JP6445929B2 - Relay device, printer and cutting processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a relay device, a printer, and a cutting processing device in a printing system in which a plurality of devices handle the same recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a technology that uses a printer system that combines a printer that performs a recording operation on a recording medium and a cutting processing device that performs a cutting process on a sheet-like member such as a recording medium on which the recording operation is performed by the printer. there were. In such a printing system, conventionally, a relay device that relays the transfer of the recording medium from the printer to the cutting processing device is provided between the printer and the cutting processing device, so that the recording operation in the printer and the cutting processing in the cutting processing device are performed. There was a technique to adjust the timing deviation.

  As a related technique, specifically, conventionally, for example, a loop is formed on a label sheet between a paper feed unit and a digital printer, each of which is a single drive structure and has no mechanical connection, and between a digital printer and a laser processing unit. There has been a technique in which a loop forming section is provided, and the label paper feed amount of the paper feeding section, digital printer, and laser processing section is controlled so that the loop amount of each loop forming section is substantially constant (for example, the following patent See reference 1.)

JP2015-54495A

  However, in the above-described conventional printing system, when each independent printer and cutting processing device are used in a state where the respective controls are not synchronized, the operation timing of each device is different, so that the recording medium is damaged. In order to prevent this, after the relay apparatus once receives the entire recording medium on which the recording operation has been performed by the printer, the recording medium must be supplied to the cutting processing apparatus. For this reason, there is a problem in that the size of the relay device in the facing direction between the printer and the cutting processing device is increased, and the printing system is increased in size.

  On the other hand, when synchronizing the control of each independent printer and cutting processing device, development of a control program for synchronization and a device for controlling the printer and cutting processing device by executing the control program are separately required. There is a problem that the cost for the printing system increases.

  Further, if a new device having a function for performing a recording operation and a function for performing a cutting process is developed without using an existing printer or cutting processing device, the cost for developing the device increases. There was a problem.

  The present invention eliminates the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and performs a recording operation on a recording medium and can reduce the size of the entire printing system that performs the cutting process on the recording medium, a printer, and a cutting process An object is to provide an apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the relay device according to the present invention records by the recording unit from the recording unit that performs the recording operation on the recording medium to the cutting processing unit that performs the cutting process on the recording medium. A relay device that relays the supply of the recording medium on which the operation has been performed, a first position that communicates the recording unit and the cutting processing unit, and a second unit that communicates the cutting processing unit with an open space. And a flap provided so as to be switchable between the first position and the rear end of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section through the front end position of the flap. When the rear end of the recording medium passes the front end position of the flap, the flap is positioned at the second position. Characterized by comprising a switching means for switching the position of the flap.

  In the relay device according to the present invention, the recording unit performs the recording operation from the recording unit that performs the recording operation on the recording medium to the cutting processing unit that performs the cutting process on the recording medium. A relay device that relays the supply of a medium, the buffer provided on the recording unit side of the cutting processing unit and provided at a position different from the recording unit, the recording unit, and the cutting processing unit A flap that is switchable between a first position that communicates with the first position and a second position that communicates between the cutting processing section and the buffer section, and a recording that is conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the medium passes the leading edge position of the flap, and the trailing edge of the recording medium is Switching means for switching the position of the flap so that the flap is positioned at the second position when passing through the front end position of the flap, and the buffer portion positions the flap at the second position. Is a space for retracting a recording medium conveyed from the cutting processing unit to the recording unit in a state in which the recording processing unit is in a state below the path of the recording medium conveyed from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit in the vertical direction Alternatively, a buffer space that extends upward is provided.

  In the relay device according to the present invention as set forth in the invention described above, the buffer section is provided so that a part of the buffer space overlaps the recording section in the vertical direction.

  In the relay device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the switching unit moves the flap from the first position side to the second position side so that the flap is positioned at the second position. An urging member for urging, wherein the flap is rotatable about a fulcrum provided closer to the recording unit than the tip position, and swings the tip position by turning. As a result, it is selectively positioned at the first position or the second position, and is biased by the recording medium conveyed from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit, thereby resisting the biasing force by the switching unit. And being positioned at the first position.

  In the relay device according to the present invention, in the above invention, the recording medium is constituted by a label sheet having an adhesive layer provided on one side and a release sheet superimposed on the adhesive layer side of the label sheet. It is characterized by being.

  The printer according to the present invention is a printer that supplies the recording medium to a cutting processing unit that performs a cutting process on the supplied recording medium, and performs a recording operation on a long recording medium wound in a roll shape. A recording unit that performs the recording operation, a cutter unit that cuts the long recording medium on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit at a predetermined position, and a recording medium that has been cut by the cutter unit is conveyed to the cutting processing unit A transfer unit that relays the supply of the recording medium on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit, and the relay unit is more than the cutting processing unit. Are also provided on the recording unit side and provided at a position different from the recording unit, the recording unit and the cutting processing unit A flap that is switchable between a first position that communicates with a second position that communicates the cutting processing section and the buffer section, and a recording medium that is conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the recording medium passes the leading edge position of the flap, and when the trailing edge of the recording medium passes the leading edge position of the flap, the flap is moved to the second position. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to be positioned at the position, and the buffer portion is conveyed from the cutting processing portion to the recording portion side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position. A space for retracting a recording medium, which is below or above in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium conveyed from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit Characterized by comprising a spreading buffer space.

  Further, in the above invention, the printer according to the present invention includes a cutting piece container provided below in the vertical direction from the cutting position of the recording medium by the cutter unit and having an opening on the cutting position side, The buffer space is provided so that at least a part thereof overlaps with at least a part of the cutting piece housing part in the vertical direction.

  Further, in the printer according to the present invention, in the above invention, the cutting piece storage portion has a concave curved shape so that a part of the relay portion side is separated from the relay portion, and the buffer space is In addition, the cutting piece accommodating portion protrudes along the curved shape of the cutting piece accommodating portion so that at least a portion overlaps at least a part of the cutting piece accommodating portion in the vertical direction. And

  The cutting processing device according to the present invention is a cutting processing device that performs a cutting process on a recording medium supplied from a recording unit that performs a recording operation on the recording medium, the cutting processing unit performing the cutting process, A buffer provided on the recording unit side relative to the cutting processing unit, a first position for communicating the recording unit and the cutting processing unit, and a second for communicating the cutting processing unit and the buffering unit. And a flap provided so as to be switchable between the first position and the rear end of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section through the front end position of the flap. When the rear end of the recording medium passes the front end position of the flap, the flap is moved to the second position. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to be positioned at a position, and the buffer portion is conveyed from the cutting processing portion to the recording portion side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position. And a space that extends downward or upward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium conveyed from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit.

  According to the relay device, the printer, and the cutting processing device according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire printing system that performs the recording operation on the recording medium and performs the cutting processing on the recording medium.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing system provided with the relay apparatus of Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows operation | movement of the printing system of Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows operation | movement of the printing system of Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows operation | movement of the printing system of Embodiment 1 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the structure of the printing system provided with the printer of Embodiment 2 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the structure of the printing system provided with the printer of Embodiment 2 concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing system provided with the cutting processing apparatus of Embodiment 3 concerning this invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of a relay device, a printer, and a cutting processing device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
First, the configuration of a print system including the relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a print system including a relay device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a printer 110, a cutting processing device 120, and a relay device 130.

  The printer 110 includes a holding unit 111 that holds a recording medium P to be recorded. In the housing 110a of the printer 110, a recording medium conveyance path 112 extending from the holding unit 111 to the discharge port 110b is provided. The holding unit 111 holds a long recording medium P wound in a roll shape so that the recording medium P can be fed out from an end on the outer peripheral side.

