Media exchange and printing device

Abstract

A printer (1) comprises a printing unit (10) that prints on media, and a media exchanger (20) that can hold rolls (R) of a plurality of media (M) and can move a specific roll (R) among the rolls up to a media supply position where the media M can be supplied to the printing unit (10) from the roll (R). The media exchanger (20) includes a plurality of media holding parts (21) and a rotating part (22). Each media holding part (21) includes one set of clamping parts (220, 230) that rotatably clamp a single roll (R), and a guide part (210) that slidably supports one or both of the clamping parts. The rotating part (22) holds the plurality of media holding parts (21) at an arrangement such as where, when rotated about the axis of rotation, the rolls (R) held by the respective media holding parts (21) are at the media supply position one time in the process of the rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a media exchanger and a printing device.

Background Art

[0002] When performing printing on media using an inkjet printer, various media exchangers have been developed that pre-load a plurality of media rolls (sheet materials such as paper or fabric wound around a hollow core material into a roll shape) and selectively supply the media to the printer from one of them. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a roll paper storage mechanism that stores a plurality of roll papers of the same type or different types in a predetermined order and circulates them sequentially through a paper feeding unit in order to save the trouble of paper replacement when the same type of printing paper runs out or when switching to a different type of printing paper, for a paper feeding device for a recording device that uses roll paper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, conventional media exchangers are compatible only with media rolls having a shape according to a specific standard, particularly media rolls having the same core length, and it is impossible to mount media rolls of other standards on the media exchanger.

[0005] Furthermore, conventional media exchanges required a driven feed mechanism for each media roll to deliver media from the individual media rolls mounted on the exchange to the printing mechanism of the printing device. Therefore, when such media exchanges were equipped with media rolls of multiple different materials, and these were to be used interchangeably according to user requirements, the feed mechanisms corresponding to the media rolls being used had to be individually adjusted according to the material of each media, while also coordinating with the feed mechanism on the printing mechanism side. This made controlling media transport throughout the entire printing device complicated. Failure in this control could result in the media being torn or wrinkled during transport, potentially leading to a decrease in print quality. Additionally, the need for multiple driven feed mechanisms meant that such media exchanges incurred high running costs, including energy consumption and maintenance labor.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a media exchange and a printing apparatus that can suitably transport media by appropriately using a plurality of different media rolls mounted on the media exchange. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A media exchange according to the first aspect of the present invention is: A media exchange capable of holding multiple media rolls and moving a specific media roll to a media supply position where media can be supplied from that media roll to the printing unit of a printing device, The aforementioned media exchange is Multiple media holding units, A rotating unit that holds multiple media holding units in such an arrangement that when rotated around a rotation axis, each media roll held in the media holding unit returns to the media supply position at least once during the rotation process, Equipped with, Each media holding unit comprises a pair of clamping units that rotatably clamp a single media roll, and a guide unit that slidably supports one or both of the clamping units. It is characterized by the following:

[0008] With the above configuration, it becomes possible to store media rolls with different core lengths in the same media exchange. This allows various media rolls of different specifications with varying core lengths to be stored in the same media exchange, and users can use them as needed.

[0009] The guide portion of at least one of the media holding portions includes a plurality of guide rods, It would be acceptable to do so.

[0010] With the above configuration, the clamping portion can be firmly supported by the guide portion. For example, this prevents the clamping portion, which holds a heavy media roll, from rotating around the point of contact with the guide portion.

[0011] The guide portion of at least one of the media holding portions slidably supports both of the clamping portions of the media holding portion. It would be acceptable to do so.

[0012] With the above configuration, a media exchange can easily exchange media rolls of various different standards.

[0013] A media exchange according to a second aspect of the present invention is: A media exchange capable of holding multiple media rolls and moving a specific media roll to a media supply position where media can be supplied from that media roll to the printing unit of a printing device, The aforementioned media exchange is A plurality of media holding units, each configured to hold a single media roll, A rotating unit that holds multiple media holding units in such an arrangement that when rotated around a rotation axis, each media roll held in the media holding unit returns to the media supply position at least once during the rotation process, A pin lock mechanism that automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part when the new media holding part moves to the media supply position, and then allows the lock to be released by manual operation, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:

[0014] With the above configuration, unwanted rotation of the rotating part can be prevented. For example, this prevents the rotating part from rotating unintentionally and spontaneously when multiple media rolls of different weights are loaded into the media exchange, or prevents the user from accidentally rotating the rotating part in the reverse direction.

[0015] A media exchange according to a third aspect of the present invention is: A media exchange capable of holding multiple media rolls and moving a specific media roll to a media supply position where media can be supplied from that media roll to the printing unit of a printing device, The aforementioned media exchange is A plurality of media holding units, each configured to hold a single media roll, A rotating unit that holds multiple media holding units in such an arrangement that when rotated around a rotation axis, each media roll held in the media holding unit returns to the media supply position at least once during the rotation process, A ratchet mechanism to prevent reverse rotation of the rotating part, Equipped with, It is characterized by the following:

[0016] According to the above configuration, unwanted rotation of the rotating part can be prevented. For example, this can prevent the rotating part from rotating spontaneously unintentionally when a plurality of media rolls with different weights are mounted on the media exchanger, or prevent the user from accidentally rotating the rotating part in the reverse direction.

[0017] The printing apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that performs printing on a medium, and a media exchanger according to the first to third aspects of the present invention that supplies the medium to the printing unit. It is characterized by including the above.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the user can appropriately use a plurality of different media rolls, for example, media rolls of various standards, with the same printing apparatus.

[0019] The printing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that performs printing on the medium while feeding the medium in a predetermined direction, and a media exchanger that can hold a plurality of media rolls and move a specific one of the media rolls to a media supply position where the medium can be supplied from the media roll to the printing unit. It is characterized by including the above, and the printing unit has a driving type feeding mechanism for feeding the medium. including the above.

