Medium cutting device

Abstract

To provide a medium cutting device which includes a cutter holder to which a cutter blade for cutting an elongated medium is fixed, and a unit frame configured to hold the cutter holder rotatably and which can inhibit vibration of the cutter holder in a rotation restriction state, in which the cutter holder is restricted from rotating relative to the unit frame, even when the medium cutting device cuts a medium which is relatively elastic and not easily bent.SOLUTION: A medium cutting device includes: a restriction member 42 for restricting rotation of a cutter holder 31; and a drive source 44 for rotating the restriction member 42 relative to a unit frame 32. When the restriction member 42 is placed in a restriction position 42A, the cutter holder 31 is turned into a rotation restriction state. The restriction member 42 may rotate around a support shaft 43 relative to the unit frame 32 and contacts with the cutter holder 31 at a portion located at one side of the medium 2 in a longitudinal direction relative to the support shaft 43 when placed in the restriction position 42A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media cutting device for cutting long media. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a media cutting device for cutting a long medium to separate the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The media cutting device described in Patent Document 1 is an inkjet printer equipped with a printing mechanism that performs inkjet printing on the medium before cutting. The printing mechanism includes an inkjet head that ejects ink onto the medium and a carriage on which the inkjet head is mounted. The media cutting device includes a cutter unit having a cutter blade for cutting the medium, a medium transport mechanism that transports the medium in the longitudinal direction of the medium, and a carriage drive mechanism that moves the carriage in the width direction of the medium, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the medium and the thickness direction of the medium. The cutter unit is mounted on the carriage.

[0003] In the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1, the cutter unit includes a cutter holder to which a cutter blade is fixed and a unit frame that rotatably holds the cutter holder. The unit frame is fixed to a carriage. The cutter holder is rotatable relative to the unit frame, with the thickness direction of the medium to be cut by the cutter blade as the axial direction of the rotation. In other words, the cutter holder is rotatable relative to the unit frame, with the vertical direction as the axial direction of the rotation. The cutter unit includes a switching mechanism that switches the state of the cutter holder between a rotation-restricted state in which rotation of the cutter holder relative to the unit frame is restricted, and a rotation-enabled state in which rotation of the cutter holder relative to the unit frame is permitted.

[0004] The switching mechanism includes a regulating member for regulating the rotation of the cutter holder relative to the unit frame. The regulating member is held by the unit frame so as to be movable in a front-rear direction perpendicular to the left-right direction, which is the width direction of the medium, and the up-down direction. The switching mechanism includes a solenoid for moving the regulating member between a regulating position where the regulating member approaches the cutter holder and a non-regulating position where the regulating member moves away from the cutter holder, and a tension coil spring for urging the regulating member forward relative to the unit frame. When the solenoid is de-energized, the regulating member is positioned in the regulating position by the urging force of the tension coil spring. When the solenoid is energized, the regulating member moves rearward and is positioned in the non-regulating position.

[0005] In the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1, when the regulating member is placed in the regulating position, the cutter holder is in a rotation-restricted state, and when the regulating member is placed in the restriction-release position, the cutter holder is in a rotation-enabled state. The cutting method for cutting media with the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1 includes a horizontal cutting process in which the cutter blade is moved left and right relative to the media to cut the media in the horizontal direction, and a diagonal cutting process in which the cutter blade is moved back and forth and left and right relative to the media to cut the media in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the horizontal cutting process, the cutter holder is in a rotation-restricted state, and in the diagonal cutting process, the cutter holder is in a rotation-enabled state. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-74855 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1, when the restricting member is placed in the restricting position by the biasing force of the tension coil spring, the cutter holder is in a rotation restricted state in which its rotation relative to the unit frame is restricted. Also, in the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1, the cutter holder is in a rotation restricted state during the horizontal cutting process.

[0008] According to the inventor's investigation, when cutting relatively resilient and unbreakable media (stiff media) in the cross-cutting process in the media cutting device described in Patent Document 1, the cutter holder, which is in a rotationally restricted state, may vibrate due to a reaction force from the media. Specifically, the inventor's investigation revealed that when cutting stiff media in the cross-cutting process, the reaction force from the media is transmitted to the restricting member via the cutter holder, causing the restricting member to vibrate back and forth against the biasing force of the tension coil spring, causing the cutter holder to vibrate in a rotational direction with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation (rattle). If the cutter holder, which is in a rotationally restricted state, vibrates when cutting media and the state of the cutter blade becomes unstable, problems such as jagged edges may occur.

[0009] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a media cutting device that includes a cutter holder to which a cutter blade for cutting long media is fixed and a unit frame that rotatably holds the cutter holder, and that can suppress vibration of the cutter holder in a rotation-restricted state in which rotation relative to the unit frame is restricted, even when cutting media that is relatively elastic and difficult to break. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the media cutting device of the present invention comprises: The cutter unit comprises a cutter holder that fixes a cutter blade for cutting long media and rotates around an axis in the thickness direction of the media, a regulating member that regulates the rotation of the cutter holder, a unit frame that rotatably holds the cutter holder, a cutter unit equipped with a switching mechanism that switches between a regulated state that regulates the rotation of the cutter holder and a rotatable state relative to the unit frame, and a moving mechanism that moves the cutter unit in the width direction and longitudinal direction of the media, wherein the regulating member is rotatable around a support axis relative to the unit frame with the width direction of the media as its axis, and in the regulating position is in contact with the cutter holder on one side of the support axis in the longitudinal direction of the media. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] BookIn the invention, in a media cutting device that includes a cutter holder to which a cutter blade for cutting long media is fixed and a unit frame that rotatably holds the cutter holder, it is possible to suppress vibration of the cutter holder in a rotation-restricted state in which its rotation relative to the unit frame is restricted, even when cutting media that is relatively elastic and not easily broken. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view illustrating a configuration of a media cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the media cutting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of fixing a medium to the paper tube shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cutter unit shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a side view of the tip of a cutter blade of the cutter unit shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the cutter unit shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 5 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the cutter unit shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the restricting member shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the link member shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of cutting a medium in the medium cutting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram for explaining a method of cutting a medium in the medium cutting device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] In the media cutting device of this embodiment, the switching mechanism includes a restricting member for restricting rotation of the cutter holder, a support shaft that rotatably supports the restricting member, and a drive source for rotating the restricting member relative to the unit frame between a restricting position and a release position, and when the restricting member is positioned in the restricting position, the cutter holder is in a rotation-restricted state. Also, in this embodiment, the restricting member is rotatable relative to the unit frame with the width direction of the medium as the rotation axis direction and the support shaft as the rotation center, and when positioned in the restricting position, the restricting member contacts the cutter holder on one side of the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the medium.