  The recording medium P held by the holding unit 111 is composed of a label sheet provided with an adhesive layer on one side, and a release sheet superimposed on the adhesive layer side of the label sheet (both are not shown). ). The recording medium P includes a recording layer (not shown) provided on the surface of the label paper opposite to the release paper. The recording layer included in the recording medium P is provided on the surface of a substrate formed of paper or the like. The recording layer is composed of a heat insulating layer applied or bonded to a base material and a receiving layer (all of which are not shown) laminated on the heat insulating layer.

  In addition, the printer 110 includes a recording unit 113 that performs a sublimation transfer recording operation on the recording medium P held by the holding unit 111. The recording unit 113 includes a thermal head 113a and a platen 113b. The thermal head 113a and the platen 113b are disposed to face each other with the recording medium conveyance path 112 therebetween.

  The thermal head 113a includes a plurality of heating elements (heating resistors) arranged in a line along the width direction of the recording medium P (the front and back direction in FIG. 1), a driver IC that drives the heating elements, and the like. (Both are not shown). The driver IC selectively heats the electrode wiring connected to each heat generating element in the thermal head 113a from a power supply (not shown), thereby causing the heat generating elements corresponding to the energized electrode wiring to generate heat.

  The platen 113b has a cylindrical shape whose axial direction is the width direction of the recording medium P, and is provided to be rotatable around the axial center. The platen 113b receives the pressure applied to the recording medium P by the thermal head 113a opposed to the recording medium P while passively rotating in accordance with the movement of the recording medium P in contact with the platen 113b. The thermal head 113a is provided so as to be movable between a position in contact with the platen 113b and a position away from the platen 113b.

  The recording unit 113 performs a sublimation transfer type recording operation on the recording medium P conveyed between the thermal head 113a and the platen 113b with the surface on the recording layer facing the thermal head 113a. During the recording operation of the sublimation transfer method, the recording unit 113 transfers the heat diffusible dye (sublimation dye) contained in the ink layer included in the ink ribbon 114 to the recording layer of the recording medium P to be recorded. .

  Specifically, the recording unit 113 transmits heat generated in the heating element by the thermal head 113a to the ink ribbon 114, and sublimates the sublimable dye ink provided on the ink ribbon 114 on the receiving layer of the recording medium P. By performing the transfer, a recording operation on the recording medium P is performed. The receiving layer in the recording medium P receives the transfer of the heat diffusible dye (sublimation dye) contained in the ink layer included in the ink ribbon 114. The printer 110 that performs such a sublimation transfer type recording operation is referred to as, for example, a sublimation type printer (Dye-sublimation printer).

  The ink ribbon 114 used for the sublimation transfer recording operation includes a long base material and an ink layer (both not shown) provided on one surface side of the base material. The ink layer is formed of sublimation dye ink (ink containing sublimation dye (sublimation dye), that is, sublimation ink). Specifically, the ink ribbon 114 includes ink layers of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Each ink layer is formed of sublimation dye ink (ink containing sublimation dye (sublimation dye), that is, sublimation ink).

  In the ink ribbon 114, the ink layers of a plurality of colors are periodically arranged for each color along the length direction of the substrate. Specifically, for example, each of the yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink layers is “yellow (Y) ink layer → magenta (M)” along the length direction of the substrate. The ink layers are periodically arranged in the order of ink layer → cyan (C) ink layer →.

  The ink ribbon 114 includes an overcoat layer. The overcoat layer is periodically arranged along with the length of the substrate together with the ink layer. Specifically, in the ink ribbon 114, along the length direction of the base material, “yellow (Y) ink layer → magenta (M) ink layer → cyan (C) ink layer → overcoat layer → yellow (Y) ink layer →...

  During the recording operation, the printer 110 provides an overcoat layer (lamination processing) on the surface (recording surface) of the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed so as to cover the recording surface. Thereby, deterioration of the water resistance and weather resistance of the sublimation dye ink in the recorded matter can be suppressed, and the water resistance and weather resistance of the recorded matter can be enhanced.

  The recording unit 113 includes a pair of rollers 115 a and 115 b that hold the ink ribbon 114. The pair of rollers 115a and 115b includes a winding roller 115a and a supply roller 115b. The take-up roller 115a is rotatably provided, and rotates the ink ribbon 114 held by the supply roller 115b from one end side of the ink ribbon 114 by rotating in the clockwise direction in FIG. The supply roller 115b holds the wound long ink ribbon 114 so that it can be fed out from the outer peripheral side of the ink ribbon 114. The supply roller 115b rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1 as the ink ribbon 114 is wound by the rotation of the take-up roller 115a, and feeds the ink ribbon 114 from the outer peripheral side.

  The pair of rollers 115a and 115b holds the ink ribbon 114 so that the ink ribbon 114 is stretched between the thermal head 113a and the platen 113b. The pair of rollers 115a and 115b holds the ink ribbon 114 between the thermal head 113a and the platen 113b with the ink layer of the ink ribbon 114 facing the platen 113b.

  The recording unit 113 can adjust the density of ink transferred to the recording medium P for each dot to be recorded. For this reason, the sublimation printer is excellent in gradation expression. Since excellent gradation expression can be achieved, the sublimation printer can obtain an image quality that can withstand photographic printing. For this reason, in recent years, sublimation printers are also used for DTP (Desk Top Publishing) applications.

  A grip roller 116 and a pinch roller 117 are provided in the middle of the recording medium conveyance path 112 and between the holding unit 111 and the recording unit 113. The grip roller 116 has a protrusion protruding in the outer peripheral direction. The grip roller 116 comes into contact with one surface of the recording medium P with respect to the recording medium P. Specifically, the grip roller 116 comes into contact with the recording medium P from the back surface (the surface opposite to the recording surface) of the recording medium P during the recording operation by the recording unit 113. The pinch roller 117 is disposed so as to face the grip roller 116 with the recording medium conveyance path 112 therebetween, and the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip roller 116.

  The grip roller 116 and the pinch roller 117 sandwich the recording medium P conveyed through the recording medium conveyance path 112 at the nip portion where the outer peripheral surfaces abut on each other. In the printer 110, the position of the recording medium P relative to the recording position by the thermal head 113a and the platen 113b is controlled by rotating the grip roller 116 while the recording medium P is sandwiched between the grip roller 116 and the pinch roller 117. it can.

  The force (grip force) that the grip roller 116 and the pinch roller 117 can sandwich and transport the recording medium P is secured sufficiently larger than the load that the recording medium P receives from the recording unit 113 and the like. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the grip roller 116 and the recording medium P from slipping.

  In addition, the printer 110 includes a curl correction unit 118 that corrects curl of the recording medium P. The curl correcting unit 118 corrects the curl of the recording medium P by, for example, deflecting the recording medium P in the direction opposite to the curving direction due to the curl of the recording medium P. The curl correction unit 118 is provided closer to the discharge port 110 b than the recording unit 113.

  In addition, the printer 110 includes a cutter unit 119 that cuts the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit 113 at a predetermined position. The cutter unit 119 is provided on the discharge port 110b side of the recording unit 113 and in the vicinity of the discharge port 110b. The cutter unit 119 is preferably provided closer to the discharge port 110b than the curl correction unit 118.

  The cutter unit 119 includes a fixed blade and a movable blade (both are not shown). The position of the fixed blade is fixed in the housing. The movable blade is in contact with the fixed blade and is provided at a position where the recording medium conveyance path 112 is divided. The movable blade has a disk shape with a blade on the outer peripheral portion, and is provided so as to be movable (reciprocating) in the width direction of the recording medium P along the fixed blade. The movable blade is positioned at a position that does not hinder the passage of the recording medium P when not operating, such as when waiting for cutting of the recording medium P.

