JP2021094831A - Ink ribbon and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect deviation of an ink ribbon in a width direction crossing a longitudinal direction.SOLUTION: An ink ribbon 90 for forming an image on a card includes a detection pattern 90e arranged in a longitudinal direction Y of the ink ribbon 90 in a region 90c not used in formation of the image on the ink ribbon 90. The detection pattern 90e has asymmetric shapes 90f and 90g to a longitudinal virtual line L2 passing through a central position of the detection pattern 90e in a width direction X extending in the longitudinal direction Y and crossing the longitudinal direction Y.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an ink ribbon and an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using the ink ribbon.

Generally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer that forms an image on a recording medium such as a card by using an ink ribbon is known.

In Patent Document 1, substantially rectangular deviation detection marks are arranged at equal intervals in the perforation shape of a photographic film on both ears of the ink ribbon, and a detection signal when the deviation detection marks are detected by a sensor provided in a printer or the like. A configuration is described in which wrinkles (misalignment) in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon can be detected by discriminating the abnormality of the ink ribbon.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-64296

In the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, since the deviation detection mark is substantially rectangular, it is difficult to detect the deviation even if the ink ribbon is biased in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.

An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration that makes it easy to detect a bias in the width direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon.

The ink ribbon of the present invention is an ink ribbon for forming an image on a recording medium, and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon in a region of the ink ribbon that is not used for forming an image. The detection pattern comprises a detection pattern having a periodic characteristic in the direction, and the detection pattern is asymmetric with respect to a longitudinal virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through the central position of the detection pattern in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. It is characterized by having a shape that becomes.

Further, the ink ribbon of the present invention is an ink ribbon used in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and is in a region not used for forming an image on the ink ribbon in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon. The image forming apparatus is a detection pattern arranged along the longitudinal direction and having a periodic characteristic in the longitudinal direction, in a state where the ink ribbon is incorporated in the image forming apparatus and transferred along the longitudinal direction. The detection means includes a detection pattern detected by the detection means provided in the above, wherein the detection pattern has a first position and a second position different from the first position in a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. It is characterized in that the period detected by is different.

According to the present invention, it becomes easy to detect a bias in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon.

The cross-sectional view which shows the schematic structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the control configuration which concerns on 1st Embodiment. (A) A diagram showing an ink ribbon according to the first embodiment, and (b) a diagram showing a mark of a detection pattern. The figure which compared the dimension of one color area and a card of the image formation use area which concerns on 1st Embodiment. In the detection signal timing chart according to the first embodiment, (a) the timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor when the ink ribbon is located at the reference position, and (b) the position where the ink ribbon is biased. A timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor, and (c) a timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor when the ink ribbon is located at a position more biased than (b). The figure which shows the state which wrinkled is formed in the ink ribbon which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The timing chart of the detection pattern in the state where the ink ribbon according to the first embodiment is wrinkled and the detection signal by the detection sensor. The flowchart which shows the process which the control part which concerns on 1st Embodiment executes. The block diagram which shows the control configuration which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. (A) A diagram showing an ink ribbon according to a second embodiment, and (b) a diagram showing an ink ribbon according to a third embodiment. In the detection signal timing chart according to the second embodiment, (a) the timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor when the ink ribbon is located at the reference position, and (b) the position where the ink ribbon is biased. A timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor, and (c) a timing chart of the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor when the ink ribbon is located at a position biased in the direction opposite to (b). (A) A diagram showing an ink ribbon according to a fourth embodiment, (b) a diagram showing an ink ribbon according to a fifth embodiment, (c) a diagram showing an ink ribbon according to a sixth embodiment, (d). ) The figure which shows the ink ribbon which concerns on 7th Embodiment.

The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. First, the schematic configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[Image forming device]
The image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is a card printer capable of recording information on a recording medium such as a plastic card or a cardboard card and forming an image on the card on which the information is recorded. Specifically, information such as magnetic information and IC information is recorded on cards such as ID cards for various certifications as recording media and credit cards for commercial transactions, and images such as characters, photographs, and marks are formed on these cards. (Print). Therefore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an information recording unit (not shown) for recording information on the card and an image forming unit B for forming an image on the card.

[Image forming part]
The image forming unit B is a primary transfer unit B1 that forms an image on the transfer film 91 using the ink ribbon 90 that is a sublimation type ink ribbon, and a card K that uses a heat roller 35 to form an image formed on the transfer film 91. It has a secondary transfer unit B2 to be transferred to. In the present embodiment, in such an image forming unit B, an image is formed on the card K for which the information recording unit has completed recording of information.

The transport rollers (or transport belts) 29 and 30 as transport means for transporting the card K are arranged in the card transport path P1 to which the card K whose information has been recorded by the information recording unit is transported, and the transport rollers 29 are arranged. , 30 are rotationally driven by the card transfer motor 18 (see FIG. 2). The transport rollers 29 and 30 are configured to be switchable between forward and reverse, and can transport the card from the information recording unit toward the image forming unit B, and can convey the card from the image forming unit B toward the information recording unit. It has become.

When the print job is started, the transfer rollers 29 and 30 transfer the card K in the transfer direction Z to a position where the tip of the card K is detected by the card tip detection sensor 2 which is an optical sensor. Further, the transport rollers 29 and 30 correct the skew of the card. For example, the card K is conveyed by the transfer roller 29 with the transfer roller 30 stopped, and the tip of the card is abutted against the transfer roller 30 to correct the skew of the card K.

A thermal head 100, a platen roller 32 arranged to face the thermal head 100, and an ink ribbon 90 are arranged (incorporated) in the primary transfer unit B1. The ink ribbon 90 has a strip-shaped base film 90a (see FIG. 3) in which ink has adhered to the surface or has been impregnated with ink. The ink ribbon 90 includes a ribbon supply spooler 36 as an opposite transfer means for holding an unused portion of the ink ribbon 90 in a roll shape, and a ribbon winding spooler as a transfer means for holding a used portion of the ink ribbon 90 in a roll shape. It is wound around 37. A ribbon supply motor 19 (see FIG. 2) is driven and connected to the ribbon supply spooler 36, and a ribbon winding motor 20 (see FIG. 2) is driven and connected to the ribbon winding spooler 37.

The ink ribbon 90 is wound between the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 100 so as to be transferred along the longitudinal direction of the base film 90a by the ribbon supply spooler 36 and the ribbon take-up spooler 37. .. Specifically, the ink ribbon 90 is wound around the ribbon winding spooler 37 by the forward rotation of the ribbon winding spooler 37, and is transferred between the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 100 along the transfer direction Y1. Ribbon.

When an image is formed on the transfer film 91 using the ink ribbon 90, the direction in which the ink ribbon 90 is transferred between the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 100 is the transfer direction Y1 and the direction opposite to the transfer direction Y1. Is described as the opposite direction Y2. Further, the rotation of the ribbon supply spooler 36 and the ribbon take-up spooler 37 in the direction in which the ink ribbon 90 is transferred along the transfer direction Y1 is forward rotation, and the ribbon in the direction in which the ink ribbon 90 is transferred along the opposite direction Y2. The rotation of the supply spooler 36 and the ribbon winding spooler 37 is referred to as reverse rotation.

