Cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a means with which a sheet is accurately positioned when a cartridge accommodating a roll of the sheet having an adhesive layer is mounted onto a lamination device.　A second cartridge 124 comprises: an accommodation part 131 that accommodates a second roll 121 around which a second member 102 is wound; a movable guide 132 that faces an adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 drawn out from the second roll 121; and a second bonding roller 52 that contacts a release sheet 106 of the second member 102 at a position between the movable guide 132 and the second roll 121.

Description

cartridge

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge that is mounted in a laminating device that bonds a plurality of members together.

[0002] Conventionally, laminating devices that bond a laminate film to the printed surface of a printed printing tape have been known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In the laminating device, the printing tape is housed in a tape cassette and loaded into the device. The laminate film is housed in an auxiliary cassette and loaded into the device. An adhesive is applied to one side of the laminate film. The leading edge of the laminate film is held between two feed rollers.

[0003] JP 2009-173014 A

[0004] If the tip of the laminate film protrudes too far from the cartridge, when the cartridge is attached to the device, the tip of the laminate film may adhere to a component of the device, causing the tip of the laminate film to bend or come out of its designated position.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a means for accurately positioning a sheet when a cartridge containing a roll having an adhesive layer is attached to a laminating device.

[0006] (1) The present disclosure relates to a cartridge to be installed in a laminating device having a first roller for conveying a sheet. The cartridge includes a storage section for storing a roll of a sheet having adhesive on only the first side of a first and second sides of the sheet, a first portion facing the first side of the sheet pulled out from the roll, and a second roller contacting the second side of the sheet between the first portion and the roll. The second roller is positioned to grip the sheet between itself and the first roller when the cartridge is installed in the laminating device.

[0007] When a cartridge having a sheet with an adhesive layer only on its first side is installed in a laminating device, the adhesive layer may come into contact with an unintended position, making it impossible to accurately position the sheet. By providing a first portion facing the first side of the sheet pulled out from the roll and a second roller that comes into contact with the second side of the sheet between the first portion and the roll, the user can install the cartridge in the laminating device with the sheet in a stable position. Furthermore, since the sheet is gripped between the cartridge and the first roller when the cartridge is installed in the laminating device, the sheet is accurately positioned when the cartridge is installed in the laminating device.

[0008] (2) The cartridge may further include a second portion facing the first portion and facing the second surface of the sheet, and the first portion may be movable in a first direction perpendicular to a conveying surface along which the sheet is conveyed between the first portion and the second portion between a first position where the distance between the first portion and the second portion is small and a second position where the distance between the first portion and the second portion is large.

[0009] When the first portion is in the first position, the seat is positioned between the first portion and the second portion.

[0010] (3) The cartridge may further include a cover positioned between the roll and the first portion, the cover facing the first surface of the sheet.

[0011] The cover covers the first surface of the sheet, preventing it from being exposed, which prevents the adhesive layer from coming into contact with unintended areas when the cartridge is attached to the laminating device, allowing the sheet to be positioned accurately.

[0012] (4) The cover may be movable between a third position where it covers the first surface and a fourth position where it exposes the first surface.

[0013] If the cover is always in the third position, it is difficult for the user to access the seat, so by moving the cover to the fourth position, the user can easily access the seat.

[0014] (5) The first portion may have a plurality of first ribs extending along a second direction in which the sheet located between the first portion and the second portion is transported in a direction in which the sheet is pulled out from the roll, and the plurality of first ribs may be positioned at intervals from one another in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction.

[0015] The presence of multiple first ribs reduces the contact area with the first surface of the sheet, thereby enabling the sheet to be positioned accurately between the first portion and the second portion, and therefore the sheet can be positioned accurately when the cartridge is installed in the laminating device.

[0016] (6) The second portion may further include a second rib extending along the second direction, and the second rib may be located between adjacent first ribs in the third direction.

[0017] Since the second surface of the sheet abuts against the second rib, the contact area between the second portion and the second surface of the sheet is small.

[0018] (7) When the first portion is in the first position, at least a portion of the first rib may be located between the root and end of the second rib in the first direction, and when the first portion is in the second position, the entire first rib may not be located between the root and end of the second rib in the first direction.

[0019] When the first portion is in the first position, a part of the first rib is inserted between the second rib and positioned to prevent movement of the sheet in the conveying direction, so that the leading edge of the sheet inserted between the first portion and the second portion is positioned. When the first portion is in the second position, the first rib and the second rib are separated, so that the sheet can pass through.

[0020] (8) The first portion may have a spur, and the distance between the spur and the second portion when the first portion is in the second position may be smaller than the distance between the spur and the second portion when the first portion is in the first position.

[0021] When the first portion moves from the first position to the second position, the spur approaches the second portion and comes into contact with the sheet, which makes it easier for the sheet to peel off from the first portion.

[0022] According to the present disclosure, when a cartridge containing a roll having an adhesive layer is installed in a device, the sheet is positioned with high precision.