[0015] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a reaction force from the medium is transmitted to the regulating member via the cutter holder when cutting a relatively resilient and stiff medium, the support shaft can receive the reaction force from the medium transmitted to the regulating member. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a reaction force from the medium is transmitted to the regulating member via the cutter holder when cutting a stiff medium, the vibration of the regulating member in the longitudinal direction of the medium can be suppressed, and as a result, the regulating member positioned in the regulating position can suppress vibration of the cutter holder in the rotation-restricted state. In other words, in this embodiment, even when cutting a relatively resilient and stiff medium, the vibration of the cutter holder in the rotation-restricted state can be suppressed.

[0016] In this embodiment, when the regulating member is in the regulating position, it is preferable that the regulating member contacts the cutter holder at the same position as the support shaft in the thickness direction of the medium. With this configuration, even if a reaction force from the medium is transmitted to the regulating member via the cutter holder when cutting a stiff medium, the reaction force from the medium transmitted to the regulating member can be reliably received by the support shaft. Therefore, even if a reaction force from the medium is transmitted to the regulating member via the cutter holder when cutting a stiff medium, it is possible to effectively suppress vibration of the regulating member in the longitudinal direction of the medium.

[0017] In this embodiment, for example, the switching mechanism includes a link member for connecting the regulating member and the drive source, and a second support shaft for rotatably supporting the link member, and the link member is rotatable relative to the unit frame with the width direction of the medium as the axial direction of rotation and the second support shaft as the center of rotation, and the regulating member and link member are connected in a state where they can rotate relative to each other with the width direction of the medium as the axial direction of rotation, and when the link member rotates due to the power of the drive source, the regulating member rotates.

[0018] In this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction of the medium, it is preferable that the distance between the connecting portion between the regulating member and the link member and the second support shaft is longer than the distance between the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member and the second support shaft, and the distance between the connecting portion between the regulating member and the link member and the support shaft is shorter than the distance between the connecting portion between the regulating member and the link member and the second support shaft.

[0019] With this configuration, even if the moving distance of the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member is shortened when the link member rotates due to the power of the drive source, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the regulating member that rotates together with the link member. In other words, even if the moving distance of the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member is shortened when the link member rotates due to the power of the drive source, it is possible to increase the rotation angle of the regulating member that rotates between the regulating position and the unrestricted position. Therefore, even if the moving distance of the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member is shortened, the regulating member that is positioned at the unrestricted position does not contact the cutter holder. This makes it possible to move the regulating member away from the cutter holder so as to reliably prevent contact.

[0020] In this embodiment, for example, if the point of contact of the regulating member with the cutter holder is defined as the contact point, the distance between the contact point and the support shaft when viewed in the width direction of the medium is shorter than the distance between the support shaft and the connecting portion between the regulating member and the link member. In this case, it is possible to reduce the size of the regulating member, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the switching mechanism.

[0021] In this embodiment, for example, if the point of contact of the regulating member with the cutter holder is defined as the contact point, when the regulating member is positioned in the regulating position and viewed from the width direction of the medium, the contact point, the support shaft, the connecting portion between the regulating member and the link member, the second support shaft, and the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction of the medium. Also, in this embodiment, for example, the drive source is a solenoid, and the plunger of the solenoid moves in the thickness direction of the medium.

[0022] (Overall configuration of the printing device) Fig. 1 is a side view illustrating the configuration of a printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the printing device 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a method for fixing a medium 2 to a cardboard tube 26 shown in Fig. 1.

[0023] The printing device 1 of this embodiment is a commercial inkjet printer for printing on a long medium 2. The medium 2 is made of, for example, soft polyvinyl chloride or tarpaulin. The printing device 1 also has a cutting function for cutting the medium 2 to separate the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2. The printing device 1 has a printing mechanism 3 that prints on the medium 2 using an inkjet method before cutting, and a support 4 that supports the printing mechanism 3 from below. The printing mechanism 3 has an inkjet head 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "head 6") that ejects ink onto the medium 2, and a carriage 7 on which the head 6 is mounted. The printing device 1 of this embodiment is a medium cutting device for cutting the long medium 2.

[0024] The printing device 1 also includes a cutter unit 9 having a cutter blade 8 (see FIG. 5, etc.) for cutting the long medium 2, a medium transport mechanism 10 that transports the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2, a carriage drive mechanism 11 that moves the carriage 7 in the width direction of the medium 2 (main scanning direction, Y direction in FIG. 1, etc.) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the medium 2 and the thickness direction of the medium 2, a medium feeding mechanism 12 that feeds out the medium 2 before printing toward the printing mechanism 3, and a medium winding mechanism 13 that winds up the medium 2 after printing. The printing device 1 also includes a control unit 14 that controls the printing device 1.

[0025] In the following description, the width direction of the medium 2 (Y direction in FIG. 1, etc.) is referred to as the "left-right direction," and the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction (vertical direction, Z direction in FIG. 1, etc.) and left-right direction (X direction in FIG. 1, etc.) is referred to as the "front-rear direction." Furthermore, the Y1 direction in FIG. 3, etc., which is one side of the left-right direction, is referred to as the "left" side, and the Y2 direction in FIG. 3, etc., which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "right" side. Furthermore, the X1 direction in FIG. 1, etc., which is one side of the front-rear direction, is referred to as the "front" side, and the X2 direction in FIG. 1, etc., which is the opposite side, is referred to as the "rear" side. Furthermore, in the following description, the direction in which the medium 2 is transported by the medium transport mechanism 10 is referred to as the "medium transport direction." Furthermore, the upstream side of the medium transport direction is referred to as the "upstream transport direction side," and the downstream side of the medium transport direction is referred to as the "downstream transport direction side."

