GB2194217A - Ink sheet cassette and recording apparatus usable with the cassette - Google Patents

Description

GB2194217A 1

SPECIFICATION mechanism;

Figs. 7 and 8 are lateral views thereof; Ink sheet cassette and recording apparatus Fig. 9 is an external perspective view of a usable with the cassette correctable ink ribbon cassette; 70 Fig. 10 is a plan view of the interior thereof; BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fig. 11 is an external plan view of another

Field of the Invention embodiment of the correctable ink ribbon cas

The present invention relates to an ink sheet sette; cassette adapted for use in an electronic type- Figs. 12 to 15 are plan views showing a writer, a facsimile apparatus, a personal com- 75 switching operation; puter, a word processor or the like, and a Figs. 16A, 16B, 17A and 17B are schemarecording apparatus in which the ink sheet tic magnified views showing the function of cassette is applicable. the recording unit of the apparatus embodying The present invention also relates to an ink the present invention; sheet cassette capable of employing an ink 80 Fig. 18 is a block diagram of an output unit; sheet allowing correction of the recorded im- Fig. 19 is a flow chart showing a power-on age when required, and a recording apparatus sequence of said output unit; capable of being mounted by the ink sheet Fig. 20 is a diagram showing image output cassette. ranges according to various types of the rib 85 bon; Related Background Art Fig. 21 is a flow chart of a key operation

A conventional recording apparatus capable sequence; of correcting the recorded image according to Fig. 22 is a flow chart of a sequence for correcting information has had to be equipped taking up a slack in the ribbon; with a correcting ribbon in addition to a re- 90 Fig. 23 is a flow chart of a sequence for a cording ink ribbon. ribbon mode change; At such correction, the recording ink ribbon Fig. 24 is a flow chart of a sequence for has to be retracted from the recording posi- interchanging the print and correction modes; tion, and the correcting ribbon is brought to Fig. 25 is a flow chbrt of a print/correction the recording position by means of an upward 95 sequence; or downward rotation. Because of these facts. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the relation of the conventional recording apparatus is inevita- printing position, head and indexes; bly large.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 100 EMBODIMENTS

An object of the present invention is to pro- Now the present invention will be clarified in vide an ink sheet cassette capable of provid- detail by preferred embodiments thereof ing a sharp recorded image and securely lifting shown in the attached drawings.

off an erroneously recorded image, and a re- At first there will be given an explanation on cording apparatus in which the ink sheet cas- 105 an ink sheet employed in the present inven sette can be applied. tion. The ink sheet, formed as an ink ribbon, Another object of the present invention is to is so-called self- correction ribbon, which is provide an ink sheet cassette capable of mak- capable not only of providing a recorded im ing an image recording apparatus compact and age according to recording information, but a recording apparatus in which the ink sheet 110 also of correcting the recorded image by peel cassette can be applied. ing or lifting off the ink deposited on a record- Still another object of the present invention ing medium.

it to provide an ink sheet cassette employing Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an ink an ink sheet usable both for image recording ribbon 1 applicable in the present invention.

and for correction of the erroneous record, 115 The ink ribbon 1 is composed of a sub- and a recording apparatus in which the ink strate sheet 2, and an intermediate ink layer sheet cassette can be applied. 3a. and a surface layer 3b formed thereon. As will be explained later in more detail, the inter BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS mediate ink layer 3a is composed of thermo-

Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a 120 plastic resin containing a coloring material correctable ink ribbon employable in an emsuch as carbon black or dyes, while the sur bodiment of the present invention; face layer 3b is composed of transparent Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of a wax-type resin.

typewriter constituting an embodiment of the The substrate 2 can be composed of al- present invention; 125 ready known film or paper. Preferred examples Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a are plastic films of a relatively high heat resis- recording unit embodying the present inven- tance, such as polyester, polycarbonate, tria tion; cetyl cellulose or polyimide, or papers such as Figs. 5 and 6 are plan views showing a cellophane, sulfuric acid-treated paper or con- head rotating mechanism and a ribbon take-up 130 denser paper. The thickness of said substrate 2 GB2194217A 2 2 is preferably in a range of 1 to 15 ym in metal oxide.

case a thermal head is to be employed as the The intermediate layer 3a and the surface heat source for thermal transfer, but is not layer 3b are preferably composed of materials limited in case a heat source capable of selec- of no mutual solubility, but thernutualsepara tively heating the ink layer, such as a laser 70 tion is still possible by the difference in the beam, is to be employed. viscosity in the fused state, even if the maFor forming a record, the intermediate ink terials are mutually soluble.

layer 3a has to be easily peelable from the In the following there will be explained an substrate 2, when there is a long time be- electronic typewriter, as an example of the tween the application of thermal energy to the 75 recording apparatus capable of obtaining a re intermediate ink layer 3a to the separation of corded image according to recording informa the substrate 2 from a recording material such tion and correcting erroneous recording by as recording paper or a plastic sheet for overmeans of the above- explained ink ribbon.

head projector, namely when the ink ribbon 1 In the following embodiment, the image re- and the recording material are maintained in 80 cording by the ink deposition onto the record face-to-face contact, when subjected to heat ing material and the correction of erroneous application, and the ink ribbon 1 is consider- recording by the lift-off of thus deposited ink ably cooled by the movement of the thermal are rendered possible by peeling the ink sheet -head. from the recording material within a short time For this reason the intermediate ink layer 3a 85 after the application of thermal energy to said contains not only a heat-fusible binder such as ink sheet, or peeling said ink sheet after a natural wax, petroleum wax or synthetic wax, cooling step thereof.

but also oily substances such as polyolefin re- Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of a sin, polyamide resin, polyester resin, epoxy retypewriter T constituting an information output sin, polyurethane resin, polyacrylic resin, poly- 90 apparatus in which an embodiment of the pre vinyl chloride resin, cellulose resin, polyvinyl sent invention is applied.

alcohol resin, petroleum resin, phenolic resin, In Fig. 2 there are shown a platen 10, a polystyrene resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, an recording sheet 12, a casing 13, a power elastomer such as natural rubber, styrenebuta- switch 14 for turning on and off the power diene rubber, isoprene rubber or chloroprene 95 supply, a keyboard 15, and a hood switch 16 rubber, polyisobutylene, polybutene, plasticiz- which is actuated by a hood 13a, detects the ers, mineral oil or vegetable oil, in such a open or closed state thereof, and, when said manner to have a fusing temperature of ca. hood 13a is opened, generates a signal for 50' to 1000C in the entire ink layer including shifting the ink ribbon to a predetermined po the coloring material and other eventual addi- 100 sition and for locking the keyboard. A mode tives. key (1) MOKY is used for setting various The transparent surface layer 3b is required modes such as ribbon modes to be explained to be softened upon heating by the thermal later. A print instruction key PRKY provides a head and to firmly adhere to the recording print instruction. The above- mentioned type material, and to harly mix, i n the fused state, 105 writer T is provided with a printer unit, an with the intermediate ink layer 3a. For this input unit, a display unit, a control unit and an reason, the heat-fusible binder should preferaexternal input-output interface, but said input bly contain the above-mentioned resins in at unit and display unit may naturally be dis least 50 % amount and the above-mentioned pensed with in the present embodiment.

waxes, plasticizers, mineral or vegetable oils 110 Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the to have a melting temperature of ca. 50' to recording unit embodying the present inven 100'C in the entire transparent layer. Also for tion.

improving the breakage of the surface layer A recording sheet 12 is supported by the 3b, it may be formed in the form of dots or platen 10 and is maintained in pressure con with surface irregularities. 115 tact with an unrepresented portion of a sheet The thickness of the intermedaite ink layer feed roller 17 by means of a pinch roller 18.