[0023] FIG. 1(A) is an external perspective view of the laminating apparatus 1, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a finished laminated product 100 produced by the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view showing the laminating apparatus 1 with the cover 12 open. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the laminating apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the laminating apparatus 1 viewed from the opposite side in the left-right direction of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a second cartridge 124 positioned between frames 77 and 78. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the second cartridge 124. FIG. 7(A) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the movable guide 132 in the second position, and FIG. 7(B) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the movable guide 132 in the first position. Fig. 8(A) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the stopper 138 when the movable guide 132 is in the second position, and Fig. 8(B) is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the stopper 138 when the movable guide 132 is in the first position. Fig. 9 is an enlarged front view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the movable guide 132 and fixed guide 133 in the first position. Fig. 10 is an enlarged front view of the second cartridge 124 showing the periphery of the movable guide 132 and fixed guide 133 in the second position.

[0024] The following describes a laminating apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the laminating apparatus 1 is installed and ready for use (the state shown in FIG. 1A ), the front-rear direction is defined with the surface on which the operation unit 13 and display unit 14 are provided as the front, and the left-right direction is defined when viewing the laminating apparatus 1 from the front. The up-down direction, front-rear direction, and left-right direction are perpendicular to one another.

[0025] [Overview of Laminating Apparatus 1] The laminating apparatus 1 creates a finished laminated product 100 by bonding a first member 101 and a second member 102 together. As shown in FIG. 1A, the laminating apparatus 1 has a housing 11 and a cover 12. The housing 11 is a rectangular box with no top surface. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 11 has an opening 17 at the top. The cover 12 is positioned on top of the housing 11 and closes the opening 17. The rear wall of the housing 11 and the rear wall of the cover 12 are connected by a hinge 18. The second member 102 is an example of a sheet.

[0026] The cover 12 is opened and closed by a user's operation. Fig. 1A shows the state in which the cover 12 closes the opening 17. Fig. 2 shows the state in which the cover 12 opens the opening 17. The housing 11 and the cover 12 define the internal space of the laminating device 1. The components that make up the laminating device 1 are located in the internal space of the laminating device 1. When the cover 12 is open, the user can replace the roll of the laminating device 1.

[0027] The laminating device 1 has an operation unit 13 and a display unit 14. The operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 are located on the front wall 15 of the housing 11. The housing 11 has an outlet 16. The outlet 16 is located on the front wall 15 of the housing 11 below the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14. The finished laminated product 100 is discharged to the outside from the outlet 16.

[0028] 2 to 6 , the first member 101 is wound around a cylindrical first shaft 112 having a flange 113 to form a first roll 111. The first roll 111 is housed in a first cartridge 114 and attached to the laminating apparatus 1. The second member 102 is wound around a cylindrical second shaft 122 having a flange 123 to form a second roll 121. The second roll 121 is housed in a second cartridge 124 and attached to the laminating apparatus 1. The second roll 121 is an example of a roll.

[0029] The first member 101 is, for example, a transparent film. As shown in FIG. 1B , the second member 102 is a member having an adhesive layer on at least one surface. The second member 102 is, for example, a backing sheet having a first adhesive layer 103 on one surface of a tape layer 104 and a second adhesive layer 105 on the other surface of the tape layer 104. One surface of the tape layer 104 is the surface facing the first member 101 in the finished laminate 100. A release sheet 106 is located on the opposite side of the tape layer 104 with the second adhesive layer 105 sandwiched between them. The surface of the second member 102 that is formed by the first adhesive layer 103 is an example of a first surface. The surface of the second member 102 that is formed by the release sheet 106 is an example of a second surface. Here, the first member 101 may be a member having an adhesive layer on at least one surface. In this case, the first cartridge 114 that houses the first roll 111 may be a cartridge having an adhesive layer.

[0030] The first member 101 and the second member 102 may be made of any material. The second member 102 may be made of, for example, a resin material such as PET or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), synthetic paper such as Yupo paper (registered trademark), or a metal material. The second member 102 may be transparent or opaque. The first member 101 and the second member 102 may have an adhesive layer on one surface, an adhesive layer on the other surface, or both surfaces, or neither surface may have an adhesive layer. When a material without an adhesive layer is used, the first member 101 and the second member 102 may be bonded together after an adhesive is applied, or may be bonded together by heat welding, pressure bonding, or the like.

