below the second cutting mechanism 8. A cutting table 31, serving as a cutting platform, is positioned behind the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the cutting table 31 faces the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 from the rear. In other words, the printing cutting apparatus 1 includes a cutting table 31 that faces the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 from the rear.

[0090] The cutting table 31 includes a facing portion 31a disposed opposite to the cutting mechanism 7 and a second facing portion 31b disposed opposite to the second cutting mechanism 8. A guide member 29 is installed on the cutting table 31 to guide the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b in a direction away from the second blank portion 2c. That is, the printing cutting device 1 includes a guide member 29 that guides the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b in a direction away from the second blank portion 2c. The guide member 29 is fixed to the lower front end of the cutting table 31.

[0091] At the location where the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are provided, the medium 2 is conveyed downward along the front surface of the cutting table 31, passing between the second cutting mechanism 8 and the second opposing portion 31b, and between the cutting mechanism 7 and the opposing portion 31a. The tension bar 9 is positioned downstream of the printing table 24 and upstream of the cutting table 31 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are positioned downstream of the tension bar 9 in the conveying direction of the medium 2.

[0092] A second media conveying mechanism 30 is disposed between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the conveying direction of the media 2. This second media conveying mechanism 30 acts as a media conveying mechanism, conveying the long strip of media 2 along its length. That is, the printing and cutting device 1 includes a second media conveying mechanism 30 for conveying the media 2, and the second media conveying mechanism 30 is disposed downstream of the tension bar 9 in the conveying direction of the media 2. Specifically, the conveying roller 32 and the pad roller 33 constituting the second media conveying mechanism 30 (see reference...) Figure 3 It is positioned between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the conveying direction of the medium 2.

[0093] The conveyor roller 32 and the pad roller 33 are disposed on the upper side of the second cutting mechanism 8. The pad roller 33 is disposed opposite to the conveyor roller 32 from the front and is subjected to force toward the conveyor roller 32. The conveyor roller 32 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the conveyor roller 32. The medium 2 is conveyed in a state of being sandwiched between the conveyor roller 32 and the pad roller 33.

[0094] The cutting mechanism 7 includes a cutter 38 for the cutting medium 2 (see reference). Figure 4 (B) A retainer 39 for fixing the cutter 38, a carriage 34 for holding the cutter 39 in a manner that allows the cutter 39 to move in the front-rear direction, and a solenoid for moving the cutter 39 relative to the carriage 34 in the front-rear direction, etc. The cutter 38 is held in the carriage 34 by means of the cutter 39. Figure 4 As shown in (B), the cutter 38 is a single-edged blade with a fine, pointed tip. Additionally, in Figure 4 The illustration of cutter 38 is omitted in (A).

[0095] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 includes a support frame 35 that supports the carriage 34 in a manner that allows it to move in the left-right direction (the width direction of the medium 2), and a carriage drive mechanism 36 that moves the carriage 34 relative to the support frame 35 in the left-right direction. The support frame 35 is an elongated frame that is slender in the left-right direction. The two ends of the support frame 35 in the left-right direction are fixed to the front end of the side plate 37. The rear end of the side plate 37 is fixed to the support body 4. The carriage drive mechanism 36 includes, for example, a belt partially fixed to the carriage 34, a pulley around which the belt is wound, and a motor for rotating the pulley.

[0096] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 includes a medium pressing member 44 for pressing the medium 2 toward the opposing portion 31a of the cutting table 31. The medium pressing member 44 is mounted on the carriage 34. Specifically, the medium pressing member 44 is mounted on the rear surface of the carriage 34, facing the opposing portion 31a from the front. The rear surface of the medium pressing member 44 becomes the opposing surface 44a facing the opposing portion 31a. That is, the opposing surface 44a facing the opposing portion 31a is formed on the medium pressing member 44. The medium pressing member 44 has: a through hole 44b, in which the cutter 38 is partially disposed; and a through hole 44c, which allows light emitted from the light-emitting portion of the sensor 56 (described later) mounted on the carriage 34 and light toward the light-receiving portion of the sensor 56 to pass through. The through holes 44b and 44c pass through the medium pressing member 44 in the front-rear direction. In addition, in Figure 3 The illustration of the medium pressing component 44 is omitted.

[0097] The two ends of the opposing surface 44a in the left-right direction become inclined surfaces 44d and 44e, which slope towards the front as they move outward in the left-right direction. That is, the two ends of the opposing surface 44a in the left-right direction become inclined surfaces 44d and 44e, which slope towards the side away from the opposing part 31a as they move outward in the left-right direction. The inclined surfaces 44d and 44e are formed in a planar shape. The portion of the opposing surface 44a between the inclined surfaces 44d and 44e becomes a planar medium pressing surface 44f orthogonal to the front-back direction. The medium pressing surface 44f is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0098] In this configuration, the cutter 38 cuts the medium 2 when the carriage 34 moves to one side in the left-right direction (the width direction of the medium 2). When the direction of travel of the carriage 34 when the cutter 38 cuts the medium 2 is designated as the first direction side, and the direction opposite to the first direction side is designated as the second direction side, an inclined surface 44d is formed at the end of the opposing surface 44a on the first direction side, and tilts towards the side away from the opposing portion 31a (i.e., towards the front) as it moves towards the first direction side. The inclined surface 44d is positioned closer to the first direction side than the cutter 38. An inclined surface 44e is formed at the end of the opposing surface 44a on the second direction side, and tilts towards the side away from the opposing portion 31a (i.e., towards the front) as it moves towards the second direction side. In this configuration, the inclined surface 44d is the first inclined surface, and the inclined surface 44e is the third inclined surface.

[0099] When viewed from above, the angle of inclination of inclined surface 44d relative to the left-right direction is smaller than the angle of inclination of inclined surface 44e relative to the left-right direction. For example, the angle of inclination of inclined surface 44d relative to the left-right direction when viewed from above is approximately 40°, and the angle of inclination of inclined surface 44e relative to the left-right direction when viewed from above is approximately 45°. When viewed from above, the length of inclined surface 44d is longer than the length of inclined surface 44e.

[0100] The end of the medium pressing member 44 on the first direction side, where the inclined surface 44d is formed, becomes an inclined surface forming portion 44g. The lower end of the inclined surface forming portion 44g becomes an inclined surface 44h that slopes upwards as it moves toward the first direction side. That is, the downstream end of the inclined surface forming portion 44g in the transport direction of the medium 2 becomes an inclined surface 44h that slopes upwards as it moves toward the first direction side in the transport direction of the medium 2. The inclined surface 44h in this embodiment is a second inclined surface.

