JP2020097122A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress degradation in conveyance accuracy.SOLUTION: A printer 1 comprises: a printing unit 8 for printing on a medium M; and a conveyance unit 5 for conveying the medium M. The conveyance unit 5 is movable in a state of supporting the medium M, and includes: a plurality of plates 3 arranged side by side along a conveyance direction A, without being connected to each other; and a first moving force applying unit 4 for applying moving force to a target plate 3a which is positioned at a first position 11 located upstream of the printing unit 8 in the conveyance direction A, and which is becoming a target of the moving force to be applied among the plurality of plates 3. The printer is constituted so that, in accompany with movement of the target plate 3a, a first plate 3u to be moved, neighboring the target plate 3a, is pushed by the target plate 3a, and a second plate 3d to be moved, neighboring the first plate 3u to be moved, is pushed by the first plate 3u to be moved, and thereby the plurality of plates 3 move continuously in the conveyance direction A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device.

Conventionally, various printing apparatuses capable of printing on a conveyed medium have been disclosed. Among these, there is a printing apparatus that conveys a medium using a conveyance belt. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording apparatus including an endless belt-shaped transport belt stretched around a plurality of rollers.

JP, 2004-136533, A

However, when the medium is conveyed using the conveyor belt, the conveyance accuracy may decrease due to fluctuations in tension applied to the conveyor belt. This is because the conveyor belt is flexible and the thickness of the region stretched around the rollers changes due to the fluctuation of the tension applied to the conveyor belt, which changes the distance from the rotation center of the roller to the surface of the conveyor belt, and the predetermined distance This is because the moving distance of the surface of the conveyor belt changes depending on the rotation amount of the roller. For this reason, in the inkjet recording apparatus of Patent Document 1, there is a case in which the image quality is deteriorated due to the decrease in the conveyance accuracy.

A printing apparatus of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a printing unit that prints on a medium, and a transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction, and the transport unit loads the medium in the transport direction. A plurality of plates that are movable in a supported state and are arranged in the transport direction without being connected to each other, and a target to which a moving force of the plurality of plates is applied is the printing unit in the transport direction. A target plate located at a first position upstream of the target plate; and a first moving force applying unit that applies the moving force, and the transfer of the target plate relative to the target plate as the target plate moves. A first movable plate adjacent to the target plate on the downstream side in the direction is pushed by the target plate, and a second movable plate adjacent to the first movable plate on the downstream side in the transport direction with respect to the first movable plate. When the movable plate is pushed by the first movable plate, the plurality of plates are continuously moved in the transport direction.

1 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first moving force imparting unit of the transport unit of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first guide and the second guide of the transport unit of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third guide and a fourth guide of the transport unit of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. 3 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

First, the present invention will be briefly described.
A printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a printing unit that prints on a medium, and a transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction, and the transport unit is the transport unit. A plurality of plates that are movable in a direction supporting the medium and that are arranged in the transport direction without being connected to each other, and become a target to which a moving force of the plurality of plates is applied. A target plate positioned at a first position upstream of the printing unit in the direction, and a first moving force applying unit that applies the moving force, and the target plate moves as the target plate moves. A first movable plate adjacent to the target plate on the downstream side of the plate in the transport direction is pushed by the target plate, and the first movable plate is downstream of the first movable plate on the transport direction. When the second movable plate adjacent to the second movable plate is pushed by the first movable plate, the plurality of plates move in series in the transport direction.

According to this aspect, using a plurality of plates that are not connected to each other, a moving force is applied to the target plate, the target plate presses the first moved plate, and the first moved plate moves the second moved plate. By pushing, the plurality of plates are moved in the transporting direction in a row to transport the medium. With such a configuration, it is possible to obtain a configuration in which fluctuations in the tension of the transport unit do not occur, and it is possible to suppress a reduction in transport accuracy.

In the printer according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the transport unit has a circulation path that circulates the plate in a circulation direction starting from the first position, and the circulation path includes , A first guide for guiding the movement of the plate between the first position and a second position downstream of the first position in the transport direction, and the first guide after passing through the second position. Between the third position where the plate passes in the process of returning to the first position and the fourth position where the plate passes in the process of returning to the first position after passing the third position; And a second guide for guiding the movement.

