Printing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing apparatus that performs inkjet printing on one side of the adhesive layer of a medium having an adhesive layer and a release sheet, and attaches a transfer sheet to the printed side of the adhesive layer, and that is capable of improving the adhesion of the transfer sheet attached to the adhesive layer to the adhesive layer. [Solution] In the printing apparatus 1, after printing by the printing mechanism 11, the transfer sheet attachment section 13 for attaching the transfer sheet 4 to the printed surface of the adhesive layer comprises a pressure member 81 that contacts the release sheet of the medium 3, a pressure roller 83 that contacts the transfer sheet 4, and a biasing member 85 that biases the pressure roller 83 toward the pressure member 81. The pressure member 81 is made of metal, and the pressure roller 83 is made of foam. In the printing apparatus 1, the transfer sheet 4 is pressed against the adhesive layer between the pressure member 81 and the pressure roller 83 to attach the transfer sheet 4 to the printed medium 3.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing by an inkjet method on one surface of an adhesive layer of a medium having the adhesive layer and a release sheet, and affixes a transfer sheet to the printed surface of the adhesive layer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image transfer sheet for transferring an arbitrary image to a transfer target object is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The image transfer sheet described in Patent Document 1 includes an upper transfer film, a release sheet, an adhesive layer formed on the upper surface of the release sheet, and an image layer disposed between the adhesive layer and the transfer film. The image layer is directly printed on the upper surface of the adhesive layer by an inkjet printer or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventors of the present application are developing a printing apparatus that performs printing by an inkjet method on one surface of an adhesive layer of a medium having the adhesive layer and a release sheet, and affixes a transfer sheet to the printed surface of the adhesive layer. The printing apparatus under development includes a printing mechanism for performing printing by an inkjet method on the adhesive layer of the medium having a release sheet disposed on one side of the adhesive layer, and a transfer sheet affixing section for affixing the transfer sheet to the printed surface of the adhesive layer.

[0005] According to studies by the inventors of the present application, it has been clarified that if the transfer sheet affixed to the adhesive layer in the transfer sheet affixing section is not in close contact with the adhesive layer, there is a risk of problems such as the transfer sheet easily peeling off from the adhesive layer.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet attached to the adhesive layer to the adhesive layer, in a printing apparatus that performs inkjet printing on one side of the adhesive layer of a medium having an adhesive layer and a release sheet, and attaches a transfer sheet to the printed side of the adhesive layer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the inventors of the present invention conducted various studies. As a result, the inventors of the present invention found that by pressing the transfer sheet onto the adhesive layer between a relatively hard metal compression member and a compression roller made of a relatively low-hardness, flexible foam, it is possible to apply pressure to the entire medium and the transfer sheet, thereby reducing the inclusion of air between the adhesive layer and the transfer sheet and improving the adhesion of the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer.

[0008] The printing apparatus of the present invention is based on the aforementioned new findings and comprises a printing mechanism for printing on the adhesive layer of a medium having an adhesive layer and a release sheet disposed on one side of the adhesive layer using an inkjet method, and a transfer sheet attachment section for attaching a transfer sheet to the printed surface of the adhesive layer after printing by the printing mechanism, wherein the transfer sheet attachment section comprises a pressure member that contacts either the release sheet or the transfer sheet, a pressure roller that contacts the other of the release sheet or the transfer sheet, and a biasing member that biases the pressure roller toward the pressure member, wherein the pressure member is made of metal and the pressure roller is made of foam, and the transfer sheet is pressed against the adhesive layer between the pressure member and the pressure roller to attach the transfer sheet to the medium after printing.

[0009] In the printing apparatus of the present invention, a transfer sheet is pressed against an adhesive layer between a metal pressure member and a pressure roller made of foam, thereby attaching the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer. Therefore, according to the inventors' research, the present invention makes it possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer in the transfer sheet attachment section. Furthermore, according to the inventors' research, the present invention makes it possible to apply pressure to the entire medium and transfer sheet even if wear occurs on a part of the pressure roller, and as a result, it is possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer in the transfer sheet attachment section.

[0010] In the present invention, it is preferable that the pressure roller is made of foamed rubber. In this case, it is even more preferable that the pressure roller is made of rubber sponge. According to the inventors' research, if the pressure roller is made of rubber sponge, it becomes possible to further improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer at the transfer sheet application area.

[0011] In the present invention, it is preferable that the transfer sheet application section is equipped with a heater for heating the printed medium, the crimping member is formed in a hollow shape, and the heater is located inside the crimping member. With this configuration, it becomes possible to heat and soften the medium and transfer sheet placed between the crimping member and the crimping roller, and then apply the transfer sheet to the medium. Therefore, it becomes possible to further improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet to the adhesive layer in the transfer sheet application section. Furthermore, with this configuration, since the heater is located inside the crimping member, which has excellent thermal conductivity, it becomes possible to efficiently apply the heat from the heater to the medium and the transfer sheet.

[0012] In the present invention, it is preferable that the crimping member has a guide surface formed thereon for guiding the printed medium from the printing mechanism to the space between the crimping member and the crimping roller, the medium contacts the guide surface, and the heater is positioned inside the crimping member along the guide surface. With this configuration, it becomes possible to heat and soften the medium before it reaches the space between the crimping member and the crimping roller.

[0013] Here, when the pressing member is in contact with the release sheet and the pressing roller is in contact with the transfer sheet, for example, if the position of the transfer sheet relative to the medium is shifted in the width direction of the medium, a part of the pressing roller may come into contact with the adhesive layer, and the adhesive of the adhesive layer may adhere to the surface of the pressing roller. According to the inventor's research, when the pressing roller is made of foam, if the adhesive adheres to the surface of the pressing roller, it is not easy to remove the adhesive from the surface of the pressing roller, and attempting to remove the adhesive from the surface of the pressing roller may damage the surface of the pressing roller.

[0014] Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable that the surface of the crimping roller is covered with a non-adhesive film. With this configuration, even if the adhesive of the adhesive layer adheres to the non-adhesive film covering the surface of the crimping roller, the adhesive can be easily removed from the non-adhesive film. Thus, it is possible to prevent damage to the surface of the crimping roller caused by the adhesive of the adhesive layer adhering to the surface of the crimping roller. In the present invention, for example, the non-adhesive film is a silicone film.