[0031] The recording surface 107 is the surface of the first member 101 on which an image is recorded. The back surface 108 is the surface of the first member 101 opposite the recording surface 107. The bonding surface 109 is the surface of the second member 102 that has the first adhesive layer 103.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the laminating apparatus 1 includes a recording unit 30, first to fourth conveying rollers 41 to 44, a laminating unit 50, a first cutting unit 61, and a second cutting unit 62. The laminating apparatus 1 also includes a control unit and various motors. A first conveying path 48 and a second conveying path 49 are formed within the interior space of the housing 11. The first conveying path 48 and the second conveying path 29 are spaces partitioned by guide members (not shown). A first member 101 unwound from a first roll 111 travels through the first conveying path 48, passing through the recording unit 30, the first cutting unit 61, and the laminating unit 50, before reaching the second cutting unit 62. The direction in which the first member 101 travels is the conveying direction 19. A second member 102 unwound from a second roll 121 travels through the second conveying path 29, passing through the laminating unit 50, before reaching the second cutting unit 62.

[0033] [Recording Unit 30] The recording unit 30 is located downstream of the first roll 111 in the conveying direction 19 of the first conveying path 48. The recording unit 30 is located below the first roll 111 and the second roll 121 in the up-down direction and behind the first cutting unit 61 in the front-rear direction. The recording unit 30 has a carriage 31 and a recording head 32. Although not shown in the figures, two guide rails extending in the left-right direction are located in the internal space of the housing 11. The carriage 31 is placed on the two guide rails. The carriage 31 receives driving force from the CR motor and moves in the left-right direction.

[0034] The recording head 32 is mounted on the carriage 31. The recording head 32 has a plurality of nozzles 33. The lower surface of the recording head 32 is a nozzle surface. The plurality of nozzles 33 open to the nozzle surface. The recording head 32 moves left and right as the carriage 31 moves. A platen 34 is located below the recording head 32. The platen 34 supports the first member 101. While moving left and right, the recording head 32 selectively ejects ink downward from the nozzles 33. The ink ejected from the nozzles 33 adheres to the recording surface 107 of the first member 101. In this way, the recording unit 30 records an image on the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 pulled out from the first roll 111.

[0035] [First to fourth conveyance rollers 41 to 44] The first conveyance roller 41 is located above the second conveyance roller 42 in the up-down direction and behind the second conveyance roller 42 in the front-to-back direction. The second conveyance roller 42 is located behind the recording unit 30 in the front-to-back direction. The third conveyance roller 43 and the fourth conveyance roller 44 are located between the recording unit 30 and the laminating unit 50 in the front-to-back direction. The fourth conveyance roller 44 is located in front of the third conveyance roller 43 in the front-to-back direction.

[0036] The first conveying roller 41 has a first roller 411 and a second roller 412. The first roller 411 is supported by frames 77 and 78 (see FIG. 5 ) in the housing 11. The second roller 412 is supported by the first cartridge 114. The first roller 411 is positioned diagonally below the second roller 412. The first member 101 is held between the first roller 411 and the second roller 412. The second roller 412 receives a driving force from a conveying motor and rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotation of the second roller 412 conveys the first member 101 in the conveying direction 19. When the first member 101 is conveyed in the conveying direction 19, the first roller 411 rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0037] The second conveying rollers 42 include a third roller 421 and a fourth roller 422. The third roller 421 and the fourth roller 422 are supported by frames 77, 78 (see FIG. 5 ) of the housing 11. The third roller 421 is located directly above the fourth roller 422. The first member 101 is held between the third roller 421 and the fourth roller 422. The fourth roller 422 receives driving force from the conveying motor and rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotation of the fourth roller 422 conveys the first member 101 in the conveying direction 19. When the first member 101 is conveyed in the conveying direction 19, the third roller 421 rotates around an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0038] The third conveyor rollers 43 include a fifth roller 431 and a sixth roller 432. The fourth conveyor rollers 44 include a seventh roller 441 and an eighth roller 442. The configurations and functions of the third conveyor rollers 43 and the fourth conveyor rollers 44 are the same as those of the second conveyor rollers 42, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0039] Of the two rollers constituting the first to fourth conveying rollers 41 to 44, any one of them may receive the driving force from the conveying motor.

[0040] [Laminating Unit 50] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the laminating unit 50 is located downstream of the recording unit 30 in the conveying direction 19 of the first conveying path 48. The laminating unit 50 is located between the first cutting unit 61 and the second cutting unit 62 in the front-rear direction. The laminating unit 50 has a first laminating roller 51 and a second laminating roller 52. The second laminating roller 52 is supported by the second cartridge 124. The first laminating roller 51 is located behind and below the second laminating roller 52. The first laminating roller 51 is supported by frames 77 and 78 (see FIG. 5 ) of the housing 11. The first member 101 and the second member 102 pass between the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52. At this time, the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 faces upward, and the laminating surface 109 of the first member 101 faces downward. Therefore, the first laminating roller 51 is located on the release sheet 106 side of the second member 102. The first laminating roller 51 is an example of a first roller. The second laminating roller 52 is an example of a second roller.

