JP2005186497A - Strip-shaped thermal transfer film and thermal transfer printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer printer which can enhance convenience of a user by achieving a space saving and a reduction in cost. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of ink layers Y, M, C and Bk, which can be transferred onto a card C, and a single clear layer CL, wherein a transfer layer is not built up, are sequentially and repeatedly arranged in an ink ribbon R. A thermal head 32 of an information recording part 20 continuously performs printing processing wherein printing information peculiar to a possessor of the card is irreversibly printed on the card C by sequentially heating respective sections of the ink layers Y, M, C and Bk of the ink ribbon R, and printing processing wherein the rewrite printing area with a leuco dye and a developer on the side of the card C is heated in the state of abutting on the clear layer CL of the ink ribbon R, so that printing can be done in the rewrite printing area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printing apparatus that prints various information such as images and characters on a medium such as a card by a thermal transfer method and a thermal transfer film used in the thermal transfer printing apparatus, and in particular, information such as letters and numbers by thermal reversible printing. The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printing apparatus capable of rewriting the image and a thermal transfer film used in the thermal transfer printing apparatus.

  Conventionally, when creating a card-like medium such as a credit card, cash card, license card, ID card, etc., a thermal image is transferred to a recording medium by a thermal head and a desired image / character is printed and recorded. A thermal transfer printing apparatus is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In general, this method has the advantage that a high-quality image can be obtained by using ink properties having high gradation expression by using heat sublimation ink. This is effective when printing etc.

  On the other hand, in recent years, rewritable cards or rewritable cards that are used for applications such as point cards, prepaid cards, leisure cards, and the like that can repeatedly print and rewrite display data such as numbers and letters have become widespread. A printing device (reader / writer) that rewrites by printing is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). In addition, a card (for example, “Fine Rewrite IC Card” manufactured by Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.) in which the rewritable display data area is provided in part of the above-described credit card (for example, an IC card) has been commercialized. Yes. In this type of card, unique information such as a photograph of the cardholder's face and name is printed, and numbers and the like are printed in a rewritable display data area (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

  Moreover, as a thermal transfer film used when printing desired images and characters in the above-described thermal transfer type printing apparatus, a plastic film such as a polyester film is used as a base film, and one of the base film Sublimation-type thermal transfer film provided with a dye layer comprising a heat sublimable dye and a binder such as a resin on the surface, and heat provided with an ink layer comprising a colorant such as a pigment and a heat-meltable composition instead of the dye layer There are melt-type thermal transfer films, and these are used as appropriate. These thermal transfer films are applied with heat energy according to image information from the back by a heating device such as a thermal head, and the respective ink components are sublimated or thermally melted to be transferred onto a transfer target such as a card or a plastic sheet. Ink images such as characters and images are formed on the ink.

Japanese Patent No. 3330355 Japanese Patent No. 3125247 JP-A-8-224973 (FIGS. 8 and 9)

  However, when the cardholder's unique information is printed on the card-like medium described above and printed in the display data area, the cardholder's unique information is printed in the display data area. Therefore, if a printing device capable of printing with a single device configuration is obtained, it is possible to save space and cost, and to handle and work for the user. Since it is possible to realize a thermal transfer printing apparatus with improved performance, it is considered that such a printing apparatus is widely used.

  Also, in a printing device that repeatedly prints and rewrites display data such as numbers and letters by thermoreversible printing, a dye and a developer for coloring are formed in layers on the card-like medium side where the display data is formed. The card-like medium is applied with a predetermined thermal energy by a heating device such as a thermal head to form display data such as numbers and letters, so that the thermal transfer film is substantially unnecessary. .

  In view of the above-described case, the present invention can be used in a printing apparatus that irreversibly prints the owner's unique information and issues a card-like medium that can be reversibly printed in the display data area. It is a first object to provide a thermal transfer film that can perform the above.

  It is a second object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer printing apparatus that can cope with the printing and printing processes described above, can save space and cost, and can improve the convenience for the user. .

  In order to solve the first problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a belt-like thermal transfer film for forming an image on a card-like medium by heating, and a transfer layer transferable to the card-like medium is provided. A plurality of stratified sections and a single section that does not form the transfer layer are sequentially and repeatedly arranged.

  In the first aspect, a belt-shaped thermal transfer film for forming an image on a card-like medium by heating comprises a plurality of sections in which a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium is formed, and a single layer that does not form a transfer layer. The compartments are arranged sequentially and repeatedly. For this reason, for example, printing that irreversibly prints information unique to the card owner, such as a face photo of the owner of the card-like medium or a name, using a plurality of sections formed of a transfer layer. The processing and the printing processing for reversibly printing numbers or the like on the card-like recording medium can be continuously performed using a single section that does not form a transfer layer.

  In the first embodiment, the plurality of compartments are substantially transparent to protect at least one heat sublimable and / or heat meltable ink layer and the surface of the card-like medium imaged with the ink in the ink layer. You may make it arrange | position with a protective layer continuously. In addition, the ink layer may have a plurality of heat sublimable dye layers and a single heat-meltable pigment layer arranged in succession. In such a form, it is preferable that the single section that does not form the transfer layer is continuously provided with the same base material as the plurality of sections in which the transfer layer is formed in the lowermost layer. At this time, a position detection test member may be provided between a plurality of sections in which the transfer layer is formed and a single section in which the transfer layer is not formed.

  In order to solve the second problem, the second aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of sections in which a transfer layer transferable to a card-like medium is formed, and a single section in which the transfer layer is not formed. A thermal transfer printing apparatus provided with a printing unit that heats a thermal transfer film in which compartments are sequentially and repeatedly arranged to print an image on the card-like medium, the printing unit layering the transfer layer of the thermal transfer film An image is printed on a predetermined printing area of the card-like medium having a leuco dye and a developer in contact with a single section that is not formed.

  In the second aspect, since the plurality of sections in which the thermal transfer film is formed with a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium and the single section in which the transfer layer is not formed are repeatedly arranged, printing means Is a card-like medium in which at least one of a plurality of compartments in which a transfer layer of a thermal transfer film is layered on a card-like medium or each compartment is sequentially heated to form a card-like medium. Printing process for irreversibly printing information unique to the owner of the card-like medium, etc., and a leuco dye on the card-like medium side in contact with a single section that does not form the transfer layer of the thermal transfer film Since a predetermined printing area having a developer can be heated and a printing process for printing an image on the printing area can be continuously performed, space saving and cost reduction can be achieved without requiring a plurality of printing apparatuses. To plan It is, it is possible to enhance the convenience of the user.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a belt-shaped thermal transfer film for forming an image on a card-like medium by heating comprises a plurality of sections in which a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium is formed, and the transfer layer as a layer Since a single section that is not formed is sequentially and repeatedly arranged, information specific to the owner of the card-like medium is irreversibly printed on the card-like recording medium using a plurality of sections that are formed with a transfer layer. The printing process for performing printing and the printing process for reversibly printing numbers or the like on a card-like recording medium using a single section that does not form a transfer layer can be obtained. it can.

  Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of sections in which the thermal transfer film is layered with a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium and a single section in which the transfer layer is not layered are sequentially repeated. Therefore, the printing means is a method for controlling the card-shaped medium by heating at least one section or each section of the plurality of sections in which the transfer layer of the thermal transfer film is layered on the card-shaped medium. A print process for irreversibly printing information unique to the image, and a predetermined print having a leuco dye and a developer on the card-like medium side in contact with a single section that does not form the transfer layer of the thermal transfer film. Since the printing process for heating the area and printing the image on the print area can be performed continuously, space saving and cost reduction can be achieved without using a plurality of printing apparatuses. Interest It is possible to enhance the sexual effects can be obtained as.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a card recording apparatus that records an image on a card used as an ID card will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Card>
First, a card C as a card-like medium used in the card recording apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a card (blank card) C is disposed in a strip shape below, and a rewrite print area as a first print area that is allowed to be repeatedly erased (erased) and colored (printed) by heating. 101 and a unique information printing area 105 as a second area which is arranged above the rewrite printing area 101 and which is printed with unique information for identifying the cardholder and is not allowed to be repeatedly erased and colored. have.