According to this aspect, the plate can be efficiently used by having the circulation path. Further, by having the first guide and the second guide, the circulation of the plate can be made suitable.

In the printing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the first movable plate is pushed by the target plate and the second movable plate is the same in the entire area of the circulation path. The plurality of plates are configured to move in the circulation direction in a row by being pushed by the first movable plate.

According to this aspect, in the entire area of the circulation path, the first movable plate is pressed by the target plate and the second movable plate is pressed by the first movable plate, so that the plurality of plates are connected in the circulation direction. The plate can be circulated with a simple structure because the plate is moved.

In the printing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the first movable plate is pushed by the target plate in a partial region of the circulation path, and the second movable plate is The plurality of plates are configured to move in the circulation direction in a continuous manner by being pushed by the first movable plate.

According to this aspect, in a region other than a partial region of the circulation path, the first moved plate is pushed by the target plate and the second moved plate is pushed by the first moved plate, so that the plurality of plates are pushed. Since it is not configured to move in the circulation direction in a continuous manner, it is possible to give the plate movement method a degree of freedom.

In the printing device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect, a region in the circulation path where the first guide is formed corresponds to the partial region, and the second guide in the circulation path. A region where the second guide is formed corresponds to a region other than the partial region, and a second moving force applying unit that applies a moving force to the plate is provided in the region where the second guide is formed. The average moving speed of the plate in the area where the two guides are formed is faster than the average moving speed of the plate in the area where the first guide is formed.

According to this aspect, the second moving force imparting portion is provided in the area where the second guide is formed, and the average moving speed of the plate in the area where the second guide is formed is the plate in the area where the first guide is formed. Since it is faster than the average moving speed of, the supply of the plate to the first position can be prevented from being delayed.

In the printing device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth or fifth aspect, a region where the plate is moved to a region other than the partial region in the circulation path by using the own weight of the plate. Is provided.

According to this aspect, since the area for moving the plate by using the weight of the plate is provided, the energy for circulating the plate can be reduced.

In the printing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, a movement force from the fourth position to the first position is applied to the plate in the circulation path. A third moving force imparting section is provided.

According to this aspect, since the third moving force applying portion is provided in the circulation path, the plate can be suitably moved from the fourth position to the first position.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the plate has an adhesive surface that supports by adhering the medium. To do.

According to this aspect, since the plate has the adhesive surface that supports the medium by adhering the medium, the medium can be favorably supported.

A printing apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the printer according to any one of the second to seventh aspects, wherein the plate has a first adhesive surface as an adhesive surface for supporting the medium by adhering the medium, A second adhesive surface provided on the opposite side of the first adhesive surface, wherein the circulation path is configured to reverse the plate every time the plate makes one revolution of the circulation path. And

According to this aspect, the plate has the first adhesive surface and the second adhesive surface as the adhesive surface, and the circulation path is configured to invert the plate every time the plate makes one revolution of the circulation path. It is possible to delay the decrease in adhesive strength and prolong the service life of the adhesive surface.

Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Example 1] (FIGS. 1 to 5)
<Overall structure>
First, the outline of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is an inkjet printer that can eject ink from the print head 8 to form an image on the medium M.
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a setting unit 2 that sets a roll-shaped medium R around which a medium M is wound. The printing apparatus 1 also includes a transport unit 5 that can transport the medium M sent from the setting unit 2 in the transport direction A. The transport unit 5 has a plurality of plates 3 that are not connected to each other, and a gear 4 as a first moving force applying unit that applies a moving force for moving the plates 3. The plates 3 are arranged in the circulation direction C1 without any gap, and the target plate 3a to which the moving force of the plurality of plates 3 is given by the gear 4 provided at the first position 11 in the circulation direction C1. The movement power is given to. Then, by applying the moving force to the target plate 3a, each plate 3 moves in the circulation direction C1.