[0101] Sensor 56 is mounted on carriage 34 (see reference) Figure 10 The sensor 56 is used to detect the cutting position mark M1 printed on the medium 2 (described later). That is, the printing and cutting device 1 includes a sensor (cutting mark sensor) 56, which is used to detect the cutting position mark M1 printed on the medium 2. The sensor 56 is a reflective optical sensor, including a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. The light-receiving part receives light emitted from the light-emitting part and reflected by the medium 2. The light-emitting part of the sensor 56 emits light towards the rear. The sensor 56 is electrically connected to the cutting control unit 63 (described later).

[0102] The second cutting mechanism 8 includes a cutter for the cutting medium 2. The cutter is, for example, a single-edged blade with a fine tip. Furthermore, the second cutting mechanism 8 includes: a cutter holder 41 that holds the cutter and is mounted to the support frame 35 in a manner movable in the left-right direction; and a clamping mechanism 42 for fixing the cutter holder 41 relative to the support frame 35. The fixed position of the cutter relative to the cutter holder 41 in the front-back direction can be manually adjusted.

[0103] A guide portion 35a is formed in the support frame 35 for guiding the tool holder 41 in the left-right direction. The guide portion 35a is formed as an elongated strip in the left-right direction. The shape of the guide portion 35a when viewed from the left-right direction is, for example, the shape of the letter L. An engaging portion 41a is formed in the tool holder 41 for engaging with the guide portion 35a. The engaging portion 41a can contact the guide portion 35a from both sides in the front-back direction and from both sides in the top-bottom direction.

[0104] A clamping mechanism 42 is mounted on a tool holder 41. The clamping mechanism 42 is, for example, a clamping mechanism using an eccentric cam. The clamping mechanism 42 includes a lever 43, which is rotatable relative to the tool holder 41 with the left-right direction as its axis of rotation. The lever 43 is rotatable between a clamping position where the engaging portion 41a of the tool holder 41 contacts the guide portion 35a with a predetermined contact pressure, and a releasing position where a gap is formed between the engaging portion 41a and the guide portion 35a. In this configuration, the operator of the printing and cutting device 1 moves the tool holder 41 along the guide portion 35a to a predetermined position while the lever 43 is in the released position, and then rotates the lever 43 to the clamping position to fix the tool holder 41 to the support frame 35.

[0105] The length of the guide portion 35a in the left-right direction is shorter than the length of the support frame 35 in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 6 A gap is formed between one end (e.g., the left end) of the guide portion 35a in the left-right direction and the side plate 37. This gap is wider than the width of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction. In this configuration, the second cutting mechanism 8 can be installed onto the support frame 35 or removed from the support frame 35 using this gap. Specifically, by moving the second cutting mechanism 8 disposed in the gap to the right, the engaging portion 41a engages with the guide portion 35a, thereby enabling the second cutting mechanism 8 to be installed onto the support frame 35. Furthermore, by moving the second cutting mechanism 8 to the left into the gap, the second cutting mechanism 8 can be removed from the support frame 35.

[0106] Therefore, in this method, the number of the second cutting mechanisms 8 installed on the support frame 35 can be changed. For example, in... Figure 2As shown in (A), when two cutting lines CL11 and CL12 are formed on the medium 2 along the conveying direction of the medium 2 using the second cutting mechanism 8, two second cutting mechanisms 8 are installed at predetermined positions on the support frame 35. Furthermore, for example, in situations such as... Figure 2 As shown in (B), when the medium 2 forms four cutting lines CL11 to CL14 along the conveying direction of the medium 2 using the second cutting mechanism 8, four second cutting mechanisms 8 are installed at predetermined positions on the support frame 35.

[0107] The drive mechanism that rotates the conveyor roller 32, the conveyor roller 32, and the cutting table 31 are mounted on the side plate 37. The pad roller 33 is mounted on the support frame 35. Furthermore, as described above, the support frame 35 is fixed to the side plate 37, and the side plate 37 is fixed to the support body 4. The side plate 37 is fixed to the support body 4 with screws. Therefore, in this embodiment, the unit including the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, the second media conveying mechanism 30, and the cutting table 31 can be detached from the support body 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 are fixed to the support body 4 by means of the side plate 37, and the printing mechanism 3, the cutting mechanism 7, and the second cutting mechanism 8 are mounted on the same support body 4.

[0108] The guide member 29 is positioned lower than the cutting mechanism 7. Furthermore, the guide member 29 is positioned between the cutting mechanism 7 and the receiving portion 15 in the transport direction of the medium 2. That is, the guide member 29 is positioned between the second cutting mechanism 8 and the receiving portion 15 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 is positioned between the second cutting mechanism 8 and the guide member 29 in the transport direction of the medium 2. The guide member 29 is positioned in the left-right direction at the location where the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b are formed.

[0109] As described above, the media take-up section 17 is positioned rearward of the cutting mechanism 7 and the storage section 15. The second blank section 2c moves rearward from the lower end of the front surface of the cutting table 31. On the other hand, the storage section 15 is positioned below the cutting mechanism 7, and the cut-off section 2a and the first blank section 2b move downward. The guide member 29 guides the cut-off section 2a and the first blank section 2b forward and downward in a manner that moves them away from the second blank section 2c. That is, the guide member 29 guides the cut-off section 2a and the first blank section 2b away from the second blank section 2c in the front-back direction that is the thickness direction of the media 2.

[0110] like Figure 3As shown, the guide member 29 includes a fixed member 58 fixed to the cutting table 31 and a contact member 59 that contacts the cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b. The fixed member 58 is fixed to the cutting table 31 at a position lower than the opposing portion 31a. Furthermore, the fixed member 58 is fixed to the lower front end of the cutting table 31. The contact member 59 is mounted on the fixed member 58. The front surface of the contact member 59 is positioned forward of the front surface of the cutting table 31. The front surface of the contact member 59 is, for example, a plane orthogonal to the front-rear direction. The cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b pass through the front side of the contact member 59.

[0111] The mounting position of the contact member 59 relative to the fixed member 58 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted. That is, the mounting position of the contact member 59 relative to the fixed member 58 in the thickness direction of the medium 2 can be adjusted. The contact member 59 is fixed to the fixed member 58, for example, by bolts and nuts. A bolt through hole in the fixed member 58 is formed in the form of an elongated hole with the front-rear direction as the length direction.

[0112] According to the inventor's research, without the guide member 29, if the second blank portion 2c, which is wound by the media winding mechanism 26 and moves toward the media winding section 17, tilts toward the cut-off portion 2a, which moves toward the storage section 15, then... Figure 8 As shown in (B), at a predetermined position P downstream of the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2, the end face of the cut-off portion 2a and the end face of the second blank portion 2c come into contact with excessive contact pressure, which may cause wrinkles to form in the cut-off portion 2a or cause paper jams due to blockage by the cut-off portion 2a or the second blank portion 2c.

