JP2001277558A - Light fixation device for color thermally sensitive printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light fixation device in a simple and small configuration. SOLUTION: A light fixation device 32 comprises a light fixer 41 for yellow, a light fixer 42 for magenta, a reflection plate 44, and an ultraviolet ray guide 43. An irradiation opening 43b is formed in the ultraviolet ray guide 43 so that an ultraviolet ray from the light fixers 41, 42 can be directed from the irradiation opening 43b to a recording paper 10. The reflection plate 44 is provided rotatably between a first position for directing the ultraviolet ray from a fixation lamp 47 for yellow so as to be incident on the ultraviolet ray guide 43, and a second position for directing the ultraviolet ray from a fixation lamp 48 for magenta so as to be incident on the ultraviolet ray guide 43. According to rotation of the reflection plate 44, the ultraviolet ray to be incident on the ultraviolet ray guide 43 can be switched.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, which irradiates ultraviolet light to a color thermal recording paper thermally recorded by a thermal head and optically fixes the recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art On a support, at least three types of thermosensitive coloring layers, for example, a cyan thermosensitive coloring layer, a magenta thermosensitive coloring layer,
2. Description of the Related Art A color thermal printer (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) that prints a full-color image by using a color thermal recording paper (hereinafter, referred to as a recording paper) in which yellow thermosensitive coloring layers are sequentially formed is known. In this printer, when printing, a thermal head is pressed against recording paper, a yellow image is thermally recorded on the yellow thermosensitive coloring layer having the highest thermal sensitivity, and immediately thereafter, the yellow thermosensitive coloring layer is irradiated with ultraviolet rays and fixed by light. Next, after a magenta image is thermally recorded on the magenta thermosensitive coloring layer, ultraviolet rays are applied to fix the light. Finally, a full-color image is obtained by thermally recording the cyan image on the cyan thermosensitive coloring layer.

[0003] As shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 50 denotes an optical fixing unit 151 for yellow and an optical fixing unit 152 for magenta.
Is composed of rod-shaped fixing lamps 153 and 154, and reflectors 157 and 158 for reflecting ultraviolet rays from the fixing lamps 153 and 154 toward the recording paper 156. The optical fixing devices 151 are arranged side by side on the transport path of the recording paper 156. The fixing lamps 153 and 154 are arranged with their longitudinal directions aligned with the width direction of the recording paper 156 (main scanning direction).
The reflectors 158 and 157 have fixing lamps 153 and 1 respectively.
Openings 157a and 158a for emitting the ultraviolet rays from the recording paper toward the recording paper 156 are formed.

In the optical fixing, the recording paper 156 is conveyed in the sub-scanning direction, and the entire surface of the recording area of the recording paper 156 is opened by an opening 157.
a, 158a by passing at a constant speed,
The fixing is performed so that the fixing light amount becomes uniform over the entire recording area. Reference symbol L0 indicates a length from the front end to the rear end of the recording paper 156, and Ly and Lm indicate respective transport distances during yellow and magenta light fixing.

In the printer disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-193423, the yellow and magenta optical fixing devices are connected to both ends of a displaceable (rotatable and vertically movable) arm. The container is selectively arranged at a position close to the thermal head. According to this, since the transport distance Lm can be shortened, the printing time can be shortened accordingly.

[0006]

