heat press machine

Abstract

A heat press machine capable of suitably carrying out thermal transfer processing is provided. [Solution] The heat press H includes a base member 10 on which a transfer object and a thermal transfer sheet are placed, a rotating member 20 attached to the base member via a rotating shaft 15, and a pressing member 30 that rotates together with the rotating member to press the base member. The base member 10 has a base main body 11 and a mounting plate 12 movably attached to the base main body. The pressing member 30 has a pressing main body 31 movably attached to the rotating member 20, and a heater 32. When the rotating member 20 rotates relative to the base member 10, the pressing member 30 presses the base member with the heater 32 facing the mounting plate 12. The mounting plate 12 and pressing main body 31 move so that the mounting surface of the mounting plate and the heater surface of the heater 32 align.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heat press machine, and more particularly to a heat press machine that presses and heats a thermal transfer sheet against a transfer target. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, heat press machines are known that are capable of performing a thermal transfer process by pressing a thermal transfer sheet against a transfer target such as clothing and applying heat thereto. A thermal transfer sheet (iron print) is a sheet in which a heat-melting adhesive (such as a hot melt adhesive) is applied to the backside of a printed layer of a predetermined pattern or design. By melting the adhesive under a predetermined temperature environment and applying a predetermined pressure, the adhesive penetrates into the object to be transferred, and the thermal transfer sheet (printed layer) can be integrated with the object to be transferred. Among the heat presses mentioned above, there are large heat presses such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and small, portable, compact heat presses.

[0003] The heat press machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a lower iron (base member) on which the fabric is placed, and an upper iron (pressing member) that sandwiches the fabric and the thermal transfer sheet between the lower iron and performs thermal transfer on the fabric. The upper iron is rotatably attached via a link mechanism to a pillar fixed to the rear end of the lower iron. The heat press machine described in Patent Document 2 also has a similar configuration, with a heating iron (pressing member) attached to a device base via a link device and a compression spring so as to be rotatable and have elastic action. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-166097 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-276897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in heat presses, especially small ones, when the pressing member rotates to press against the base member, the pressing surface of the pressing member and the mounting surface of the mounting section may not be aligned. In other words, the pressing member may not press against the base member evenly. This can affect the finish of the thermal transfer process. In heat press machines such as those described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the pressing member rotates relative to the base member via a link mechanism, so the pressing surface of the pressing member can be adjusted to be slightly tilted, but there is still a risk that the pressing surface of the pressing member and the mounting surface of the mounting part will not align.However, with a large heat press machine, it is expected that a generally uniform pressure (vertical pressure) can be applied even if the pressing surface of the pressing member and the mounting surface of the mounting part do not align to some extent.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a heat press machine that can perform thermal transfer processing more efficiently than conventional machines. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat press machine capable of applying heat and pressure with a uniform pressure. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heat press that is capable of applying heat and pressure with a uniform pressure even when the heat press is made smaller and lighter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above problem is solved by the heat press machine of the present invention, which is a heat press machine that presses a thermal transfer sheet against a transfer target and heats it, and includes a base member on which the transfer target is placed, a rotating member attached to the base member via a rotating shaft and rotating around the rotating shaft relative to the base member, and a pressing member attached to the rotating member and arranged so as to sandwich the transfer target and the thermal transfer sheet between the base member and the rotating member, and rotating together with the rotating member to press the base member, and the base member includes a base main body portion that is the main body of the base member, and a pressing member attached to the rotating member and arranged so as to sandwich the transfer target and the thermal transfer sheet between the base member and the rotating member, and a pressing member attached to the rotating member and arranged so as to rotate together with the rotating member to press the base member, and the base member includes a base main body portion that is the main body of the base member, and a pressing member attached to the base member. The pressing member has a pressing main body portion movably attached to the rotating member, and a heater portion provided on the pressing main body portion and capable of generating heat, and when the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, the pressing member presses the base member with the heater portion facing the placing portion, and the placing portion and the pressing main body portion are movable so that the placing surface of the placing portion and the heater surface of the heater portion are aligned.

[0008] With the above configuration, it is possible to realize a heat press machine that can heat and press with uniform pressure and perform thermal transfer processing in an appropriate manner. Specifically, the base member has a base main body and a mounting portion movably attached to the base main body. The pressing member has a pressing main body movably attached to the rotating member and a heater portion provided on the pressing main body. As a result, when the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, the pressing member presses the base member with the heater portion facing the mounting portion. The mounting portion and the pressing main body move so that the mounting surface of the mounting portion and the heater surface of the heater portion align. As a result, heating and pressing with uniform pressure is possible.