3a is preferably in a range from 0.5 to 10 u, The shaft 17a of said sheet feed roller 17 has and the thickness of the entire thermal trans- a gear 19, which is linked with a sheet feed fer ink layer 3 (including the intermediate ink motor MI through a reducing gear 20. Thus layer 3a and the transparent surface layer 3b) 120 the sheet feed motor M1 rotates the sheet is preferably in a range from 2 to 20 ym. feed roller 17 to advance the recording sheet As the coloring material there can be em- 12. The platen 10 maintains the recording ployed various-dyes and pigments known in sheet 12 in position, when a thermal head 25 the field of printing-. The content of said color- executes a recording operaiton by pressing ing material in the intermediate layer 3a is ad- 125 the recording sheet 12 across the ink ribbon.

vantageously in a range from 1 to 80%. The In the following there will be explained how intermediate layer 36 and the surface layer 3b a carrier 22 executes a reciprocating motion.

may further contain additives such as disper- A shaft 21, provided in front of the platen sant or filler composed of powdered metal, 10 and parallel thereto, supports a carrier 22 powdered inorganic material or powdered 130 (Fig. 6) movably in a direction A. Thus the 3 GB2194217A 3 carrier 22 is capable of reciprocating along the lower cassette case 52 with said hook 28c.

transport path S of the recording sheet S. Said carrier table 28 can naturally house not A belt 23 is extended between two unre- only a recording /correcting ribbon cassette but presented pulleys and is fixed, in a part also an ordinary single-color ribbon cassette.

thereof, to said carrier 22. Said unrepresented 70 In the following there will be explained an pulleys are linked, through unrepresented up-down mechanism for the thermal head 25.

gears, to a carrier motor M2, which causes Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate an embodiment of the the reciprocating motion of the carrier 22 in mechanism for contacting (down position) and the direction A along the shaft 21, through separating (up position) the thermal head 25 said unrepresented pulleys and the belt 23. A 75 and for taking up the ribbon.

limit sensor 23 for detecting the position of The carrier 22 is equipped with an up-down the carrier 22 is provided at a lateral end motor M3, of which rotation is transmitted close to a home position. through unrepresented gears and a reducing The carrier 22 supports a head holder 24 gear 31 to a gear 32a to rotate an associated (Fig. 4) rotatably about the shaft 21. Said 80 cam 32. Said cam 32 is provided with a pro head holder 24 is provided with a heat sink jection 32b which engages with a stopper 33 26 on which the thermal head 25 is mounted. provided on the carrier 22 to limit the rotation Said carrier 22 is supported and guided, of the cam 32, when it is rotated clockwise in through an integral guide portion 22a, by a a direction D1 shown in Fig. 7 or counter rack 27, which is provided with projections 85 clockwise in a direction D2 shown in Fig. 8.

27a, 27b at the ends thereof. Said stopper 33 is formed by an elastic maSaid carrier 22 is further provided with a terial such as rubber for reducing the contact carrier table 28 for accepting an ink ribbon shock with the cam 32.

cassette 50 (Fig. g), and said carrier table 28 An up-down lever 34 is provided on the is provided with a sensor 29 for detecting the 90 carrier 22, rotatably about a shaft 35 (Fig. 8).

presence or absence of said cassette 50, type Between projections 34a, 34b of said up- thereof and the end of the ink ribbon 1. Said down lever 34, there is mounted a torsion coil carrier table 28 supports a link lever 30 mova- spring 36 in charged state. The up-down lever bly along a guide 28d and in a direction C 34 supports, at an end thereof, a roller 37 in perpendicular to the platen 10. Said lever 30 95 rotatable manner.

engages with a link member 31 mounted on A head returning spring 38 is provided be- the heat sink 26. A rotation of the heat sink tween a spring support 24a of the head hol 26 in a direction B toward or away from the der 24 and a spring support 22b of the carrier platen 10 causes a movement of the lever 30 22 to bias said head holder 24 in a direction in a direction C toward or away from the pla- 100 B2 away form the platen 10 (Figs.

ten 10. Said link lever 30 is provided with an 6 and 8). The biasing force of said head index mark 30a which allows the operator to return spring 38 is transmitted, from a contact visually confirm the next print position. Said portion 24b of the head holder 24, through an link lever 30 is provided, at the rear end arm 36a of the torsion coil spring 36, to the thereof, with an engaging portion 30b which, 105 up-down lever 34. Consequently the up-down upon engaging with a switch lever 62 of the lever 34 is biased, by the head return spring cassette 50 to be explained later, elevates 38, in a direction E2 away from the platen 10 said lever 62 toward the platen 10. (Fig. 8), and the roller 37 provided on said up- In the present embodiment, as explained down lever 34 is maintained in pressure con- above, the index mark 30a is provided on the 110 tact with the cam 32.

link lever 30 which is close to the thermal Consequently the head 25 is rotated toward head 25 and is related to the control of peel- the platen 10 by the rotation of the motor ing condition, so that the thermal head needs M3.

only to be moved to the position of said in- In the following there will be explained a dex mark 30a for making a recording at the 115 take-up mechanism for the ink ribbon 1.

position of said index mark 30a. In this man- The carrier 22 is provided with a take-up ner the presence of the index mark does not shaft 39, which rotatably supports a take-up reduce the recording speed nor causes any lever 40 and a take-up clutch 41 positioned other drawbacks such as noise. above said lever 40. Also the take-up lever In the following there will be explained the 120 40 rotatably supports a take-up gear 42, method of detachably mounting the cassette whereby an unrepresented gear portion of the on said carrier table 28. Said carrier table take-up clutch 41 constitutes a sun gear while 28 is provided with fixed pins 28a, 28b on an said take-up gear constitutes a planet gear.

upper face thereof and an elastic hook 28c on In a guide portion 22c of the carrier 22 a lateral face thereof. Thus the cassette 50 125 there is provided a take- up switch lever 43 can be detachably mounted on the carrier ta- movably in directions G1 (Fig. 5) and G2 (Fig.

ble 28, by engaging apertures 52h, 52i of a 6), and an end of said takeup switch lever 43 lower cassette case 52 of the cassette 50 engages with the take-up lever 40. Between a (Fig. 10) with said pins 28a, 28b and elasti- spring support 40a of the take-up leverk40 cally engaging an engaging portion 52j of said 130 and a spring support 22d of the carrier 22 4 GB2194217A 4 there is provided a take-up lever pressing no longer in contact with the arm 36a of the spring 44 for biasing the take-up lever in a torsion coil spring 36, thereby pressing the direction Fl. The biasing force of said take-up thermal head 25 against the platen 10 across lever pressing spring 44 is transmitted through the recording sheet 12.

the take-up lever 40 to the take-up switch 70 When the projection 32b of the cam 32 is lever 43 to bias the same in a direction G1 in contact with the stopper 33 as shown in and to maintain the same in pressure contact Fig. 7, the thermal head 25 is pressed against with the heat sink 26. Said take-up clutch 41 the platen 10 with a predetermined pressure.

is provided with a hub receiver 41a engage- In the following there will be explained the able with a take-up hub 55 of the cassette 75 function of the ribbon take- up mechanism for 1 50. Also between the hub receiver 41a and winding the ink ribbon 1.