[0020] According to the above configuration, since the driving type feeding mechanism for feeding the medium is integrated in the printing unit, even when a plurality of media rolls of different materials are mounted on the media exchanger and are used appropriately according to the user's requirements, the control of the conveyance of the medium is easy. Also, the running cost can be saved.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, media can be transported efficiently by appropriately using multiple different media rolls mounted on the media exchange. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] A schematic front perspective view showing a printer according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic rear perspective view of the printer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic side view of the printer shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the printing section in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the media holding section. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a front view showing the right-hand clamping portion of the media holding unit. [Figure 7] A front view showing details of the right side of the drive unit in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Rear view of the drive unit in Figure 7. [Figure 9] An enlarged view of the area around the pin lock mechanism of the drive unit in Figure 7. The rotating shaft is omitted from the diagram. [Figure 10] Enlarged view of the driven gear in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Enlarged view of the lock pin in Figure 9. [Figure 12] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the lock pin regulating mechanism. [Figure 13] Figure 9 shows only the driven gear, pin lock mechanism, and lock pin regulating mechanism. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows the state after the pin lock has been released. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows the gear after it has been rotated. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows the result after the driven gear has been rotated further. [Figure 17] Figure 16 shows the result after the driven gear has been rotated further. [Figure 18] A perspective view showing the right side of the drive unit in one modified example. [Figure 19]Figure 18 is a front view showing the details of the ratchet mechanism on the right side of the drive unit. The pin lock mechanism, lock pin regulating mechanism, and handle are omitted in this figure. [Figure 20] Front view showing the left side portion of the drive unit in one modified example. [Figure 21] A schematic side view showing a printer equipped with a feeding mechanism according to one modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Hereinafter, a printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (Configuration of Printer 1) Printer 1 is configured as shown in Figures 1-4, for example, and prints images onto media M using an inkjet method. Printer 1 comprises a printing unit 10, a media exchanger 20, and a stand 30. Printing unit 10 is the part that prints images onto media M. Media M is, for example, a sheet material such as paper or cloth, and before printing it is stored in the form of a roll R wound around a hollow core. Media exchanger 20 can hold multiple rolls R containing media M of different core lengths or materials, and moves a specific roll R to a media supply position where media M can be supplied from that roll R to the printing unit 10 as needed. Printing unit 10 and media exchanger 20 are supported by stand 30 at a distance above the floor so that the printed media M discharged from printing unit 10 and the rolls R held in media exchanger 20 (especially the lower rolls R) do not touch the floor.

[0025] The printing unit 10 includes a print head 110, an ink supply mechanism 120, a head moving mechanism 130, a feed mechanism 140, an input unit 150, and a controller 160.

[0026] The print head 110 ejects printing ink onto media M using an inkjet method when printing an image. The inkjet method is optional and can be either a piezo method or a thermal head method. The printing inks are, for example, YMCK inks.

[0027] The ink supply mechanism 120 has an ink supply path, which supplies ink from the ink storage unit (e.g., an ink bottle or ink cartridge) to the print head 110.

[0028] The head movement mechanism 130 moves the print head 110 along the main scanning direction (left-right direction in the figure). The head movement mechanism 130 comprises a carriage on which the print head 110 is mounted, and guide rails that guide the movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the head movement mechanism 130 comprises a drive belt to which the carriage is fixed, a drive pulley and a driven pulley around which the drive belt is routed, and a drive motor that rotates the drive pulley. The rotation of the drive motor rotates the drive belt, causing the carriage to move in the main scanning direction.

[0029] The feed mechanism 140 is a mechanism for feeding the media M in the sub-scanning direction (front-to-back direction in the figure). The feed mechanism 140 comprises a platen 141 that supports the media M, a drive motor, a drive roller rotated by the drive motor, and a plurality of pinch rollers. The media M is held between the drive roller and the plurality of pinch rollers, and the rotation of the drive roller feeds the media M in the sub-scanning direction.

[0030] The input unit 150 consists of a touch panel or the like that receives operations from the user. The input unit 150 supplies an operation signal to the controller 160 indicating the content of the operation received from the user.

[0031] The controller 160 controls the entire printer 1 based on the operation signals. The controller 160 is composed of various computers, such as a microcomputer that operates by program. The controller 160 is also capable of communicating with an external host computer, and image data is supplied to the controller 160.

[0032] The media exchange 20 comprises a plurality (for example, three) media holding units 21, a rotating unit 22, and a drive unit 23.

[0033] Each media holding unit 21 rotatably holds a single roll R. The media holding unit 21 comprises, for example, a guide unit 210, a right-side clamping unit 220, and a left-side clamping unit 230, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0034] The guide section 210 is a member that slidably supports the left and right clamping sections 220 and 230, and consists of two guide rods 211 and 212 that are arranged parallel to each other.

[0035] The clamping portions 220 and 230 are fitted to the open ends of the hollow core material of the roll R, respectively, and rotatably clamp the roll R. The clamping portion 220 comprises a base plate 221, a set screw 222, and a fitting portion 223. The base plate 221 is provided with a through hole 221a through which the guide rod 211 passes, and a through hole 221b through which the guide rod 212 passes. The set screw 222 screws the guide rod 212 into the through hole 221b. The base plate 221 may also further comprise a sleeve 221c that defines the through hole 221b. The sleeve 221c is fixed to the main body of the base plate 221, for example, by a screw. The surface of the sleeve 221c that defines the through hole 221b is configured so that the guide rod 212 does not rotate within the through hole 221b, and is formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction with the surface of the guide rod 212, for example. The sleeve 221c has a screw hole into which a set screw 222 fits and passes through. The set screw 222 passes through the screw hole and contacts the guide rod 212, pressing the guide rod 212 against the inner surface of the sleeve 221c, thereby fixing the guide rod 212 to the sleeve 221c and, consequently, to the base plate 221. The fitting portion 223 is a member that fits onto one of the open ends of the hollow core material of the roll R and is rotatably fixed to the base plate 221. Similarly, the clamping portion 230 comprises a base plate 231 (through holes 231a, 231b), a set screw 232, and a fitting portion 233. These structures are the same as those of the base plate 221 (through holes 221a, 221b), the set screw 222, and the fitting portion 223, except that they are arranged to face each other with the roll R in between.