The ink ribbon 90 is wound around the ribbon supply spooler 36 by the reverse rotation of the ribbon supply spooler 36, and is transferred along the opposite direction Y2. Further, in the primary transfer unit B1, pattern detection as a detection means for outputting a detection signal according to the detection pattern 90e (see FIG. 3) described later to the path to which the ink ribbon 90 is transferred by the ribbon winding spooler 37. The sensor 3 is arranged. The pattern detection sensor 3 can detect transfer abnormalities such as wrinkles and biases of the transferred ink ribbon 90, as will be described in detail later.

The thermal head 100 is arranged at a position facing the platen roller 32 with the ink ribbon 90 interposed therebetween. A head control IC (not shown) is connected to the thermal head 100 to thermally control the thermal head 100.

The transfer film (intermediate transfer film) 91 is wound around a film supply spooler 39 that holds an unused portion of the transfer film 91 in a roll shape and a film take-up spooler 38 that holds a used portion of the transfer film 91 in a roll shape. It is being turned. A film supply motor 21 (see FIG. 2) is driven and connected to the film supply spooler 39, and a film take-up motor 22 (see FIG. 2) is driven and connected to the film take-up spooler 38. The transfer film 91 is wound so as to be transferred between the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 100. In the primary transfer unit B1, the head control IC thermally controls the thermal head 100 according to the image data, so that the ink is first transferred from the ink ribbon 90 to the transfer film 91, and an image is formed on the transfer film 91.

In this way, the platen roller 32 and the thermal head 100 form the primary transfer portion B1 that performs the primary transfer of ink from the ink ribbon 90 to the transfer film 91 and forms an image on the transfer film 91. The ribbon take-up spooler 37 is configured to rotate in synchronization with the thermal control of the thermal head 100 to take up the ink ribbon 90.

The transfer film 91 on which the image is formed by the primary transfer unit B1 is transferred toward the secondary transfer unit B2 by the film transfer roller 41. Pinch rollers 34a and 34b are arranged on the peripheral surface of the film transport roller 41. The pinch rollers 34a and 34b are configured to be movable so as to advance and retract with respect to the film transfer roller 41, and by advancing to the film transfer roller 41 and pressing the transfer film 91 via the transfer film 91, the transfer film 91 is pressed. It is wound around a film transport roller 41. A film transfer motor (not shown) is driven and connected to the film transfer roller 41, and the transfer film 91 is transferred in the transfer direction Y1 at the same speed as the ink ribbon 90. With this configuration, the transfer film 91 is transferred at an accurate distance according to the rotation speed of the film transport roller 41.

A platen roller 33 and a heat roller 35 are arranged in the secondary transfer unit B2. Further, in the transport direction Z in which the card K is transported by the transport rollers 29 and 30, the guide roller 42a is arranged upstream of the platen roller 33, and the peeling roller 42b is arranged downstream of the platen roller 33. The upstream in the transport direction Z is simply referred to as upstream, and the downstream in the transport direction Z is simply referred to as downstream.

The guide roller 42a and the release roller 42b guide the transfer film 91 transferred by the film transfer roller 41 along the card transfer path P1 while contacting the lower surface of the transfer film 91. Between the guide roller 42a and the peeling roller 42b, the lower surface of the card K transported along the card transport path P1 and the upper surface of the transfer film 46 are in contact with each other, and the card K is transported along the card transport path P1. The transfer film 46 and the transfer film 46 are overlapped with each other.

The heat roller 35 is arranged so as to face the platen roller 33 with the transfer film 91 and the card transfer path P1 interposed therebetween. The heat roller 35 is attached to an elevating mechanism (not shown) that elevates and elevates by driving a heat roller elevating motor 17 (see FIG. 2), and is vertically separated from the platen roller 33 via a transfer film 91. Go up and down. The heat roller 35 is composed of a heating roller in which a heater as a heating means is arranged inside.

The heat roller 35 presses (nip) the card K conveyed by the transfer rollers 29 and 30 and the transfer film 91 on which an image is formed on the upper surface of the platen roller 33 while superimposing and heating the card K. The image formed on the upper surface of the transfer film 91 is secondarily transferred to the front surface (lower surface) of the card K. In the present embodiment, the heat roller 35 moves with respect to the platen roller 33, but the platen roller 33 may move, or both rollers may move.

The platen roller 33 is driven by the card transfer motor 18 and conveys the card K along the card transfer path P1 with the card K and the transfer film 91 sandwiched between the heat roller 35 and the card transfer motor 18.

A card ejection path P2 for ejecting cards to a stacker (not shown) is provided downstream of the secondary transfer unit B2. A card transfer roller (or transfer belt) 31 that conveys the card K in the transfer direction Z is arranged downstream of the peeling roller 42b in the card discharge path P2, and the card transfer roller 31 is driven and connected to the card transfer motor 18. ing.

The peeling roller 42b as the peeling means is arranged downstream of the platen roller 33, and when the card K is transported in the transport direction Z along the card ejection path P2 by the card transport roller 31, it separates from the transport direction Z. The transfer film 91 is guided in the direction, that is, downward, and the transfer film 91 pressed against the card K by the heat roller 35 is peeled from the card K. The transfer film 91 peeled from the card K by the peeling roller 42b is wound by the film take-up spooler 38. The card K whose image has been transferred by the secondary transfer unit B2 is conveyed by the card transfer roller 31 in the transfer direction Z along the card discharge path P2, and is discharged to the stacker.

[Control configuration]
Next, the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 10 as a control means includes an MPU 11 (Micro-Processing Unit) that performs overall control of the image forming apparatus 1, a ROM 12 in which a start-up program and a control program in a compressed state are stored, and a control program stored in the ROM 12. Has a system memory 13 that is expanded at startup and a print buffer 14 that temporarily stores recorded data. Further, the control unit 10 controls the heat roller elevating motor 17, the card transfer motor 18, the ribbon supply motor 19, the ribbon take-up motor 20, the film supply motor 21, and the motor driver unit 16 for driving the film take-up motor 22. It has a recording control unit 15 that performs the above. The recording control unit 15 also controls the heat of the thermal head 100 by the head control IC.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a notification device 43 as a notification means for notifying the user of the occurrence of the transfer abnormality when the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 occurs. Examples of the notification device 43 include a liquid crystal display that displays an error message according to the content of the transfer abnormality, a speaker that emits an error message sound or an error sound, an error lamp that lights up when a transfer abnormality occurs, and the like. The control unit 10 is electrically connected to the notification device 43 and controls the notification device 43.

The pattern detection sensor 3 and the card tip detection sensor 2 are electrically connected to the control unit 10. The pattern detection sensor 3 is a transmissive optical sensor that irradiates light toward the margin 90c (see FIG. 3) of the ink ribbon 90 and detects the transmitted light. As will be described later, the margin 90c is provided with a detection pattern 90e. The pattern detection sensor 3 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the change in light detected by the detection pattern 90e to the control unit 10.

Specifically, the pattern detection sensor 3 detects the detection pattern 90e by the detection pattern 90e when the light is blocked by the detection pattern 90e or the amount of the detected light is low. The High state as a first state is output to the control unit 10 as a detection signal. Further, the pattern detection sensor 3 does not detect the detection pattern 90e by the detection pattern 90e when the light is not blocked by the detection pattern 90e or when the amount of detected light is larger than that in the high state. The Low state as the second state is output to the control unit 10 as a detection signal. The pattern detection sensor may be a reflection type optical sensor that irradiates light toward the margin 90c and receives the reflected light from the margin 90c to detect the detection pattern. In this case, the amount of reflected reflected light to be detected changes depending on the presence or absence of the detection pattern 90e. The control unit 10 controls the thermal head 100 and the notification device 43 based on the input signals from each sensor, and controls each motor via the motor driver unit 16.

