MEDIUM-MACHINING DEVICE AND MEDIUM-MACHINING METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a medium-machining device and a medium-machining method and, more particularly, to a medium-machining device and a medium-machining method for performing machining such as cutting on a medium.

BACKGROUND ART

Such a medium-machining device may include, for example, a cutting device for performing cutting on a medium or an ink jet printing device for performing printing on a medium.

To be specific, a cutting device is conventionally known which can carry out desired cutting on a sheet-shaped medium supported on a platen by combining an operation of causing a cutting unit mounted with a cutter blade to move leftward and rightward relative to the medium and an operation of sending the medium in forward and backward directions. On the other hand, an ink jet printing device is also known which can print a desired image on a sheet-shaped medium supported on a platen (medium-supporting device) by combining an operation of causing a printing unit mounted with an ink jet head for discharging ink to move leftward and rightward relative to the medium and an operation of sending the medium in forward and backward directions. For example, seals of various patterns and shapes may be created by printing a desired image on a medium in which a pasteboard and seal paper are joined using the ink jet printing device and cutting the medium along an outline of the desired image using the cutting device. Further, a printing and cutting device configured to additionally mount a printing unit on the cutting device and to allow a single device to perform printing and cutting is also developed (see Patent Document 1).

In the medium-machining device exemplified above, when the medium is machined (for example, cut), conveying precision when the medium is sent in a forward/backward direction directly affects machining precision, and thus it is greatly important to improve the conveying precision.

For example, in a conventional cutting device for cutting a rolled medium described in Patent Document 2, there is disclosed a technique in which, to improve conveying precision of the medium, as one embodiment, after a machined portion is wound by a winding device and the winding device is stopped, a picking conveyance mechanism is operated to slightly loosen the machined portion, and thereby, even when a sheet material is conveyed just after the machining is restarted, a conveying speed during the machining is constantly maintained in a more reliable way without applying excessive tension.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS
Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2003-266377

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 2008-006523

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems To Be Solved By The Invention

There is a recent need to machine various mediums (for example, a rolled sheet, manual paper, and a sheet) using one printing and cutting device.

However, assuming that a manual distribution tray, for example, is incorporated in a printing and cutting device as exemplified in Patent Document 2, when the rolled medium (rolled sheet) is loosened to undergo feed conveyance or return conveyance, there may occur a problem that the rolled medium comes into contact with the manual distribution tray and a surface of the medium (medium undergoing the return conveyance during the machining process) is scratched or stained.

When the sheet is used as the medium, a conventional sheet stacked distribution tray mostly employs a configuration in which the distribution tray is arranged to be inclined with respect to a device main body. In such a configuration, when the feed conveyance or the return conveyance of the medium is performed, the feed conveyance becomes downward movement of the medium, and the return conveyance becomes upward movement of the medium. As such, there may occur a problem that subtle deviation is caused at each conveyance state (conveyance resistance of the medium) by the influence of gravity, and thus deteriorates the conveying precision.

Further, the conventional sheet stacked distribution tray is provided with an extraction mechanism for extracting stacked sheets one by one. For this reason, when the return conveyance of the mediums (the sheets extracted one by one) is performed, there also may occur a problem that the medium is caught on the extraction mechanism so that the return conveyance becomes impossible.

On the other hand, when the manual paper is used as the medium, a conventional manual distribution tray employs a configuration in which a height difference or a gap is present between the manual distribution tray and the platen. In such a configuration, when the feed conveyance or the return conveyance of the medium is performed, the medium is displaced from the manual distribution tray to the top of the platen by the feed conveyance, and then the medium is displaced to the manual distribution tray in a machining process by the return conveyance. In this case, frictional resistance different from the case of the feed conveyance is generated at the medium by the influence of the height difference or the gap, and there may occur a problem that subtle deviation (conveyance resistance of the medium) is caused at each conveyance state and thus, deteriorates the conveying precision.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a medium-machining device and a medium-machining method capable of improving conveying precision when a medium to be machined is conveyed and thereby machining the medium with high precision.

Solutions to the Problems

The problems are addressed by a solution as disclosed below as one embodiment.

