JP2001071544A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance print efficiency drastically by providing a means for applying transfer heat to an ink ribbon, and a means for heating an ink ribbon before ink is transferred thermally to a print medium. SOLUTION: Under print state of a thermal head 23, each heating section 23H1-23HN is heated by means of respective heater 55, 56 from normal thermal transfer temperature in order to thermally transfer various dyes applied to an ink ribbon 33 onto the surface of a card material 13. Since the card material 13 and an ink ribbon 33 have been heated already when print operation of the thermal head 23 is started, each heating section 23H1-23HN of the thermal head 23 requires a smaller heating value as compared with a case where the card material 13 and the ink ribbon 33 are not heated. Consequently, electric power supply to the thermal head 23 can be reduced and heating time can be shortened resulting in drastic enhancement of print efficiency.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method, and is suitably applied to, for example, a thermal transfer card printer for printing a color image on one or both sides of a card material made of a plastic material.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 11, in a card printer 1 of this type, a plurality of heat generating portions 3A to 3N (N is a predetermined number) are formed on a head surface 2A of a thermal head 2 as a printing medium. It is provided in a line so as to be perpendicular to the running direction of the card material 4, and is positioned on a platen 9 by a roll-shaped ink ribbon 7 supported by a supply reel 5 and a take-up reel 6 and transport rollers 8A and 8B. In a state where the thermal head 2 is pressed against the platen 9 via the card material 4 thus formed, the thermal head 2 is turned on and off based on a predetermined printing signal.
A to 3N are selectively energized to generate heat, so that various dyes applied to the ink ribbon 7 can be thermally transferred to the surface 4A of the card material 4 and thus the card material 4
A color image corresponding to the printing signal can be printed on the front surface 4A of the printer.

[0003]

However, in the card printer 1, while the thermal head 2 is pressed against the platen 9 via the ink ribbon 7 and the card material 4, the heat generating portions 3A to 3N generate heat. Need to
There is no problem when the heat generation control of each of the heat generating units 3A to 3N is optimal, but when the heat generation amount of each of the heat generating units 3A to 3N is extremely large, the ink ribbon 7 may be cut or the card material 4 may be cut. While the surface may be burned, if the heat generation amount of each of the heat generating parts 3A to 3N is extremely small,
There is a possibility that the color image printed on the card material 4 may not be sufficiently transferred from the ink ribbon 7 without sufficiently transferring the dye.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of significantly improving printing efficiency.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the present invention, an image corresponding to the print signal is printed by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to a print medium based on the print signal. In a printing apparatus for printing on a medium, a transfer heat applying unit for applying transfer heat to the ink ribbon and a ribbon heating unit for heating the ink ribbon before thermally transferring the ink to the printing medium are provided. .

[0006] As a result, in this printing apparatus, since the ink ribbon is already heated at the start of printing, the amount of heat generated by the transfer heat applying means necessary for actual thermal transfer is compared with the case where the ink ribbon is not heated. The amount of electricity to be supplied to the transfer heat applying means can be reduced and the time required for heat generation can be shortened by the amount required.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for printing an image corresponding to a print signal on a print medium by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to a print medium based on the print signal. A transfer heat applying means for applying transfer heat and a medium heating means for heating the print medium before the ink is thermally transferred to the print medium are provided.

As a result, in this printing apparatus, the printing medium is already heated at the start of printing, so that the amount of heat generated by the transfer heat applying means necessary for the actual thermal transfer is smaller than when the printing medium is not heated. In addition, since only a relatively small amount of heat is required, the amount of electricity supplied to the transfer heat applying unit can be reduced, and the time required for heat generation can be reduced.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a printing method for printing an image corresponding to a printing signal on a printing medium by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to a printing medium based on the printing signal. After the preheating, the transfer heat was applied to the ink ribbon.

As a result, in this printing method, since the ink ribbon is already heated at the start of printing, the amount of heat generated by the transfer heat required for the actual thermal transfer is relatively smaller than when the ink ribbon is not heated. And the time required for heat generation can be shortened.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a printing method for printing an image corresponding to a printing signal on a printing medium by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the printing medium based on the printing signal. After the preheating of the ink ribbon, the transfer heat was applied to the ink ribbon.

As a result, in this printing method, since the print medium is already heated at the start of printing, the amount of heat generated by the transfer heat applying means necessary for actual thermal transfer is smaller than when the print medium is not heated. In addition, since only a relatively small amount of heat is required, the amount of electricity supplied to the transfer heat applying unit can be reduced, and the time required for heat generation can be reduced.

As a result, in this printing method, since the printing medium is already heated at the start of printing, the calorific value of the transfer heat required for the actual thermal transfer is compared with the case where the printing medium is not heated. The amount of heat required can be reduced, and the time required for heat generation can be reduced.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) Overall Configuration of Card Printer In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a card printer to which the present invention is applied as a whole, and a card inserted from a card insertion slot 11A of a housing 11 via cleaning rollers 12A and 12B. The material 13 can be transported by the card transport section 14 along the transport path CR.

In this embodiment, the card material 13 is a so-called ISO (International Organization for International Organization).
Standardization) is applied, and a magnetic stripe is formed along the longitudinal direction on one edge of the card material 13 and an IC (Integrated Circuit) memory is provided at a predetermined position on the other end of the card material 13. Is buried.