  In the present embodiment, information such as accumulated points, balance, usage history, and the like is printed in the rewrite print area 101 in accordance with the use of the card C used in numbers or letters. In addition to the background print area 104, the unique information print area 105 includes an image print area 102 for printing a cardholder's face photo, a name, an employee number or a member number, etc., with characters, barcodes, and the like. It is divided into a character print area 103 to be represented.

  As will be described later, characters, images, and the like are printed in the unique information printing area 105 by using a thermal sublimation transfer method (or heat melting transfer method) using the ink ribbon R. Since this is an area where information for identifying (specifying) the owner is printed, unlike the rewrite printing area 101, it is an area where an aspect incapable of rewriting (discoloring by heating, etc.) is desired. The card C is formed using an ink ribbon R, which will be described later, and protects the printing surface of characters, images, etc. formed in the unique information printing area 105 (the image printing area 102, the character printing area 103, and the background printing area 104). A protective layer transfer area 106 is provided, and the protective layer transfer area 106 is a larger area than the unique information printing area 105. In this embodiment, the card C is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that can accept heat sublimable ink.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rewrite printing area 101 of this embodiment includes a base material (core material) 111 made of PVC resin, a transparent or white PET film 112, a rewrite layer 113, and protection for ensuring durability. The layers 114 are sequentially stacked, but besides these, a colored layer or a design printed layer on which pre-printing has been performed may be appropriately stacked in accordance with the intended use of the card to be used.

  In the present embodiment, the rewrite action in the rewrite print area 101 is of a type that causes a chemical reaction when the leuco dye and the developer contained in the rewrite layer 113 are subjected to thermal energy. That is, in the decolored state, the colorless leuco dye and the developer are present in a separated state, but when heated to a predetermined temperature (170 ° C. to 180 ° C.), the cohesive force between molecules. The developer and the leuco dye, which have the property of enhancing the color and the color of the leuco dye, are melted to develop a color of the leuco dye.

  In this embodiment, a thermal head 32 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is used as a configuration for heating to a colored state, and a plurality of heating elements (head main body) 32a arranged at the tip of the thermal head 32 are used. By controlling the heat generation based on the print information, desired numbers or letters can be printed (colored) in the rewrite print area 101. Further, as a general characteristic of the thermal head, the heating element is rapidly heated by application, and the heating element is rapidly cooled by cutting off the application, which is suitable for the above-described rewrite action.

  On the other hand, the rewrite action also has a transition from the colored state to the original decolored state, and the leuco dye and developer melted and crystallized in the colored state are in a predetermined temperature range (120 ° C to 140 ° C) by heating for a certain period of time, it is gradually separated and slowly cooled, so that each crystallizes and the leuco dye returns to its original colorless state.

  In the present embodiment, a thermal head 32 is used as a configuration for shifting to a decolored state by heating. That is, the thermal head 32 of this embodiment also functions as an image erasing unit. As described above, the rewrite print area 101 having the rewrite layer 113 is an area in which the reversible mode of erasing (erasing) and coloring (printing) can be repeatedly performed by heating with the thermal head 32.

<Configuration of card recording device>
Next, the configuration of the card recording apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the card recording apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first transport path p1 disposed substantially horizontally inside the housing 1, and a substantially vertical shape perpendicular to the first transport path p1. And a second transport path p2.

  On the first transport path p 1, a card supply unit 10 that accommodates blank cards (card-like medium) C and feeds the cards C one by one to the first transport path p 1, the first on the downstream side of the card supply unit 10. A cleaner 80 for cleaning the surface of the card C fed to the transport path p1, and a card as card rotating means for rotating the card C around the intersection point X between the first transport path p1 and the second transport path p2. A reversing unit 70 and a card discharging unit 50 for discharging the card C transferred from the card reversing unit 70 to the outside of the housing 1 are provided on the downstream side of the card reversing unit 70. On the other hand, on the second transport path p2, an information recording unit 20 is disposed as a printing unit that records various information on at least one surface of the card C.

  The card supply unit 10 includes a card stacker 11 that can accommodate a plurality of blank cards C in a stacked manner. The card stacker 11 is formed with an opening slot that allows passage of only one card C at a position facing the first transport path p1, and is positioned at the lowest position among the cards C stacked in the card stacker 11. By rotating the kick roller 12 in contact with the card C to be rotated, only one card C is sent out to the first transport path p1. Further, on both sides of the kick roller 12, guide rollers r1 and r2 for guiding the lowest card C fed out by the kick roller 12 so as to be transported substantially horizontally along the first transport path p1 are disposed. .

  Above the card stacker 11, an opening / closing lid 13 that allows the upper and side surfaces of the card stacker 11 to be opened is disposed. One side of the opening / closing lid 13 is hinged to the upper part of the housing 1 so as to be rotatable (see FIG. 3). A plurality of card alignment pieces 13 a that abut against the blank card C are formed inside the opening / closing lid 13, and a plurality of blank cards C (card bundles) are loaded into the card stacker 11 with the opening / closing lid 13 being opened. The card aligning piece 13a can press the one end side of the card bundle to align the card bundle by loading the inside of the card into a stack and closing the open / close lid 13.

  The cleaner 80 is composed of two pairs of rollers, a cleaning roller 81a made of an adhesive rubber material or the like, and a pressure contact roller 81b in pressure contact with the cleaning roller 81, and these roller pairs pass through the first transport path p1. They are facing each other. By rotating the cleaning rollers 81a disposed above and below, foreign matters such as dust attached to both surfaces of the card C fed to the first transport path p1 are removed.

  The card reversing unit 70 supports the pinch rollers 71a and 71b and the pinch rollers 71a and 71b, which are paired so as to be able to hold the card C, so as to be rotatable, and center the intersection point X between the first transport path p1 and the second transport path p2. And a rotating frame 72 that rotates, and the card C conveyed on the first conveying path p1 is rotated to feed the card C onto the second conveying path p2 or vice versa. And the information recording unit 20 has a function of inverting (turning over) the card C in order to print on one or both sides of the card C.

  The pinch rollers 71a and 71b are pressed against each other across the first transport path p1 when the rotation frame 72 is in the horizontal state, and are pressed against each other across the second transport path p2 in the vertical state. The pinch roller 71b is a driving roller, and the pinch roller 71a is a driven roller. The rotation of the rotation frame 72 and the rotation of the pinch rollers 71a and 71b are performed by operating a drive system (not shown, stepping motor A, which will be described later) that drives these in synchronization. If the rotation frame 72 is rotated while the card is sandwiched between the pinch rollers 71a and 71b, the pinch rollers 71a and 71b rotate together to displace the card C. Therefore, the rotation frame 72 is rotated. At this time, the pinch rollers 71a and 71b are reversely rotated by the same angle. In order to prevent the pinch rollers 71a and 71b from rotating together when the rotation frame 72 is rotated, the rotation frame 72 and the pinch rollers 71a and 71b may be independently driven.

  The card discharge unit 50 includes a discharge roller pair r4 that discharges the card C that has been subjected to the intended printing process and passed from the card reversing unit 70 to the outside of the housing 1. The discharge roller pair r4 is pressed against the first conveyance path p1. An opening 50 a is formed in the housing 1 on the extension line of the first transport path p 1, and the opening 50 a constitutes a part of the card discharge unit 50.

  The information recording unit 20 adopts the configuration of a thermal transfer printer, and includes a platen roller 21 provided at a recording position Sr on the second transport path p2, a thermal head 32 provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the platen roller 21, In synchronization with the printing operation of the thermal head 32, there are conveyance roller pairs 25 and 26 for moving the card C forward and backward (up and down in FIG. 4) on the second conveyance path p2 with respect to the recording position Sr. The card C is transported substantially vertically along the second transport path p2 between the card reversing section 70 and the information recording section 20 and below the transport roller pair 26 on the second transport path p2. Guide roller pairs r3 and r5 for guiding are provided.