  The cutter unit 119 includes a drive source such as a movable blade driving motor, a power transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits a driving force generated by the movable blade driving motor to the movable blade, and the like. . The cutter unit 119 is configured such that the cutting position (position to be cut) in the recording medium P moves (reciprocates) so that the movable blade crosses the recording medium conveyance path 112 in the recording medium conveyance path 112 (cutter part). The recording medium P is cut by moving the movable blade in the width direction of the recording medium P by the driving force generated by the motor for driving the movable blade while being conveyed to the cutting position of the recording medium P by 119). .

  The cutting processing device 120 includes a cutting processing unit 121 that performs a cutting process on the recording medium P discharged from the printer 110. The cutting processing part 121 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path | route from the introduction part 120b provided in the housing 120a of the cutting processing apparatus 120 to the discharge part 120c.

  In addition, the cutting processing device 120 includes a guide plate 122 that guides the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side into the cutting processing device 120 (housing 120a) from the introduction unit 120b. The guide plate 122 is inclined so as to expand toward the printer 110 side. Thereby, the front end of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side can be smoothly inserted into the cutting processing apparatus 120 from the introduction part 120b.

  The cutting processing unit 121 includes an oscillator that oscillates a laser, a transmission optical system that adjusts a path of a gas laser oscillated by the oscillator, and the like (all of which are not shown). The transmission optical system can be configured by, for example, a mirror or a condenser lens. The cutting processing unit 121 includes a moving mechanism that changes the emission position of the laser beam by the transmission optical system and a motor that drives the moving mechanism. In addition, the cutting processing unit 121 includes a control IC for driving and controlling an oscillator and a motor, a power source, and the like (all of which are not shown).

  The cutting processing unit 121 controls the oscillator by the control IC to oscillate laser light from the oscillator, and controls the motor to drive the laser to emit the laser light emitted from the oscillator while moving the laser light by the transmission optical system. A cutting process is performed by irradiating the recording medium P with light. By the cutting process, for example, only the label paper can be cut leaving the release paper on the recording medium P.

  The cutting processing device 120 includes a roller pair 123 provided in the vicinity of the introduction part 120b. The roller pair 123 is provided in a state where a pair of rollers 123a and 123b each having a substantially cylindrical shape are in contact with each other. A recorded recording medium P that has been recorded by the printer 110 is inserted into the introduction unit 120b. The roller pair 123 sandwiches the recording medium P inserted from the printer 110 side at the nip portion where the outer peripheral surfaces abut on each other.

  One roller 123a of the roller pair 123 is connected to a motor via a gear train (not shown), and rotates by receiving the driving force of the motor. One roller 123a connected to the motor can rotate in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. The other roller 123b of the roller pair 123 is rotated along with the rotation of one roller 123a, and rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the one roller 123a. In a state where the roller pair 123 holds the recording medium P, the other roller 123b rotates in the forward direction (from the right side to the left side in FIG. 1) or the reverse direction (from the left side in FIG. 1) by the rotation of the one roller 123a. Along with the recording medium P conveyed in the right direction), the recording medium P rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of one roller 123a.

  The cutting processing device 120 includes a sensor (not shown), and detects the position of the recording medium P based on the output value of the sensor. For example, the sensor can be provided in the housing 120a and in the vicinity of the introduction portion 120b. The cutting processing unit 121 performs a cutting process based on the position of the recording medium P detected by the sensor.

  The cutting processing device 120 can detect the length in the transport direction of the recording medium P by detecting the leading end position and the trailing end position of the recording medium P based on the output value of the sensor. Further, after detecting the trailing end position of the recording medium P, the cutting processing apparatus 120 transports the recording medium P in the reverse direction until the leading end position of the recording medium P is detected again, and the cutting processing unit 121 performs cutting. Alignment of the recording medium P for processing is performed.

  The relay device 130 is provided between the printer 110 and the cutting processing device 120. The relay device 130 relays the supply of the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed by the printer 110 to the cutting processing device 120. The housing 131 of the relay device 130 has a first inlet 131 a provided at a position facing the discharge port 110 b in the printer 110 and a second inlet provided at a position facing the introduction portion 120 b in the cutting processing device 120. And an inlet 131b. The first introduction port 131a and the second introduction port 131b are communicated with each other through a relay path 132. The relay path 132 is a path of the recording medium P that is conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing apparatus 120 side.

  The relay device 130 is provided closer to the cutting processing device 120 than the discharge port 110 b of the printer 110 communicating with the recording unit 113, and closer to the printer 110 than the introduction unit 120 b of the cutting processing device 120 communicating with the cutting processing unit 121. The flap 133 is provided. The flap 133 is provided so as to be rotatable about a fixed end 133a positioned on the printer 110 side, and swings the free end 133b positioned on the cutting processing device 120 side by rotating.

  The flap 133 rotates about the fixed end 133a and swings the free end 133b, whereby the first position where the discharge port 110b of the printer 110 and the introduction portion 120b of the cutting processing device 120 communicate with each other, or The cutting unit 120 is selectively positioned at a second position where the introduction unit 120b and the buffer unit 134 included in the relay device 130 communicate with each other.

  The buffer unit 134 is provided closer to the printer 110 than the cutting processing device 120 and is provided at a position different from the recording unit 113 in the printer 110. The buffer unit 134 includes a buffer space 134a for retracting the recording medium P conveyed from the cutting processing device 120 side to the printer 110 side in a state where the flap 133 is positioned at the second position. The buffer space 134a extends downward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side.

  Further, the relay device 130 includes a biasing member 135 that biases the flap 133 from the first position side to the second position side so that the flap 133 is positioned at the second position. For example, the biasing member 135 is provided above the free end 133b of the flap 133 in the vertical direction, and is realized by a tension spring that pulls the free end 133b of the flap 133 from the first position side to the second position side. be able to. One end of the tension spring is fixed to the housing 131 of the relay device 130, and the other end is connected to the free end 133 b of the flap 133.

  The urging force of the tension spring that realizes the urging member 135 is set so as not to hinder the conveyance of the recording medium P discharged from the printer 110 to the cutting processing device 120. Thereby, even when the urging member 135 urges the flap 133 to be always positioned at the second position, the conveyance of the recording medium P is not hindered. The flap 133 is positioned at the first position against the urging force of the urging member 135 while being urged by the recording medium P discharged from the printer 110, and before and after the recording medium P passes. After that, the biasing member 135 is positioned at the second position by the biasing force. In this embodiment, the switching means according to the present invention can be realized by the biasing member 135 by the tension spring.

  The relay device 130 includes a guide plate 136 that regulates the position of the recording medium P in the relay path 132. The guide plate 136 regulates the transport position of the recording medium P transported along the relay path 132 on the upper side of the relay path 132 in the vertical direction.

  The lower position in the vertical direction of the recording medium P in the relay path 132 is regulated by the flap 133. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately provide a member for regulating the position of the recording medium P in the relay path 132 from the lower side in the vertical direction, and an increase in the number of parts in the relay device 130 can be suppressed.

  The length of the relay device 130 in the facing direction between the printer 110 and the cutting processing device 120, that is, the length of the relay path 132 is shorter than the length of the recording medium P that is cut by the cutter unit 119. More specifically, the length of the relay path 132 is such that when the long recording medium P is cut by the cutter unit 119, the cut recording medium P is a transport mechanism or a cutting processing device in the printer 110. The length is set such that a state held by either one of the transport mechanisms at 120 is ensured. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the recording medium P cut by the cutter unit 119 from staying in the relay device 130 without providing a transport mechanism in the relay device 130.