The printing apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment rotates the gear 4 in the rotation direction C2 that is the opposite direction to the circulation direction C1 to circulate the plate 3 in the circulation direction C1 and convey the medium M in the conveyance direction A. Is possible. Further, the printing apparatus 1 can rotate the gear 4 in the circulation direction C1 to reversely convey the medium M in the direction opposite to the conveyance direction A. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can rotate the gear 4 in the rotation direction C2 and the circulation direction C1 while the medium M is supported on the plate 3, and also supports the medium M on the plate 3. Even in the absence state, the gear 4 can be rotated in the rotation direction C2 and the circulation direction C1.

Here, the surface 3f on one side of each plate 3 is coated with an adhesive. As shown in FIG. 1, the medium M is supported by the plate 3 and conveyed while the medium M is attached to the surface 3f of the plate 3 coated with the adhesive. The support region of the medium M on the plate 3 is a region between the first position 11 and the second position 12 in the circulation direction C1. The details of the transport unit 5 will be described later.

The printing apparatus 1 also includes a carriage 7 and a print head 8 attached to the carriage 7. The print head 8 functions as a printing unit capable of printing an image by ejecting ink onto the medium M transported in the transport direction A from a plurality of nozzles formed on a nozzle surface (not shown). The print head 8 is provided at a position facing the support area of the medium M, and can eject ink toward the support area. The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can print an image by ejecting ink from the print head 8 onto the conveyed medium M while reciprocating the carriage 7 in the intersecting direction B intersecting the conveying direction A. is there. By including the carriage 7 having such a configuration, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present exemplary embodiment conveys the medium M in the conveyance direction A by a predetermined conveyance amount, and the carriage 7 is stopped while the medium M is stopped. A desired image can be formed on the medium M by repeating ejection of ink while moving in the intersecting direction B.

The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called serial printer that prints by alternately repeating the conveyance of a predetermined amount of the medium M and the scanning or reciprocating movement of the carriage 7. However, a so-called line printer that performs continuous printing while continuously transporting the medium M using a line head in which nozzles are formed in a line along the width direction of the medium M may be used. Further, the printing apparatus may include a recording unit having a configuration different from a so-called inkjet recording unit that ejects and records ink.

Further, a medium attaching portion 6 is formed at a position facing the plate 3 on the upstream side of the carriage 7 in the transport direction A. The medium attaching portion 6 presses the medium M against the plate 3 in a direction along the cross direction B which is the width direction of the medium M, so that the medium M is pressed against the plate 3 with wrinkles and the like being suppressed. It can be pasted.

When the medium M on which the image is formed is discharged from the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a drying device provided at a stage subsequent to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, that is, a component of ink ejected on the medium M. Is sent to a device for volatilizing the film or a winding device, that is, a device for winding the medium M on which the image is formed.

Here, as the medium M, a material to be printed can be preferably used. The material to be printed refers to cloth, clothing, and other clothing products that are objects of printing. The cloth includes woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics and the like of natural fibers such as cotton, silk and wool, chemical fibers such as nylon, or composite fibers obtained by mixing these. In addition, for clothing and other apparel products, in addition to sewn T-shirts, handkerchiefs, scarves, towels, carrying bags, cloth bags, curtains, sheets, bedspreads, and other furniture, parts before sewing It also includes cloths and the like before and after cutting.

Further, as the medium M, in addition to the material to be printed, plain paper, high-quality paper, dedicated paper for inkjet recording such as glossy paper, and the like can be used. As the medium M, for example, a plastic film that has not been surface-treated for inkjet printing, that is, does not have an ink absorbing layer formed thereon, and a material such as paper on which plastic is coated and plastic, A film to which a film is adhered can also be used. The plastic is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, and polypropylene.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

The control unit 30 is provided with a CPU 31 that controls the entire printing apparatus 1. The CPU 31 is connected via a system bus 32 to a ROM 33 that stores various control programs executed by the CPU 31 and a storage unit 34 that has a memory such as a RAM or an EEPROM that can temporarily store data.

The CPU 31 is also connected via a system bus 32 to a head drive unit 35 that drives the print head 8 to eject ink.