[0113] In this method, a guide member 29 is provided to guide the cut-off portion 2a in a direction away from the second blank portion 2c. Therefore, even if the second blank portion 2c, which is wound by the media winding mechanism 26 and moves toward the media winding section 17, tilts toward the cut-off portion 2a moving toward the storage section 15, it is possible to prevent the end face of the cut-off portion 2a, which is guided away from the second blank portion 2c, from contacting the end face of the second blank portion 2c with excessive contact pressure. When the guide member 29 is provided, at a predetermined position P, the cut-off portion 2a and the second blank portion 2c are separated in the front-rear direction, and when viewed from the front, the end of the second blank portion 2c overlaps with the cut-off portion 2a (see reference). Figure 8 (A)).

[0114] (Tension imparts structure to the mechanism)

[0115] Figure 9 It is used for detection Figure 3 Side view of the positions of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 of the tension bar 9 shown.

[0116] In addition to the tension bar 9, the tension applying mechanism 10 also includes a tension coil spring 46 (see reference) that acts as a force-applying component, applying force to the tension bar 9 in the direction of pressing against the medium 2. Figure 3 The tension applying mechanism 10 also includes a first sensor 48 and a second sensor 49 for detecting the position of the tension rod 9. The tension rod 9 is positioned rearward from the front surface of the cutting table 31. Furthermore, the tension rod 9 is positioned rearward from the lower end of the guide surface 25a of the back table 25.

[0117] The tension bar 9 includes a support shaft 50 formed into an elongated cylindrical shape and a roller 51 rotatably held on the support shaft 50. The support shaft 50 is arranged so that its axial direction and left-right direction are aligned. The roller 51 is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape in the left-right direction. The length of the roller 51 (length in the left-right direction) is shorter than the length of the support shaft 50 (length in the left-right direction). The support shaft 50 passes through the inner circumference of the roller 51, and the roller 51 is capable of rotating relative to the support shaft 50 with the left-right direction as its axis of rotation. The roller 51 contacts the front surface of the medium 2. The two ends of the support shaft 50 protrude to positions further outward in the left-right direction than the two ends of the roller 51.

[0118] The rod retaining portion 47 supports both ends of the support shaft 50. The rod retaining portion 47 is formed on both sides of the support member 52 arranged in the left-right direction of the roller 51. The rear end of the support member 52 is fixed to the support body 4. A guide groove 47a is formed in the rod retaining portion 47 for the end of the support shaft 50 to be inserted. The guide groove 47a is formed as a straight line (slit-like) with the front-back direction as its length direction. The support shaft 50 can move along the guide groove 47a in the front-back direction. That is, the tension rod 9 can move relative to the rod retaining portion 47 in the front-back direction.

[0119] Tension coil springs 46 are disposed on both sides of roller 51 in the left-right direction. One end of tension coil spring 46 engages with the end of support shaft 50, and the other end engages with support member 52. Tension coil spring 46 applies force to tension rod 9 in the rearward direction. That is, in this configuration, the rearward side (X2 direction side) becomes the force-applying direction side where tension coil spring 46 applies force to tension rod 9. Furthermore, the front side (X1 direction side) becomes the side opposite to the force-applying direction side, and tension rod 9 can move relative to rod holding part 47 in both the force-applying direction side where tension coil spring 46 applies force to tension rod 9 and the side opposite to the force-applying direction side.

[0120] The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are transmissive optical sensors with light-emitting and light-receiving portions, which are arranged opposite each other with an open gap. The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are mounted on the support member 52. The first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49 are arranged with an open gap in the front-rear direction. In this configuration, the first sensor 48 is positioned at the rear, and the second sensor 49 is positioned at the front. A light-shielding member 53 is fixed to the support shaft 50 by a predetermined member. The light-shielding member 53 has a light-shielding portion 53a that blocks the light-emitting and light-receiving portions of the first sensor 48, and a light-shielding portion 53b that blocks the light-emitting and light-receiving portions of the second sensor 49.

[0121] As described above, the first sensor 48 is positioned rearward than the second sensor 49, and functions to detect the position of the tension rod 9 from the rear. Furthermore, the second sensor 49 functions to detect the position of the tension rod 9 from the front. That is, the first sensor 48 detects the position of the tension rod 9 in the direction of force application by the tension coil spring 46, and the second sensor 49 detects the position of the tension rod 9 on the side opposite to the direction of force application.

[0122] In this method, the medium conveying mechanism 5 and the second medium conveying mechanism 30 are controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49, so that the tension rod 9 is positioned within a predetermined range in the front-back direction. That is, the conveying amount of medium 2 conveyed by the medium conveying mechanism 5 and the conveying amount of medium 2 conveyed by the second medium conveying mechanism 30 are controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49, so that the tension of the medium 2 is within a predetermined range. Specifically, the conveying amount of medium 2 is controlled based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49, so that the tension rod 9 is positioned at a position where the light-shielding part 53a blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the first sensor 48, and the light-shielding part 53b blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the second sensor 49.

[0123] (Media printing method, cutting method)

[0124] Figure 10 It is used for explanation Figure 1 A block diagram of the structure of the printing and cutting device 1 shown.

[0125] In this method, the printing and cutting device 1 maintains this state while printing on the medium 2 using the printing mechanism 3, and cuts the medium 2 using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, thereby cutting off the cut-off portion 2a. In this method, as... Figure 1As shown by the solid line, the medium 2, after printing, moves toward the tension bar 9 via the back panel 25. When cutting off the cut portion 2a, the medium 2 on the cutting table 31 is conveyed by the second medium conveying mechanism 30, thereby the second cutting mechanism 8 forms cutting lines CL11 to CL14 along the medium conveying direction on the medium 2. Furthermore, by moving the carriage 34 in the left-right direction while the medium 2 on the cutting table 31 is stopped, the cutting mechanism 7 forms a cutting line CL1 parallel to the width direction (left-right direction) of the medium.

[0126] When the cutting position in the medium transport direction (i.e., the position where the cutting line CL1 is formed in the medium transport direction) of the medium 2 that is linearly cut by the cutting mechanism 7 in the left-right direction after printing is set as the medium cutting position, such as Figure 2 As shown, the printing mechanism 3 prints an image on the medium 2 and prints a cutting position mark (cutting mark) M1 on the medium 2 to specify the cutting position of the medium. The printing mechanism 3 prints the cutting position mark M1 at one end of the medium 2 in the left-right direction.

[0127] The cutting position mark M1 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the left-right direction, printed on the portion of medium 2 that becomes the second blank portion 2c. Furthermore, the cutting position mark M1 is printed at a position a certain distance downstream of the medium cutting position in the conveying direction. That is, the printing mechanism 3 prints multiple cutting position marks M1 at positions a certain distance downstream of each of the multiple medium cutting positions in the conveying direction. The multiple cutting position marks M1 are printed at the same position in the left-right direction.