However, the above-described conventional apparatus requires a mechanism for rotating each optical fixing device and moving the optical fixing device up and down, so that the structure is complicated. Further, since it is necessary to secure a rotation space for the optical fixing device itself, the size of the printer is increased.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer capable of shortening a printing time by shortening a conveying distance at the time of fixing with a simple structure. It is another object of the present invention to reduce the size of the printer.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to the first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that at least three of the first to third thermal sensitizers which emit different colors. A color-forming layer is sequentially provided on the support, and at least the second and third heat-sensitive color-developing layers have a fixing property by ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range peculiar to each heat-sensitive color-developing layer. Using a color thermosensitive recording paper, heat recording is performed by a thermal head while transporting the color thermosensitive recording paper, and before recording the next thermosensitive coloring layer, the recorded third and second thermosensitive coloring layers are respectively recorded. A first fixing light source and a second fixing light source for irradiating ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range specific to the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, wherein the ultraviolet rays from the first and second fixing light sources are Guide me An ultraviolet guide means for irradiating ultraviolet light to the color thermosensitive recording paper through an irradiation opening located on the conveyance path of the thermosensitive recording paper; and one of ultraviolet light from the first fixing light source and ultraviolet light from the second fixing light source is And a switching means for causing the light to enter the entrance opening of the ultraviolet light guide means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, the switching means includes a first position for reflecting ultraviolet rays from a first fixing light source toward the ultraviolet guide means, and a second fixing means. It is characterized by comprising a reflecting plate which is displaceable between a second position where the ultraviolet light from the light source is reflected toward the ultraviolet light guide means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, wherein each of the fixing light sources is disposed so that the first fixing light source and the second fixing light source face each other, and between the fixing light sources. The reflection plate is provided rotatably, and the ultraviolet light entering the entrance opening is switched by rotating the reflection plate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, the first fixing light source and the second fixing light source are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction, and the reflecting plate is connected to the vertical fixing light source. The ultraviolet light entering the entrance aperture is switched by moving in an arbitrary direction.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, the reflecting surface of the reflection plate is formed as a concave curved surface. The fixing device includes a reflecting surface of the reflecting plate,
The cross-sectional shape is constituted by a combination of a plurality of planes so as to form a concave arc shape.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, wherein the first and second fixing light sources are respectively accommodated, and the first and second openings for emitting ultraviolet rays from the respective fixing light sources are respectively formed. The first and second reflectors are provided, and the width of each of the first and second openings is made equal to the width of the entrance opening of the ultraviolet guide.

The optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 8, wherein the switching means is a first fixing device arranged in the conveying direction.
The first and second fixing light sources are integrally moved such that one of the fixing light source and the second fixing light source faces the ultraviolet guide means.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, the width of the irradiation opening is smaller than that of the entrance opening.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, wherein a condenser lens is arranged near the entrance aperture so that ultraviolet rays are focused on the irradiation aperture.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fixing device for a color thermal printer, wherein at least first to third at least three thermosensitive coloring layers which form different colors are sequentially formed on a support, and at least the second and third thermosensitive coloring layers are provided. The thermosensitive coloring layer has a fixing property by ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range peculiar to each thermosensitive coloring layer, and uses a color thermosensitive recording paper whose thermal recording sensitivity is lower at the deeper layer. A first fixing method in which thermal recording is performed by a head and before recording the next thermosensitive coloring layer, the recorded third and second thermosensitive coloring layers are irradiated with ultraviolet rays having a wavelength range unique to each of the recording layers, and optically fixed. In a light fixing device for a color thermal printer having a light source and a second fixing light source, means for selecting one of the first and second fixing light sources is provided, and the ultraviolet light from the selected fixing light source is used for the color heat recording. It is characterized in that the irradiating.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In FIG. 2, which shows a layer structure of a color thermosensitive recording paper, a recording paper 10 has a thermosensitive coloring layer 12, 13 of cyan, magenta and yellow on a support 11 such as paper or plastic film. , 14 and transparent protective layer 15
Are layered in order. The cyan thermosensitive coloring layer 12 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (2), when the thermal sensitivity is the lowest and a relatively large thermal energy is applied, cyan is developed. The magenta thermosensitive coloring layer 13 has a medium heat sensitivity and develops magenta color by heating. The yellow thermosensitive coloring layer 14 has the highest thermal sensitivity and develops yellow when a relatively small amount of heat energy is applied.

The yellow thermosensitive coloring layer 14 and the magenta thermosensitive coloring layer 13 have a light fixing property so as to prevent uncolored coloring components from being colored when the thermosensitive coloring layer below the thermosensitive coloring layer is formed. Have been. That is, when the magenta thermosensitive coloring layer 13 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the wavelength range around 365 nm, the coloring ability is lost. The yellow thermosensitive coloring layer 14 loses its coloring ability due to near ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range around 420 nm. The order of the thermosensitive coloring layers 12 to 14 may be interchanged.

The printer 21 shown in FIG.
2 and a paper feed unit 23. A recording paper roll 26 in which the long recording paper 10 is wound in a roll shape is set in the paper supply unit 23. The recording paper roll 26 is driven by a drive motor 28 via a paper feed roller 27 that contacts the outer peripheral surface. When the drive motor 28 rotates forward, the recording paper roll 26 rotates clockwise, and the recording paper 10 is sent to the printing unit 22. When the drive motor 28 rotates in the reverse direction, the recording paper roll 26 rotates counterclockwise, and the recording paper 10 is rewound on the recording paper roll 26.