[0015] Furthermore, in the present invention, the surface of the crimping roller may be covered with a rubber-like elastic material. Even in this case, if the adhesive of the adhesive layer adheres to the rubber-like elastic material covering the surface of the crimping roller, the adhesive can be easily removed from the rubber-like elastic material. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent damage to the surface of the crimping roller caused by the adhesive of the adhesive layer adhering to the surface of the crimping roller. Also, in this case, since the surface of the crimping roller is covered with a rubber-like elastic material, it becomes possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet attached to the adhesive layer in the transfer sheet attachment area. In the present invention, for example, the rubber-like elastic material is urethane rubber.

[0016] In the present invention, for example, the crimping member is in contact with the release sheet, the crimping roller is movable between an attachment position in which the crimping roller presses the transfer sheet onto the adhesive layer and a retracted position in which the crimping roller retracts away from the medium, the biasing member biases the crimping roller toward the attachment position, and the transfer sheet attachment section is equipped with a crimping roller holding mechanism for holding the crimping roller in the retracted position. In this case, even if the crimping roller is biased toward the attachment position by the biasing member, it is possible to hold the crimping roller in the retracted position.

[0017] In the present invention, for example, the printing apparatus includes a media transport mechanism for transporting a medium, and the transfer sheet application section includes a holding member that rotatably holds a pressure roller and a holding frame that rotatably holds the holding member, the pressure roller is rotatable with respect to the holding member with the direction perpendicular to the medium transport as the axis of rotation, the holding member is rotatable with respect to the holding frame with respect to the direction perpendicular to the medium transport as the axis of rotation, and as the holding member rotates with respect to the holding frame, the pressure roller moves between an application position and a retracted position, and the pressure roller The holding mechanism comprises a first restricting member, a second restricting member, and a third restricting member, which are rotatably held on a holding frame. The first, second, and third restricting members are rotatable relative to the holding frame with the direction of rotation being perpendicular to the direction of transport of the medium. The first restricting member is rotatable relative to the holding frame in conjunction with the rotational movement of the holding member relative to the holding frame. The second restricting member restricts the rotation of the first restricting member relative to the holding frame at a predetermined position, and the third restricting member restricts the rotation of the second restricting member relative to the holding frame at a predetermined position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] As described above, in the present invention, in a printing apparatus that prints on one side of the adhesive layer of a medium having an adhesive layer and a release sheet using an inkjet method, and attaches a transfer sheet to the printed side of the adhesive layer, it becomes possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet attached to the adhesive layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This is a side view illustrating the configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the medium shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed on the media in the printing apparatus shown. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view illustrating the configuration of the transfer sheet application area shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the pressure roller shown in Figure 4 and the method for replacing the pressure roller. [Figure 6] This is a side view for explaining the configuration of the pressure roller holding mechanism for holding the pressure roller shown in Figure 4 at the retracted position. [Figure 7] This is a side view for explaining the configuration and operation of the pressure roller holding mechanism shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a side view for explaining the configuration and operation of the pressure roller holding mechanism shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a side view for explaining the configuration and operation of the pressure roller holding mechanism shown in Figure 6. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining the effects of the printing apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the pressure roller according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view for explaining the configuration of the pressure roller according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0021] (Overall Configuration of Printing Apparatus) Figure 1 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the medium 3 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the processing performed on the medium 3 in the printing apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1.

[0022] The printing apparatus 1 in this embodiment is a device for printing on one side of the adhesive layer 2 of a medium 3 having an adhesive layer 2 using an inkjet method, and for attaching a transfer sheet (application sheet) 4 to the printed side of the adhesive layer 2. The medium 3 and the transfer sheet 4 are formed in a long, narrow strip shape. The medium 3 before printing and the medium 3 after the transfer sheet 4 has been attached are wound into a roll. The transfer sheet 4 before being attached to the medium 3 is also wound into a roll.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2(A), the medium 3 comprises a release sheet 5 positioned on one side of the adhesive layer 2 and a release sheet 6 positioned on the other side of the adhesive layer 2. The adhesive layer 2 is formed, for example, by a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The release sheets 5 and 6 are, for example, resin release films. The medium 3 is composed of, for example, the adhesive layer 2 and the release sheets 5 and 6. The release sheet 5 is in contact with one side of the adhesive layer 2, and the release sheet 6 is in contact with the other side of the adhesive layer 2. The release sheets 5 and 6 may also be paper release paper.

[0024] The widths of release sheets 5 and 6 are equal in the width direction of medium 3, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of medium 3. In medium 3, release sheets 5 and 6 are positioned at the same location in the width direction of medium 3. The widths of release sheets 5 and 6 in the width direction of medium 3 are wider than the width of the adhesive layer 2 in the width direction of medium 3. In medium 3, the edge 2a of the adhesive layer 2 in the width direction of medium 3 is positioned inward in the width direction of medium 3 than the edge 5a of release sheet 5 and the edge 6a of release sheet 6 in the width direction of medium 3 (see Figure 2(B)).

[0025] Printing device 1 is, for example, a commercial inkjet printer. Printing device 1 continuously prints on medium 3 and continuously attaches transfer sheets 4 to medium 3. Printing device 1 prints on the adhesive layer 2 of medium 3 after the release sheet 5 has been peeled off. After printing, a printed layer 7 is formed on one side of the adhesive layer 2 of medium 3 (see Figure 3(A)). The release sheet 5 peeled off from medium 3 is wound into a roll. Printing device 1 also attaches the transfer sheet 4 so as to cover the entire surface of one side of the adhesive layer 2 where the printed layer 7 is formed (see Figure 3(B)).

[0026] The medium 3, on which the printed layer 7 is formed and the transfer sheet 4 is attached, is used to attach the printed layer 7 to the surface of a predetermined object to be transferred. When attaching the printed layer 7 to the surface of the object to be transferred, first, the release sheet 6 is peeled off. In that state, the adhesive layer 2 is pressed against the surface of the object to be transferred. After that, when the transfer sheet 4 is peeled off, the attachment of the printed layer 7 to the surface of the object to be transferred is completed.

[0027] The printing apparatus 1 includes a printing mechanism 11 for printing on the adhesive layer 2 of a medium 3 having an adhesive layer 2 and release sheets 5 and 6, after the release sheet 5 has been peeled off, using an inkjet method, and a medium transport mechanism 12 for transporting the medium 3. The printing apparatus 1 also includes a transfer sheet attachment section 13 for attaching a transfer sheet 4 to the printed surface of the adhesive layer 2 after printing by the printing mechanism 11, a medium feed section 14 to which a roll of unprinted medium 3 is attached, a medium winding section 15 to which a roll of medium 3 with the transfer sheet 4 attached is attached, a release sheet winding section 16 to which a roll of release sheet 5 is attached, a transfer sheet feed section 17 to which a roll of transfer sheet 4 is attached, and an ionizer (static eliminator) 18 for suppressing static charge on the medium 3 after the release sheet 5 has been peeled off.