A medium-machining device of the disclosure includes: a medium machining means for machining a medium while scanning the top of the medium; a platen for supporting the medium during the machining; two medium conveying rollers provided upstream and downstream in a conveying direction of the medium with respect to the medium machining means; and a manual distribution tray having a medium supporting surface arranged in the same surface as a medium supporting surface of the platen. Thereby, the configuration in which the medium supporting surface of the platen and the medium supporting surface of the manual distribution tray are provided in the same surface is provided, and frictional resistance occurring at the medium can be made uniform during respective conveyances of feed conveyance of conveying the medium from the top of the manual distribution tray to the top of the platen and return conveyance of conveying the medium from the top of the platen to the top of the manual distribution tray. As a result, it is possible to prevent deviation of a conveyance state (conveyance resistance of the medium) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance, and thus to improve conveying precision. Accordingly, it is possible to improve machining precision of the medium.

Further, in the present invention, the medium-machining device may further include a distribution tray for distributing stacked sheet-based mediums one by one. Thereby, in addition to the aforementioned manual distribution tray, a sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray in which the stacked sheet-based mediums (sheets or the like) are contained can be arranged in parallel. As such, it is possible to remarkably improve convenience of the medium-machining device, for example, continuous distribution of the sheet-based medium is possible, a trouble of the medium distribution is saved, and a machining speed of the medium is improved.

Further, in the present invention, the medium-machining device may further include a medium mounting part on which a rolled medium wound in a roll shape is mounted, and when the rolled medium is mounted on the medium mounting part, the manual distribution tray may be removable or the manual distribution tray may be movable in a direction away from the platen. Thereby, at least both of the manual medium and the rolled medium can be machined by one device. Further, when the rolled medium (rolled sheet) is loosened to undergo the feed conveyance or the return conveyance as described above, it is possible to address a problem that the rolled medium comes into contact with the manual distribution tray and the surface of the medium (especially, the medium undergoing the return conveyance during the machining process) is scratched or stained.

A medium-machining method of the disclosure includes: a distributing process of distributing a medium to the top of a medium supporting surface of a platen; and a machining process of machining the medium while conveying the medium distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface of the platen in feed and return directions, wherein, when the medium is conveyed in a return direction in the machining process, the medium is conveyed to the top of a medium supporting surface of a manual distribution tray whose medium supporting surface is arranged in the same surface as the medium supporting surface of the platen. Thereby, even in any of the case of distributing the manual medium from the manual distribution tray and the case of distributing the sheet-based medium from the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray, an operation of returning the medium, which is conveyed to the top of the platen by the feed conveyance, from the top of the platen to the top of the manual distribution tray by the return conveyance is performed. In this case, since the medium supporting surface of the platen and the medium supporting surface of the manual distribution tray are provided in the same surface, it is possible to prevent great frictional resistance caused by, for example, a height difference from occurring at the medium. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deviation of the conveyance state (the conveyance resistance of the medium) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance and to improve the conveying precision of the medium. As such, it is possible to improve the machining precision of the medium.

As an example, the distributing process may preferably have a process of distributing stacked sheet-based mediums from a distribution tray one by one to the top of the medium supporting surface of the platen in which the stacked sheet-based mediums are contained. Thereby, continuous distribution of the sheet-based mediums is possible using the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray in which the sheet-based mediums (sheets) are contained. As such, in comparison with the use of the manual distribution tray, medium machining efficiency is remarkably improved, for example, the trouble of the medium distribution is saved, and the machining speed of the medium is improved.

Further, as another example, the distributing process may have a process of distributing the medium from the manual distribution tray to the top of the medium supporting surface of the platen. Thereby, the medium (manual medium) can be distributed from the manual distribution tray, and thus it is possible to distribute and machine the medium (manual medium) that is not appropriate to the distribution from the distribution tray in which the sheet-based mediums are contained, due to a thickness, a shape, and a material of the medium.

Effects of the Invention

According to the medium-machining device of the disclosure, it is possible to improve conveying precision when the medium to be machined is conveyed, and thereby to machine the medium with high precision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a medium-machining device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view (partial enlarged view) illustrating a configuration of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view (partial enlarged view) illustrating the configuration of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating an operation of a medium container device of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) illustrating the configuration of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) for illustrating the operation of the medium container device of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a medium-machining device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) illustrating a configuration of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a medium-machining device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) illustrating a configuration of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view for illustrating an operation of a medium container device of the medium-machining device illustrated in FIG. 9.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, taking a printing and cutting device as an example of a medium-machining device according to the present embodiment, a device configuration and a machining method (medium-machining method according to the present embodiment) will be described.