The CPU 31 is also connected via a system bus 32 to a motor drive unit 36, which is connected to a carriage motor 37, a conveyance motor 38, and a delivery motor 39.
Here, the carriage motor 37 is a motor for moving the carriage 7 carrying the print head 8 in the cross direction B. The transport motor 38 is a motor for driving the gear 4. The delivery motor 39 is a rotating mechanism of the setting unit 2, and is a motor that drives the setting unit 2 to deliver the medium M to the transport unit 5.

Further, the CPU 31 is connected via a system bus 32 to an input/output unit 42, which is connected to a PC 43 for transmitting and receiving data such as image data and signals.

<Conveyor>
Next, a detailed configuration of the transport unit 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the transport unit 5 in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of plates 3 which are not connected to each other and are arranged in the circulation direction C1 without a gap, and a plurality of plates 3. A gear 4 that applies a moving force to the target plate 3a of the above. As shown in FIG. 3, each plate 3 is formed with a plurality of holes 15 that fit with the gears 4. The target plate 3a moves in the transport direction A by fitting the gear 4 into the hole 15 of the target plate 3a and rotating the gear 4 in the rotation direction C2. When the target plate 3a moves in the transport direction A, the first movable plate 3u adjacent to the target plate 3a on the downstream side of the target plate 3a in the circulation direction C1 is pushed by the target plate 3a, and the target plate 3a is transported. Move to. By moving the first movable plate 3u in the transport direction A, the second movable plate 3d adjacent to the first movable plate 3u on the downstream side in the circulation direction C1 with respect to the first movable plate 3u moves to the first movable plate 3d. It is pushed by the moving plate 3u and moves in the transport direction A. Although not described, the plate 3 located downstream of the second moved plate 3d in the circulation direction C1 also moves in the same manner. That is, each of the plurality of plates 3 moves in the circulation direction C1 by being pushed by the plate 3 adjacent to itself on the upstream side in the circulation direction C1 of itself. In this way, the plurality of plates 3 move in series in the circulation direction C1. In other words, each of the plurality of plates 3 is moved in the carrying direction A by being pushed by the plate 3 adjacent to itself on the upstream side in the carrying direction A with respect to itself, and the plurality of plates 3 are connected to each other in the carrying direction A. Move to.
The material and shape of the plate 3 are not particularly limited, and a flat plate made of metal can be preferably used. However, as long as the plate 3 can support the medium M and the plate 3 is not deformed when the plate 3 is moved, any configuration is possible. May be

That is, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment is movable while supporting the medium M in the transport direction A, and the plurality of plates 3 arranged side by side in the transport direction A without being connected to each other and the plurality of plates. The target plate 3a, which is a target to which the moving force of 3 is applied and is located at the first position 11 upstream of the print head 8 in the transport direction A, has the gear 4 that applies the moving force. Then, as the target plate 3a moves, the first moved plate 3u adjacent to the target plate 3a on the downstream side of the target plate 3a in the transport direction A is pushed by the target plate 3a, and the first moved plate 3a. The second movable plate 3d adjacent to the first movable plate 3u on the downstream side in the transport direction A with respect to 3u is pushed by the first movable plate 3u, so that the plurality of plates 3 move in the transport direction A in series. It is a configuration that does.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment uses the plurality of plates 3 which are not connected to each other, applies a moving force to the target plate 3a, and pushes the first movable plate 3u with the target plate 3a, By pressing the second movable plate 3d with the first movable plate 3u, the medium M is transported by moving the plurality of plates 3 in the transport direction A in a line. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the fluctuation of the tension of the transport unit 5 and the like, and suppress the reduction of the transport accuracy. Furthermore, by using a plurality of plates 3 that are not connected to each other, replacement and cleaning can be easily performed, and since the plates 3 can be easily removed, maintenance of the printing apparatus 1 by removing the plates 3 is easy. become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment has a circulation path 21 that circulates the plate 3 in the circulation direction C1 starting from the first position 11. The circulation path 21 is provided with a first guide 9 that guides the movement of the plate 3 between the first position 11 and the second position 12 downstream of the first position 11 in the transport direction A. ing. In addition, in the circulation path 21, the third position 13 that the plate 3 after passing the second position 12 passes in the process of returning to the first position 11, and the plate 3 that has passed the third position 13 are the first A second guide 10 is provided to guide the movement of the plate 3 between a fourth position 14 which passes through in the process of returning to the position 11.