As the drive motor 28, a pulse motor that rotates by a fixed angle every time one drive pulse is given is used. The transport amount of the recording paper 10 is controlled by counting the number of drive pulses.

In the printing section 22, a thermal head 31, an optical fixing device 32, a pair of conveying rollers 33, a cutter 36, and a pair of paper discharging rollers 37 are arranged on a conveying path. Also,
Near the thermal head 31, a leading edge detection sensor 38 for detecting the leading edge of the recording paper 10 is provided. The leading edge detection sensor 38 is for obtaining the timing to start counting the driving pulse, and sends a detection signal to the controller when the leading edge of the recording paper 10 is detected. As the tip detection sensor 38, for example, a reflection type photo sensor is used.

The printed recording paper 10 is placed on a cutter 36.
It is sent to the position and cut and cut into sheets. The printed recording paper 10 cut into sheets is discharged by a discharge roller pair 37. The discharge roller pair 37 is
It is driven by a discharge motor 39.

The thermal head 31 is provided with a heating element array 31a in which a number of heating elements are arranged in a line along the width direction of the recording paper 10. Each heating element generates heat in accordance with image data, and presses and heats the recording paper 10 to record dots in color. The thermal head 31 is provided movably between a position where the heating element array 31 a is pressed against the recording paper 10 and a position where the heating element array 31 a is retracted from the recording paper 10. A platen roller 40 is disposed so as to face the thermal head 31. The platen roller 40 supports the recording paper 10 pressed against the thermal head 31 from the back. Thermal recording is performed while the recording paper 10 is transported in the feed direction by the transport roller pair 33.
The recording paper 10 is moved from the portion where the thermal recording is completed to the optical fixing device 3.
2 and are sequentially light-fixed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the light fixing device 32 includes a yellow light fixing device 41, a magenta light fixing device 42, an ultraviolet guide 43, a reflection plate 44, and a rotating mechanism 46.
Light fixing device 41 for yellow and light fixing device 42 for magenta
Are fixing lamps 47 and 48 for yellow and magenta, respectively.
And each of the reflectors 51 and 52. For each of the fixing lamps 47 and 48, a rod-shaped straight tube type lamp is used.
The recording paper 10 is arranged with its longitudinal direction aligned with the width direction of the recording paper 10.

The yellow fixing lamp 47 emits near-ultraviolet light having an emission peak of 420 nm, and the magenta fixing lamp 48 emits ultraviolet light having an emission peak of 365 nm. Each of the fixing lamps 47 and 48 fixes the recorded yellow thermosensitive coloring layer 14 and magenta thermosensitive coloring layer 13 so as not to further develop a color. Each of the reflectors 51 and 52 accommodates each of the fixing lamps 47 and 48, and each of the reflector main bodies 51a and 52a that reflects ultraviolet rays from each of the fixing lamps 47 and 48 on a reflection surface formed on the inner surface thereof, and each of the reflector main bodies 51a. , 52a formed at the openings 51b and 52b for emitting the reflected ultraviolet rays toward the reflection plate 44.
Each of the optical fixing devices 41 and 42 is provided such that each of the openings 51b and 52b faces each other.

The reflection plate 44 is provided between the openings 51b and 52b, and reflects two types of ultraviolet rays emitted from the openings 51b and 52b toward the ultraviolet guide 43. The reflection surface 44a of the reflection plate 44 is formed by a curved surface having a circular cross section, and bends the paths of the two types of ultraviolet rays by 90 °. The reflection plate 44 has a first position (indicated by a solid line in the drawing) for reflecting the ultraviolet rays from the yellow fixing lamp 47 toward the ultraviolet guide 43 around the virtual axis 53, and the ultraviolet rays from the magenta fixing lamp 48. Is rotatable between a second position (indicated by a two-dot chain line in the figure) where the light is reflected toward the ultraviolet light guide 43.

By this rotation, the ultraviolet light incident on the ultraviolet guide 43 is selectively switched between the ultraviolet light from the yellow fixing lamp 47 and the ultraviolet light from the magenta fixing lamp 48. The reflection plate 44 is set at the first position in the initial state. The reflection plate 44 is driven by a rotation mechanism 46.