[0036] When attaching a roll R to the media holder 21, the user first loosens the set screws 222 and 232 of the left and right clamping parts 220 and 230. Next, if there is a roll R already attached to the media holder 21, the user slides one or both of the clamping parts 220 and 230 on the guide part 210 to detach them from the roll R, and then removes the roll R from the media holder 21. Next, if necessary, the user slides the clamping parts 220 and 230 on the guide part 210 to adjust the distance between the clamping parts 220 and 230 so that it is longer than the distance of the roll R to be newly attached. Next, the user fits one end of the core material of the roll R into the fitting portion of one clamping portion (for example, the fitting portion 223 of clamping portion 220), and then slides the other clamping portion (for example, clamping portion 230) toward the roll R so that the fitting portion of the other clamping portion (for example, fitting portion 233) fits onto the other end of the core material of the roll R. Finally, the user tightens the set screws 222 and 232 of the clamping portions 220 and 230 to fix both clamping portions 220 and 230 to the guide portion 210. In this way, rolls R with core material lengths of different lengths can be attached to the media holding portion 21.

[0037] The rotating section 22 is a pair of shaft plates with a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape. Multiple media holding sections 21 are attached to both shaft plates, rotated symmetrically around a common axis of rotation of both plates, and spaced equally in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the guide rods 211 and 212 are fixed to the rotating section 22 at both ends, so that the guide rods 211 and 212 sandwich the rotating section 22. When a roll R held in a media holding section 21 is in the media supply position, the rotating section 22 rotates around the aforementioned axis of rotation by a predetermined media exchange angle (for example, 120°) in a predetermined media exchange direction (for example, counterclockwise from right to left in the figure), allowing the roll R held in the next media holding section 21 to move to the media supply position and enable the supply of media M to the printing section 10. The media exchange angle is determined according to the number of media holding sections 21, and specifically, it is the angle obtained by dividing 360° by the number of media holding sections 21.

[0038] The drive unit 23 rotates the rotating part 22 around the rotation axis in the media exchange direction described above. The drive unit 23 comprises a handle 300, a pair of left and right rotating shaft parts 310, a drive transmission mechanism 320, a pin lock mechanism 330, a lock pin regulating mechanism 340, and a pair of left and right support parts 350. Note that in Figures 7 and 8, only the right side of the drive unit 23 is shown, and the left side (left rotating shaft part 310, left support part 350) is not shown. The handle 300 is configured to be turned by hand. The left and right rotating shaft parts 310 are fixed so that their rotation axes are coaxial with the left and right rotating parts 22, respectively. The drive transmission mechanism 320 transmits the power from turning the handle 300 by hand to the right rotating shaft part 310, causing the right rotating shaft part 310 to rotate. When the handle is turned by hand, the power is transmitted to the right-side rotating shaft 310 via the drive transmission mechanism 320, causing the right-side rotating shaft 310, and consequently the rotating part 22, to rotate. As the rotating part 22 rotates in this way, the media holding part 21 that presents the roll R to the media supply position is changed. The support part 350 is a member that supports each component of the drive unit 23, and in particular, it operably supports the handle 300, the rotating shaft 310, the drive transmission mechanism 320, the pin lock mechanism 330, and the lock pin regulating mechanism 340.

[0039] The drive transmission mechanism 320 is a reduction gear and includes, for example, a drive gear 321 directly connected to the handle 300 such that the hand crank shaft and the rotation shaft are coaxial, and a driven gear 322 directly connected to the rotation shaft portion 310 such that the rotation shaft is coaxial. The reduction ratio of the drive transmission mechanism 320 is set so that the media holding portion 21 used for printing can be changed by turning the handle 300 a reasonable number of times. Note that, for simplification, the teeth of the gears are omitted in the figure.

[0040] Furthermore, the driven gear 322 includes a pin hole 322a corresponding to the lock pin 331 and a protrusion 322b that moves the lock pin regulating mechanism 340. The same number of pin holes 322a as the number of media holding parts 21 are provided on the driven gear 322 in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the axis of rotation and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. In addition, the same number of protrusions 322b as the number of media holding parts 21 are provided on the driven gear 322 in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the axis of rotation and at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0041] The pin lock mechanism 330 is a pin lock type mechanism that automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part 22 when a new media holding part 21 moves to the media supply position, and then allows the lock to be released by manual operation. As shown in Figure 11, the pin lock mechanism 330 comprises a lock pin 331 and a spring 332. The lock pin 331 is a substantially rod-shaped component and, along its longitudinal direction, from the tip outwards, comprises a pin portion 331a, a groove portion 331b, a spring retaining portion 331c, a spring housing portion 331d, a sliding restricting portion 331e, and a grip 331f. As shown in Figure 9, the lock pin 331 is held by a support portion 350 so as to be slidable along a direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is locked, the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331 is fitted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, preventing the driven gear 322 from rotating. When the grip 331f is pulled outward (away from the driven gear 322) from the locked state, the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, the pin portion 331a comes out of the pin hole 322a, and the driven gear 322 becomes able to rotate.

[0042] The pin portion 331a is the tip of the lock pin 331 and is a protrusion that fits into the pin hole 322a provided in the driven gear 322.

[0043] The groove 331b is cut behind the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331 and is a groove that engages with the protrusion 342a of the restricting portion 342 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340, which will be described later.

[0044] The spring retainer portion 331c is a bulging portion located behind the groove portion 331b of the lock pin 331. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, the spring retainer portion 331c presses down on the spring 332 together with a part of the support portion 350.

[0045] The spring housing portion 331d is an axis around which the spring 332 is wound, located behind the spring retaining portion 331c of the lock pin 331. The spring housing portion 331d restricts the biasing force of the spring 332 in the longitudinal direction of the lock pin 331 (the direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322). As a result, when the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, the lock pin 331 is biased toward the driven gear 322.

[0046] The sliding restricting portion 331e consists of a shaft connecting the spring housing portion 331d and the grip 331f, and connection portions at both ends of the shaft that are thicker than the shaft and connect to the spring housing portion 331d and the grip 331f. The shaft portion of the sliding restricting portion 331e passes through a through hole provided in the support portion 350 and is slidably supported in the through hole, but the connection portions at both ends of the sliding restricting portion 331e do not pass through the through hole. As a result, the movement of the lock pin 331 in the direction perpendicular to the driven gear 322 is restricted to a certain range by the sliding restricting portion 331e.