[Details of ink ribbon and control unit]
Next, the details of the configuration in which the control unit 10 detects the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 by the pattern detection sensor 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. First, the details of the ink ribbon 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[ink ribbon]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the ink ribbon 90 is formed of black (K), cyan (C), and magenta (M) along the longitudinal direction Y on the base film 90a made of a strip-shaped material such as synthetic resin. ), Yellow (Y) sublimable ink of each color is applied, or the base film 90a is impregnated with the ink of each color. Such an ink ribbon 90 has an image forming use area 90b, which is a region used for forming an image in the image forming portion B, and a margin 90c, which is a region not used for forming an image in the image forming portion B. Have. The margin 90c exists on one end side in the width direction X intersecting the longitudinal direction Y of the ink ribbon 90 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction Y with a predetermined width in the width direction X. The ink may be applied or impregnated only in the image forming use region 90b, or may be applied or impregnated in the entire base film 90a including the margin 90c. In the present embodiment, the ink is applied or soaked only in the image forming use area 90b, and the margin 90c is a transparent portion where the ink is not applied or soaked.

As shown in FIG. 4, the region for one color of the image formation use region 90b is formed so as to have a size slightly larger than that of the card K on which the image is formed. In the primary transfer unit B1, when forming an image to be printed on one card on the transfer film 91, these four color regions are sequentially thermocompression bonded to the transfer film 91, and the transfer film 91 is more than the card. An image with slightly larger dimensions is formed. In this way, the image formation of one card is performed in one set of four color regions of K, C, M, and Y, and the ink ribbon 90 has the one set of four color image formation use regions 90b. The base film 90a is sequentially and repeatedly arranged along the longitudinal direction Y.

In the ink ribbon 90 of the present embodiment, four color regions of K, C, M, and Y are formed in the image formation use region 90b to enable full-color image formation, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the ink ribbon, a region of only one color may be formed in the region used for image formation so that only a single color image can be formed.

[Detection pattern]
As shown in FIG. 3A, a detection pattern 90e for detecting a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is arranged in the margin 90c along the longitudinal direction Y. The detection pattern 90e has a characteristic of being periodic in the longitudinal direction Y. Specifically, in the detection pattern 90e, a plurality of marks 90m having the same shape are continuously arranged at a pitch (period) p equal to the longitudinal direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the detection pattern 90e is one side of a first inclined portion 90f which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y and a first inclined portion 90f in the longitudinal direction Y. The first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g, which is a ridge line formed so as to be continuous (on the left side in the drawing) and inclined to the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, are alternately arranged. The first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g are formed so that the inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal direction Y are the same and the inclination directions are opposite to each other, and these form a V-shaped mark 90m. doing. In other words, the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g are line-symmetric in shape with respect to the width virtual line L1 extending in the width direction X through the intersection of the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g. It is formed like this.

Further, the detection pattern 90e composed of the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g thus extends to the longitudinal virtual line L2 extending in the longitudinal direction Y and passing through the central position of the detection pattern 90e in the width direction X. On the other hand, it is formed so that its shape is asymmetric. By arranging a plurality of detection patterns 90e configured in this way continuously in the longitudinal direction Y, a triangular wave that is asymmetric with respect to the longitudinal virtual line L2 and extends in the longitudinal direction Y so as to have periodicity is formed. There is.

When the ink ribbon 90 having such a detection pattern 90e is incorporated in the image forming apparatus 1 and transferred along Y in the longitudinal direction by the ribbon winding spooler 37 or the like as described above, the pattern detection sensor 3 detects the detection pattern. The detection signal corresponding to 90e is output. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the detection pattern 90e is formed as described above, the period detected by the pattern detection sensor 3 at the first position and the second position different from the first position in the width direction X. Is different. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

[Detection signal according to the position of the ink ribbon in the width direction]
5 (a) to 5 (c) show changes in the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor 3 according to the position of the ink ribbon 90 in the width direction X. In the following description, the time (length) in which the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3 is continuously in the High state is defined as the first time Hd (n), and the time (length) in which the detection signal is continuously in the Low state. The second time is described as Ld (n). n is a positive integer and n = 1, 2, 3, ..., N.

FIG. 5A shows a detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor 3 when the ink ribbon 90 is transferred along the longitudinal direction Y while being located at a reference position in the width direction X. The case where the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in a state where it is located at the reference position indicates a case where the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in a state where there is no wrinkle or wrinkle and there is no bias in the width direction X. In this case, the spot position S, which is the position detected by the pattern detection sensor 3 (for example, the position of the optical axis emitted from the pattern detection sensor 3), coincides with the center position of the detection pattern 90e in the width direction X. ..

In the following description, when the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in a state where it is located at the reference position, the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor 3 is continuously in the High state, and is continuously in the Low state. Since the time is known in advance, the detection signal output by the pattern detection sensor 3 is the first time Hd (n) in the high state, the first reference time Hdsh (n), and the second time Ld in the low state. Let (n) be the second reference time Ldsh (n). In the present embodiment, the first reference time Hdsh (n) is equal regardless of the number n, and the second reference time Ldsh (n) is also equal regardless of the number n. That is, the width in the longitudinal direction Y excluding the intersection of the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g is made equal over the entire longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 90.

However, depending on the shape of the detection pattern, the reference time may differ depending on n, but even in this case, it is preferable to periodically equalize the reference time. For example, when n is in the range of 1 to 10, the reference time is different, but when n is 11 to 20, 21 to 30, ..., The reference time is the same as the reference time in which n is 1 to 10 (for example, first). Reference time Hdsh (1) ≠ 1st reference time Hdsh (2), 1st reference time Hdsh (1) = 1st reference time Hdsh (11) ...). The values of the first reference time Hdsh (n) and the second reference time Ldsh (n) are stored in advance in the ROM 12 of the control unit 10.

FIG. 5B is output by the pattern detection sensor 3 when the ink ribbon 90 is transferred from the reference position to one side (lower side in the drawing) of the width direction X at a position deviated by a predetermined distance. It shows the detection signal. In the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3 in this case, the first time Hd (n) is equal to the first reference time Hdsh (n), and the second time Ld (n) is the second reference time Ldsh (n). ) Is different. That is, in this case, Hd (n) -Hdsh (n) = 0 and Ld (n) -Ldsh (n) = ΔLd1 (n) continue to be in the ink ribbon 90 even during the transfer of the ink ribbon 90. The cycle detected by the pattern detection sensor 3 is different from that when the 90 is transferred in the state where it is located at the reference position. The second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) has a positive or negative value and varies depending on the amount of deviation from the center of the ink ribbon 90 (amount biased in the width direction from the reference position).

In FIG. 5 (c), the ink ribbon 90 is located at a position deviated from the reference position on one side (lower side in the drawing) of the width direction X by a distance larger than the predetermined distance in FIG. 5 (b), and the pattern detection sensor 3 The detection output by the pattern detection sensor 3 when the spot position S of the above is transferred in a state of coincident with the intersection (the apex of the triangular wave) of the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90 g (see FIG. 3B). Shows a signal. In the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3 in this case, the first time Hd (n) is different from the first reference time Hdsh (n), and the second time Ld (n) is the second reference time Ldsh (n). ) Is different. That is, in this case, Hd (n) -Hdsh (n) = ΔHd1 (n) and Ld (n) -Ldsh (n) = ΔLd1 (n) continued even during the transfer of the ink ribbon 90. It becomes a state. The first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) each have a positive value. When the ink ribbon 90 is biased toward the other side (upper side in the drawing) of the width direction X, the same results as those shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c) can be obtained, and thus the description thereof is omitted. To do.