[0026] The carriage 7 is supported by a support frame 17 so as to be movable in the left-right direction. A platen 18 is disposed below the carriage 7. The head 6 ejects ink downward. The carriage drive mechanism 11 includes, for example, a belt partially fixed to the carriage 7, a pulley around which the belt is wound, and a motor for rotating the pulley. The medium 2 to be printed is placed on the platen 18. The thickness direction of the medium 2 placed on the platen 18 coincides with the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the medium 2 before printing is transported from the rear side to the top surface of the platen 18, and the medium 2 after printing is transported from the top surface of the platen 18 to the front side.

[0027] The medium transport mechanism 10 includes a transport roller 19 and a pad roller 20 that is disposed opposite the transport roller 19 and is biased toward the transport roller 19. The transport roller 19 and pad roller 20 are disposed behind the head 6, the cutter blade 8, and the platen 18. The transport roller 19 is connected to a drive mechanism that rotates the transport roller 19. The drive mechanism includes a motor as a drive source. The medium 2 is transported while sandwiched between the transport roller 19 and the pad roller 20.

[0028] The cutter unit 9 is mounted on the carriage 7 and is positioned above the medium 2 placed on the platen 18. The cutter blade 8 cuts the medium 2 placed on the platen 18. The cutter unit 9 is mounted, for example, on the right or left end of the carriage 7. The cutter unit 9 moves left and right together with the carriage 7. In this embodiment, the medium transport mechanism 10 and the carriage drive mechanism 11 form a movement mechanism 21 that moves the cutter unit 9 relative to the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction and width direction of the medium 2. The specific configuration of the cutter unit 9 will be described later.

[0029] The medium feeding mechanism 12 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. The medium feeding mechanism 12 rotatably holds a feeding roll 23. The feeding roll 23 is composed of a cylindrical cardboard tube 24 that forms the center of the feeding roll 23, and the pre-printed medium 2 that is wound in a roll around the cardboard tube 24. An end of the medium 2 is fixed to the cardboard tube 24. The medium feeding mechanism 12 has a rotating shaft that is inserted into the inner periphery of the cardboard tube 24.

[0030] The medium take-up mechanism 13 is disposed below the printing mechanism 3. The medium take-up mechanism 13 rotatably holds a take-up roll 25. The take-up roll 25 is composed of a cylindrical cardboard tube 26 that forms the center of the take-up roll 25 and the printed medium 2 wound around the cardboard tube 26 in a roll shape. An end of the medium 2 is fixed to the cardboard tube 26. The end of the cardboard tube 26 is fixed to the cardboard tube 26 with, for example, tape 27. The medium take-up mechanism 13 includes a rotating shaft that is inserted into the inner periphery of the cardboard tube 26, a drive mechanism that rotates the rotating shaft, and a torque limiter that idles the take-up roll 25 so that the tension of the medium 2 taken up around the take-up roll 25 does not exceed a predetermined tension. The medium take-up mechanism 13 rotates the cardboard tube 26 to take up the medium 2 around the cardboard tube 26.

[0031] The control unit 14 is electrically connected to the medium conveying mechanism 10. Specifically, the control unit 14 is electrically connected to a motor and the like that constitute part of the medium conveying mechanism 10. The control unit 14 is also electrically connected to the carriage drive mechanism 11. Specifically, the control unit 14 is electrically connected to a motor and the like that constitute part of the carriage drive mechanism 11. The control unit 14 is also electrically connected to a lifting mechanism 33 and a switching mechanism 34 (described below) that constitute part of the cutter unit 9. Specifically, the control unit 14 is electrically connected to a solenoid 38 (described below) that constitutes part of the lifting mechanism 33 and a solenoid 44 (described below) that constitutes part of the switching mechanism 34.

[0032] (Cutter unit configuration) Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cutter unit 9 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a side view of the tip of the cutter blade 8 of the cutter unit 9 shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 6 and 7 are side views for explaining the configuration of the cutter unit 9 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the regulating member 42 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the link member 45 shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of part E in Fig. 6.

[0033] The cutter unit 9 includes a cutter holder 31 to which the cutter blade 8 is fixed, and a unit frame 32 that rotatably holds the cutter holder 31. The cutter holder 31 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32, with the thickness direction of the medium 2 placed on the platen 18 as the axis of rotation. In other words, the cutter holder 31 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32, with the thickness direction of the medium 2 to be cut by the cutter blade 8 as the axis of rotation. Specifically, the cutter holder 31 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32, with the vertical direction as the axis of rotation. Note that the cutter blade 8 is not shown in FIG. 4.

[0034] The unit frame 32 also holds the cutter holder 31 so that it can be raised and lowered, and the cutter holder 31 can be raised and lowered relative to the unit frame 32. The cutter unit 9 is equipped with an elevation mechanism 33 that raises and lowers the cutter holder 31 relative to the unit frame 32. The cutter unit 9 is also equipped with a switching mechanism 34 that switches the state of the cutter holder 31 between a rotation restricted state in which rotation of the cutter holder 31 relative to the unit frame 32 is restricted, and a rotation permitted state in which rotation of the cutter holder 31 relative to the unit frame 32 is permitted.

[0035] The cutter blade 8 is a double-edged cutter blade with a sharp cutting edge (see FIG. 5). The cutter holder 31 is attached to the front end of the unit frame 32 so as to be movable up and down and rotatable. The cutter blade 8 is fixed to the front lower end of the cutter holder 31. When the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, the thickness direction of the cutter blade 8 coincides with the front-rear direction, and the width direction of the cutter blade 8 coincides with the left-right direction. A flat contact surface 31a is formed at the upper end of the cutter holder 31, with which a restricting member 42 (described below) constituting part of the switching mechanism 34 comes into contact from the rear side. The contact surface 31a is a plane that is perpendicular to the front-rear direction when the cutter holder 31 is in the rotation-restricted state. The cutter blade 8 may be a single-edged cutter blade.