The ultraviolet guide 43 guides the ultraviolet light reflected by the reflection plate 44 to the recording paper 10. The ultraviolet guide 43 has an entrance opening 43a through which the ultraviolet light reflected by the reflection plate 44 is incident, and an irradiation opening 43b arranged on the conveyance path of the recording paper 10 for emitting the ultraviolet light and irradiating the recording paper 10. ing. The ultraviolet guide 43 and the reflectors 51 and 52 are integrally formed. By doing so, the ultraviolet rays bent in the direction of the recording paper 10 by the reflection plate 44 are prevented from leaking from other than the irradiation opening 43a. Of course, if a light-blocking member or the like is provided to prevent light leakage, they may be separately provided.

Further, by providing the ultraviolet guide 43,
Since each of the optical fixing devices 41 and 42 is disposed at a position separated from the recording surface of the recording paper 10 by the height of the ultraviolet guide 43, a space is generated between the recording surface and each of the optical fixing devices 41 and 42. . By arranging the thermal head 31 and the transport roller pair 33 in this space, the thermal head 31 is brought closer to the irradiation opening 43b, and the space in the printer 21 is efficiently used.

The width Wb between the inner walls of the reflector bodies 51a, 52a is constant along the transport direction, and the width Wb is equal to the opening width W0 of the openings 51b, 52b. The opening width W0 and the opening width W1 of the entrance opening 43a are set to the same width. In this example, the opening width W1 of the entrance opening 43a and the opening width W2 of the irradiation opening 43b are set.
And have the same width. By doing so, each fixing light source 4
The optical path width of ultraviolet rays from 7, 48 to the recording paper 10 is made constant. It is known from experiments that a high irradiation efficiency can be obtained by keeping the optical path width constant.

Further, in this embodiment, the radius of curvature r of the reflection surface of the reflection plate 44 and each of the opening widths W0 and W1 are made equal so that the light path width does not change even in the portion where the light path is bent. That is, Wb = W0 = W1 = r, and in this example, the value is set to “16 mm”.

In graph 1 shown in FIG. 5, the width Wb is set to "16 m
m ”, the fixing ability of the optical fixing device 32 and the reflection plate 4
4 shows the relationship with the radius of curvature r. here,
The fixing ability refers to the recording paper 1 passing under the irradiation opening 43b.
It refers to the maximum passing speed of the recording paper 10 that can provide a desired fixing light amount with respect to 0. In other words, an optical fixing device that can increase the maximum passage speed has a higher fixing ability because the amount of fixing light that can be applied to recording paper per unit time is larger.

As can be seen from this graph 1, the fixing ability shows the highest value when the radius of curvature r is set to 16 mm, which is the same as the width Wb. In this example, based on this experimental value, Wb = W0 = r = 16 mm.
The opening width W1 of the entrance opening 43 is determined. Note that these values are appropriately selected in consideration of the shape and the like of each of the reflectors 51 and 52.

The light fixing is performed by passing the entire surface of the recording area under the irradiation opening 43a while conveying the recording paper 10. Since both the ultraviolet light emitted by the yellow fixing lamp 47 and the ultraviolet light emitted by the magenta fixing lamp 48 are irradiated from the irradiation opening 43b, the transport distance of the recording paper 10 and the light fixing of the magenta when the yellow light fixing is performed. If you do, it will be the same distance. Therefore, as compared with the conventional optical fixing device, the conveyance distance at the time of magenta optical fixing is shortened, so that the printing time is shortened.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. When a print instruction is issued, the drive motor 28 rotates forward and the recording paper 10 is fed. When the leading edge of the recording paper 10 passes through the thermal head 31 and is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 38, the count of the driving pulse is started. Recording paper 1
When 0 reaches the transport roller pair 33, it is nipped by the transport roller pair 33. At this position, the recording paper 10 temporarily stops and the thermal head 31 is pressed against the recording paper 10.
The drive motor 28 resumes rotation and the thermal head 31
Thus, the yellow image is thermally recorded line by line.

At this time, the fixing lamp 47 for yellow is also turned on. Since the reflecting plate 44 is at the first position in the initial state, the ultraviolet light emitted by the fixing lamp 47 is reflected by the reflecting plate 44, enters the ultraviolet guide 43, and is emitted from the irradiation opening 43b. As a result, the yellow thermosensitive coloring layer 14 is sequentially irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the portion where the thermal recording is completed, and the light is fixed.