[0128] Furthermore, when the cutting range in the width direction (left-right direction) of the medium 2 at the medium cutting position is set as the medium cutting range (i.e., the range in which the cutting line CL1 is formed in the left-right direction), and the cutting position in the left-right direction of the medium 2 that is linearly cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2 after printing (i.e., the position in which the cutting lines CL11 to CL14 are formed in the left-right direction) is set as the second medium cutting position, image data as data printed on the medium 2 (specifically, the image printed on the cut-off portion 2a), cutting position data as data for specifying the medium cutting position, mark printing data as data for printing the cutting position mark M1, cutting range data as data for specifying the medium cutting range, and second cutting position data as data for specifying the second medium cutting position are generated in the personal computer (PC) 61 electrically connected to the printing cutting device 1.

[0129] For example, the operator of the print cutting device 1 generates the aforementioned data on the display of the PC 61. Image generation software is installed on the PC 61. In this configuration, the print cutting device 1 and the PC 61 constitute a printing system. When the aforementioned data is generated on the PC 61, the operator, for example, checks the second media cutting position displayed on the PC 61's display while adjusting the left-right position of the second cutting mechanism 8 and fixing the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35.

[0130] Furthermore, when the operator performs a predetermined operation using PC61, PC61 sends the generated image data, cutting position data, marking printing data, and cutting range data to the printing control unit 62, which is the control unit of the printing mechanism 3, and the printing control unit 62 receives the aforementioned data. That is, the printing mechanism 3 receives the aforementioned data. The marking printing data includes marking position data, which is data used to specify the left-right position of the cutting position mark M1.

[0131] The printing control unit 62, having received image data, cutting position data, marking printing data, and cutting range data, corrects the cutting position data, cutting range data, and marking position data based on data such as the left-right position of the medium 2 held by the printing control unit 62. It then sends the corrected cutting position data, cutting range data, and marking position data to the cutting control unit 63, which serves as the control unit for the cutting mechanism 7. The cutting control unit 63 receives the aforementioned data. In other words, the cutting mechanism 7 receives the aforementioned data.

[0132] The cutting control unit 63, having received cutting position data, cutting range data, and marker position data, moves the carriage 34 towards a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position marker M1 based on the marker position data. That is, the carriage drive mechanism 36 moves the carriage 34 towards a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position marker M1 based on the marker position data. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, this position becomes the reference position for the carriage 34, from which the carriage 34 begins to move. In this state, the printing mechanism 3 prints an image on the medium 2 based on image data and prints the cutting position marker M1 on the medium 2 based on marker printing data.

[0133] Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 based on the cutting range data. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the medium 2 on the cutting table 31 stops. The stopping position of the medium 2 is controlled based on the detection result of the sensor 56 and the cutting position data. Specifically, after the sensor 56 detects the cutting position marked M1, and the second medium conveying mechanism 30 conveys a predetermined amount of the medium 2, the medium 2 stops, and the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2.

[0134] In this configuration, when the light-shielding part 53a of the light-shielding member 53 blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the first sensor 48, and the light-shielding part 53b blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the second sensor 49, the slide 34 can move in the left-right direction. That is, when the cutting mechanism 7 forms the cutting line CL1, the tension rod 9 is positioned such that the light-shielding part 53a blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the first sensor 48, and the light-shielding part 53b blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the second sensor 49. Furthermore, in this configuration, even if the tension rod 9 moves within a predetermined range in the front-back direction, the state in which the light-shielding part 53a blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the first sensor 48, and the light-shielding part 53b blocks the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the second sensor 49, can be maintained.

[0135] (The main effects of this method)

[0136] As explained above, in the printing and cutting device 1 of this method, the tension bar 9, which is stretched by the coil spring 46 and exerts force to the rearward side, is arranged between the printing mechanism 3 and the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2, and can move relative to the bar holding part 47 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, in this method, even when the medium 2 is printed by the printing mechanism 3 and transported towards the cutting mechanism 7 during the process of cutting the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7, the tension bar 9 can maintain the tension of the portion of the medium 2 that is being cut by the cutting mechanism 7. As a result, the medium 2 can be properly cut by the cutting mechanism 7.

[0137] Therefore, in this method, even during the process of cutting the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7, the printing mechanism 3 can print the medium 2 and transport it towards the cutting mechanism 7. Furthermore, in this method, since the heater 6 is positioned between the printing mechanism 3 and the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2, the distance between the printing mechanism 3 and the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2 becomes longer. However, even though the distance between the printing mechanism 3 and the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction of the medium 2 becomes longer, in this method, the printing mechanism 3 can still print the medium 2 and transport it towards the cutting mechanism 7 during the process of cutting the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7.

[0138] In this configuration, the tension bar 9 is positioned between the printing mechanism 3 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2, and is movable relative to the bar holding portion 47 in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this configuration, a transport roller 32 and a pad roller 33 of the second media transport mechanism 30 are arranged between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8. Therefore, in this configuration, even when the portion of the medium 2 being printed by the printing mechanism 3 is stopped during the printing process of the medium 2, the second media transport mechanism 30 can transport the portion of the medium 2 to be cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 by an amount corresponding to the movement of the tension bar 9, and the second cutting mechanism 8 can then cut the medium 2.

[0139] Therefore, in this method, even during the printing process of the medium 2 using the printing mechanism 3, the medium 2 can be cut by the second cutting mechanism 8. Furthermore, in this method, since the heater 6 is positioned between the printing mechanism 3 and the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2, the distance between the printing mechanism 3 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2 becomes longer. However, even though the distance between the printing mechanism 3 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2 becomes longer, in this method, the medium 2 can still be cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 during the printing process of the medium 2 using the printing mechanism 3.

[0140] In this method, the tension bar 9 can suppress the tension deviation of the medium 2 when it is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and when it is cut by the second cutting mechanism 8. Therefore, in this method, the state of the medium 2 when it is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the state of the medium 2 when it is cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 can be stabilized.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tension-applying mechanism 10 includes a first sensor 48 and a second sensor 49 for detecting the position of the tension rod 9 in the front-to-back direction. Based on the detection results of the first sensor 48 and the second sensor 49, the delivery amount of the medium 2 is controlled so that the tension of the medium 2 is within a predetermined range. Therefore, in this embodiment, deviations in the tension of the medium 2 when cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and when cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 can be effectively suppressed.

[0142] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a medium pressing member 44 is installed on the carriage 34 for pressing the medium 2 toward the opposing portion 31a of the cutting table 31. The medium pressing member 44 has an opposing surface 44a that faces the opposing portion 31a. In addition, in this embodiment, when the travel direction side of the carriage 34 when the cutter 38 cuts the medium 2 is designated as the first direction side, an inclined surface 44d is formed at the end of the opposing surface 44a on the first direction side. This inclined surface 44d tilts away from the opposing portion 31a as it moves toward the first direction side, and is positioned closer to the first direction side than the cutter 38.