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the circulation path 21, so that the plate 3 can be automatically and repeatedly used, and the plate 3 can be efficiently used. Further, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the first guide 9 and the second guide 10, so that the plate 3 can be appropriately circulated. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a third guide 16 that guides the movement of the plate 3 between the second position 12 and the third position 13, and a third guide 16. A fourth guide 17 for guiding the movement of the plate 3 between the position 13 and the fourth position 14 is provided.

Here, FIG. 4 is a schematic view for explaining the first guide 9 and the second guide 10. In the transport unit 5 of this embodiment, the first guide 9 and the second guide 10 have the same shape. Therefore, it can be said that FIG. 4 shows the first guide 9 and the second guide 10. The first guide 9 and the second guide 10 are configured to support the plate 3 from below and outside at both ends of the plate 3 in the width direction. Specifically, the first guide 9 supports the plate 3 from the surface 3b side opposite to the surface 3f on one side of the plate 3 and the outside of the plate 3. The second guide 10 supports the plate 3 from the one surface 3f side of the plate 3 and the outside of the plate 3. Note that, as described above, the surface 3f of each plate 3 is coated with the adhesive, but not on both ends of the plate 3 in the width direction, that is, the second guide 10 of the surface 3f. No adhesive is applied to the places where there is a possibility of contact.

Further, FIG. 5 is a schematic view for explaining the third guide 16 and the fourth guide 17. In the transport section 5 of this embodiment, the third guide 16 and the fourth guide 17 have the same shape. Therefore, it can be said that FIG. 5 shows the third guide 16 and the fourth guide 17. The third guide 16 and the fourth guide 17 are configured to support the plate 3 from the surface 3f side, the surface 3b side, and the outside at both ends in the width direction of the plate 3. Further, the third guide 16 and the fourth guide 17 are configured to support the plate 3 with a gap G in order to facilitate the movement of the plate 3. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the first guide 9 is configured to support the plate 3 with almost no gap G. This is for suppressing the vibration and displacement of the plate 3 at the position facing the print head 8. In the carrying unit 5 of this embodiment, the second guide 10 also supports the plate 3 with almost no gap G. However, in the area guided by the second guide 10, the conveyance accuracy does not have to be as high as that in the area guided by the first guide 9, and therefore, the gap G is provided in the area guided by the second guide 10. The plate 3 may be supported by.

In addition, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pushed by the first movable plate u in all regions of the circulation path 21. As a result, the plurality of plates 3 are configured to move in series in the circulation direction C1. Therefore, the transport unit 5 of this embodiment circulates the plate 3 with a simple structure.

Further, as described above, the surface 3f of the plate 3 of this embodiment is an adhesive surface coated with an adhesive. That is, the plate 3 has an adhesive surface that supports the medium M by adhering it. For this reason, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment has a configuration capable of suitably supporting the medium M. In the plate 3 of this embodiment, the surface 3f of each plate 3 is coated with the adhesive as described above, but the surface 3b of each plate 3 is not coated with the adhesive.

[Example 2] (Fig. 6)
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the transport unit 5.

In the transport unit 5 of the first embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pushed by the first movable plate u in all the regions of the circulation path 21. The plurality of plates 3 are arranged in series and moved in the circulation direction C1. On the other hand, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the first moved plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second moved plate 3d is pushed by the first moved plate u. Thus, a region in which the plurality of plates 3 move in the circulation direction C1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “interlocking region”) and a second movement as a moving force applying unit other than the gear 4 that is the first moving force applying unit. The force applying portion 18 applies a moving force in the direction D to the plate 3 to move the plate 3 (hereinafter, also referred to as “non-interlocking region”). Specifically, the area from the first position 11 to the third position 13 corresponds to the interlocking area. The area from the third position 13 to the fourth position 14 corresponds to the non-interlocking area. In the region from the fourth position 14 to the return to the first position 11, the plate 3 is pushed by the second moving force imparting portion 18, and thus the plate 3 is pushed by the second moving force imparting portion 18. By pressing the plate 3 located on the downstream side in the circulation direction C1, a plurality of plates 3 are regions that move in a continuous manner in the circulation direction C1. That is, the mechanism of movement of the plate 3 in the region from the fourth position 14 to the return to the first position 11 is the same as in the region from the first position 11 to the third position 13, in which a plurality of plates 3 are interlocked. is there.