[0041] The first laminating roller 51 receives a driving force from a laminating motor and rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction. The rotation of the first laminating roller 51 causes the first member 101 and the second member 102 to be conveyed in the conveying direction 19. When the first member 101 and the second member 102 are conveyed in the conveying direction 19, the second laminating roller 52 also rotates about an axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0042] The second laminating roller 52 is biased toward the first laminating roller 51 by a coil spring 141. The first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52 are gripped by the first member 101 and the second member 102. This brings the recording surface 107 of the first member 101 and the laminating surface 109 of the second member 102 into close contact with each other, and the first member 101 and the second member 102 are laminated together.

[0043] 3 and 4 , the first cutting unit 61 is located downstream of the recording unit 30 in the conveying direction 19 of the first conveying path 48. The first cutting unit 61 is located between the third conveying roller 43 and the fourth conveying roller 44 in the front-to-rear direction. The first cutting unit 61 cuts the first member 101 between the second conveying roller 42 and the bonding unit 50. The second cutting unit 62 is located downstream of the bonding unit 50 in the conveying direction 19 of the first conveying path 48. The second cutting unit 62 is located in front of the bonding unit 50 in the front-to-rear direction. The second cutting unit 62 simultaneously cuts the first member 101 and the second member 102 that have been bonded together in the bonding unit 50.

[0044] The first cutting unit 61 has any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101. The second cutting unit 62 has any configuration capable of cutting the first member 101 and the second member 102. The first cutting unit 61 and the second cutting unit 62 may include, for example, a cutter carriage that receives a driving force from a cutting motor and moves in the left-right direction, and a cutter mounted on the cutter carriage, or may include a moving blade that receives a driving force from the cutting motor and moves in the up-down direction, and a fixed blade that faces the moving blade.

[0045] [First Cartridge 114, Second Cartridge 124] The first cartridge 114 accommodates a first roll 111 around which the first member 101 is wound. The first roll 111 is detachable from the first cartridge 114. The second cartridge 124 accommodates a second roll 121 around which the second member 102 is wound. The second roll 121 is detachable from the second cartridge 124. The second roll 121 is wound with the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 on the inside and the release sheet 106 on the outside. The second cartridge 124 is an example of a cartridge.

[0046] 3, 4, and 6, the second cartridge 124 has a second laminating roller 52, a storage portion 131, a movable guide 132, a fixed guide 133, and a cover 134. The movable guide 132 is an example of a first portion. The fixed guide 133 is an example of a second portion.

[0047] The storage section 131 is a box with an upward opening. The storage section 131 has a left wall 131L and a right wall 131R that are separated in the left-right direction. The second roll 121 is stored in the internal space of the storage section 131 between the left wall 131L and the right wall 131R, with its axis extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second roll 121 is stored in the internal space of the storage section 131 with both ends in the left-right direction sandwiched between flanges 123. When stored in the internal space of the storage section 131, the second roll 121 is rotatable about its axis.

[0048] The second cartridge 124 has a spring 129. The spring 129 is located between the right flange 123 of the second roll 121 and a right wall 131R of the second cartridge 124. The second roll 121 is biased leftward by the spring 129. Therefore, the left flange 123 of the second roll 121 abuts against the left wall 131L of the storage section 131. In other words, the second roll 121 is positioned in the left-right direction based on the left wall 131L. Here, the spring 129 may be included in the second roll 121, or the second roll 121 may be a component that is detachable from the second cartridge 124.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, the second cartridge 124 has a protrusion 193L, a protrusion 193R, a protrusion 127, and a spring 128. The protrusion 193L is located on the left wall 131L of the storage portion 131 and protrudes to the left. The protrusion 193R is located on the right wall 131R of the storage portion 131 and protrudes to the right. The protrusions 193L and 193R are on the same axis. The axis of the second roll 121 roughly overlaps with the axes of the protrusions 193L and 193R. The protrusion 193L is supported by the left frame 77. The protrusion 193R is supported by the right frame 78. Here, the protrusion 193L does not necessarily have to protrude leftward beyond the left frame 77, and the protrusion 193R does not necessarily have to protrude rightward beyond the right frame 78. Furthermore, the convex portions 193L and 193R and the cylindrical second shaft 122 having the flange 123 do not have to be on the same axis.

[0050] As shown in Figure 5, the protrusion 127 is arranged on the right wall 131R in a state where it can move left and right. A spring 128 that expands and contracts left and right is arranged inside the protrusion 127. The spring 128 urges the protrusion 127 rightward against the right wall 131R. The left end of the spring 128 abuts against the right surface of the right wall 131R of the second cartridge 124. The right end of the spring 128 abuts against the left surface of the right wall of the protrusion 127.

[0051] 5, when the second cartridge 124 is attached to the laminating apparatus 1, the right surface of the right wall of the protruding portion 127 abuts against the right frame 78. At this time, the spring 128 is in a contracted state, and the second cartridge 124 is biased leftward by the spring 128. As a result, the left wall 131L of the storage portion 131 abuts against the left frame 77. In other words, the storage portion 131 is positioned in the left-right direction with respect to the left frame 77.