[0047] The grip 331f is positioned behind the sliding restricting portion 331e of the lock pin 331. The user can release the lock pin 331 by pulling the grip 331f and lock the lock pin 331 by pushing the grip 331f.

[0048] The lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is a mechanism that automatically restricts the movement of the lock pin 331 towards the driven gear 322 after the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, so that the pin lock mechanism 330 remains released even if the user does not continue to pull the grip 331f. The lock pin restricting mechanism 340 also automatically releases this restriction as the driven gear 322 rotates. As shown in Figure 12, the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 comprises a shaft portion 341, a restricting portion 342, a magnet 343, and a release portion 344.

[0049] As shown in Figures 9 and 13-17, the shaft portion 341 is a shaft-shaped component held by the support portion 350 so as to be rotatable in a plane parallel to the driven gear 322. A restricting portion 342 and a release portion 344 are fixed to the shaft portion 341, and when one of the restricting portion 342 or the release portion 344 is rotated in a plane parallel to the driven gear 322, the other also rotates in conjunction with it.

[0050] The restricting portion 342 is a rod-shaped component extending from the shaft portion 341, and has a protrusion 342a and a magnetic portion 342b at its tip. The protrusion 342a is a protrusion that fits into the groove portion 331b of the lock pin 331. The magnetic portion 342b is made of a magnetic material that is attracted to the magnet 343.

[0051] The magnet 343 biases the entire restricting portion 342 toward the lock pin 331 via the magnetic portion 342b. As a result, the tip of the restricting portion 342 is kept in contact with the side surface of the lock pin 331, except when the release portion 344 contacts the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is released and the lock pin 331 moves toward the driven gear 322, the protrusion 342a of the restricting portion 342 engages with the groove 331b of the lock pin 331 during the movement process, as shown in Figure 14, preventing the lock pin 331 from moving toward the driven gear 322.

[0052] The release portion 344 is a rod-shaped component extending from the shaft portion 341, and is configured to collide with the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322 when the driven gear 322 rotates in the media exchange direction. When the protrusion 322b collides with the release portion 344 in this way, the release portion 344 rotates away from the lock pin 331, and in conjunction with this, the regulating portion 342 also rotates away from the lock pin 331. As a result, if the protrusion 342a of the regulating portion 342 was engaged with the groove 331b of the lock pin 331, the protrusion 342a disengages from the groove 331b, and the lock pin 331 can move again towards the driven gear 322.

[0053] (Operation of media exchange 20) First, when a roll R held by a media holding section 21 is in the media supply position (in Figure 1-3, the position where the uppermost media holding section 21 is located), the pin lock mechanism 330 is locked so that the entire rotating section 22 and media holding section 21 do not rotate in either the forward or backward direction. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is locked, as shown in Figure 13, the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331 is fitted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, and the convex portion 342a of the restricting portion 342 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is in contact with the side surface of the lock pin 331 other than the groove portion 331b (in the figure, the side surface of the spring retaining portion 331c).

[0054] If, from this state, the user wants to replace the roll R of media M used for printing with another roll R held in the media exchanger 20, the user first removes the media M currently in use from the feed mechanism 140 of the printing unit 10. Next, the user cuts off the removed portion with a cutting tool such as a cutter, or rotates the roll R within the media holding unit 21 to rewind the removed portion onto the roll R, thereby preparing the used roll R for storage.

[0055] Next, the user pulls the grip 331f to release the pin lock mechanism 330. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, the lock pin 331 is biased toward the driven gear 322, so if the user releases their hand from the grip 331f before the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is activated, the pin lock mechanism 330 automatically returns to the locked state. If the user pulls the grip 331f until the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is activated, the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 restricts the movement of the lock pin 331 toward the driven gear 322, so the pin lock mechanism 330 remains released even if the user does not continue to pull the grip 331f. After the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 is activated, as shown in Figure 14, the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331 is disengaged from the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, and the convex portion 342a of the regulating portion 342 of the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 is fitted into the groove portion 331b of the lock pin 331.

[0056] Next, the user rotates the handle 300 in a predetermined direction (for example, clockwise from right to left in Figure 1-3) until the roll R held in the next media holding unit 21 moves to the media supply position, thereby rotating the entire rotating unit 22 and media holding unit 21 in the media exchange direction (counterclockwise from right to left in Figure 1-3).

[0057] In this process, first, the restriction on the movement of the lock pin 331 toward the driven gear 322 by the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 is automatically released. Then, with the pin lock mechanism 330 released, the lock pin 331 is biased toward the driven gear 322, so the lock pin 331 moves toward the driven gear 322. As shown in Figure 15, just before the restriction by the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 is released, the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 does not exist in front of the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331, so as a result, as shown in Figure 16, the lock pin 331 collides with a location other than the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322. Even in this state, the pin lock mechanism 330 is still released.

[0058] Furthermore, although the protrusion 342a of the restricting portion 342 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is biased toward the lock pin 331, immediately after the restriction on the movement of the lock pin 331 by the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 is released, the protrusion 342a does not move toward the lock pin 331 because it is obstructed by the protrusion 322b of the driven gear 322 and the release portion 344 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340, as shown in Figure 16. Also, even after this obstruction is released, once the lock pin 331 collides with a location other than the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, the protrusion 342a of the restricting portion 342 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 will come into contact with a side of the lock pin 331 other than the groove portion 331b, as shown in Figure 17, and the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 will enter a standby state waiting for the next operation.

[0059] Furthermore, when the roll R held by the next media holding section 21 moves to the media supply position, the next pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 is positioned in front of the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331. When the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, the lock pin 331 is biased toward the driven gear 322, so the lock pin 331 moves toward the driven gear 322. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the next pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322 is positioned in front of the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331, and the pin lock mechanism 330 is automatically locked again.