The printing and cutting device includes a printing unit and a cutting unit which act as medium-machining means for machining a medium while scanning the top of the medium, and is a device that carries out an operation, which is selected from an operation of performing only printing, an operation of performing only cutting, and an operation of performing both the printing and the cutting for dealing with a printed image of the printing, on a medium supported by a platen depending on the purpose.

A schematic perspective view (the schematic perspective view from a front direction) of a printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 1. Further, a schematic front view (a partial enlarged view) of the printing and cutting device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Furthermore, a schematic perspective view (a partial enlarged view) of the printing and cutting device 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. For convenience of description, forward/backward, leftward/rightward, and upward/downward directions of the printing and cutting device 1 are indicated by arrow directions in each drawing. Further, a forward/backward direction of the paper in FIG. 2 is defined as the forward/backward direction of the printing and cutting device 1.

In the whole drawings for describing the embodiment, members having the same function are given with the same reference signs, and repetitive description thereof may not be presented.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment has a left main body 5 and a right main body 6 which are formed at respective left and right ends of a main body 3 and outer circumferential portions thereof are covered with a main body cover 4. An input operation unit 7 made up of operation switches or display devices is provided at a front side of the left main body 5. The left main body 5 is provided therein with a controller 9 connected to the input operation unit 7 so as to be able to transmit/receive a signal.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a tabular platen 10 for supporting a medium M that is a target to be machined (printed or cut) during machining, a medium feed mechanism 20 for performing feed conveyance on the medium M, a guide member 40 provided extending leftward and rightward above the platen 10, a cutting unit 50, a printing unit 60, a maintenance device 70, a unit driving device 80, and the like are arranged between the left main body 5 and the right main body 6.

Furthermore, as illustrated in the schematic perspective views of FIGS. 1 and 4 and in the schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of FIG. 5, a medium distribution device 30 for distributing the medium M onto the platen 10 is provided behind the platen 10 in a conveying direction of the medium M. On the other hand, a medium container device 25 that supports the medium M during machining and contains the medium M after being machined is provided in front of the platen 10 in the conveying direction of the medium M (detailed configuration thereof will be described below).

Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the medium feed mechanism 20 includes two medium conveying rollers (a first medium conveying roller 15 and a second medium conveying roller 16) provided upstream and downstream in the conveying direction of the medium with respect to the medium machining means (here, the cutting unit 50 and the printing unit 60). To be more specific, the first medium conveying roller 15 is made up of multiple pinch rollers 17A that are arranged side by side at a lower portion of the guide member 40 in the leftward/rightward direction, and a feed roller 18A that is exposed upwards to the platen 10 and can come into contact with each pinch roller 17A in the upward/downward direction. The feed roller 18A is adapted to be rotatably driven by a forward/backward driving motor 19. Further, each pinch roller 17A is configured such that a pressed state can be set independently from the feed roller 18A.

On the other hand, the second medium conveying roller 16 is made up of multiple pinch rollers 17B that are arranged side by side at a lower portion of a support member 41 in the leftward/rightward direction, and a feed roller 18B that is exposed upwards to the platen 10 and can come into contact with each pinch roller 17B in the upward/downward direction. The feed roller 18B is adapted to be rotatably driven by the forward/backward driving motor 19. Further, each pinch roller 17B is configured such that a pressed state can be set independently from the feed roller 18B (for convenience of illustration, the right side of the support member 41 is not illustrated).

In the present embodiment, the feed roller 18A and the feed roller 18B are formed to have the same outer diameter, and are configured to be rotatably driven at the same speed and same time by the single forward/backward driving motor 19. As a modification, the feed roller 18A and the feed roller 18B may be configured to be rotatably driven at the same speed using separate driving sources (not shown), respectively.

According to such a configuration, in the first medium conveying roller 15, the feed roller 18A is rotated by the forward/backward driving motor 19 with the medium M sandwiched between the feed roller 18A and each pinch roller 17A, and thereby it is possible to obtain an effect of feeding the medium M in the forward/backward direction by a predetermined distance. Further, in the second medium conveying roller 16, the feed roller 18B is rotated by the forward/backward driving motor 19 with the medium M sandwiched between the feed roller 18B and each pinch roller 17B, and thereby it is possible to obtain an effect of feeding the medium M in the forward/backward direction by a predetermined distance. Further more, conveyance speeds of the first and second medium conveying rollers 15 and 16 when the medium M is fed in the forward/backward direction are set to the same speed. Thereby, if the medium M comes into contact with any one of the first medium conveying roller 15 and the second medium conveying roller 16, it is possible to obtain an effect of feeding the medium M in the forward/backward direction. Accordingly, machining such as printing or cutting can be performed up to an end of the medium M in the forward/backward direction, and thus it is possible to eliminate a waste of the medium M to efficiently use the medium.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cutting unit 50 is made up of a cutting carriage 51 and a cutter holder 52. The cutting carriage 51 is mounted to be movable in the leftward/rightward direction relative to a guide rail 40a formed in a front side of the guide member 40, and acts as a mounting base of the cutter holder 52. The cutter holder 52 is mounted to be movable in the upward/downward direction relative to the cutting carriage 51. A cutter blade 53 is detachably mounted on the cutter holder 52. Further, the cutting carriage 51 is configured to be able to be engaged with a right hook 14 to be described below.