That is, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pressed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pressed by the first movable plate u in a partial area of the circulation path 21. By doing so, the plurality of plates 3 are configured to move in series in the circulation direction C1. In the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is the first movable plate u in regions other than a partial region of the circulation path 21. Since the plurality of plates 3 are continuously moved in the circulation direction C1 by being pushed by, the moving method of the plates 3 has a degree of freedom.

In other words, the area in which the first guide 9 is formed in the circulation path 21 corresponds to the part of the area (that is, the interlocking area), and is different from the conveyance section 5 in the present embodiment. The area where the 2 guide 10 is formed corresponds to an area other than the partial area (that is, an area other than the interlocking area). A second moving force applying portion 18 that applies a moving force to the plate 3 is provided in the area where the second guide 10 is formed. In the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the average moving speed of the plate 3 in the area where the second guide 10 is formed is faster than the average moving speed of the plate 3 in the area where the first guide 9 is formed. ing. For this reason, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment prevents the supply of the plate 3 to the first position 11 from being delayed.

Here, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the average moving speed of the plate 3 in the area where the second guide 10 is formed is faster than the average moving speed of the plate 3 in the area where the first guide 9 is formed. As a method, the plate 3 is intermittently moved along with the reciprocating movement of the carriage 7 in the region where the first guide 9 is formed, without changing the maximum speed of the plate 3 in each region, and the second guide 10 is formed. It is adopted that the plate 3 is continuously moved in the region where the is formed. However, the method is not limited to such a method, the plate 3 is continuously moved together, and the maximum moving speed of the plate 3 in the area where the second guide 10 is formed is set to the plate in the area where the first guide 9 is formed. A method of increasing the maximum moving speed of 3 or the like may be adopted.

[Example 3] (Fig. 7)
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The components common to the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first and second embodiments, except for the configuration of the transport unit 5.

In the transport unit 5 of the second embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pushed by the first movable plate u from the first position 11 to the third position 13. As a result, the plurality of plates 3 are arranged in a row and move in the circulation direction C1 (that is, an interlocking area). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment includes a free fall area in which the plate 3 freely falls in the direction E from the second position 12 to the third position 13. Further, the transport unit 5 is provided with a third moving force applying unit 19 that applies a moving force in the direction F from the fourth position 14 to the return to the first position 11 to the plate 3, and the third moving force. The application unit 19 includes a region in which the plate 3 moves by applying a moving force to the plate 3. Here, the first position 11 to the second position 12 correspond to the interlocking region. Then, the second position 12 to the third position 13 correspond to a region where the plate 3 is moved by utilizing the weight of the plate 3 (that is, a free fall region), and the fourth position 14 returns to the first position 11. Up to the above corresponds to the region where the third moving force application unit 19 applies the moving force to the plate 3 and the plate 3 moves. The third moving force imparting portion 19 includes a base portion that supports the plate 3 and is movable. The base portion is configured to be capable of reciprocating in the direction F and the direction opposite to the direction F. Further, the third moving force applying portion 19 lifts the plate 3 from the fourth position 14 toward the first position 11, and moves the plate 3 to the position where the moving force is applied from the gear 4 as the target plate 3a. It can be pushed along the carrying direction A.

As described above, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment is provided with a region other than a partial region of the circulation path 21 in which the plate 3 is moved by utilizing the weight of the plate 3. Therefore, the transport unit 5 of this embodiment reduces the energy for circulating the plate 3.