an unrepresented gear of the take-up clutch With the movement of the heat sink 26 on 41 there is provided an unrepresented friction the head holder 24 toward the platen 10 in clutch for transmitting the rotation of said un- the direction B1, the take-up switch lever 43 represented gear to the hub receiver 41a. 80 moves in the direction G 1 by the force of the In the following there will be explained the take-up lever pressing spring 44. Consequently functions of head contact (down position), the take-up lever 40 rotates in the direction head separation (up position) and ribbon takeF1, whereby the take-up gear 42 provided up in the above-explained mechanism. thereon meshes with teeth 27c provided on Figs. 5 and 7 illustrate a head contact state 85 the rack 27. When the thermal head 25 is (down position) in which the ribbon can be pressed against the platen 10, the movement taken up. The up-down motor M3 is activated of the take-up lever 40 is limited by the con clockwise to rotate the cam 32 in a direction tact position of the take- up gear 42 and the D1 (Fig. 7) through the reducing gear 31, thus rack 27, whereby the take- up gear 42 is bi bringing the projection 32b of the cam 32 into 90 ased toward the rack 27 by the take-up lever contact with the stopper 33. pressing spring 44. Thus a movement of the The clockwise rotation of the cam 32 in the carrier 22 in the recording direction A1 causes direction D1 (Fig. 7) increases the radius a clockwise rotation of the take-up gear 42 in thereof at the contact point of the roller 37 the direction H1, and said rotation is provided on the up-down lever 34, whereby 95 transmitted to the take-up clutch 41 whereby the up-down lever 34 rotates anticlockwise in the hub receiver 41a rotates anticlockwise in a the direction E1 (Fig. 7) against the biasing direction 11.

force of the head return spring 38. This rota- Thus, when the cassette 50 is mounted on tion of the up-down lever 34 is transmitted, the carrier table 28, the ink ribbon 1 in said through the arm 36a of the torsion coil spring 100 cassette can be taken up by engaging a take 36 provided on the up-down lever 34 to the up hub 55 of the cassette 50 with said hub contact portion 24b of the head holder 24 to receiver 41 a.

rotate the same anticlockwise in the direction In the following there will be explained a B1 (Fig. 7). Consequently the thermal head separating operation (up position) of the head 25, mounted on the heat sink 26 on the head 105 25 from the platen 10. Figs. 6 and 8 illustrate holder 24 is pressed to the platen 10 across a separated state (up position) of the head, the recording sheet 12. Thus, at the recording wherein the ribbon take-up is disabled.

operation by the thermal head 25, it is main- The up-down motor M3 is activated anti- tained in contact with the recording sheet 12 clockwise to rotate the cam 32 in the direc which is supported by the platen 10. 110 tion D2 (Fig. 8) through the reducing gear 31, After the thermal head 25 is brought into thereby bringing the projection 32b of the contact with the platen 10, the radius of the cam 32 into contact with the stopper 33.

cam 32 continues to increase, thereby further Said rotation of the cam 32 in the direction rotating the up-down lever 34 anticlockwise in D2 reduces the radius of the cam 32 at the the direction E 'I (Fig. 7). In this state, the 115 contact point of the roller.37 provided on the movement of the head holder 24 is limited up-down lever 34. Thus the up- down lever 34 since the thermal head 25 is already in con- rotates in the direction E2 (Fig. 8) by the bias tact with the platen 10. Consequently, the ing force of the head return spring 38 to movement of the arm 36a of the torsion coil move the head holder 24 in the direction B2, spring 36, maintained in contact with the con- 120 whereby the heat sink 26 and the thermal tact portion 24b of the head holder 24 is also head 25 mounted on the head holder 24 are limited. Thus the anticlockwise rotation of the separated from the platen 10. Also the move up-down lever 34 in the direction E1 (Fig. 7) ment of the heat sink 26 in the direction B2 causes the torsion spring 36 to leave the pro- moves the take-up switch lever 43 in the di jection 34b of the up-down lever 34, whereby 125 rection G2, whereby said lever rotates the an additional spring force is charged in the take-up lever 40 in the direction F2 against spring 36. The biasing force of the torsion the biasing force of the take- up lever pressing coil spring 36 is now transmitted to the con spring 44 to separate the take-up gear 42 tact portion 24b of the head holder 24, since from the rack 27.

the projection 34b of the up-down lever 34 is 130 In this non-recording state in which the head GB2194217A 5 is separated from the platen 10, the hub lower case 52 and is bears a felt member 56a receiver 41a of the takeup clutch 41 does for preventing damage to the ink ribbon 1.

not rotate when the carrier 22 is moved along A tension spring 57 biases the ink ribbon in the shaft 21 in the direction Al or A2, so a direction J to take up the slack therein. Said that the ink ribbon is not taken up. Thus the 70 tension spring 57 is mounted on the lower ink ribbon 1 is not wound also in case a case 52 and elastically presses the ink ribbon switch lever 62 (to be explained later) and a 1 at the upstream side of the rollers 53c, 53d peeling roller 54 are separated from the platen with respect to the moving direction of the ink 10, as will be explained later, in relation to ribbon 1. Thus, if the ink ribbon 1 becomes the thermal head 25. 75 slack due to a change in the course thereof The biasing force of the heat return spring induced by the movement of the peeling lever 38 is so selected as to be insufficient for 58 and of the peeling roller 54, said slack can charging the torsion coil spring 36 but capable be rapidly absorbed by the elastic force of of working against the take-up lever pressing said tension spring. Also said tension spring spring, so that the positions of the thermal 80 57 is provided with a felt pad 57a on the head 25 and of the take-up gear 42 are deter- contact face with the ink ribbon 1 for prevent mined by the radius of the cam 32. ing eventual damage therein. Said felt pad The up-down motor M3 may be activated may be replaced by a suitable coating pro- for a period necessary and sufficient for the vided on the surface of the tension spring 57.

rotation of the cam 32, or may be stopped 85 The peeling lever 58 is rendered slidable in upon detection of a current change in said the direction Cl or C2, along a lateral end motor M3 upon contact of the projection 32b 50a of the cassette 50 having the aperture with the stopper 33, or may be controlled by 52e. More specifically the lever 58 is guided an unrepresented sensor for detecting the po- at the front end, by an end portion 63a and a sition of the cam 32. 90 guide portion of the upper case 63 and by an The head 25 as well as the switch lever unrepresented end portion and an unrepre- and the peeling roller are separated from the sented guide portion of the lower case 52, platen 10 in case of return of the carrier 22 and, at the rear end, by a downward bent to the home position, presence of a gap of a portion 63b of the upper case 63 and an certain size in the image to be recorded (so 95 upward bent portion 52b of the lower case called skipping), or partial recording, and the 52. The aforementioned peeling roller 54 is unnecessary wasting of the ink sheet can be rotatably mounted on a shaft 54a positioned prevented since the ink ribbon is not taken up at the front end of said lever 58. The lever in these cases. 58 is further provided with an upper aperture Now reference is made to Figs. 9 and 10 100 58a and a lower aperture 58b. In said upper for explaining the ink ribbon cassette. aperture 58a there is fitted a projection 52f of The aforementioned ink ri bbon cassette 50 the lower case, and a return spring 59 is pro- houses the ink ribbon 1 in a case c composed vided between said projection 52f and the of a lower case 52 and an upper case 63, lever 58, along a guide rod 58c. Consequently and is detachably mounted on the carrier table 105 the lever 58 is constantly biased downwards 28. (direction C2) by said spring 59. In the lower The ink ribbon 1 is wound on a core 51 aperture 58b, there is provided a slider 60 which is fitted on a projection 52a of the which is rendered slidable with respect to the lower case 52. Said ink ribbon 1 is guided lever 58, along a guide 58d. Also in said through rollers 53b, 53c, 53d rot tably 110 lower aperture 58b there is provided a com mounted on a projection 52b of the lower pression spring 61 between the lever 58 and case 52, an ink ribbon detecting window 52c the slider 60, along a guide rod fixed to the and a projection 52d of said lower case, then lever 58 and a guide rod 58f fixed to the exposed to the outside of the case c through slider 60, whereby the slider 60 is biased an aperture 52e, then guided by the peeling 115 downwards in the direction C2 and is stopped roller 54, again introduced into the case c by a stopper 589 of the guide 58d.

