printer

Abstract

To address the risk that a protective sheet peeled from an adhesive sheet may hinder user workability in a process of sticking a fabric to the adhesive sheet.SOLUTION: A printer 11 includes: a first shaft 72 on which an adhesive sheet AS including a protective sheet SS on an adhesive layer formed on a base material is wound; a second shaft 82 on which the protective sheet SS peeled from the adhesive sheet AS fed from the first shaft 72 is wound; a drive mechanism 90 that rotates the second shaft 82; an upper surface 23 that supports the adhesive sheet AS with the adhesive layer exposed after the protective sheet SS is peeled; a guide section 81 that passes through an upper position Pu located vertically above the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82, and guides a fabric F toward the upper surface 23; and a printing unit 12 that can perform printing on the fabric F stuck to the adhesive sheet AS on the upper surface 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus including a bonding means for bonding a printing substrate fed from a roll to an adhesive surface of a supporting substrate fed from a roll-shaped delivery roll to form a composite substrate. The image forming apparatus also discloses that the image forming apparatus includes a liquid applying means for forming an image by spraying a liquid onto the printing substrate of the composite substrate created by the bonding means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-006315 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The supporting substrate may be provided with a protective sheet for protecting the adhesive surface. However, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the printing substrate is attached to the supporting substrate by the attachment means, no consideration is given to the disposal of the protective sheet peeled off from the supporting substrate. Therefore, there is a risk that the protective sheet peeled off from the supporting substrate reduces the user's operability in the process of attaching the printing substrate to the supporting substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device includes an adhesive sheet having a substrate and an adhesive layer formed on the substrate, the adhesive sheet having a protective sheet provided on the adhesive layer, a first shaft around which the adhesive sheet is wound, a second shaft around which the protective sheet peeled off from the adhesive sheet which is unwound from the first shaft, a drive mechanism which rotates the second shaft, a support section which supports the adhesive sheet from which the protective sheet has been peeled off to expose the adhesive layer, a guide section which guides a fabric through an upper position vertically above the first shaft and the second shaft and towards the support section, and a printing section which is capable of printing on the fabric attached to the adhesive sheet at the support section. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a printing device with a guide unit attached. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a printing device with a guide unit attached. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a printing device equipped with a guide unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a printing device equipped with a guide unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a printing device equipped with a guide unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a printing device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing a printing device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on the embodiments. In each drawing, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions are omitted. In this specification, "same", "same", and "simultaneous" do not only mean that they are completely the same. For example, in this specification, "same", "same", and "simultaneous" include cases where they are the same taking into account measurement errors. Also, for example, in this specification, "same", "same", and "simultaneous" include cases where they are the same taking into account manufacturing variations of members.

[0008] In addition, for example, in this specification, "the same," "the same," and "the same time" include cases where they are the same to the extent that their functions are not impaired. Therefore, for example, "their dimensions are the same" means that, taking into account measurement errors and manufacturing variations of parts, the difference in dimensions between the two is within ±5% of the other dimension, and more preferably within ±3%.

[0009] 1. Embodiment 1 The printing device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto paper, fabric F, etc., which are examples of a medium P. In this embodiment, when printing on fabric F, the printing device 11 prints by ejecting ink onto the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS. Thus, the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS is an example of a medium P. In the following description, the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS may be referred to as "adhesive fabric F."

[0010] The adhesive sheet AS has a substrate and an adhesive layer formed of an adhesive on the substrate. For example, fine paper can be used as the substrate. For example, an acrylic adhesive can be used as the adhesive forming the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet AS before the fabric F is attached is covered with a protective sheet SS. For example, glassine paper, laminated paper with a resin film attached to one or both sides, a resin film such as polyvinyl chloride, synthetic paper, etc. can be used as the protective sheet SS.

[0011] In each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are mutually orthogonal. In this specification, the directions along these axes are defined as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is defined as "+" and the negative direction as "-", and the direction is expressed using both positive and negative signs, with the direction indicated by the arrow in each figure being the + direction and the opposite direction of the arrow being the - direction.

[0012] Additionally, the Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates the vertical downward direction, and the -Z direction indicates the vertical upward direction. Additionally, the plane including the X-axis and Y-axis is described as the XY plane, the plane including the X-axis and Z-axis as the XZ plane, and the plane including the Y-axis and Z-axis as the YZ plane. Additionally, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the three spatial axes of X, Y, and Z, which are not limited to positive and negative directions, will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0013] The X-axis direction is an example of a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium P in the printing device 11, i.e., a width direction of the medium P, and is also an example of a width direction of the printing device 11. The X-axis direction is a horizontal direction along the installation surface G, which is a horizontal surface on which the printing device 11 is installed. As viewed from an operator positioned in front of the printing device 11, the +X direction is the left side and the -X direction is the right side. Note that the front of the printing device 11 in this embodiment is the side on which the heating unit 51 is provided.

[0014] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction of the printing device 11. The Y-axis direction is also the horizontal direction along the installation surface G. Within the Y-axis direction, the +Y direction is the direction from the rear surface of the printing device 11 to the front surface of the printing device 11, and the -Y direction is the direction from the front surface of the printing device 11 to the rear surface of the printing device 11. In the following description, the +Y direction may be referred to as the "front" and the -Y direction may be referred to as the "rear".

[0015] The Z-axis direction is a normal direction to the installation surface G, and is the height direction of the printing device 11. In the following description, the +Z direction may be referred to as "downward" and the -Z direction may be referred to as "upward".

[0016] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the printing device 11 includes a printing unit 12. The printing unit 12 is configured to print an image on a medium P. More specifically, the printing unit 12 prints an image on the medium P by ejecting ink onto the medium P. The medium P also includes a fabric F with an attachment specification that is created on an upper surface 23 described below. The printing unit 12 prints an image on the medium P that is transported in the +Y direction.

[0017] The printing unit 12 has a head 13. The head 13 has a nozzle surface 15 in which one or more nozzles 14 are opened. The nozzle surface 15 faces the medium P. The head 13 ejects ink from the nozzles 14.

[0018] The printing unit 12 has a carriage 16. The carriage 16 carries the head 13. In one example, the carriage 16 scans the medium P. That is, the carriage 16 moves in the X-axis direction. More specifically, the carriage 16 moves back and forth in the +X direction and the -X direction. This allows the head 13 to eject ink across the width of the medium P. Therefore, the printing device 11 is a serial printer. The printing device 11 may also be a line printer that is capable of ejecting ink across the width of the medium P all at once.

[0019] The printing unit 12 moves back and forth in the X-axis direction to be displaced between a maintenance position P1 and a cleaning position P2. The two printing units 12 indicated by the two-dot chain lines in Fig. 2 are located at the maintenance position P1 and the cleaning position P2, respectively.

[0020] At the maintenance position P1, the printing unit 12 is subjected to maintenance by the maintenance unit 65. At the cleaning position P2, the printing unit 12 is cleaned by, for example, a user.

[0021] The printing device 11 includes an exterior member 22 and a frame 26 that constitute the housing of the device main body 20, and legs 21. The legs 21 contact an installation surface G on which the printing device 11 is installed. The exterior member 22 is attached to the frame 26.