[0009] In this case, the rotating shaft extends in the left-right direction of the heat press machine and connects the rear end of the base member and the lower end of the rotating member, the pressing member is attached to the rotating member via a connecting shaft and swings around the connecting shaft relative to the rotating member, the connecting shaft extends along the extension direction of the rotating shaft or a direction intersecting the extension direction of the rotating shaft, and when the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, the pressing main body swings around the connecting shaft so that the placement surface and the heater surface are aligned, and the placement part moves in accordance with the swinging movement of the pressing main body. With the above-described configuration, the pressing body can swing around the connecting shaft so that the mounting surface and the heater surface of the heater unit are aligned, which makes it easier to align the mounting surface of the mounting part and the heater surface of the heater unit during heat pressing.

[0010] At this time, the placement portion swings around the support axis relative to the base main body portion, and the connecting axis and the support axis each extend along the extension direction of the rotation axis, and as the rotation member rotates relative to the base member, the placement portion and the pressing main body portion swing so that the placement surface and the heater surface align. With the above-described configuration, the mounting portion and the pressing body can swing so that the mounting surface and the heater surface of the heater unit are aligned, which makes it easier to align the mounting surface of the mounting portion and the heater surface of the heater unit when pressing.

[0011] In this case, a locking device is provided to lock the rotational movement of the rotating member relative to the base member, and the rotating member rotates so as to switch between a normal position in which it stands up relative to the base member and a press position in which the pressing member abuts against the base member, and the locking device is provided at the connecting portion between the base member and the rotating member to lock the rotating member in the normal position. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the rotating member from rotating unintentionally when it is in the "normal position," thereby realizing a heat press machine with improved safety. For example, if the pressing member accidentally falls over while placing an object on the table, the user may be burned. Therefore, the provision of the locking device can further enhance safety.

[0012] In this case, the locking device has a locking member attached to one of the base member and the rotating member and switching between a locked position and an unlocked position, a locked portion provided on the other of the base member and the rotating member and engaging with the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position, a biasing member that biases the locking member from the unlocked position side to the locked position side, and an operating member connected to the locking member and for switching the position of the locking member against the biasing force of the biasing member, and the operating member is preferably arranged exposed on the outer surface of the heat press in the left-right direction and can be operated toward the inside or outside of the heat press in the left-right direction. With the above configuration, the locking device can be mounted with a simple configuration. As described above, the operating member is exposed on the outer lateral surface of the heat press and can be operated inward or outward in the lateral direction of the heat press, allowing the user to hold the rotating member with one hand and operate the operating member with the other.

[0013] In this case, the locking member switches between the locked position and the unlocked position by moving in the left-right direction of the heat press machine, and when the rotating member is in the normal position, the locking member is movable to the locked position and engages with the locked portion in the up-down or front-to-back direction at the locked position, and when the rotating member is in the press position, the locking member cannot move to the locked position and is located outside or inside the locked portion in the left-right direction of the heat press machine and does not engage with the locked portion. The above configuration allows for a simple structure that allows the rotating member to be locked when the rotating member is in the "normal position," but not locked when the rotating member is in the "press position." In other words, a heat press machine that is easy for users to operate and has improved safety can be realized.

[0014] In this case, the heat press machine includes a heat press body, which is the main body of the heat press machine, and a heating device that is used after the thermal transfer process by the heat press body and has a heating part that is capable of generating heat, and the heating device is configured to be switchable between a normal position in which the heating part is stored inside and a use position in which the heating part is exposed to the outside, and a storage recess is formed at a predetermined position of the heat press body in which the heating device can be stored and removed, and the heating device is stored in the storage recess when in the normal position and can be removed from the storage recess when in the normal position. With the above configuration, the heating tool can be used as an auxiliary tool after the thermal transfer process using the heat press body. That is, if small irregularities (ridges) occur at the corners or edges when the thermal transfer sheet is attached to the transfer target, the heating tool can be used to finish it off. Furthermore, as described above, the heating tool can be removably stored in the storage recess of the heat press body, which allows the heating tool to be mounted compactly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The heat press machine of the present invention makes it possible to carry out thermal transfer processing more efficiently than conventional methods, and also makes it possible to heat and press with a uniform pressure. Furthermore, even when the heat press machine is made smaller and lighter, it is possible to heat and press with a uniform pressure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat press machine, showing the "normal position." [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heat press machine, showing the "press position." [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1, showing a base member. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1, showing a rotating member and a pressing member. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view of the base member and the pressing member, showing the "pressing position." [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the locking device, showing the "locked position." [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the locking device, showing the "unlocked position." [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the locking device, showing the "unlocked position." [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the locking device, showing the "unlocked position." [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration and functions of a heat press machine. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the heat press machine, showing the state in which the heating tool is stored. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment relates to a "heat press machine" that is used when heat-pressing a thermal transfer sheet onto an object to be transferred, and that enables heat-pressing with uniform pressure by moving the base member and the pressing member.