  An ink ribbon (thermal transfer film) R coated with thermal transfer ink is interposed between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 32. When information such as characters or images is thermally transferred and recorded on the card C moving along the second transport path p2 (in a printing execution state described later), the ink ribbon R is supplied from the ribbon supply reel 23a and the thermal head. It is wound around a ribbon take-up reel 23b that is driven along with the rotation of the take-up roller pair 22 and winds up the ink ribbon R while abutting substantially the entire surface at 32 (the front end portion). At this time, the thermal transfer ink component applied to the ink ribbon R is transferred to the card by selectively operating the heating element of the thermal head 32 while pressing the thermal head 32 with the ink ribbon R interposed on the surface of the card C. The image is transferred to the surface of C and the desired image is printed. A plurality of guide rollers are arranged in the transport path of the ink ribbon R.

  A gear (not shown) is fitted to the drive side roller shaft of the winding roller pair 22, and this gear meshes with a gear having a clock plate (not shown) coaxially. In order to manage the winding amount of the ink ribbon R, an integrated transmission sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation of the clock plate (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the clock plate (not shown). Further, on the upstream side (ribbon supply reel 23a side) of the thermal head 32, transmission as a detection means comprising a light emitting element 95a and a light receiving element 95b provided to face each other with the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween. A sensor 95 is provided and, as will be described later, by detecting a position detection mark 120 (see FIG. 7B) provided at a predetermined portion of the ink ribbon R, or stacked on the ink ribbon R. Based on the state in which the plurality of ink layers thus transmitted or blocks the light from the light emitting element 95a, the leading end of the predetermined portion of the ink ribbon R with respect to the card C is positioned.

  As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the advancing and retreating operation of the thermal head 32 with respect to the platen roller 21 includes a holder 41 that detachably holds the thermal head 32, a driven roller 42 fixed to the holder 41, and a driven roller 42. This is executed by the head advance / retreat drive unit 40 including a non-circular cam 43 that rotates while contacting the circumference and a spring 44 that presses the holder 41 against the cam 43.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the thermal head 32 includes a plurality of members as a unit. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the thermal head 32 is attached to the head holder 41 via the holding frame 32b (a state in which the thermal head 32 is attached to the head holding position). In this state, the thermal head 32 holds a not-shown engagement piece between the thermal head 32 and a pressing member (not shown) pressed toward the locking claw 41f of the base frame 41a, and a stable coupling state is obtained at the head holding position. can get.

  When the thermal head 32 attached to the head advance / retreat drive unit 40 is removed, that is, when the thermal head 32 is removed from the head holding position, the finger fixing piece 41c and the finger hanging piece 41m are pinched with fingers to point the finger hanging piece 41m. Pull toward the fixed piece 41c. As a result, the space between the pressing member (not shown) and the locking claw 41f widens, and the thermal head 32 releases the above-described engaging piece. In this state, the thermal head 32 can be extracted from the head advance / retreat drive unit 40 by pulling the extraction piece 32d.

  When the extracted thermal head 32 is mounted again, or when a new thermal head 32 is mounted, it can be executed by a method reverse to the above-described extraction method. As a result, the thermal head 32 is restrained in position and is reliably positioned at the head holding position with high accuracy, and printing accuracy during thermal transfer printing can be ensured.

  The thermal head 32 held at the head holding position is positioned in the non-operating state (see FIG. 6A) for attaching and detaching the ink ribbon R to / from the card recording apparatus 100 and a plurality of thermal heads 32 positioned at the tip of the thermal head 32. In the print standby state (see FIG. 6B) in which the head main body 32a in which the heat generating elements are arranged is positioned in the vicinity of the printing position Sr, the head main body 32a is pressed against the surface of the card C via the ink ribbon R. One of the print execution states (see FIG. 6C) is taken.

  The head advancing / retreating drive unit 40 can selectively take one of the three states, the non-operation state, the print standby state, and the print execution state, by controlling the rotation of the cam 43. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the non-operating state, the cam 43 contacts the driven roller 42 at the minimum radius portion and positions the head main body 32a at the farthest position from the ink ribbon R (printing position Sr). In this state, the ink ribbon R can be extracted from the inside of the card recording apparatus 100 in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6B, in the print standby state, the cam 43 is in contact with the driven roller 42 at the intermediate radius portion, and the head main body 32a is positioned at a position close to the ink ribbon R while being separated. Is issued, the head main body 32a stands by so that the head main body 32a can quickly move to a position where it contacts the ink ribbon R. As shown in FIG. 6C, in the printing execution state, the cam 43 contacts the driven roller 42 at the maximum radius portion, and the head main body 32a presses against the card C via the ink ribbon R. In this state, by selectively heating and driving the plurality of heating elements of the head main body 32a, the thermal transfer ink component applied to the ink ribbon R is thermally transferred to the surface of the card C, and desired image information is transferred to the card surface. Printed.

  In the printing execution state, the ink ribbon R and the card C move at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6C relative to the head main body 32a. When the card C passes the printing position Sr and printing is completed, the head main body 32a shifts to a print standby state as shown in FIG. When the image is continuously printed on the card C, the head main body 32a moves to the print execution state position shown in FIG. That is, the thermal head 32 repeats the print standby state shown in FIG. 6B and the print execution state shown in FIG. 6C when card printing is executed unless the ink ribbon R needs to be extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the information recording unit 20 is provided with a fan 24 in the vicinity of the thermal head 32 for cooling the ambient temperature of the thermal head 32 and its surroundings to maintain a predetermined environmental temperature. ing. The fan 24 operates to rapidly cool the rewritable printing area 101 after the thermal head 32 develops the leuco dye in the rewritable printing area 101 and promotes crystallization of the developer and the leuco dye.

  Further, the card C is transported between the cleaner 80 and the card reversing unit 70 in the vicinity of the first transport path p1 and between the guide roller pair r3 and the transport roller pair 25 in the vicinity of the second transport path p2. Integrated transmission sensors S1 and S2 are provided for detecting the front and rear ends of the direction.

  The card recording apparatus 100 is driven by the power of five stepping motors capable of forward and reverse rotation. That is, the kick roller 12 of the card supply unit 10 and the rotation frame 72 of the card reversing unit 70 are driven by a single stepping motor A (hereinafter referred to as “motor A”) (not shown), the pressure contact roller 81b of the cleaner 80, the card reversal. The pinch roller 71b of the section 70 and one (drive roller) of the discharge roller pair r4 are driven by one stepping motor B (hereinafter referred to as motor B) (not shown). Further, the conveying roller pairs 25 and 26 and the platen roller 21 are driven by a single stepping motor M (hereinafter referred to as a motor M) (not shown). Further, a spool shaft disposed at the center of the take-up roller pair 22 and the ribbon take-up reel 23b, and a spool shaft disposed at the center of the ribbon supply reel 23a are provided with a stepping motor Y (hereinafter referred to as motor Y). The cam 43 is driven by a stepping motor Z (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as “motor Z”). The power of the motors A and B is transmitted to each of the drive rollers described above via a drive transmission system and an electromagnetic clutch (not shown). The motor Y functions as part of a transport unit that transports the ink ribbon R (thermal transfer film).

  The card recording device 100 also drives a control unit 98 for controlling the operation of the entire card recording device 100, a control unit 98 as a determination unit, and each mechanism unit and control unit from a commercial AC power source. / It has the power supply part 99 converted into the DC power supply which can be operated.

  The control unit 98 includes a CPU block that performs control processing of the card recording apparatus 100. The CPU block includes a CPU that operates as a central processing unit with a high-speed clock, a ROM that stores control operations of the card recording apparatus 100, a RAM that functions as a work area of the CPU, and an internal bus that connects these.

  An external bus is connected to the CPU block. The external bus has a sensor control unit for controlling signals from various sensors, a motor driver for sending drive pulses to each motor, an actuator control unit for controlling an electromagnetic clutch, etc., and a thermal head control for controlling the thermal energy of the thermal head 32. A unit, an external input / output interface for communicating with an external computer such as a personal computer, and a RAM for storing image information to be printed on the card C (hereinafter, this RAM is distinguished from a RAM connected to the internal bus) Therefore, it is referred to as an external RAM). The sensor control unit, the actuator control unit, and the thermal head control unit are connected to sensors including sensors S1, S2, and 95b, motor drivers for motors A to D, an electromagnetic clutch (not shown), and thermal head 32, respectively.