(Operation of the printing system 100)
Next, the operation of the print system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 2, 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation of the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, first, the printer 110 drives and controls the recording unit 113 to perform a sublimation transfer type recording operation.

  The printer 110 drives and controls the recording unit 113 to perform a sublimation transfer type recording operation, and then cuts the rear end of the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed by the cutter unit 119. The recording medium P is cut by the cutter unit 119 and then conveyed to the cutting processing device 120 via the relay path 132 in the relay device 130.

  The recording medium P cut by the cutter unit 119 is cut when the long recording medium P is cut by the cutter unit 119 in either the conveyance mechanism in the printer 110 or the conveyance mechanism in the cutting processing device 120. In response to the urging force of the transport mechanism that holds the recording medium P after that, it is transported from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side. Thus, the cut recording medium P can be reliably transported without providing the roller pair 123 or the like for transporting the recording medium P in the relay device 130.

  Since the guide plate 136 is provided in the relay path 132 and the flap 133 is urged upward in the vertical direction by the urging member 135, that is, toward the guide plate 136, the recording medium P conveyed in the relay path 132 is The guide plate 136 is biased by the flap 133 biased by the biasing member 135. Thus, the position of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side in the relay path 132 is regulated, and the recording medium P inserted in the relay path 132 is reliably transferred from the printer 110 to the cutting processing device 120. Can be conveyed.

  In addition, the curl correction unit 118 corrects curl of the recording medium P on which the recording operation by the recording unit 113 has been performed, before being sandwiched between the roller pair 123 of the cutting processing device 120. Therefore, the recording medium P inserted into the relay device 130 can be reliably transported from the printer 110 to the cutting processing device 120 without providing the roller pair 123 or the like for transporting the recording medium P in the relay device 130. Can do.

  When the cutting processing device 120 detects the recording medium P inserted into the cutting processing device 120 from the printer 110 side via the introducing device 120b via the relay device 130, until the trailing edge of the recording medium P is detected, The recording medium P is conveyed in the forward direction. By matching the conveyance speed of the cutting processing device 120 with the conveyance speed of the printer 110, the recording medium P is pulled from the printer 110 to the cutting processing device 120 side or jammed without being inserted into the cutting processing device 120. Can be prevented.

  In the relay device 130, when the rear end of the recording medium P moves to the cutting processing device 120 side from the front end position of the flap 133, the flap 133 is released from the urging force from the recording medium P. Accordingly, when the rear end of the recording medium P moves to the cutting processing device 120 side from the front end position of the flap 133, the flap 133 is positioned at the second position by the biasing force of the biasing member 135.

  As described above, the cutting processing device 120 detects the positions of the leading end and the trailing end of the recording medium P that is the target of the cutting process, and performs the cutting process after recognizing the size of the recording medium P. Further, as described above, when the cutting processing device 120 detects the position of the trailing edge of the recording medium P, the cutting processing apparatus 120 transports the recording medium P in the reverse direction until the leading edge position is detected again. As a result, the recording medium P is transported from the rear end to the outside of the cutting processing apparatus 120 via the introduction part 120b.

  In the relay device 130, the flap 133 is positioned at the second position when the trailing end of the recording medium P passes the leading end position of the flap 133. The recording medium P conveyed outside the cutting processing device 120 is inserted into the relay device 130 from the rear end through the second introduction port 131b. Then, the recording medium P inserted into the relay device 130 through the second introduction port 131b is guided by the flap 133 and introduced into the buffer space 134a from the rear end.

  Since the buffer space 134a extends downward in the vertical direction with respect to the relay path, the length of the relay device 130 in the facing direction between the printer 110 and the cutting processing device 120 is determined by the length of the recording medium P after being cut. Even when the recording medium P is shortened, the recording medium P can be retracted without being damaged.

  Thereafter, when the cutting processing device 120 detects the leading end position of the recording medium P again, the cutting processing device 120 controls the oscillator to oscillate laser light while conveying the recording medium P conveyed in the buffer space 134a in the forward direction. Then, the cutting process is performed by irradiating the recording medium P with the laser light while moving the emission position of the laser light oscillated by the oscillator by driving the motor and moving it by the transmission optical system.

  In the first embodiment described above, the tension spring is provided above the free end 133b of the flap 133 in the vertical direction, and pulls the free end 133b of the flap 133 from the first position side to the second position side. Although the biasing member 135 for realizing the switching means according to the present invention is used, the biasing member 135 is not limited to the tension spring. The biasing member 135 is provided, for example, below the free end 133b of the flap 133 in the vertical direction, and is a compression spring that biases the free end 133b of the flap 133 from the first position side to the second position side. It may be realized.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the print system 100 including the printer 110 that performs the recording operation only on one side of the recording medium P has been described. However, the printer 110 in the printing system 100 does not apply to both sides of the recording medium P. The printer 110 that performs the recording operation may be used.

  The printer 110 that performs a recording operation on both sides of the recording medium P includes, for example, a recording unit 113 that performs a recording operation on one side of the recording medium P, and a recording unit 113 that performs a recording operation on the other side of the recording medium P. Can be realized by providing them separately.

  In addition, the printer 110 that performs the recording operation on both sides of the recording medium P includes, for example, an inversion mechanism that inverts the front and back of the recording medium P on which the recording operation is performed on one side by the recording unit 113. The recording operation may be performed on the other surface of the medium P by the same recording unit 113 as the recording unit 113 that performed the recording operation on one surface.

  When the printer 110 that performs the recording operation on both sides of the recording medium P is used, the recording medium P suitable for double-sided recording is used. The recording medium P suitable for double-sided recording is provided with recording layers on both sides of the base material of the recording medium P, respectively.

  As described above, the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has the recording unit 113 from the recording unit 113 that performs the recording operation to the recording medium P to the cutting processing unit 121 that performs the cutting process on the recording medium P. Is a relay device 130 that relays the supply of the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed, and is provided on the recording unit 113 side relative to the cutting processing unit 121 and is provided at a position different from the recording unit 113 134, a flap 133 provided to be switchable between a first position where the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 communicate with each other, and a second position where the cutting processing unit 121 and the buffer unit 134 communicate with each other. The rear end of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121 passes through the front end position of the flap 133. Until this time, the flap 133 is positioned at the first position, and when the rear end of the recording medium P passes the leading end position of the flap 133, the position of the flap 133 is positioned so that the flap 133 is positioned at the second position. And an urging member 135 that realizes switching means for switching.

  The buffer unit 134 in the relay device 130 is a space for evacuating the recording medium P conveyed from the cutting processing unit 121 to the recording unit 113 side with the flap 133 positioned at the second position. It is characterized in that a buffer space 134a that extends downward or upward in the vertical direction from the path 132 is provided.

  According to the relay device 130 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium P on which the recording operation is performed by the recording unit 113 is transported by positioning the flap 133 at the first position. It is possible to guide to the subsequent cutting processing unit 121 without hindering. Further, when the rear end of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121 via the relay path 132 passes the front end of the flap 133, the cutting process is performed by positioning the flap 133 at the second position. The recording medium P transported so as to be returned to the recording unit 113 side from the cutting processing unit 121 in order to align the recording medium P used for the cutting process by the unit 121 is guided to the buffer space 134a and the relay path 132 Can be retracted downward or upward in the vertical direction.

  That is, according to the relay device 130 of the first embodiment of the present invention, only the flap 133, the biasing member 135, and the buffer space 134a are arranged between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121, and Since the buffer space 134a extends below the relay path 132 in the vertical direction, the interval between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be made shorter than the length in the conveyance direction of the recording medium P. As a result, the entire print system 100 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be reduced in size.