The card transport section 14 includes a first transport section 14A and a second transport section 14B disposed before and after the transport path CR via a platen 15, and the first transport section 14B includes a first transport section 14A and a second transport section 14B.
A and a pair of transport rollers 16A are provided on the second transport section 14B.
19A and 16B to 19B are rotatably supported at predetermined intervals along the transport path CR.

Of these, the upper conveying rollers 16A to 19A
Are rotated in the same direction in conjunction with each other in response to the rotation of a drive motor (not shown).
B to 19B are the corresponding upper conveying rollers 16A to 19B.
A in a state where the conveying rollers 16A to 16A
It is made to rotate in the opposite direction according to the rotation of 19A,
Thus, the card material 13 inserted between the upper transport rollers 16A to 19A and the lower transport rollers 16B to 19B
Can be freely transported in the front-rear direction along the transport path CR according to the rotation of the upper transport rollers 16A to 19A.

Among them, the upper transport roller 17A is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical heater 55 slightly longer than the width of the card material 13 is built in so as to surround the rotation shaft 17AX around the rotation shaft 17AX. Tubular body 17AR made of high metal material
Is provided, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 17AR is covered with a heat-resistant rubber material 17AG. As a result, the transport roller 17A generates heat corresponding to the amount of heat generated by the heater 55.
The rubber material 17AG can be heated by conducting the 7AR.

A color image printing section 20 is provided above the card transport section 14 at a predetermined position facing the platen 15. In the color image printing section 20, a head holding mechanism section 22 including a head unit 21 is provided with a thermal head 23 supported at the tip of the head unit 21.
Extend in a direction in which the platen 15 is pressed against the platen 15 or shorten in a direction away from the platen 15.

In practice, the head holding mechanism 22 is a cam 2 having a drive shaft 24 of a head motor (not shown) as a center of rotation.
5, lever members 2 using rotating shafts 26 and 27 as fixed links.
8, a link mechanism including the connecting member 29 and the support member 30 is engaged with the link mechanism.

Thus, in the head holding mechanism 22,
In the print mode, the cam 25 is driven according to the driving of the head motor.
The thermal head 23 is pressed against the platen 15 by extending the link mechanisms 26 to 30 that engage with the
After the end of the printing mode, the link mechanism 26 to 30 that engages with the cam 25 is shortened in accordance with the driving of the head motor, so that the thermal head 23 is separated from the platen 15.

As shown in FIG. 3, the thermal head 23 has a plurality of heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _N on a head surface 23A.
(N is, for example, 640) are arranged in a line so as to be perpendicular to the traveling direction of the card material 13 (ie, the transport path).
Specifically, each of the heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _N has a heat generating resistance element in a raised portion of a glass layer laminated on a ceramic substrate (not shown), and an electrode formed conductive at one end and the other end of the heat generating resistance element. And the heating resistor element and the protective film made of a glass material.

The head surface 23A of the thermal head 23
The position corresponding to the front of the transport path CR is the various electronic components board 23B (not shown) is mounted needed to heat the heating portion 23H ₁ ~23H _N are provided in. A protective cover 23C having a substantially concave cross-section is formed on the substrate 23B so that various electronic components mounted on the substrate 23B can be protected.

In the concave portion 23CX of the protective cover 23C, a bar-shaped heater 56 arranged so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transport path CR is provided so as to expose its heat generating surface 56A from the head surface 23A. and which are adapted to be exothermic independently the heat generating surface 56A and each of the heat generating portion 23H ₁ ~23H _N.

In the printing mode, the color image printing unit 20
The head holding mechanism 22 is driven to move the thermal head 23 to the platen 15 via the roll-shaped ink ribbon 33 supported by the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 32 and the card material 13 positioned on the platen 15. After the pressing, the thermal head 23 is heated in this state based on a predetermined printing signal, so that the ink of the ink ribbon 33 can be thermally transferred to one surface of the card material 13.

In this case, the roll-shaped ink ribbon 33 is housed in a ribbon cassette 34, and the ribbon cassette 34 is printed with a color image through a cassette insertion opening (not shown) formed on the side surface of the housing 11. The unit 20 and the platen 15 can be removably loaded between the unit 20 and the platen 15.

As shown in FIG. 4, the ink ribbon 33 is applied to each color dye of yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C and black K applied as a dye of one card material 13 with a predetermined length. Subsequently, the film-like sheet L
Is arranged. Further, a predetermined mark (not shown) is applied to the head position of each page of the ink ribbon 33, and the mark is detected by an optical sensor (not shown) provided on the traveling path of the ink ribbon 33. The detection enables the cue of the ink ribbon 33 to be performed.

The supply reel 31 is provided with a torque limiter (not shown) for applying a predetermined torque during rotation, so as to always apply a back tension to the ink ribbon 33. Further supply reel 31
An optical sensor (not shown) for detecting the winding diameter is arranged near the position, and by detecting the tension of the ink ribbon 33, the winding state of the winding reel 32 can be controlled.

The transport path C in the second transport section 14B
A magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40 is provided below R, and the magnetic head 41 is exposed on the transport path CR only during recording / reproducing, and is brought into contact with the upper transport roller 18A along with the lower transport roller 18B. The magnetic head 41 is concealed from the transport path CR except during recording and reproduction.

The magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40 records information based on a predetermined recording signal on a magnetic stripe (not shown) formed on one surface of the card material 13 with the magnetic head 41 exposed, By reproducing the information, it is possible to determine whether or not a recording error exists in the magnetic stripe.

The first and second stages of the first transport unit 14A and the second stage
Photointerrupter type optical sensors 42 to 44 are provided in front of the transport section 14B, respectively, so that the presence or absence of the card material 13 sent along the transport path CR can be detected.

Further, at the subsequent stage of the second transport section 14B and near the card discharge port 11B of the housing 11, a rotary transport section 45 is provided along the transport path CR. In the rotary transport section 45, a rotation mechanism section 46 is supported rotatably about a rotation shaft 47 in a direction indicated by an arrow r or in a direction opposite thereto. The rotating mechanism 46 includes first flipper rollers 48A, 48B and second flipper rollers 49A,
9B are rotatably supported via a rotating shaft 47 while maintaining a symmetrical positional relationship with each other.

Of these, one of the flipper rollers 48A,
49A rotate in the same direction in conjunction with each other in response to the rotation of a drive motor (not shown), and the flipper rollers 48B, 49B on the other end are connected to the corresponding flipper rollers 48A, 49A on the one end. When the flipper rollers 48A and 49A rotate in the opposite direction in a state where the first and second flipper rollers 48A and 49A are pressed against each other, the first
Card material 13 inserted between the flipper rollers 48A, 48B and / or between the second flipper rollers 49A, 49B.
Is sent out before and after the transport path CR in accordance with the rotation of the flipper rollers 48A and 49A on one end side.

As described above, the rotary transport unit 45 transfers the card material 13 sent from the second transport unit 14B to the rotation mechanism unit 4.
In the state of being sandwiched between 6, after rotating by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow r or in the opposite direction as necessary, and positioning,
The card material 13 can be sent out in the determined predetermined direction.

An IC recording / reproducing section 50 is provided in the vicinity of the rotary transport section 45, and the card material 13 sent from the rotary transport section 45 is inserted into the insertion port 50A of the IC recording / reproducing section 50.
, Each terminal of an IC memory (not shown) provided on the other surface of the card material 13 comes into contact with an interface connector (not shown). As a result, after recording information based on a predetermined recording signal, the IC recording / reproducing unit 50 can determine whether or not a recording error exists in the IC memory by reproducing the information. I have.

A defective card tray 51 is provided in the vicinity of the rotary transport section 45, and the magnetic recording / reproducing sections 40 and I
The card material 13 determined to have a recording error by the C recording / reproducing unit 50 is transferred from the rotary transport unit 45 to the entrance 51.
The defective card is discharged into the defective card tray 51 via A.

On the other hand, the rotary transport unit 45 transfers the card material 13 determined as having no recording error by the magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40 and the IC recording / reproducing unit 50 to the outside via the card outlet 11B of the housing 11. To a card tray (not shown).

The first flipper rollers 48A, 48B
A first optical sensor 52 and a second optical sensor 53 of a photo-interrupter type are provided on the outside of the second flipper rollers 49A and 49B (ie, both on the centrifugal side of the rotating shaft 47). The presence or absence of the card material 13 sent along the transport path CR can be detected.

By the way, in this card printer 10,
The card transport unit 14, the color image printing unit 20, the magnetic recording and reproducing unit 40, the rotary transport unit 45, and the IC recording and reproducing unit 50
Each of them is driven to a predetermined state under the control of the CPU 61 in accordance with a command from a host computer 60 (FIG. 5) described later.

(2) Printing Process in Color Image Printing Unit FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration of the color image printing unit 20, and an interface (I / F: Inter) from the host computer 60.
When face) 62 and C / I (Computer Interface) a predetermined print data D _P through the driver 63 is supplied, the memory controller 64, under the control of the CPU 61,
The print data _DCP is converted into color print data D corresponding to each color.
_PY (yellow Y), D _PM (magenta M), D _PC (cyan C) and D _Pk (black K) and laminate data D
_The information is written into the corresponding frame memories 65 to 69 as _PLs (film-like sheets L) for one printing screen.

Next, the memory controller 64
Under the control of 61, the color print data D _PY , D _PM , D _PC and D _Pk and the laminate data D _PL are read out from the frame memories 65 to 69 at a predetermined timing, and the color print data D _PY , D _PM and D _PC respectively sends out the color adjustment unit 70 to 72, a selector color print data D _Pk and laminates data D _PL 7
3 to one input terminal.

Each of the color adjust sections 70 to 72 is provided with a color conversion table (not shown) having a standard printing characteristic for each color, so that an adjustment curve set for each color before and after the color matching processing can be obtained. After performing color adjustment according to each, the obtained color print data D _PY1 , D _PY1
PM1 and _DPC1 are sent to the masking section 74.

The masking section 74 separates unnecessary data from the supplied color print data D _PY1 , D _PM1 and D _PC1 and then obtains the obtained color print data D _PY2 and D _PM2.
And D _PC2 to the other two input terminals of the selector 73.

The selector 73 _converts the sequentially selected data of the given color print data D _PY2 , D _PM2 , D _PC and D _Pk and the laminate data D _PL as needed under the control of the CPU 61 as a gamma correction section. 75.
The gamma correction unit 75 performs density energization time conversion by a predetermined heat correction coefficient set based on the control of the CPU 61, and then supplies the print image data D _T obtained as a result to the head controller 76.