With this configuration, the medium M distributed by the medium distribution device 30 is displaced relative to the platen 10 in the forward/backward direction by the medium feed mechanism 20, and the cutting carriage 51 is displaced in the leftward/rightward direction while an edge of the cutter blade 53 provided at a lower portion of the cutter holder 52 is directed to a surface of the medium M held by the platen 10. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an effect of cutting a desired position of the medium M.

Further, the printing unit 60 is made up of, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a printing carriage 61 and multiple printer heads (for example, “ink jet heads”) 62. Similarly to the cutting carriage 51, the printing carriage 61 is mounted to be movable relative to the guide rail 40a in the leftward/rightward direction, and acts as a mounting base of the printer heads 62. Here, an engagement part 61a that can be engaged with a left hook 12 is formed at a left side of the printing carriage 61 (see FIG. 3). Further, the multiple printer heads 62 is made up of, for example, magenta, yellow, cyan, and black colors. Discharge nozzles (not shown) are arranged on the bottoms of the multiple printer heads 62 respectively, and allow ink to be discharged downwards.

With this configuration, the medium M distributed by the medium distribution device 30 is displaced relative to the platen 10 in the forward/backward direction by the medium feed mechanism 20, the printing carriage 61 is displaced in the leftward/rightward direction while the discharge nozzles of the printer heads 62 are directed to the surface of the medium M held by the platen 10, and the ink is ejected from the discharge nozzles during the displacement of the printing carriage 61. Thereby, it is possible to obtain an effect of printing a desired letter or pattern on the top of the medium M.

In the present embodiment, the unit driving device 80 for driving the cutting unit 50 and the printing unit 60 has the following configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the unit driving device 80 is made up of a driving pulley 81, a driven pulley 82, a leftward/rightward driving motor 83 rotatably driving the driving pulley 81, an endless toothed driving belt 84 stretched around the driving pulley 81 and the driven pulley 82, and a driving carriage 85 connected to the toothed driving belt 84. Here, driving carriage 85 is provided with a left connecting mechanism 86 that connects the printing carriage 61 and the driving carriage 85 so as to be separable from each other, and a right connecting mechanism 87 that connects the cutting carriage 51 and the driving carriage 85 so as to be separable from each other.

With this configuration, by controlling the driving of the leftward/rightward driving motor 83, the left connecting mechanism 86 and the right connecting mechanism 87, the cutting unit 50 or the printing unit 60 can be displaced along the guide rail 40a in the leftward/rightward direction in a state of being connected to the driving carriage 85.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a left hook support 11 supporting the left hook 12 so as to be swingable in the upward/downward direction is fixedly installed inside the left main body 5. Meanwhile, a right hook support 13 supporting the right hook 14 so as to be swingable in the upward/downward direction is fixedly installed inside the right main body 6.

Here, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the maintenance device 70 is provided inside the left main body 5. The maintenance device 70 is a mechanism for recovering a state in which ink is normally ejected from the discharge nozzles by suctioning the ink remaining inside an ink passage (not shown) or removing ink refuse or trash attached around the discharge nozzles.

Further, four suction caps 71 formed corresponding to shapes of the bottoms of the printer heads 62 are arranged on the top of the maintenance device 70. Thereby, when not used, the printer heads 62 are displaced up to a position of the maintenance device 70, and the bottoms of the printer heads 62 are covered by the suction caps 71. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the ink from being dried (thickened) at the discharge nozzles.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a waste ink tank 75 is detachably installed below the platen 10. The waste ink tank 75 is a mechanism for accumulating the ink processed in the maintenance unit 70.