  In the above-described first embodiment, the buffer space 134a provided in the buffer unit 134 extends below the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side in the vertical direction. However, the direction in which the buffer space 134a expands is not limited to this. The buffer space 134a may extend upward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side. Also by this, the interval between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be made shorter than the length in the transport direction of the recording medium P, and the entire printing system 100 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be realized. Miniaturization can be achieved.

  Also, according to the relay device 130 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the recording unit 113 is retracted to the buffer space 134a by retracting the recording medium P conveyed from the cutting processing unit 121 to the recording unit 113 side. It is not necessary to synchronize the operation of and the operation of the cutting processing unit 121. Accordingly, the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be realized by independent devices without developing a control program for synchronizing the operation of the recording unit 113 and the operation of the cutting processing unit 121. In addition, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing system 100 configured by the relay device 130 and the printer 110 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing device 120 including the cutting processing unit 121.

  Further, according to the relay device 130 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the members disposed between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be only the flap 133 and the switching unit, and the relay device The number of parts of 130 can be suppressed. Thereby, the manufacturing cost concerning the relay apparatus 130 and the printing system 100 configured by the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be suppressed.

  As described above, according to the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the printing system 100 configured with the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be suppressed, and the entire printing system 100 can be downsized. Can do.

  In the first embodiment described above, the buffer space 134 a included in the buffer unit 134 is a relay that extends downward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the printer 110 side to the cutting processing device 120 side. Although the device 130 has been described, the direction in which the buffer space 134a expands is not limited to this.

  Specifically, the relay device 130 may include the buffer unit 134 provided so that a part of the buffer space 134a overlaps the recording unit 113 in the vertical direction. According to such a relay device 130, the interval between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be determined according to the length of the relay path 132. Since the length of the relay path 132 can be determined according to the length of the flap 133, the urging member 135, and the buffer space 134a in the length direction of the relay path 132, a part of the buffer space 134a in the vertical direction By overlapping the recording unit 113, the length of the relay path 132 can be shortened. As a result, the entire printing system 100 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be further reduced in size.

  In addition, the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention moves the flap 133 from the first position side to the second position side so that the flap 133 is positioned at the second position by the biasing member 135. The flap 133 is urged so that it can rotate around a fulcrum provided closer to the recording unit 113 than the tip position. The flap 133 is selectively positioned at the first position or the second position by swinging the tip position by rotating, and the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121. By being urged, it is positioned at the first position against the urging force by the switching means.

  According to the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the relay device 130 can be realized with a simple configuration by switching the position of the flap 133 by the biasing force of the biasing member 135. Thereby, while the number of parts concerning manufacture of the relay apparatus 130 can be restrained small, manufacture of the relay apparatus 130 can be made easy. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the relay system 130 and the printing system 100 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121.

  In addition, the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention uses a recording medium P constituted by a label sheet provided with an adhesive layer on one side and a release sheet superimposed on the adhesive layer side of the label sheet. It is characterized by use.

  According to the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed is transported by the roller pair 123 and the like that sandwich the recording medium P in order to ensure the transport accuracy of the recording medium P. The recording medium P to be subjected to the cutting process by the cutting processing unit 121 can be aligned without returning to the recording unit 113 provided with a mechanism or a correction mechanism for correcting the curl of the recording medium P. .

  Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the recording medium P from being damaged due to bubbles entering between the label sheet and the release sheet due to the recording medium P passing through the recording unit 113 a plurality of times. As a result, the entire printing system 100 including the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be reduced in size without deteriorating the manufacturing quality of the printing system 100.

  In the first embodiment described above, the relay device 130 in which the flap 133 and the urging member 135 are accommodated in the housing 131 and the buffer space 134 a is secured in the housing 131 has been described. It is not restricted to the thing provided with. The relay device 130 that includes the flap 133, the biasing member 135, and the guide plate 136 and does not have the housing 131 may be used.

  Specifically, for example, the relay device 130 may be realized by supporting the flap 133, the urging member 135, and the guide plate 136 using a plate-shaped or bar-shaped support member. Such a relay device 130 can be used with the support member fixed to the printer 110 or the cutting processing device 120, for example. Alternatively, such a relay device 130 may be used by, for example, making the support member self-supporting and allowing it to stand independently between the printer 110 and the cutting processing device 120.

  In this way, by using the relay device 130 that does not have the housing 131 that limits the outline of the buffer space 134a, the degree of freedom of the position of the buffer space 134a for retracting the recording medium P increases, and the buffer space 134a can be secured. If so, the interval between the printer 110 and the cutting apparatus 120 can be further reduced without damaging the recording medium P.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, the configuration of a print system including the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a printing system including the printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B, a printing system 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a printer 510 and a cutting processing device 120.

  The printer 510 includes a relay unit 520 provided closer to the discharge port 110b than the recording unit 113. The relay unit 520 relays the supply of the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit 113 from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing device 120. The relay unit 520 includes a buffer unit 134, a flap 133, a biasing member 135, a relay path 132, and a guide plate 136.

  The buffer unit 134 provided in the relay unit 520 is provided at a position different from the recording unit 113 and includes a buffer space 134a. The buffer space 134a extends below the relay path 132 in the vertical direction, and the recording medium P conveyed from the cutting processing unit 121 to the recording unit 113 side in a state where the flap 133 is positioned at the second position. Evacuate. The buffer space 134 a is not limited to the one that extends downward in the vertical direction with respect to the relay path 132. The buffer space 134a may extend upward in the vertical direction with respect to the relay path 132.

  Further, the printer 510 includes a cutting piece container 530 provided below the cutting position of the recording medium P by the cutter unit 119 in the vertical direction. The cutting piece container 530 includes an opening 531 on the cutting position side of the recording medium P by the cutter unit 119 and a housing space 532 communicating with the opening 531. A cut piece (cut waste) generated when the recording medium P is cut by the cutter unit 119 is accommodated in the accommodation space 532 through the opening 531. The cutting piece container 530 is detachably attached to the printer housing 510a.

  By providing the cutting piece container 530, it is possible to prevent the cutting pieces generated when the recording medium P is cut by the cutter unit 119 from being scattered or to prevent the scattered cutting pieces from adversely affecting the operation of the printer 510. Further, by providing the cut piece storage portion 530, the cut pieces can be accommodated together, and the collected cut pieces can be disposed of when collected to some extent. As a result, the burden on the maintenance of the printer 510 can be reduced.

  The cutting piece accommodating part 530 has a shape curved in a concave shape so that a part on the relay part 520 side is separated from the relay part 520. Specifically, the cutting piece storage portion 530 has a shape curved in a concave shape so that the surface on the cutting processing device 120 side is recessed toward the holding portion 111 side.

  The cutting piece storage unit 530 has a concave portion of the surface on the cutting processing device 120 side (the holding unit 111 side), so that the cutting piece storage unit 530 has a storage space 532 in comparison with the printer 110 used with the relay device 130 shown in FIG. The opening diameter is partially reduced. The cutting piece container 530 in the printer 510 according to the second embodiment is extended downward as compared with the printer 110 used together with the relay device 130 shown in FIG.

  Accordingly, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the amount of the cut pieces due to the reduction in the storage space 532 due to the opening diameter of the storage space 532 being partially reduced, and it is possible to reliably store a predetermined amount of the cut pieces. As a result, compared to the printer 110 used with the relay device 130 shown in FIG. 1 and the like, it is possible to avoid an increase in the work frequency for disposing of the cut pieces and to increase the burden on the user of the printer 510. It can be avoided.