The control unit 10 calculates the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) from the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) detected as described above, and inks the ink. Whether or not the ribbon 90 is deviated from the reference position in the width direction X by an allowable range or more, that is, within the allowable range in which the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) are set respectively. Determine if it is or is out of tolerance. Then, in the control unit 10, when the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) deviates from the first range which is the allowable range of the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), or when the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) is the second. When the reference difference ΔLd1 (n) deviates from the allowable range of the second range, transfer stop of the ink ribbon 90, error notification, and further processing for repairing the bias of the ink ribbon 90 are performed, as will be described later. Do. Actually, it is assumed that the states of FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c) described above are combined and generated during the transfer of the ink ribbon 90. Therefore, depending on how much the values of the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) are allowed according to the product specifications, the determination of the transfer stop of the ink ribbon 90 and the error notification to the user are made. Is judged.

[Detection signal when wrinkles occur on the ink ribbon]
Next, a case where the ink ribbon 90 is transferred with wrinkles formed on the ink ribbon 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. When the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in a state where the ink ribbon 90 is wrinkled as shown in FIG. 6, the cycle is disturbed from the pattern detection sensor 3 as shown in FIG. 7 due to the influence of the wrinkles. A detection signal is output.

The state in which the cycle of the detection signal is disturbed is the difference between the first time Hd (n) and the first time Hd (n-1) in the high state immediately before the first time difference ΔHd2 (n). In a state where at least one of the second anteroposterior difference ΔLd2 (n), which is the difference between the second time Ld (n) and the second time Ld (n-1) in the Low state immediately before the second time Ld (n), is out of the allowable range. There is (Hd (n) -Hd (n-1) = ΔHd2 (n) ≠ 0, or Ld (n) -Ld (n-1) = ΔLd2 (n) ≠ 0, where n is 2 or more).

Therefore, the control unit 10 calculates the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) and the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) from the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n), and from these values, Whether or not the turbulence of the cycle of the ink ribbon 90 is within the permissible range, that is, whether the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) and the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) are within the permissible range set for each, or are permissible. Determine if it is out of range. Then, in the control unit 10, when the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) deviates from the first front-rear difference range which is the permissible range of the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n), or the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) becomes When the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range of the second front-rear difference, the process for stopping the transfer of the ink ribbon 90, notifying an error, and repairing the bias of the ink ribbon 90, as will be described later. I do.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 transfers the ink ribbon 90 by the ribbon winding spooler 37, while the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), and the first front-rear difference ΔHd2. (N) and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) are calculated. Then, when at least one of these is out of the permissible range, the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 is stopped and an error notification is executed by the notification device 43. That is, the control unit 10 has the ribbon winding spooler 37 or the ribbon based on at least one of the high state (first state) and the low state (second state) of the detection signal input from the pattern detection sensor 3. Controls the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon 90 by the supply spooler 36.

The first range, the second range, the first front-rear difference range, and the second front-rear difference range are appropriately set depending on the ink ribbon to be used, product specifications, etc., but can be changed by the user by operating an input device (not shown). It may be possible.

[Print job control flow]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the process executed by the control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. First, when the control unit 10 starts a print job for forming an image on a card by a command from, for example, an external terminal such as a personal computer to which the image forming apparatus 1 is connected, an input device (not shown), or the like (not shown). Yes) of step S101, the transfer rollers 29 and 30 start the transfer of the card K toward the secondary transfer unit B2 in the transfer direction Z (step S102). When the process of step S102 is performed, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the transferred card K has its tip detected by the card tip detection sensor 2 (step S103). In the process of step S103, when the card K determines that the tip is not detected by the card tip detection sensor 2 (No in step S103), the control unit 10 continues to carry the card K (step S102). ..

In the process of step S103, when the card K determines that the tip has been detected by the card tip detection sensor 2 (Yes in step S103), the control unit 10 stops the transport rollers 29 and 30 and the card tip detection sensor 2 The card K is made to stand by at the position where the tip is detected (step S104). In this process, the control unit 10 synchronizes the card K with the transfer film 91, so that the card K is transferred to the secondary transfer unit B2 until the transfer film 91 on which the image is formed by the primary transfer unit B1 is transferred to the secondary transfer unit B2. It is kept on standby in front of the secondary transfer unit B2.

When the process of step S104 is performed, the control unit 10 rotates the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 in the forward direction to start the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 in the transfer direction Y1 (step S105). In this process, the control unit 10 has a first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), a second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), a first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n), and a second reference difference based on the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3. The front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) is calculated.

When the process of step S105 is performed, the control unit 10 is based on the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n). Then, it is determined whether or not the ink ribbon 90 has a transfer abnormality (step S106). In this process, the control unit 10 has the above-mentioned allowable ranges of the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n). It is judged whether or not it is within.

In the process of step S106, when it is determined that the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 has not occurred (No in step S106), that is, in the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3, the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the first. When it is determined that the two reference differences ΔLd1 (n), the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) are all within the permissible range, the control unit 10 uses the ink ribbon 90 to 1 In the next transfer unit B1, the primary transfer for forming an image on the transfer film 91 is started (step S107).

When the process of step S107 is performed, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the primary transcription is completed (step S108). If it is determined in the process of step S108 that the primary transfer has not been completed (No in step S108), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S106 and again determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 (No). Step S106). When it was determined in the process of step S108 that the primary transfer was completed (Yes in step S108), the image formed on the transfer film 91 was transferred toward the secondary transfer unit B2 and formed on the transfer film 91. In synchronization with the timing when the image reaches the secondary transfer unit B2, the transfer of the card K in the transfer direction Z is restarted (step S109).

When the image formed on the transfer film 91 and the card K are overlapped by the process of step S109 and reach the secondary transfer unit B2, the control unit 10 starts the secondary transfer for forming the image on the card K (). Step S110). When the process of step S110 is performed, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the secondary transcription is completed (step S111). If it is determined in the process of step S111 that the secondary transfer has not been completed (No in step S111), the control unit 10 returns the process to step S110 and continues the secondary transfer (step S110). When it is determined in the process of step S111 that the secondary transfer of all the images formed on the transfer film 91 has been completed (Yes in step S111), the control unit 10 has formed the images by the card transfer roller 31. The card K is ejected to the stacker (step S112), and the process is completed.

When the occurrence of a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is detected in the process of step S106 (Yes in step S106), that is, in the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3, the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference When it is determined that at least one of ΔLd1 (n), the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) and the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range, the control unit 10 supplies the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon. The spooler 36 is controlled to stop, and the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 in the transfer direction Y1 is stopped (step S113).

In this process, when at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) is out of the permissible range, the control unit 10 temporarily suspends the primary transfer and the ink ribbon 90. The ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 are controlled so as to stop the transfer of the ink.