[0060] Finally, the user pulls out the media M from the roll R, which has moved to the new media supply position, and places the pulled-out portion of the media M onto the feed mechanism 140. In this way, the printer 1 is able to print on the new media M.

[0061] (Printer 1 operation) The controller 160 controls the print head 110, the head movement mechanism 130, and the feed mechanism 140 based on image data supplied from outside the printer 1 (such as a host computer) and data on the type of media supplied from outside the printer 1 or input from the input unit 150, and prints the image represented by the image data onto the media M. The controller 160 drives the head movement mechanism 130 to move the print head 110 and controls the print head 110 to eject ink at timings based on the image data. Through this process, one line of the image represented by the image data is printed. Subsequently, the controller 160 drives the feed mechanism 140 to feed the media M by a predetermined amount in the sub-scanning direction. By repeatedly performing this process of printing one line of the image and feeding the media M with the feed mechanism 140, the image is printed onto the media M.

[0062] In particular, during printing, the controller 160 optimizes the tension applied to the media M as it is drawn from the roll R at the media supply position by controlling the speed at which the feed mechanism 140 feeds the media M in the sub-scanning direction and / or the force with which the feed mechanism 140 holds the media M (e.g., the rotational speed of the drive roller and / or the force with which the pinch roller presses the media M) based on data of the type of media. For example, the tension applied to the media M during printing is selected so as not to interfere with printing on the media M, such as by tearing or wrinkling the media M. Alternatively, for example, the tension applied to the media M during printing may be selected to enable the maximum possible feed speed without interfering with printing on the media M.

[0063] (Effects of this embodiment) Conventional media exchanges only supported media rolls with a specific shape conforming to a particular standard, especially those with the same core length, and could not accommodate media rolls of other standards.

[0064] However, in this embodiment, the media exchanger 20 of the printer 1 can accommodate media rolls with different core lengths in the same media holding unit 21. Therefore, users can easily switch between media rolls of various specifications with the printer 1.

[0065] Furthermore, conventional media exchanges required a driven feed mechanism for each media roll to deliver media from the individual media rolls mounted on the exchange to the printing mechanism of the printing device. Therefore, when such media exchanges were equipped with media rolls of multiple different materials, and these were to be used interchangeably according to user requirements, the feed mechanisms corresponding to the media rolls being used had to be individually adjusted according to the material of each media, while also coordinating with the feed mechanism on the printing mechanism side. This made controlling media transport throughout the entire printing device complicated. Failure in this control could result in the media being torn or wrinkled during transport, potentially leading to a decrease in print quality. Additionally, the need for multiple driven feed mechanisms meant that such media exchanges incurred high running costs, including energy consumption and maintenance labor.

[0066] However, in this embodiment, the media exchange 20 does not have a drive-type feed mechanism for transporting the media M, and only the printing unit 10 has a drive-type feed mechanism 140 for transporting the media M. Therefore, the drive-type feed mechanism for transporting the media M is centralized in the printing unit. Consequently, even when the media exchange 20 is equipped with multiple rolls R made of media M of different materials, and these are used interchangeably according to the user's request, the transport of the media M can be easily controlled simply by controlling the speed at which the feed mechanism 140 transports the media M in the sub-scanning direction and / or the force with which the feed mechanism 140 holds the media M. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide multiple feed mechanisms in the media exchange 20, running costs and manufacturing costs can be saved.

[0067] (modified version) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Examples of modifications relating to the above embodiments are given below. The above embodiments and the various modifications described below can be combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0068] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the printing method of the printer 1 is an inkjet method, but other methods may be used as long as they are capable of printing on the roll R of media M supplied from the media exchange 20.

[0069] Furthermore, the configuration of the printer 1 other than the media exchange 20 may be any known configuration that is compatible with the printing method, as long as it is capable of printing on the roll R of media M supplied from the media exchange 20. In other words, the printer 1 can be any printing device comprising a printing unit 10 that performs printing on media M in any way, and a media exchange 20 that supplies media M to the printing unit 10.

[0070] Furthermore, the printer 1 may be a printing device that includes a printing unit 10 that prints on media M while feeding it in a predetermined direction, and a media exchange 20 that supplies media M to the printing unit 10, and in which case the printing unit 10 is provided with a drive-type feeding mechanism for feeding media M, but the media exchange 20 is not provided with such a mechanism.

[0071] Furthermore, the rolls R of media M attached to the media exchange 20 may have cores of the same or different lengths, and the media M may be of the same or different materials. Moreover, the core material of the rolls R of media M attached to the media exchange 20 is arbitrary and not limited to a hollow core material, as long as both ends are suitable for attachment to the media exchange 20 (for example, the fitting parts 223 of the clamping part 220 and the fitting parts 233 of the clamping part 230). For example, the core material may be a solid core material with recesses or other attachment means provided at both ends for attachment to the fitting parts 223 of the clamping part 220 and the fitting parts 233 of the clamping part 230.

[0072] (Modification 2) The configuration of the media exchange 20 is arbitrary, as long as it can hold multiple rolls R, in particular multiple rolls R with different core material lengths, and can move a specific roll R among them to a media supply position where media M can be supplied from that roll R to the printing unit 10 as needed.

[0073] (Variation 3) The configuration of the guide section 210 and the left and right clamping sections 220 and 230 that constitute each media holding section 21 of the media exchange 20 is arbitrary, as long as it can rotatably hold a single roll R, especially rolls R with different core material lengths.

[0074] For example, the guide section 210 may consist of one or more guide rods or one or more rails, as long as it slidably supports the clamping sections 220 and 230 along the longitudinal direction of the roll R when the roll R is held in the media holding section 21. Alternatively, the clamping sections 220 and 230 may be slidably fixed to the guide section 210 by any connecting means suitable for the guide section 210, instead of the through holes 221a, 221b, 231a, and 231b provided in the substrates 221 and 231.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the configuration of the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230 is arbitrary as long as it can rotatably hold the roll R. Also, in the clamping portion 220, other holding means for rotatably holding the roll R may be used instead of the fitting portion 223. Similarly, in the clamping portion 230, other holding means for rotatably holding the roll R may be used instead of the fitting portion 233. For example, instead of the fitting portions 223 and 233, recesses, through holes, or bearing holes may be provided in the clamping portions 220 and 230 as holding means into which the end of the core material of the roll R can be inserted. Also, the configuration of the clamping portion 220 other than the fitting portion 223 or other holding means and the configuration of the clamping portion 230 corresponding to that configuration do not necessarily have to be arranged facing each other with the roll R in between.