<Ink ribbon>
Next, the ink ribbon R used in the card recording apparatus 100 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the ink ribbon R has a heat-meltable ink following the ink layers Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) having sublimable dyes. The ink layers Bk (black) are arranged in the surface order. Further, these ink layers are followed by a substantially transparent protective layer O, and the transfer layers such as the ink layers Y, M, C, and Bk and the protective layer O. The clear layer CL with the substrate portion 131 exposed without having a pattern is sequentially arranged. In other words, the ink ribbon R is formed on the same (common) base film 130 with the ink layers Y, M, C, and Bk as the first transfer layer and the protective layer O as the second transfer layer. And a clear layer CL that does not have a transfer layer and the base portion 131 is exposed has a belt-like shape formed in the surface order.

  Further, a position detection mark 120 as a member to be detected for detecting the base material portion 131 is provided adjacent to the base material portion 131 (clear layer CL) with a predetermined width. In the present embodiment, as described above, since the transmission sensor 95 including the light emitting element 95a and the light receiving element 95b is employed as the detecting means for detecting the mark 120, the mark 120 is provided with heat-meltable Bk (black) ink. Is used.

  In FIG. 7B, the base material portion 131 is indicated by an exaggerated thick line so as to be easily visible. Further, in FIG. 7B, the boundary portion between the protective layer O and the base portion 131 (clear layer CL) of the mark 120 is shown as a large step, but this is exaggerated for easy visual recognition. In practice, the thickness of each layer is adjusted in consideration of the durability such as the tensile strength of the ink ribbon R, or another different substantially transparent layer that does not affect the predetermined printing process is used. The ink ribbon R as a whole is prepared to have substantially the same thickness.

  Examples of the material for the base film 130 include polyester, polypropylene, cellophane, saponified ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, nylon, polyimide, polyvinylidene chloride, and polyvinyl alcohol. Examples thereof include plastic films such as fluororesin, chlorinated rubber, and ionomer, papers such as capacitor paper and paraffin paper, and non-woven fabrics, and composites thereof. The thickness of the base film 130 can be appropriately determined in consideration of required strength, thermal conductivity, and the like, and is usually preferably about 2 to 10 μm. The base film 130 is desirably flexible because the ink ribbon R is conveyed through a guide roller or the like.

  The ink layers Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) are layers in which a heat sublimable dye is supported by an arbitrary binder resin, and conventionally known dyes can be used. The thing currently used for the dye transfer film can be mentioned. Specifically, examples of yellow (yellow dye) include holon brilliant yellow 6GL, PTY-52, and macrolex yellow 6G. Examples of magenta (red purple dye) include MS Red G, Macrol ex Red Violet R, Ceres Red 7B, Samaron Red HBSL, Resolin Red F3BS, and the like. Examples of cyan (blue green dye) include Kayaset Blue 714, Waxolin Blue AP-FW, Holon Brilliant Blue S-R, MS Blue 100, and the like. It is done.

  Examples of the binder for supporting the dye include cellulose resins such as ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, Examples thereof include vinyl resins such as polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyacrylamide, and polyesters. Among the above resins, cellulose-based, acetal-based, butyral-based, and polyester-based resins are preferable from the viewpoints of heat resistance, dye transferability, and the like. In addition, various additives may be contained in the dye layer in which a heat sublimable dye is supported by an arbitrary binder resin, if necessary. The thickness of the dye layer is 0.2 to 5 μm, preferably about 0.4 to 2 μm, and the dye layer contains the sublimable dye in a proportion of 5 to 90% by weight, preferably 10 to 70% by weight. It is desirable.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the heat-meltable ink is used for the ink layer Bk (black), and is formed on one surface of the base film 130 via a release layer (not shown). The ink layer Bk as the heat-meltable ink layer is composed of a colorant and a vehicle, and may be added with various additives as necessary. The colorant is preferably an organic or inorganic pigment, and the concentration is preferably in the range of 5 to 20% by weight. Examples of the vehicle include wax or resin as a main component, and other dry oil, mineral oil, cellulose, and rubbers such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, chloroprene rubber, and acrylic rubber. And a mixture thereof. Typical examples of the wax include microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, and paraffin wax. In addition, Fischer-Tropsch wax, various low molecular weight polyethylene, wood wax, beeswax, whale wax, ibota wax, wool fat, shellac wax, candelilla wax, petrolactam, partially modified wax, fatty acid ester, fatty acid amide, cadellin wax, rice Various waxes such as wax and montan wax are used. Representative examples of resins include acrylic, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, nylon, methacrylic resin, styrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, vinylidene chloride resin, novolac resin, olefin resin, polyacetal resin, vinyl acetate resin, petroleum resin, etc. Can be mentioned. The thickness of the heat-meltable ink layer Bk is preferably set so that the required concentration and thermal sensitivity can be harmonized, but in the present embodiment, a thickness in the range of about 1 to 10 μm is used.

  Further, the ink ribbon R protects the surface of a transfer object such as a card C on which characters, images, etc. are formed, and improves the scratch resistance, gloss, light resistance, weather resistance, whiteness, etc. A protective layer O is formed. The protective layer O can be formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, a mixture of synthetic resin and wax, or the like. Examples of the synthetic resin used for the protective layer O include cellulose resins such as ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate butyrate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, and polyvinyl. Examples thereof include vinyl resins such as pyrrolidone and polyacrylamide. Examples of the wax used for the protective layer O include microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, various low molecular weight polyethylenes, wood wax, beeswax, whale wax, ibota wax, wool wax, shellac wax. , Candelilla wax, petrolactam, partially modified wax, fatty acid ester, fatty acid amide, and the like. The amount of the wax used is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the synthetic resin.

  The protective layer O can contain substantially transparent inorganic or organic fine particles. By including such fine particles, the film breakage during the transfer of the protective layer O can be improved, the scratch resistance of the protective layer O can be improved, and the surface gloss of the protective layer O can be suppressed. A matte surface can be obtained. Examples of the fine particles include relatively high transparency such as silica, Teflon powder, and nylon powder. The amount of fine particles used is preferably 0.1 to 10% by weight based on the synthetic resin. In addition, when the usage-amount exceeds 10 weight%, there exists a possibility that the transparency and durability of the protective layer O may fall. Further, by adding additives such as an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, and a fluorescent brightening agent to the protective layer O, the gloss, light resistance, weather resistance, etc. of the image covered with the protective layer O after being transferred, Whiteness and the like can be improved.

  As a method of forming a protective layer on the base film 130, an ink in which an additive such as an antistatic agent or wax is added to the synthetic resin as necessary is prepared, and this ink is applied to the base film 130 (or Examples thereof include a method of coating and drying on a release layer (not shown) that has already been layered using a known means such as gravure coating, gravure reverse coating, roll coating, and the like. The thickness of the protective layer O to be formed is about 0.5 to 5 μm, and preferably about 1 to 2 μm.

<Operation of card recording device>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, regarding the operation of the card recording apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, (A) an issuing process for creating (issuing) an ID card with the CPU of the control unit 98 as the main body, (B ) Deletion processing for erasing characters and the like printed in the rewrite print area 101 of the issued ID card, and (C) Rewrite processing for rewriting characters and the like printed in the rewrite print area 101 of the issued ID card. . In FIGS. 8 and 9, some of the constituent members shown in FIG. 4 are omitted.

(A) Issue processing The CPU receives image information (for example, color bitmap), character information to be printed or printed in the image print area 102, the character print area 103, the background print area 104, and the rewrite print area 101 received from the external computer. (For example, monochrome bitmap) and print information (for example, monochrome bitmap) are received and stored in the external RAM.

  Next, when a preprocessing command is received from an external computer, image information to be printed in the image print area 102 and image information to be printed in the background print area 104 are given priority over the image information to be printed in the image print area 102. An image information combining process is performed for combining and storing in the external RAM as image information to be printed in the unique information print area 105. At this time, the character print area 103 remains the image information of the background print area 104, and the character information printed in the character print area 103 is not considered. In the preprocessing, the size of the protective layer transfer area 106 that is larger than the size of the unique information print area 105 and smaller than the card size is referred to by referring to the header information of the unique information print area 105 (size of the unique information print area 105). And the protection area calculation process which calculates a position and stores it in RAM is performed. Such image information composition processing and protected area calculation processing may be performed on the external computer side.