through an aperture 52 1, and finally taken up A switch lever 62 engages, at an end 62a by the take-up hub 55. thereof, with the lower end 60a of the slider When said cassette 50 is loaded in a pre- 60, and is provided slidably in the direction K determined' position on the table 28, said 120 and rotatably in the direction L between the aperture 52e is positioned corresponding to lower case 52 and the upper case 63. At the the head 25, so that the ink ribbon exposed rear end, said switch lever 62 has a bent outside the cassette case c can be heated by switching portion 62b which engages with the the thermal head which generates head correaforementioned projections 27a, 27b of the sponding to the recording information. More 125 main body for moving the lever 62 in the specifically heat generation is conducted by a direction K. The moving range of said lever heat generating portion 25a composed of plu- 62 is limited by the lateral ends of the aper ral heat generating members. Said ink ribbon ture 52c. Also the lever 62 can rotate about a 1 is biased to the roller 53b by means of a projection 62c, engaging with a slot 63c pro press spring 56 which is provided on the 130 vided in the lower and upper cases 52, 63.

6 GB2194217A 6 In the vicinity of an end, the lever 62 is supported by the lower case 52 and the up- provided with a projection 62d for preventing per case (not shown) slidably in directions C1, unexpected lateral movement of the lever 62. C2, and is moved in said directions by a However said projection 62d has a slanted switch lever 62 engaging therewith.

face 62dl in order not to hinder lateral move- 70 Thus, in the aboveexplained cassette, the ment of the lever 62 in case the switching projection 27b of the apparatus engages with portion 62b engages with the projections 27a, the switching portion 62b to move the lever 27b. Consequently the projection 62d can go 62 to left, whereby the end portion62a over the roller 52k only with a slight force at thereof protrudes from the cassette end 50a the movement of the lever 62. 75 and is brought to a position capable of engag- In the above-explained cassette 50, the proing with the engaging portion 30b of the jection 27b of the apparatus engages with the apparatus. When the link lever 30 is moved switching portion 62b to move the lever 62 toward the platen 10 by the motor M3 as to left, whereby the end 62a thereof pro- explained before, the engaging portion 30b trudes from the cassette end 50a and is 80 engages with the end portion 62b to push the brought to a position capable of engaging lever 62 toward the platen 10. Said lever 62 with the engaging portion 30b of the appara- pushes the contact lever 63 to a position ap tus. Thus, when the link lever 30 moves to- proximately same as that of the thermal head ward the platen 10 by the rotation of the 25 with respect to the platen 10, whereby motor M3 as explained before, the engaging 85 said contact lever is stopped at a position in portion 30b engages with said end portion contact with or close to the platen 10.

62a to push the lever 62 toward the platen Consequently the recording sheet 12 and 10. Against the biasing force of the return the ink sheet 1 after heating run together to spring 59, the lever 62 pushes the lever 58 the peeling roller 54, and are separated from toward the platen 10 in the direction C1. 90 each other thereafter.

After the lever 58 is brought into contact with On the other hand, when the projection 27a the platen 10 across the ink ribbon 1 and the of the apparatus engages with the switching recording sheet 12, the slider 60 is pushed portion 62b, the lever 62 is moved to right to toward the platen 10 in the direction C1 retract the end portion 62a thereof into the against the biasing force of the spring 61, and 95 cassette end. Thus the lever 62 is not pushed the lever 58 is maintained in pressure contact and remains retracted from the platen 10 with the platen 10 by the biasing force of the when the link lever 30 of the apparatus spring 6 1. moves toward the platen 10. Consequently Consequently the recording sheet 12 and the contact lever 63 remains separated from -the ink ribbon 1 after heating run together to 100 the platen 10, and the recording sheet and the peeling roller 54 and are mutually sepa- the ink sheet 1 are separated soon after heat rated thereafter. ing, or after passing the thermal head 25.

In the present embodiment, the switch lever In the following there will be explained the 62 brings the peeling roller 54 in contact with switching of image recording operation and the platen 10 only with a low pressure 105 correcting (lift-off) operation in the present through the function of the spring 6 1. Conse- embodiment, quently the peeling roller 54 contacts the pla- Figs. 12 to 15 are plan views illustrating ten 10 with a stable elastic force, thereby image recording and correcting operations, in preventing stain on the recorded image by the which the ink ribbon cassette 50 is loaded on ink offsetting, or defective ink ribbon feeding 110 the carrier table 28 to enable image recording.

such as wrinkle formation or skewed feeding. In the following there will be explained the On the other hand, when the projection 27a method of selectively effecting image record- of the apparatus engages with the switching ing or image correction by means of said ink portion 62b, the lever 62 is moved to right to ribbon cassette 50.

retract theend portion 62a into the cassette 115 At first reference is made to Figs. 12 and end 50a, whereby the lever 60 is not pushed 13 showing the case of image recording by and remains separated from the platen 10 by transferring both the intermediate layer 3a and the biasing force of the return spring 59 when the surface layer 3b of the correctable ink the link lever 30 is moved toward the platen ribbon 1 onto the recording sheet 12, wherein 10. Consequently the peeling roller 54 remains 120 Fig. 12 shows the switching operation of the separated from the platen 10, so that the re- cassette.

cording sheet and the ink sheet 1 are sepa- At first, in response to the reception of re- rated each other soon after the heating, or cording information as will be explained later, after leaving the thermal head 25. the up-down motor M3 (Fig. 6) is rotated anti- Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of the 125 clockwise, as explained before, to move the ink ribbon cassette, wherein the aforemen- thermal head 25 in the direction B2 away tioned peeling lever 58, peeling roller 54, re- from the platen 10. Also the link lever 30 is turn spring 59, slider 60 and spring 61 are moved in the direction C2. Then the carrier replaced by an integral contact lever 63. motor M2 (Fig. 3) is activated to move the In said embodiment, the contact lever 63 is 130 carrier 22 (Fig. 6) to left or direction A2, 7 GB2194217A 7 thereby engaging the switch portion 62b of link lever 30. The return spring 59 biases the the switch lever 62 with the projection 27a of peeling lever 58 downwards (direction C2) and the rack 27 and moving said switch lever 62 the switch lever 62 anticlockwise (direction to right, or in the direction K1. Said move- L2), so that the peeling lever is sufficiently ment disengages the link portion 62a of the 70 separated from the recording sheet 12.