[0036] The unit frame 32 is fixed to the carriage 7. A guide shaft 35 for guiding the cutter holder 31 in the up-down direction is fixed to the unit frame 32. The guide shaft 35 is arranged so that the axial direction of the guide shaft 35 coincides with the up-down direction. A guide hole through which the guide shaft 35 is inserted is formed in the cutter holder 31, and this guide hole passes through the cutter holder 31 in the up-down direction. The guide shaft 35 serves as the rotation center of the cutter holder 31, which rotates relative to the unit frame 32 with the up-down direction as the axial direction of the rotation.

[0037] The lifting mechanism 33 includes a lever member 36, a support shaft 37 that rotatably supports the lever member 36, a solenoid 38 for rotating the lever member 36 relative to the unit frame 32, and a compression coil spring 39 that urges the cutter holder 31 upward relative to the unit frame 32. The support shaft 37 is attached to the unit frame 32, and the lever member 36 is rotatably held by the unit frame 32 via the support shaft 37.

[0038] The support shaft 37 is arranged so that the axial direction of the support shaft 37 coincides with the left-right direction. The lever member 36 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32 with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation. The rear end of the lever member 36 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 37. The front end of the lever member 36 engages with the cutter holder 31. The cutter holder 31 is formed with an engagement recess 31b into which the front end of the lever member 36 is inserted and engaged.

[0039] The solenoid 38 is fixed to the unit frame 32 so that a plunger 38a of the solenoid 38 protrudes upward. The plunger 38a moves up and down. An engagement pin 40 is fixed to the upper end of the plunger 38a, and engages with the middle portion of the lever member 36 in the front-to-rear direction. The guide shaft 35 is inserted into the inner periphery of the compression coil spring 39. The upper end of the compression coil spring 39 contacts the cutter holder 31, and the lower end of the compression coil spring 39 contacts the unit frame 32.

[0040] When the solenoid 38 is de-energized, the cutter holder 31 is raised by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 39. When the cutter holder 31 is raised by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 39, the bottom end of the cutter blade 8 is raised to a position where it does not come into contact with the medium 2 placed on the platen 18. When the solenoid 38 is energized, the plunger 38a descends, causing the lever member 36 to rotate in a direction that lowers the front end of the lever member 36, and the cutter holder 31 descends. When the cutter holder 31 descends, the cutter blade 8 can cut the medium 2. In other words, when the cutter blade 8 is cutting the medium 2, the solenoid 38 is energized.

[0041] The switching mechanism 34 includes a regulating member 42 for regulating the rotation of the cutter holder 31 in the vertical direction as the axis of rotation, a support shaft 43 for rotatably supporting the regulating member 42, a solenoid 44 as a driving source for rotating the regulating member 42 between a regulating position 42A (see Figure 6) where the regulating member 42 contacts the cutter holder 31 and a deregulating position 42B (see Figure 7) where the regulating member 42 is separated from the cutter holder 31 so as not to contact the cutter holder 31, a link member 45 for connecting the regulating member 42 and the solenoid 44, and a support shaft 46 as a second support shaft for rotatably supporting the link member 45.

[0042] The support shaft 43 is attached to the unit frame 32. The support shaft 43 is disposed so that its axial direction coincides with the left-right direction. The support shaft 43 is also disposed above the solenoid 38. The regulating member 42 is disposed behind the upper end of the cutter holder 31. Specifically, the regulating member 42 is disposed behind the contact surface 31a. The regulating member 42 is rotatably held by the unit frame 32 via the support shaft 43. The regulating member 42 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32 with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation and the support shaft 43 as the center of rotation. A connecting pin 47 that connects the regulating member 42 and the link member 45 is fixed to the regulating member 42.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8 , the restricting member 42 is formed by bending a flat metal plate into a rectangular groove shape. The restricting member 42 is composed of two flat restricting portions 42a with a thickness extending in the left-right direction and a flat connecting portion 42b connecting the upper ends of the two restricting portions 42a. The restricting portions 42a are formed with a circular through-hole 42c through which the support shaft 43 is inserted and a circular fixing hole 42d to which the connecting pin 47 is fixed. The through-hole 42c is positioned forward of the fixing hole 42d. The connecting pin 47 is fixed to the fixing hole 42d so that the axial direction of the connecting pin 47 coincides with the left-right direction. A restricting surface 42e that contacts the contact surface 31a is formed at the front lower end of the restricting portion 42a. When viewed from the left-right direction, the restricting surface 42e has a curved, arc-shaped surface.

[0044] The support shaft 46 is attached to the unit frame 32. The support shaft 46 is disposed so that the axial direction of the support shaft 46 coincides with the left-right direction. The support shaft 46 is disposed above and behind the solenoid 38. The support shaft 46 is also disposed behind the support shaft 43. The link member 45 is disposed behind the restricting member 42. The link member 45 is rotatably held by the unit frame 32 via the support shaft 46. The link member 45 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32 with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation and the support shaft 46 as the center of rotation. The center of the link member 45 in the front-rear direction is rotatably supported by the support shaft 46.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9 , the link member 45 is formed by bending a flat metal plate into a rectangular groove shape. The link member 45 includes two flat link portions 45a with a thickness in the left-right direction and a flat connecting portion 45b connecting the upper ends of the two link portions 45a. The link portion 45a includes a circular through-hole 45c through which the support shaft 46 is inserted, an elongated engagement hole 45d with which the connecting pin 47 is engaged, and an elongated engagement hole 45e with which an engagement pin 48 (described below) fixed to the plunger 44a of the solenoid 44 is engaged. The engagement hole 45d is formed on the front end side of the link portion 45a, and the engagement hole 45e is formed on the rear end side of the link portion 45a. The through-hole 45c is formed in the center of the link portion 45a in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The link member 45 is biased in a clockwise direction in FIG. 6 (hereinafter, this direction will be referred to as the "clockwise direction") around the support shaft 46 by a spring member (not shown). That is, the switching mechanism 34 is provided with a spring member that biases the link member 45 in the clockwise direction. The spring member is, for example, a torsion coil spring, and the support shaft 46 is inserted into the inner periphery of the torsion coil spring. In the following description, the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 6, which is the opposite direction to the clockwise direction, will be referred to as the "counterclockwise direction."