In a conventional device, since the waste ink tank is provided directly below the maintenance device, there occurs a problem that the waste ink tank is subjected to the restriction in view of the layout and that a high capacity of tank is installed thereby making the device large. In contrast, the waste ink tank 75 according to the present embodiment is configured to be arranged at a position below the platen 10 as a wide thin container. Thereby, a dead space can be efficiently used, and a tank with high capacity can be provided. That is, it is possible to obtain an effect of contributing to space saving and miniaturization in the device.

With this configuration, the printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment can carry out an operation, which is selected from an operation of performing only printing, an operation of performing only cutting, and an operation of performing both the printing and the cutting for dealing with a printed image of the printing, on the medium M depending on the purpose. The printing and cutting device 1 is greatly efficient in that it can continuously perform the printing and cutting of a desired image without removing the medium M from the top of the platen 10 every time.

Further, in such a case, the printing and cutting device 1 is operated as operation signals based on data pertinent to images (for example, color data and position data), a type of a printing medium 8, and data pertinent to the cutter blade 53 (for example, an offset value from the center of rotation to the edge of the cutter blade 53) stored in a memory built in a controller 9 are output to respective constituent parts. To be more specific, by the operation signals output from the controller 9, driving of the forward/backward driving motor 19, swing of the left hook 12, swing of the right hook 14, upward/downward movement of the cutter holder 52, discharge of the ink from the printer head 62, driving of the leftward/rightward driving motor 83, connection based on the left connecting mechanism 86, and connection based on the right connecting mechanism 87 are controlled such that the printing and cutting device 1 is operated.

Here, a configuration of the medium distribution device 30, a characteristic of the present embodiment, will be described.

As the medium distribution device 30, a manual distribution tray 30A distributing the medium (here, a manual medium) M onto a medium supporting surface of the platen is provided. As illustrated in the schematic view of FIG. 5, the manual distribution tray 30A has a medium supporting surface 30a arranged in the same surface as a medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10. In this case, it is preferably configured that the medium supporting surface 10a and the medium supporting surface 30a are arranged to be horizontal together and the both of the medium supporting surfaces (10a and 30a) come close contact with each other via the first medium conveying roller 15.

As the medium distribution device 30 (manual distribution tray 30A) is provided, it is possible to distribute and machine the medium (manual medium) M that is not appropriate to distribution from a sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray, due to a thickness, a shape, and a material of the medium.

Further, the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen and the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray are configured to be present in the same surface and to come close contact with each other. Thereby, when a process of machining the medium M is performed, frictional resistance occurring at the medium M can be made uniform during both of feed conveyance of conveying the medium M from the top of the manual distribution tray 30A to the top of the platen 10 and return conveyance of conveying the medium M from the top of the platen 10 to the top of the manual distribution tray 30A. As a result, it is possible to prevent deviation of a conveyance state (conveyance resistance of the medium) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance.

Next, a configuration of the medium container device 25 will be described.

The medium container device 25 is a device for containing the medium M that is conveyed (discharged) by the feed conveyance using the medium feed mechanism 20 after being machined on the platen, and is referred to as a so-called paper ejection tray. As illustrated in the schematic views of FIGS. 4 and 5, the medium container device 25 is provided directly below the platen 10 so as to be movable in the conveying direction of the medium. To be more specific, when the device is not operated, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the medium container device 25 can be kept directly below the platen 10. When the device is operated, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the medium container device 25 can be displaced so as to be drawn from the position directly below the platen 10 forwards in the conveying direction of the medium.

With this configuration, the dead space below the platen 10 can be efficiently used, and it is possible to obtain an effect of contributing to space saving and miniaturization in the device.

Further, as illustrated in a schematic view of FIG. 6, when the process of machining the medium M is performed, the medium M conveyed by the feed conveyance using the medium feed mechanism 20 can be placed (supported) on the medium container device 25 displaced relative to the platen 10 forwards in the conveying direction of the medium. If the medium container device 25 is not arranged, the conveyed medium M droops downward by gravity. However, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the medium M can be supported in a nearly horizontal state without drooping. As a result, it is possible to address a problem that the frictional resistance of the medium M during the return conveyance in the machining process is excessively increased compared to the feed conveyance, and to prevent the deviation (frictional resistance difference or the like) of the conveyance state between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance.

An operation of the printing and cutting device 1 having the above configuration, that is, a medium-machining method performed using the same device according to the present embodiment is as follows.

First, the medium (manual medium) M is placed on the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A. Then, a process of distributing the medium M from the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 is performed. Such a process is performed by the feed conveyance of conveying the medium M from an upstream side to a downstream side using the medium feed mechanism 20. Then, a process of machining the medium M distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 while conveying the medium M in the feed and return directions using the medium feed mechanism 20 is performed.