  Further, in the preprocessing, the combined image information, character information, and print information are read from the external RAM, and image information to be printed in the unique information print area 105 (excluding character information printed in the character print area 103). Is converted into thermal energy for each of Y, M, and C according to the thermal characteristics of the unique information print area 105, and the print information to be printed in the character print area 103 is determined according to the thermal characteristics of the unique information print area 105. For the print information to be printed in the rewrite print area in monochrome, the heat energy conversion process is performed to convert the heat information in monochrome and store it in the external RAM according to the thermal characteristics of the rewrite print area 101. Then, it waits until there is a print command from the external computer. The amount of heat energy from the thermal head 32 when printing (coloring) on the rewrite print area 101 via the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) described above is the ink layer of the ink ribbon R in the character print area 103. The amount of heat energy is converted to be equal to or slightly larger than the heat energy when transferring Bk.

  When there is a print command, the CPU turns on the electromagnetic clutch to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor A to the kick roller 12, and turns on the other and other electromagnetic clutches to turn on the rotational driving force of the motor B to the cleaner 80. The pressure contact roller 81b and the pinch roller 71b of the card reversing unit 70 are transmitted. As a result, the kick roller 12 rotates, and only the lowest card c1 to be recorded is fed out from the card stacker 11 along the first transport path p1 and transported to the card reversing unit 70 via the cleaner 80. FIG. 8A shows a state immediately before the card c1 is paid out. In FIG. 8A, for reference, the surface f (upper side) of the card c1 to be recorded is represented by dots (the same applies to FIG. 9A).

  Next, the CPU turns off the electromagnetic clutch when the integrated transmission type sensor S1 disposed between the cleaner 80 and the card reversing unit 70 detects the leading edge of the card c1 and then drives the motor A for a predetermined pulse. Then, the rotation of the kick roller 12 is stopped. When the rear end of the card c1 is detected, the other electromagnetic clutch is turned off to stop the rotation of the pressure roller 81b.

  Next, when the CPU is fed until the center of the card c1 moving along the first transport path p1 reaches the intersection X of the first and second transport paths, as shown in FIG. 8B, In a state where the card c1 is held between the pinch rollers 71a and 71b, another electromagnetic clutch is turned on to transmit the rotational driving force from the motor A, and the rotating frame 72 is rotated around the intersection X. In FIG. 8B, the rotation frame 72 is rotated 270 degrees counterclockwise on the assumption that printing is performed on the card surface f, but 90 degrees clockwise in the direction opposite to the arrow. You may make it rotate.

  The CPU monitors whether the rotation frame 72 rotates 270 degrees in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8B and the card c1 coincides with the second transport path p2 by a sensor (not shown). When rotated 270 degrees, the motor M that rotates the pair of conveying rollers 25 and 26 and the platen roller 21 disposed on the second conveying path p2 is driven, and another electromagnetic clutch is turned on to rotate the driving force of the motor B. Is transmitted to the pinch roller 71b, and the card c1 is sent out toward the information recording unit 20 (see the dotted line state in FIG. 9A). As shown in FIG. 9A, when the card c1 is sent from the card reversing unit 70 to the information recording unit 20, the recording start point of the card c1 (the upper end of the card c1 shown in FIG. 9A) is the recording position. Completion when Sr is reached. For example, the position of the card c1 is such that the rear end of the card c1 transported on the second transport path p2 is an integral transmission type sensor S2 disposed between the guide roller pair r3 and the transport roller pair 25. Can be grasped by counting the number of pulses of the motor M thereafter.

  Next, a printing process on the card c1 is executed. The printing processing includes (1) printing processing on the unique information printing area 105, (2) printing processing on the character printing area 103, (3) transfer processing of the protective layer O to the protective layer transfer area 106, and (4) rewrite. This is performed in the order of printing processing on the printing area 101.

  (1) In the printing process on the unique information printing area 105, first, the motor Y is transported in the transport direction of the ink ribbon R (the direction of winding by the ribbon take-up reel 23b), and the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95. Then, the ink ribbon R is transported in the return direction by a predetermined distance (conveyance of the ink ribbon R by the motor Y), and the front end position of the ink layer Y is positioned so as to face the thermal head 32. Next, by driving the motor Z, the cam 43 is rotated, and the thermal head 32 in the print standby state is moved toward the card c1 to shift to the print execution state. As a result, the thermal head 32 presses the ink layer Y of the ink ribbon R against the card surface f. In this state, while moving the card c1 toward the card reversing unit 70 (see the arrow in FIG. 9A), the heating element (head main body) of the thermal head 32 is changed according to the Y thermal energy conversion amount stored in the external RAM. 32a) is selectively heated and the ink component of the ink layer Y of the ink ribbon R is thermally sublimated on the surface of the card c1 to print (form an image). When printing with the ink layer Y is completed, the thermal head 32 is shifted from the printing execution state to the printing standby state by driving the motor Z, and the next printing (printing or printing by each layer layered on the ink ribbon R) is performed. Ready for printing).

  When printing with the ink layer Y is completed, the motor M is reversely rotated until the recording start point of the card c1 reaches the recording position Sr, and the motor Y is driven to transport the ink ribbon R to set the leading end position of the ink layer M to thermal. Position so as to face the head 32. Next, by driving the motor Z, the thermal head 32 is shifted to the print execution state, and the thermal head 32 presses the ink layer M against the card surface f. In this state, while moving the card c1 toward the card reversing unit 70, the heating element of the thermal head 32 is selectively heated according to the M thermal energy conversion amount stored in the external RAM, and the ink layer of the ink ribbon R is moved. The ink component of M is printed on the surface of the card c1 by heat sublimation. Similarly, the ink component of the ink layer C is printed on the surface of the card c1, and the printing process to the unique information printing area 105 is completed. As a result, the image separated into the three colors Y, M, and C and formed in the unique information printing area 105 of the card c1 is printed (recorded) as a color image.

  Next, (2) in the printing process on the character printing area 103, the motor M is reversely rotated until the recording start point of the card c1 reaches the recording position Sr, and the motor Y is driven to convey the ink ribbon R to perform ink. After positioning the front end position of the layer Bk so as to face the thermal head 32, the thermal head 32 is shifted to the printing execution state by driving the motor Z, and the thermal head 32 causes the ink layer Bk to move to the card surface f. Press. In this state, while moving the card c1 toward the card reversing unit 70, the heating element of the thermal head 32 is selectively heated according to the thermal energy conversion amount of the character information stored in the external RAM, and the ink on the ink ribbon R The ink component of the layer Bk is heat-melted and printed on the surface of the card c1. As a result, character (including codes) information such as the cardholder's name, affiliation, and ID number (employee number or membership number) is printed (recorded) in the character print area 103 of the card c1.

  Subsequently, (3) in the transfer process of the protective layer O to the protective layer transfer region 106, the motor M is reversed until the recording start point of the card c1 reaches the recording position Sr, and the motor Y is driven to drive the ink ribbon R. , The leading end position of the protective layer O is positioned so as to face the thermal head 32, and then the motor Z is driven to shift the thermal head 32 to the printing execution state. Press against the surface f. In this state, while moving the card c1 toward the card reversing unit 70, according to the information on the size and position of the protective layer transfer region 106 calculated by the protective region calculation process and stored in the RAM (or notified from the external computer), All the heating elements of the thermal head 32 corresponding to the protective layer transfer area 106 are heated, and the protective layer O is transferred to the protective layer transfer area 106 so as to cover the unique information printing area 105. This protects the printing of information unique to the owner, such as the background image, the owner's face photo, name, affiliation, ID number (employee number, membership number, etc.), and prevents rewriting and the like.

  In the next (4) printing process to the rewrite printing area 101, the printing stored in the external RAM with the clear layer CL (base material part 131) of the ink ribbon R interposed between the thermal head 32 and the card c1. By selectively heating the heating elements of the thermal head 32 according to the amount of heat energy converted into information, desired numbers or characters are printed (colored) in the rewrite printing area 101 of the card c1.