[0022] The exterior member 22 has a top surface 23, a front surface 24, and a back surface 25 which define the outer contours of the printing device 11 and the device body 20. The top surface 23 is a surface facing the -Z direction and defines part of the outer contours of the printing device 11 and the device body 20 in the -Z direction. The front surface 24 is a surface facing the +Y direction and defines part of the outer contours of the printing device 11 and the device body 20 in the +Y direction. The back surface 25 is a surface facing the -Y direction and defines the outer contours of the printing device 11 and the device body 20 in the -Y direction.

[0023] The frame 26 is made of, for example, sheet metal. The frame 26 supports various components of the printing device 11. The frame 26 has a main frame 27 and sub-frames 34, 35, and 36. The main frame 27 of the frame 26 is attached to the legs 21, whereby the device body 20 is fixed above the legs 21.

[0024] The main frame 27 has multiple surfaces. The main frame 27 has, for example, a front surface 28, a back surface 29, a top surface 30, a bottom surface 31, a right side surface 32, and a left side surface 33. The front surface 28 is a surface that faces the front of the printing device 11. The back surface 29 is a surface that faces the rear of the printing device 11. The top surface 30 is a surface that faces upward of the printing device 11. The bottom surface 31 is a surface that faces downward of the printing device 11. The right side surface 32 is a surface that faces in the -X direction. The left side surface 33 is a surface that faces in the +X direction.

[0025] The sub-frame 34 is attached to the main frame 27. In one example, the sub-frame 34 is attached to the upper surface 30 of the main frame 27. The sub-frame 34 supports, for example, a payout portion 71, which will be described later.

[0026] The subframe 35 is attached to the mainframe 27. In one example, the subframe 35 is attached to the right side surface 32 of the mainframe 27. The subframe 35 is aligned with the mainframe 27 in the -X direction. The subframe 35 houses a waste liquid tank T1. The waste liquid tank T1 is connected to the maintenance unit 65. The waste liquid tank T1 stores ink received by the maintenance unit 65. The waste liquid tank T1 is replaceable with respect to the subframe 35.

[0027] The subframe 36 is attached to the main frame 27. In one example, the subframe 36 is attached to the left side surface 33 of the main frame 27. The subframe 36 is aligned with the main frame 27 in the +X direction. The subframe 36 is a frame that ensures the cleaning position P2. The upper part of the subframe 36 is the cleaning position P2.

[0028] The printing device 11 includes a payout unit 71. The payout unit 71 is configured to pay out the medium P. More specifically, the payout unit 71 pays out the medium P before printing. The medium P before printing includes a fabric F attached to an adhesive sheet AS. The payout unit 71 also pays out the adhesive sheet AS having a protective sheet SS provided on an adhesive layer described below. The payout unit 71 is provided on the upper surface 23 at a position closer to the rear surface 25 in the -Y direction than the center of the upper surface 23. The payout unit 71 is attached to the subframe 34, for example.

[0029] The unwinding unit 71 has unwinding units 71R and 71L, each having a first shaft 72 and a shaft holder 75, spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The first shaft 72 of the unwinding unit 71R is, for example, inserted into and fixed to a core tube CT of the roll body R1 around which the medium P is wound from the -X direction of the core tube CT. The first shaft 72 of the unwinding unit 71L is, for example, inserted into and fixed to a core tube CT of the roll body R1 around which the medium P is wound from the +X direction of the core tube CT.

[0030] The shaft holders 75 of the payout units 71R, 71L rotatably support a pair of first shafts 72 fixed to the roll R1, thereby supporting the roll R1 rotatably about an axis along the X-axis direction. The rotation of the first shafts 72 causes the medium P or adhesive sheet AS to be paid out from the roll R1. In other words, the rotation of the first shafts 72 causes the medium P or adhesive sheet AS wound around the first shafts 72 in a roll shape to be paid out.

[0031] 1 to 4, the first shaft 72 has an insertion portion 73, a flange 74, and a connecting hole 73h. The insertion portion 73 is a portion that is inserted into the core tube CT of the roll body R1 and has a cylindrical shape. The flange 74 continues in the direction in which the insertion portion 73 extends and has a larger diameter than the insertion portion 73. The flange 74 is supported by the shaft holding portion 75 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the first shaft 72, and the first shaft 72 is rotatably supported by the shaft holding portion 75.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 4, flange 74 has an intermediate portion 73c having a smaller diameter than the outer shape of flange 74 at a central position in the extending direction of insertion portion 73. A connecting hole 73h opening in the -X direction in Fig. 4 is provided on the side where flange 74 is provided in the extending direction of insertion portion 73. When a tip of connecting shaft 91 of drive mechanism 90 described later is inserted into connecting hole 73h, first shaft 72 and connecting shaft 91 are connected and become rotatable together.

[0033] 3 and 5, the shaft holding portion 75 has an attachment portion 75m and a fixing portion 75f. The shaft holding portion 75 is provided on the upper surface 23 of the device body 20 by attaching the attachment portion 75m to the subframe 34. The shaft holding portion 75 can be attached to the subframe 34 so that the distance between the pair of shaft holding portions 75 in the X-axis direction can be changed.

[0034] In this embodiment, of the pair of shaft holders 75, the shaft holder 75 on the -X direction side is fixed at the position shown in Fig. 2. Then, of the pair of shaft holders 75, the shaft holder 75 on the +X direction side is attached so as to be movable in the X axis direction, thereby changing the distance between the pair of shaft holders 75 in the X axis direction. This also changes the distance between the flanges 74 of the pair of first shafts 72 in the X axis direction. This enables the payout unit 71 to support the core tube CT and the roll body R1, which have different dimensions in the X axis direction, between the flanges 74 of the pair of first shafts 72.

[0035] 5, the shaft holding portion 75 is provided with a pair of biasing portions 76. The biasing portions 76 are composed of a leaf spring 76s having one end fixed to a fixing portion 75f of the shaft holding portion 75, and a contact body 76p provided at the other end of the leaf spring 76s. The pair of contact bodies 76p are provided at positions where they come into contact with the circumferential surface of the middle portion 73c of the first shaft 72.

[0036] When the contact body 76p is in contact with the circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 73c, the leaf spring 76s is elastically deformed, and a force acts to press the circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 73c toward the center of rotation of the first shaft 72. As a result, for example, when the medium P is pulled out from the unwinding portion 71, the first shaft 72 and the roll body R1 supported by the first shaft 72 rotate due to inertial force, and excessive unwinding of the medium P is suppressed. In addition, tension is applied to the medium P or the adhesive sheet AS pulled out from the unwinding portion 71.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 11 is provided with a transport path TR along which the medium P fed from the feed unit 71 is transported. The printing device 11 includes a medium support unit 43 that constitutes the transport path TR. The medium support unit 43 supports the medium P. The medium support unit 43 supports the medium P to be printed by the printing unit 12 at a position opposite the nozzle surface 15. In more detail, the medium support unit 43 supports the portion of the medium P to be printed by the printing unit 12. The medium support unit 43 is attached to, for example, the upper surface 30 of the main frame 27. The medium support unit 43 is located above the main frame 27.