[0143] Therefore, in this method, when cutting medium 2 in the width direction using the cutter 38, even if the end of medium 2 in the width direction (specifically, the end of medium 2 on the second direction side of the portion that becomes the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b, hereinafter referred to as the "end of the first medium portion in the width direction") floats up from the opposing portion 31a, the inclined surface 44d can guide the end of the first medium portion in the width direction that floats up from the opposing portion 31a to the medium pressing surface 44f. As a result, the medium pressing member 44 can press the end of the first medium portion in the width direction that floats up from the opposing portion 31a toward the opposing portion 31a, and the cutter 38 can be used to start cutting medium 2. Therefore, in this method, when cutting medium 2 in the width direction begins, even if the end of the first medium portion in the width direction floats up from the opposing portion 31a, interference between the carriage 34 and the end of the first medium portion in the width direction can be prevented. As a result, the cutting mechanism 7 can be used to properly cut medium 2.

[0144] Furthermore, in this method, since the storage portion 15 is arranged at a position lower than the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the end of the first medium portion in the width direction may easily float from the opposite portion 31a due to the influence of the contact between the portion of the medium 2 that becomes the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b and the bottom surface of the storage portion 15, and the influence of the weight of the portion of the medium 2 that becomes the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b. However, in this method, even if the end of the first medium portion in the width direction floats from the opposite portion 31a, the medium pressing member 44 can press the end of the first medium portion in the width direction that floats from the opposite portion 31a toward the opposite portion 31a and the cutter 38 can be used to start cutting the medium 2. Therefore, interference between the carriage 34 and the end of the first medium portion in the width direction can be prevented, and the medium 2 can be properly cut by the cutting mechanism 7.

[0145] Furthermore, in this method, since the cutter 38 is a single-edged blade, if the end of the first medium portion in the width direction of the medium 2 is lifted from the opposing portion 31a when the cutter 38 starts cutting the medium 2 in the width direction of the medium 2, the part of the cutter 38 other than the sharp part may interfere with the end of the first medium portion in the width direction of the medium 2, and the medium 2 cannot be cut properly. However, in this method, even if the end of the first medium portion in the width direction of the medium 2 is lifted from the opposing portion 31a when the medium 2 is started cutting in the width direction of the medium 2, the medium pressing member 44 can press the end of the first medium portion in the width direction of the medium portion that is lifted from the opposing portion 31a toward the opposing portion 31a and the cutter 38 can start cutting the medium 2. Therefore, the interference between the part of the cutter 38 other than the sharp part and the end of the first medium portion in the width direction of the medium 2 can be prevented, and the medium 2 can be cut properly by the cutting mechanism 7.

[0146] In this configuration, a guide member 29 is disposed between the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 and the receiving portion 15 in the conveying direction of the medium 2. The guide member 29 guides the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b away from the second blank portion 2c in the thickness direction of the medium 2. Therefore, in this configuration, as described above, even if the second blank portion 2c, which is wound by the medium winding mechanism 26 and moves toward the medium winding portion 17, tilts toward the cut-off portion 2a, which moves toward the receiving portion 15, it is possible to prevent the end face of the cut-off portion 2a and the end face of the second blank portion 2c, which are guided by the guide member 29 away from the second blank portion 2c, from contacting each other with excessive contact pressure.

[0147] In this configuration, the guide member 29 includes a fixed member 58 fixed to the cutting table 31 and a contact member 59 that contacts the cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b. The mounting position of the contact member 59 relative to the fixed member 58 in the front-rear direction can be adjusted. Therefore, in this configuration, the direction in which the guide member 29 guides the cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b can be adjusted. Consequently, in this configuration, even if the second blank portion 2c, which is wound by the media winding mechanism 26 and moves toward the media winding section 17, tilts toward the cut portion 2a, which moves toward the storage section 15, excessive contact pressure can be effectively prevented between the end face of the cut portion 2a and the end face of the second blank portion 2c, which are guided by the guide member 29 in a direction away from the second blank portion 2c.

[0148] Furthermore, in this method, since the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b are guided forward and downward by the guide member 29, the end of the first medium portion in the width direction may easily float from the opposite portion 31a when the cutting mechanism 7 starts cutting the medium 2 in the width direction of the medium 2. However, in this method, even if the end of the first medium portion in the width direction floats from the opposite portion 31a, the medium pressing member 44 can press the end of the first medium portion in the width direction that floats from the opposite portion 31a toward the opposite portion 31a and the cutter 38 can start cutting the medium 2. Therefore, interference between the carriage 34 and the end of the first medium portion in the width direction can be prevented, and the cutting mechanism 7 can properly cut the medium 2.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b are guided forward and downward by the guide member 29 positioned lower than the cutting mechanism 7. Therefore, the end portion of the first medium portion in the width direction is more easily lifted from the opposing portion 31a as it moves downward. However, in this embodiment, the lower end of the inclined surface forming portion 44g of the medium pressing member 44 becomes an inclined surface 44h that tilts upward as it moves towards the first direction. Therefore, even though the end portion of the first medium portion in the width direction is more easily lifted from the opposing portion 31a as it moves downward, contact between the end portion of the first medium portion in the width direction lifted from the opposing portion 31a and the end portion of the inclined surface forming portion 44g in the first direction can be prevented, and the inclined surface forming portion 44g presses down on the end portion of the first medium portion in the width direction lifted from the opposing portion 31a.

[0150] [Implementation Method 2]

[0151] (Structure of the printing and cutting device and printing and cutting methods of the medium)

[0152] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the printing and cutting method of medium 2 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 12 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the printing and cutting device 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0153] The printing and cutting device 1 of this method, like the printing and cutting device 1 of Embodiment 1, prints and cuts the strip of medium 2. In the printing and cutting device 1 of Embodiment 1, printing of the medium 2 is performed by the printing mechanism 3, and cutting of the medium 2 is performed by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. In contrast, in this method, for example, the medium 2 is composed of a backing paper and a sealing material that is peelably attached to the backing paper. In the printing and cutting device 1, in addition to printing of the medium 2 by the printing mechanism 3 and cutting of the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, a half-cut is also performed, in which only the sealing material of the medium 2 is cut into a predetermined shape according to the image of the sealing material printed on the medium 2. Hereinafter, the structure of the printing and cutting device 1 of this method will be described with a focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0154] The printing mechanism 3 of this method has a cutting head 66 for partially cutting the medium 2 (see reference). Figure 1 The cutting head 66 is mounted on the carriage 21 and is movable in the left-right direction. The cutting head 66 includes, for example, a cutter, a tool holder that holds the cutter in a rotatable manner so that the cutter can rotate in the vertical direction as the axis of rotation, and a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the tool holder. After printing on the medium 2, the cutting head 66 performs a half-cut on the medium 2.