For example, in the case of performing both of printing and cutting as the machining process, the printing unit 60 and the unit driving device 80 are connected to print a desired image on the medium M to be machined. Then, the cutting unit 50 and the unit driving device 80 are connected after the printing unit 60 and the unit driving device 80 are disconnected, and the cutting is performed along an outline of the desired image by the cutting unit 50.

In the machining process of the present embodiment, when the medium M is conveyed in the return direction, the medium M is machined while being conveyed from the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 to the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A.

Here, the printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 and the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A are provided in the same surface having no height difference and both of the medium supporting surfaces 10a and 30a come into close contact with each other. As such, when the above-described machining process is performed, the deviation of the conveyance state between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance (frictional resistance difference of the medium conveyance or the like) which occurs due to, for example, a height difference can be prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to increase conveying precision of the medium M and thus to remarkably improve machining precision of the medium M.

Further, in the machining process of the present embodiment, when the medium M is conveyed in the feed direction, the medium M is conveyed from the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 to the top of the medium container device 25 (a medium supporting surface 25a of the medium container device 25), and is machined while being supported on the top of the medium supporting surface 25a.

Thereby, as described above, it is possible to prevent the deviation (frictional resistance difference of the medium conveyance or the like) of the conveyance state between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance. As such, it is possible to much more increase conveying precision of the medium M and to further improve machining precision of the medium M.

Second Embodiment

Subsequently, a printing and cutting device 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. The printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment described above, while having a difference, particularly, in the configuration of the medium distribution device for distributing the medium M. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference.

As illustrated in a schematic perspective view of FIG. 7, the printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to have a manual distribution tray 30A and a sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B as a medium distribution device 30. Further, a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the medium distribution device 30 is illustrated in FIG. 8.

To be more specific, as illustrated in schematic views of FIGS. 7 and 8, the manual distribution tray 30A is configured to be arranged at an upstream side of the platen by the same configuration as the first embodiment above, and furthermore, the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B is configured to be arranged at a position above the manual distribution tray 30A.

The distribution tray 30B is provided with an extraction mechanism 30b for extracting the mediums M (stacked sheets) one by one. A known configuration may be used in the extraction mechanism 30b.

Here, a conveying path of the medium M is configured such that the medium M distributed from the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 can be conveyed to the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A during the return conveyance.

By providing the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B, it is possible to remarkably improve the convenience of the medium-machining device, for example, the continuous distribution of the sheet-based medium is possible, the trouble of medium distribution is saved, and a machining speed of the medium is improved. The medium (sheet-based medium) M may be a resin sheet without being limited to paper.

An operation of the printing and cutting device 1 having the above configuration, that is, a medium-machining method performed using the same device according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the medium-machining method according to the first embodiment, but it has a difference, particularly, in the following points.

First, the mediums (sheet-based mediums) M are stacked and contained in the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B. Then, a process of continuously distributing the mediums M one by one to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 from the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B is performed. This process is performed by the feed conveyance of conveying the mediums M from the upstream side to the downstream side using the medium feed mechanism 20. Subsequently, a process of continuously machining the mediums M distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 one by one while conveying the mediums M in the feed and return directions using the medium feed mechanism 20 is performed. The machining process is the same as the aforementioned process.

Here, in the present embodiment, the machining process is characterized in that, when the medium M distributed from the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 is conveyed in the return direction, the medium M is machined while being conveyed from the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 to the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A.

If the conveyance of returning the medium M to the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B is performed during the return conveyance in the machining process, the feed conveyance becomes downward movement of the medium, and the return conveyance becomes upward movement of the medium. As such, there occurs a problem that the deviation is caused at each of the conveyance state (conveyance resistance of the medium) by the influence of gravity and deteriorates conveying precision. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the medium M is conveyed to the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A rather than the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B during the return conveyance. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the deviation of the conveyance state between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance, and to address the problem. Accordingly, since the conveying precision of the medium M can be increased, the machining precision of the medium M can be remarkably improved.

Third Embodiment

Subsequently, a printing and cutting device 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. The printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as the second embodiment above while having a difference, particularly, in the configuration in which a rolled medium can be distributed and machined. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on the difference.