[0076] Furthermore, for example, the fixing means for detachably fixing the clamping portions 220 and 230 to the guide portion 210 is not limited to set screws 222 and 232, but may be other fixing means. Alternatively, one of the clamping portions 220 and 230 may be permanently fixed to the guide portion 210. In this case, the position of the clamping portion of the media holding portion 21 that is permanently fixed to the guide portion 210 of each media holding portion 21 may be adjusted so as to coincide when the roll R held by the media holding portion 21 is moved to the media supply position. When one of the clamping portions 220 and 230 is permanently fixed to the guide portion 210, the guide portion 210 only needs to slidably hold the other of the clamping portions 220 and 230.

[0077] Furthermore, a single media exchange 20 may be configured to hold multiple rolls R. For example, a single media exchange 20 may be provided with a number of clamping sections 220, 230 corresponding to the number of rolls R to be attached. In this case, in order to reduce the number of clamping sections 220, 230, the clamping sections 220, 230 placed between adjacent rolls R may be integrated. For example, instead of placing two clamping sections 220, 230 between adjacent rolls R, one clamping section 220 equipped with holding means (e.g., fitting sections 223, 233) may be placed on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0078] (Modification 4) The configuration of the rotating part 22 of the media exchange 20 is arbitrary, as long as it holds multiple media holding parts 21 in such an arrangement that when rotated around the rotation axis by the drive unit 23, the roll R held in each media holding part 21 is at least once in the media supply position during the rotation process. For example, the shape of the rotating part 22 is arbitrary; for instance, instead of a set of shaft plates, it may be a set of rotatable frames. Also, in Figure 1-3, the shape of the rotating part 22 when viewed from right to left in a plan view is approximately rotationally symmetrical, but other shapes are acceptable as long as the rotation of the rotating part 22 is not hindered.

[0079] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the media holding units 21 are arranged on the rotating unit 22 in a rotationally symmetrical manner around the rotation axis of the rotating unit 22. However, the arrangement of the media holding units 21 on the rotating unit 22 is arbitrary, as long as the roll R held by each media holding unit 21 reaches the media supply position at least once during the rotation process of the rotating unit 22. For example, the media holding units 21 may be in a position that overlaps each other when rotated around the rotation axis of the rotating unit 22. In this case, the media exchange angle required to move the roll R held by the next media holding unit 21 to the media supply position when the roll R held by one media holding unit 21 is in the media supply position may be different from the media exchange angle required to move the roll R held by the next media holding unit 21 to the media supply position when the roll R held by another media holding unit 21 is in the media supply position.

[0080] (Variation 5) The media holding portion 21 may be compatible with multiple core materials with different end shapes. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230 roughly have a shape in which a smaller diameter disc is stacked on top of a larger diameter disc. Therefore, core materials with small diameter open ends can be attached to the smaller diameter disc portion of the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230, and core materials with large diameter open ends can be attached to the larger diameter disc portion of the fitting portions 223 and 233 of the clamping portions 220 and 230. When winding media onto a core material, the load-bearing capacity and / or chemical properties required of the core material differ depending on the widthwise length or material of the media, and for this reason, it is sometimes preferable to use core materials of different materials and shapes for each type of media. For example, to roll heavier media, it is preferable to use a harder and / or thicker core material. Therefore, when attaching rolls R of multiple media M with different widths (and consequently different core material lengths) or different materials to the media exchange machine 20, this modified example is preferable because it can accommodate cases where the ends of the core materials of these rolls R have different shapes.

[0081] (Experimental variation 6) The configuration of the drive unit 23 is arbitrary, as long as it can rotate the rotating unit 22 in order to move the roll R of the next media holding unit to the media supply position (for example, by rotating it in the media exchange direction by the media exchange angle required for such movement).

[0082] For example, in the drive unit 23, instead of the handle 300, human power may be transmitted to the drive transmission mechanism 320 by other mechanical means such as a foot pedal or footboard. Furthermore, the driving force is not limited to human power; the rotating part 22 may be rotated using power from a prime mover such as an electric motor, either in addition to or instead of human power. When a prime mover is used, a switch may be provided in the drive unit 23 for the user to switch the prime mover on and off. Also, when the prime mover is used to assist human power, an electronic or mechanical device may be provided, either in addition to or instead of a switch, such that the prime mover is turned on only while the handle 300 or other mechanical means is being moved by human power.

[0083] The drive transmission mechanism 320 is arbitrary as long as it is compatible with the mechanical means and prime mover for inputting human power as described above. For example, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, it may include a drive gear 321 that is directly connected to the handle 300 so that its hand-cranked shaft and rotation shaft are coaxial, a driven gear 322 that is directly connected to the rotation shaft portion 310 so that its rotation shaft is coaxial, a driven gear 323 that meshes with the drive gear 321, and a driven gear 324 that is fixed to the same rotation shaft as the driven gear 323.

[0084] The rotating shaft portion 310 is arbitrary, as long as it is rotated by the drive transmission mechanism 320 and fixed to the rotating portion 22.

[0085] The pin lock mechanism 330 can be any pin lock mechanism, as long as it automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part 22 when a new media holder 21 moves to the media supply position, and then allows the lock to be released manually. For example, the pin hole 322a and the protrusion 322b may be provided on a lock plate that is interlocked with the rotating part 22 (for example, the rotating part 22 and the rotation axis are fixed coaxially) instead of the driven gear 322, such that if the rotation of one is fixed, the rotation of the other is also fixed. The shape of the pin portion 331a and the pin hole 322a is arbitrary as long as they fit together and prevent the rotation of the driven gear 322 or the lock plate. The arrangement of the pin hole 322a on the driven gear 322 or the lock plate is arbitrary as long as the pin hole 322a is in front of the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331 when the roll R of each media holder 21 is in the media supply position. Furthermore, the biasing means for biasing the lock pin 331 toward the driven gear 322 or the lock plate is not limited to a spring 332, but is arbitrary. Also, it is sufficient for the biasing means to bias the lock pin 331 toward the driven gear 322 or the lock plate at least when the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, and biasing may or may not be performed when the pin lock mechanism 330 is locked.