[0052] 4, the spring 128 is located forward of the protrusion 193R in the front-rear direction. The handle 125 of the second cartridge 124 is also located forward of the protrusion 193R in the front-rear direction. In other words, the spring 128 and the handle 125 are located on the same side of the protrusion 193R in the front-rear direction.

[0053] 6 to 10 , a movable guide 132 is located near the lower end of the storage section 131. The movable guide 132 is supported between a left wall 131L and a right wall 131R of the storage section 131 so as to be rotatable about a shaft 135.

[0054] The movable guide 132 is a plate-shaped member having upper and lower surfaces extending in the left-right direction. The movable guide 132 has a first rib 136 on its upper surface that protrudes upward in the first direction and extends in the second direction. Multiple first ribs 136 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The number and spacing of the first ribs 136 are set appropriately. In this embodiment, the first rib 136 includes a first rib 136F and a first rib 136R that are split in the second direction. The first rib 136F is positioned further in the second direction than the first rib 136R. In other words, the first rib 136F is positioned further forward in the second direction than the first rib 136R. The first ribs 136F and 136R may be connected in the second direction. The upper end surface of the first rib 136 faces the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102. 7 and 8 , the direction along the conveying direction 19 in which the second member 102 is conveyed between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133 is the second direction. The direction perpendicular to the second direction and the left-right direction is the first direction. The left-right direction is the third direction. A surface extending in the conveying direction 19 and the left-right direction is an example of a conveying surface.

[0055] The movable guide 132 has a plurality of spurs 137. The spurs 137 are located between a plurality of first ribs 136. The spurs 137 are circular plates whose outer circumferential surface is pointed in a plurality of mountain shapes when viewed from the axial direction. The spurs 137 include a spur 137F disposed in front of the movable guide 132 and a spur 137R disposed in the rear of the movable guide 132. In this embodiment, the spur 137F is disposed in a position overlapping the first rib 136F in the front-rear direction when viewed from the axial direction and overlapping the first rib 136F in the up-down direction. The movable guide 132 has four spurs 137F spaced apart in the left-right direction. The movable guide 132 has five spurs 137R spaced apart in the left-right direction. The spurs 137R are disposed in a position overlapping the first rib 136R in the front-rear direction when viewed from the axial direction and overlapping the first rib 136R in the up-down direction. The number, arrangement, and spacing of the spurs 137 are set as appropriate. The tips of the mountain-shaped spurs 137 come into contact with the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102. As the second member 102 is transported in the transport direction 19, the spurs 137 rotate.

[0056] 8 and 9, the movable guide 132 has two stoppers: a stopper 138R located at the right end of the movable guide 132, and a stopper 138L located at the left end of the movable guide 132. Because the stoppers 138R and 138L have the same configuration, the stopper 138R will be described as an example here, and a description of the stopper 138L will be omitted. The stopper 138R rotates around the shaft 135 of the movable guide 132. The stopper 138R is fixed to the movable guide 132 and rotates together with the movable guide 132 around the shaft 135.

[0057] The stopper 138R has a main body 139 that rotates around the shaft 135, a movable engagement member 140 that is housed in the main body 139, and a coil spring 141. The engagement member 140 has a pointed, angled rear end. The coil spring 141 is disposed between the main body 139 and the engagement member 140 and biases the engagement member 140 rearward relative to the main body 139.

[0058] The second cartridge 124 has a first engaging portion 142L and a second engaging portion 143L located on the left wall 131L, and a first engaging portion 142R and a second engaging portion 143R located on the right wall 131R. Because the first engaging portion 142L and the second engaging portion 143L and the first engaging portion 142R and the second engaging portion 143R have the same configuration, the first engaging portion 142R and the first engaging portion 142R will be described as an example, and a description of the first engaging portion 142L and the second engaging portion 143L will be omitted. The first engaging portion 142R and the second engaging portion 143R engage with the rear end of the engaging member 140. The first engaging portion 142R is located below the second engaging portion 143R. The rear end of the engaging member 140 selectively engages with either the first engaging portion 142R or the second engaging portion 143R. The rotation position of the movable guide 132 about the shaft 135 is determined by the engagement between the rear end of the engagement member 140 and the first engagement portion 142R or the second engagement portion 143R.

[0059] The position of the movable guide 132 when the rear end of the engaging member 140 is engaged with the first engaging portion 142R is referred to as the first position. The position of the movable guide 132 when the rear end of the engaging member 140 is engaged with the second engaging portion 143R is referred to as the second position.

[0060] 6 to 10 , fixed guide 133 is located near the lower end of storage section 131 and above movable guide 132. Fixed guide 133 is supported by left wall 131L and right wall 131R of storage section 131. The lower surface of fixed guide 133 faces the upper surface of movable guide 132 in the first direction.