[0018] <Overall structure> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the heat press machine H is a portable, compact heat press machine that accepts user input and performs the desired thermal transfer by heating and pressing a thermal transfer sheet against an object to be transferred under a preset temperature environment. The heat press machine H includes a heat press body 1 which is the main body of the heat press machine H, and a heating tool 100 which is used after the heat transfer process by the heat press body 1 to perform the desired thermal transfer. The heat press H may be a large heat press. The heat press H does not have to be equipped with the heating device 100.

[0019] The "substrate" is a substrate onto which the thermal transfer sheet is transferred, and specifically includes textile products such as clothing. However, it is not limited to textile products, and can be applied to a wide range of substrates that can be thermally transferred. A "thermal transfer sheet" is a sheet in which a heat-meltable adhesive layer is formed on the backside of a printing layer, and specifically includes a sheet that has been cut into a desired shape using a cutting plotter or the like before thermal transfer processing. However, there are no particular limitations on the sheet as long as it is thermally transferable.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the heat press body 1 comprises a base member 10 on which the transfer object and the thermal transfer sheet are placed, a rotating member 20 attached to the base member 10 via a rotating shaft 15, and a pressing member 30 attached to the rotating member 20 and positioned so as to sandwich the transfer object and the thermal transfer sheet between the rotating member 20 and the base member 10, and which rotates together with the rotating member 20 to press the base member. The heat press body 1 also includes a handle 40 that is rotatably attached to the front end of the base member 10 via a handle shaft 45, and a locking device 50 that is attached to the rear end of the base member 10 and locks the rotational movement of the rotating member 20 relative to the base member 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 11, the heat press body 1 also includes a user operation unit 60 for receiving user input, a lamp 65 that lights up when electricity is supplied to the heat press body 1, and a control controller 70 that is provided inside the heat press body 1 and performs various calculations and controls.

[0021] In addition, a power cord 80 is connected to the rear end of the base member 10, and an electric cable 90 is connected to the front end of the base member 10. The heat press main body 1 may further include a user display unit for displaying the contents of various settings and messages.

[0022] <Base material (mounting stand)> As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the base member 10 is a member that serves as a support table (press table) for the heat press main body 1, and comprises a base main body portion 11 that forms the main body of the base member 10, a support plate 12 attached to the upper surface (surface) of the base main body portion 11 for supporting the transfer object and the thermal transfer sheet, and a heat-resistant support mat 13 attached to the surface of the support plate 12. The mounting plate 12 and the mounting mat 13 correspond to the "mounting portion." The mounting plate 12 (mounting mat 13) is configured to be swingable (to swing) relative to the base main body 11 around a support shaft 14.

[0023] The base main body 11 is configured by stacking multiple plates in the vertical direction, and includes a plate-shaped first base member 11A and a plate-shaped second base member 11B fixed to the upper surface of the first base member 11A. For example, electric wires (not shown) and harnesses bundling electric wires extend through the space between the first base member 11A and the second base member 11B.

[0024] A rectangular plate storage section 11a (plate storage recess) for storing the mounting plate 12 is formed in the center of the base main body 11. Shaft support sections 11b for supporting the support shaft 14 are formed at both left and right ends of the plate storage section 11a. At the rear end of the base main body 11, connecting brackets 11c for connecting the rotation shaft 15 and the locking device 50 are attached on the left and right sides. At the front end of the base main body 11, handle attachment portions 11d for attaching the handle 40 (handle shaft 45) are formed at intervals on the left and right. Further, on the upper surface of the front end portion of the base main body 11, there are formed an attachment hole for attaching the user operation unit 60 (operation dial) and an opening hole for exposing the lamp 65. In addition, a cord connection portion is formed on the rear end surface of the base main body 11, and a cable connection portion is formed on the front end surface of the base main body 11.

[0025] The mounting plate 12 is a member that can swing up and down relative to the base main body 11 around a support shaft 14 that extends in the left-right direction of the heat press main body 1 . Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the mounting plate 12 swings so that the front portion of the mounting plate 12 tilts at a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 to 30 degrees) relative to the base main body portion 11, and the rear portion of the mounting plate 12 swings so that it tilts at a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 to 30 degrees) relative to the base main body portion 11. The inclination angle of the mounting plate 12 can be set appropriately.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the mounting plate 12 has a rectangular plate body 12a and an outer peripheral flange 12b that protrudes downward from the outer periphery of the plate body 12a over substantially the entire area. Furthermore, central flanges 12c are formed on both left and right ends of the mounting plate 12 so as to protrude downward from the outer peripheral flanges 12b. A shaft support portion 12d (shaft support groove) that supports the support shaft 14 is formed on the protruding end of the central flange 12c. The support shaft 14 is supported by the base body 11 (shaft support portion 11b) and the mounting plate 12 (shaft support portion 12d).