[0028] The media transport mechanism 12 transports the media 3 in the longitudinal direction of the media 3. That is, the media 3 is formed in an elongated shape with the transport direction of the media 3 by the media transport mechanism 12 being the longitudinal direction. The media feeding unit 14, the printing mechanism 11, the transfer sheet attachment unit 13, and the media winding unit 15 are arranged in this order in the transport direction of the media 3. The width direction of the media 3 handled by the printing device 1 is parallel to the horizontal direction. In the following description, the Y direction in Figure 1, which is the width direction of the media 3, will be referred to as the "left-right direction," and the X direction in Figure 1, which is perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction (vertical direction, Z direction in Figure 1, etc.), will be referred to as the "front-back direction." Also, in the following description, the X1 direction side in Figure 1, etc., which is one side of the front-back direction, will be referred to as the "front" side, and the X2 direction side in Figure 1, etc., which is the opposite side, will be referred to as the "back" side. In this embodiment, the left-right direction is the perpendicular direction in which the media 3 is transported.

[0029] The transfer sheet application section 13 is located in front of the printing mechanism 11. The media winding section 15 is located below the transfer sheet application section 13. The transfer sheet feeding section 17 is located in front of the crimping roller 83, which is part of the transfer sheet application section 13 and will be described later. The media feeding section 14 is located behind and below the printing mechanism 11. The release sheet winding section 16 is located below the media feeding section 14. The ionizer 18 is located behind the printing mechanism 11. The ionizer 18 is also located above the media 3 that is being transported toward the printing mechanism 11. The ionizer 18 blows ions toward the upper surface of the media 3.

[0030] In the media dispensing unit 14, the media 3 before printing is wound into a roll. The rolled media 3 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The media dispensing unit 14 does not have a drive mechanism to rotate the rolled media 3. The rolled media 3 before printing rotates passively in response to the media 3 being transported by the media transport mechanism 12. In the media winding unit 15, the media 3 after the transfer sheet 4 has been attached is wound into a roll. The rolled media 3 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The media winding unit 15 is equipped with a media winding mechanism 43, which will be described later and constitutes part of the media transport mechanism 12. The media winding mechanism 43 rotates the rolled media 3.

[0031] In the release sheet winding section 16, the release sheet 5 peeled from the medium 3 is wound into a roll. The roll of release sheet 5 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. As described above, the release sheet winding section 16 is located below the medium dispensing section 14. As shown in Figure 1, the release sheet 5 is peeled from the medium 3 in the medium dispensing section 14. The release sheet winding section 16 is equipped with a release sheet winding mechanism that winds up the release sheet 5 peeled from the medium 3. The release sheet winding mechanism is equipped with a motor as a drive source. The release sheet winding mechanism rotates the roll of release sheet 5.

[0032] In the transfer sheet dispensing unit 17, the transfer sheet 4 is wound into a roll before being attached to the medium 3 (more specifically, before being attached to the adhesive layer 2). The roll of transfer sheet 4 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The transfer sheet dispensing unit 17 does not have a drive mechanism to rotate the roll of transfer sheet 4. In the transfer sheet dispensing unit 17, the roll of transfer sheet 4 rotates passively in response to the transport of the medium 3 by the medium transport mechanism 12. Specifically, the roll of transfer sheet 4 rotates passively in response to the transport of the medium 3 by the medium winding mechanism 43, which is part of the medium transport mechanism 12 and will be described later.

[0033] (Configuration of the printing mechanism) The printing mechanism 11 includes an inkjet head 22 (hereinafter referred to as "head 22") that ejects ink onto the adhesive layer 2, a carriage 23 on which the head 22 is mounted, a carriage drive mechanism 24 that moves the carriage 23 back and forth in the left-right direction, which is the main scanning direction, and a guide rail 25 that guides the carriage 23 in the left-right direction. The carriage drive mechanism 24 includes, for example, a belt to which a portion is fixed to the carriage 23, a pulley through which the belt is stretched, and a motor for rotating the pulley.

[0034] The print head 22 ejects ink downwards. Multiple nozzles for ejecting ink are formed on the underside of the print head 22. The print head 22 is equipped with piezoelectric elements (piezo elements) for ejecting ink from the nozzles. In this embodiment, the ink ejected by the print head 22 is UV-curable ink. The carriage 23 is equipped with an ultraviolet irradiator (not shown) that irradiates ultraviolet light toward the medium 3 in order to cure the UV ink ejected from the print head 22. The ultraviolet irradiator is equipped with an ultraviolet LED chip. In this embodiment, the print head 22 ejects white ink, color ink, and clear ink. The printed layer 7 is composed of a white ink layer, a color ink layer, and a clear ink layer that are stacked in order from the bottom relative to the adhesive layer 2.

[0035] The printing mechanism 11 includes a platen 36 on which the printing medium 3 is placed. The platen 36 is located below the head 22 and carriage 23. The upper surface of the platen 36 is the medium-supporting surface on which the medium 3 is placed. When printing is performed by the printing mechanism 11, the thickness direction of the medium 3 (i.e., the thickness direction of the medium 3 placed on the platen 36) coincides with the vertical direction. When printing is performed by the printing mechanism 11, the adhesive layer 2 constitutes the upper surface of the medium 3. Before printing, the medium 3 is transported from the rear to the upper surface of the platen 36, and after printing, the medium 3 is transported from the upper surface of the platen 36 to the front.

[0036] (Configuration of the media transport mechanism) The media transport mechanism 12 includes a first media transport mechanism 42 that transports the media 3 from the media dispensing section 14 toward the platen 36, and a media winding mechanism 43 installed in the media winding section 15. In this embodiment, the media transport mechanism 12 is composed of the first media transport mechanism 42 and the media winding mechanism 43. As described above, in the media winding section 15, the media 3 after the transfer sheet 4 has been attached is wound into a roll. The media winding mechanism 43 rotates the roll-shaped media 3 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation to wind up the media 3 after the transfer sheet 4 has been attached. The media winding mechanism 43 also transports the media 3 by winding it up.

[0037] The first media transport mechanism 42 includes a drive roller 45 that contacts the release sheet 6, a roller drive mechanism that drives the drive roller 45, and a pinch roller 46 that is positioned opposite the drive roller 45 and contacts the adhesive layer 2. The roller drive mechanism includes a motor as a drive source. The first media transport mechanism 42 includes one drive roller 45 and multiple pinch rollers 46. In this embodiment, the first media transport mechanism 42 includes 14 pinch rollers 46.