[0061] The fixed guide 133 is a plate-shaped member having upper and lower surfaces extending in the left-right direction. The fixed guide 133 has a second rib 145 that protrudes downward from its lower surface and extends in the second direction. The fixed guide 133 has a plurality of second ribs 145 that are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The second ribs 145 are located between adjacent first ribs 136 in the left-right direction on the movable guide 132. The lower end surfaces of the second ribs 145 face the release sheet 106 of the second member 102.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7B , when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, the distance L1 in the first direction between the first rib 136F and the second rib 145 is zero. When the movable guide 132 is in the first position, at least a portion of the first rib 136 is located between the base (top end) and end (rear end) of the second rib 145 in the first direction. In other words, the first rib 136F and the second rib 145 overlap in the first direction. Therefore, when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, the second member 102 does not easily pass between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133. As a result, the leading end of the second member 102 unwound from the second roll 121 is sandwiched between the first rib 136 and the second rib 145. Furthermore, when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, the distance in the first direction between the spur 137R and the second rib 145 is defined as distance L3.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7A , when the movable guide 132 is in the second position, the distance L2 in the first direction between the first rib 136F and the second rib 145 is not zero and is greater than the distance L1. The distance L2 is sufficient to allow the second member 102 to pass through and is greater than the thickness of the second member 102. In other words, when the movable guide 132 is in the second position, the entire first rib 136 is not positioned between the base and end of the second rib 145 in the first direction. As a result, the second member 102 unwound from the second roll 121 passes between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133. Furthermore, when the movable guide 132 is in the second position, the distance in the first direction between the spur 137R and the second rib 145 is defined as distance L4. Distance L3 is smaller than distance L4. When the movable guide 132 moves from the first position to the second position, the spur 137R approaches the second rib 145 and abuts against the second member 102, so that the second member 102 is easily peeled off from the first rib 136.

[0064] 6 and 7 , the second laminating roller 52 is located rearward of the fixed guide 133 in the front-rear direction. The second laminating roller 52 is supported by a left wall 131L and a right wall 131R of the housing section 131 so as to be rotatable about its axis in the left-right direction. The left wall 131L and the right wall 131R of the housing section 131 have elongated holes 146 extending along the first direction, through which the shaft of the second laminating roller 52 can be inserted. Therefore, the second laminating roller 52 is movable along the first direction.

[0065] The second cartridge 124 has a coil spring 147. The coil spring 147 is positioned in the elongated hole 146. The coil spring 147 biases the second laminating roller 52 toward the first laminating roller 51 in the first direction. Engagement grooves 148 that open downward are positioned at the lower ends of the left wall 131L and right wall 131R of the storage section 131, below the elongated hole 146. The engagement grooves 148 engage with the shaft of the first laminating roller 51. This positions the left wall 131L and right wall 131R of the storage section 131 relative to the shaft of the first laminating roller 51, and as a result, the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52 are positioned so that their axes are parallel and opposed to each other in the first direction.

[0066] 6 , the second cartridge 124 has rollers 149. The rollers 149 are located above and behind the second laminating roller 52. The rollers 149 are supported by the left wall 131L and the right wall 131R of the containing portion 131 so as to be rotatable about their axis in the left-right direction. The rollers 149 face the release sheet 106 of the second member 102.

[0067] 6 , the cover 134 is located behind the roller 149 and below the second roll 121. The cover 134 covers the rear of the second member 102 between below the second roll 121 and above the movable guide 132. The cover 134 faces the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102. This position is referred to as the third position.

[0068] The cover 134 rotates around its upper end as an axis, with its lower end moving rearward. The position indicated by the dashed line in Figure 6 is referred to as the fourth position. When the cover 134 is in the fourth position, the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 is exposed rearward, making it easy to access the second member 102 from the front of the second cartridge 124. Although not shown in the figures, the surface of the cover 134 facing the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 may be provided with a rib or a coating layer that has excellent releasability from the first adhesive layer 103.

[0069] 6, the second cartridge 124 has a handle 125. The handle 125 protrudes upward from the front end of the storage portion 131. The handle 125 has an opening that allows a user to hold the second cartridge 124 with their hands.

[0070] 7B and 9 , when the second cartridge 124 is not installed in the housing 11, the movable guide 132 is in the first position. Therefore, the tip of the second member 102 unwound from the second roll 121 is sandwiched between the first rib 136 and the second rib 145.

[0071] The opening 17 located at the top of the housing 11 has a size that allows the first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 124 to pass through simultaneously. The first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 124 can be installed at predetermined positions within the housing 11 by passing through the single opening 17 from the outside of the housing 11. The first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 124 can be installed and removed from the housing 11 independently. The first cartridge 114 is installed by inserting the first shaft 112 and protrusion 117 downward into the internal space of the housing 11 along guide grooves 80, 81 located on the inner surfaces of the left frame 77 and the right frame 78, which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 4, and being supported at the lower ends of the guide grooves 80, 81. The second cartridge 124 is inserted downward into the internal space of the housing 11 with the second shaft 122 and the protruding portion 127 along the guide grooves 82, 83 located on the inner surfaces of the left frame 77 and the right frame 78, which are indicated by dashed lines in Figure 4, and is supported at the lower ends of the guide grooves 82, 83 to be in an attached state. In addition, the engagement groove 148 engages with the shaft of the first laminating roller 51.