  The buffer space 134 a in the relay unit 520 has a curved shape such that a portion on the side of the cutting piece storage portion 530 protrudes toward the cutting piece storage portion 530 along the curved shape of the cutting piece storage portion 530. The buffer space 134a in the relay portion 520 has a shape that expands toward the cut piece accommodating portion 530 side. The buffer space 134a in the relay unit 520 is greatly expanded toward the cutting piece storage unit 530 than the buffer space 134a in the buffer unit 134 included in the relay device 130 illustrated in FIG.

  Thus, the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment has the same length in the facing direction between the printer 510 and the cutting processing device 120 as that of the printing system 500 according to the first embodiment, but the relay device 130 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, a wider buffer space 134a can be ensured than the buffer space 134a included in FIG.

  Specifically, the buffer space 134a is formed by cutting the cut piece with respect to a portion in which a part of the cut piece accommodating portion 530 on the side of the relay portion 520 is curved in a concave shape so as to be separated from the relay portion 520. A shape that protrudes toward the cut piece accommodating portion 530 along the curved shape of the accommodating portion 530 is formed. The relay part 520 is arranged such that a part of the buffer space 134a that is expanded toward the cutting piece container 530 is partially overlapped with a part of the cutting piece container 530 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the buffer space 134a in the relay unit 520 is arranged such that a portion extended to the cutting piece storage unit 530 side enters the lower side of the cutter unit 119 in the vertical direction.

  In the printer 510 of the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment, the cutting piece container 530 is arranged such that the opening 531 opens below the cutter unit 119 in the vertical direction. Thereby, the cut piece generated by the operation of the cutter unit 119 can be reliably accommodated in the cut piece accommodation unit 530 through the opening 531.

  In the relay part 520, it is sufficient that at least a part of the buffer space 134 a overlaps with at least a part of the cutting piece storage part 530 in the vertical direction, and almost the whole is at least one of the cutting piece storage part 530. It may be provided so as to overlap with the vertical direction.

(Operation of the printing system 500)
Next, the operation of the print system 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, the printer 510 drives and controls the recording unit 113 to perform a sublimation transfer type recording operation. Then, the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed is cut by the cutter unit 119, and the cut recording medium P is inserted into the cutting processing device 120 from the discharge port 110b through the introduction unit 120b in the cutting processing device 120. .

  When the cutting processing device 120 detects the recording medium P inserted into the cutting processing device 120 from the printer 510 via the introduction unit 120b, the cutting processing device 120 moves the recording medium P in the forward direction until the trailing edge of the recording medium P is detected. Transport to. At this time, in the printer 510, the flap 133 is released from the urging force from the recording medium P when the rear end of the recording medium P moves to the cutting processing device 120 side from the front end of the flap 133. As a result, when the rear end of the recording medium P moves to the cutting processing device 120 side from the front end of the flap 133, the flap 133 is positioned at the second position by the biasing force of the biasing member 135.

  As described above, when the cutting processing device 120 detects the position of the trailing edge of the recording medium P, the cutting processing apparatus 120 transports the recording medium P in the reverse direction until the leading edge position is detected again. As a result, the recording medium P is conveyed from the rear end to the outside of the cutting processing device 120 via the introducing portion 120 b and inserted into the printer 510 via the discharge port 110 b in the printer 510.

  In the printer 510, as described above, the flap 133 is positioned at the second position when the trailing end of the recording medium P passes through the leading end position of the flap 133 in the relay unit 520, and therefore, is conveyed in the reverse direction. As a result, the recording medium P conveyed again from the introduction part 120b into the housing 110a of the printer 510 is inserted into the buffer space 134a in the relay part 520 from the rear end via the second introduction port 131b. The recording medium P inserted into the housing 110a of the printer 510 through the second introduction port 131b is guided (guided) by the flap 133 and is introduced into the buffer space 134a from the rear end.

  In the relay unit 520, the buffer space 134a extends downward in the vertical direction with respect to the relay path, and further has a shape that expands toward the cutting piece storage unit 530. Thus, even when the length of the relay device 130 in the facing direction between the printer 510 and the cutting processing device 120 is shorter than the length of the recording medium P after being cut, the recording medium P is not damaged. It can be evacuated (see FIG. 5B). In the printer 510 according to the second embodiment, the recording medium P having a longer length in the transport direction than the relay device 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like is recorded by an amount corresponding to the buffer space 134a spreading toward the cutting piece container 530. Can be targeted.

  In addition, a portion of the buffer space 134a on the cutting piece storage portion 530 side in the relay portion 520 has a curved shape so as to protrude toward the cutting piece storage portion 530 along the curved shape of the cutting piece storage portion 530. It has a curved shape. Thereby, in the printer 510, the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 can be smoothly introduced into the buffer space 134a along a curved line. As a result, the recording medium P introduced into the buffer space 134a can be reliably prevented from jamming, and the recording medium P can be retracted without being damaged.

  As described above, in the printer 510 according to the second embodiment, the cutting piece storage unit 530 also serves as the buffer unit 134. More specifically, a wall surface (outer wall surface) on the side of the buffer part 134 that is a part of the cutting piece container 530 is used as a member for guiding the position of the recording medium P introduced into the buffer part 134 (in the buffer space 134a). By making it function, the cutting piece accommodating part 530 can serve as the buffer part 134. Since the cutting piece accommodating portion 530 also serves as the buffer portion 134, a dedicated guide member for guiding the position of the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 is not separately provided, and the recording medium P is not damaged. Can be evacuated.

  Further, the printer 510 in the printing system 500 of the second embodiment has a concave curved shape so that the cutting piece accommodating portion 530 is separated from the buffer space 134a along the shape of the buffer space 134a. This curved shape substantially coincides with the curved shape of the recording medium held in the wound state in the holding unit 111.

  Thereby, in the printer 510, the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 can be smoothly introduced into the buffer space 134a along the wall surface of the buffer space 134a in the cutting piece storage portion 530. As a result, the recording medium P introduced into the buffer space 134a can be introduced into the buffer space 134a more smoothly. As a result, the recording medium P can be reliably prevented from jamming, and the recording medium P can be retracted without being damaged.

  Further, the printer 510 in the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment guides the rear end of the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 by the wall surface on the cutting processing device 120 side in the cutting piece storage unit 530, It can be introduced into the buffer space 134a. As a result, the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 can be introduced into the buffer space 134a using the wall surface of the cutting piece container 530, and the position of the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the recording medium P from jamming and to retract the recording medium P without damaging it.

  Further, in the printer 510 in the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment, the relay unit 520 is partially overlapped with the cutting piece storage unit 530 in the vertical direction in a portion where the relay unit 520 is expanded toward the cutting piece storage unit 530 in the buffer space 134a. Therefore, the interval between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 can be shortened as compared with the case where these are not overlapped. As a result, the entire print system 500 configured with the cutting processing unit 121 can be reduced in size.

  Further, in the printer 510 in the printing system 500 according to the second embodiment, the buffer space 134a in the relay unit 520 is extended below the cutter unit 119 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the printing system 500 as a whole is configured with the cutting processing unit 121 by shortening the interval between the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121 without hindering the storing of the cutting piece by the cutting piece storage unit 530. Can be miniaturized.

  After that, when the cutting processing device 120 detects the tip position again, the cutting processing device 120 controls the oscillator to oscillate laser light and drive the motor while conveying the recording medium P conveyed in the buffer space 134a in the forward direction. The cutting process is performed by irradiating the recording medium P with the laser beam while moving the emission position of the laser beam oscillated by the oscillator by the transmission optical system.