[0038] The drive roller 45 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape in the left-right direction. The pinch roller 46 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the left-right direction as its axis. The drive roller 45 is a metal roller. Numerous fine protrusions are formed on the surface of the drive roller 45 to increase the conveying force of the medium 3. Specifically, numerous fine protrusions are formed on the portion of the surface of the drive roller 45 that faces the pinch roller 46. In other words, the drive roller 45 is a grid roller. The pinch roller 46 is a roller made of resin or rubber. In this embodiment, the pinch roller 46 is made of silicone rubber. The pinch roller 46 is positioned above the drive roller 45 and is biased downward toward the drive roller 45.

[0039] The drive roller 45 and the pinch rollers 46 are rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The drive roller 45 and the multiple pinch rollers 46 are located behind the platen 36 and contact the medium 3 before printing is performed by the printing mechanism 11. The drive roller 45 and the multiple pinch rollers 46 transport the medium 3, with the release sheet 5 removed, sandwiched between the drive roller 45 and the multiple pinch rollers 46.

[0040] Furthermore, the first medium transport mechanism 42 includes seven roller holding parts that rotatably hold two pinch rollers 46. The seven roller holding parts are arranged in the left-right direction, and the 14 pinch rollers 46 are also arranged in the left-right direction. The roller holding parts are rotatable with respect to the frame (not shown) with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation, between a transportable position in which the pinch rollers 46 are in contact with the adhesive layer 2 and a retracted position in which the pinch rollers 46 are retracted away from the adhesive layer 2 (i.e., retracted upward).

[0041] (Configuration of the transfer sheet application area) Figure 4 is an enlarged view illustrating the configuration of the transfer sheet application section 13 shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the crimping roller 83 shown in Figure 4 and the method for replacing the crimping roller 83. Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the crimping roller holding mechanism 95 for holding the crimping roller 83 shown in Figure 4 in the retracted position 83B.

[0042] An after cover (after platen) 81 is positioned in front of the platen 36. The after cover 81 is made of metal. In this embodiment, the after cover 81 is made of steel plate. That is, the after cover 81 is a sheet metal cover. The after cover 81 is hollow. A convex curved guide surface 81a is formed on the surface of the after cover 81 to guide the medium 3. The width of the guide surface 81a in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the medium 3.

[0043] The medium 3 is transported along the guide surface 81a from the platen 36 toward the front, and then transported toward the bottom. When the medium 3 is transported toward the front from the platen 36, the adhesive layer 2 forms the upper surface of the medium 3, and then when the medium 3 is transported toward the bottom, the adhesive layer 2 forms the front surface of the medium 3. Inside the hollow after cover 81, a heater 82 is arranged for heating the printed medium 3. The heater 82 in this embodiment is an electric heating wire heater. The heater 82 is arranged inside the after cover 81 along the guide surface 81a.

[0044] The after cover 81 and heater 82 constitute part of the transfer sheet application section 13. That is, the transfer sheet application section 13 includes the after cover 81 and heater 82 as a configuration for applying the transfer sheet 4 to the printed medium 3. The transfer sheet application section 13 also includes a pressure roller 83 that contacts the transfer sheet 4. The pressure roller 83 contacts the transfer sheet 4 and presses the transfer sheet 4 against the adhesive layer 2. The pressure roller 83 faces the front lower end of the after cover 81 from the front and contacts the transfer sheet 4 from the front.

[0045] The after cover 81 is in contact with the release sheet 6. That is, the medium 3 is in contact with the guide surface 81a. Specifically, the release sheet 6 is in contact with the guide surface 81a. The portion of the after cover 81 facing the pressure roller 83 is in contact with the release sheet 6 from the rear. The guide surface 81a serves to guide the printed medium 3 from the printing mechanism 11 to the space between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83. In this embodiment, the after cover 81 is a pressure member.

[0046] In the transfer sheet application section 13, the transfer sheet 4 is pressed against the medium 3 between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83 to adhere the transfer sheet 4 to the printed medium 3. In other words, in the transfer sheet application section 13, the transfer sheet 4 is pressed against the adhesive layer 2 between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83 to adhere the transfer sheet 4 to the printed medium 3. When attaching the transfer sheet 4 to the medium 3, the medium 3 is heated by the heater 82. For example, the medium 3 is heated to 60-70°C by the heater 82. In other words, in the transfer sheet application section 13, the transfer sheet 4 is attached while heat is applied to the medium 3.

[0047] The crimping roller 83 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The crimping roller 83 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The transfer sheet application section 13 includes a rotating shaft 88, part of which is positioned on the inner circumference side of the crimping roller 83; bearings 89 that rotatably hold both ends of the rotating shaft 88; a cylindrical collar 90, part of which is positioned on the inner circumference side of the rotating shaft 88 and restricts the movement of the crimping roller 83 to one side of the rotating shaft 88; and a cylindrical collar 91, part of which is positioned on the inner circumference side of the rotating shaft 88 and restricts the movement of the crimping roller 83 to the other side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 88.

[0048] The rotating shaft 88 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The rotating shaft 88 is rotatable with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The rotating shaft 88 is composed of two cylindrical small-diameter sections 88a that form both ends of the rotating shaft 88, and a cylindrical large-diameter section 88b that forms the portion between the two small-diameter sections 88a. The outer diameter of the large-diameter section 88b is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter sections 88a. The large-diameter sections 88b are positioned on the inner circumference side of the crimping roller 83 and the collars 90 and 91. The bearing 89 supports the small-diameter sections 88a. The bearing 89 is held in a retaining section 84a, which will be described later. The bearing 89 is detachably attached to the retaining section 84a. Specifically, the bearing 89 is fixed to the retaining section 84a by three screws 92 (see Figure 6).

[0049] The collars 90 and 91 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the collars 90 and 91 is smaller than the outer diameter of the crimping roller 83. The collars 90 and 91 are detachably attached to the rotating shaft 88. Specifically, the collars 90 and 91 are fixed to the large diameter portion 88b by screws 93. The collars 90 and 91 have screw holes into which the screws 93 engage. These screw holes penetrate the collars 90 and 91 radially. Collar 90 contacts one end face of the crimping roller 83, and collar 91 contacts the other end face of the crimping roller 83.