When the process of step S113 is performed, the control unit 10 reversely rotates the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 to wind the ink ribbon 90 by the ribbon supply spooler 36, and moves to Y2 in the opposite direction of the ink ribbon 90. Is transferred by a predetermined amount of movement (step S114). In this way, when the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 occurs, the control unit 10 automatically repairs the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 by transferring the ink ribbon 90 in the opposite direction Y2, and the user can use the ink. It saves the trouble of manually repairing the wrinkles and biases of the ribbon 90.

When the process of step S114 is performed, the control unit 10 rotates the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 in the forward direction, causes the ink ribbon 90 to be wound by the ribbon winding spooler 37, and causes the ink ribbon by the ribbon winding spooler 37. The transfer of the 90 in the transfer direction Y1 is restarted, and the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 in the transfer direction Y1 is performed by a predetermined movement amount (step S115). In this process, the control unit 10 transmits the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3 at the time when the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in the transfer direction Y1 by a predetermined movement amount based on the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3. The first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) are calculated.

When the process of step S115 is performed, the control unit 10 calculates the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n). Based on the above, it is determined whether or not there is a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 (step S116). In the process of step S116, when the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) are all within the permissible range. When the determination is made (No in step S116), that is, when the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is repaired, the control unit 10 restarts the primary transfer (step S107).

In this way, when a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 occurs, the control unit 10 detects the transfer abnormality before a low-quality image is formed on the card K, so that the expensive card K is generally useless. It is possible to prevent consumption.

When a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 occurs, the control unit 10 acquires a detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3 while rotating the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 in the reverse direction, and obtains a detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3, and the first reference difference. ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) may be calculated. Further, when the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is repaired while the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 are rotating in the reverse direction, the control unit 10 corrects the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36. It may be rotated to restart the primary transfer.

When a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is detected in the process of step S116, that is, the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference. When it is determined that at least one of ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range (Yes in step S116), the control unit 10 receives the previous first time Hd (n) and second time Ld (n), that is, Compared with the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) immediately before the start of the reverse rotation of the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36, the first time Hd (n) and the second time Whether or not Ld (n), that is, at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) of the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3 acquired in step S115 is approaching the respective permissible range. Is determined (step S117).

In the process of step S117, when it is determined that at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) is approaching the respective permissible range (Yes in step S117), the control unit 10 uses the ribbon. The reverse rotation and the forward rotation of the take-up spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 are repeated a predetermined number of times, and the transfer abnormality repair mode, which is a mode in which the ink ribbon 90 is transferred to the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1 a predetermined number of times, is executed ( Step S118).

As described above, when the control unit 10 determines in the process of step S117 that at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) is approaching the respective permissible range, that is, the ink ribbon. When the transfer abnormality of 90 is a transfer abnormality that is likely to be repaired by repeating the reverse rotation and the forward rotation of the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36, the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1 of the ink ribbon 90 The ink ribbon 90 is transferred to the ink ribbon 90 a predetermined number of times to try to repair the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90.

As a result, when the ink ribbon 90 has a transfer abnormality, the control unit 10 cannot repair the transfer abnormality only by transferring the ink ribbon 90 in the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1 once. When there is a high possibility that the transfer abnormality will be repaired by further transferring the ink ribbon 90 in the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1, the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 will be repaired by automatically performing the transfer abnormality recovery mode. This increases the possibility that the ink ribbon 90 will not be manually repaired by the user. In the transfer abnormality recovery mode, the number of times the ink ribbon 90 is transferred in the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1 may be once, may be multiple times, or may be performed by the user by operating an input device (not shown). May be configured to be configurable.

When the process of step S118 is performed, the control unit 10 causes the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second reference difference ΔHd2 (n) at the end of the transfer abnormality recovery mode. Based on the front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n), it is determined again whether or not there is a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 (step S119). In the process of step S119, when the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n) are all within the permissible range. When the determination is made (No in step S119), that is, when the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is repaired, the control unit 10 restarts the primary transfer (step S107).

In this way, the control unit 10 determines the ribbon winding spooler when the first time Hd (n) is within the permissible range and the second time Ld (n) is within the permissible range after the transfer abnormality recovery mode is executed. The ink ribbon 90 is transferred in the transfer direction Y1 by 37, and an image is formed on the card K by the image forming unit B using the ink ribbon 90.

In the process of step S117, when it is determined that at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) does not approach the respective permissible ranges (No in step S117), and in the process of step S119. When a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 is detected again (Yes in step S119), that is, when at least one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) is out of the permissible range, the control unit 10 Controls the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 to stop, and stops the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 in the transfer direction Y1 (step S120). When the process of step S118 is performed, the control unit 10 operates the notification device 43 to notify the user of an error notifying that a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 has occurred, and prompts the user to reset the ink ribbon 90 (step). S121), the process is terminated.

As described above, when the control unit 10 has a transfer abnormality that is unlikely to be repaired by the reverse rotation and the forward rotation of the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36, the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler are uselessly used. The transfer of the ink ribbon 90 by the ribbon winding spooler 37 is stopped without repeating the reverse rotation and the forward rotation of the 36, and the user is urged to reset the ink ribbon 90.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 has at least one of a first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), a second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), a first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), and a second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n). The ribbon take-up spooler 37 stops the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 when one of them is out of the permissible range and restarts the transfer of the ink ribbon 90 when all of them are within the permissible range. Controls, but is not limited to, the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon 90. The control unit may control the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the ribbon winding spooler based on at least one of the high state and the low state of the detection signal input from the pattern detection sensor. For example, the control unit controls the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the ribbon take-up spooler when either one of the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) and the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) is out of the permissible range. Alternatively, when either the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) or the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range, the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the ribbon take-up spooler is controlled. May be good. Further, for example, the control unit controls the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the ribbon take-up spooler when either one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) is out of the permissible range. You may. Further, for example, the control unit winds up the ribbon when any one of the average times of the plurality of consecutively acquired first time Hd (n) and second time Ld (n) is out of the permissible range. The transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the spooler may be controlled, and when either one of the first time Hd (n) and the second time Ld (n) continuously deviates from the permissible range a predetermined number of times, the ribbon is wound. The transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the take spooler may be controlled, and various controls are conceivable.

Further, when the control unit 10 operates the notification device 43 to notify the user that a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 90 has occurred, the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), and the first The content of the error notification may be changed depending on which of the 1 front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) and the 2nd front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range. For example, the control unit operates the notification device to notify that the ink ribbon is biased when the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n) or the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n) is out of the permissible range. However, when the first front-rear difference ΔHd2 (n) or the second front-rear difference ΔLd2 (n) is out of the permissible range, it may be notified that the ink ribbon is wrinkled. Further, when the control unit determines that the transfer of the ink ribbon is abnormal, the control unit may immediately operate the notification device to notify the user that the primary transfer is pending. In addition, when the control unit determines that the ink ribbon transfer is abnormal, the control unit immediately activates the notification device to notify the error without rotating the ribbon supply spooler in the reverse direction, and prompts the user to reset the ink ribbon. May be good.

In the case of the present embodiment, the ink ribbon 90 causes the pattern detection sensor to output a detection signal according to the amount of deviation of the ink ribbon 90 in the width direction X by the detection pattern 90e, so that the ink ribbon 90 is biased in the width direction X. Is easier to detect.