As illustrated in a schematic perspective view of FIG. 9 (the schematic perspective view from the backward direction), the printing and cutting device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to have a manual distribution tray 30A and a sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B as a medium distribution device 30. Further, the printing and cutting device 1 is equipped with a medium mounting part 32 on which a rolled medium M wound in a roll shape is mounted.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in a schematic side view (partial cross-sectional view) of FIG. 10 and a schematic perspective view of FIG. 11 (the schematic perspective view from the backward direction), the rolled medium M mounted on the medium mounting part 32 is subjected to the feed conveyance using the medium feed mechanism 20 and is distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10.

Here, as a characterized configuration of the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the rolled medium M is mounted on the medium mounting part 32, the manual distribution tray 30A is movably provided in a retreated way, that is, in a direction (as an example, in a backward direction) in which it moves away from the platen 10. Further, the configuration in which the manual distribution tray 30A is adapted to be movable in the direction away from the platen 10 also includes a configuration in which a mounting angle of the manual distribution tray 30A is adapted to be variable. As an example, the mounting angle of the manual distribution tray 30A is caused to vary in an increasing direction. Thereby, the manual distribution tray 30A can be displaced in the direction in which it moves away from the platen 10 (not shown).

In this manner, when the rolled medium (rolled sheet M) is loosened to perform the feed conveyance or the return conveyance, the manual distribution tray 30A can be displaced in the direction in which it moves away from the platen 10. As such, it is possible to address a problem that the rolled medium M comes into contact with the manual distribution tray 30A and the surface of the medium (especially, the medium undergoing the return conveyance during the machining process) M is scratched or stained.

As a modification, the manual distribution tray 30A may be detachably provided. Thereby, when the rolled medium M is mounted on the medium mounting part 32, the manual distribution tray 30A may be configured to be removed and retreated (not shown).

Further, according to the above configuration, any of the manual mediums, the stacked and contained sheet-based mediums, and the rolled mediums can be machined (printed, or cut) by one printing and cutting device 1. For this reason, it is possible to realize a device having great efficiency and high cost effectiveness.

An operation of the printing and cutting device 1 having the above configuration, that is, a medium-machining method performed using the same device according to the present embodiment has a difference, particularly, in the distributing and machining processes of the medium (rolled medium) M compared to those of the first and second embodiments.

First, the rolled medium M is mounted on the medium mounting part 32. Then, a process of continuously distributing the medium M to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 is performed. This process is performed by the feed conveyance of conveying the medium M from the upstream side to the downstream side using the medium feed mechanism 20. Subsequently, a process of continuously machining the medium M distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 while the medium M is being conveyed in the feed and return directions using the medium feed mechanism 20 is performed.

Here, the machining process according to the present embodiment has a process of loosening and conveying the rolled medium (rolled sheet) M in the feed conveyance (see FIGS. 10 and 11). For example, the rolled medium M that is longer than a length of the feed conveyance performed in one machining process is previously pulled out of a roll. Thereby, it is possible to constantly maintain a conveying speed during the machining in a more reliable way without applying excessive tension to the rolled medium M, and thus to improve the machining precision of the medium M.

Further, the machining process has a process of performing the feed conveyance or the return conveyance of the rolled medium (rolled sheet) M in the state in which the manual distribution tray 30A is displaced in the direction in which it moves away from the platen 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the rolled medium M from coming into contact with the manual distribution tray 30A during the machining and to prevent the surface of the medium (especially, the medium undergoing the return conveyance during the machining process) M from being scratched or stained. As such, it is possible to improve machining quality of the medium M.

Further, the machining process in the present embodiment has a process in which, when the medium M is conveyed in the feed direction, the medium M is conveyed from the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 to the top of the medium container device 25 (to the top of the medium supporting surface 25a of the medium container device 25), and is machined while being supported on the top of the medium supporting surface 25a.

Thereby, similarly to the aforementioned embodiments, it is possible to prevent the deviation of the conveyance state (frictional resistance difference of the medium conveyance or the like) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance.

Further, as a modification, in place of the configuration in which the medium container device 25 is provided, a winding roll (not shown) for winding the rolled medium may be provided to contain (wind) the medium after being machined.

As described above, according to the medium-machining device (printing and cutting device 1) of the disclosure, it is possible to improve the conveying precision when the medium M to be machined is conveyed, and thereby to machine the medium M with high precision.

Further, the following characteristic advantages and effects are produced by, especially, the present embodiment.