[0050] As described above, a portion of the large-diameter section 88b is positioned on the inner circumference side of the crimping roller 83. The inner surface of the crimping roller 83 is in contact with the outer surface of the large-diameter section 88b. The crimping roller 83 is held on the rotating shaft 88 without being fixed to it. That is, the crimping roller 83 is not fixed to the rotating shaft 88 by fastening members such as screws. Also, the crimping roller 83 is not glued to the rotating shaft 88. The crimping roller 83 is rotatable together with the rotating shaft 88 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The length of the crimping roller 83 (length in the left-right direction) is longer than the width of the medium 3. The crimping roller 83 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the medium 3 being transported by the medium transport mechanism 12. Specifically, the crimping roller 83 is a driven roller that rotates in accordance with the medium 3 being transported by the medium winding mechanism 43, and there is no drive source for the crimping roller 83.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the crimping roller 83 is composed of multiple segmented rollers 94 that are divided in the left-right direction. For example, the crimping roller 83 is composed of 23 segmented rollers 94. The segmented rollers 94 are formed in a cylindrical shape with the left-right direction as the axial direction. The wall thickness (radial thickness) of the segmented rollers 94 is, for example, 30 mm. In this embodiment, the length (length in the left-right direction) of all segmented rollers 94 is equal. Multiple segmented rollers 94 arranged in the left-right direction are in contact with each other.

[0052] The segmented roller 94 is made of foam (foam material). That is, the compression roller 83 is made of foam. In this embodiment, the segmented roller 94 is made of foamed rubber, and the compression roller 83 is made of foamed rubber. Specifically, the segmented roller 94 is made of rubber sponge, and the foamed roller 83 is made of rubber sponge. More specifically, in this embodiment, the segmented roller 94 is made of rubber sponge mainly composed of chloroprene rubber, and the compression roller 83 is made of rubber sponge mainly composed of chloroprene rubber. The hardness of the segmented roller 94 is relatively low. The hardness of the segmented roller 94 is, for example, 25 degrees. In this embodiment, in order to prevent shrinkage of the segmented roller 94 over time, the segmented roller 94 is subjected to an annealing treatment during manufacturing.

[0053] Furthermore, the transfer sheet application section 13 includes a holding member 84 that rotatably holds the pressure roller 83, a holding frame 86 that rotatably holds the holding member 84, and a tension coil spring 85 as a biasing member that biases the holding member 84 relative to the holding frame 86. The holding member 84 is rotatable relative to the holding frame 86 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation.

[0054] The holding member 84 comprises flat plate-shaped holding portions 84a positioned on both sides of the crimping roller 83 in the left-right direction, and a connecting portion 84b that connects the two holding portions 84a. The holding portions 84a are positioned outside the roll-shaped transfer sheet 4 in the left-right direction. The bearing 89 is attached to the holding portion 84a; that is, the holding portion 84a holds the bearing 89. The holding member 84 rotatably holds the rotating shaft 88 and the crimping roller 83 via the bearing 89. The connecting portion 84b connects the two holding portions 84a at the front lower end of the holding member 84. The crimping roller 83 is rotatably held at the rear upper end of the holding member 84.

[0055] The retaining frames 86 are positioned on both sides of the retaining member 84 in the left-right direction. A cylindrical shaft member 87, which serves as the pivot point of the retaining member 84 relative to the retaining frames 86, is fixed to the retaining frames 86. The shaft member 87 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The shaft member 87 rotatably supports the central part of the retaining portion 84a. Note that the shaft member 87 is not shown in Figure 4.

[0056] The pressure roller 83, held by the holding member 84, is movable between an attachment position 83A (see solid line in Figure 4 and Figure 6) where the pressure roller 83 presses the transfer sheet 4 against the adhesive layer 2, and a retracted position 83B (see dashed line in Figure 4) where the pressure roller 83 retracts in a direction away from the medium 3 (i.e., away from the after cover 81). In other words, the pressure roller 83 moves between the attachment position 83A and the retracted position 83B as the holding member 84 rotates relative to the holding frame 86. In this embodiment, the operator of the printing device 1 manually rotates the holding member 84. A part of the connecting portion 84b serves as a gripping portion for the operator to hold.

[0057] One end of the tension coil spring 85 is attached to each of the two holding parts 84a. That is, the transfer sheet application section 13 is equipped with two tension coil springs 85 positioned on both sides of the crimping roller 83 in the left-right direction. The other end of the tension coil spring 85 is attached to the holding frame 86. One end of the tension coil spring 85 is positioned above the shaft member 87. The tension coil spring 85 biases the crimping roller 83 toward the application position 83A via the holding member 84. That is, the tension coil spring 85 biases the crimping roller 83 toward the after cover 81.

[0058] The transfer sheet application section 13 is equipped with a pressure roller holding mechanism 95 for holding the pressure roller 83 in the retracted position 83B. That is, the transfer sheet application section 13 is equipped with a pressure roller holding mechanism 95 for holding the pressure roller 83, which is biased toward the application position 83A by a tension coil spring 85, in the retracted position 83B. The specific configuration of the pressure roller holding mechanism 95 will be described later.

[0059] In the printing device 1, the crimping roller 83 can be replaced. In other words, in the printing device 1, the split roller 94 can be replaced. When replacing the split roller 94, with the crimping roller 83 in the retracted position 83B, first remove one of the two bearings 89 from the retaining part 84a and the rotating shaft 88 (see Figure 5(B)). That is, remove the screw 92 and remove one of the bearings 89 from the retaining part 84a and the rotating shaft 88. In that state, move the rotating shaft 88 towards the retaining part 84a from which the bearing 89 has been removed, and remove the rotating shaft 88 and the crimping roller 83 from the two retaining parts 84a (see Figure 5(B)).

[0060] Next, remove collar 90 or collar 91 from the rotating shaft 88. For example, remove collar 90 from the rotating shaft 88 (see Figure 5(C)). That is, remove screw 93 and remove collar 90 from the rotating shaft 88. With the collar 90 removed, remove the segmented roller 94 that needs replacing from the rotating shaft 88 and install the new segmented roller 94 onto the rotating shaft 88. Then, in the reverse order, install collar 90 onto the rotating shaft 88, and after installing the rotating shaft 88 and the crimping roller 83 onto the two retaining parts 84a, install the removed bearing 89 onto the retaining parts 84a. Note that when removing the segmented roller 94 from the rotating shaft 88, both collars 90 and 91 may be removed from the rotating shaft 88.

[0061] (Configuration of the crimping roller holding mechanism) Figures 7 to 9 are side views illustrating the configuration and operation of the crimping roller holding mechanism 95 shown in Figure 6.