[0038] The printing device 11 includes a feed unit 41. The feed unit 41 is configured to transport the medium P. The feed unit 41 transports the medium P along the transport path TR. The feed unit 41 transports the medium P located on the medium support unit 43 in the +Y direction, which is downstream in the transport direction. The feed unit 41 transports the medium P printed by the printing unit 12 downward, which is downstream in the transport direction. The feed unit 41 transports the medium P so that the medium P passes above and in front of the main frame 27.

[0039] The feed section 41 has a transport roller pair 42 and a transport roller 45. The transport roller pair 42 rotates when a transport motor (not shown) is driven. The transport roller pair 42 rotates with the medium P sandwiched between them to transport the medium P downstream in the transport direction. The transport roller 45 is rotatably provided on the transport path TR. The transport roller 45 guides the medium P along the transport path TR. As the transport roller 45 rotates, the medium P is smoothly transported downstream in the transport direction.

[0040] The printing device 11 includes a winding unit 46. The winding unit 46 is configured to wind up the medium P. The winding unit 46 is attached, for example, to the end of the leg 21 in the +Y direction. The winding unit 46 has a winding shaft 47. The winding shaft 47 is inserted into and fixed to a core tube CT around which the medium P is wound. The winding shaft 47 rotates when a winding motor (not shown) is driven. As the core tube CT fixed to the winding shaft 47 rotates, the medium P is wound around the core tube CT to form a roll body R2.

[0041] The winding unit 46, for example, winds up the printed medium P. Also, for example, the winding unit 46 winds up the medium P that has been heated by a heating unit 51 described below. Also, for example, the winding unit 46 winds up the fabric F attached to an adhesive sheet AS described below. As the winding unit 46 winds up the medium P, the medium P is transported downstream in the transport direction. In other words, the winding unit 46 is an example of a transport unit FP that transports the medium P.

[0042] The printing device 11 includes a heating unit 51. The heating unit 51 is configured to heat the medium P onto which the ink has been ejected. The heating unit 51 dries the medium P by heating the medium P. The image printed on the medium P is fixed by drying the medium P. The heating unit 51 heats the medium P being transported by the feed unit 41. In detail, the heating unit 51 heats a portion of the medium P that has been printed by the printing unit 12 and has not yet been taken up by the take-up unit 46.

[0043] The heating section 51 is attached to the main frame 27. The heating section 51 is located in front of the main frame 27. More specifically, the heating section 51 faces the front surface 28 of the main frame 27. The heating section 51 heats the medium P passing between the heating section 51 and the main frame 27. That is, in one example, the heating section 51 heats a portion of the medium P that is transported downward. The heating section 51 is located so as to overlap with the exterior member 22 when viewed from the vertical direction. In one example, a portion of the heating section 51 overlaps with the exterior member 22 when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0044] The heating unit 51 has a heat source 52. The heat source 52 is configured to generate heat. The heat source 52 faces the surface of the medium P onto which the ink is ejected. Therefore, the heat source 52 heats the surface of the medium P onto which the ink is ejected. In one example, the heat source 52 heats the medium P by radiant heat. The heat source 52 is, for example, an infrared heater. The heat source 52 irradiates infrared rays toward the medium P. The medium P is dried by the heat source 52 heating the medium P.

[0045] The heating unit 51 has a blowing unit 53. The blowing unit 53 is, for example, a fan. The blowing unit 53 is configured to blow air onto the medium P. Specifically, the blowing unit 53 blows air onto the surface of the medium P onto which the ink is ejected. More specifically, the blowing unit 53 blows air so that the air flows downward along the medium P. Therefore, the air blown onto the medium P flows downward along the surface of the medium P onto which the ink is ejected.

[0046] The heating unit 51 has a case 54. The case 54 houses the heat source 52 and the blowing unit 53. The case 54 opens toward the medium P. In other words, the case 54 opens toward the front surface 28 of the main frame 27.

[0047] A circulation flow path 55 may be formed in the case 54. The circulation flow path 55 is a flow path through which air heated by the heat source 52 circulates. The circulation flow path 55 extends so as to surround the heat source 52. The blowing unit 53 is located within the circulation flow path 55. In the heating unit 51, the air blown by the blowing unit 53 circulates by flowing over the medium P and through the circulation flow path 55. Specifically, the air circulates as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1. This improves the heating efficiency of the medium P.

[0048] The printing device 11 includes a guide bar 61. The guide bar 61 is configured to guide the medium P to the winding unit 46. The guide bar 61 is located vertically below the heating unit 51. The guide bar 61 has a circumferential surface 62. The circumferential surface 62 is a surface that comes into contact with the medium P. The medium P is wrapped around the circumferential surface 62, causing the guide bar 61 to guide the medium P downward.

[0049] The medium P is wound around the guide bar 61 between the heating unit 51 and the winding unit 46. Therefore, the medium P heated by the heating unit 51 is wound around the guide bar 61. Therefore, the guide bar 61 comes into contact with a portion of the medium P that has been heated by the heating unit 51 and has not yet been wound by the winding unit 46.

[0050] The guide bar 61 is configured to be rotatable. The guide bar 61 is configured to actively rotate relative to the medium P. The guide bar 61 may be configured to rotate passively relative to the medium P. The guide bar 61 may rotate, for example, due to friction with the medium P as the medium P is transported. In other words, the guide bar 61 may rotate due to friction with the medium P as the medium P is wound up by the winding section 46.

[0051] The printing device 11 includes a drive unit 63 (not shown). When the drive unit 63 is driven, the guide bar 61 rotates. The drive unit 63 is, for example, a motor. The drive unit 63 is attached to the main frame 27, for example.

[0052] For example, the drive unit 63 rotates the guide bar 61 at a rotational speed such that the movement speed of the circumferential surface 62 matches the transport speed of the medium P by the feed unit 41. This reduces friction between the medium P and the guide bar 61. Furthermore, for example, the drive unit 63 may rotate the guide bar 61 so that the movement speed of the circumferential surface 62 is faster than the transport speed of the medium P by the feed unit 41.

[0053] The printing device 11 includes a heat shield 64. The heat shield 64 is configured to block heat from the heating unit 51. More specifically, the heat shield 64 blocks heat from reaching the main frame 27 from the heating unit 51. The heat shield 64 is located between the heating unit 51 and the main frame 27. The heat shield 64 is attached to the front surface 28 of the main frame 27. The heat shield 64 is located along the front surface 28. The heat shield 64 faces the heating unit 51. The medium P passes between the heat shield 64 and the heating unit 51.

[0054] 2, the printing device 11 includes a maintenance unit 65. The maintenance unit 65 performs maintenance on the printing unit 12 that is located at a maintenance position P1. In one example, the maintenance unit 65 performs maintenance on the printing unit 12 by receiving ink from the printing unit 12 due to flushing, cleaning, or the like.

[0055] Flushing is an operation for appropriately ejecting ink from the nozzles 14. Flushing reduces the risk of clogging of the nozzles 14. Cleaning is an operation for discharging ink from the nozzles 14. Cleaning displaces foreign matter along with ink from the nozzles 14. The maintenance unit 65 discharges ink from the nozzles 14, for example, by suctioning while in contact with the head 13. The ink received by the maintenance unit 65 flows into the waste liquid tank T1.