[0047] The solenoid 44 is fixed to the unit frame 32 so that a plunger 44a of the solenoid 44 protrudes upward. The plunger 44a moves up and down. An engagement pin 48 that engages with the rear end of the link member 45 is fixed to the upper end of the plunger 44a. The engagement pin 48 is fixed to the upper end of the plunger 44a so that the axial direction of the engagement pin 48 coincides with the left-right direction. The engagement pin 48 contacts the lower surface of the engagement hole 45e due to the biasing force of a spring member that biases the link member 45 clockwise (see Figures 6 and 7).

[0048] The rear end of the restricting member 42 is disposed between the front ends of the two link portions 45a in the left-right direction. As described above, the connecting pin 47 fixed to the restricting member 42 engages with the engaging hole 45d of the link member 45, and the restricting member 42 and the link member 45 are connected by the connecting pin 47 so as to be capable of relative rotation about the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. In other words, the restricting member 42 and the link member 45 are connected in a state in which they are capable of relative rotation about the left-right direction as the axis of rotation.

[0049] When viewed from the left-right direction, a distance L1 (see FIG. 10) between the support shaft 46 and a connecting pin 47 that connects the restricting member 42 and the link member 45 is longer than a distance L2 (see FIG. 10) between the support shaft 46 and an engagement pin 48 that connects the solenoid 44 and the link member 45. When viewed from the left-right direction, a distance L3 (see FIG. 10) between the connecting pin 47 and the support shaft 43 is shorter than the distance L1. When a portion of the restricting member 42 that contacts the cutter holder 31 (specifically, a portion that contacts the contact surface 31a) is defined as a contact point 42f, a distance L4 (see FIG. 10) between the contact point 42f and the support shaft 43 is shorter than the distance L3.

[0050] When the solenoid 44 is in a non-energized state, the link member 45 is biased clockwise and the restricting member 42 is biased counterclockwise by the biasing force of the spring member. In this state, the restricting member 42 is located at the restricting position 42A (see FIG. 6). That is, when the solenoid 44 is in a non-energized state, the restricting member 42 is located at the restricting position 42A by the biasing force of the spring member. When the solenoid 44 is in a conductive state, the plunger 44a moves downward, the link member 45 rotates counterclockwise, and the restricting member 42 rotates clockwise, so that the restricting member 42 is located at the unrestricted position 42B (see FIG. 7). That is, when the link member 45 rotates due to the power of the solenoid 44, the restricting member 42 rotates.

[0051] The restricting surface 42e of the restricting member 42 disposed in the restricting position 42A is in contact with the contact surface 31a of the cutter holder 31. Therefore, when the restricting member 42 is disposed in the restricting position 42A, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation restricted state in which rotation of the cutter holder 31 relative to the unit frame 32 is restricted. On the other hand, a large gap is formed between the restricting surface 42e of the restricting member 42 disposed in the restricting release position 42B and the contact surface 31a of the cutter holder 31. Therefore, when the restricting member 42 is disposed in the restricting release position 42B, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotatable state in which rotation of the cutter holder 31 relative to the unit frame 32 is possible.

[0052] When the cutter holder 31 is in the rotatable state, as shown by the arrow in Fig. 4, the cutter holder 31 can rotate relative to the unit frame 32 with the vertical direction as the rotation axis and the guide shaft 35 as the rotation center. The cutter unit 9 is equipped with a rotation range limiting member that limits the rotation range (rotation angle) of the cutter holder 31 in the rotatable state. This rotation range limiting member is fixed to the unit frame 32. This rotation range limiting member is capable of coming into contact with the rear surface of the cutter holder 31. For example, this rotation range limiting member limits the maximum rotation angle of the cutter holder 31 to about 15° in one direction and the other direction when the thickness direction of the cutter blade 8 is aligned with the front-rear direction.

[0053] When the regulating member 42 is positioned at the regulating position 42A, it contacts the cutter holder 31 forward of the support shaft 43, and the contact point 42f is positioned forward of the support shaft 43. That is, when the regulating member 42 is positioned at the regulating position 42A, it contacts the cutter holder 31 on one side of the support shaft 43 in the longitudinal direction of the medium 2 (specifically, on one side of the longitudinal direction of the medium 2 when the medium 2 is placed on the platen 18 and cut by the cutter blade 8). Also, as shown in FIG. 6, when the regulating member 42 is positioned at the regulating position 42A, it contacts the cutter holder 31 at the same position as the support shaft 43 in the vertical direction. That is, the contact point 42f is positioned at the same position as the support shaft 43 in the vertical direction.

[0054] When the restricting member 42 is disposed at the restricting position 42A and viewed from the left and right, the contact point 42f, the support shaft 43, the connecting pin 47, the support shaft 46, and the engaging pin 48 are arranged in this order from the front in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, when the restricting member 42 is disposed at the restricting position 42A and viewed from the left and right, the contact point 42f, the support shaft 43, the connecting pin 47, the support shaft 46, and the engaging pin 48 are arranged in a substantially straight line.

[0055] (Media cutting method) 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining a method for cutting the medium 2 in the printing device 1 shown in FIG.

[0056] In the printing device 1, after printing on a certain medium 2 is completed, if printing is to be performed on a different medium 2 (specifically, a medium 2 of a different material or width), the medium 2 set in the printing device 1 is replaced. Before replacing the medium 2, the medium 2 is cut by the cutter blade 8, for example, as follows. An example of a method for cutting the medium 2 before replacement in the printing device 1 is described below.

[0057] In replacing the medium 2, the unprinted medium 2, which is located upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction, is taken up, for example, on the payout roll 23 and removed from the printing device 1, and the printed medium 2, which is located downstream of the cutting position in the transport direction, is taken up, for example, on the take-up roll 25 and removed from the printing device 1. After replacing the medium 2, the payout roll 23 is attached to the printing device 1. The medium 2 is then pulled out from the payout roll 23 and passed over the platen 18, and the downstream end of the medium 2 in the transport direction is fixed to the cardboard tube 26.