[0062] The crimping roller holding mechanism 95 includes a cylindrical fixing pin 96 fixed to the holding portion 84a of the holding member 84, and a rotating member 97 and lever members 98, 99 that are rotatably held by the holding frame 86. The fixing pin 96 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The fixing pin 96 protrudes outward from the holding portion 84a in the left-right direction. The fixing pin 96 is positioned above the shaft member 87. The holding frame 86 has an arrangement hole 86a in which a part of the fixing pin 96 is positioned. The arrangement hole 86a penetrates the holding frame 86 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left-right direction, the shape of the arrangement hole 86a is an arc shape with the shaft member 87 as the center of curvature.

[0063] The rotating member 97 and the lever members 98 and 99 are positioned outside the retaining frame 86 in the left-right direction. The rotating member 97 and the lever members 98 and 99 are rotatable relative to the retaining frame 86 with the left-right direction as the axis of rotation. The rotating member 97 and the lever members 98 and 99 are formed in a flat plate shape with the left-right direction as the thickness direction. The rotating member 97, the lever member 98, and the lever member 99 are positioned offset from each other in the left-right direction.

[0064] The retaining frame 86 is fitted with a cylindrical shaft member 100 which serves as the pivot center of the rotating member 97, a cylindrical shaft member 101 which serves as the pivot center of the lever member 98, and a cylindrical shaft member 102 which serves as the pivot center of the lever member 99. The shaft members 100 to 102 are arranged so that their axial direction and left-right direction coincide. Shaft member 101 is positioned in front of and below shaft member 100. Shaft member 102 is positioned in front of and above shaft member 101. Furthermore, shaft member 102 is positioned above shaft member 100.

[0065] The rotating member 97 is formed in a substantially disc shape. The shaft member 100 rotatably supports the central part of the rotating member 97. The rotating member 97 has a notch 97a into which the fixing pin 96 engages, and a notch 97b into which the fixing pin 106, which will be fixed to the lever member 98 (described later), engages. The fixing pin 104 is also fixed to the rotating member 97. If we define the clockwise direction in Figures 6 to 9 as "clockwise" and the counterclockwise direction in Figures 6 to 9 as "counterclockwise", the rotating member 97 is biased clockwise around the shaft member 100 by a torsion coil spring.

[0066] The notches 97a and 97b are formed by cutting out the outer peripheral portion of the rotating member 97. Notches 97a and 97b are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 97. Notch 97b is located counterclockwise to notch 97a. The fixing pin 104 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The fixing pin 104 is fixed to the outer peripheral portion of the rotating member 97. The fixing pin 104 is positioned 180° offset in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 97 from the portion between notches 97a and 97b in the circumferential direction of the rotating member 97.

[0067] The lever member 98 is positioned in front of the rotating member 97. The lever member 98 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the vertical direction as the longer side. The shaft member 101 rotatably supports the lower end of the lever member 98. The lever member 98 has a notch 98a into which the fixing pin 96 engages. The fixing pin 106 is also fixed to the lever member 98. The lever member 98 is biased counterclockwise around the shaft member 101 by a compression coil spring 107.

[0068] The fixing pin 106 is positioned so that its axial direction coincides with its left-right direction. The fixing pin 106 is fixed to the upper end of the lever member 98. The notch 98a is formed in the rear end portion of the lever member 98. The notch 98a is cut out from the rear end surface of the lever member 98 toward the front. The notch 98a is formed in the middle portion of the lever member 98 in the vertical direction. The notch 98a is positioned between the shaft member 101 and the fixing pin 106 in the vertical direction. The compression coil spring 107 contacts the middle portion of the lever member 98 in the vertical direction from the front, thereby biasing the lever member 98 counterclockwise around the shaft member 101.

[0069] The lever member 99 is positioned above the rotating member 97 and the lever member 98. The lever member 99 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the front-to-back direction as its longer side. The shaft member 102 rotatably supports the front end of the lever member 99. The lever member 99 has a notch 99a into which the fixing pin 106 engages. The notch 99a is formed at the lower end of the lever member 99. The notch 99a is cut out upward from the lower end surface of the lever member 99. The notch 99a is positioned in front of the center of the lever member 99 in the front-to-back direction. The notch 99a is also positioned behind the shaft member 102. The lever member 99 is biased counterclockwise around the shaft member 102 by a torsion coil spring.

[0070] In this embodiment, when the crimping roller 83 is positioned at the adhesive position 83A, pushing down the connecting portion 84b and rotating the holding member 84 clockwise causes the crimping roller 83 to move to the retracted position 83B. Conversely, when the crimping roller 83 is positioned at the retracted position 83B, pushing up the connecting portion 84b and rotating the holding member 84 counterclockwise causes the crimping roller 83 to move to the adhesive position 83A.

[0071] As shown in Figure 6, when the crimping roller 83 is positioned at the adhesive position 83A, a portion of the fixing pin 96 is positioned in the notch 97a of the rotating member 97 and is in contact with the counterclockwise side surface of the notch 97a. Also, when the crimping roller 83 is positioned at the adhesive position 83A, the fixing pin 106 is disengaged from the notch 97b of the rotating member 97 and is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the arc-shaped rotating member 97 on the counterclockwise side of the notch 97b. The fixing pin 104 is in contact with the lower end surface of the front end of the lever member 99.

[0072] When moving the crimping roller 83, which is positioned at the attachment position 83A, to the retracted position 83B, the holding member 84 is rotated clockwise. When the holding member 84 rotates clockwise, the rotating member 97 is pushed by the fixing pin 96, which contacts the counterclockwise side surface of the notch 97a, causing it to rotate counterclockwise, and a portion of the fixing pin 106 is positioned in the notch 97b (see Figure 7). When the crimping roller 83 is positioned at the retracted position 83B, the clockwise rotation of the rotating member 97 is restricted by the fixing pin 106 that engages with the notch 97b.

[0073] Therefore, even if one attempts to rotate the holding member 84 counterclockwise, the fixing pin 96 contacts the clockwise side surface of the notch 97a of the rotating member 97, which restricts clockwise rotation, thereby restricting the counterclockwise rotation of the holding member 84. Consequently, when the crimping roller 83 is positioned in the retracted position 83B, it is not possible to move the crimping roller 83 toward the adhesive position 83A. In other words, the crimping roller 83 is held in the retracted position 83B. At this time, a portion of the fixing pin 96 is positioned in the notch 97a and also in the notch 98a of the lever member 98. Also, at this time, a portion of the fixing pin 106 contacts the lower end surface of the lever member 99 behind the notch 99a, and the fixing pin 104 is separated from the lower end surface of the lever member 99.