[0027] The mounting plate 12 is stored in the plate storage section 11a, and a gap (space) is formed in the vertical direction between the mounting plate 12 and the base main body section 11. In other words, the mounting plate 12 is supported by the support shaft 14 in a state in which the plate main body 12a is slightly raised above the base main body section 11. This allows the mounting plate 12 to swing up and down relative to the base body 11 around the support shaft 14 . The mounting plate 12 is normally placed in a horizontal state (approximately horizontal state) due to gravity.

[0028] The mounting mat 13 is a resin mat made of, for example, silicone resin or fluororesin, and is fixed to the upper surface of the mounting plate 12 . The mounting mat 13 is disposed at a position facing the heater portion 32 provided on the bottom surface of the pressing member 30 (pressing body portion 31).

[0029] <Rotating member (rotating frame)> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the rotating member 20 is a rotating frame that rotates around a rotation axis 15 relative to the base member 10. Specifically, the rotating member 20 rotates so as to switch between a "normal position" in which it stands up relative to the base member 10 and a "pressing position" in which the pressing member 30 abuts against the base member 10.

[0030] The rotating member 20 includes left and right side frames 21 extending upward from the left and right lateral portions of the rear end of the base member 10, and a connecting frame 22 connecting the upper ends of the left and right side frames 21 together. The left and right side frames 21 support the pressing member 30 so as to sandwich it therebetween. The connecting frame 22 functions as a grip portion that can be held by a user. For example, the user can hold the connecting frame 22 with one hand (left hand) and operate the operating member 54 of the locking device 50 with the other hand (right hand), thereby rotating the rotating member 20.

[0031] A rotation shaft 15 extending in the left-right direction of the heat press body 1 is supported at the lower end of the side frame 21. Furthermore, a connecting shaft 25 extending toward the inside of the side frame 21 is journaled in the vertical center of the side frame 21. Specifically, the connecting shaft 25 is fixed integrally to the inside surface of the side frame 21. The rotating member 20 and the connecting shaft 25 each have a pipe shape (cylindrical shape), and a harness (not shown) extends inside the right-side rotating member 20 and connecting shaft 25. The harness extends from the base member 10 (cord connection portion) to the pressing member 30 (heater portion 32) and supplies electricity to the heater portion 32.

[0032] <Pressing member (heating pressing member)> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the pressing member 30 is a member that serves as a heating and pressing plate of the heat press body 1, and is disposed inside the frame-shaped rotating member 20, rotating together with the rotating member 20. Specifically, the pressing member 30 rotates together with the rotating member 20, and presses the base member 10 with the heater section 32 facing the mounting plate 12. The pressing member 30 is configured to be swingable about a connecting shaft 25 relative to the rotating member 20.

[0033] The pressing member 30 includes a pressing body 31 attached to the rotating member 20 so as to be able to swing, and a heater 32 provided on the rear surface (bottom surface) of the pressing body 31 and capable of generating heat. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a shaft support bracket 33 for supporting the connecting shaft 25 is attached to the outer side surface of the pressing body 31 in the left-right direction.

[0034] The pressing body 31 has a three-dimensional shape and is disposed surrounded by the rotating member 20 . A rectangular heater storage section 31a (heater storage recess) for storing the heater section 32 is formed on the bottom surface of the pressing body section 31. The heater portion 32 is a rectangular plate-shaped member capable of generating heat, and is made of a metal with high thermal conductivity. The heater unit 32 is connected to a user operation unit 60 (operation dial) via an electric wire (harness) (not shown). The user operation unit 60 can be used to adjust the heat temperature of the heater unit.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the shaft support bracket 33 has a shaft support hole 33a that penetrates the heat press body 1 in the left-right direction and supports the connecting shaft 25. The connecting shaft 25 is supported by the rotating member 20 (connecting frame 22) and the pressing member 30 (shaft support bracket 33). More specifically, a convex restricting protrusion 25a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting shaft 25. Then, a concave (groove-shaped) restricting recess 33b (restricting groove) that can be engaged with the restricting protrusion 25a is formed on the edge of the shaft support hole 33a of the shaft support bracket 33. The restricting recess 33b extends along the edge of the shaft support hole 33a, and the restricting protrusion 25a is movable within the area where the restricting recess 33b is formed. The restricting protrusion 25a comes into contact with the edge portion of the restricting recess 33b in the circumferential direction of the shaft support hole 33a, whereby the movement of the pressing member 30 relative to the rotating member 20 is restricted.

[0036] 4 to 6, the above-described configuration allows the pressing member 30 to swing relative to the rotating member 20 so as to tilt up to a predetermined angle around the connecting shaft 25. In other words, when the pressing member 30 tilts up to a predetermined angle relative to the rotating member 20, the movement of the pressing member 30 is restricted. Specifically, the pressing member 30 swings so that its upper portion tilts back and forth to a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 to 30 degrees) relative to the rotating member 20, and its rear portion swings so that it tilts back and forth to a predetermined angle (e.g., 15 to 30 degrees) relative to the rotating member 20. The inclination angle of the pressing member 30 can be set appropriately. During the heat pressing shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the pressing member 30 is placed in a horizontal state (approximately horizontal state) due to gravity.