When the rear end of the recording area of the recording paper 10 reaches the irradiation opening 43b and the entire surface of the recording area is fixed with yellow light, the drive motor 28 rotates in reverse to rewind the recording paper 10. When the recording start position of the recording paper 10 reaches the thermal head 31, the drive motor 28 rotates in the reverse direction to start magenta thermal recording.

At this time, the magenta fixing lamp 48 is turned on, and the turning mechanism 46 is operated to turn the reflecting plate 44 to set it at the second position. As a result, the magenta ultraviolet rays enter the ultraviolet guide 43, and the magenta thermosensitive coloring layer 1 is sequentially formed from the portion where the thermal recording of the magenta image is completed.
3 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to perform light fixing. Since the transport distance for magenta light fixing is shortened, the fixing time is shortened, and the printing time is shortened.

When the magenta thermal recording and the optical fixing are completed, the drive motor 28 rotates in the reverse direction, the recording paper 10 is once rewound, and is conveyed again in the feed direction to start the thermal recording of the cyan image. When the thermal recording of the cyan image ends,
The drive motor 28 rotates forward as it is, and the recording paper 10 is sent to the cutter 36 position. The printed recording paper 10 is cut into sheets by the cutter 36 and discharged.

In the reflecting plate 44 of the above example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the reflecting surface 44a has an arc-shaped curved surface in cross section. As long as it can be bent toward the entrance opening 43a of the guide 43, it is configured by combining a plurality of planes, such as the reflection surface 56a of the reflection plate 56 shown in FIG. The shape may be a concave arc shape, or a concave curved surface having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as a reflection surface 57a of a reflection plate 57 shown in FIG. 6C.

In the reflector 44, the radius of curvature r is equal to the width W0 of each of the openings 51b, 52b. Therefore, the height of the projection surface of the reflector 44 projected onto each of the openings 51b, 52b and the height of each of the openings 51b , 52b have the same width, but the height of the projection surface and the width of each of the openings 51b, 52b need not be the same.

In the optical fixing device 61 shown in FIG. 7, the opening width W2 of the irradiation opening 62b of the ultraviolet guide 62 is changed to the incident opening 62a.
This is an example in which the irradiation opening 62b is formed narrower than the opening width W1. According to this, since the transport distance of yellow and magenta during light fixing is further reduced, the printing time is further reduced. The same members are indicated by the same reference numerals.

The optical fixing device 71 shown in FIG. 8A is an example in which a yellow optical fixing device 72 and a magenta optical fixing device 73 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Each of the reflectors 74 and 76 and the ultraviolet guide 79 are formed integrally.

The reflecting plate 77 is transported between a position where the ultraviolet light emitted from the fixing lamp 72 is reflected toward the ultraviolet guide 79 and a position where the ultraviolet light emitted from the fixing lamp 48 is reflected toward the ultraviolet guide 79. And is slidably provided in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction. The ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation opening 79b is switched by the sliding of the reflection plate 77. Also,
7B, the width W2 of the irradiation opening 82b may be smaller than the width W1 of the incident opening 82a, like the ultraviolet guide 82 of the optical fixing device 81 shown in FIG.

Light fixing devices 86 and 87 shown in FIGS.
, Fixing lamps 47 for yellow and magenta,
48 may be provided in plurality. Light fixing device 8
Reference numeral 6 denotes an example in which a reflecting plate 88 rotatably mounted is provided between each of the optical fixing devices 89 and 91.
Is an example in which the optical fixing devices 92 and 93 are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and a reflecting plate 94 is slidably provided. Since two fixing lamps 47 and 48 are provided, the amount of fixing light increases accordingly. For this reason, the conveyance speed of the recording paper 10 can be increased, and the printing time is reduced.

Each of the fixing lamps 4 provided two by two
7 and 48 are arranged along the openings 89a, 91a, 92a and 93a of the reflectors 89, 91, 92 and 93 along the opening width W0 of the reflectors. Irradiation apertures 96b, 97b
, The increase in the transport distance during light fixing is suppressed. Also, two fixing lamps 47 and 48 are provided.
To the openings 89a, 91a, 92a, 93a, respectively.
May be arranged side by side in the direction perpendicular to the width direction. This suppresses an increase in the opening width W0.