[0056] 1, the printing device 11 includes a control unit 66. The control unit 66 comprehensively controls the printing device 11. That is, the control unit 66 controls the driving of the payout unit 71, the feed unit 41, the printing unit 12, the heating unit 51, the guide bar 61, the winding unit 46, the maintenance unit 65, and the like.

[0057] The control unit 66 is configured with one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program. The control unit 66 is configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application specific integrated circuits, that execute at least some of the various processes. The control unit 66 may be configured with a circuit that includes a combination of a processor and a hardware circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0058] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the printing device 11 includes a guide unit 81. The guide unit 81 is attached to the device body 20 when attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS. The guide unit 81 is provided so as to be detachable from the device body 20. The guide unit 81 supports the second shaft 82 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the X-axis direction. The guide unit 81 is provided on the upper surface 23 at a position closer to the rear surface 25 in the -Y direction than the center of the upper surface 23. The guide unit 81 includes a placement unit 84, legs 85, and a drive mechanism 90.

[0059] The upper surface of mounting portion 84, which is the -Z direction surface, extends in the X-axis direction along the XY plane. When guide portion 81 is attached to device body 20, mounting portion 84 is located vertically above first shaft 72 and second shaft 82. The upper surface of mounting portion 84 is provided so that fabric F can be placed thereon when attaching fabric F to adhesive sheet AS (see FIG. 10).

[0060] When attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS, the fabric F placed on the mounting portion 84 passes through the upper position Pu and moves toward a region of the upper surface 23 that is in the +Y direction of the mounting portion 84. The upper position Pu is a position vertically above the first axis 72 and the second axis 82. The mounting portion 84 is an example of a contact portion CP that contacts the fabric F to cause the fabric F to pass the upper position Pu.

[0061] A position guide portion 99 is provided on the upper surface of the placement portion 84 to guide the position of the fabric F in the X-axis direction. In other words, the guide portion 81 has the position guide portion 99 at an upper position Pu. The X-axis direction is an example of a width direction of the fabric F that intersects with the direction in which the fabric F faces the upper surface 23. The position guide portion 99 is composed of a position guide portion 99R that guides the position of the end of the fabric F in the -X direction, and a position guide portion 99L that guides the position of the end of the fabric F in the +X direction.

[0062] The position guide portion 99R in this embodiment is a protrusion that can adjust the position of the side surface in the +X direction in the X-axis direction to correspond to the position of the flange 74 of the pay-out portion 71R. In this way, the position guide portion 99R can regulate the position of the -X direction end of the fabric F to the same position as the -X direction end of the roll body R1 supported by the pay-out portion 71.

[0063] Moreover, the position guide portion 99L in this embodiment is a protrusion that can adjust the position of the side surface in the -X direction in the X-axis direction to correspond to the position of the flange 74 of the pay-out portion 71L. In this way, the position guide portion 99L can regulate the position of the +X direction end of the fabric F to the same position as the +X direction end of the roll body R1 supported by the pay-out portion 71.

[0064] The position guide portion 99 may be a mark such as a letter symbol provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion 84 so as to serve as a guide for the placement position of the fabric F when the user places the fabric F on the mounting portion 84. In this case, the mark provided on the upper surface of the mounting portion 84 may be multiple marks corresponding to the dimension of the roll body R1 supported by the pay-out portion 71 in the X-axis direction.

[0065] The legs 85 include a leg 85R extending vertically downward from the -X direction end of the mounting portion 84, and a leg 85L extending vertically downward from the +X direction end of the mounting portion 84. The legs 85 support the second shaft 82 at a position vertically below the mounting portion 84 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the second shaft 82 along the X-axis direction. The leg 85R supports the second shaft 82 near the -X direction end. The leg 85L supports the +X direction end of the second shaft 82.

[0066] Leg 85 is provided with an engaging portion 89 that can engage with engaged portion 79 provided on device body 20. Engaged portion 79 includes engaged portions 79R, 79L. Engaged portion 79R is provided on top surface 23 of device body 20, at a position on the -X direction side of pay-out portion 71R. Engaged portion 79L is provided on top surface 23 of device body 20, at a position on the +X direction side of pay-out portion 71L. Engaged portions 79R, 79L are recesses that open toward the -Z direction.

[0067] The engagement portion 89 includes engagement portions 89R and 89L. The engagement portion 89R is provided at the +Z direction end of the leg portion 85R. The engagement portion 89R is a protrusion protruding from the +Z direction end of the leg portion 85R so as to be able to engage with the engaged portion 79R. The engagement portion 89L is provided at the +Z direction end of the leg portion 85L. The engagement portion 89L is a protrusion protruding from the +Z direction end of the leg portion 85L so as to be able to engage with the engaged portion 79L.

[0068] The engaging portions 89R, 89L engage with the engaged portions 79R, 79L, whereby the guide portion 81 is attached to the device body 20. The engaged portions 79R, 79L in this embodiment are provided on the subframe , for example.

[0069] The second shaft 82 is provided on the legs 85R, 85L so as to be mountable to the support position shown in Fig. 6 from the -X direction side of the leg 85R. In the process of mounting the second shaft 82 to the support position from the -X direction side of the leg 85R, a core tube CT is inserted through and fixed to the second shaft 82. Then, for example, when attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS paid out from the first shaft 72 of the pay-out unit 71 is taken up on the core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82.

[0070] The drive mechanism 90 rotates the second shaft 82. As the second shaft 82 rotates, for example, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS paid out from the first shaft 72 of the payout unit 71 is taken up around a core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82. The drive mechanism 90 has a connecting shaft 91, a first gear 92, a second gear 93, and a torque limiter 94. The second gear 93 is provided at the end of the second shaft 82 in the -X direction. The torque limiter 94 is provided on the second shaft 82 at a position adjacent to the second gear 93 on the +X direction side.

[0071] The connecting shaft 91 is supported by the leg 85R of the guide part 81 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the X-axis direction. When the guide part 81 is attached to the device body 20, the connecting shaft 91 is supported by the leg 85R so that a tip end thereof, which is the end in the +X direction in FIG. 6, can be inserted into the connecting hole 73h (see FIG. 4) of the first shaft 72.

[0072] The connecting shaft 91 is supported by the leg 85R so as to be movable to a connected position (see FIG. 6) where the connecting shaft 91 is connected to the first shaft 72 by inserting its tip into the connecting hole 73h of the first shaft 72. The connecting shaft 91 is supported by the leg 85R so as to be movable to a separated position (not shown) where the connecting shaft 91 is released from the first shaft 72 and is located in the -X direction from the connected position.

[0073] The first gear 92 is provided at the end of the connecting shaft 91 in the -X direction in FIG. 6. The first gear 92 is provided with a grip 95 that is held by a user when moving the connecting shaft 91 between the connected position and the separated position. When the connecting shaft 91 is in the connected position, the first gear 92 meshes with a second gear 93 provided at the end of the second shaft 82 in the -X direction. When the connecting shaft 91 is in the separated position, the first gear 92 is located on the -X direction side of the second gear 93 and is separated from the second gear 93.