[0058] The method of cutting the medium 2 includes a piercing step ST1 in which the cutter blade 8 pierces the medium 2, and horizontal cutting steps ST2 and ST3 in which the cutter blade 8 is moved left and right relative to the medium 2 starting from the piercing point SP1 (see Figure 11(A)), where the cutter blade 8 pierced the medium 2 in the piercing step ST1, to cut the medium 2 left and right.

[0059] The method of cutting the medium 2 also includes a piercing step ST4 in which the cutter blade 8 pierces the medium 2, a horizontal cutting step ST5 in which the cutter blade 8 is moved left and right relative to the medium 2 starting from the piercing point SP2 (see Figure 11 (C)), where the cutter blade 8 was pierced in the piercing step ST4, to cut the medium 2 in the left and right directions, and an oblique cutting step ST6 in which the cutter blade 8 is moved relative to the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction and left and right directions, starting from the piercing point SP2, to cut the medium 2 in a direction oblique to the left and right directions.

[0060] Furthermore, the method of cutting the medium 2 includes a piercing step ST7 in which the cutter blade 8 pierces the medium 2, a horizontal cutting step ST8 in which the cutter blade 8 is moved left and right relative to the medium 2 starting from the piercing point SP3 (see Figure 12 (B)), where the cutter blade 8 was pierced in the piercing step ST7, to cut the medium 2 in the left and right directions, and an oblique cutting step ST9 in which the cutter blade 8 is moved relative to the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction and left and right directions, starting from the piercing point SP3, to cut the medium 2 in a direction oblique to the left and right directions.

[0061] The series of steps ST1 to ST9 are performed in this order. If the portion of the medium 2 that has been printed by the printing mechanism 3 is designated as the printed section 2a, and the portion of the medium 2 that is upstream of the printed section 2a in the medium transport direction and that has not been printed by the printing mechanism 3 is designated as the non-printed section 2b, the series of steps ST1 to ST9 are performed on the non-printed section 2b.

[0062] In the piercing step ST1, the cutter blade 8 is pierced into the middle position of the medium 2 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 11(A)). In the piercing step ST1, the cutter unit 9, with the cutter holder 31 raised, is moved to a predetermined position, and then the cutter holder 31 is lowered to pierce the cutter blade 8 into the medium 2. In the piercing step ST1, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32.

[0063] In the horizontal cutting step ST2, the cutter blade 8 is moved leftward from the piercing point SP1 to the left edge of the medium 2 to cut the medium 2 (see FIG. 11A). That is, in the horizontal cutting step ST2, the cutter unit 9 is moved leftward while the medium 2 is stopped to cut the medium 2. In the horizontal cutting step ST3, the cutter blade 8 is moved rightward from the piercing point ST1 to the right edge of the medium 2 to cut the medium 2 (see FIG. 11B). In the horizontal cutting steps ST2 and ST3, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32. In the following description, the medium 2 positioned upstream in the transport direction from the cutting position of the medium 2 in the horizontal cutting steps ST2 and ST3 is referred to as the upstream medium 2c, and the downstream edge of the upstream medium 2c in the transport direction after the horizontal cutting steps ST2 and ST3 are completed is referred to as the first edge 2d.

[0064] In the piercing step ST4, the cutter blade 8 pierces the left end of the upstream medium 2c (see FIG. 11(C)). In the piercing step ST4, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32. In the horizontal cutting step ST5, the cutter blade 8 moves to the left starting from the piercing point SP2, and cuts the upstream medium 2c from the piercing point SP2 to the left end face of the upstream medium 2c (see FIG. 11(C)). In the horizontal cutting step ST5, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32.

[0065] In the oblique cutting process ST6, the cutter blade 8 is moved relatively to the downstream side and to the right in the conveying direction with respect to the upstream medium 2c, starting from the piercing point SP2 to the first end face 2d, to cut the upstream medium 2c from the piercing point SP2 to the first end face 2d (see FIG. 12(A)). That is, in the oblique cutting process ST6, the upstream medium 2c is cut by moving the cutter unit 9 to the right at a predetermined speed while conveying the upstream medium 2c upstream in the conveying direction at a predetermined speed. Also, in the oblique cutting process ST6, the upstream medium 2c is cut in a straight line from the piercing point SP2 to the first end face 2d.

[0066] After the oblique cutting step ST6 is completed, a second end face 2e parallel to the left-right direction and a third end face 2f inclined toward the right and downstream in the conveyance direction are formed at the downstream end of the upstream medium 2c in the conveyance direction. The second end face 2e is formed between the left end face of the upstream medium 2c and the piercing point SP2. The third end face 2f is formed between the piercing point SP2 and the first end face 2d. The right end of the third end face 2f is located to the left of the center of the first end face 2d in the left-right direction.

[0067] In the oblique cutting step ST6, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotatable state, and the cutter blade 8 is in a rotatable state relative to the unit frame 32. In the oblique cutting step ST6, the cutter blade 8 rotates relative to the unit frame 32 so that the direction of relative movement of the cutter blade 8 with respect to the upstream medium 2c coincides with the width direction of the cutter blade 8, and then moves relative to the upstream medium 2c while maintaining the state in which the direction of relative movement of the cutter blade 8 with respect to the upstream medium 2c coincides with the width direction of the cutter blade 8.

[0068] In the piercing process ST7, the cutter blade 8 pierces the right end of the upstream medium 2c (see FIG. 12(B)). In this embodiment, the piercing point SP3 is formed at the same position as the piercing point SP2 in the medium transport direction. Therefore, after the diagonal cutting process ST6 and before the piercing process ST7, the upstream medium 2c is transported a predetermined distance downstream in the transport direction. Also, in this embodiment, the distance (left-right distance) from the left end face of the upstream medium 2c to the piercing point SP2 is equal to the distance (left-right distance) from the right end face of the upstream medium 2c to the piercing point SP3. In the piercing process ST7, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32.