[0072] 3 and 4 , when the first cartridge 114 is installed, the first shaft 112 of the first roll 111 extends in the left-right direction. When the second cartridge 124 is installed, the second shaft 122 of the second roll 121 extends in the left-right direction. The first roll 111 is housed in the first cartridge 114 and is installed in the housing 11 with the first shaft 112 extending horizontally. The second roll 121 is housed in the second cartridge 124 and is installed in the housing 11 with the second shaft 122 extending horizontally.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8B , when the second cartridge 124 moves to the mounting position, the convex portion 79 of the housing 11 abuts the movable guide 132 at the first position from below. When the second cartridge 124 reaches the mounting position, the movable guide 132 abutting the convex portion 79 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the second member 102 unwound from the second roll 121 can pass between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133. As the movable guide 132 moves from the first position to the second position, the distance L4 between the spur 137R and the second rib 145 becomes the distance L3, and the spur 137R approaches the fixed guide 133 and abuts against the second member 102. As a result, the second member 102 abutting against the movable guide 132 is peeled off from the movable guide 132. Furthermore, the second laminating roller 52 is in a position where it grips the second member 102 between itself and the first laminating roller 51.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 2 , the first cartridge 114 has a handle 115 for a user to grasp. The second cartridge 124 has a handle 125 for a user to grasp. The handles 115 and 125 have different shapes so that the user can easily distinguish them. When the first roll 111 is attached, the handle 115 is located between the front wall 15 of the housing 11 and the first shaft 112 in the front-rear direction. Almost the entire handle 115 is located above the opening 17. When the second roll 121 is attached, the handle 125 is located between the front wall 15 and the second shaft 122 in the front-rear direction. A portion of the handle 125 is located above the opening 17. The handles 115 and 125 may have the same shape. Also, only a portion of the handles 115 and 125 may be located above the opening 17, or the entire handles 115 and 125 may be located below the opening 17.

[0075] When the first cartridge 114 and the second cartridge 124 are attached to the housing 11, the second roll 121 is located between the front wall 15 and the first roll 111 in the front-rear direction. The first shaft 112 is located above the second shaft 122 in the up-down direction. A portion of the first roll 111 and a portion of the second roll 121 are located above the opening 17. The cover 12 covers the portion of the first roll 111 located above the opening 17 when the first roll 111 is attached, and the portion of the second roll 121 located above the opening 17 when the second roll 121 is attached, as well as the opening 17. The first shaft 112 and the second shaft 122 are located above the recording unit 30 and the laminating unit 50 in the up-down direction.

[0076] The first transport path 48 transports the first member 101 pulled out from the attached first roll 111 below the first roll 111 in the up-down direction and behind the first shaft 112 in the front-to-rear direction. The second transport path 49 transports the second member 102 pulled out from the attached second roll 121 below the second roll 121 in the up-down direction and in front of the second shaft 122 in the front-to-rear direction. When the first roll 111 is attached, the first member 101 wound around the first roll 111 is pulled out from in front of the first roll 111 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0077] [Lamination Process] The laminating apparatus 1 includes a control unit (not shown). When the control unit receives an instruction signal from a user to start the laminating process, the control unit drives the conveying motor to rotate the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42, causing the first conveying rollers 41 and the second conveying rollers 42 to convey the first member 101.

[0078] Next, the control unit stops the conveyance of the first member 101 and drives the recording unit 30 to record an image on the first member 101. The control unit conveys the first member 101 until the leading end of the first member 101 on which the image has been recorded reaches the bonding unit 50, and drives the bonding motor to drive the bonding unit 50. The recording surface 107 of the first member 101 and the bonding surface 109 of the second member 102 are sandwiched by the bonding unit 50 and bonded to each other.

[0079] The control unit also causes the first cutting unit 61 to cut the first member 101 at a position upstream in the transport direction 19 from the area where the image is recorded.

[0080] The control unit transports the bonded first member 101 and second member 102 until the cutting position reaches below the second cutting unit 62, and after cutting by the second cutting unit 62, discharges the laminated finished product 100 from the discharge outlet 16.

[0081] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the present embodiment, when the second cartridge 124 containing the second roll 121 is attached to the housing 11, the movable guide 132 is located facing the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102, and the second laminating roller 52 contacts the release sheet 106 of the second member 102 at a position between the first adhesive layer 103 and the second roll 121. This allows the user to attach the second cartridge 124 to the housing 11 with the position of the first member 101 stable. Furthermore, when the second cartridge 124 is attached to the housing 11, the second member 102 is gripped between the first laminating roller 51 and the second laminating roller 52. Therefore, when the second cartridge 124 is attached to the housing 11, the second member 102 is positioned with high precision.