switch lever 62 from the link lever 30. The Fig. 15 shows a state of correcting errone- biasing force of the return spring 59 biases ous recording by lifting off the erroneously de the peeling lever downwards (direction C2) posited ink. As already explained in relation to and the switch lever anticlockwise (direction Fig. 13, the up-down motor M3 (Fig. 6) is L2). Consequently the peeling roller 54 is su- 75 activated clockwise to rotate the thermal head fficiently separated from the platen 10. 25 toward the platen 10 (direction Bl) and Fig. 13 shows a state of image recording. bring the same into contact with the platen In the state shown in Fig. 5, the up-down 10 across the recording sheet 12 and the cor motor M3 (Fig. 6) is activated clockwise to rectable ink ribbon 1. In this operation, the rotate the thermal head 25 toward the platen 80 movement of the heat sink 26 in the direction (direction Bl) thereby bringing the same Bl displaces the link lever 30 toward the pla into contact with the platen 10 across the ten 10, in the direction Cl. This displacement recording sheet 12 and the correctable ink rib- causes the engaging portion 30b of the link bon 1. In this state, the movement of the lever 30 to push up the link portion 62a of heat sink 26 in the direction Bl displaces the 85 the switch lever 62, thereby rotating the link lever toward the platen 10 (direction Cl). switch lever 62 clockwise (direction Ll) However, as explained before, the return against the function of the return spring 59.

spring 59 biases the peeling lever 58 down- This rotation of the switch lever 62 in direc wards (direction C2) and the switch lever 62 tion Ll moves the peeling lever 58 upwards anticlockwise (direction L2), so that the peel- 90 (direction Cl) into contact with the recording ing lever 58 is sufficiently separated from the sheet 12 across the ribbon 1. The link lever recording sheet 12. Thus the carrier 22 is 30 moves further in the direction Cl to rotate moved to right, i.e. in the recording direction the switch lever 62 in the direction Ll, Al, and the heat generating area 25a, con- whereby the slider 60 is moved in the direc sisting of plural heat generating resistors, of 95 tion Cl against the function of the return the thermal head 25 is activated according to spring 59 and of the spring 61. The force of the recording information to heat the correcta- said spring 61 thus brings the peeling roller ble ink ribbon 1. Immediately after said heat- 54 of the peeling lever 58 in contact with the ing, the ink ribbon 1 is deflected, at the end recording sheet 12 across the ink ribbon 1, or 25b of the thermal head 25, by the rotation 100 close thereto.

of the take-up clutch 41 and is therefore In this state the carrier 22 is moved to right peeled off from the recording sheet 12. In this or to the recording direction Al, and the heat manner the intermediate layer 3a is trans- generating area of the thermal head 25 is acti ferred, together with the surface layer 3b, vated according to the correcting information onto the recording sheet 12 to form an image 105 to heat the ink ribbon 1. It is deflected by the of a color of the coloring material contained in rotation of the take-up clutch 41 in the direc said intermediate layer 3a. The correctable rib- tion 11, at the peeling roller 54 of the peeling bon 1 is subsequently taken up on the take- lever 58 distanced by 1 from the heat-generat up core 55. ing portion 25a, and is therefore peeled from Now there will be explained the correcting 110 the recording sheet 12. The intermediate ink operation. layer 3a of the ink ribbon 1 is adhesive and Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the case of cor- lifts off the erroneously deposited ink from the recting erroneous record by lifting off the alrecording sheet 12. Subsequently the correcta ready deposited ink, and Fig. 16 shows the ble ribbon 1 is taken up on the take-up core switching operation of the cassette. 115 55.

At first, in response to the reception of in- The above-explained image recording and formation for correction as will be explained image correction will be further clarified, re later, the up-down motor M3 (Fig. 6) is acti- spectively by magnified schematic views in vated anticlockwise as explained before to Figs. 16A, 16B and Figs. 17A, 1713.

move the thermal head in the direction B2, 120 Figs. 16A and 16B illustrate the state of away from the platen 10. Also the link lever image recording.

is moved in the direction C2. Then the The thermal head 25 is maintained in pres- carrier motor M2 (Fig. 3) is activated to move sure contact with the platen 10 across the the carrier (Fig. 6) to right or in the direction correctable ink ribbon 1 and the recording Al, thereby engaging the switch portion 62b 125 sheet 12. The heat generating portion 25a, of the switch lever 62 with the projection 27b consisting of plural heat generating resistors, of the rack 27 and moving the switch lever of the thermal head 25 is activated according 62 to left or in the direction K2. Said move- to the recording information to heat the cor ment of the switch lever 62 brings the link rectable ink ribbon 1 during the movement of portion 62a thereof in engagement with the 130 said thermal head 25 in the direction Al. Said 8 GB2194217A 8 heat-fuses the intermediate ink layer 3a of the Fig. 18 is a block diagram of the output correctable ink ribbon 1 according to the re- apparatus explained in the foregoing.

cording information and causes said layer to It is to be noted that Fig. 18 shows the adhere to the recording sheet 12, thus form- connections of the constituent blocks but de ing an image. 70 tailed control lines are omitted. Numeral 100 Then the thermal head 25 is moved in the designates CPU unit encircled by a broken direction A 1, and the ink ribbon 1 is peeled line.

from the recording sheet 12 by deflection at A central processing unit (CPU 101) read the edge 25b of the thermal head 25 soon various programs and data from ROM (102) after said heating, i.e. before the heated ink 75 etc. to be explained later, executes necessary ribbon 1 can be cooled. In this manner the ink calculations and performs various controls Bl of the heated area is transferred onto the There may be provided plural CPU's if desired.

recording sheet 12 to form a record. A read-only memory ROM stores various pro- Correction of image is conducted by lifting grams for the CPU and data necessary for off the ink according to correction information, 80 printing, such as character codes, dot patterns as shown in Figs. 17A and 17B. (character generator: CG). A read-write mem- In the same manner as explained before, the ory TRAM (103) has a working area for tem- thermal head 25 is maintained in contact with perarily storing the data processed by the the platen 10 across the correctable ink rib- CPU, a buffer area for storing data entered bon 1 and the recording sheet 12, and the 85 from the keyboard 15 and an external inter heat generating portion 25a of the thermal face lFu to be explained later, a text area for head 25 is activated at the position of ink Bl storing documents etc., and can store the to be lifted off to heat the ink ribbon 1 during data by a backup battery even when the the movement of the thermal head 25 in the power supply is cut off by the power switch direction Al. Said heating renders the inter- 90 14.

mediate layer 3a of the ink ribbon 1 adhesive. The CPU is connected with a printer unit Pu The ink ribbon 1 is maintained in contact with (107) through a thermal head driver THD the recording sheet 12 by means of the peel- (104), a motor driver MID (105) and a sensor ing roller 54, at a point distanced by I from unit Su (106).

the heat generating portion 25a of the thermal 95 The thermal head driver THD drives the head 25 in a direction opposite to the arrow thermal head 25 in the aforementioned printer A l (Fig. 16A). Then the thermal head 25 and unit Pu under the control of CPU, while the the peeling roller 54 move in the direction Al motor driver MD drives the sheet feed motor while maintaining a mutual distance 1, so that Ml, carrier motor M2 and up-down motor M3 the ink ribbon 1 is deflected and peeled off 100 also under the control of CPU.

from the recording sheet 12 at the position of The sensor unit Su transmits the information the peeling, roller 54, where the ink ribbon of the aforementioned limit sensor 23 and has experienced a delay after heating and is sensor 29, provided in the printer unit Pu, to therefore already cooled. The time to the peel- the CPU.

ing can be determined by the moving speed 105 A power source unit PSu (108) supplies a of the thermal head 25 and the distance I voltage VH for driving the thermal head 25, a thereof. The cooling. of the ink ribbon 1, voltage VM for the sheet feed motor Ml, car which is determined. by the heating with the rier motor M2 and up-down motor M3, and a thermal head 25 and by the time to the peel- voltage Vcc for the logic circuits.

ing in turn determined by the position and 110 A controller GA (109) executes various con- moving speed of the peeling roller 54, causes trols such as changing the voltage and current destruction by condensation of the intermedi- of the power VH supplied to the thermal head ate ink layer 3a, whereby said layer firmly ad- 25, or changing the heating period or the duty heres to the substrate 2 and becomes adhe- ratio of the thermal head 25, under the con sive to lift off the ink B 1 deposited on the 115 trol of CPU.

recording sheet 12. The transparent surface A keyboard 15, for entering various data layer 3b remains on the recording sheet 12, necessary for printing and editing, is con but does not hinder- subsequent recording nected to the CPU through the keyboard con since it is transparent. nector KBC (110).