[0074] When the connecting shaft 91 is in the connected position, the first shaft 72 of the payout unit 71 rotates counterclockwise as seen from the -X direction side of the first shaft 72, as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 7. In this case, the connecting shaft 91 and the first gear 92 rotate counterclockwise as seen from the -X direction side of the first gear 92, as shown by the solid arrow in Fig. 7. As a result, the second gear 93 and the second shaft 82 rotate clockwise as seen from the -X direction side of the second shaft 82, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 7. In other words, the first gear 92 and the second gear 93 mesh with each other, so that the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82 rotate in conjunction with each other.

[0075] For example, suppose that a user performs a process of attaching a fabric F to an adhesive sheet AS. In this case, first, the user attaches the guide unit 81 to the device body 20. Then, with the connecting shaft 91 in the separated position, the user fixes the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound to the first shaft 72 of the pay-out unit 71, as shown in Fig. 8. The adhesive sheet AS and a protective sheet SS provided on the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet AS are wound around the core tube CT in a direction such that the adhesive layer is on the outside of the base material of the adhesive sheet AS.

[0076] Then, the user fixes the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound to the first shaft 72. At this time, when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled out from the payout unit 71 in the +Y direction, the core tube CT is fixed to the first shaft 72 in a direction in which the first shaft 72 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the -X direction side. Then, the user fixes the end of the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS to the core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82. Then, the user moves the connecting shaft 91 to the connecting position.

[0077] 9, when the user pulls out the adhesive sheet AS from the payout unit 71 in the +Y direction, the first shaft 72 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the first shaft 72. This causes the connecting shaft 91, first gear 92, and second gear 93 constituting the drive mechanism 90 to rotate, and the second shaft 82 to rotate clockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the second shaft 82. Then, as the second shaft 82 rotates, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is taken up around the core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82.

[0078] When the adhesive sheet AS is paid out from the pay-out unit 71, the protective sheet SS is peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS. At this time, the amount of protective sheet SS taken up by one rotation of the second shaft 82 may be less than the amount of protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS by one rotation of the first shaft 72. In this case, there is a risk that the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS will become loose and remain between the adhesive sheet AS paid out from the pay-out unit 71 and the protective sheet SS wound around the core tube CT of the second shaft 82.

[0079] In contrast, in this embodiment, the number of teeth of the first gear 92 is set to be greater than the number of teeth of the second gear 93. This makes it difficult for the amount of protective sheet SS taken up per one rotation of the second shaft 82 to be less than the amount of protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS paid out per one rotation of the first shaft 72.

[0080] Furthermore, the amount of protective sheet SS taken up per one rotation of the second shaft 82 may be greater than the amount of protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS per one rotation of the first shaft 72. In this case, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is stretched between the adhesive sheet AS wound around the core tube CT of the first shaft 72 and the protective sheet SS wound around the core tube CT of the second shaft 82. This may result in a greater tension than expected acting on the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS.

[0081] In response to this, the drive mechanism 90 of the present embodiment is provided with a torque limiter 94 that limits the rotational torque transmitted from the second gear 93 to the second shaft 82 as the second gear 93 rotates. The torque limiter 94 is provided between the second gear 93 and the second shaft 82, and connects the second gear 93 to the second shaft 82. When the rotational torque transmitted from the second gear 93 to the torque limiter 94 as the second gear 93 rotates reaches or exceeds a set value, the torque limiter 94 releases the connection between the second gear 93 and the second shaft 82.

[0082] As a result, the rotational torque transmitted from the second gear 93 to the second shaft 82 as the second gear 93 rotates is adjusted to be smaller than a set value. This prevents damage to the protective sheet SS, the guide portion 81, or the payout portion 71 caused by tension acting on the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS. As the torque limiter 94, a mechanical torque limiter such as a friction type, shear pin type, ball type, or magnet type, or a tolerance ring as a slip clutch can be used.

[0083] 10, the adhesive sheet AS pulled out from the pay-out unit 71 is supported on an area of ​​the upper surface 23 that is in the +Y direction of the placement unit 84. The upper surface 23 is an example of a support unit SP that supports the adhesive sheet AS from which the protective sheet SS has been peeled off to expose the adhesive layer. Then, the user places the fabric F on the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23 via an upper position Pu.

[0084] Then, the user uses the pressing member HT or the like to press the fabric F from the -Z direction side of the fabric F toward the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23, as indicated by the white arrow. This creates an attachment-specification fabric F in which the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0085] In this embodiment, in the Z-axis direction, the second shaft 82 is located between the first shaft 72 of the pay-out unit 71 and the placement unit 84. For example, in the Y-axis direction, the area between the area of ​​the upper surface 23 where the fabric F is placed on the adhesive sheet AS and the area where the fabric F is placed on the placement unit 84 is defined as the pull-out area. In this case, in the pull-out area, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is located between the fabric F and the adhesive sheet AS. Therefore, in the pull-out area, the fabric F is prevented from coming into contact with the adhesive sheet AS with the adhesive layer exposed.

[0086] When printing on the adhesive fabric F, the user removes the guide unit 81 from the device body 20. The user also removes the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound from the unwinding unit 71. The user then attaches the core tube CT around which the adhesive fabric F is wound to the first shaft 72 of the unwinding unit 71.

[0087] Then, the user operates an instruction unit (not shown) to instruct the printer 11 to print on the medium P. As a result, the control unit 66 controls the driving of the feed unit 41, the printing unit 12, the heating unit 51, the guide bar 61, the winding unit 46, etc., so that the printing unit 12 prints on the medium P in the laminated state.

[0088] In the printing device 11 of this embodiment, when the created stick-on fabric F is wound around the core tube CT, the winding unit 46 can be used. In this case, the stick-on fabric F is wound around the core tube CT fixed to the winding shaft 47, thereby creating the core tube CT around which the stick-on fabric F is wound.

[0089] In this case, the winding unit 46 winds up the adhesive fabric F, so that the adhesive fabric F is transported from the upper surface 23 toward the winding unit 46. Thus, the winding unit 46 is an example of a transport unit FP that transports the adhesive fabric F.

[0090] As described above, according to the printing device 11 of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0091] The printing device 11 includes a first shaft 72 around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound, the adhesive sheet AS having a substrate and an adhesive layer formed on the substrate, with a protective sheet SS provided on the adhesive layer. The printing device 11 also includes a second shaft 82 around which the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS unwound from the first shaft 72 is wound. The printing device 11 also includes a drive mechanism 90 for rotating the second shaft 82. The printing device 11 also includes an upper surface 23 for supporting the adhesive sheet AS from which the protective sheet SS has been peeled off to expose the adhesive layer. The printing device 11 also includes a guide unit 81 for guiding the fabric F through an upper position Pu that is vertically above the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82, toward the upper surface 23. The printing device 11 also includes a printing unit 12 capable of printing on the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS on the upper surface 23.

[0092] According to this, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is collected on the second shaft 82, which prevents a decrease in the user's workability in the process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS. Also, because the fabric F is unlikely to come into contact with the adhesive sheet AS with the adhesive layer exposed due to its own weight, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the user's workability in the process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0093] The drive mechanism 90 has a first gear 92 that rotates together with the first shaft 72, and a second gear 93 that rotates together with the second shaft 82. The first gear 92 and the second gear 93 mesh with each other, causing the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82 to rotate in conjunction with each other. This makes it possible to realize the drive mechanism 90 that rotates the second shaft 82 by utilizing the rotation of the first shaft 72.