The head controller 76 is provided in the head holding mechanism 22, and print image data D _T
After converting the current signal D _I to which a thermal head 2
Give to 3. Also, the head controller 76 has a CPU 6
Given printing start data D _S 1 via the bus 78, the thermal head 23 so as drive data D _E
To be sent to the user.

[0047] At this time CPU61, by sending the heat data D _H to the heater 56 at a predetermined timing before sending printing start data D _S to the head controller 76, the heater 56 the printing operation of the head controller 76 The heat can be generated immediately before the start.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the thermal head 23, a plurality of heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _N (N is, for example, 640) provided in a row on the head surface 23A are serially connected via a latch circuit 90. It is connected to a plurality of registers 91R ₁ ~91R _N constituting a type of shift register. The plurality of registers 91R ₁ ~91R _N,
One by one print image data D _I sequentially in synchronization with the input clock CL is stored, all the registers 91R ₁ ~
When printing the image data D _I is stored in the 91R _N, the output of all the latch circuits of each of the register 91R ₁ ~91R _N 9
0 is given in parallel.

Each of the heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _I has transistors 92Q _{1 to} 92Q _N as a basic configuration, and the collectors have heat generating resistance elements 93R _{1 to} 93R _{1 to} 93 R _{1 to} 93H, respectively.
It is connected to a common power supply 94 through R _N, an emitter connected all to a common terminal P1 in the CPU 61, respectively each output stage of the latch circuit 90 further base through a load resistor 95R ₁ ~95R _N It is connected.

The latch circuit 90 includes the head controller 7
Upon receiving the supplied drive data D _E 6, each heating section 23H ₁ ~23H _N and registers corresponding thereto 91
By conducting connection between R ₁ ~91R _N, transistor 92q ₁ of the heating section 23H in the _{1 ~23H N ~92}
Q _N are turned on all at once. Thereby, each heating part 23
H ₁ ~23H _N voltage of the power supply 94 is respectively applied to the collector-emitter current through the corresponding heating resistor element 93R ₁ ~93R _N is sent to the CPU 61.

As a result, in the thermal head 23, a plurality of heating resistance elements 93R provided on the head surface (not shown) are provided.
_{1 ~93R N} current signals (i.e. printing image data) D
Each generates heat according to _I. Thus the color image printing unit 20, the thermal head 2 on the basis of the print data D _P
It is possible to heat the third head surface 23A, a desired color image can be printed on one side or the other surface of the card member 13 corresponding to the print data D _P based on the heat generation.

The CPU 61 drives the mechanical controller 77 including the cam 25 and the link mechanisms 26 to 30 described above with reference to FIG. 1 to move the thermal transfer controller 23 so as to approach or separate from the platen 15. Can be. The CPU 61 sends a control command to be sent to each circuit via the bus 78.

The CPU 61 also includes a heater 55 built in the upper transport roller 17A in the first transport section 14A.
, The heat-resistant rubber material 17AG coated on the outermost periphery of the transport roller 17A can be heated in accordance with the amount of heat generated by the heater 55.

(3) Information Recording and Printing Processing Procedure by Card Printer The host computer 60 in the card printer 20
(FIG. 5) shows a magnetic stripe and an IC memory formed on one surface and the other surface of the card material 13 of the ISO standard by executing the printing process procedure RT1 shown in FIGS. While recording information, a desired color image is printed on one side or both sides of the card material 13.

First, when the host computer 60 is turned on, the printing processing procedure RT1 shown in FIG.
Is entered from step SP0, and in the following step SP1, the card material 13 is inserted into the card insertion slot 11A on the end face of the housing 11.
After being inserted into the card transporter 14A, when the optical sensor 42 is detected by the optical sensor 42 at the preceding stage of the first transport unit 14A, in step SP2, it is determined whether predetermined information is magnetically recorded on a magnetic stripe formed on one surface of the card material 13. Judge.

If a positive result is obtained in step SP2, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP3
To move the card material 13 to the transport path C in the direction indicated by the arrow a.
The sheet is sent from the first transport section 14A to the second transport section 14B via the platen 15 along R.

Subsequently, when the card material 13 is detected by the optical sensor 44 provided at the front stage of the second transport unit 14B, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP4 and transfers the card material 13 to the magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40. After the positioning, the magnetic head 41 is exposed on the transport path CR, and the magnetic head 41 is pressed against the upper transport roller 18A.

Subsequently, the host computer 60 moves the card material 13 between the transport roller 18A and the magnetic head 41 according to the rotation of the transport roller 18A in step SP5.
Are sequentially inserted and the magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40 is controlled to record predetermined information on the magnetic stripe of the card material 13 which is in sliding contact with the magnetic head 41, and then reproduces the information.

At this time, when the magnetic recording / reproducing section 40 starts magnetic recording on the card material 13, the host computer 60 controls the rotating / conveying section 45 to move the rotating mechanism section 46 in the direction indicated by the arrow r or in the direction indicated by the arrow r. By rotating the card material 13 in the reverse direction by a predetermined angle, the leading end of the card material 13 gradually fed out along the transport path CR during magnetic recording is rotated by the rotation mechanism 46.
Contact with the first flipper rollers 48A, 48B or the second flipper rollers 49A, 49B. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the recording material recorded on the card material 13 from being jittered due to the contact of the card material 13 with each roller during the magnetic recording.