  That is, in the printing process in the rewrite printing area 101, first, the motor M is reversed until the recording start point of the card c1 reaches the recording position Sr. Next, since the protective layer O and the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) have translucency, the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95 prior to the printing process, and the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) is detected. Locating the beginning of. In other words, when the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95, the ink ribbon R is conveyed backward by a predetermined distance in the returning direction, and the leading position of the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) is positioned so as to face the thermal head 32. . Subsequently, by driving the motor Z, the thermal head 32 is shifted to the printing execution state, and the thermal head 32 presses the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) against the card surface f. In this state, while the card c1 is moved toward the card reversing unit 70, the heating elements of the thermal head 32 are selectively heated according to the thermal energy conversion amount of the print information stored in the external RAM. In the rewrite layer 113 layered in the rewrite print area 101 of the card c1, the leuco dye and the developer are present in a separated state, but as described above, the clear layer CL (base layer) of the ink ribbon R is present. By heating at a predetermined temperature from the thermal head 32 through the material portion 131) and the protective layer 114 formed in the rewrite printing area 101, the leuco dye and the developer are melted and the leuco dye is colored. The CPU activates the fan 24 simultaneously with the heating operation by the thermal head 32 in order to promote a rapid cooling action for fixing (maintaining the colored state) numbers or characters printed (colored) in the rewrite printing area 101. Thereby, in the rewrite print area 101 of the card c1, information such as accumulated points, balance, usage history, etc. is printed in numbers or characters according to the usage mode of the card, and the printing process on the card c1 is completed.

  When the printing process on the card c1 is completed, the CPU drives the motor M in the reverse direction to move the card c1 to the card reversing unit 70 side along the second conveyance path p2, as indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 9B. Transport to. When the integral transmission sensor S2 detects the leading end of the card c1 being conveyed along the second conveyance path p2, another electromagnetic clutch is turned on to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor B to the pinch roller 71b. As a result, one of the pinch rollers 71 a and 71 b of the card reversing unit 70 in the vertical state is captured and guided to the center of the card reversing unit 70. When the center of the card c1 is conveyed until it reaches the intersection point X, the rotation (reverse) driving force from the motor A is turned on with another electromagnetic clutch turned on with the card c1 held between the pinch rollers 71a and 71b. Then, the rotation frame 72 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise (see the dotted arrow in FIG. 9B). Next, the CPU turns on another electromagnetic clutch and further another electromagnetic clutch to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor A to the pinch roller 71b and the discharge roller pair r4. As a result, the card c1 is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 with the front surface f facing upward, beyond the opening 50a at the end of the first transport path p1 (see the solid line arrow in FIG. 9B), and the issuing process is completed. To do.

(B) Erasing Process On the other hand, in the erasing process, the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95 prior to the erasing process as in the case of (4) printing process in the rewrite printing area 101 in the issuing process, and the clear layer CL ( The top position of the base material portion 131) is determined, and the clear layer CL is positioned so as to face the thermal head 32. Subsequently, the motor Z is driven to cause the thermal head 32 to shift to the printing execution state, and the thermal head 32 presses the clear layer CL against the card surface f. In this state, all the heating elements of the thermal head 32 corresponding to the rewrite printing area 101 are heated while moving the card c2 toward the card reversing unit 70. In the rewrite layer 113 layered in the rewrite print area 101 of the card c2, the leuco dye and the developer are crystallized in a colored state. As described above, the clear layer CL (base layer) of the ink ribbon R is used. The leuco dye and the developer are gradually separated from each other by heating at a predetermined temperature below the melting point of the leuco dye and developer from the thermal head 32 through the protective layer 114 formed in the material portion 131) and the rewritable printing area 101, and the leuco dye Returns to its original colorless state (decolored).

  The CPU increases the pulse transmission interval of the motor driver that controls the motor M in order to ensure decolorization with respect to the leuco dye, thereby increasing the conveyance speed of the card c2 toward the card reversing unit 70 in the erasing process ( The reversal speed (rpm) by the motor M is set to be lower than the transport speed (reverse speed (rpm) by the motor M) of the card c1 to the card reversing unit 70 side in the issuing process (printing process) described above. The thermal head control unit is controlled so that the heating temperature (heat energy amount) of all the heating elements of the thermal head 32 corresponding to the region 101 becomes a predetermined temperature equal to or lower than the above-described melting point. Unlike the issue process, the CPU does not operate the fan 24 in order to prevent the rewrite printing area 101 from being rapidly cooled. In the erasing process, the conveyance of the card c2 from the card stacker 11 to the recording start point (erasing start point) and the conveyance of the card c2 to the opening 50a after the numbers or characters in the rewrite printing area 101 are erased are: This is the same as the case of the issuing process described above.

(C) Rewriting Process In the rewriting process, numbers or characters in the rewrite print area 101 are erased, as in the above-described erasing process. Next, the motor M is driven, and the card c2 is conveyed again to the recording start point, and the same process as the printing process in (4) rewrite printing area 101 in the issuing process is performed, and the card c2 is passed over the opening 50a. To the outside of the housing 1.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a card recording apparatus will be described. In the present embodiment, the erasing process for the rewrite print area 101 is performed by a heat roller. In addition, in this embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different location is demonstrated hereafter.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the card recording apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment, a third transport path p <b> 3 is obliquely provided from the intersection X toward the lower side of the card supply unit 10. An information writing head 27 such as a magnetic encoder for magnetically recording information on a magnetic strap (see symbol m in FIG. 3) formed on the card surface, as seen on a credit card or the like, on the third transport path p3. A second information recording unit 20B having conveying rollers 28a, 28b and the like arranged on both sides so as to sandwich the information writing head 27 is disposed. Further, a guide roller pair r6 for guiding the card C to the second information recording unit 20B is disposed between the card reversing unit 70 and the second information recording unit 20B so as to sandwich the third transport path p3. Yes. The information writing head 27 may be a terminal unit of an IC writer that writes (stores) information on an IC chip in the card, for example, if the recording target is an IC card.

  By the way, various information writing by the magnetic encoder is normally performed by one-pass card conveyance to the information writing head 27 in response to various processing requests such as initialization of the magnetic strap of the card C, magnetic writing, verification, etc. The card is reciprocated a plurality of times for a plurality of passes. In the present embodiment, the card C is transported in the third transport path p3 by reciprocal transport of the card C by the rotation (forward rotation, reverse rotation) of the transport rollers 28a and 28b, but the rotational driving force of the transport rollers 28a and 28b. May be transmitted from any of the motors A to C, Y, and Z described in the first embodiment.

  An opening 60a is formed at a position corresponding to the casing 1 on the extension line of the third transport path p3. The opening 60a constitutes an error card discarding unit 60. In other words, after writing to the magnetic strap by the information writing head 27, if an error is detected in the written information as a result of verifying the written information, the card C serves as an error card from the opening 60a of the housing 1. Discharged outside. A card receiver may be attached to the discarding unit 60.

  In the card recording apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment, a card receiver 51 is mounted outside the opening 50 a, and the card receiver 51 constitutes a part of the card discharge unit 50. A card C that has been subjected to the desired printing, erasing, or rewriting process is stacked (deposited) on the card receiver 51.

  Furthermore, the card recording apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment includes a heat roller 90 in which a heat source unit 92 such as a halogen lamp is provided between the guide roller pair r3 and the transport roller pair 25, and a card facing the heat roller 90. A platen roller 91 that supports C is disposed on both sides of the second transport path p3. The heat roller 90 and the platen roller 91 function as an image erasing unit that replaces the thermal head 32 that functions as the image erasing unit in the first embodiment.