Further, the image forming apparatus 1 can acquire a detection signal according to the amount of deviation of the ink ribbon 90 in the width direction X by detecting the detection pattern 90e of the ink ribbon 90 by the pattern detection sensor 3, so that the ink ribbon It becomes easy to detect the bias of 90 in the width direction X.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 9, FIG. 10 (a), and FIG. The image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the number of ink ribbons used for forming an image and the number of pattern detection sensors. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

The image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment includes a primary transfer unit 2B1 and a secondary transfer unit B2 for forming an image on the transfer film 91 using the ink ribbon 92 which is a sublimation type ink ribbon, and has a card. An image forming unit 2B for forming an image is provided in K. A pattern detection sensor as a detection means that outputs a detection signal according to a detection pattern 90e (see FIG. 10A) to a path in which the ink ribbon 92 is transferred by the ribbon winding spooler 37 in the primary transfer unit 2B1. 3a and 3b are arranged. The pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b can detect transfer abnormalities such as wrinkles and biases of the transferred ink ribbon 92, as will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 9, pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b are electrically connected to the control unit 110 of the image forming apparatus 101 of the present embodiment. The pattern detection sensor 3a (first detection means) is a transmission type optical sensor that irradiates light toward the margin 92c (see FIG. 10) on one end side in the width direction of the ink ribbon 92 and detects the transmitted light. As will be described later, the margin 92c is provided with a detection pattern 90e. The pattern detection sensor 3a outputs a detection signal corresponding to the change in light detected by the detection pattern 90e to the control unit 110. The pattern detection sensor 3b (second detection means) is a transmissive optical sensor that irradiates light toward the margin 92d (see FIG. 10) on the other end side in the width direction of the ink ribbon 92 and detects the transmitted light. .. As will be described later, the margin 92d is provided with a detection pattern 92e. The pattern detection sensor 3a outputs a detection signal corresponding to the change in light detected by the detection pattern 92e to the control unit 110.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the ink ribbon 92 is not used for forming an image in the image forming used region 92b, which is a region used for forming an image in the image forming portion 2B, and an image in the image forming portion 2B. It has a margin 92c, which is a region, and a margin 92d, which is a region that is not used for forming an image in the image forming unit 2B.

The margin 92c exists on one end side of the ink ribbon 92 in the width direction X so as to extend along the longitudinal direction Y with a predetermined width in the width direction X, and the margin 92d exists in the width direction X of the ink ribbon 92. It exists on the other end side so as to extend along the longitudinal direction Y with a predetermined width in the width direction X. In the margin 92c, a detection pattern 90e for detecting a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 92 is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y. In the margin 92d, a detection pattern 92e for detecting a transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 92 is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y. The detection pattern 92e has a characteristic of being periodic in the longitudinal direction Y. Specifically, in the detection pattern 92e, a plurality of marks 90m having the same shape as the detection pattern 90e are arranged at a pitch p equal to the longitudinal direction Y.

Further, the detection pattern 90e arranged in the margin 92c and the detection pattern 92e arranged in the margin 92d are half the length (pitch p) of the mark 90m in the longitudinal direction Y, and are displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. That is, the periodic characteristics are shifted. In other words, the mark 90m of the detection pattern 90e arranged in the margin 92c and the mark 90m of the detection pattern 92e arranged in the margin 92d are arranged so that the phase difference is 180 °.

11 (a) to 11 (c) show changes in the detection signals output by the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b according to the position of the ink ribbon 92 in the width direction X. In the following description, the time (length) in which the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3a is continuously in the High state is set to Hda (n) for the first time, and the time (length) in which the detection signal is continuously in the Low state is set. The second time is described as Lda (n). Further, the time (length) of the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3b in the High state is described as the first time Hdb (n), and the time (length) in the Low state is described as the second time Ldb (n). To do. n is a positive integer and n = 1, 2, 3, ..., N.

FIG. 11A shows the detection signals output by the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred along the longitudinal direction Y while being located at the reference position. When the ink ribbon 92 is transferred while being positioned at the reference position, the spot position Sa, which is the position detected by the pattern detection sensor 3a, coincides with the center position of the detection pattern 90e in the width direction X. Similarly, when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred along the longitudinal direction Y while the ink ribbon 92 is located at the reference position, the spot position Sb, which is the position detected by the pattern detection sensor 3b, is the center of the detection pattern 92e in the width direction X. Match the position.

That is, when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred in a state where it is located at the reference position, the first time Hda (n) in which the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3a is in the high state is the first reference time Hdsh (n). The second time Lda (n) in the Low state becomes the second reference time Ldsh (n). Similarly, when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred in a state where it is located at the reference position, the first time Hdb (n) in which the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3b is in the high state is the first reference time Hdsh (n). The second time Ldb (n) in the Low state becomes the second reference time Ldsh (n).

Further, when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred in a state of being positioned at the reference position, the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3a and the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3b are simultaneously changed from the Low state to the High state. The time when the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3a changes from the low state to the high state is Hdta at the time of pattern detection, the time when the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3b changes from the low state to the high state is Hdtb at the time of pattern detection, and Hdta at the time of pattern detection. Assuming that the time difference between the pattern and the Hdtb at the time of pattern detection is the detection time difference ΔHdab, the detection time difference ΔHdab when the ink ribbon 92 is transferred while being located at the reference position is 0. That is, in this case, Hdt-Hdtb = ΔHdab = 0 is in a continuous state even during the transfer of the ink ribbon 90.

In FIG. 11B, the ink ribbon 92 is located at a position deviated by a predetermined distance from the reference position to one side (lower side in the drawing) of the width direction X, and the spot positions Sa and Sb of the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b are the first. The detection signals output by the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b when the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g (see FIG. 3B) are transferred in a state of coincident with the intersection (the apex of the triangular wave) are shown. There is. In the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3a in this case, the first time Hda (n) is different from the first reference time Hdsh (n), and the second time Lda (n) is the second reference time Ldsh ( Different from n). In the detection signal output from the pattern detection sensor 3b, the first time Hda (n) and the first time Hdb (n) are equal, and the second time Lda (n) and the second time Ldb (n) are equal. The detection signal is output with a predetermined time difference from the detection signal from the pattern detection sensor 3a. That is, in this case, Hda (n) = Hdb (n), Lda (n) = Ldb (n), and Hdt-Hdtb = ΔHdab ≠ 0 continue during the transfer of the ink ribbon 90. It becomes.

When the detection patterns 90e and 92e arranged on both ends of the ink ribbon 92 configured in this way are detected by the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b, the detection time difference ΔHdab of the detection signal is the ink ribbon 92 in the width direction X. When there is no bias, the value becomes 0, and the value increases as the amount of bias of the ink ribbon 92 in the width direction X increases.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 110 acquires the detection time difference ΔHdab and determines whether or not the detection time difference ΔHdab is out of a predetermined allowable range (predetermined range). Further, the control unit 110 is at least one of the first reference difference ΔHd1 (n), the second reference difference ΔLd1 (n), the first front-back difference ΔHd2 (n), the second front-back difference ΔLd2 (n), and the detection time difference ΔHdab. If one of them is out of the permissible range, transfer stop or error notification is given. When the control unit 110 transfers the ink ribbon 92 in the opposite direction Y2 and the transfer direction Y1 by the ribbon winding spooler 37 and the ribbon supply spooler 36 to repair the transfer abnormality, does the detection time difference ΔHdab decrease? It may be determined whether or not the transfer abnormality is likely to be repaired.