[0082] Furthermore, when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, the second member 102 is positioned between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133 .

[0083] Furthermore, since the cover 134 covers the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 and prevents it from being exposed, when the second cartridge 124 is attached to the housing 11, the first adhesive layer 103 is prevented from coming into contact with unintended parts, and the second member 102 is positioned with precision.

[0084] Furthermore, since the cover 134 is movable between the third position and the fourth position, when the cover 134 is positioned at the fourth position, the user can easily access the second member 102 .

[0085] Furthermore, since the movable guide 132 has a plurality of first ribs 136, it is possible to reduce the contact area between the first adhesive layer 103 of the second member 102 and the movable guide 132. This allows the second member 102 to be positioned with high precision between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133, so that when the second cartridge 124 is attached to the housing 11, the second member 102 is positioned with high precision.

[0086] Furthermore, since the second rib 145 of the fixed guide 133 abuts against the release sheet 106 of the second member 102, the contact area between the fixed guide 133 and the second member 102 is small.

[0087] Furthermore, when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, a part of the first rib 136 enters between the second ribs 145 and is positioned to block movement of the second member 102 in the conveying direction 19, thereby positioning the tip of the second member 102 inserted between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133. When the movable guide 132 is in the second position, the first rib 136 and the second rib 145 move apart, allowing the second member 102 to pass between the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133.

[0088] Furthermore, the movable guide 132 has a spur 137, and when the movable guide 132 moves from the first position to the second position, the spur 137 approaches the fixed guide 133 and comes into contact with the second member 102. This makes it easier for the second member 102, which is in contact with the movable guide 132, to peel off from the movable guide 132.

[0089] [Modifications] In the above-described embodiment, the distance L1 is almost zero when the movable guide 132 is in the first position. However, as long as at least a portion of the first rib 136 is located between the base (upper end) and end (rear end) of the second rib 145 in the first direction when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, the distance L1 does not have to be almost zero and may be greater than the distance L2. As long as at least a portion of the first rib 136 is located in a position that interferes with the transport of the second member 102 when the movable guide 132 is in the first position, at least a portion of the first rib 136 does not have to be located between the base (upper end) and end (rear end) of the second rib 145 in the first direction. Alternatively, the movable guide 132 may be fixed and not move between the first and second positions. The movable guide 132 may not have the first rib 136, and the fixed guide 133 may not have the second rib 145. Furthermore, the spur 137 may be omitted from the movable guide 132. Furthermore, the vertical positions of the movable guide 132 and the fixed guide 133 may be reversed. Furthermore, the cover 134 of the second cartridge 124 does not have to be movable, and the cover 134 may be omitted.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...Laminating device 51...First laminating roller (first roller) 52...Second laminating roller (second roller) 102...Second member (sheet) 121...Second roll (roll) 124...Second cartridge (cartridge) 131...Storage section 132...Movable guide (first part) 133...Fixed guide (second part) 134...Cover 136...First rib 137...Spur 145...Second rib

Claims

1. A cartridge to be mounted on a laminating device having a first roller for transporting a sheet, the cartridge comprising: a storage section for storing a roll on which a sheet is wound, the sheet having a first and second side, only the first side being adhesive; a first portion facing the first side of the sheet pulled out from the roll; and a second roller contacting the second side of the sheet at a position between the first portion and the roll, the second roller being positioned to grip the sheet between itself and the first roller when the cartridge is mounted on the laminating device.

2. A cartridge as described in claim 1, further comprising a second portion opposed to the first portion and facing the second surface of the sheet, the first portion being movable in a first direction perpendicular to a transport surface along which the sheet is transported between the first portion and the second portion between a first position where the distance between the first portion and the second portion is small and a second position where the distance between the first portion and the second portion is large.

3. A cartridge as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a cover positioned between said roll and said first portion, said cover facing said first surface of said sheet.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein said cover is movable between a third position where said cover covers said first surface and a fourth position where said cover opens said first surface.

5. A cartridge as described in claim 2, wherein the first portion has a plurality of first ribs extending along a second direction in which the sheet located between the first portion and the second portion is transported in a direction in which it is pulled out from the roll, and the plurality of first ribs are positioned at intervals from one another in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction.

6. A cartridge as set forth in claim 5, wherein said second portion further comprises a second rib extending along said second direction, said second rib being located between adjacent first ribs in said third direction.

7. A cartridge as set forth in claim 6, wherein when said first portion is in said first position, at least a portion of said first rib is located between the root portion and the end portion of said second rib in said first direction, and when said first portion is in said second position, not all of said first rib is located between said root portion and said end portion of said second rib in said first direction.

8. A cartridge as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first portion has a spur, and the distance between said spur and said second portion when said first portion is in said second position is less than the distance between said spur and said second portion when said first portion is in said first position.

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