Next, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP6 to determine whether or not a recording error exists in the card material 13, and then proceeds to step SP7 only when a positive result is obtained.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP2, the card printer 10 proceeds to step SP7 without performing the magnetic recording process on the card material 13.
Proceed to.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP6, this indicates that the card material 13 is defective. At this time, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP8 (FIG. 8), and the rotary transport unit The rotation mechanism is controlled to a position where the first flipper rollers 48A and 48B and the second flipper rollers 49A and 49B are arranged along the direction indicated by the arrow a (hereinafter referred to as a transport reference position). After positioning the section 46, the magnetic recording / reproducing section 40
Is controlled so that the magnetic head 41, which is exposed on the transport path CR, is hidden from the transport path CR.

Subsequently, when the first optical sensor 52 detects the card material 13 sent out from the card transport section 14, the host computer 60 controls the rotary transport section 45 to control the first flipper at one end. By rotating the roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A, the card material 13 is rotated.
Are sandwiched between the first flipper rollers 48A, 48B while the second flipper rollers 49A,
Send between 49B.

Thereafter, the card material 13 is connected to the second optical sensor 5.
3 is detected by the host computer 60,
The card material 13 is moved between the first flipper rollers 48A and 48B and the second flipper by controlling the rotation / conveyance unit 45 to stop the rotation of the first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A at one end. Roller 49A, 4
9B.

Next, in step SP9, the host computer 60 controls the rotary transport section 45 to rotate the rotary mechanism section 46 at the transport reference position by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow r, thereby causing the card material 13 to become a defective card. Tray 5
It is positioned at a position corresponding to the first carry-in entrance 51A (hereinafter referred to as a defective card discharge position).

Thereafter, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP10, where the first flipper roller 4 on one end side is moved.
8A and the second flipper roller 49A are rotated to discharge the card material 13 into the carry-in entrance 51A of the defective card tray 51 while moving the card material 13 in the direction shown by the arrow b, and then proceed to step SP11 (FIG. 9). Printing processing procedure RT1
To end.

In the following step SP7, the host computer 60 operates the IC card provided on the other surface of the card material 13.
It is determined whether to record the predetermined information in the memory. If a positive result is obtained in step SP7, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP12 to control the rotary transport unit 45 to position the rotation mechanism unit 46 at the transport reference position, and then controls the magnetic recording / reproducing unit 40. Transport route CR
The magnetic head 41 in the state of being exposed to the upper
Incubate so that it is off R.

Subsequently, when the card material 13 sent out from the card transport unit 14 is detected by the first optical sensor 52, the host computer 60 controls the rotary transport unit 45 to execute the second optical The first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A are rotationally driven until the card material 13 is detected by the sensor 53, and the card material 13 is moved between the first flipper rollers 48A and 48B and between the second flipper rollers 49A and 49B. To be pinched.

Next, in step SP13, the host computer 60 controls the rotary transport section 45 to rotate the rotary mechanism section 46 at the transport reference position by a predetermined angle in the direction indicated by the arrow r, and records the card material 13 by IC recording. Reproduction unit 5
It is positioned at a position corresponding to the 0 insertion slot 50A (hereinafter referred to as an IC recording / reproducing position).

Thereafter, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP 14, where the first flipper roller 4 at one end is
8A and the second flipper roller 49A are rotated to move the card material 13 in the direction shown by the arrow c, and
After the card material 13 is inserted into the insertion opening 50A of the recording / reproducing unit 50, the process proceeds to step SP15, and the card material 13 is positioned with respect to the IC recording / reproducing unit 40 so as to be in a cue state.

Next, the card printer 10 proceeds to step SP16 shown in FIG. 8 and controls the IC recording / reproducing unit 50 to connect an interface connector (not shown) to each terminal of the IC memory provided on one surface of the card material 13. Let me touch
After recording information based on a predetermined recording signal set in advance, the information is reproduced.

Next, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP17 to determine whether or not there is a recording error in the card material 13, and then proceeds to step SP18 only when a positive result is obtained.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP17, this indicates that the card material 13 is defective, and at this time, the host computer 60
Proceeding to step SP8, the rotary transport unit 45 is controlled to rotate the first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A at one end to pull out the card material 13 in a direction opposite to the direction shown by the arrow c. Proceeding to step SP9, I
The rotating mechanism 46 at the C recording / reproducing position is rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow r to position the defective card at the defective card discharging position.

Thereafter, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP10, in which the first flipper roller 4 on one end side is moved.
8A and the second flipper roller 49A are rotationally driven to discharge the card material 13 into the carry-in entrance 51A of the defective card tray 51 while moving the card material 13 in the direction shown by the arrow b, and then proceed to step SP11 to execute the printing processing procedure RT1. To end.

On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP7, the host computer 60 proceeds to step S7 without performing the IC recording process on the card material 13.
Proceed to P18.