The optical fixing device 101 shown in FIG.
By sliding the yellow and magenta optical fixing units 102 and 103 themselves, the irradiation opening 10 of the ultraviolet guide 104 is set.
This is an example of switching the ultraviolet light emitted from the light emitting device 4b. Each of the optical fixing devices 102 and 103 is movably provided between a position facing the entrance opening 104 a of the ultraviolet guide 104 and a position retracted from the facing position, and is driven by the slide mechanism 106. Each optical fixing device 102, 10
3 is provided integrally with the optical fixing device 1 for yellow.
02 comes to the facing position, the magenta optical fixing device 10
3 moves to the retracted position, and the magenta optical fixing device 103
Comes to the facing position, the yellow optical fixing device 102 moves to the retracted position.

According to this, each of the optical fixing units 102, 103
Since only the slide itself is moved, the space for securing the movement space can be small, and the slide mechanism can have a simple structure. The space between the optical fixing devices 102 and 103 and the recording paper 10 due to the provision of the ultraviolet guide 104 is provided with a pair of transport rollers 33 and a thermal head 31 so that the space in the printer can be efficiently used. We use regularly.

The optical fixing device 107 shown in FIG.
This is an example in which a plurality of (three) fixing lamps 47 and 48 are provided. Yellow and magenta optical fixing units 108 and 109
Each of the reflectors 111, 112 has its opening 108a,
Reference numeral 109a is disposed so as to face the recording paper 10 conveyance direction. By arranging the fixing lamps 47 and 48 vertically in a direction perpendicular to the width direction of the openings 108a and 109a, the amount of fixing light can be increased without increasing the transport distance of the recording paper 10 during optical fixing. Let me.

The optical fixing device 113 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a plurality of (two) fixing lamps 47 and 48, and these are mounted on each of the reflectors 114 and 1 arranged facing the recording paper 10.
This is an example in which 16 openings 114a and 116 are arranged in the width direction. In this case, the opening width W0 of the openings 114a and 116a of the reflectors 111 and 112 is increased, and accordingly, the width W of the entrance opening 117a of the ultraviolet guide 117 is adjusted accordingly.
1 is also wider. Therefore, by narrowing the irradiation opening 117b, the fixing light amount is increased without increasing the transport distance during light fixing.

The optical fixing device 118 shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which a condenser lens 119 is arranged on the optical path of the ultraviolet light emitted from each of the fixing lamps 47 and 48. The condenser lens 119 is provided in the entrance opening 120a of the ultraviolet guide 120,
The ultraviolet guide 120 having a narrowed irradiation opening 120b is used. By providing the condenser lens 119, the ultraviolet rays incident from the entrance opening 120a are collected, and the collected ultraviolet rays are emitted from the irradiation opening 120b. By doing so, the transport distance during light fixing does not increase,
The amount of fixing light increases. In addition, the provision of the condenser lens 119 reduces the amount of ultraviolet light reflected on the inner wall surface of the ultraviolet light guide 120, so that the recording paper 10 is irradiated with high-intensity ultraviolet light.

The condenser lens 119 is connected to the ultraviolet guide 1
20 and may be provided independently of each other.
14, 116 may be provided one by one.

The optical fixing device 121 shown in FIG.
As a fixing light source, instead of a straight tube fixing lamp, light emitting element arrays 122 and 123 in which a large number of light emitting elements that emit ultraviolet rays for yellow and magenta are arranged in a line.
The light irradiating means 124 provided with is provided.

As the light emitting element, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) is used. Further, in addition to the LED, a plasma light source that emits light by gas discharge of neon or the like, a fluorescent display tube, electroluminescence (EL), or the like may be used. The light emitting element arrays 122 and 123 need not be used, and one light emitting element formed in a line may be used. Also, instead of the ultraviolet guide 126, FIG.
As shown in the optical fixing device 131 shown in FIG.
An ultraviolet guide 132 narrowing 32b may be provided.

The optical fixing device 136 shown in FIGS.
137 is provided with a light irradiation means 141 provided with wide light emitting elements 138 and 139. Optical fixing device 136
Is provided with an ultraviolet guide 142 having a narrowed irradiation opening 142b.
Is provided with a condenser lens 144. According to these, as described in the example using the fixing lamp described above,
The amount of fixing light increases without increasing the transport distance during light fixing.