[0069] In the horizontal cutting step ST8, the cutter blade 8 is moved to the right starting from the piercing point SP3 to cut the upstream medium 2c from the piercing point SP3 to the right end face of the upstream medium 2c (see FIG. 12(B)). In the horizontal cutting step ST8, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotation-restricted state, and the cutter blade 8 does not rotate relative to the unit frame 32.

[0070] In the oblique cutting process ST9, the cutter blade 8 is moved relatively to the downstream side and left side in the conveying direction with respect to the upstream medium 2c, starting from the piercing point SP3 to the first end face 2d, to cut the upstream medium 2c from the piercing point SP3 to the first end face 2d (see FIG. 12(C)). That is, in the oblique cutting process ST9, the upstream medium 2c is cut by moving the cutter unit 9 to the left at a predetermined speed while conveying the upstream medium 2c upstream in the conveying direction at a predetermined speed. Also, in the oblique cutting process ST9, the upstream medium 2c is cut in a straight line from the piercing point SP3 to the first end face 2d.

[0071] After the oblique cutting process ST9 is completed, a fourth edge surface 2g, which is parallel to the left-right direction, and a fifth edge surface 2h, which slopes toward the left and toward the downstream side in the transport direction, are formed at the downstream end of the upstream medium 2c in the transport direction. The fourth edge surface 2g is formed between the right edge surface of the upstream medium 2c and the piercing point SP3. The fifth edge surface 2h is formed between the piercing point SP3 and the first edge surface 2d. The left end of the fifth edge surface 2h is located to the right of the center of the first edge surface 2d in the left-right direction. Therefore, even after the oblique cutting process ST9 is completed, the center of the first edge surface 2d in the left-right direction remains, and the downstream edge surface of the upstream medium 2c in the transport direction after the oblique cutting process ST9 is composed of the first edge surface 2d, the second edge surface 2e, the third edge surface 2f, the fourth edge surface 2g, and the fifth edge surface 2h.

[0072] In the oblique cutting step ST9, the cutter holder 31 is in a rotatable state, and the cutter blade 8 is in a rotatable state relative to the unit frame 32. In the oblique cutting step ST9, the cutter blade 8 rotates relative to the unit frame 32 so that the direction of relative movement of the cutter blade 8 with respect to the upstream medium 2c coincides with the width direction of the cutter blade 8, and then moves relative to the upstream medium 2c while maintaining the state in which the direction of relative movement of the cutter blade 8 with respect to the upstream medium 2c coincides with the width direction of the cutter blade 8.

[0073] In this embodiment, the cutting angle θ1 (see FIG. 12A) of the upstream medium 2c relative to the left-right direction in the oblique cutting step ST6 (i.e., the tilt angle of the third edge surface 2f relative to the left-right direction) is equal to the cutting angle θ2 (see FIG. 12C) of the upstream medium 2c relative to the left-right direction in the oblique cutting step ST9 (i.e., the tilt angle of the fifth edge surface 2h relative to the left-right direction). The cutting angles θ1 and θ2 are, for example, 7° to 13°. In this embodiment, the cutting angles θ1 and θ2 are 10°.

[0074] Note that after cutting the medium 2 before replacing the medium 2, the downstream end face in the transport direction of the upstream medium 2c is composed of the first end face 2d, the second end face 2e, the third end face 2f, the fourth end face 2g, and the fifth end face 2h. Therefore, the downstream end face in the transport direction of the medium 2 that is removed from the printing device 1 and then reattached to the printing device 1 also is composed of the first end face 2d, the second end face 2e, the third end face 2f, the fourth end face 2g, and the fifth end face 2h. Therefore, during the medium 2 replacement operation, the downstream end face in the transport direction of the medium 2 that is fixed to the cardboard tube 26 is composed of the first end face 2d, the second end face 2e, the third end face 2f, the fourth end face 2g, and the fifth end face 2h (see FIG. 3). The center portion of the medium 2 in the left-right direction, where the first end face 2d is formed, is fixed to the cardboard tube 26.

[0075] However, when a new medium 2 is attached to the printing device 1, the downstream end face in the transport direction of the medium 2 fixed to the paper tube 26 is parallel to the left and right. In this case, before fixing the downstream end face in the transport direction of the medium 2 to the paper tube 26, the piercing step ST4, the horizontal cutting step ST5, the diagonal cutting step ST6, the piercing step ST7, the horizontal cutting step ST8, and the diagonal cutting step ST9 are performed.

[0076] The piercing step ST1, horizontal cutting steps ST2 and ST3, piercing step ST4, horizontal cutting step ST5, diagonal cutting step ST6, piercing step ST7, horizontal cutting step ST8, and diagonal cutting step ST9 are performed automatically and continuously. That is, in the printing device 1, a control program for continuously executing the series of steps ST1 to ST9 is stored in the control unit 14, and the control unit 14 continuously executes the series of steps ST1 to ST9 based on this control program. For example, when the medium 2 needs to be replaced and the operator of the printing device 1 presses a predetermined operation button, the control unit 14 continuously executes the series of steps ST1 to ST9.