[0074] In the state shown in Figure 7, if the retaining member 84 is further rotated clockwise, the fixing pin 96 positioned in the notch 98a pushes the lever member 98 forward, causing the lever member 98 to rotate clockwise (see Figure 8). When the lever member 98 rotates clockwise, the fixing pin 106 disengages from the notch 97b, allowing the rotating member 97 to rotate clockwise. In this state, if the retaining member 84 is rotated counterclockwise to move the crimping roller 83 to the attachment position 83A, the rotating member 97 is pushed by the fixing pin 96 and rotates clockwise. When the rotating member 97 rotates clockwise, the fixing pin 96 disengages from the notch 98a, while a part of the fixing pin 106 is positioned in the notch 99a of the lever member 99 (see Figure 9).

[0075] When a portion of the fixing pin 106 is positioned in the notch 99a, the counterclockwise rotation of the lever member 98 is restricted. Therefore, the rotating member 97 can be rotated clockwise without engaging the fixing pin 106 with the notch 97b. When the rotating member 97 rotates clockwise to a position where the fixing pin 106 does not engage with the notch 97b even when the lever member 98 rotates counterclockwise, the fixing pin 104 contacts the lower end surface of the front end of the lever member 99 (see Figure 9), causing the lever member 99 to rotate clockwise. When the lever member 99 rotates clockwise, the fixing pin 106 disengages from the notch 99a, allowing the lever member 98 to rotate counterclockwise, and the fixing pin 106 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the arc-shaped rotating member 97 on the counterclockwise side of the notch 97b.

[0076] In the crimping roller holding mechanism 95, the rotating member 97 and the fixing pin 104 are rotatable relative to the holding frame 86 in accordance with the rotational movement of the holding member 84 relative to the holding frame 86. The lever member 98 and the fixing pin 106 restrict the rotation of the rotating member 97 and the fixing pin 104 relative to the holding frame 86 at a predetermined position by the fixing pin 106 engaging with the notch 97b of the rotating member 97. The lever member 99 restricts the rotation of the lever member 98 and the fixing pin 106 relative to the holding frame 86 at a predetermined position by the fixing pin 106 engaging with the notch 99a. In this embodiment, the rotating member 97 and the fixing pin 104 constitute the first restricting member 109, and the lever member 98 and the fixing pin 106 constitute the second restricting member 110. Furthermore, the lever member 99 in this embodiment is the third restricting member.

[0077] (Main effects of this form) As described above, in this embodiment, the transfer sheet 4 is pressed against the adhesive layer 2 between the metal after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83 made of foam, thereby attaching the transfer sheet 4 to the adhesive layer 2. Therefore, according to the inventor's research, in this embodiment, it is possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 attached to the adhesive layer 2 in the transfer sheet attachment section 13. Furthermore, according to the inventor's research, in this embodiment, even if wear occurs on a part of the pressure roller 83, it is possible to apply substantially uniform pressure to the entire medium 3 and transfer sheet 4, and as a result, it is possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 attached to the adhesive layer 2 in the transfer sheet attachment section 13.

[0078] In particular, in this embodiment, since the pressure roller 83 is made of rubber sponge, according to the inventor's research, it is possible to further improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4, which is attached to the adhesive layer 2 in the transfer sheet attachment section 13, to the adhesive layer 2. According to the inventor's research, for example, as shown in Figure 10, when the transfer sheet 4 is attached to the printed surface of the adhesive layer 2, the transfer sheet 4 does not adhere well to the adhesive layer 2 at the boundary portion M between the printed and unprinted parts of the surface of the adhesive layer 2, and air tends to accumulate at the boundary portion M, causing bubbles to form. However, in this embodiment, since it is possible to further improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 attached to the adhesive layer 2, it is possible to reduce the amount of air that accumulates at the boundary portion M and suppress the generation of bubbles.

[0079] In this embodiment, the heater 82 is located inside the after cover 81, and the heater 82 heats the medium 3 when the transfer sheet 4 is attached to the medium 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the medium 3 and the transfer sheet 4, which are placed between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83, are heated and softened, making it possible to attach the transfer sheet 4 to the medium 3. Consequently, in this embodiment, it is possible to further improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 attached to the adhesive layer 2 in the transfer sheet attachment section 13.

[0080] In this embodiment, the heater 82 is positioned inside the metal after cover 81, which has excellent thermal conductivity. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat from the heater 82 can be efficiently applied to the medium 3 and the transfer sheet 4. In addition, in this embodiment, since the heater 82 is positioned inside the sheet metal after cover 81, the heater 82 can be easily positioned. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the heater 82 is positioned inside the after cover 81 along the guide surface 81a that guides the printed medium 3 from the printing mechanism 11 to the area between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83, it is possible to heat and soften the medium 3 before it reaches the area between the after cover 81 and the pressure roller 83.

[0081] In this embodiment, the transfer sheet application section 13 is equipped with a crimping roller holding mechanism 95 for holding the crimping roller 83 in the retracted position 83B. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the crimping roller 83 is biased toward the application position 83A by the tension coil spring 85, it is possible to hold the crimping roller 83 in the retracted position 83B.

[0082] (Example 1 of modifying the crimping roller) Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a crimping roller 83 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 11, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, the surface of the crimping roller 83 may be covered with a non-adhesive film 115. That is, the surface of the splitting roller 94 may be covered with a non-adhesive film 115. In this modified example, the non-adhesive film 115 is a silicone film. However, the non-adhesive film 115 may be made of a material other than a silicone film. Also, in this modified example, the crimping roller 83 is made of urethane sponge (foamed urethane). However, the crimping roller 83 may be made of rubber sponge, as in the above-described embodiment.

[0084] In the above-described configuration, for example, if the position of the transfer sheet 4 relative to the medium 3 shifts in the left-right direction, a part of the pressure roller 83 may come into contact with the adhesive layer 2, and the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 may adhere to the surface of the pressure roller 83. In the above-described configuration, since the pressure roller 83 is made of foam, according to the inventor's research, if the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 adheres to the surface of the pressure roller 83, it is not easy to remove the adhesive from the surface of the pressure roller 83, and attempting to remove the adhesive from the surface of the pressure roller 83 may damage the surface of the pressure roller 83.

[0085] In this modified example, since the surface of the crimping roller 83 is covered with a non-adhesive film 115, even if the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 adheres to the non-adhesive film 115 covering the surface of the crimping roller 83, the adhesive can be easily removed from the non-adhesive film 115. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent damage to the surface of the crimping roller 83 caused by the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 adhering to the surface of the crimping roller 83.

[0086] (Example 2 of changing the crimping roller) Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a crimping roller 83 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 12, components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0087] In the above-described configuration, the surface of the crimping roller 83 may be covered with a rubber-like elastic body 116. That is, the surface of the split roller 94 may be covered with an elastic body 116. In this modified example, the elastic body 116 is urethane rubber. However, the elastic body 116 may be made of a material other than urethane rubber. For example, the elastic body 116 may be silicone rubber or ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM).