[0094] The number of teeth of the first gear 92 is greater than the number of teeth of the second gear 93, and the drive mechanism 90 has a torque limiter 94 that limits the rotational torque transmitted from the second gear 93 to the second shaft 82 as the second gear 93 rotates. This allows the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS to be wound up around the second shaft 82 with an appropriate degree.

[0095] The printing device 11 includes a biasing section 76 that contacts the first shaft 72 to apply a force toward the center of rotation of the first shaft 72. This can prevent the adhesive sheet AS from sagging when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled too far from the first shaft 72.

[0096] The printing device 11 includes a winding unit 46 that transports the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS. This eliminates the need for a user to move the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0097] The guide part 81 rotatably supports the second shaft 82, includes a drive mechanism 90, and is detachably provided on the device body 20 having the upper surface 23. This allows the guide part 81 to be removed from the device body 20 when the process of adhering the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS is not being performed. Therefore, the user can effectively utilize the upper surface 23 when the process of adhering the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS is not being performed.

[0098] Guide portion 81 has a placement portion 84 that contacts fabric F to cause fabric F to pass through upper position Pu, and legs 85 that extend vertically downward from placement portion 84 and rotatably support second shaft 82. Legs 85 have engaging portions 89 that can engage with engaged portions 79 provided on upper surface 23. This allows guide portion 81 to be easily attached to and detached from upper surface 23 of device body 20.

[0099] The guide portion 81 has a position guide portion 99 at an upper position Pu that guides the position of the fabric F in the X-axis direction. This allows the fabric F to be attached to the adhesive sheet AS with high positional accuracy.

[0100] 2. Embodiment 2 11, the printing device 11 according to the second embodiment further includes a supply unit 48 capable of feeding out the fabric F in addition to the leg unit 21 in the first embodiment. Also, an end 23e which is the end in the +Y direction of the upper surface 23 in the printing device 11 according to the second embodiment is located on the +Y direction side of the front surface which is the outer surface in the +Y direction of the heating unit 51.

[0101] Other configurations of the printing device 11 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the printing device 11 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numbers, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0102] In this embodiment, supply unit 48 is attached to leg 21 at a position on the -Y direction side from the center. Supply unit 48 is provided at a position that is in the +Z direction with respect to mounting portion 84 of guide unit 81 attached to device body 20. Supply unit 48 is also provided at a position that is in the +Z direction with respect to top surface 23. Supply unit 48 is also provided at a position that is in the -Y direction with respect to end portion 23e, which is the end of top surface 23 in the +Y direction.

[0103] The supply unit 48 has the same configuration as the unwinding unit 71. Thus, a first shaft 72 of the supply unit 48 is inserted into and fixed to a core tube CT of a roll body R3 around which the fabric F is wound. Then, as the first shaft 72 of the supply unit 48 rotates, the fabric F is unwound from the supply unit 48. In this case, a pair of biasing units 76 is provided on the shaft holding unit 75 of the supply unit 48. Thus, tension acts on the fabric F when the fabric F is pulled out from the supply unit 48.

[0104] When creating a fabric F with application specifications in which fabric F is attached to an adhesive sheet AS, similar to the first embodiment, the user places fabric F via the upper position Pu on the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. Then, the user pulls the adhesive sheet AS on which fabric F is superimposed in the +Z direction from the upper surface 23. At this time, tension is acting on the fabric F, so that the fabric F is pressed against the adhesive sheet AS passing through the end 23e of the upper surface 23. As a result, the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0105] When the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS and the attached fabric F is wound around the core tube CT, the attached fabric F may be wound around the core tube CT fixed to the winding shaft 47 of the winding unit 46. When the winding unit 46 winds the attached fabric F around the winding shaft 47, the fabric F is pressed against the adhesive sheet AS passing through the end 23e of the upper surface 23. As a result, the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0106] In this case, the winding unit 46 can be said to be an example of a pressing unit PP that presses the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the end 23e of the upper surface 23. As described above, according to the printing device 11 of the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0107] The printing device 11 includes a winding unit 46 that presses the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. This eliminates the need for a user to press the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS.

[0108] 3. Embodiment 3 12, the printing device 11 according to the third embodiment further includes a supply unit 48 capable of paying out the fabric F, similar to the second embodiment. The printing device 11 according to the third embodiment further includes a guide roller 98 instead of the placement unit 84 of the guide unit 81 in the first embodiment. The printing device 11 according to the third embodiment further includes a pressing mechanism 86 having a pressing roller 87 and a moving unit 88, and a collection roller 83 in the guide unit 81 in the first embodiment. The printing device 11 according to the third embodiment further includes an introduction path IR including an introduction port 37 in the device body 20 in the first embodiment.

[0109] Other configurations of the printing device 11 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the printing device 11 according to the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numbers, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0110] The guide roller 98 is provided at a position between the legs 85R, 85L in the X-axis direction. The guide roller 98 is a cylindrical roller supported by the legs 85R, 85L so as to be rotatable about an axis along the X-axis. The circumferential surface of the guide roller 98 extends in the X-axis direction. When the guide unit 81 is attached to the device body 20, the guide roller 98 is located in the -Z direction of the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82. The circumferential surface of the guide roller 98 is provided so as to be able to guide the fabric F by contacting the fabric F when the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0111] When the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS, the fabric F guided by the guide roller 98 passes through the upper position Pu and moves toward a region of the upper surface 23 that is in the +Y direction of the guide roller 98. The guide roller 98 is an example of a contact part CP that contacts the fabric F to cause the fabric F to pass through the upper position Pu.

[0112] The pressure roller 87 is provided at a position between the legs 85R, 85L in the X-axis direction. The pressure roller 87 is a cylindrical roller supported by a moving unit 88 so as to be rotatable about an axis along the X-axis. The moving unit 88 is provided on the legs 85R, 85L so as to be able to move the pressure roller 87 between a pressing position and a standby position.

[0113] The pressing position is a position where the pressing roller 87 can press the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23 in an area of ​​the upper surface 23 that is in the +Y direction of the guide roller 98. Thus, the pressing roller 87 is an example of a pressing unit PP that presses the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. The standby position is a position away from the pressing position in the -Z direction, where a gap is formed between the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23 and the pressing roller 87.

[0114] The movement of the pressure roller 87 to the pressing position and the standby position may be performed by a manual operation by a user, or may be performed by driving a pressure motor provided in the pressing mechanism 86. When the pressing mechanism 86 includes a pressure motor, the driving of the pressure motor is controlled by the control unit 66.

[0115] The collection roller 83 is provided at a position between the legs 85R, 85L in the X-axis direction. The collection roller 83 is a cylindrical roller supported by the legs 85R, 85L so as to be rotatable about an axis along the X-axis. The collection roller 83 extends in the X-axis direction. When the guide unit 81 is attached to the device body 20, the collection roller 83 is located between the first shaft 72 and the pressing roller 87 in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the collection roller 83 is located between the second shaft 82 and the pressing roller 87 in the Z-axis direction.