In the following step SP18, the host computer 60 determines whether or not to print on one side of the card material 13. If an affirmative result is obtained in step SP18, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP19 and controls the rotary transport unit 45 to control the first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 4 on one end.
After rotating 9A and pulling out the card material 13 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow c, the process proceeds to step SP20 to rotate the rotation mechanism 46 at the IC recording / reproducing position by a predetermined angle in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by arrow r. Rotate to position at the original transport reference position.

Subsequently, in step SP21, the host computer 60 transports the card material 13 to the second transport section 14
After being sent out from B to the first transport unit 14A via the platen 15 along the transport path CR in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow a, the optical sensor 43 provided at the subsequent stage of the first transport unit 14A When it is detected that the card material 13 has passed, the card material 13 is positioned so as to be in a cueing state with respect to the color image printing unit 20 provided at a position facing the platen 15.

At this time, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP23, in which the heater 55 built in the transport roller 17A of the first transport section 14A is turned on by the normal heating of each of the heat generating sections 23H _{1 to} 23H _N of the thermal head 23. A predetermined temperature lower than the thermal transfer temperature (hereinafter referred to as a first temperature)
Of the card material 13 sandwiched between the transport rollers 17A and 17B.

In the next step SP24, the host computer 60 positions the thermal head 23 in the color image printing section 20 in a standby state (ie, a state in which the thermal head 23 is slightly floating with respect to the platen 15). Heater 56 provided on head 23
To each of the heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _N of the thermal head 23.
At a predetermined temperature lower than the normal thermal transfer temperature at
By generating heat at this temperature, the ink ribbon 33 in contact with the thermal head 23 is heated.

Subsequently, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP26, where the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 3
2 is driven to control the slack of the ink ribbon 33 and to search for the head position of one page.

After that, in step SP27, the host computer 60 detects the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 33 and sets the ribbon motor driving conditions for controlling the winding state while applying tension to the ink ribbon 33. Then, the process proceeds to step SP28 shown in FIG. 9, and the thermal head 33 is moved downward so as to be in a printing state (that is, a state in which the thermal head 33 is pressed against the platen).

Subsequently, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP30 and rotates the platen 15 while starting winding the ink ribbon 33 in step SP29.

In this state, the host computer 60
Proceeds to step SP31, starts printing of an area corresponding to one color (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C or black K) based on predetermined printing data on one surface of the card material 13, or The transfer of the sheet L is started. At this time the host computer 60, the respective heating portions 23H ₁ ~23H _N of the thermal head 23, the first temperature and the temperature approximately equal to the temperature obtained by subtracting the sum of the second temperature described above from a normal thermal transfer temperature (hereinafter , Which is called a third temperature).

Thereafter, when it is detected by the optical sensor 44 provided at the front stage of the second transport section 14B that the card material 13 has passed, the host computer 60 operates as follows.
In step SP32, the printing or transfer is ended, and the heat generation of the heater 55 provided on the transport roller 17A and the heater 56 provided on the thermal head 23 is ended.

After that, the host computer 60 drives the head motor (not shown) in step SP33 to rotate the cam 25 in a predetermined direction, thereby raising the head unit 21 in the printing state, and Is removed from the card material 13 and the process proceeds to step SP34 to return the thermal head 23 to the standby state, and then proceeds to step SP35 to drive the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 32 to remove the slack of the ink ribbon 33.

Thereafter, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP36 to determine whether or not the printing or the transfer has been completed. Only when a positive result is obtained, does the step SP3 proceed.
Go to 7.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP36, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP36.
38, the card material 13 is sent back through the second transporting section 14B and the first transporting section 14A sequentially along the transporting path CR in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow a, and is returned to the first transporting section. When it is detected by the optical sensor 43 provided at the subsequent stage of 14A that the card material 13 has passed, the process proceeds to step SP39, where the card material 13 is returned to the color image printing unit 20 again in the cueing state. Position so that

Subsequently, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP40, where the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 3
After rotating the ink ribbon 33 for a predetermined length by rotating the print head 2 to find the next color dye or film-like sheet, the process returns to step SP28 to return to the card transport unit 14 and the color image printing unit. By controlling step 20, the printing process up to step SP35 is performed again as described above, and the same process is repeated until a positive result is obtained in step SP36.

When a positive result is obtained in step SP36, this means that all the color images are printed on one side of the card material 13 and the film-like sheet L is laminated on the one side. ,
At this time, the host computer 60 determines in step SP37
Then, it is determined whether or not the other side of the card material 13 is to be printed.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP37, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP41 and transfers the card material 13 on which the desired color image is printed on only one side from the card transport unit 14 to the transport path C.
It is sent out in the direction indicated by arrow a along R. Thereafter, the host computer 60 controls the rotary transport unit 45 to rotate the first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A on one end side of the rotation mechanism 46 at the transport reference position, so that the card material 13 is rotated. Is moved to a card tray (not shown) provided outside through the card discharge port 11B on the end face of the housing 11 while moving in the direction indicated by the arrow a, and the process proceeds to step SP11 to execute the printing processing procedure R.
End T1.

On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step SP37, the host computer 60 returns to step SP19 and transfers the card material 13 from the card transport section 14 along the transport path CR in the direction indicated by the arrow a. The first flipper roller 48A in the rotation mechanism unit 46 at the transport reference position by controlling the rotary transport unit 45 while sending it out,
The card material 13 is held between the second flipper rollers 49A and 49B and between the second flipper rollers 49A and 49B.