  As described above, the printer 510 according to the second embodiment of the present invention supplies the recording medium P to the cutting processing device 120 including the cutting processing unit 121 that performs the cutting process on the supplied recording medium P. The recording unit 113 that performs a recording operation on the long recording medium P wound in a roll shape, and the long recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit 113 are placed at a predetermined position. The recording operation was performed by the cutter unit 119 to be cut, the transport unit that transports the recording medium P cut by the cutter unit 119 to the cutting processing unit 121, and the recording unit 113 from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121. And a relay unit 520 that relays the supply of the recording medium P.

  Further, the relay unit 520 is provided on the recording unit 113 side with respect to the cutting processing unit 121 and communicates the buffer unit 134 provided at a position different from the recording unit 113 and the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121. A flap 133 that is switchable between a first position, a second position that allows the cutting processing unit 121 and the buffer unit 134 to communicate with each other, and a recording medium P that is transported from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121. The flap 133 is positioned at the first position until the trailing end of the recording medium P passes the leading end position of the flap 133 until the trailing end of the recording medium P passes the leading end position of the flap 133. And an urging member 135 that realizes switching means for switching the position of the flap 133 so as to be positioned at the position.

  The buffer unit 134 in the printer 510 according to the second embodiment is a space in which the recording medium P transported from the cutting processing unit 121 to the recording unit 113 side is retracted with the flap 133 positioned at the second position. In addition, a buffer space 134a is provided that extends downward or upward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121.

  According to the printer 510 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium P supplied to the cutting processing unit 121 is conveyed so as to be returned from the cutting processing unit 121 to the printer 510 in order to align the recording medium P. Even in such a case, the recording medium P can be retracted to the buffer space 134a.

  As a result, the space required for relaying the recording medium P conveyed so as to be returned from the cutting processing unit 121 to the printer 510 can be reduced, and the cutting processing unit 121 can perform printing without synchronizing with the operation of the cutting processing unit 121. The recording medium P conveyed so as to return to 510 can be relayed.

  Further, the printer 510 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a cutting piece container 530 provided below the cutting position of the recording medium P by the cutter unit 119 in the vertical direction and having an opening on the cutting position side. And at least a part of the buffer space 134a is provided so as to overlap with at least a part of the cut piece accommodating portion 530 in the vertical direction.

  According to the printer 510 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the length of the relay device 130 in the facing direction between the printer 510 and the cutting processing device 120 is shorter than the length of the recording medium P after being cut. In addition, the recording medium P can be retracted without being damaged. Further, according to the printer 510 of the second embodiment, the recording medium having a longer length in the transport direction than the relay device 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the like by the extent that the buffer space 134a is expanded toward the cutting piece container 530. P can be saved.

  Further, the printer 510 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a concave curved shape so that a part of the cutting piece container 530 on the relay unit 520 side is separated from the relay unit 520, and the buffer space 134a. However, forming a shape that protrudes toward the cutting piece storage portion 530 along the curved shape of the cutting piece storage portion 530 so that at least a portion overlaps at least a part of the cutting piece storage portion 530 in the vertical direction. It is a feature.

  According to the printer 510 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120 can be smoothly introduced into the buffer space 134a along a curved line. As described above, according to the printer 510 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the cutting piece storage portion 530 also serves as the buffer portion 134, thereby guiding the position of the recording medium P discharged from the cutting processing device 120. Therefore, the recording medium P can be retracted without damaging it without separately providing a dedicated guide member.

  As described above, according to the printer 510 of the second embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing cost of the print system 500 configured with the cutting processing unit 121 can be reduced, and the entire print system 500 can be reduced in size.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, the configuration of a printing system including the cutting processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a printing system including the cutting processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, a printing system 600 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a printer 110 and a cutting processing device 610.

  The cutting processing device 610 performs a cutting process on the recording medium P supplied from the printer 110 including the recording unit 113. The cutting processing device 610 includes a cutting processing unit 121 that performs the above-described cutting processing, a buffer unit 134, a flap 133, a biasing member 135, a relay path 132, and a sensor (not shown).

  The buffer unit 134 is provided closer to the introduction unit 120b than the cutting processing unit 121 is. The buffer unit 134 extends below the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121 in the vertical direction, and the cutting processing unit is in a state where the flap 133 is positioned at the second position. The recording medium P conveyed from 121 to the recording unit 113 is retracted.

  The flap 133 is provided so as to be switchable between a first position where the discharge port 110b and the cutting processing unit 121 in the printer 110 communicate with each other and a second position where the cutting processing unit 121 and the buffer unit 134 communicate with each other. Yes. Further, the flap 133 is biased by the biasing member 135 so as to be positioned at the second position.

  The sensor is provided in the cutting processing apparatus 610 and in the vicinity of the introduction unit 120b. For this reason, the recording medium P detected by the sensor is transported in the positive direction by a predetermined length after the trailing edge is detected by the sensor, and then passes through the relay path 132 and reaches the cutting processing unit 121 side. In the cutting processing device 610, after the rear end of the recording medium P inserted through the introducing portion 120b is detected by the sensor, the rear end of the recording medium P passes through the front end position of the flap 133, and the cutting processing unit 121. The length of transporting the recording medium P before reaching the side is set in advance.

  Alternatively, the sensor may be provided in the cutting processing apparatus 610 and in the vicinity of the roller pair 123. In this case, in the printer 110, the recording medium P is conveyed in the forward direction as much as the leading end of the recording unit 113 reaches the roller pair 123 from the introduction unit 120b, thereby providing a sensor provided in the cutting processing device 610, Therefore, the position of the recording medium P can be detected without increasing the number of roller pairs 123 and the like.

  Alternatively, the sensor may be provided in the cutting processing device 610 and in the vicinity of the introduction unit 120 b and the roller pair 123. In this case, in the printer 110, the recording medium P is conveyed by the cutting processing device 610 without conveying the recording medium P in the forward direction by the amount corresponding to the time until the leading edge of the recording medium P reaches the roller pair 123 from the introduction unit 120b. can do.

(Operation of the printing system 600)
Next, the operation of the print system 600 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the printing system 600 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, first, the printer 110 drives and controls the recording unit 113 to perform a sublimation transfer type recording operation. Then, the recording medium P on which the recording operation has been performed is cut by the cutter unit 119, and the cut recording medium P is inserted into the cutting processing device 610 from the discharge port 110b through the introduction unit 120b in the cutting processing device 610. .

  When the cutting processing device 610 detects the leading end of the recording medium P inserted through the introduction unit 120b based on the output value of the sensor, the cutting processing apparatus 610 conveys the recording medium P in the forward direction. Then, after detecting the trailing edge of the recording medium P based on the output value of the sensor, the recording medium P is further conveyed in the forward direction by a preset amount. Accordingly, the recording medium P can be transported until the trailing end of the recording medium P passes the leading end position of the flap 133 and reaches the cutting processing unit 121 side.

  The flap 133 is released from the urging force from the recording medium P when the trailing end of the recording medium P moves to the cutting processing unit 121 side relative to the leading end of the flap 133, and is moved to the second position by the urging force of the urging member 135. Positioned.

  Next, the cutting processing device 610 conveys the recording medium P in the reverse direction. Since the flap 133 is positioned at the second position when the rear end of the recording medium P passes through the front end position of the flap 133, the recording medium P conveyed in the reverse direction enters the buffer space 134a from the rear end. be introduced. Since the buffer space 134a extends downward in the vertical direction with respect to the relay path 132, the length of the relay device 130 in the facing direction of the printer 110 and the cutting processing device 610 is the length of the recording medium P after being cut. Even if it is shorter than this, the recording medium P can be evacuated without being damaged.

  After that, when the cutting processing device 610 detects the tip position again, the cutting processing device 610 controls the oscillator to oscillate laser light and drive the motor while conveying the recording medium P conveyed in the buffer space 134a in the forward direction. The cutting process is performed by irradiating the recording medium P with the laser beam while moving the emission position of the laser beam oscillated by the oscillator by the transmission optical system.