As explained in the foregoing, the apparatus 120 Also a liquid crystal display unit 70, for dis- of the present embodiment is capable of implaying input data from the keyboard 15 or age recording and image correction by peeling other information, is connected to the CPU off the deposited ink. Such image recording through an LCID connector LCDC(l 11).

and correction. are rendered possible through The liquid crystal display unit 70 may be the ink ribbon peeling at edge 25b of the 125 replaced by other display units such as a cath thermal head immediately after heating, or ode ray tube.

through the movement of a distance I after The CPU can be connected, through an in- heating by the thermal head, combined with terface connector IFC, to various interfaces the ink ribbon peeling at the roller distanced (112) for communication with external equip by I from the thermal head. 130 ment or for control of the present apparatus 9 GB2194217A 9 by external equipment, such as RS232C inter- explained later in relation to Fig. 20. The rib face, centrointerface, modem etc. bon mode flag is retained even when the Also the CPU can be connected, through a power supply is cut off, by a back-up power cartridge connector CAC (112), to ROM car- supply. It is also possible to identify the rib tridge (113) for special functions and for print- 70 bon when the power supply is turned on, and, ing with different typefonts, and to RAM car- if the result is different from that when the tridges (114) for memory expansion for stor- power supply is turned off, to give an alarm ing documents and data. or display a message prior to the data input Though not illustrated, there may be pro- because there is a possibility of an error by vided an acoustic output device such as a 75 the operator that data for a correctable ribbon buzzer. are entered though a non-correctable ribbon is in fact loaded.

[Power-on sequence] In the following there will be explained the In the following there will be explained the above-mentioned margins for non-correctable control of the output apparatus by a program 80 ribbon and for correctable ribbon, while mak stored in the above-mentioned ROM. Fig. 19 ing reference to Fig. 20. A left margin posi is a flow chart showing the power-on control tion ILM 1 and a right margin position RM 1 de sequence of the output apparatus of the pre- fine a printable range with the non-correctable sent embodiment. As explained before, said ribbon. In the present embodiment 80 charac apparatus is equipped with a thermal printer 85 ters can be printed. Also for the correctable capable of image recording and image correc- ribbon LM2 and RM2 define a range in which tion, can accept a correctable ribbon for re- the printing or correction is possible. In the cording and correction or a non-correctable present embodiment 76 characters can be ribbon (ordinary ink ribbon), and is capable of printed or corrected. Two characters at left selecting image recording or correction in case 90 end are a correcting mode set position of the correctable ribbon. (switching area at the position of projection In the present embodiment, the printing and 27a), and two characters at right end are a correcting information can be the ribbon iden- printing mode set position (switching area at tification signal or the key-entered signals. the position of projection 27b). Also a range At first, when the power supply is turned 95 from the sensor 23 to the printable range on, the thermal head 25 is lifted up to a state serves for taking up ribbon slack. The projec separated from the platen 10 (Sl), and the tions 27a, 27b serve for switching the printing carrier 22 is moved toward the limit sensor and correcting operations of the ribbon as ex 23 in order to detect the absolute position of plained before.

said carrier (S2). 100 Upon detection of the carrier 22 by the limit [Key input sequence] sensor 23 (S3), a correction flag stored in the Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing the se- memory TRAM is reset in order to select the quence for controlling the key inputs by the printing operation in case of the correctable operator. Upon identifying a key input in a ribbon (S4). Thus the printing state is the 105 step S1, a step S2 discriminates whether a standard mode after power supply is turned ribbon mode set key has been actuated, and, on. Said standard mode may be displayed. if affirmative, the program proceeds to a step Then the slack in the ribbon is taken up, in S8 for entering a ribbon mode change subrou order to obtain uniform 'print quality (S5), as tine, but, if negative, the program proceeds to will be detailedly explained later. Then a step 110 a step S3. Said ribbon mode set key RMKY (S6) checks a ribbon mode flag, stored in said can be replaced for example by actuations of memory TRAM and indicating whether the the mode key MOKY and the numeral key loaded ribbon or the ribbon to be loaded is a " 1 " shown in Fig. 4. Then the step S3 dis correctable one or a non-correctable one. Said criminates the actuation of a print/correction ribbon mode flag may be set by the sensor 115 mode change key CCKY, and, if actuated, the 29 identifying the type of ribbon or ribbon program proceeds to a step S7 for entering a cassette, or by a key input or an acoustic print/correction mode change subroutine. Said input of the operator. If said flag indicates the print/correction mode change key CCKY may non-correctable mode, the program proceeds be replaced for example by actuation of the to a step S8. On the other hand, if said flag 120 mode key MOKY shown in Fig. 4, and the indicates the correctable mode, the carrier 22 numeral key -2". Said print/correction mode is moved to the print set position (Figs. 14, change key CCKY serves to change the 15) and the ink ribbon cassette 50 is set to print/correction mode of the aforementioned the printing mode, in order to enable printing correctable ribbon. If the discrimination in the operation (S7). In a succeeding step S8, the 125 step S3 turns out negative, the program pro carrier 22 is moved to a left margin position ceeds to a step S4 to discriminate whether LM1 for non-correctable mode in case of the the actuated key is a function key such as a non-correctable mode, or to a left margin po- return key, a tabulation key, a centering key, a sition LM2 for correctable mode in case of the left margin set key etc. If the result is affirma correctable mode. Said left margins will be 130 tive, the program proceeds to a step S6 for a GB2194217A 10 function key control subroutine. print/correction mode change subroutine of On the other hand, if the discrimination in the step S7 in Fig. 2 1, of which details are the step S4 turns out negative, the actuated shown in Fig. 24. A correctable ribbon cas key is identified as a print key PRKY and the sette has to be loaded in order to change the program proceeds to a step S5 for a print 70 print/correction modes. Therefore a step S1 control subroutine. After the completion of the discriminates the ribbon mode flag, and, if a above-explained sequence, the program re- non-correctable ribbon cassette is identified,_a turns to the step S1 to await a next key step S2 provides a buzzer or acoustic alarm input. The foregoing explanation has been limor a display since the entered command for ited to the case of data entry through key- 75 mode change is invalid. On the other hand, in board, the commands may naturally be given case the step S1 identifies a correctable rib in next information or from an external control bon cassette, a step S3 inverts the correction equipment such as. a host computer. flag in the memory TRAM, thus changing the print mode to the correction mode or vice [Ribbon slack takeup] 80 versa. Also the present carrier position is In the following there will be explained the stored in the memory TRAM. Then a step S4 ribbon slack takeup sequence at the step S5 discriminates thus inverted correction flag, in Fig. 19, of which details is shown in Fig. and, if it is in the reset state indicating the 22. A step S1 lowers the thermal head 25, print mode, the program proceeds to a step thereby enabling ribbon winding in the cas- 85 S5 to move the carrier to the aforementioned sette (cf. Figs. 5 to 8). Then a step S2 moves print mode set position. On the other hand, in the carrier 22 by a character pitch in the di- case the step S3 sets the correction flag for rection A1 without activating the thermal head indicating the correction mode, the program 25, and a step S3 elevates the thermal head. proceeds to a step S6 to move the carrier to Through these steps the slack in the ribbon is 90 the correction mode set position (see Figs. 14 removed, and the ribbon is maintained at a and 15). Then a step S7 moves the carrier to predetermined tension. a carrier position prior to the carrier move ment in the step S5 or S6, or to a next print [Ribbon mode change] position. In the present print/correction mode Now there will be explained the ribbon 95 change subroutine, the ribbon slack removal is mode change subroutine of the step S8 in Fig. not conducted, but it is also possible to con 21, of which details are shown in Fig. 23. At duct such removal in response to the entry of first a step S] inverts the ribbon mode flag bit a print/correction mode change signal, for in the memory TRAM, thus converting the example after the step S7 in Fig. 24.