[0077] (Main effect of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the switching mechanism 34 includes the restricting member 42 for restricting the rotation of the cutter holder 31 and the support shaft 43 for rotatably supporting the restricting member 42, and when the restricting member 42 is disposed at the restricting position 42A, the cutter holder 31 is placed in a rotation-restricted state. Also, in this embodiment, the restricting member 42 is rotatable relative to the unit frame 32 with the left-right direction as the axial direction of the rotation and the support shaft 43 as the center of rotation, and when disposed at the restricting position 42A, the restricting member 42 is in contact with the cutter holder 31 on the front side of the support shaft 43.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the reaction force from the medium 2 is transmitted to the regulating member 42 via the cutter holder 31 when cutting stiff medium 2, which is relatively resilient and difficult to break, the reaction force from the medium 2 transmitted to the regulating member 42 can be received by the support shaft 43. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the reaction force from the medium 2 is transmitted to the regulating member 42 via the cutter holder 31 when cutting stiff medium 2, it is possible to suppress vibration of the regulating member 42 in the front-to-rear direction, and as a result, it is possible to suppress vibration of the cutter holder 31 in the rotation-restricted state by the regulating member 42 positioned at the regulating position 42A. In other words, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress vibration of the cutter holder 31 in the rotation-restricted state, even when cutting stiff medium 2.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the regulating member 42 is disposed in the regulating position 42A, it contacts the cutter holder 31 at the same position in the up-down direction as the support shaft 43. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a reaction force from the medium 2 is transmitted to the regulating member 42 via the cutter holder 31 when cutting stiff medium 2, the reaction force from the medium 2 transmitted to the regulating member 42 can be reliably received by the support shaft 43. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a reaction force from the medium 2 is transmitted to the regulating member 42 via the cutter holder 31 when cutting stiff medium 2, it is possible to effectively suppress vibration of the regulating member 42 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, when viewed from the left and right, the distance L1 between the connecting pin 47 and the support shaft 46 is longer than the distance L2 between the engagement pin 48 and the support shaft 46, and the distance L3 between the connecting pin 47 and the support shaft 43 is shorter than the distance L1. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the movement distance of the plunger 44a is shortened when the link member 45 rotates due to the power of the solenoid 44, the rotation angle of the regulating member 42 can be increased. That is, in this embodiment, even if the movement distance of the plunger 44a is shortened, the rotation angle of the regulating member 42 rotating between the regulating position 42A and the unrestricted position 42B can be increased. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the movement distance of the plunger 44a is shortened, the regulating member 42 can be moved away from the cutter holder 31 so that the regulating member 42 positioned at the unrestricted position 42B does not reliably contact the cutter holder 31.

[0081] In this embodiment, when viewed from the left-right direction, the distance L4 between the contact point 42f and the support shaft 43 is shorter than the distance L3 between the connecting pin 47 and the support shaft 43. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the restricting member 42, and as a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the switching mechanism 34.

[0082] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiment is one example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the restricting member 42 may be disposed at the unrestricted position 42B when the solenoid 44 is de-energized, and may be disposed at the restricting position 42A when the solenoid 44 is energized. In this case, the link member 45 is biased counterclockwise around the support shaft 46 by a spring member. In the above-described embodiment, the solenoid 44 may be fixed to the unit frame 32 so that the plunger 44a moves in the front-rear direction. In this case, the engagement pin 48 is disposed below the support shaft 46, for example. In the above-described embodiment, the switching mechanism 34 may include a motor as a drive source instead of the solenoid 44. In the above-described embodiment, the switching mechanism 34 may include an air cylinder or the like as a drive source instead of the solenoid 44.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, contact point 42f may be located above or below support shaft 43. Also, in the embodiment described above, switching mechanism 34 may not include link member 45 and support shaft 46. In this case, plunger 44a of solenoid 44 is directly connected to restriction member 42. Restriction member 42 has an elongated engagement hole formed therein, instead of fixing hole 42d, with which engagement pin 48 engages. Also, in this case, restriction member 42 is biased counterclockwise around support shaft 43 by a spring member such as a torsion coil spring.

[0085] In the embodiment described above, the cutter unit 9 does not have to be mounted on the carriage 7. In this case, a carriage on which the cutter unit 9 is mounted and a cutter unit drive mechanism that moves the carriage in the left-right direction are provided separately. Also, in this case, a second cutter unit drive mechanism that moves the carriage on which the cutter unit 9 is mounted in the front-rear direction may be provided. In this case, for example, the cutter unit drive mechanism and the second cutter unit drive mechanism may constitute a movement mechanism that moves the cutter unit 9 relative to the medium 2 in the longitudinal direction and width direction of the medium 2.

[0086] In the above-described embodiment, the medium 2 may be made of a resin other than polyvinyl chloride, or may be made of paper. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a processing mechanism for performing a predetermined process on the medium 2 before cutting may be provided instead of the printing mechanism 3. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the printing mechanism 3 or processing mechanism does not have to be provided. In other words, the medium cutting device to which the present invention is applied may be a device that only has a cutting function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Printing device (media cutting device) 2 medium 8 cutter blade 9 Cutter unit 21 Moving mechanism 31 Cutter holder 32 unit frame 34 Switching mechanism 42 Regulatory member 42A Restriction position 42B Restriction release position 42f Contact point 43 Support shaft 44 Solenoid (drive source) 44a plunger 45 Link member 46 Support shaft (second support shaft) 47 Connecting pin (connecting part between restricting member and link member) 48 Engagement pin (connection part between drive source and link member) L1: Distance between the connecting portion of the restricting member and the link member and the second support shaft L2: Distance between the second support shaft and the connecting portion between the drive source and the link member L3: Distance between the connection part of the regulating member and the link member and the support shaft L4 Distance between the contact point and the support shaft X: Longitudinal direction of the medium Y Media width direction Z Media thickness direction

Claims

1. A cutter holder that fixes a cutter blade for cutting a long medium and rotates around an axis in the thickness direction of the medium; a restricting member that restricts the rotation of the cutter holder; a unit frame that rotatably holds the cutter holder; a cutter unit including a switching mechanism that switches between a restricted state in which rotation of the cutter holder is restricted and a rotatable state relative to the unit frame; a movement mechanism for moving the cutter unit in the width direction and the length direction of the medium, A media cutting device characterized in that the regulating member has an axis in the width direction of the medium, is rotatable around a support axis relative to the unit frame, and when in the regulating position, is in contact with the cutter holder on one side of the support axis in the longitudinal direction of the medium.

2. 2. The media cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the regulating member contacts the cutter holder at the same position as the support shaft.

3. the switching mechanism includes a link member for connecting the regulating member and a drive source, and a second support shaft for rotatably supporting the link member; 3. The media cutting device according to claim 1, wherein when the link member is rotated by the power of the drive source, the regulating member is rotated.

4. the drive source is a solenoid, 4. The media cutting device according to claim 3, wherein the plunger of the solenoid moves in the thickness direction of the media.

Images