By providing a mirror or the like for bending the optical path of the ultraviolet light in the ultraviolet guide, the optical path of the ultraviolet light from the entrance opening to the irradiation opening may be bent. According to this, since the degree of freedom of the shape of the ultraviolet guide is increased, the ultraviolet guide and the optical fixing device can be arranged according to the arrangement of each part in the printer, and the space in the printer can be efficiently used. Can be. Further, the ultraviolet guide may be constituted by a light shielding curtain or the like.

Further, in the above-described example, an example is described in which one entrance opening and one irradiation opening are provided in the ultraviolet guide.
The ultraviolet guide is provided with two entrance apertures, a yellow entrance aperture through which ultraviolet rays from the yellow fixing light source enter and a magenta entrance aperture through which ultraviolet rays from the magenta fixing light source enter. By arranging the light sources facing each other and selectively lighting each fixing light source, the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation opening may be switched.

In each of the above embodiments, an example is described in which an ultraviolet guide is provided, but the optical fixing device 1 shown in FIG.
If a member 147 having an irradiation opening 148 is arranged on the conveyance path of the recording paper 10 as in 46, the ultraviolet guide may not be provided. In this optical fixing device 146, the reflection plate 4
By the rotation of 4, the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation opening 148 to the recording paper 10 is selectively switched between the ultraviolet light from the yellow light fixing device 41 and the ultraviolet light from the magenta light fixing device 42.

In this case, it is necessary to take measures against light so that the recording paper 10 is not irradiated with ultraviolet rays from a position other than the irradiation opening 148. As a countermeasure, for example, a recording paper guide for guiding the conveyance of the recording paper may be provided in the conveyance path, and the irradiation opening 148 may be formed in the recording paper guide.
The switching of the ultraviolet light emitted from the irradiation opening 148 to the recording paper 10 may be performed by moving the reflector up and down as in the above-described example, or by sliding the fixing light source itself. It may be something. Further, a condenser lens may be provided.

In the above example, a printer using a recording paper roll obtained by winding a long recording paper in a roll shape has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a printer using a sheet cut in advance to a prescribed size. .

[0062]

As described in detail above, the optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to the present invention guides the ultraviolet rays from the first and second fixing light sources to move the ultraviolet ray from the first and second fixing light sources onto the conveyance path of the color thermosensitive recording paper. An ultraviolet guide means for irradiating ultraviolet light to the color thermosensitive recording paper through an irradiation opening positioned therein, and one of ultraviolet light from the first fixing light source and ultraviolet light from the second fixing light source enters the entrance opening of the ultraviolet guide means. By providing the switching means, the transport distance at the time of fixing is shortened, so that the printing time can be shortened.

Further, by displacing the reflector or slidingly moving the first and second fixing light sources, the ultraviolet light incident on the entrance opening is switched.
The movement of the reflector and each fixing light source becomes simple, and the switching means can be configured with a simple structure. In addition, since a space for displacing the reflection plate and a space for moving each fixing light source are small, the size of the printer can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a layer structure of a color thermosensitive recording paper.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing the coloring characteristics of a color thermosensitive recording paper.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a printer using the optical fixing device of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the fixing ability of the optical fixing device and the radius of curvature of the reflector.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a shape of a reflection surface of a reflection plate.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device in which the width of the incident aperture is reduced to the width of the irradiation aperture.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device in which optical fixing devices are vertically arranged, and a reflecting plate is slid up and down to switch ultraviolet light.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device having a plurality of fixing lamps of the optical fixing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device having a plurality of fixing lamps of the optical fixing device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device in which yellow and magenta optical fixing devices are arranged in a transport direction, and the respective optical fixing devices are slid to switch ultraviolet light.