[0037] 2 and 6, when the rotating member 20 rotates relative to the base member 10, the pressing member 30 presses the base member 10 with the heater section 32 facing the mounting plate 12. Then, the mounting plate 12 and the pressing main body 31 swing so that the mounting surface of the mounting plate 12 and the heater surface of the heater section 32 align with each other. Specifically, the pressing body 31 swings around the connecting shaft 25 so that the mounting surface and the heater surface are aligned. The mounting plate 12 swings in accordance with the swinging movement of the pressing body 31. This allows the heat press body 1 to heat and press with a more uniform pressure.

[0038] 2 and 6, when the heat press body 1 (rotating member 20) is in the "pressing position," the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 are positioned so that they are aligned vertically (opposite each other vertically) in a side view of the heat press body 1. In other words, the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 are positioned at the same position in the front-to-back direction of the heat press body 1. This allows the mounting surface of the mounting plate 12 and the heater surface of the heater unit 32 to be more accurately aligned when the mounting plate 12 and the pressing member 30 are oscillated. As a result, the heat press body 1 can apply heat and pressure with uniform pressure, resulting in a better finish to the thermal transfer process.

[0039] <Handle> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 40 is a part that a user holds when carrying the heat press H, and is attached to the front end of the base member 10. The handle 40 is rotatably attached to the base member 10 via a handle shaft 45, and also has the function of hooking onto the rotating member 20 when the heat press body 1 is folded (when the heat press body 1 is in the "press position").

[0040] The handle 40 is rotatably attached to the base member 10 and has a handle main body 41 which is the part that the user grips, and a hook portion 42 formed at the tip of the handle main body 41 which can be hooked onto the rotating member 20 (connecting frame 22). With the above configuration, the user can conveniently pick up and carry the heat press H in the folded state.

[0041] <Locking device> As shown in Figures 1 and 7 to 10, the locking device 50 is a device that locks the rotational movement of the rotating member 20 relative to the base member 10, and connects the rear end of the base member 10 and the lower end of the rotating member 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the locking device 50 can lock the rotating member 20 when the rotating member 20 is in the "normal position."

[0042] The locking device 50 includes a locking member 51 attached to the outer surface of the base member 10 (shaft support portion 11b), a locked portion 52 provided at the lower end of the rotating member 20 and engaging with the locking member 51, a biasing spring 53 attached to the locking member 51 and biasing the locking member 51 to a predetermined position, and an operating member 54 connected to the locking member and switching the position of the locking member against the biasing force of the biasing spring 53. The locking device 50 is attached to the outer surface of the base member 10 (shaft support portion 11b) and includes a lock cover 55 that covers the locking member 51, the locked portion 52, and the biasing spring 53 from the outside. An opening corresponding to the operating member 54 is formed on the outer surface of the lock cover 55, and the lock cover 55 is attached to the shaft support portion 11b with the operating member 54 exposed.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 to 9, the locking member 51 is disposed in a state where it is sandwiched between the shaft support portion 11b and the locking cover 55, and is supported by the shaft support portion 11b and the locking cover 55. The locking member 51 has a locking shaft 51a that extends along the front-to-rear direction of the heat press body 1 and serves as the center of rotation of the locking member 51, an engaging portion 51b that extends upward from the locking shaft 51a and engages with the locked portion 52, an abutting portion 51c that extends downward from the locking shaft 51a and abuts against the operating member 54, and a hook portion 51d that is provided at the lower end of the abutting portion 51c and hooks the free end of the biasing spring 53.

[0044] The locking member 51 rotates left and right in the heat press body 1 around the locking shaft 51a, and is switched between a "locked position" shown in FIG. 7 and an "unlocked position" shown in FIG. Specifically, the operating member 54 is provided exposed on the outer surface of the heat press body 1 in the left-right direction, and protrudes outward from the lock cover 55. A user can operate the operating member 54 to retract into the heat press body 1. When the user presses the operating member 54, the operating member 54 comes into contact with the contact portion 51c, and the contact portion 51c is pressed into the inside of the heat press body 1. As a result, the locking member 51 rotates around the locking shaft 51a, and the engaging portion 51b moves to the outside of the heat press body 1. That is, the locking member 51 switches from the "locked position" to the "unlocked position."