non-correctable mode to the correctable 100 mode, or vice versa. Then a step S2 discrimi- [Print/correction sequence] nates thus converted mode, and, if it is non- Now there will be explained the print se- correctable mode, the program proceeds to a quence in the step S5 in Fig. 2 1, of which step S4 to enter the power-on routine shown details are shown in Fig. 25. In the present in Fig. 21. On the other hand, if it is correcta- 105 embodiment, the output information may be ble mode, a step S3 sets the left and right based on any data, such as characters, pat margin positions LM2, RM2 for correctable terns., images, symbols or combinations ribbon, explained in relation to Fig. 20, in the thereof. The program proceeds to said step memory TRAM in which the positions LM1, S5 by a print command released by the print Z1 RM1 are normally set. Then the program pro- 110 command key PRKY, but said print command ceeds to the poweron routine in a step S4, may be generated for every character, or ev in which the ribbon slack is removed and the ery word, or every line. The movement of the carrier is moved to the suitable left margin carrier is for example achieved by a motor position LM1 or LM2 according to the type of driver MID shown in Fig. 18, but the motor ribbon, as explained before. It is also possible 115 etc. are excluded from the explanation for the to move the carrier to a margin position deter- purpose of simplicity.

mined by the operator. Also the ribbon mode Referring to Fig. 25, a step S 'I moves the need not necessarily be set by the key input carrier to the print start position, and a step but can be determined by the routine shown S2 lowers the thermal head 25. A step S3 in Fig. 25 according to an automatic discrimi- 120 discriminates the ribbon mode flag, and, in nation by the sensor 29 shown in Fig. 5. Also case of the correctable ribbon mode, the pro the presence of above-explained two printing gram proceeds to a step S4 for setting the ranges may lead to an erroneous input of the carrier speed for the non- correctable mode by margin position by the operator, but, in such a speed table in the ROM. Subsequently, a case, an alarm may be given or the margin 125 step S5 accelerates the carrier with thus set position can be moved to a correct one, dis- speed, for example 18 characters/sec. A step regarding the erroneous input by the operator. S6 sets the heating condition for the non correctable mode, by sending commands to [Print/correction mode change] the controller GA for regulating the voltage In the following there will be explained the 130 and current, and also sets the heating time for 1 GB2194217A 11 the non-correctable mode, for example heating manner, the index mark 30a is moved to indi for 1.1 seconds. A step S7 activates the ther- cate the next print position, in any ribbon mal head according to said heating condition mode, or in either print or correction mode.

to effect printing. Then a step S8 elevates the Fig. 26 shows the relationship among said thermal head 25, and a step S9 effects an 70 index mark 30a, thermal head 25 and printed over-run, or a predetermined movement, of character, wherein solid-lined "H" indicates an the carrier. Said over-run allows the operator already printed character, while a broken-lined to observe the printed character, and also al- "H" indicates a next print position. The dis lows the index mark 30a to indicate the next tance m between the index mark 30a and the printing position. The sequence is terminated 75 thermal head 25 is naturally constant, regard in this manner, and the position of the carrier less of the ribbon mode, or print or correction in this state is the print stand-by position in mode (see Fig. 3). The broken-lined index the non-correctable ribbon mode. markindicates a desired position correspond- On the other hand, if the step S3 identifies ing to the next print position, while a thick- the correctable ribbon mode, the program 80 lined index mark indicates the head-up position jumps to a step S10 for checking the correc- after the correction. n is the distance from the tion flag. If said flag is reset, indicating the position of the thermal head 25 at the end of print mode, the program proceeds to a step printing to the center of the next printed char S1 1 for setting the carrier speed for the cor- acter. Thus, in the print mode with the non rectable ribbon mode, from a speed table in 85 correctable or correctable ribbon, there is con the ROM. A step S12 accelerates and drives ducted an over-run of (m + n) for bringing the the carrier with thus set speed, for example index mark to the next print position (step S9 18 characters/sec. Then a step S13 set the or S16 in Fig. 25). In case of the correction heating condition for the correctable ribbon mode, the carrier is already advanced by 1 mode by the voltage, current and heating 90 (Fig. 26), as already explained in relation to time. A step S14 activates the thermal head the step S21 in Fig. 25. The amounts n, m with such condition to effect printing, and a and I may have an arbitrary relationship in step S15 elevates the thermal head. A step magnitude. The steps S21, S23 and S24 in S16 executes an over-run to terminate the se- Fig. 25 cause carrier movements in the order quence. 95 of I(S21) + (n + m) (S23) - I(S24) but, as On the other hand, if the step S10 identifies will be understood from Fig. 26, it is also that the correction flag is set, indicating the possible to advance the carrier by I after print correction mode, the program proceeds to a ing (S21) and to return the carrier by I - (m step S17 for setting the carrier speed for the + n). The present embodiment employs regu correction mode. Then a step S18 accelerates 100 lation of the heating time, but it is naturally and drives the carrier with thus set speed, for possible also to regulate the aforementioned example 10 characters/sec. A step S19 then voltage VH.

sets the heating condition for the correction Though the foregoing embodiments are lim- mode, and a step S20 activates the thermal ited to the structures employing an ink ribbon, head to effect the correcting operation, for 105 the present invention is not restricted by such example by heating for 0.4 msec. The carrier embodiments but is applicable also to an ink speed and the heating condition in the correc- sheet or a wide tape for example employed in tion mode are selected different from those in line printers.

other modes, in order to ensure correcting op- Also the recording medium is not limited to eration. A step S21 lowers the carrier to the 110 the recording paper described in the foregoing head-up start position and moves it by a dis- embodiments but can for example be a tran tance I (see Fig. 26)- in order to change the sparent plastic sheet employed for overhead peeling position of the ribbon. This change projectors.

allows the ribbon to cool down, thus realizing Furthermore the heating means is not limited the correcting operation. Then a step S22 lifts 115 to the thermal head described in the foregoing the thermal head and a step S23 effects an embodiments but can be suitably composed over-run in the same manner as in the non- by other means, such as an infrared light or a correctable or correotable ribbon mode. In said laser beam.

non-correctable or correctable ribbon mode, In the foregoing embodiments there is de- the index mark 30a indicates the next print 120 scribed so-called serial printer in which a ther position after the over-run in the step S9 or mal head reciprocates along a recording sheet, S16, but, in case of the step S24, the index but the present invention is also applicable to mark does not indicate the next print position so-called full-line printer in which heating because the carrier stops at a position differ- means such as a thermal head is provided ent from that in the non-correctable ribbon 125 over the entire recording width.

mode, because of the step S21. Therefore, Furthermore, though the foregoing embodi- the carrier is returned by a distance corre- ments employ an ink ribbon cassette which sponding to 64 pulses in the step S21, in houses an ink ribbon therein and can be deta order to stop the carrier at the same position chably mounted on the apparatus, but the pre in the non-correctable ribbon mode. In this 130 sent invention is not limited to such case. For 12 GB2194217A 12 example it is naturally possible to directly load and to effect the correction of the recorded an ink sheet wound on a reel or as a roll. image when necessitated.