[0155] When the portion of medium 2 that is partially cut by the cutting head 66 is designated as the half-cutting line CL2, for example, as Figure 11 As shown, after being half-cut by the cutting head 66, the medium 2 forms a half-cutting line CL2 that surrounds the image. During the half-cutting of the medium 2, the medium 2 is conveyed downstream in the conveying direction, conveyed upstream in the conveying direction, and conveyed to both sides in the medium conveying direction.

[0156] When the medium 2 is sandwiched between the stopped conveying roller 32 and the pad roller 33, it is impossible to convey the medium 2 upstream in the conveying direction by the medium conveying mechanism 5 by a predetermined amount. Furthermore, even assuming that the pad roller 33 can be retracted so that the medium 2 is not sandwiched between the conveying roller 32 and the pad roller 33, when the medium 2 is conveyed to both sides in the medium conveying direction, the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 may not be able to properly cut the medium 2 in the medium width direction and the medium conveying direction due to the influence of conveying the medium 2 upstream in the conveying direction.

[0157] Therefore, in this method, the printed and partially cut medium 2 is not cut using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. Instead, it is temporarily wound into a roll using the medium winding mechanism 26. Then, the operator removes the roll of medium 2 from the medium winding section 17 and installs it into the medium discharging section 14. Furthermore, the rolled printed and partially cut medium 2 is released again from the medium discharging section 14 and cut using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. That is, when the medium 2 printed by the printing mechanism 3 and the medium 2 removed from the medium winding section 17 are used as the printed medium, the rolled printed medium is installed into the medium discharging section 14. In addition, the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 cut the printed medium.

[0158] In this method, the downstream end of the medium 2 during printing and partial cutting becomes the upstream end of the medium 2 during cutting using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the upstream end of the medium 2 during printing and partial cutting becomes the downstream end of the medium 2 during cutting using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8. Furthermore, the right end of the medium 2 during printing and partial cutting becomes the left end of the medium 2 during cutting using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, and the left end of the medium 2 during printing and partial cutting becomes the right end of the medium 2 during cutting using the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8.

[0159] in addition, Figure 11 (A) is a diagram illustrating the state of the upstream end of the media 2 in the transport direction after printing and half-cutting are completed and before it is disassembled from the media winding section 17. Figure 11 (B) is a diagram illustrating the state of the end of the medium 2 installed in the media discharge section 14 downstream of the media 2 in the transport direction after printing and half-cutting have ended and it has been removed from the media take-up section 17.

[0160] In this method, since the medium 2 is not cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 during printing and semi-cutting, the medium 2 that has passed through the back panel 25 after printing and semi-cutting is as follows: Figure 1 The double-dotted line indicates that the medium 2 passes through the front side of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the tension applying mechanism 10, and then passes through the lower side of the cutting mechanism 7 before being wound by the medium winding mechanism 26. On the other hand, when the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, similar to Embodiment 1, the medium 2 that has passed through the back plate 25 moves toward the tension bar 9 (see reference 2). Figure 1 (The solid line). In addition, when the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium 2 passes through the printing platen 24.

[0161] In this method, when printing and partially cutting the medium 2, the medium take-up section 17 holds the take-up roller 16, which is wound into a roll after printing and partially cutting the medium 2. On the other hand, when the medium 2 is cut by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8, the medium take-up section 17 holds the take-up roller 16, which is wound into a roll, in the same way as in Embodiment 1.

[0162] In this method, a sensor 67 is mounted on the carriage 21 of the printing mechanism 3 (see reference). Figure 12 The sensor 67 is used to detect the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 printed on the medium 2 (described later). That is, the printing cutting device 1 includes a sensor 67 for detecting the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12, and the sensor 67 is positioned upstream of the cutting mechanism 7 in the transport direction. The sensor 67, like the sensor 56, is a reflective optical sensor, including a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part. The light-receiving part receives light emitted from the light-emitting part and reflected by the medium 2. The light-emitting part of the sensor 67 emits light downwards. The sensor 67 is electrically connected to the printing control unit 62.

[0163] Similar to Embodiment 1, when the cutting range in the left and right direction of the medium 2 at the medium cutting position (i.e., the range in which the cutting line CL1 is formed in the left and right direction) is set as the medium cutting range, the printing mechanism 3 of this method prints an image and a cutting position mark M1 on the medium 2, and prints a first cutting range mark M11 disposed at a position corresponding to one end of the medium cutting range in the left and right direction, a second cutting range mark M12 disposed at a position corresponding to the other end of the medium cutting range in the left and right direction, and an origin marking mark M2 for specifying the origin on the medium 2.

[0164] Similar to Embodiment 1, the cutting position mark M1 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the left-right direction. The printing mechanism 3 prints the cutting position mark M1 at one end of the medium 2, which becomes the second blank portion 2c, in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cutting position mark M1 is printed at a position a certain distance upstream of the medium cutting position in the transport direction (see reference). Figure 11 (A) That is, the printing mechanism 3 prints multiple cutting position marks M1 at positions that are separated by a certain distance from the multiple media cutting positions and move upstream in the conveying direction.

[0165] The first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are straight lines (line segments) parallel to the media transport direction. The printing mechanism 3 prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 at the upstream end of the media 2 in the transport direction, which is wound in the media take-up section 17. For example, in such a case... Figure 11When the two cut portions 2a shown are arranged in the width direction of the medium 2, the printing mechanism 3 prints two first cutting range markings M11 and two second cutting range markings M12.

[0166] In this method, the printing mechanism 3 prints a first cutting range mark M11 at a position inside the left-right direction at one end of the media cutting range, and a second cutting range mark M12 at a position inside the left-right direction at the other end of the media cutting range. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, when the cutting position in the left-right direction of the medium 2, which is linearly cut by the second cutting mechanism 8 along the media conveying direction (i.e., the position where cutting lines CL11 to CL14 are formed in the left-right direction) is designated as the second media cutting position, the printing mechanism 3 prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 at the same position in the left-right direction as the second media cutting position.

[0167] In addition to printing the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 on the upstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction when it is wound on the medium winding section 17, the printing mechanism 3 sometimes prints the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 on the first blank section 2b at a predetermined interval in the medium transport direction.

[0168] The origin designation mark M2 is a straight line (line segment) parallel to the media transport direction. The printing mechanism 3 prints the origin designation mark M2 at the upstream end of the media 2 in the transport direction when it is wound in the media winding section 17. Furthermore, for example, the downstream end of the origin designation mark M2 in the transport direction is connected to the inner end of the cutting position mark M1 printed at the upstream end in the transport direction in the left-right direction, and the origin designation mark M2 is printed at one end of the media 2 that becomes the second blank section 2c in the left-right direction.