[0045] As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the locked portion 52 has an engaging portion 52a that engages with the locking member 51 when the rotating member 20 is in the "normal position (upright position)", and a movement restricting portion 52b that abuts against the locking member 51 when the rotating member 20 is in the "press position (folded position)". When the engaging portion 52a of the locked portion 52 is engaged with the locking member 51 (engaging portion 51b), the locking device 50 locks the rotating member 20 in the "normal position." On the other hand, when the movement restricting portion 52b abuts against the locking member 51, the locking device 50 unlocks the rotating member 20. In other words, the rotating member 20 is free to rotate.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the biasing spring 53 is a biasing member that biases the locking member 51 from the unlocked position side toward the locked position side. When the rotating member 20 is in the "normal position (standing position)" shown in Figure 7, the biasing spring 53 biases the locking member 51 to the "locked position", maintaining the state in which the locking member 51 and the locked portion 52 (engaging portion 52a) are engaged with each other. 8, the biasing spring 53 biases the locking member 51 toward the locked position, maintaining the state in which the locking member 51 and the locked portion 52 (movement restricting portion 52b) are in contact with each other. In other words, the locking member 51 comes into contact with the movement restricting portion 52b first, and therefore the biasing spring 53 cannot bias the locking member 51 to the locked position.

[0047] In the above configuration, when the rotating member 20 is in the "normal position (standing position)" shown in Fig. 7, the locking member 51 is movable to the "locked position" and engages with the locked portion 52 (engaging portion 52a) in the vertical direction at the "locked position." In other words, the locking member 51 locks the rotating member 20. On the other hand, when the rotating member 20 is in the "press position (folded position)" shown in FIG. 8, the locking member 51 cannot move to the "locked position," is positioned outside the locked portion 52 (engagement portion 52a) in the left-right direction of the heat press machine H, and does not engage with the locked portion 52. In other words, the locking member 51 is in contact with the movement restricting portion 52b of the locked portion 52. As a result, the locking member 51 cannot lock the rotating member 20 and is unlocked.

[0048] With the above configuration, the rotating member 20 can be locked with a simple structure when the rotating member 20 is in the "normal position," but cannot be locked when the rotating member 20 is in the "press position." In other words, a heat press machine H that is easy for the user to operate and has improved safety can be realized.

[0049] <User operation unit, control controller> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the user operation unit 60 receives operation inputs from the user for operating the thermal transfer process, and is attached to the top surface of the base member 10. The user operation unit 60 is, for example, an operation dial, and can set the heat generation temperature of the heater unit 32. Specifically, it is possible to switch between an "off mode" in which no heat is generated, a "low mode" in which the heat generation temperature is 120°C, a "medium mode" in which the heat generation temperature is 160°C, and a "high mode" in which the heat generation temperature is 200°C. When pressing (heat pressing) is performed with the user operation unit 60 set to "Low mode," "Medium mode," or "High mode," the heat press main body 1 stops the supply of electricity to the heater unit 32 a predetermined time after pressing. An alarm may also be sounded after the predetermined time has passed since pressing.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the lamp 65 is an LED lamp that lights up when the heater section 32 is generating heat, and notifies the user that the heater section 32 is generating heat. The lamp 65 is disposed in the vicinity of the user operation unit 60 and is arranged alongside the user operation unit 60 .

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 11, the control controller 70 is equipped with a CPU (processor) as a data calculation and control processing device, ROM and RAM as storage devices, and a communication interface for sending and receiving information data (it does not have to be equipped with RAM). A thermal transfer processing program is stored in these ROM and RAM, and the functions of the heat press main body 1 are realized by the program being executed by a CPU (processor). Specifically, the controller 70 receives a signal from the user operation unit 60 and transmits a control signal to the heater unit 32, thereby performing thermal transfer processing at a preset heating temperature and heating time. Note that the controller 70 may transmit a control signal to a user display unit (not shown) to display the contents of various settings on the display screen.

[0052] In the above configuration, the heat press body 1 is connected to an external power source via a power cord 80, and the AC power supplied from the power source is rectified by a rectifier circuit before being supplied to each component such as the heater section 32.

[0053] <Heat generating appliances> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 12, the heating tool 100 is a tool that heats an object by pressing it against the surface of the object to be heated, and is used as an auxiliary tool after the heat press main body 1 performs thermal transfer processing. Specifically, when a thermal transfer sheet is attached to an object to be transferred, if minute irregularities (horns) occur at the corners or edges, the heating device 100 can be repaired by pressing it against the minutely uneven surface and heating it.

[0054] The heating tool 100 is a stamp-type heating tool having a heating part 160, and is also called a mini iron. The heating appliance 100 is configured to be switchable between a "normal position" in which the heating unit 160 is stored inside and a "use position" in which the heating unit 160 is exposed to the outside.

[0055] Specifically, the heating device 100 comprises a hollow housing 110, a cap 120 attached to the base end of the housing 110, a grip member 130 fixed to the tip of the housing 110 and held by the user, a cover 140 provided at the tip of the housing 110 and adapted to move back and forth relative to the housing 110, biasing springs 150 attached to the inside of the cover 140 and biasing the cover 140, and a heating portion 160 exposed from the tip of the cover 140 as the cover 140 moves back and forth. The cover 140 moves forward and backward relative to the housing 110, and is switched between a "normal position" and a "use position (retracted position)" in which the cover 140 is retracted from the normal position toward the housing 110. The biasing spring 150 is a biasing member that biases the cover 140 from the use position side to the normal position side.