In FIG. 11C, the ink ribbon 92 is located at a position deviated by a predetermined distance from the reference position to the other side (upper side in the drawing) in the width direction X, and the spot positions Sa and Sb of the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b are the first. The detection signals output by the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b when the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90g (see FIG. 3B) are transferred in a state of coincident with the intersection (the apex of the triangular wave) are shown. There is. In this case, in the detection signals output from the pattern detection sensors 3a and 3b, the ink ribbon 92 is located at a position deviated by a predetermined distance from the reference position to one side (lower side in the drawing) of the width direction X, and the pattern detection sensor 3a , 3b, pattern detection when the spot positions Sa and Sb are transferred in a state where they coincide with the intersection (the apex of the triangular wave) of the first inclined portion 90f and the second inclined portion 90 g (see FIG. 3 (b)). A detection signal in a state in which the detection signal of the sensor 3a and the detection signal of the pattern detection sensor 3b are interchanged is output.

In the case of the present embodiment, the ink ribbon 92 is attached to the pattern detection sensor by the detection patterns 90e and 92e on both end sides, which are arranged on both end sides of the ink ribbon 90 so as to be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. Since it is possible to output two detection signals having a time difference according to the amount of bias in the width direction X, the resolution of the detection signals is improved, and when an ink ribbon transfer abnormality occurs, the ink ribbon is transferred in a shorter time. It becomes possible to detect an abnormality.

In the present embodiment, the detection pattern 90e arranged in the margin 92c and the detection pattern 92e arranged in the margin 92d are half the length of the detection pattern 90e in the longitudinal direction Y, and are mutually longitudinal Y. It is arranged so as to be offset from, but is not limited to this. A plurality of detection patterns arranged at a predetermined pitch p along the longitudinal direction Y on one end side of the width direction X of the base film, and a pitch p equal to one end side on the other end side of the width direction X of the base film. The plurality of detection patterns arranged in (1) may be such that the detection patterns are arranged at a distance less than the pitch p where the detection patterns are arranged and are displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction. For example, a plurality of detection patterns arranged on one end side of the width direction X of the base film and a plurality of detection patterns arranged on the other end side of the base film in the width direction are 3 of the length of the detection pattern in the longitudinal direction. They may be arranged one-fifth in length and offset in the longitudinal direction Y from each other (with a phase difference of 120 °), or one-fourth of the length of the detection pattern in the longitudinal direction and Y in the longitudinal direction. It may be arranged with a deviation (with a phase difference of 90 °), and the amount of deviation in the longitudinal direction Y can be arbitrarily set. Further, the plurality of detection patterns arranged on one end side of the width direction X of the base film and the plurality of detection patterns arranged on the other end side of the width direction X of the base film are arranged without being displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction. It may have been done.

<Third embodiment>
Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (b). The ink ribbon of the present embodiment has a different detection pattern from that of the second embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

As shown in FIG. 10B, in the ink ribbon 93 of the present embodiment, the detection pattern 90e is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y in the margin 92c, and the transfer abnormality of the ink ribbon 93 is detected in the margin 92d. The detection pattern 93e of is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y. In the detection pattern 93e, a plurality of marks 90m having the same shape as the detection pattern 90e are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y at a pitch q (second pitch) larger than the pitch p. Further, the detection pattern 90e arranged in the margin 92c and the detection pattern 93e arranged in the margin 92d are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y at a distance less than the pitch p and the pitch q. Specifically, the detection pattern 93e is arranged in the margin 92d at a pitch n equal to twice the length of the mark 90m in the longitudinal direction Y, and is arranged with the mark 90m of the detection pattern 90e arranged in the margin 92c. Are arranged so as to be half the length of the mark 90 m in the longitudinal direction Y and offset in the longitudinal direction Y.

A detection pattern in which a plurality of marks are arranged at a first pitch along the longitudinal direction on one end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon and a detection pattern along the longitudinal direction Y on the other end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon. The detection pattern in which a plurality of marks are arranged at the second pitch may be arranged at a distance less than the pitch on which the marks of the detection pattern are arranged, and are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. For example, a detection pattern in which a plurality of marks are arranged at the first pitch on one end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon and a detection pattern in which a plurality of marks are arranged at the second pitch on the other end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon. It is sufficient that the first pitch and the distance less than the second pitch are displaced from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. Further, the detection patterns arranged on one end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon and the plurality of detection patterns arranged on the other end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon are arranged so as not to deviate from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. May be.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (a). The ink ribbon of the present embodiment has a different detection pattern from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in the ink ribbon 94 of the present embodiment, the detection pattern 94e is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y in the margin 90c. Specifically, in the detection pattern 90e, a plurality of marks 94m having the same shape are arranged at a predetermined pitch p. The detection pattern 94e is arranged on one side (left side in the drawing) of the first inclined portion 94f, which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, and the first inclined portion 94f in the longitudinal direction Y. The first inclined portion 94f and the second inclined portion 94g, which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined to the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, are alternately arranged. The first inclined portion 94f and the second inclined portion 94g are formed so that the inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal direction Y are the same and the inclination directions are opposite to each other, and these and the first inclined portion 94f in the width direction X are formed. A triangular mark 94m is formed by the ridge line 94h connecting one end (lower end in the drawing) of the second inclined portion 94g and the second inclined portion 94g.

<Fifth Embodiment>
Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (b). The ink ribbon of the present embodiment has a different detection pattern from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

As shown in FIG. 12B, in the ink ribbon 95 of the present embodiment, the detection pattern 95e is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y in the margin 90c. Specifically, in the detection pattern 95e, a plurality of marks 95m having the same shape are arranged at a predetermined pitch p. The detection pattern 95e is arranged on one side (left side in the drawing) of the first inclined portion 95f, which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, and the first inclined portion 95f in the longitudinal direction Y. The second ridge line 95 g, which is a ridge line formed along the width direction X, is alternately arranged. A triangular mark 95m is formed by the ridge line 95h connecting the first inclined portion 95f and the second ridge line 95g and one end (upper end in the drawing) of the first inclined portion 95f and the second ridge line 95g in the width direction X. ing.

<Sixth Embodiment>
Next, the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (c). The ink ribbon of the present embodiment has a different detection pattern from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

As shown in FIG. 12 (c), in the ink ribbon 96 of the present embodiment, the detection pattern 96e is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y in the margin 90c. Specifically, in the detection pattern 96e, a plurality of marks 96m having the same shape are arranged at a predetermined pitch p. The detection pattern 96e is arranged on one side (left side in the drawing) of the first inclined portion 96f, which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, and the first inclined portion 96f in the longitudinal direction Y. The first inclined portion 96f and the second inclined portion 96g, which is a ridge line formed so as to be inclined to the opposite side with respect to the longitudinal direction Y, are alternately arranged. One end (left end in the figure) and the other end (right end in the figure) of the second inclined portion 96g are loosely connected to the first inclined portion 96f in the longitudinal direction Y to form a sine wave arranged in the longitudinal direction Y. There is.

<7th Embodiment>
Next, the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12 (d). The ink ribbon of the present embodiment has a different detection pattern from that of the first embodiment. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and the description thereof is omitted or simplified. Explain to.