Next, the host computer 60 proceeds to step SP20, controls the rotary transport unit 45, and rotates the rotary mechanism unit 46 at the transport reference position by 180 degrees in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow r, and returns the card material. 13 is the card transporter 1
After positioning at a position corresponding to the second transport unit 14B (hereinafter referred to as a reverse transport reference position), step S4 is performed.
Proceeding to P21, the first flipper roller 48A and the second flipper roller 49A at one end are rotationally driven to send out the card material 13 to the card transport unit 14 while moving the card material 13 in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow a.

Thereafter, the host computer 60 controls the card transport section 14 and the color image printing section 20 to execute the same printing processing as described above from step SP22 to step SP3.
By executing the processes up to 6, the color image based on the predetermined print data can be printed on the other surface of the card material 13 and the transfer of the film-like sheet L can be performed.

If a negative result is obtained in step SP36 in this way, this means that a desired color image has been printed on both sides of the card material 13. At this time, the host computer 60 executes step SP37. The card material 13 on which the desired color image is printed on both sides as it is via the card carrier 13 is sent out from the card carrier unit 14 in the direction indicated by the arrow a along the carrier path CR in the same manner as described above, and the card material 13 is moved to the carrier reference position. A certain rotation mechanism 4
6, the card is sent out to a card tray provided outside via the card ejection port 11B on the end face of the housing 11, and the process proceeds to step SP11 to end the printing processing procedure RT1.

On the other hand, in step SP18 described above,
If a negative result is obtained in
0, the process directly proceeds to step SP41 without performing the printing process on the card material 13 and sends the card material 13 from the card ejection port 11B to the card tray provided outside, as described above, and then proceeds to step SP11. Ends the print processing procedure RT1.

(4) Operation and Effect of the Present Embodiment In the above configuration, in the color image printing section 20 of the card printer 10, in the printing mode, first, as shown in FIG. The card material 13 positioned at a predetermined position on the transport path CR through the heater 55 built in the transport roller 17A of the first transport unit 14A
And the ink ribbon 33 in contact with the heater 56 provided on the thermal head 23 in the standby state is heated using the heater 56.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, when the thermal head 23 is in the printing state, each of the heat generating portions 23H _{1 to} 23H _{N of} the thermal head 23 pressed against the platen 15 via the ink ribbon 33 and the card material 13. and based on the print image data D _I, by heating approximately equal third temperature and the temperature obtained by subtracting the sum of the first and second temperature due to heat generation of both the heaters 55 and 56 from the normal thermal transfer temperature Then, various dyes applied to the ink ribbon 33 are thermally transferred to the surface of the card material 13.

As a result, at the start of the printing operation of the thermal head 23, the card material 13 and the ink ribbon
3 is in a heated state.
Calorific value of the heat generating portions 23H ₁ ~23H _N of 3, only requires min relatively small amount of heat generation than in the state in which the card material 13 and the ink ribbon 33 is not heated, reducing the amount of electricity supplied to the thermal head 23 And the time required for heat generation can be reduced.

According to the above-described configuration, in the card printer 10, the heater 55 is incorporated in the transport roller 17A located at the previous stage of the platen 15 on the transport path CR, and the thermal head 23 is opposed to the transport path CR. Is provided with a heater 56, and the card material 13 and the ink ribbon 33 are heated in advance before the printing operation of the thermal head 23 is started. Platen 1
5, the heat generating portions 23 </ b> H _{1 to} 23 </ b> H _N of the thermal head 23 only generate heat at a temperature lower than the normal thermal transfer temperature, and print image data D
A color image corresponding to _I can be printed, and as a result, the amount of electricity supplied to the thermal head 23 by the amount of heating of the card material 13 and the ink ribbon 33 can be reduced, and the time required for heat generation can be reduced. Thus, it is possible to realize the card printer 10 which can significantly improve the printing efficiency.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above-described embodiment, when the thermal head (transfer heat applying means) 23 is in the printing state, the thermal head (transfer heat applying means) 23 passes through the ink ribbon 33 and the card material (printing medium) 13. Each heating section 23 of the thermal head 23 pressed against the platen 15
The H ₁ ~23H _N, based on the print image data D _I, approximately equal to the temperature obtained by subtracting the sum of the first and second temperature due to heat generation (i.e., preheated) of both heaters 55 and 56 from the normal thermal transfer temperature Although the case where heat is generated at the third temperature has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the above-described third temperature may be kept at a normal thermal transfer temperature. The various dyes thus obtained can be thermally transferred onto the surface of the card material 13 at a higher density than usual.

In the above-described embodiment, the platen 1 in the conveyance path CR of the card material (printing medium) 13 is used.
The medium heating means for heating the card material 13, which is provided at the previous stage of FIG.
A has been described in the case where the printing medium is constituted by the heater 55 built in A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the point is that if the medium to be printed can be heated before printing is started,
In addition, it can be widely applied to various medium heating means.

For example, a heater (not shown) built in the transport rollers 16A, 18A, 19A, 16B to 19B other than the transport roller 17A, or a heater provided on the transport path CR so that the heating surface is exposed. A heater (not shown) may be applied as a medium heating unit.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a ribbon heating means for heating the ink ribbon 33 is provided.
Head surface 23 of thermal head (transfer heat applying means) 23
A has been described in the case where the ink ribbon 33 is constituted by the heater 56 provided in A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, if the ink ribbon 33 can be heated before printing is started, various other It can be widely applied to ribbon heating means.