[0056] By pressing the tip of cover 140 against the surface of the object to be heated, heating tool 100 retracts cover 140 to the "use position (retracted position)" and exposes heating unit 160 through the opening in cover 140, allowing heating unit 160 to come into contact with the object to be heated. This allows heating tool 100 to heat the object to be heated.

[0057] In addition, the heating device 100 is equipped with a cable connection section for connecting an electric cable 90 for supplying electricity, an operating switch 180 for supplying or stopping the supply of electricity to the heating section 160, and a lamp that lights up when electricity is being supplied to the heating section 160.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, the bottom surface of the heat press body 1 is formed with a storage recess 16 (storage section) for storing the heating appliance 100, and an extraction recess 16a formed on the outer edge of the storage recess 16 for extracting the heating appliance 100. Also, at the outer edge of the storage recess 16, a latch portion 16b is formed for latching the heating appliance 100 in a stored state. The heating appliance 100 is stored in the storage recess 16 in the "normal position" with the heating unit 160 stored inside, and can be removed from the storage recess 16 in the "normal position". Specifically, the heating appliance 100 is stored in the storage recess 16 so as not to protrude outward from the storage recess 16 .

[0059] A cable storage recess 17 for storing an electric cable 90 is formed in a position adjacent to the storage recess 16 on the bottom surface of the heat press body 1 . The cable storage recess 17 has a hook portion 17a formed on the outer edge thereof for hooking the electric cable 90 in a stored state.

[0060] In the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, the heating tool 100 is connected to the heat press body 1 via an electric cable 90, and can receive electricity through the heat press body 1. The heating tool 100 can heat the heating part 160 while connected to the heat press body 1, thereby heating the object to be heated. The heating device 100 may be provided with a separate battery, so that the heating part 160 can generate heat even when not connected to the heat press body 1.

[0061] The heat press H described above allows for more efficient thermal transfer processing than conventional methods. It also allows for uniform pressure during heating and pressing. Even when the heat press H is made smaller and lighter, it can still provide uniform pressure during heating and pressing. In more detail, even if the heater surface (pressing surface) of the heater section 32 becomes tilted relative to the horizontal plane due to the rotational movement of the rotating member 20 (pressing member 30), the pressing member 30 can oscillate, thereby realizing a heat press machine H that can heat and press with uniform pressure. In particular, in the case of conventional small heat press machines, when the pressing member 30 rotates relative to the base member 10 to heat and press it, the heater section 32 (heater surface) tends to tilt relative to the horizontal plane, which can easily cause problems such as the pressing member 30 being unable to press the base member 10 uniformly. Therefore, with the configuration of the heat press machine H, even a relatively small type can heat and press with a uniform pressure.

[0062] <Other> In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, the mounting plate 12 is configured to be swingable relative to the base main body 11, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the mounting plate 12 may be attached to the base main body 11 via a movable member (for example, a movable elastic spring or movable rubber). Even in this case, the mounting plate 12 can move relative to the base main body 11, and the mounting surface and the heater surface can be aligned (as closely as possible). Alternatively, the mounting plate 12 may be configured to be rotatable with respect to the base body 11 up to a predetermined inclination angle. That is, it is only necessary that the mounting plate 12 be movable relative to the base main body portion 11 so that the mounting surface of the mounting plate 12 and the heater surface of the heater portion 32 are aligned (as closely as possible).

[0063] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 to 6, the pressing member 30 (pressing body 31) is configured to be swingable relative to the rotating member 20, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the pressing member 30 may be configured to be rotatable up to a predetermined inclination angle relative to the rotating member 20. Alternatively, the pressing member 30 may be rotatably attached to the rotating member 20 and be capable of being locked at a predetermined position. Alternatively, the pressing member 30 may be attached to the base main body 11 via a movable member (for example, a movable spring or movable rubber having elasticity). That is, it is only necessary that the pressing member 30 be movable relative to the rotating member 20 so that the mounting surface of the mounting plate 12 and the heater surface of the heater section 32 are aligned (as closely as possible).

[0064] In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 extend along the extending direction of the rotation shaft 15, but this is not particularly limited. For example, the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 may extend in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rotation shaft 15 extends. It is preferable that the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 extend in the same horizontal direction, but the support shaft 14 and the connecting shaft 25 may extend in different horizontal directions.