Claims (1)

1. Furthermore the foregoing embodiments are 4. An ink sheet cassette

   according to Claim limited to a structure in which an ink ribbon 1, wherein said ink sheet has ink transferred cassette performs a reciprocating motion, but 70 onto said recording medium to record the im the present invention is also applicable to age thereon, and a peeling layer for peeling other types in which the ink ribbon cassette is off the image recorded on the recording im for example stationary. age.

   The record image can be characters, numer- 5. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim als, figures, patterns and the like. 75 1, wherein said ink sheet is a self-correction Although the aforementioned embodiments ribbon used in common for the image record- show examples of correction of the record ing and the image correction.

   images by the lift-off, the present invention 6. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim may be applied to an ink sheet for correction 1, wherein said first drive force receiving por- 11 by cover-up which means that the correction 80 tion receives the drive fore from the record is effected by covering up over the record ing apparatus side in accordance with the in- images. formation of image corretion.

   Furthermore, in the foregoing embodiments, 7. An ink sheet cassetle according to Claim the cooling of ink sheet after heating thereof 1, wherein said first driv receiving portion is achieved by spontaneous cooling resulting 85 receives the drive force from the recording in the delayed peeling, but the present inven- apparatus in accordance with the information tion can also utilize forced cooling, for of image.

   example by contacting a metal such as iron or 8. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim aluminum with the ink sheet or by blowing 1, wherein said changing means has a lever cold air to the ink sheet. 90 for changing a timing of peeling between said As detailedly explained in the foregoing, the recording medium and said ink sheet after the present invention can record an image on a recording.

   recording medium according to recording infor- 9. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim mation, and also correct erroneous record if 1, wherein said changing means has a lever necessary. 95 for keeping the ink sheet in contact with the recording medium.

   CLAIMS 10. A recording apparatus on which an ink 1. An ink sheet cassette mountable on a sheet cassette including an ink sheet can be recording apparatus capable of effecting image mounted and which can effect image record record and image correction on a record me- 100 and image correction on a record medium dium using an ink sheet having ink thereon, with said ink sheet cassette being mounted, comprising: comprising:

   an ink sheet having ink thereon; an ink sheet cassette mounting portion for a first winding portion around which said ink removably mounting the ink sheet cassette sheet can be wound, 105 having, a second winding portion around which said an ink sheet having ink thereon; ink sheet can be wound, a first winding portion around which said ink a recording action subjecting zone provided sheet can be wound; along a conveyance path of the ink sheet be- a second winding portion around which said tween said first and second winding portions, 110 ink sheet can be wound; where said ink sheet is subjected to the re- a recording action subjecting zone provided cording action for effecting the recording; along a conveyance path of the ink sheet be- changing means for changing the convey- tween said first and second winding portions, ance path of the ink sheet led from said first where said ink sheet is subjected to the re winding portion to said second winding por- 115 cording action for effecting the recording; tion; changing means for changing the convey- a first drive force receiving portion for re- ance path of the ink sheet led from said first ceiving a drive force for automatically displac- winding portion to said second winding por ing said changing means; and tion; a second drive force receiving portion for 120 a first drive force receiving portion for re- receiving a drive force for conveying said ink ceiving a drive force for automatically displac sheet from said first winding portion to said ing said changing means; and second winding portion. a second drive force recieving portion for 2. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim receiving a drive force for conveying said ink 1, wherein said changing means controls a 125 sheet from said first winding portion to said timing of peeling between the ink sheet and second winding portion; said recording medium after heating. recording means for acting on said ink 3. An ink sheet cassette according to Claim sheet, provided to be located at said record- 1, wherein said ink sheet is adapted to effect ing action subjected zone for the ink ribbon the image record on said recording medium, 130 cassette when said ink ribbon cassette is 13 GB2194217A 13 mounted on said mounting portion; recording medium.

   first force transmitting means for transmitt- 19. A printing cassette containing a carrier ing the force to said first drive force receiving as claimed in claim 18 in the form of a rib means of the ink ribbon cassette in accor- bon.

   dance with information of image correction 70 20. A printing apparatus having means se- when said ink ribbon cassette is mounted on lectable in one mode to act upon a carrier as the mounting portion; claimed in claim 18 to transfer an ink or dye second force transmitting means for pattern from the carrier onto a recording me- transmitting the force to the second drive dium and in another mode to lift-off such an force receiving portion of said ink ribbon cas- 75 ink or dye pattern from the recording medium.

   sette when said ink ribbon cassette is 21. A printing cassette, or a printing apa- mounted on said mounting portion. pratus, or a combination of the two, substan- 11. A recording apparatus according to tially as described in the description with ref Claim 10, wherein said chaning means con- erence to the drawings.

   trols a timing of peeling between the ink sheet and said recording medium after heating. Published 1988 atThe Patent Office, State House, 66/71 High Holborn, London WC 1 R 4TP. Further copies may be obtained from 12. A recording apparatus according to The Patent Office, Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Kent BF15 3RD.

   Claim 10, wherein said ink sheet is adapted to Printed by Burgess Son (Abingdon) Ltd. Con. 1/87.

   effect the image record on said recording me dium and to effect correction of the recorded image when necessitated.

   13. A recording apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said ink sheet has ink transferred onto said recording medium to re cord the image thereon, and a peeling layer for peeling off the image recorded on the re- cording medium.

   14. A recording apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said ink sheet is a self correction ribbon used in common for the im age recording and the image correction.

   15. A recording apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said changing means has a lever for changing a timing of peeling between said recording medium and said ink sheet after the recording.

   16. A recording apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein said changing means has a lever for keeping the ink sheet in contact with the recording medium.

   17. An ink sheet cassette mountable on a recording apparatus capable of effecting image record and image correction on a record me dium using an ink sheet having ink thereon, comprising:

   an ink sheet having ink thereon; a first winding portion around which said ink sheet can be wound; a second winding portion around which said ink sheet can be wound; a recording action subjecting zone provided along a conveyance path of the ink sheet be tween said first and second winding portions, where said ink sheet is subjected to the re cording action for effecting the recording; and control means for controlling, upon recording, peeling conditions in which the ink sheet having passed through said recording action receiving zone and said record medium peel from each other.

   18. A printing dye or ink carrier which can be acted upon in one mode to transfer an ink or dye pattern onto a recording medium and which can be acted upon in another mode to lift-off such an ink or dye pattern from the