[0086] The lock pin restricting mechanism 340 can be any mechanism that automatically restricts the movement of the lock pin 331 toward the driven gear 322 or lock plate after the pin lock mechanism 330 is released, so that the pin lock mechanism 330 remains in a released state even if the user does not continue to pull the grip 331f, and automatically releases this restriction as the driven gear 322 or lock plate rotates. For example, the shape of the groove 331b of the lock pin 331 and the protrusion 342a of the restricting part 342 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 can be any shape as long as they fit together and prevent the lock pin 331 from moving toward the driven gear 322 or lock plate. Furthermore, the positional relationship and shape of the release portion 344 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 and the driven gear 322 or the protrusion 322b of the lock plate are arbitrary, as long as the restriction on the movement of the lock pin 331 by the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 can be released before or when the pin hole 322a comes into view of the front of the pin portion 331a of the lock pin 331. In addition, it is preferable that the shaft portion 341, restricting portion 342, and release portion 344 of the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 as a whole have a lower density than the magnetic material portion 342b of the restricting portion 342 so that they are easily attracted by the magnet 343. It is preferable that the shaft portion 341, restricting portion 342 (excluding the magnetic material portion 342b), and release portion 344 are formed from a lightweight resin material. Also, the biasing means that biases the entire restricting portion 342 toward the lock pin 331 is not limited to the magnet 343, but may be other biasing means such as a leaf spring. Furthermore, the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b may be omitted.

[0087] Furthermore, any locking mechanism can be used instead of, or in addition to, the pin locking mechanism 330 and the pin hole 322a, as long as it automatically locks the rotation of the rotating part 22 when the new media holding part 21 moves to the media supply position, and then allows the lock to be released by manual operation. For example, an electrically or mechanically controlled disc brake system can be used as such a locking mechanism. In the case of using such a locking mechanism, the lock pin regulating mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b may also be omitted.

[0088] (Example 7) From the standpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, in order to prevent the rotating part 22 from rapidly rotating in the opposite direction to the media exchange direction, especially when the rotating part 22 is being rotated by the drive unit 23, a device to prevent or suppress reverse rotation, such as a ratchet mechanism, rotary damper, disc damper, or torque limiter, may be provided on the media exchange machine 20 (for example, the drive transmission mechanism 320 or the rotating shaft part 310).

[0089] For example, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, a ratchet mechanism 400 may be provided on the rotation axis of the handle 300. The ratchet mechanism 400 comprises a ratchet gear 410 fixed to the rotation axis of the handle 300 and a stopper 420 that restricts the rotation of the ratchet gear 410 in one direction. The ratchet gear 410 has one or more teeth that do not engage with the stopper 420a of the stopper 420 (described later) when the ratchet gear 410 rotates in one direction (clockwise in Figure 19), and that engage with the stopper 420a when it rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in Figure 19). The stopper 420 includes a stopper (or pawl) 420a that is biased toward the ratchet gear 410 by, for example, a spring.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, for example, a ratchet mechanism 400' may be provided on the rotating shaft portion 310 in the left portion of the drive unit 23. The ratchet mechanism 400' comprises a ratchet gear 410' fixed to the left end of the rotating shaft portion 310 and a stopper portion 420' that restricts the rotation of the ratchet gear 410' in one direction. The ratchet gear 410' has one or more teeth that do not engage with the stopper 420a' of the stopper portion 420' described later when the ratchet gear 410' rotates in one direction (counterclockwise in Figure 20), but engage with the stopper 420a' when it rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise in Figure 20). The stopper portion 420' includes a stopper (or pawl) 420a' that is biased toward the ratchet gear 410' by, for example, a spring.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21, a pin lock mechanism 330' and a lock pin regulating mechanism 340' may be provided on the left side of the drive unit 23 to stop the rotation of the ratchet gear 410' at regular angle intervals. The configuration of the pin lock mechanism 330' and the lock pin regulating mechanism 340' is the same as that of the pin lock mechanism 330 and the lock pin regulating mechanism 340, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In this case, the ratchet gear 410' is provided with a pin hole corresponding to the lock pin of the lock pin regulating mechanism 340' and a protrusion for moving the lock pin regulating mechanism 340', similar to the driven gear 322. The pin hole of the ratchet gear 410' is provided in a position such that the lock pin of the lock pin regulating mechanism 340' fits when the lock pin 331 is fitted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322.

[0092] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, in order to prevent the rotating part 22 from rapidly rotating in the media exchange direction, especially when the rotating part 22 is being rotated by the drive unit 23, a device to suppress rotation, such as a rotary damper or a disc damper, may be provided on the media exchange machine 20 (for example, the drive transmission mechanism 320 or the rotating shaft part 310). For example, such rapid rotation of the rotating part 22 in the media exchange direction can occur if the handle 300 is released while the media holding part 21, on which a heavy roll R is mounted, is located above the handle 300. Such rapid rotation of the rotating part 22 in the media exchange direction can lead to rapid rotation of the media holding part 21 on which the heavy roll R is mounted, and rapid rotation of the handle 300, which may cause harm to a person near the media holding part 21 or the person turning the handle 300. For example, as shown in Figure 18, a disc damper 500 may be attached to the rotating shaft of the handle 300 and the drive gear 321. In Figure 18, the disc damper 500 is fixed to the back of the support part 350, and is therefore shown by a dashed line.

