Method of carrying a sheet member for plotter and device therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transferring a sheet by a belt drive in a plotter, so that the position of a transfer rail, on which grip devices which grip the sheet are disposed, does not shift during such transfer. The plotter includes a sheet support surface, an endless carrying belt for moving the sheet support surface, and the transfer rail supported over the sheet support surface. The transfer rail can shift in the direction of movement of the belt, and includes a drawing line head for drawing on or cutting the sheet. The transfer rail further includes two sets of grips, one for gripping the belt, and one for gripping the belt and sheet supported on the sheet support surface. Both sets of grips are adjustable according to the width of the sheet. The sets of grips, when gripping the belt and sheet, enable the sheet, sheet support surface, and transfer rail to move collectively in the direction of movement of the belt.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.