[0088] In this modified example, since the surface of the crimping roller 83 is covered with a rubber-like elastic body 116, similar to the modified example 1 described above, even if the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 adheres to the elastic body 116 covering the surface of the crimping roller 83, it becomes possible to easily remove the adhesive from the elastic body 116. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent damage to the surface of the crimping roller 83 caused by the adhesive of the adhesive layer 2 adhering to the surface of the crimping roller 83. In addition, in this modified example, since the surface of the crimping roller 83 is covered with a rubber-like elastic body 116, it becomes possible to improve the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 attached to the adhesive layer 2 in the transfer sheet attachment section 13.

[0089] (Other embodiments) The above-described embodiments are examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but are not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without altering the essence of the invention.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the biasing member that biases the crimping roller 83 toward the application position 83A may be a spring member other than the tension coil spring 85. Furthermore, the biasing member that biases the crimping roller 83 toward the application position 83A may be a fluid damper, such as a gas damper. Also, in the above-described embodiment, the transfer sheet application section 13 may be formed separately from the after cover 81 and may include a metal crimping member positioned behind the crimping roller 83 located at the application position 83A. This crimping member contacts the release sheet 6.

[0091] In the above-described configuration, the pressure roller 83 may be made of foamed rubber other than rubber sponge, or of a foam material other than foamed rubber. For example, the pressure roller 83 may be made of urethane sponge, as in the modified example 1 described above. Also, in the above-described configuration, the pressure roller 83 may be composed of a single roller that is not divided in the left-right direction. Also, in the above-described configuration, the pressure roller 83 may be fixed to the rotating shaft 88. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the after cover 81 may be made of a metal plate other than a steel plate. Also, in the above-described configuration, the after cover 81 may be in contact with the transfer sheet 4, and the transfer roller 83 may be in contact with the release sheet 6.

[0092] In the above-described configuration, a hot air fan may be provided to heat the transfer sheet 4 before it is attached to the medium 3. In this case, the transfer sheet 4 can be made softer when it is attached to the adhesive layer 2, thereby further improving the adhesion of the transfer sheet 4 to the adhesive layer 2 at the transfer sheet attachment section 13. Also, in the above-described configuration, the heater 82 may be a heater other than an electric heating wire heater. Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the transfer sheet attachment section 13 does not need to be equipped with a heater 82.

[0093] In the above-described configuration, the printing device 1 does not need to have a media winding unit 15. In this case, for example, a storage box for containing the media 3 after the transfer sheet 4 has been attached is installed below the transfer sheet attachment unit 13. In this case, the transfer sheet attachment unit 13 is equipped with a drive source such as a motor for rotating the pressure roller 83, or a transport mechanism for transporting the media 3 is installed between the transfer sheet attachment unit 13 and the storage box. In the above-described configuration, the media 3 may be cut to a predetermined length before being set in the printing device 1. That is, the media 3 does not need to be formed in a long shape. In this case, the media feeding unit 14 and the media winding unit 15 become unnecessary. In this case, the printing device 1 does not need to have a release sheet winding unit 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1 Printing device 2 Adhesive layer 3 Medium 4 Transfer Sheets 6. Release sheet 11 Printing mechanism 12. Media transport mechanism 13 Transfer sheet application area 81 After cover (crimping material) 81a Guide surface 82 Heater 83 Crimping roller 83A Placement 83B Evacuation position 84 Retaining member 85. Tension coil spring (biasing member) 86 Retaining Frame 95 Crimping roller holding mechanism 99 Lever member (third restricting member) 109 First Regulating Member 110 Second regulating member 115 Non-adhesive film 116 Rubber-like elastic body Y: Orthogonal direction for transporting the medium.

Claims

1. A printing mechanism for printing on the adhesive layer of a medium having an adhesive layer and a release sheet disposed on one side of the adhesive layer using an inkjet method, and a transfer sheet attachment section for attaching a transfer sheet to the printed surface of the adhesive layer after printing by the printing mechanism, The transfer sheet application section comprises a pressure member that contacts either the release sheet or the transfer sheet, a pressure roller that contacts the other of the release sheet or the transfer sheet, and a biasing member that biases the pressure roller toward the pressure member. The crimping member is made of metal, The aforementioned crimping roller is made of foam, A printing apparatus characterized by pressing the transfer sheet onto the adhesive layer between the pressing member and the pressing roller to attach the transfer sheet to the printed medium.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure roller is made of foamed rubber.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressure roller is made of rubber sponge.

4. The transfer sheet application section is equipped with a heater for heating the medium after printing. The crimping member is formed in a hollow shape, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the heater is located inside the crimping member.

5. The crimping member has a guide surface formed thereon for guiding the printed medium from the printing mechanism to the space between the crimping member and the crimping roller. The medium comes into contact with the guide surface. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the heater is arranged inside the crimping member along the guide surface.

6. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface of the pressure roller is covered with a non-adhesive film.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the non-adhesive film is a silicone film.

8. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the surface of the pressure roller is covered with a rubber-like elastic material.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the rubbery elastic body is urethane rubber.

10. The pressing member contacts the release sheet, The pressure roller is movable between an attachment position in which the pressure roller presses the transfer sheet against the adhesive layer and a retracted position in which the pressure roller retracts away from the medium. The biasing member biases the pressure roller toward the application position, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transfer sheet attachment section is provided with a pressure roller holding mechanism for holding the pressure roller in the retracted position.

11. The system includes a media transport mechanism for transporting the aforementioned medium, The transfer sheet application section comprises a holding member that rotatably holds the pressure roller and a holding frame that rotatably holds the holding member. The crimping roller is rotatable with respect to the holding member, with the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the medium is conveyed as the axis of rotation. The holding member is rotatable with respect to the holding frame, with the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the medium is transported as the axis of rotation. As the holding member rotates relative to the holding frame, the pressure roller moves between the adhesive position and the retracted position. The crimping roller holding mechanism comprises a first restricting member, a second restricting member, and a third restricting member that are rotatably held on the holding frame, The first regulating member, the second regulating member, and the third regulating member are rotatable with respect to the holding frame, with the direction of rotation being the axis of rotation, in which the medium is transported. The first regulating member is rotatable relative to the retaining frame in accordance with the rotational movement of the retaining member relative to the retaining frame. The second restricting member restricts the rotation of the first restricting member relative to the retaining frame at a predetermined position. The printing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the third restricting member restricts the rotation of the second restricting member relative to the holding frame at a predetermined position.

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