[0116] In the process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is wound around the collecting roller 83 and then taken up on the second shaft 82. This allows the protective sheet SS to be stably taken up on the second shaft 82. Also in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is located between the fabric F and the adhesive sheet AS in the pull-out area. Furthermore, between the first shaft 72 and the pressing roller 87, the collecting roller 83 is located closer to the pressing roller 87. This further prevents the fabric F from coming into contact with the adhesive sheet AS with the adhesive layer exposed in the pull-out area.

[0117] The introduction path IR is provided in the device body 20 so as to be able to introduce the medium P into the middle of the transport path TR. For example, the introduction path IR introduces the fabric F to be attached, which is prepared on the upper surface 23, into a position on the transport path TR that is upstream in the transport direction from the medium support unit 43, via the introduction port 37. The introduction port 37 is provided on the front surface 24 of the device body 20, and opens toward the +Y direction.

[0118] The introduction path IR is provided with a pair of transport rollers 42 that transport the adhesive-applied fabric F entering the device body 20 through the introduction port 37 downstream in the transport direction indicated by the arrow. The pair of transport rollers 42 provided on the introduction path IR is an example of a transport section FP that transports the adhesive-applied fabric F.

[0119] According to the printing device 11 of this embodiment, by inserting the fabric F to be attached, which is created on the upper surface 23, into the introduction port 37, it is possible for the printing unit 12 to print on the fabric F to be attached.

[0120] First, when creating a fabric F with application specifications in which the fabric F is attached to an adhesive sheet AS, similarly to the first embodiment, the user places the fabric F via the upper position Pu on the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. At this time, the fabric F unwound from the supply unit 48 passes through the -Z direction side of the guide roller 98 and the +Z direction side of the pressing roller 87 in the standby position, and is placed on the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23.

[0121] Then, by positioning the pressure roller 87 at the pressing position, the fabric F is pressed against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. In this state, the fabric F pressed against the adhesive sheet AS and the adhesive sheet AS are pulled out in the +Y direction to create the fabric F with attachment specifications in which the fabric F is attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0122] When printing on the stick-on fabric F, the user inserts the leading end of the stick-on fabric F, which has the fabric F attached to an adhesive sheet AS, into the introduction port 37. Then, the user operates the instruction unit to instruct the printing device 11 to print on the stick-on fabric F. This causes the control unit 66 to control the driving of the transport roller pair 42 of the introduction path IR, thereby transporting the stick-on fabric F through the introduction path IR toward the transport path TR, which is downstream in the transport direction.

[0123] The control unit 66 controls the driving of the feed unit 41, the printing unit 12, the heating unit 51, the guide bar 61, the winding unit 46, etc. on the transport path TR, thereby causing the printing unit 12 to print on the laminated medium P. Furthermore, by the above-mentioned control of the control unit 66, the laminated medium P printed by the printing unit 12 is taken up onto a core tube CT fixed to the winding shaft 47.

[0124] As described above, according to the printing device 11 of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0125] The printing device 11 includes a pressure roller 87 that presses the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. This eliminates the need for the user to press the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS.

[0126] The printing device 11 includes a transport roller pair 42 that transports the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS. This eliminates the need for a user to move the fabric F attached to the adhesive sheet AS.

[0127] Guide portion 81 has a guide roller 98 that contacts fabric F to cause fabric F to pass upper position Pu, and a leg portion 85 that extends vertically downward from guide roller 98 and rotatably supports second shaft 82. Leg portion 85 has an engaging portion 89 that can engage with engaged portion 79 provided on upper surface 23. This allows guide portion 81 to be easily attached to and detached from upper surface 23 of device body 20.

[0128] The printing device 11 according to the above embodiment of the present disclosure is basically configured as described above, but it is of course possible to modify or omit a part of the configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the above embodiment and other embodiments described below can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0129] In the above embodiment, when performing a process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS, the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound may be fixed to the second shaft 82. In this case, the adhesive sheet AS and the protective sheet SS provided on the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet AS are wound around the core tube CT in a direction in which the adhesive layer is on the inside of the base material of the adhesive sheet AS. In this case, when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled out from the second shaft 82 in the +Y direction, the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound is fixed to the second shaft 82 in a direction in which the second shaft 82 rotates clockwise when viewed from the -X direction side of the second shaft 82.

[0130] Then, the end of the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is fixed to the core tube CT fixed to the first shaft 72 of the payout unit 71 via the -Z direction and -Y direction of the second shaft 82. Then, the connecting shaft 91 is moved to the connecting position. Then, when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled out from the second shaft 82 in the +Y direction, the second shaft 82 rotates clockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the second shaft 82. As a result, the second gear 93, the first gear 92, and the connecting shaft 91 constituting the drive mechanism 90 rotate, and the first shaft 72 rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the first shaft 72. Then, as the first shaft 72 rotates, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is taken up around the core tube CT fixed to the first shaft 72.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the first gear 92, which is the driving gear of the driving mechanism 90, and the second gear 93, which is the driven gear, mesh with each other, so that the first shaft 72 and the second shaft 82 do not have to rotate in conjunction with each other. For example, the driving mechanism 90 may have an intermediate gear that is inserted between the first gear 92 and the second gear 93 and transmits the rotation of the first gear 92 to the second gear 93. As in the above embodiment, when the rotation direction of the second gear 93 is made opposite to the rotation direction of the first gear 92, the driving mechanism 90 may have an even number of intermediate gears.

[0132] When the rotation direction of the second gear 93 is the same as the rotation direction of the first gear 92, the drive mechanism 90 may have an odd number of intermediate gears. Furthermore, for example, the drive mechanism 90 may have a first gear 92 that rotates with the first shaft 72, a second gear 93 that rotates with the second shaft 82, and a chain wound around the first gear 92 and the second gear 93. According to these, a fabric F with application specifications can be produced using the adhesive sheet AS in which the adhesive sheet AS and the protective sheet SS provided on the adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet AS are wound around the core tube CT with the adhesive layer facing the inside of the substrate.

[0133] In this case, when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled out from the unwinding unit 71 in the +Y direction, the core tube CT around which the adhesive sheet AS is wound is fixed to the first shaft 72 in a direction in which the first shaft 72 rotates clockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the first shaft 72. Then, an end of the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is fixed to the core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82. Then, the connecting shaft 91 is moved to the connecting position. Then, when the adhesive sheet AS is pulled out from the unwinding unit 71 in the +Y direction, the first shaft 72 rotates clockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the first shaft 72. As a result, the connecting shaft 91, the first gear 92, and the second gear 93 constituting the drive mechanism 90 rotate, and the second shaft 82 rotates clockwise as viewed from the -X direction side of the second shaft 82. Then, as the second shaft 82 rotates, the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS is taken up on the core tube CT fixed to the second shaft 82.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 90 does not have to include the first gear 92 and the second gear 93. In this case, the drive mechanism 90 may have a first pulley that rotates together with the first shaft 72, a second pulley that rotates together with the second shaft 82, and a belt wound around the first pulley and the second pulley. When the rotation direction of the second gear 93 is made opposite to the rotation direction of the first gear 92, the belt is wound in parallel between the first pulley and the second pulley (open belt). When the rotation direction of the second gear 93 is made the same as the rotation direction of the first gear 92, the belt is wound in a cross shape between the first pulley and the second pulley (cross belt).