[0169] In this method, before printing and half-cutting the medium 2, image data (specifically, the image printed on the cut-off portion 2a) is generated in the PC 61, along with half-cutting data (data for half-cutting the medium 2), cutting position data (data for specifying the cutting position of the medium), first mark printing data (data for printing the cutting position mark M1 on the medium 2), cutting range data (data for specifying the cutting range of the medium), and second cutting position data (data for specifying the second cutting position of the medium). Furthermore, before printing and half-cutting the medium 2, second mark printing data (data for printing the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 on the medium 2) and third mark printing data (data for printing the origin mark M2 on the medium 2) are generated in the PC 61.

[0170] For example, the operator of the printing cutting device 1 generates the aforementioned data on the display of the PC 61. After the aforementioned data is generated in the PC 61, when the operator performs a predetermined operation using the PC 61, the PC 61 sends the generated image data, half-cutting data, cutting position data, first mark printing data, second mark printing data, third mark printing data, and cutting range data to the printing control unit 62, which receives the aforementioned data. That is, the printing mechanism 3 receives the aforementioned data.

[0171] The printing mechanism 3, having received the data, prints an image on the medium 2 based on the image data, prints multiple cutting position marks M1 on the medium 2 based on the first mark printing data, prints a first cutting range mark M11 and a second cutting range mark M12 based on the second mark printing data, and prints an origin designation mark M2 based on the third mark printing data. Furthermore, after printing the medium 2, the printing mechanism 3 partially cuts the medium 2 based on the partial cutting data. As described above, during the printing and partial cutting of the medium 2, the medium 2, having passed through the back panel 25 after printing and partial cutting, is positioned such that it is wound by the medium winding mechanism 26 after passing through the front side of the cutting mechanism 7, the second cutting mechanism 8, and the tension applying mechanism 10 and below the cutting mechanism 7.

[0172] After printing and partial cutting, the medium 2 is wound into a roll by the medium winding mechanism 26 and unloaded by the operator from the medium winding unit 17. The rolled medium 2, which has been unloaded from the medium winding unit 17, is installed by the operator onto the medium discharging unit 14. The rolled medium 2 installed on the medium discharging unit 14 is pulled out by the operator, and the downstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction is positioned on the printing platen 24.

[0173] Next, sensor 67 detects the origin designation mark M2 and the cutting position mark M1 connected to the upstream end of the origin designation mark M2 in the transport direction (i.e., the cutting position mark M1 printed at the downstream end in the transport direction). Printing control unit 62 designates the origin position based on the detection result of sensor 67. In this configuration, for example, the position of the connection point between the origin designation mark M2 and the cutting position mark M1 becomes the origin position of medium 2. Then, sensor 67 detects the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12.

[0174] When sensor 67 detects the origin marker M2, the first cutting range marker M11, and the second cutting range marker M12, the carriage 21 moves in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when sensor 67 detects the cutting position marker M1, the media conveying mechanism 5 conveys the media 2. Additionally, before sensor 67 detects the origin marker M2 and the cutting position marker M1, the operator adjusts the left-right position of the carriage 21 and the position of the downstream end of the media 2 in the media conveying direction. Specifically, the carriage 21 is equipped with a laser pointer that emits a laser beam downwards; the operator adjusts the position of the carriage 21 and the position of the downstream end of the media 2 while confirming the laser beam emitted from the laser pointer towards the media 2.

[0175] The printing control unit 62 generates marker position data, which serves as data specifying the left-right position of the cutting position marker M1, based on the detection results of the cutting position marker M1 obtained by the sensor 67. It also corrects the cutting range data based on the detection results of the first cutting range marker M11 and the second cutting range marker M12 obtained by the sensor 67, generating corrected cutting range data. Furthermore, the printing control unit 62 sends the cutting position data, marker position data, and corrected cutting range data to the cutting control unit 63, which receives the data. That is, the cutting mechanism 7 receives the data.

[0176] The cutting control unit 63, having received cutting position data, cutting range data, and marker position data, moves the carriage 34 towards a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position marker M1 based on the marker position data. In other words, the carriage drive mechanism 36 moves the carriage 34 towards a position where the sensor 56 can detect the cutting position marker M1 based on the marker position data received by the cutting mechanism 7. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, this position becomes the reference position for the carriage 34, from which the carriage 34 begins to move.

[0177] Furthermore, the operator adjusts the position of the second cutting mechanism 8 in the left-right direction, for example, by marking the first cutting range (marked with M11) and the second cutting range (marked with M12) at the same position as the second media cutting position printed in the left-right direction, and fixes the second cutting mechanism 8 to the support frame 35. Then, cutting of the media 2 by the second cutting mechanism 8 and cutting of the media 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 are performed.

[0178] Similar to Embodiment 1, the medium 2 is conveyed by the second medium conveying mechanism 30, thereby the second cutting mechanism 8 cuts the medium 2. The cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 based on cutting range data. When the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the medium 2 on the cutting table 31 stops. Similar to Embodiment 1, in this method, the stopping position of the medium 2 is also controlled based on the detection result of the sensor 56 and the cutting position data. Specifically, after the sensor 56 detects the cutting position marker M1, when the second medium conveying mechanism 30 conveys a predetermined amount of the medium 2, the medium 2 stops, and the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2. In addition, when the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2, the cutting position marker M1 is positioned at a position separated by a certain distance from the medium cutting position downstream in the conveying direction (see reference). Figure 11 (B)

[0179] In this manner, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 in the left-right direction based on the cutting range data (i.e., the cutting range data received by the cutting mechanism 7 from the printing control unit 62) and the detection results of the sensor 56. This cutting range data is corrected based on the detection results of the first cutting range marker M11 and the second cutting range marker M12 obtained by the sensor 67. In other words, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the medium 2 in the left-right direction based on the detection results of the sensors 56 and 67.

[0180] Furthermore, when the first cutting range mark M11 and the second cutting range mark M12 are printed on the first blank portion 2b, sometimes after the cutting of the medium 2 by the cutting mechanism 7 and the second cutting mechanism 8 begins, the sensor 67 will again detect the origin marking mark M2, the cutting position mark M1, the first cutting range mark M11, and the second cutting range mark M12. In this case, the printing control unit 62 will generate the mark position data again and correct the cutting range data, and send the cutting position data, the mark position data, and the corrected cutting range data to the cutting control unit 63.