  As described above, the cutting processing apparatus 610 according to the third embodiment of the present invention performs the cutting process on the recording medium P supplied from the recording unit 113 that performs the recording operation on the recording medium P. A cutting processing unit 121 that performs the cutting process, a buffer unit 134 that is provided closer to the recording unit 113 than the cutting processing unit 121, and a first position that connects the recording unit 113 and the cutting processing unit 121. , A flap 133 that can be switched to a second position where the cutting processing unit 121 and the buffer unit 134 communicate with each other, and a rear end of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121 is a flap. The flap 133 is positioned at the first position until it passes the tip position of 133. And an urging member 135 that realizes switching means for switching the position of the flap 133 so that the flap 133 is positioned at the second position when the rear end of the recording medium P passes the front end position of the flap 133. ing.

  Then, the buffer unit 134 in the cutting processing apparatus 610 of the third embodiment retracts the recording medium P conveyed from the cutting processing unit 121 to the recording unit 113 side with the flap 133 positioned at the second position. It is characterized by a space that extends downward or upward in the vertical direction from the path of the recording medium P conveyed from the recording unit 113 to the cutting processing unit 121.

  According to the cutting processing apparatus 610 of the third embodiment of the present invention, when the recording medium P is aligned in the cutting process, the recording medium P supplied from the printer 110 can be retracted to the buffer space 134a. Therefore, the cutting process can be performed without transporting the recording medium P once supplied from the printer 110 to the outside of the cutting processing apparatus 610.

  Thereby, the synchronization with the recording operation in the recording unit 113 is not required, and after the supply of the recording medium P from the printer 110 is received, the cutting process can be completed in the cutting processing device 610.

  As described above, according to the cutting processing device 610 of the third embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing system 600 configured with the printer 110 and to reduce the size of the printing system 600 as a whole.

  As described above, the relay device, the printer, and the cutting processing device according to the present invention are useful for a printer and a cutting processing device in a printing system in which a plurality of devices handle the same recording medium, and particularly, label paper is used as a recording medium. It is suitable for a printer and a cutting processing device in a printing system to be handled.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Print system 110 Printer 110b Ejection port 112 Recording medium conveyance path 113 Recording part 113a Thermal head 113b Platen 114 Ink ribbon 115a Winding roller 115b Supply roller 118 Curl correction part 119 Cutter part 120 Cutting processing apparatus 120b Introduction part 123 Roller pair 130 Relay Device 131a First introduction port 131b Second introduction port 133 Flap 134 Buffer portion 135 Biasing member 135 Biasing member 136 Guide plate 500 Print system 510 Printer 520 Relay portion 530 Cutting piece accommodation portion 531 Opening 532 Accommodation space 600 Print system 610 Cutting processing device

Claims (9)

A relay device that relays the supply of a recording medium on which a recording operation has been performed by the recording unit, from a recording unit that performs a recording operation on the recording medium to a cutting processing unit that performs a cutting process on the recording medium,
A flap provided to be switchable between a first position for communicating the recording unit and the cutting processing unit and a second position for communicating the cutting processing unit with an open space;
The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section passes the leading edge position of the flap, and the trailing edge of the recording medium is positioned at the flap. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to position the flap at the second position when passing the tip position;
Equipped with a,
The open space is a space for retracting a recording medium conveyed from the cutting processing unit to the recording unit side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position, and from the recording unit to the recording unit. A relay device characterized by being a space that extends downward in the vertical direction with respect to a path of a recording medium conveyed to a cutting processing unit . A relay device that relays the supply of a recording medium on which a recording operation has been performed by the recording unit, from a recording unit that performs a recording operation on the recording medium to a cutting processing unit that performs a cutting process on the recording medium,
A buffer provided at a position different from the recording unit provided on the recording unit side of the cutting processing unit;
A flap provided to be switchable between a first position for communicating the recording unit and the cutting processing unit and a second position for communicating the cutting processing unit and the buffer unit;
The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section passes the leading edge position of the flap, and the trailing edge of the recording medium is positioned at the flap. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to position the flap at the second position when passing the tip position;
With
The buffer portion is a space for retracting a recording medium conveyed from the cutting processing portion to the recording portion side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position, and the cutting processing is performed from the recording portion. relay apparatus characterized by comprising a buffer space extending under side in the vertical direction than the path of the recording medium conveyed to the parts.   The relay apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the buffer unit is provided so that a part of the buffer space overlaps the recording unit in a vertical direction. The switching means is a biasing member that biases the flap from the first position side to the second position side so as to position the flap at the second position,
The flap is pivotable about a fulcrum provided on the recording unit side with respect to the tip position, and swings the tip position by turning to turn the tip position or the first position. 2 and selectively positioned at the first position against the biasing force of the switching means by being biased by the recording medium conveyed from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit. The relay device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The said recording medium is comprised by the label paper by which the adhesive layer was provided in the single side | surface, and the peeling paper superimposed on the adhesive layer side of the said label paper, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Relay device described in one. A printer that supplies the recording medium to a cutting processing unit that performs a cutting process on the supplied recording medium,
A recording unit that performs a recording operation on a long recording medium wound in a roll; and
A cutter unit for cutting the long recording medium on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit at a predetermined position;
A transport unit that transports the recording medium cut by the cutter unit to the cutting processing unit;
A relay unit that relays the supply of the recording medium on which the recording operation has been performed by the recording unit, from the recording unit to the cutting processing unit,
The relay unit is
A buffer provided at a position different from the recording unit provided on the recording unit side of the cutting processing unit;
A flap provided to be switchable between a first position for communicating the recording unit and the cutting processing unit and a second position for communicating the cutting processing unit and the buffer unit;
The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section passes the leading edge position of the flap, and the trailing edge of the recording medium is positioned at the flap. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to position the flap at the second position when passing the tip position;
With
The buffer portion is a space for retracting a recording medium conveyed from the cutting processing portion to the recording portion side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position, and the cutting processing is performed from the recording portion. printer, characterized in that it comprises a buffer space extending under side in the vertical direction than the path of the recording medium conveyed to the parts. Provided below the cutting position of the recording medium by the cutter unit in the vertical direction, and includes a cutting piece container having an opening on the cutting position side,
The printer according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the buffer space overlaps with at least a part of the cutting piece container in the vertical direction. The cutting piece storage portion has a concave curved shape so that a part of the relay portion side is separated from the relay portion,
The buffer space has a shape that protrudes toward the cutting piece storage portion along the curved shape of the cutting piece storage portion so that at least a portion overlaps at least a part of the cutting piece storage portion in the vertical direction. The printer according to claim 7, wherein the printer is made. A cutting processing device that performs a cutting process on a recording medium supplied from a recording unit that performs a recording operation on the recording medium,
A cutting processing unit for performing the cutting process;
A buffer provided on the recording unit side of the cutting processing unit;
A flap provided to be switchable between a first position for communicating the recording unit and the cutting processing unit and a second position for communicating the cutting processing unit and the buffer unit;
The flap is positioned at the first position until the trailing edge of the recording medium conveyed from the recording section to the cutting processing section passes the leading edge position of the flap, and the trailing edge of the recording medium is positioned at the flap. Switching means for switching the position of the flap so as to position the flap at the second position when passing the tip position;
With
The buffer portion is a space for retracting a recording medium conveyed from the cutting processing portion to the recording portion side in a state where the flap is positioned at the second position, and the cutting processing is performed from the recording portion. cutting processing apparatus characterized by comprising a buffer space extending under side in the vertical direction than the path of the recording medium conveyed to the parts.

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