For example, a heater may be built in a tension reel (not shown) provided between the supply reel 31 supporting the roll-shaped ink ribbon 33 and the take-up reel 32 for maintaining the tension of the ink ribbon 33. Then, this may be applied as ribbon heating means.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the card material 13 of the ISO standard is applied as the print medium has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the JIS (Ja)
PanIndustrial Standard) card materials may be used, and the present invention can be widely applied to various card materials having no IC memory and / or magnetic stripe. Further, as a print medium, in addition to a card material, it can be widely applied to various print media such as paper.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the thermal transfer type card printer 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and In the embodiment, any printing apparatus that performs printing by pressing the thermal head 23) against the platen 15 can be widely applied to various other printing apparatuses.

[0107]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a printing apparatus, a medium heating means for heating a printing medium is provided at a stage preceding a platen in a conveyance path of the printing medium,
Since the medium heating unit heats the print medium that is transported along the transport path before starting printing, the print medium is already in a heated state at the start of printing, Since the amount of heat generated by the head required for thermal transfer is relatively smaller than when the print medium is not heated, the amount of electricity supplied to the head can be reduced and the time required for heat generation can be shortened, and thus, A printing device that can significantly improve printing efficiency can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in a printing apparatus,
When the head is in a state separated from the platen, a ribbon heating means for contacting the ink ribbon and heating the ink ribbon is provided, and the ribbon heating means heats the ink ribbon before starting printing. Since the ink ribbon is already heated at the start of printing, the amount of heat generated by the head required for thermal transfer is relatively smaller than when the ink ribbon is not heated. The amount of electricity supplied to the printer can be reduced, and the time required for heat generation can be shortened. Thus, a printing apparatus that can significantly improve printing efficiency can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in the printing method, the printing medium conveyed along the conveyance path is heated before the platen before printing, so that the printing is started at the start of printing. Since the print medium is already heated, the amount of heat generated by the head required for thermal transfer is
A printing method in which the amount of electricity supplied to the head can be reduced and the time required for heat generation can be reduced by a relatively small amount as compared with the case where the printing medium is not heated, and thus the printing efficiency can be significantly improved. Can be realized.

Further, according to the present invention, in the printing method, before starting printing, the ink ribbon is heated while being in contact with the ink ribbon when the head is separated from the platen. Since the ink ribbon is already heated at the start of the process, the amount of heat supplied to the head is reduced by the amount of heat generated by the head necessary for thermal transfer, which is relatively smaller than when the ink ribbon is not heated. Can be reduced and the time required for heat generation can be reduced, and thus a printing method that can significantly improve the printing efficiency can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an external configuration of a card printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a transport roller with a heater.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a thermal head according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for describing an ink ribbon.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a color image printing unit.

6 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the thermal head shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a print processing procedure;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a print processing procedure.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a print processing procedure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a heat treatment of the ink ribbon and the card material according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram used for describing a heating process of the ink ribbon and the card material according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a conventional card printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,10 ...... card printer, 2,23 ...... thermal head, 3A~3N, 23H ₁ ~23H _N ...... heating unit,
4, 13 ... card material, 5, 31 ... supply reel, 6,
32 ... take-up reel, 7, 33 ... ink ribbon, 14
…… Card transport section, 14A …… First transport section, 14B…
... Second transport unit, 15 Platen, 16A to 19A,
16B to 19B: conveying roller, 20: color image printing unit, 21: head unit, 22: head holding mechanism unit, 40: magnetic recording / reproducing unit, 45: rotary conveying unit,
46: rotating mechanism unit, 50: IC recording / reproducing unit, 55,
56 ... heater, 60 ... host computer, 61 ...
... CPU, CR ... Conveyance path.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Hiroshi Takeuchi Inventor F-term (reference) 2C065 AA01 AC01 AD07 DA22 DA29 2C066 AA01 AA08 AC01 AD01 DA01 DA11 DA12 within 7-35 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

Claims (6)

[Claims] A printing apparatus for thermally transferring ink on an ink ribbon to a print medium based on a print signal and printing an image corresponding to the print signal on the print medium, wherein the transfer heat is transferred to the ink ribbon. And a ribbon heating means for heating the ink ribbon before thermally transferring the ink to the printing medium. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a medium heating means for heating the printing medium before thermally transferring the ink to the printing medium. 3. A printing apparatus for thermally transferring ink on an ink ribbon to a print medium based on a print signal and printing an image corresponding to the print signal on the print medium, wherein the transfer heat is transferred to the ink ribbon. And a medium heating means for heating the print medium before thermally transferring the ink to the print medium. 4. A printing method for printing an image corresponding to a print signal on a print medium by thermally transferring ink of the ink ribbon to a print medium based on a print signal, wherein the ink ribbon is preheated. A first step of giving a transfer heat to the ink ribbon, and a second step of giving a transfer heat to the ink ribbon. 5. The printing method according to claim 1, wherein in the first step, the printing medium is preheated. 6. A printing method for printing an image corresponding to the print signal on the print medium by thermally transferring the ink of the ink ribbon to the print medium based on the print signal. And a second step of applying transfer heat to the ink ribbon.