[0093] From the standpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, a torque limiter may be provided on the media exchange machine 20 (for example, the drive transmission mechanism 320 or the rotating shaft 310) to prevent the drive unit 23 from rotating the rotating part 22 with a force exceeding a certain limit, especially by human power, in the media exchange direction or the opposite direction. For example, if a lock pin 331 is fitted into the pin hole 322a of the driven gear 322, or if the rotation of the rotating part 22 in the direction opposite to the media exchange direction is prevented by a device that prevents reverse rotation, such as a ratchet mechanism 400, 400', then forcibly rotating the handle 300 may cause damage to the machine. The torque limiter prevents such forced rotation of the handle 300. Also, for example, if a heavy roll R is mounted on the media holding part 21, rotating the handle 300 may apply a force to the handle 300 or the drive transmission mechanism 320 that exceeds their mechanical strength. The torque limiter can prevent the handle 300 from rotating, and consequently, the rotating part 22 from rotating, even in such cases. For example, as shown in Figure 18, a torque limiter 600 may be provided on the rotating shaft of the handle 300.

[0094] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing accidents and malfunctions, if the drive unit 23 is configured to allow the rotating part 22 to rotate in the opposite direction to the media exchange direction (for example, if the lock pin restricting mechanism 340 and the corresponding protrusion 322b are omitted in the above embodiment), the media exchange machine 20 (for example, the drive transmission mechanism 320 or the rotating shaft part 310, etc.) may be provided with a device to suppress rotation, such as a rotary damper, disc damper, or torque limiter.

[0095] (Variation 8) In the above-described embodiment, the media exchanger 20 (especially the media holding section 21) is not provided with a driven feeding mechanism (e.g., a drive roller) for actively supplying media M from the roll R to the printing section 10. However, to assist in supplying media M to the printing section 10, the media exchanger 20 (especially each media holding section 21) may be provided with a driven feeding mechanism driven by a prime mover or by human power. For example, the media holding section 21 may be provided with a drive roller positioned in contact with the roll R. Alternatively, one or both of the fitting sections 223 and 233 of the clamping sections 220 and 230 may be configured to rotate by a prime mover or by human power so that media M can be supplied from the roll R attached thereto to the printing section 10.

[0096] (Extreme variation 9) The feeding mechanism 140 is optional as long as it can feed the media M supplied from the media exchange 20 in a predetermined direction.

[0097] For example, in the feeding mechanism 140, other conveying means for transporting the media M in a predetermined direction may be used instead of the drive roller. Examples of such other conveying means include a winding device that winds up the printed media M and returns it to the form of a roll, and a belt conveyor. Such a winding device may be used in combination with a platen, belt conveyor, or drive roller positioned facing the print head 110.

[0098] Furthermore, in the feeding mechanism 140, other restraining means may be used to press the media M being transported against the transporting means instead of pinch rollers. Examples of such restraining means include restraining plates having a smooth surface facing the media M. Also, in the feeding mechanism 140, restraining means such as pinch rollers may be omitted. For example, when transporting fabric media M on a belt conveyor, instead of using restraining means, an adhesive backing agent may be applied to the belt of the belt conveyor.

[0099] For example, as shown in Figure 18, the feeding mechanism may include a drive roller 142 and a plurality of pinch rollers 143 between a supply port 11 into which media M is supplied to the printing unit 10 and an area into which ink ejected from the print head 110 lands. The drive roller 142 is, for example, a roller that is wide in the left-right direction (perpendicular to the paper plane in Figure 18) and is rotated by a drive motor (not shown). Multiple pinch rollers 143 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the media M between the pinch rollers 143 and the drive roller 142. The rotation of the drive roller 142 feeds the media M in the sub-scanning direction. Alternatively, instead of the pinch rollers 143, one or more arbitrary driven or drive rollers that can sandwich the media M together with the drive roller 142 and feed the media M in a predetermined direction may be used.

[0100] The present invention can be implemented in various forms and modified without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are for illustrating one example of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be combined arbitrarily. Moreover, the invention remains within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention even if some of the constituent elements of the above embodiments are omitted as necessary.

[0101] This application claims priority based on Patent Application No. 2021-129764 and Patent Application No. 2021-129765, filed on 6 August 2021. The disclosures of these underlying patent applications are included in this application as a whole by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Printer 10 Printing Department 11 supply ports 20 Media exchanges 21 Media holding section 22 Rotating part 23 Drive unit 30 mounting bases 110 Printhead 120 Ink supply mechanism 130 Head movement mechanism 140 Feed mechanism 141 Platen 142 Drive rollers 143 Pinch Roller 150 Input section 160 Controllers 210 Guide section 211 Guide rod 212 Guide rod 220 Clamping part 221 circuit board 221a Through hole 221b Through hole 222 Set screws 223 Fitting part 230 Clamping part 231 circuit boards 232 Set screws 233 Fitting part 300 Handle 310 Rotating shaft section 320 Drive transmission mechanism 321 Drive Gear 322 Driven gear 322a Pinhole 322b protrusion 330, 330' Pin Lock Mechanism 331 Locking pin 331a Pin section 331b Groove 331c Spring retainer part 331d Spring housing 331e Sliding regulating part 331f Grip 332 Spring 340, 340' Lock pin regulating mechanism 341 Shaft 342 Regulatory Department 342a Convex part 342b Magnetic material part 343 Magnets 344 Release section 350 Support part 400, 400' Ratchet Mechanism 410, 410' Ratchet Gear 420, 420' Wheel stop 420a, 420a' Brake stop 500 Disc Damper 600 Torque Limiter

Claims

1. A media exchange capable of holding multiple media rolls and moving a specific media roll to a media supply position where media can be supplied from that media roll to the printing unit of a printing device, The aforementioned media exchange is Multiple media holding units, A rotating unit that holds multiple media holding units in such an arrangement that when rotated around a rotation axis, each media roll held in the media holding unit reaches the media supply position at least once during the rotation process, Equipped with, Each media holding unit comprises a pair of clamping units that rotatably clamp a single media roll, and a guide unit that slidably supports one or both of the clamping units. The guide portion of at least one of the media holding portions includes a plurality of guide rods, A media exchange characterized by the following features.

2. The guide portion of at least one of the media holding portions slidably supports both of the clamping portions of the media holding portion. The media exchange according to claim 1.

3. The printing department, which prints onto the media, A media exchange according to claim 1 or 2, which supplies the media to the printing unit, Equipped with, A printing apparatus characterized by the following features.

Images