As shown in FIG. 12D, in the ink ribbon 97 of the present embodiment, the detection pattern 97e is arranged along the longitudinal direction Y in the margin 90c. Specifically, in the detection pattern 97e, a plurality of marks 97m having the same shape are arranged at a predetermined pitch p. The detection pattern 97e is arranged to face one side (left side in the drawing) of the first ridge line 97f formed along the width direction X and the first ridge line 97f in the longitudinal direction Y so as to follow the width direction X. The formed second ridge line 97g is arranged on the other side (right side in the drawing) of the first ridge line 97f in the longitudinal direction Y and on one side (lower side in the drawing) of the first ridge line 97f in the width direction X, and has a width. A fourth ridge line 97h formed along the direction X and the fourth ridge line 97g on the other side of the second ridge line 97g in the longitudinal direction Y and opposed to the third ridge line 97h and formed along the width direction X. It has a ridge line 97i and.

<Other Embodiments>
In any of the above-described embodiments, the detection pattern is arranged in the margin where the ink layer is not formed at the end portion of the ink ribbon in the width direction X, but is not limited thereto. The detection pattern may be arranged in an area not used for forming an image of the ink ribbon, and may be arranged in an area coated with ink or impregnated with ink.

Further, in the ink ribbons 94 to 97 in the fourth to seventh embodiments described above, the detection patterns 94e to 97e are arranged on one side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon 90, but the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of detection patterns 94e to 97e shown in the fourth to seventh embodiments are arranged along the longitudinal direction Y on both end sides of the ink ribbon in the width direction X as shown in the second embodiment. The marks of the detection pattern arranged on one end side of the width direction X of the ink ribbon and the marks of the detection pattern arranged on the other end side of the width direction X of the base film have different pitches. It may be arranged with, or it may be arranged so as to be offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y.

1,101 ... Image forming apparatus / 3,3a, 3b ... Pattern detection sensor (detection means) / 10,110 ... Control unit (control means) / 36 ... Ribbon supply spooler (opposite transfer means) ) / 37 ... Ribbon winding spooler (transfer means) / 43 ... Notification device (notification means) / 90, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 ... Ink ribbon / 90a ... group Material film / 90c, 92c, 92d ... Margin (area not used for image formation) / 90e, 94e, 95e, 96e, 97e ... Detection pattern / 90f, 94f, 95f, 96f ... First inclination Part / 90g, 94g, 96g ... Second inclined part / 90m, 94m, 95m, 96m, 97m ... Mark / B, 2B ... Image forming part / Hdsh (n) ... First reference time / Hd (n) ... 1st time / K ... Card (recording medium) / L2 ... Longitudinal virtual line / Ldsh (n) ... 2nd reference time / Ld (n) ... 2 hours / p ... 1st pitch / q ... 2nd pitch / X ... width direction / Y ... longitudinal direction / Y1 ... transfer direction / Y2 ... opposite direction / ΔHd1 (N) ... 1st reference difference / ΔHd2 (n) ... 1st front-back difference / ΔHdab ... Detection time difference (time difference) / ΔLd1 (n) ... 2nd reference difference / ΔLd2 (n) ...・ ・ Second front and back difference

Claims (14)

An ink ribbon for forming an image on a recording medium.
A detection pattern that is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon and has periodic characteristics in the longitudinal direction is provided in a region of the ink ribbon that is not used for forming an image.
The detection pattern has a shape that extends in the longitudinal direction and is asymmetric with respect to a longitudinal virtual line that passes through the center position of the detection pattern in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
An ink ribbon that features that. An ink ribbon used in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium.
A detection pattern arranged along the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon and having periodic characteristics in the longitudinal direction in a region not used for forming an image on the ink ribbon, wherein the ink ribbon is the image forming apparatus. It is provided with a detection pattern detected by a detection means provided in the image forming apparatus in a state of being incorporated in the image forming apparatus and being transferred along the longitudinal direction.
In the detection pattern, the period detected by the detection means is different between the first position and the second position different from the first position in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
An ink ribbon that features that. The detection patterns are arranged along the longitudinal direction on both end sides of the ink ribbon in the width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction.
The ink ribbon according to claim 1 or 2. The detection patterns on both ends in the width direction are arranged so that their periodic characteristics are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction.
The ink ribbon according to claim 3. The detection pattern includes a first inclined portion formed so as to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction, and a second inclined portion formed so as to be inclined to the side opposite to the first inclined portion with respect to the longitudinal direction. Are arranged alternately,
The ink ribbon according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ink ribbon. The ink ribbon according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A transfer means for transferring the ink ribbon along the longitudinal direction, and
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using the ink ribbon,
A detection means that is arranged in a path to which the ink ribbon is transferred by the transfer means and outputs a detection signal having a first state in which the detection pattern is detected and a second state in which the detection pattern is not detected. ,
A control means for controlling the transfer and stop of the ink ribbon by the transfer means based on at least one of the first state and the second state of the detection signal input from the detection means. ,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that. The control means means that the first reference difference between the first time in which the detection signal is in the first state and the first reference time is out of the first range, or the detection signal is in the second state. When the second reference difference between the second time and the second reference time deviates from the second range, the transfer means is controlled so as to stop the transfer of the ink ribbon.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. When the first reference difference deviates from the first range, or when the second reference difference deviates from the second range, a notification means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred is provided.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A reverse transfer means for transferring the ink ribbon in a direction opposite to the transfer direction by the transfer means is provided.
While the ink ribbon is being transferred by the transfer means, the control means means that the first reference difference deviates from the first range, or the second reference difference deviates from the second range. In the case, after stopping the transfer of the ink ribbon by the transfer means, the opposite transfer means is controlled so as to transfer the ink ribbon in the opposite direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. The control means transfers the ink ribbon in the opposite direction by the opposite transfer means by a predetermined movement amount, and then resumes the transfer of the ink ribbon in the transfer direction by the transfer means, and the previous transfer is performed. If the first reference difference is closer to the first range or the second reference difference is closer to the second range as compared with the first reference difference and the second reference difference, the reverse transfer is performed. The means and the transfer means can execute a mode in which the ink ribbon is transferred in the transfer direction and the opposite direction a predetermined number of times.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9. When the first reference difference is within the first range or the second reference difference is within the second range after the execution of the mode, the control means causes the ink ribbon by the transfer means. Is transferred in the transfer direction, and an image is formed on a recording medium by the image forming unit using the ink ribbon.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10. The control means is the transfer means when the first reference difference is out of the first range or the second reference difference is out of the second range after the execution of the mode. To stop the transfer of the ink ribbon by
The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. In the control means, the first front-back difference range between the first time when the detection signal is in the first state and the first time before the first state is changed before the first state is the first front-back difference range. When the detection signal deviates from the above, or the difference between the second time when the detection signal is in the second state and the second time before the second state is changed before and after the second state is about the second time. The transfer means is controlled so as to stop the transfer of the ink ribbon when the difference is out of the range.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The ink ribbon according to claim 4 and
A transfer means for transferring the ink ribbon along the longitudinal direction, and
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium using the ink ribbon,
A first state in which the ink ribbon is arranged in a path to be transferred by the transfer means and the detection pattern on one end side in the width direction of the ink ribbon is detected and a second state in which the detection pattern is not detected. The first detection means that outputs the detection signal to have
A first state in which the ink ribbon is arranged in a path to be transferred by the transfer means and the detection pattern on the other end side in the width direction of the ink ribbon is detected, and a second state in which the detection pattern is not detected. A second detection means that outputs a detection signal having
When the time difference between the first state of the detection signal input from the first detection means and the first state of the detection signal input from the second detection means is out of a predetermined range, the said A control means for controlling the transfer means so as to stop the transfer of the ink ribbon.
An image forming apparatus characterized in that.

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