In addition, as described above, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment is provided with the third moving force applying unit 19 that gives the plate 3 the moving force from the fourth position 14 to the first position 11 in the circulation path 21. ing. As described above, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, since the third moving force imparting unit 19 is provided in the circulation path 21, the plate 3 is preferably moved from the fourth position 14 to the first position 11. You can As described above, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the area from the second position 12 to the third position 13 corresponds to the area in which the plate 3 is moved by using its own weight, In the region from the position 12 to the third position 13, a moving force applying portion that applies a moving force from the second position 12 to the third position 13 to the plate 3 may be provided. With such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the load applied to the plate 3 during the movement from the second position 12 to the third position 13 as compared with the configuration in which the plate 3 is moved by utilizing the weight of the plate 3. it can.

[Example 4] (Fig. 8)
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The components common to the first to third embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first to third embodiments, except for the configuration of the transport unit 5.

The transport unit 5 according to the third exemplary embodiment has a configuration in which the second position 12 to the third position 13 correspond to a region (that is, a free-fall region) in which the plate 3 is moved by using its own weight. On the other hand, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the second position 12 also serves as the third position 13, and the plate 3 is attached by its own weight from the second position 12 to the fourth position 14. It is a slope that can be slid in the direction H and moved. That is, the second position 12 to the fourth position 14 correspond to a region in which the plate 3 is moved by utilizing the own weight of the plate 3. Note that the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment also has a free fall area, like the transport unit 5 of the third embodiment, and therefore reduces the energy for circulating the plate 3, and the circulation path 21 has a third area. Since the moving force imparting portion 19 is provided, the plate 3 can be suitably moved from the fourth position 14 to the first position 11.

[Example 5] (Fig. 9)
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 in the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The components common to those in the first to fourth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments, except for the configuration of the transport unit 5.

In the transport unit 5 of the first embodiment, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pushed by the first movable plate u in all the regions of the circulation path 21. The plurality of plates 3 are arranged in series and moved in the circulation direction C1. On the other hand, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the first movable plate 3u is pushed by the target plate 3a and the second movable plate 3d is pushed by the first movable plate u. With this, a region in which the plurality of plates 3 are continuously moved in the circulation direction C1 (that is, an interlocking region), and a region in which the third moving force application unit 19 applies a moving force to the plate 3 to move the plate 3, It is configured to include. Specifically, the first position 11 to the fourth position 14 correspond to the interlocking region. The period from the fourth position 14 to the return to the first position 11 corresponds to the region where the third moving force application unit 19 applies the moving force to the plate 3 and the plate 3 moves. The third moving force application unit 19 applies to the plate 3 a moving force in the direction F from the fourth position 14 to the return to the first position 11, as in the third and fourth embodiments.

Since the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, the plate 3 is inverted between the second position 12 and the third position 13, and the plate 3 is turned over while the state is maintained. It returns to position 1. In other words, the plate 3 is inverted every time the plate 3 makes one revolution in the circulation path 21. Therefore, the plate 3 is coated with the adhesive not only on the surface 3f but also on the surface 3b opposite to the surface 3f.

That is, in the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment, the plate 3 has, as an adhesive surface, a surface 3f as a first adhesive surface and a surface 3b as a second adhesive surface provided on the side opposite to the first adhesive surface. The circulation path 21 is configured such that the plate 3 is inverted every time the plate 3 makes one round of the circulation path 21. Therefore, the transport unit 5 of the present embodiment can reduce the chance of contact between each adhesive surface and the medium M by half, delay the decrease in the adhesive force of the adhesive surface, and prolong the usage period of the adhesive surface.

[Example 6] (Fig. 10)
Next, the printing apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of the printing apparatus 1 according to the sixth embodiment and is a view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The components common to the first to fifth embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments, except for the configuration of the transport unit 5.