  When the issuance process is performed by the card recording apparatus 100 ′ according to the present embodiment, the card c1 fed out from the card supply unit 10 is sandwiched by the card reversing unit 70 via the cleaner 80, and then the card reversing unit 70 The card c1 is rotated toward the third transport path p3, and the card c1 is fed into the third transport path p3. The card c1 is transported to a position sandwiched between the transport rollers 28a and 28b of the second information recording unit 20B, and predetermined information is magnetically recorded on the magnetic strap by the information writing head 27. Information to be recorded on the magnetic strap is received from an external computer in advance and stored in the RAM. Next, verification is performed by comparing information to be recorded on the magnetic strap stored in the RAM with information recorded on the magnetic strap by a verification unit (not shown) of the second information recording unit 20B. When an error is detected in the information, the card c1 is conveyed to the discarding unit 60 side and discharged from the opening 60a to the outside of the housing 1. When no error is detected, the card c1 is removed from the third conveyance path. It is conveyed along the p3 to the card reversing unit 70.

  The card reversing unit 70 holding the card c1 in which the write information is written on the magnetic strap transports the card c1 toward the second transport path p2. Subsequent processing is the first implementation except that the heat roller 90 and the platen roller 91 assist the conveyance of the card c1 on the second conveyance path p2, so that the rotational driving force from the motor M is transmitted. This is the same as the form issuing process. In the issuing process, energization (lighting of a halogen lamp or the like) to the heat source unit 92 of the heat roller 90 is not performed.

  When the erasing process is performed by the card recording apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment, the surface of the erasing process target card c2 having the rewrite printing area 101 is opposed to the heat roller 90 provided on the second transport path p2. In this state, the card c2 is transported along the second transport path p2 while energizing the heat source unit 92 in the heat roller 90 to generate heat, and the rewrite print area 101 is decolored (erased) by this heating. In the erasing process, the card c2 is transported toward the card reversing unit 70 even in the process of transporting the card c2 toward the information recording unit 20 (thermal head 32) (the process of transporting toward the lower side in FIG. 10). This may be a process (process for transporting upward in FIG. 10), but the color development characteristics of the rewritable printing area 101 containing the leuco dye (maintenance of the color development state), and the thermal characteristics of the heat roller 90 (rapid heating / rapid cooling) It is more advantageous to carry out the process in the process of transporting the card c2 toward the information recording unit 20 (thermal head 32).

(Action etc.)
Next, the operation and the like of the card recording devices 100 and 100 ′ of the above (first and second) embodiments will be described.

  The card recording apparatus of the above-described embodiment includes an information recording unit 20 that prints an image on a card C having a rewrite printing area 101 that is allowed to be repeatedly erased and colored by heating. A single thermal head 32 for printing an image is provided in both the printing area 101 and the unique information printing area 105 formed on the card C and not allowed to be repeatedly erased and colored. According to the card recording apparatus of the above embodiment, the rewrite printing area 101 that is allowed to be repeatedly erased and colored by heating and the unique information printing area 105 that is formed on the card C and is not allowed to be repeatedly erased and colored. Since the information recording unit 20 for printing an image is composed of a single thermal head 32, an image printing apparatus for printing an image on the unique information printing area 105 and a printing apparatus for printing on the rewrite printing area 101 as in the past are provided. It is not necessary to prepare each separately, and the space saving and cost reduction of the card recording apparatus can be achieved, and printing on the unique information printing area 105 and the rewrite printing area 101 can be performed by a single card recording apparatus. Therefore, the convenience of the user (operator) can be enhanced.

  Further, the ink ribbon R of the above embodiment includes a plurality of ink layers Y, M, C, and Bk that can be transferred to the card C, and a single clear layer CL (base material portion 131) that does not form a transfer layer. Since the thermal head 32 of the information recording unit 20 is sequentially and repeatedly arranged, each section of the ink layers Y, M, C, and Bk of the ink ribbon R is sequentially heated on the card C, so that the card C owns the card. In a state in which the information unique to the user is irreversibly printed, and in contact with the clear layer CL of the ink ribbon R, the rewrite print area 101 having the leuco dye and developer on the card C side is heated to rewrite. Since the printing process for printing in the printing area 101 can be performed continuously, the space saving and cost reduction of the card recording apparatus can be achieved, the unique information printing area 105 and the rewrite printing area. Because printing to 01 can be carried out in a single card recording apparatus, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user.

  In the above embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the card C having images of various information printed on one side is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, FIG. ) And (B), the unique information printing area 105 (the image printing area 102, the character printing area 103, and the background printing area 104) in which the erasing and coloring are not allowed to be repeated in the rewriting printing area 101 is displayed in the rewriting printing area 101 You may make it arrange | position on the other surface side different from. Since the card recording apparatus of the above embodiment has the card reversing unit 70, after performing the printing process on one side, the printing process is performed on the other side by sandwiching the card C and rotating it 180 degrees. Is possible. In the above embodiment, an example in which the rewrite print area 101 is arranged below the blank card C before printing and recording has been shown. However, it is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to this size and arrangement position. Absent.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the heat sublimation ink was receivable as the material of the card | curd C, PVC generally used for a credit card, a cash card, a license card, an ID card etc. was illustrated, This invention is not limited to this. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may be used as a material. Such a PET card is attracting attention as a card that takes into consideration environmental problems without causing any pollutant when the card is incinerated. On the other hand, since a PET card is a crystalline material and is difficult to transfer by heat sublimation, it is necessary to previously form a receiving layer for receiving heat sublimable ink on the surface thereof. Further, since it is difficult to form an emboss on a PET card, a PVC card is used when it is necessary to emboss the card.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the thermal head 32 heats the ink through the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) of the ink ribbon R when performing the printing process on the rewrite printing region 101 has been described. The card C may be directly heated by the thermal head 32 without being interposed between the thermal head 32 and the card C. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the ink ribbon holding member is used during the printing process on the unique information printing area 105, the printing process on the character printing area 103, and the transferring process of the protective layer O to the protective layer transfer area 106. The ink ribbon R is held in the transport path of the ink ribbon R by 97a and 97b, and the ink ribbon R is retracted from the transport path of the ink ribbon R by the ink ribbon holding members 97a and 97b during the printing process to the rewrite printing area 101. It may be. As an actuator for retracting the ink ribbon holding members 97a and 97b from the transport path of the ink ribbon R, for example, a solenoid can be used. In such an embodiment, the ink ribbon holding members 97a and 97b function as a thermal transfer film retracting unit.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the heat roller 90 (second embodiment) including the thermal head 32 (first embodiment) and the heat source unit 92 as an image erasing unit is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, Alternatively, a hot wire bar may be used. In other words, in order to perform heating and slow cooling in a certain time, the heat roller is easy in terms of temperature control due to its characteristics.

  In the above embodiment, a direct transfer method using a thermal transfer printer is exemplified for the information recording unit 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image once formed on an intermediate transfer film is re-recorded on a card. Indirect (intermediate) transfer method for transferring, or other thermal transfer method may be used, and furthermore, thermal melting transfer method (for pigment ink) or thermal sublimation transfer method (for dye ink) depending on the type of ink. Either of these thermal transfer methods may be used.

  In general, a thermal transfer film includes a heat-meltable ink transfer film used in a heat-sensitive melt transfer method, a heat-sublimable dye transfer film used in a heat-sensitive sublimation transfer method, and a transfer having a heat-meltable ink and a heat-sublimable dye. In addition to the film, there are various transfer films using a known transfer method, which are generally referred to as ink ribbons, but any transfer method can be applied to the thermal transfer film in the present invention. In the heat-sensitive melt transfer system, a heat-meltable ink layer in which a color material such as a pigment is dispersed in a binder such as a heat-meltable wax or resin is supported on a base sheet (also referred to as a base film) such as a plastic film. This is an image forming method in which energy is applied in accordance with image information of a heating device such as a thermal head using an applied thermal transfer film, and an ink layer is transferred together with a binder onto a transfer target such as paper, a plastic sheet, or a card. . In this recording method, hot-melt ink is used as a color material. In contrast, the heat-sensitive sublimation transfer method uses a sublimable dye as a color material, and a dye layer in which the sublimable dye is dissolved or dispersed in a binder resin is applied to a base sheet (base film) such as a plastic film. Applying energy according to the image information of a heating device such as a thermal head using a supported thermal transfer film and a transfer target provided with an image receiving layer on a support such as paper, plastic sheet or card In this method, the sublimation dye contained in the dye layer on the thermal transfer film is transferred (transferred) to the image receiving layer on the transfer target to record an image. In this recording method, a dye becomes a color material.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, although the ink ribbon R which has the clear layer CL (base material part 131) was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the ink ribbon of the form shown in FIG. 12 is different in that it does not have the clear layer CL and the mark 120 of the ink ribbon R shown in FIG. 7, and in the printing process in the rewrite printing area 101, FIG. The base material portion 133 on which the protective layer O shown in FIG. That is, in the state where the base material portion 133 after the protective layer O is transferred is interposed between the thermal head 32 and the card C, the printing process to the rewrite printing area 101 is performed by applying thermal energy from the thermal head 32. Done.