[0135] In the above embodiment, the drive mechanism 90 may have a collection motor that rotates the second shaft 82. The drive mechanism 90 may also have a payout motor that rotates the first shaft 72. In this case, the drive of the collection motor and the payout motor is controlled by the control unit 66. Then, for example, when a process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS paid out from the payout unit 71 is performed, the control unit 66 may control the drive of the collection motor based on the payout amount of the adhesive sheet AS. This allows the protective sheet SS peeled off from the adhesive sheet AS to be wound up around the second shaft 82 to an appropriate degree. Also, in this case, the drive mechanism 90 does not need to have the first gear 92 and the second gear 93.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the guide portion 81 may be fixed to the device body 20. The first shaft 72 may be rotatably supported by the legs 85R, 85L of the guide portion 81 in the same manner as the second shaft 82. In this case, the first gear 92 is provided at the end of the first shaft 72 in the -X direction in the same manner as the second gear 93. In this case, the leg 85R may be provided with a biasing portion 76 so that the contact body 76p presses the circumferential surface of the first shaft 72 toward the center of rotation of the first shaft 72.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the guide unit 81 may include a collecting unit that fixes the core tube CT around which the protective sheet SS is wound, instead of the second shaft 82. The collecting unit may have the same configuration as the unwinding unit 71, for example. In this case, the first shaft 72 of the collecting unit is inserted into and fixed to the core tube CT around which the protective sheet SS is wound. Then, the first shaft 72 of the collecting unit rotates, so that the protective sheet SS is wound around the core tube CT. Also, in this case, the second gear 93 may be provided at the end in the -X direction of a connecting shaft that is rotatably supported by the leg 85R in the same form as the first gear 92. Then, the tip of the connecting shaft may be inserted into the connecting hole 73h of the first shaft 72 of the collecting unit, so that the second gear 93 is connected to the first shaft 72 of the collecting unit. Then, the first shaft 72 of the collecting unit and the second gear 93 may rotate together.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the engaging portion 89 provided at the end of the leg portion 85 in the +Z direction may be a recess that opens toward the -Z direction so as to be able to engage with a protruding engaged portion 79 provided on the device body 20.

[0139] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the end 23e of the upper surface 23 in the printing device 11 does not have to be located on the +Y direction side of the front surface of the heating unit 51. For example, the position of the end 23e may be located on the -Y direction side of the front surface of the heating unit 51, as in the first embodiment, or may be located at the same position in the Y axis direction as the front surface of the heating unit 51. In this case, the fabric F with application specifications wound up by the winding unit 46 may contact the front surface of the heating unit 51 between the end 23e and the winding unit 46.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the process of attaching the fabric F to the adhesive sheet AS does not have to be performed by pressing the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS supported on the upper surface 23. For example, the fabric F may be attached to the adhesive sheet AS by pressing the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS that is pulled out forward and downward from the unwinding unit 71 and supported on the front surface 24 of the device body 20. Also, for example, the fabric F may be attached to the adhesive sheet AS by pressing the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS that is pulled out forward and downward from the unwinding unit 71 and supported on the front surface of the heating unit 51. Also, for example, the fabric F may be attached to the adhesive sheet AS by pressing the fabric F against the adhesive sheet AS that is pulled out downward from the unwinding unit 71 toward the back surface 25 of the device body 20 and supported on the back surface 25. In these cases, the front surface 24, rear surface 25 of the device body 20 and the front surface of the heating unit 51 are examples of a support unit SP that supports the adhesive sheet AS from which the protective sheet SS has been peeled off to expose the adhesive layer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 11...printing device, 12...printing section, 13...head, 14...nozzle, 15...nozzle surface, 16...carriage, 20...device body, 21...legs, 22...exterior member, 23...upper surface, 23e...end portion, 24...front surface, 25...rear surface, 26...frame, 27...main frame, 28...front surface, 29...rear surface, 30...upper surface, 31...lower surface, 32...right side surface, 33...left side surface, 34, 35, 36...subframe, 37...inlet, 41...feed section, 4 2...pair of transport rollers, 43...medium support section, 45...transport roller, 46...winding section, 47...winding shaft, 48...supply section, 51...heating section, 52...heat source, 53...spraying section, 54...case, 55...circulation flow path, 61...guide bar, 62...circumferential surface, 63...drive section, 64...heat shielding member, 65...maintenance unit, 66...control section, 71, 71L, 71R...feeding section, 72...first shaft, 73...insertion section, 73c...middle section, 73h...connecting hole, 7 4...flange, 75...shaft holding portion, 75f...fixing portion, 75m...mounting portion, 76...urging portion, 76p...contact body, 76s...leaf spring, 79,79L,79R...engaged portion, 81...guide portion, 82...second shaft, 83...collection roller, 84...placement portion, 85,85L,85R...leg portion, 86...pressure mechanism, 87...pressure roller, 88...moving portion, 89,89L,89R...engagement portion, 90...driving mechanism, 91...connecting shaft, 92...first gear, 93 ...second gear, 94...torque limiter, 95...gripping portion, 98...guide roller, 99,99L,99R...position guide portion, AS...adhesive sheet, CP...contact portion, F...fabric, FP...transport portion, IR...introduction path, P...medium, P1...maintenance position, P2...cleaning position, PP...pressure portion, Pu...upper position, R1,R2,R3...roll body, SS...protective sheet, SP...support portion, T1...waste liquid tank, TR...transport path.

Claims

1. A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having a substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the substrate, the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having a protective sheet provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; a second shaft on which the protective sheet peeled off from the adhesive sheet unwound from the first shaft is wound; A drive mechanism that rotates the second shaft; a support portion that supports the adhesive sheet from which the protective sheet has been peeled off to expose the adhesive layer; a guide portion that guides the fabric through an upper position vertically above the first shaft and the second shaft toward the support portion; a printing section that is attached to the adhesive sheet at the support section and that is capable of printing on the fabric; A printing device comprising:

2. The drive mechanism includes: a first gear that rotates together with the first shaft; a second gear rotating with the second shaft; having The first gear and the second gear mesh with each other, whereby the first shaft and the second shaft rotate in conjunction with each other.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The number of teeth of the first gear is greater than the number of teeth of the second gear, The drive mechanism has a torque limiter that limits a rotational torque transmitted from the second gear to the second shaft in response to rotation of the second gear.

3. The printing device according to claim 2.

4. a biasing portion that applies a force toward a rotation center of the first shaft by contacting the first shaft, 4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

5. A pressing part is provided which presses the fabric against the adhesive sheet supported by the supporting part.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

6. A conveying unit that conveys the fabric attached to the adhesive sheet is provided.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

7. The guide portion is The second shaft is rotatably supported, The drive mechanism is provided. The support portion is detachably provided on the device body.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

8. The guide portion is a contact portion that contacts the fabric to cause the fabric to pass through the upper position; a leg portion extending vertically downward from the contact portion and rotatably supporting the second shaft; having The leg portion has an engaging portion that can engage with an engaged portion provided on the support portion.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The guide portion has a position guide portion at the upper position that guides a position of the fabric in a width direction of the fabric that intersects with a direction in which the fabric faces the support portion.

4. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

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