The printing and cutting device 1 of the disclosure is characterized by including the medium machining means (as an example, the cutting unit 50 or the printing unit 60) for machining the medium M while scanning the top of the medium M, the platen 10 for supporting the medium M during the machining, the two medium conveying rollers 15 and 16 provided upstream and downstream in the conveying direction of the medium with respect to the medium machining means, and the manual distribution tray 30 (30A) having the medium supporting surface 30a arranged in the same surface as the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10. Thereby, the configuration in which the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 and the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A are provided in the same surface is provided, and the frictional resistance occurring at the medium M can be made uniform during the respective conveyances of the feed conveyance of conveying the medium M from the top of the manual distribution tray 30A to the top of the platen 10 and the return conveyance of conveying the medium from the top of the platen 10 to the top of the manual distribution tray 30A. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deviation of the conveyance state (conveyance resistance of the medium) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance, and thus to improve the conveying precision. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the machining precision of the medium M.

Further, it is preferable that the distribution tray 30 (30B) for distributing the stacked sheet-based mediums M one by one be further provided. Thereby, in addition to the aforementioned manual distribution tray 30A, the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B in which the stacked sheet-based mediums (sheets) M are contained can be arranged in parallel. As such, it is possible to remarkably improve the convenience of the medium-machining device, for example, the continuous distribution of the sheet-based medium M is possible, the trouble of the medium distribution is saved, and the machining speed of the medium is improved.

Further, it is preferable that the medium mounting part 32 on which the rolled medium M wound in a roll shape is mounted be further provided and that, when the rolled medium M is mounted on the medium mounting part 32, the manual distribution tray 30A may be removable or the manual distribution tray 30A may be moveable in the direction away from the platen 10. Thereby, at least both of the manual medium M and the rolled medium M can be machined by one device. Further, when the rolled medium (rolled sheet) M is loosened to undergo the feed conveyance or the return conveyance, it is possible to address the problem that the rolled medium M comes into contact with the manual distribution tray 30A and the surface of the medium (especially, the medium undergoing the return conveyance during the machining process) M is scratched or stained.

The medium-machining method of the disclosure includes the process of distributing the medium M to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 and the process of machining the medium M distributed to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 while conveying the medium M in the feed and return directions, and is characterized in that, when the medium M is conveyed in the return direction in the machining process, the medium M is conveyed to the top of the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30 (30A) whose medium supporting surface 30a is arranged in the same surface as the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10. Thereby, even in any of the case of distributing the manual medium M from the manual distribution tray 30A and the case of distributing the sheet-based medium M from the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B, an operation of returning the medium M, which is conveyed to the top of the platen 10 by the feed conveyance, from the top of the platen 10 to the top of the manual distribution tray 30A by the return conveyance is performed. In this case, since the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 and the medium supporting surface 30a of the manual distribution tray 30A are provided in the same surface, it is possible to prevent great frictional resistance caused by, for example, a height difference from occurring at the medium M. As a result, it is possible to prevent the deviation of the conveyance state (the conveyance resistance of the medium) between the feed conveyance and the return conveyance and to improve the conveying precision of the medium M. As such, it is possible to improve the machining precision of the medium M.

As an example, as the distributing process, it is possible to consider the configuration including a process of distributing the mediums M one by one to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10 from the distribution tray 30 (30B) in which the stacked sheet-based mediums M are contained. Thereby, the continuous distribution of the sheet-based mediums M is possible using the sheet-based medium stacked distribution tray 30B in which the sheet-based mediums (sheets M) are contained. As such, in comparison with the use of the manual distribution tray 30A, medium machining efficiency is remarkably improved, for example, the trouble of the medium distribution is saved, and the machining speed of the medium is improved.

As another example, as the distributing process, it is possible to consider the configuration including a process of distributing the mediums M from the manual distribution tray 30 (30A) to the top of the medium supporting surface 10a of the platen 10. Thereby, the medium (manual medium) M can be distributed from the manual distribution tray 30A, and thus it is possible to distribute and machine the medium (manual medium) M that is not appropriate to the distribution from the distribution tray 30B in which the sheet-based mediums are contained, due to a thickness, a shape, and a material of the medium.

It is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the present invention. Especially, the printing and cutting device has been described as an example of the medium-machining device, but it is not limited thereto. The medium-machining device can also be applied to a printing device for performing only printing on a medium, a cutting device for performing only cutting on a medium, or other medium-machining devices such as a device for performing trimming on a medium and a device for performing ruling on a medium.

MEDIUM-MACHINING DEVICE AND MEDIUM-MACHINING METHOD

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