[0181] Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, instead of halving the medium 2, a tear-off line of a predetermined shape corresponding to the image printed on the medium 2 can be formed on the printed medium 2. In this case, for example, the medium 2 is made of paper, and the cutting head 66 forms the tear-off line on the printed medium 2. Furthermore, in this case, for example, a cutting line is formed on the medium 2 with a tear-off line of the same shape as the halved cutting line CL2. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, instead of halving the medium 2, a portion of the printed medium 2 can be cut off for decorative purposes. Also, in Embodiment 2, instead of halving the medium 2, forming the tear-off line on the medium 2, and cutting off the medium 2, a predetermined process can be performed on the medium 2. In this case, the medium 2 is also conveyed to both sides in the medium transport direction during the predetermined process.

[0182] [Other implementation methods]

[0183] The above-described method is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the present invention.

[0184] In the above-described manner, the guide member 29 includes two members: the fixed member 58 and the contact member 59. However, the guide member 29 may also consist of only one member. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the printing cutting device 1 may also include a guide member 79 (see reference 59) that guides the cut portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b in a direction away from the second blank portion 2c. Figure 13 Instead of guide member 29, guide member 79 is installed in the receiving section 15, for example. Specifically, guide member 79 is installed at the upper rear end of receiving section 15. Guide member 79 is positioned lower than cutting mechanism 7 and is positioned between cutting mechanism 7 and receiving section 15 in the media transport direction. Furthermore, guide member 79 is positioned in the left-right direction at the location where the cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b are formed.

[0185] The guide member 79 has, for example, an inclined surface 79a that slopes downwards as it moves towards the front. The cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b pass through the front of the inclined surface 79a. The cut-off portion 2a and the first blank portion 2b are guided forward and downwards by the inclined surface 79a away from the second blank portion 2c. Furthermore, the guide member 79 also has an inclined surface 79b that slopes downwards as it moves towards the rear. The inclined surface 79b is located behind the inclined surface 79a, and the upper ends of the inclined surface 79a and the upper ends of the inclined surface 79b are connected. Alternatively, the guide member 79 may be integrally formed with the storage portion 15.

[0186] In the above-described manner, a cutting mechanism 7 may be arranged between the tension bar 9 and the second cutting mechanism 8 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, the print cutting device 1 may not include the cutting mechanism 7. Also, in the above-described manner, a heater 6 may not be arranged between the printing mechanism 3 and the tension bar 9 in the transport direction of the medium 2. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the force-applying member that applies force to the tension bar 9 may be a spring member other than the tension coil spring 46. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the first blank portion 2b between the cut-off portions 2a in the transport direction may not be formed. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the print cutting device 1 may be a printer other than an inkjet printer.

[0187] Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the inclined surface 44e or inclined surface 44h may not be formed on the media pressing member 44. Also, in the above-described manner, the cutter 38 may be a double-edged blade. In this case, the media 2 can be cut by the cutter 38 regardless of which side the carriage 34 moves to in the left or right direction. In this case, for example, a first inclined surface corresponding to the inclined surface 44d is formed at both ends of the opposing surface 44a of the media pressing member 44 in the left-right direction, and the two directions in the left-right direction are called the first direction sides.

[0188] In the above-described manner, the cutting mechanism 7 may not include the media pressing member 44. Furthermore, in the above-described manner, the printing cutting device 1 may not include the second cutting mechanism 8. In this case, the cutting mechanism 7 cuts the media 2 across its entire width. In this case, for example, the printing cutting device 1 may not include the media take-up portion 17 and the guide member 29. Moreover, in the above-described manner, the printing cutting device 1 may not include the cutting mechanism 7, and may also not include the printing mechanism 3.

[0189] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0190] 1. Printing and cutting device (printing device, cutting device); 2. Media; 2a. Cut-off portion (first media section); 2b. First blank portion (first media section); 2c. Second blank portion (second media section); 3. Printing mechanism; 5. Media conveying mechanism; 6. Heater; 7. Cutting mechanism; 8. Second cutting mechanism; 9. Tension bar; 10. Tension applying mechanism; 15. Reception section; 20. Printhead (inkjet head); 21. Carriage; 22. Carriage drive mechanism; 26. Media take-up mechanism; 29. ​​79. Guide member; 30. Second media conveying mechanism (media conveying mechanism); 31. Cutting table (cutting table) ); 31a, Opposite part; 31b, Second opposite part; 34, Carriage; 36, Carriage drive mechanism; 38, Cutter; 44, Medium pressing member; 44a, Opposite surface; 44d, Inclined surface (First inclined surface); 44e, Inclined surface (Third inclined surface); 44g, Inclined surface forming part; 44h, Inclined surface (Second inclined surface); 46, Tension coil spring (Force application member); 47, Rod holding part; 48, First sensor; 49, Second sensor; 58, Fixed member; 59, Contact member; CL11~CL14, Cutting line; X2, Force application direction side; Y, Main scanning direction, width direction of medium.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that, The printing device includes: The first cutting mechanism is used to linearly cut the printed strip of medium in a width direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the medium. A second cutting mechanism is used to cut the medium along the conveying direction of the medium; and A media winding mechanism for winding up the media after it has been cut by the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism. The first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism cut the medium into rectangular or square shapes, and the medium winding mechanism winds up the medium including the blank portions cut by the first cutting mechanism and the second cutting mechanism.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The printing apparatus includes a printing mechanism for printing the medium, a medium conveying mechanism for conveying the medium along the conveying direction, a cutting platform having a portion opposite to the second cutting mechanism, and a tension applying mechanism having a tension bar that contacts the printed medium and applies tension to the medium. The media winding mechanism is positioned downstream of the second cutting mechanism in the conveying direction, and the second cutting mechanism is positioned upstream of the first cutting mechanism in the conveying direction. When the portion of the medium cut by the second cutting mechanism is designated as the second cutting line, the medium after being cut by the second cutting mechanism forms at least two second cutting lines along the conveying direction.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The printing device further includes: A guiding member, mounted on the cutting platform, guides the cut rectangular or square portion away from the blank portion. The second cutting mechanism and the opposing part are arranged opposite each other in a front-to-back direction that is opposite to the width of the medium and orthogonal to the vertical direction. The cutting platform is located on the rear side of the second cutting mechanism. The guide member includes a contact member that contacts the cut rectangular or square portion, and the guide member is fixed to the lower front end of the cutting platform. The front surface of the contact member is positioned further forward than the front surface of the cutting platform. The cut-off rectangular or square portion passes through the front side of the contact member.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism is disposed between the second cutting mechanism and the guide member in the direction of medium delivery.

5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The winding mechanism includes: A rotating shaft passes through the inner circumference of a take-up roller formed by winding the blank portion into a roll; A drive mechanism that rotates the rotating shaft; and A torque limiter is used to allow the take-up roller to idle in such a way that the tension of the blank portion wound on the take-up roller does not exceed a predetermined tension.

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