  In such an ink ribbon mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, when printing processing is performed on the rewrite printing area 101 provided on the other side (back side) of the card, FIG. The protective layer O is transferred to the protective layer transfer region 106 shown in FIG. 2, and the printing process is performed. The base material portion 133 whose surface portion is exposed by completing the transfer process of the protective layer O, You may make it interpose between the thermal head 32 and the card | curd C. FIG. In this case, in order to appropriately perform the printing (coloring) process in the rewrite printing area 101, as shown in FIG. 9B, the transfer area (transfer process range) of the protective layer O that has been subjected to the transfer process immediately before, as shown in FIG. ) 106 needs to be larger than the printing (printing or coloring) processing range in the rewrite printing area 101. Therefore, the CPU of the control unit 98 determines whether or not the protective layer transfer area 106 is larger than the rewrite print area 101 in the above-described preprocessing protective area calculation process. Each part is controlled so that the printing process to the rewrite printing area 101 is performed continuously to the transfer process to the protective layer transfer area 106, and if it is small, there is a possibility that a printing failure occurs in the printing process to the rewrite printing area 101. Since there is, it may be notified to an external computer. Note that reference numeral 122 shown in FIG. 9C indicates a part of the protective layer O remaining on the ink ribbon that is not used in the transfer process of the preceding protective layer O to the protective layer transfer region 106. is there.

  Further, the mark 120 is not provided on the ink ribbon of this aspect. For example, when the transfer processing of the protective layer O is completed, the ink ribbon R is conveyed backward in the returning direction and the ink adjacent to the protective layer O is used. The layer Bk is detected by the transmission sensor 95, whereby the ink ribbon R is transported again in the forward direction by a predetermined distance (a predetermined pulse when the transport of the ink ribbon R is driven by a pulse motor). The leading position of the material portion 133 may be positioned so as to face the thermal head 32. That is, since each section (panel) of the ink layers Bk, other ink layers Y, M, and C and the protective layer O is provided slightly larger than the surface area of the card C, the entire surface is printed on the card C. Even if it is applied, a residual portion is always generated in each section, and the ink layer Bk can be detected. Therefore, the light from the light emitting element 95a of the transmission sensor 95 is blocked by the ink layer Bk, and the light receiving element. When the light cannot be received at 95b (based on the state where light cannot be received), the top position of the base material portion 133 of the protective layer may be determined.

  Furthermore, an ink ribbon R having the form shown in FIG. 13 may be used. This ink ribbon has a clear layer CL (base material portion 131) as in the ink ribbon R shown in FIG. 7, but the arrangement position of the mark 120 (positioned between the protective layer O and the clear layer CL). It is different in different points. In the above embodiment, when the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95, the ink ribbon R is conveyed backward by a predetermined distance in the returning direction so that the leading position of the clear layer (base material portion 131) faces the thermal head 32. However, since the mark 120 is provided in front of the ink ribbon R in the feed direction, the mark 120 is detected by the transmission sensor 95 in the clear positioning CL (base material portion 131) of the ink ribbon. Then, the ink ribbon R is continuously conveyed in a predetermined distance (for a predetermined pulse when the ink ribbon R is driven by the motor Y), and the leading position of the clear layer CL (base material portion 131) is set to the thermal head. 32 can be positioned so as to face each other, and it becomes easy to control the conveyance of the ink ribbon and shorten the printing process time.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the unique information print area 105 (character information printed in the character print area 103 is excluded) in order to explain the color processing by color separation by Y, M, and C and the monochrome processing. ) And the printing process to the character printing area 103 have been described separately. However, in the image information composition process, all the information included in the unique information printing area 105 including the character information to be printed in the character printing area 103 is described. The image information may be combined so that the print processing to the unique information print area 105 and the print processing to the character print amount output 103 are performed in a single print process, and monochrome processing is not performed on the premise of color. It is also possible to perform the printing process on the unique information printing area 105 only. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which image information in the rewrite print area 101 is received as a monochrome bitmap has been shown. However, text and its points and typeface are received from an external computer and printed in the rewrite print area 101. It may be.

  In the second embodiment, the example in which the information recording unit 20 is arranged in the second conveyance path p2 and the second information recording unit 20B is arranged in the third conveyance path p3 is shown. The second information recording unit 20B may be arranged in the second conveyance path p2, and the information recording unit 20 may be arranged in the third conveyance path p3.

  The present invention provides a thermal transfer printing apparatus and a thermal transfer film used in the thermal transfer apparatus, which can save space and cost, and can improve user convenience. Contributes to the manufacture and sale of film and has industrial applicability.

It is a top view of the card | curd used for the card recording apparatus of 1st Embodiment which can apply this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the cross section of the rewrite printing area | region of the card | curd used for the card recording apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic perspective view which partially saw through the card recording device of a 1st embodiment. It is a schematic front view of the card recording device of a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view of the thermal head of the card recording device of a 1st embodiment. It is a front view which shows the operation state of a thermal head, (A) is the non-operation state of a thermal head, (B) is the printing standby state of a thermal head, (C) shows the printing execution state of a thermal head. The ink ribbon used for the card recording device of a 1st embodiment is shown typically, (A) is a top view of an ink ribbon, and (B) is a sectional view of an ink ribbon. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the card recording apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (A) shows the operation | movement 1, (B) shows the operation | movement 2. FIG. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the card recording apparatus of 1st Embodiment, (A) shows the operation | movement 3, and (B) shows the operation | movement 4. It is a schematic front view of the card recording device of a 2nd embodiment to which the present invention is applicable. It is a top view of the other card | curd which can be used for the card recording apparatus of 1st, 2nd embodiment. The other ink ribbon which can be used for the card recording device of the 1st and 2nd embodiment is shown typically, (A) is a top view of an ink ribbon, and (B) is a sectional view of an ink ribbon. FIG. 2 schematically shows another ink ribbon that can be used in the card recording apparatus according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the ink ribbon, and FIG.

Explanation of symbols

20 Information recording part (printing means)
32 Thermal head 100 Card recording device (thermal transfer printing device)
101 Rewrite print area 105 Unique information print area 120 Mark (test member)
C card (card-like medium)
R ink ribbon (thermal transfer film)

Claims (6)

  A strip-shaped thermal transfer film for forming an image on a card-like medium by heating, wherein a plurality of sections having a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium, and a single section having no transfer layer A belt-like thermal transfer film, wherein the films are sequentially and repeatedly arranged.   The plurality of sections include at least one heat sublimable and / or heat-meltable ink layer and a substantially transparent protective layer that protects the surface of the card-like medium on which an image is formed with the ink in the ink layer. The strip-shaped thermal transfer film according to claim 1, which is continuously arranged.   The belt-shaped thermal transfer film according to claim 2, wherein the ink layer comprises a plurality of heat sublimable dye layers and a single heat-meltable pigment layer arranged in succession.   The single section that does not form the transfer layer is formed by continuously providing a base material common to the plurality of sections that form the transfer layer in the lowermost layer. The strip-shaped thermal transfer film according to any one of the above.   The test member for position detection is provided between a plurality of sections in which the transfer layer is formed and a single section in which the transfer layer is not formed. Band-shaped thermal transfer film.   An image is formed on the card-like medium by heating a thermal transfer film in which a plurality of sections each having a transfer layer that can be transferred to the card-like medium and a single section that does not form the transfer layer are sequentially repeated. A thermal transfer printing apparatus comprising a printing means for printing, wherein the printing means has a leuco dye and a developer in contact with a single section that does not form the transfer layer of the thermal transfer film. A thermal transfer printing apparatus for printing an image on a predetermined printing area of a card-like medium.