12 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device in which a plurality of fixing lamps of FIG. 11 are provided and the fixing lamps are arranged vertically.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an optical fixing device in which a plurality of fixing lamps of FIG. 11 are provided and arranged side by side.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device using a light emitting element as a fixing light source.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a light fixing device using light irradiation means having a large light emitting area.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an optical fixing device without an ultraviolet guide.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a conventional optical fixing device.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 color thermal recording paper 32,61,71,81,86,87,101,10
7, 113, 118, 121, 131, 136, 13
7, 146, 150 Light fixing device 21 Color thermal printer 41 Light fixing device for yellow 42 Light fixing device for magenta 43, 62, 79, 82, 96, 97, 104, 11
7, 120, 126 UV guides 43b, 62b, 96b, 97b, 104b, 117
b, 120b, 148 Irradiation aperture 44, 56, 57, 77 Reflector 46 Rotating mechanism 47 Yellow fixing lamp 48 Magenta fixing lamp 51, 52 Reflector 78 Slide mechanism

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A method according to claim 1, wherein at least three first to third heat-sensitive coloring layers for forming different colors are sequentially formed on the support.
At least the second and third heat-sensitive coloring layers are provided with a fixing property by ultraviolet rays in a wavelength range peculiar to each heat-sensitive coloring layer, and use a color heat-sensitive recording paper whose heat recording sensitivity becomes lower as the depth increases.
While the color thermosensitive recording paper is conveyed, heat recording is performed by a thermal head, and before the next thermosensitive coloring layer is thermally recorded, the recorded third and second thermosensitive coloring layers are irradiated with ultraviolet light having a wavelength range unique to each. In a light fixing device for a color thermal printer having a first fixing light source and a second fixing light source for irradiating and light fixing, guiding ultraviolet rays from the first and second fixing light sources,
An ultraviolet guide means for irradiating ultraviolet rays to the color thermosensitive recording paper through an irradiation opening located on a conveyance path of the color thermosensitive recording paper; and one of the ultraviolet rays from the first fixing light source and the ultraviolet rays from the second fixing light source. And a switching unit for causing the light to enter the entrance opening of the ultraviolet guide unit. 2. The switching unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a first position for reflecting ultraviolet light from a first fixing light source toward the ultraviolet light guide unit; and an ultraviolet light from a second fixing light source toward the ultraviolet light guide unit. 2. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting plate is a reflecting plate which can be displaced between said reflecting position and said second position. 3. The fixing light sources are arranged such that the first fixing light source and the second fixing light source face each other.
3. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 2, wherein said reflection plate is rotatably provided between each fixing light source, and the reflection plate is rotated to switch ultraviolet rays entering said entrance opening. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing light source and the second fixing light source are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to a conveying direction, and the reflecting plate is moved in the perpendicular direction to enter the entrance opening. 3. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet light is switched. 5. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 2, wherein the reflection surface of said reflection plate is formed as a concave curved surface. 6. The color thermal printer according to claim 2, wherein the reflection surface of the reflection plate is constituted by a combination of a plurality of planes such that the cross-sectional shape is a concave arc. Light fixing device. 7. A first and a second housing for accommodating the first and second fixing light sources, respectively, and for emitting ultraviolet rays from the respective fixing light sources.
A first reflector and a second reflector, each having an opening formed therein, are provided, and the width of each of the first and second openings and the width of the entrance opening of the ultraviolet guide are made equal. 7. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to any one of 1 to 6. 8. The switching means integrally moves the first and second fixing light sources such that one of the first and second fixing light sources arranged in the transport direction faces the ultraviolet guide means. 2. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein: 9. The optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein the width of the irradiation opening is smaller than that of the entrance opening. 10. An optical fixing device for a color thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein a condenser lens is arranged near said entrance aperture so that ultraviolet rays are focused on said irradiation aperture. . 11. A first to third at least three heat-sensitive coloring layers which emit different colors are sequentially provided on a support, and at least the second and third heat-sensitive coloring layers are unique to each heat-sensitive coloring layer. Using a color thermosensitive recording paper that has a fixing property with ultraviolet light in a wide wavelength range and the thermal recording sensitivity is lower at the deeper layer, heat recording is performed by a thermal head while transporting this color thermosensitive recording paper, and the next thermosensitive coloring layer is formed. A color thermosensitive device having a first fixing light source and a second fixing light source for light-fixing the recorded third and second thermosensitive coloring layers by irradiating ultraviolet light having a specific wavelength range to each of the recorded thermosensitive coloring layers before thermal recording. An optical fixing device for a printer, comprising: means for selecting one of the first and second fixing light sources, and irradiating ultraviolet light from the selected fixing light source to the color thermosensitive recording paper. Light fixing device.