In the transport unit 5 of the first to fifth embodiments, the gear 4 is used as the first moving force applying unit. On the other hand, in the transport unit 5 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the drive roller 20 is provided as the first moving force imparting unit. The drive roller 20 of the present embodiment has a surface formed of rubber that is hard to slip with respect to the plate 3, and rotates in the circulation direction C1 by the driving force of a motor (not shown), so that the plate is similar to the transport unit 5 of the first embodiment. 3 can be moved in the circulation direction C1. As described above, the configuration of the first moving force applying unit is not particularly limited, and in addition to the gear 4 and the driving roller 20, for example, a configuration in which the plate 3 is gripped and moved by a predetermined amount may be adopted. It is possible.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and it goes without saying that they are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, the printing apparatus 1 can be provided with a cleaning mechanism for the plate 3 and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Printing device, 2... Setting part, 3... Plate, 3a... Target plate, 3b... Surface,
3d... 2nd movable plate, 3f... surface, 3u... 1st movable plate,
4... Gear (first moving force applying unit), 5... Transport unit, 6... Medium pasting unit,
7... Carriage, 8... Print head (printing section), 9... First guide, 10... Second guide,
11... 1st position, 12... 2nd position, 13... 3rd position, 14... 4th position, 15... Hole part,
16... 3rd guide, 17... 4th guide, 18... 2nd moving force provision part,
19... 3rd moving force application part, 20... drive roller (1st moving force application part),
21... Circulation path, 30... Control unit, 31... CPU, 32... System bus, 33... ROM,
34... Storage unit, 35... Head drive unit, 36... Motor drive unit,
37... Carriage motor, 38... Conveying motor, 39... Sending motor,
42... I/O unit, 43... PC, M... Medium, R... Roll-shaped medium

Claims (9)

A printing unit that prints on the medium, and a transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction,
The transport section,
A plurality of plates that are movable in a state of supporting the medium in the transport direction, and that are lined up along the transport direction without being connected to each other;
A first moving force applying unit that applies the moving force to a target plate that is a target to which the moving force is applied among the plurality of plates and that is located at a first position upstream of the printing unit in the transport direction; Have
Along with the movement of the target plate, the first movable plate adjacent to the target plate on the downstream side of the target plate in the transport direction is pushed by the target plate, and is moved more than the first movable plate. When the second movable plate adjacent to the first movable plate is pushed by the first movable plate on the downstream side in the transport direction, the plurality of plates move in the transport direction in series. A printing device characterized by the above. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The transport unit has a circulation path that circulates the plate in the circulation direction starting from the first position.
In the circulation path,
A first guide for guiding the movement of the plate between the first position and a second position downstream of the first position in the transport direction;
A third position that the plate passes after returning to the first position after passing the second position, and a third position that the plate passes after returning to the first position after passing through the third position; A fourth guide for guiding the movement of the plate between four positions;
A printing device comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
In all the regions of the circulation path, the first movable plate is pushed by the target plate and the second movable plate is pushed by the first movable plate, so that a plurality of the plates are connected to each other. A printing device configured to move in a circulation direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 2,
In the partial area of the circulation path, the first movable plate is pushed by the target plate and the second movable plate is pushed by the first movable plate, so that a plurality of the plates are connected. A printing apparatus configured to move in the circulation direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 4,
An area of the circulation path where the first guide is formed corresponds to the partial area, and an area of the circulation path where the second guide is formed corresponds to an area other than the partial area.
A second moving force applying portion that applies a moving force to the plate is provided in a region where the second guide is formed,
The printing apparatus, wherein an average moving speed of the plate in an area where the second guide is formed is higher than an average moving speed of the plate in an area where the first guide is formed. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
A printing apparatus, wherein an area for moving the plate by utilizing its own weight is provided in an area other than the partial area in the circulation path. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The printing apparatus, wherein the circulation path is provided with a third moving force applying portion that applies a moving force from the fourth position to the first position to the plate. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The printing apparatus, wherein the plate has an adhesive surface that supports the medium by adhering the medium. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7,
The plate has a first adhesive surface and a second adhesive surface provided on the side opposite to the first adhesive surface, as an adhesive surface that supports by adhering the medium.
The printing apparatus is characterized in that the circulation path is configured such that the plate is inverted every time the plate makes one round of the circulation path.

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