[0065] The above embodiment has mainly described the heat press machine according to the present invention. However, the above embodiment is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and of course, the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] H heat press machine 1 Heat press body 10 Base member 11 Base body 11A first base member 11B second base member 11a Plate storage section 11b Shaft support part 11c Connecting bracket 11d Handle mounting part 12 Mounting plate 12a Plate body 12b Peripheral flange 12c center flange 12d shaft support part 13 Placement mat 14 Support shaft 15 Rotating shaft 16 Storage recess 16a Removal recess 16b Hook stopper 17 Cable storage recess 17a Hook stopper 20 Rotating member 21 Side frame 22 Connecting Frame 25 Connecting shaft 25a Restriction convex part 30 Pressing member 31 Pressing body 31a Heater storage section 32 Heater section 33 Axis support bracket 33a Shaft support hole 33b Regulating recess 40 Handle 41 Handle body 42 Hook stopper 45 Handle shaft 50 Locking device 51 Locking member 51a Lock shaft 51b Engagement part 51c Contact part 51d Hook stopper 52 Locked part 52a Engagement part 52b Movement control section 53 biasing spring (biasing member) 54 Operating member 55 Lock Cover 60 User operation section 65 Lamp 70 Controller 80 power cord 90 Electrical Cable 100 Heating appliances 110 Case 120 Cap 130 Grip material 140 Cover 150 biasing spring (biasing member) 160 Heat generating part (heat generating member) 170 Cable connection 180 Operation switch

Claims

1. A heat press machine that presses and heats a thermal transfer sheet against a transfer target, a base member on which the transfer object is placed; a rotating member attached to the base member via a rotating shaft and rotating about the rotating shaft relative to the base member; a pressing member attached to the rotating member, arranged so as to sandwich the transfer object and the thermal transfer sheet between the rotating member and the base member, and rotating together with the rotating member to press the base member; The base member is a base main body portion that forms the main body of the base member; a placement portion provided on the base main body portion, movably attached to the base main body portion, and on which the transfer object is placed, The pressing member is a pressing body portion movably attached to the rotating member; a heater portion provided on the pressing body portion and capable of generating heat, When the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, the pressing member presses the base member in a state in which the heater portion faces the placement portion, The heat press machine is characterized in that the placement section and the pressing body section are movable so that the placement surface of the placement section and the heater surface of the heater section come together.

2. the rotation shaft extends in the left-right direction of the heat press and connects a rear end of the base member and a lower end of the rotation member; the pressing member is attached to the rotating member via a connecting shaft and swings around the connecting shaft relative to the rotating member; the connecting shaft extends along an extending direction of the rotation shaft or a direction intersecting the extending direction of the rotation shaft, When the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, the pressing body swings about the connecting shaft so that the placement surface and the heater surface are aligned; The heat press machine according to claim 1 , wherein the placement portion is movable in accordance with the swinging movement of the pressing body portion.

3. the mounting portion swings about a support shaft relative to the base main body portion, the connecting shaft and the support shaft each extend in the direction in which the rotation shaft extends, 3. The heat press machine according to claim 2, wherein the rotating member rotates relative to the base member, causing the placement portion and the pressing body portion to swing so that the placement surface and the heater surface are aligned.

4. a locking device that locks the rotational movement of the rotational member relative to the base member, the rotating member rotates to switch between a normal position in which the rotating member stands upward relative to the base member and a pressing position in which the pressing member abuts against the base member, 4. The heat press machine according to claim 1, wherein the locking device is provided at a connecting portion between the base member and the rotating member, and locks the rotating member in the normal position.

5. The locking device is a locking member attached to one of the base member and the pivoting member, the locking member being switchable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a locked portion provided on the other of the base member and the rotating member, the locked portion engaging with the locking member when the locking member is in the locked position; a biasing member that biases the locking member from the unlocked position side to the locked position side; an operating member connected to the locking member and configured to switch the position of the locking member against the biasing force of the biasing member, The heat press machine according to claim 4, wherein the operating member is arranged exposed on the outer surface of the heat press machine in the left-right direction and can be operated toward the inside or outside of the heat press machine in the left-right direction.

6. the locking member is switched between the locked position and the unlocked position by moving in the left-right direction of the heat press; When the rotating member is in the normal position, the locking member is movable to the locking position, and at the locking position, engages with the locked portion in the up-down direction or the front-rear direction, 6. The heat press machine according to claim 5, wherein when the rotating member is in the pressing position, the locking member cannot move to the locking position, is positioned outside or inside the locked portion in the left-right direction of the heat press machine, and does not engage with the locked portion.

7. A heat press body that is the main body of the heat press machine; a heating tool that is used after the thermal transfer process by the heat press body and has a heating part that can generate heat; The heating appliance is configured to be switchable between a normal position in which the heating unit is stored inside and a use position in which the heating unit is exposed to the outside, A storage recess is formed in a predetermined position of the heat press body, into which the heating tool can be removably stored, The heat press machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating appliance is stored in the storage recess when in the normal position and is removable from the storage recess when in the normal position.

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