JP2009154310A - Print image formation method and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print image formation method which can suppress wrinkles of a ribbon, and to provide a printer. <P>SOLUTION: In the print image formation method, a thermal head unit 4 presses ink ribbons 2a-2h to an intermediate transfer film 5, the ink ribbons 2a-2h also move transfer positions as the intermediate transfer film 5 is subjected to film conveyance so as to change a transfer position, and the ink of the ink ribbons 2a-2h is thermally transferred by the thermal head unit 4 to the intermediate transfer film 5. The ink ribbons 2a-2h passed through the thermal transfer are adapted to be taken up. Printing is carried out by alternately reversing a print image thermally transferred to an axis set in a film conveyance direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention belongs to the technical field of a print image creating method and a printing apparatus.

Conventionally, ink on an ink ribbon is thermally transferred by a thermal head (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-85047 (page 1-20, all figures)

However, in the past, when the transfer destination is an intermediate transfer film, and then copied from the intermediate transfer film to the final transfer destination, when an unintended shape is printed on both the left and right sides with respect to the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer film Wrinkles were generated due to the ribbon undulation caused by thermal damage from the thermal head.
This ribbon wrinkle is a problem because it affects the printing accuracy.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a print image creating method and a printing apparatus capable of suppressing the generation of wrinkles on a ribbon.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the thermal head unit presses the ink ribbon against the intermediate transfer film, and the ink ribbon moves the transfer position as the intermediate transfer film is transported to change the transfer position. In the method of creating a print image in which the ink of the ink ribbon is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film by the thermal head unit, the heat-transferred ink ribbon is wound, and the print image to be thermally transferred is set in the film transport direction. The printing is performed by alternately inverting the printed axis.

  Therefore, in this invention, generation | occurrence | production of the wrinkle of a ribbon can be suppressed.

  Embodiments for realizing a print image creating method and a printing apparatus according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the first embodiment corresponding to the inventions according to claims 1 to 3, 6, and 7, and the inventions according to claims 4, 5, and 8. This will be described based on Example 2 corresponding to the above.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a printing apparatus that performs the print image creation method according to the first embodiment.
The printing apparatus 1 includes an ink ribbon supply mechanism 2, a drive motor 3, a thermal head unit 4, an intermediate transfer film 5, and a platen roll 6.
The ink ribbon supply mechanism 2 has a structure in which a cylindrical rotating body 21 is rotated by a controlled drive motor 22. A plurality of ink ribbons 2 a to 2 h are attached to the rotating body 21.

The ink ribbon 2a will be described in detail. The ink ribbon 2a includes a roller-shaped supply ink ribbon 2a1 and a take-up ink ribbon 2a2. That is, it is a structure in which it is pulled out from the roller on the supply side and wound up on the collection side. A portion that is pressed against the intermediate transfer film 5 by the thermal head unit 4 for transfer is stretched between the supply ink ribbon 2a1 and the take-up ink ribbon 2a2.
The other ink ribbons 2b to 2h are attached to the rotating body 21 with the same structure.

The drive motor 3 drives the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 of the ink ribbon 2a located at the transfer position.
The thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbon 2a against the intermediate transfer film 5 and is heated by a plurality of elements to thermally transfer the ink to the intermediate transfer film 5, thereby creating an intermediate product. Details of the structure will be described later.
First, the printing ink portion thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film 5 is later thermally transferred to the substrate. The intermediate transfer film 5 is pulled out from the supply roll 51 and wound up on the collection roll 52. In the printing apparatus 1 of Example 1, printing on the intermediate transfer film 5 is performed, and the subsequent thermal transfer to the printing material is performed by another apparatus (not shown).

  The rotation of the platen roll 6 is controlled by a drive motor 61, and the intermediate transfer film 5 in a portion stretched between the supply roll 51 and the collection roll 52 is wound and rotated, whereby the transfer of the intermediate transfer film 5 is performed. Change the position. Specifically, the thermal ribbon unit 4a and the intermediate transfer film 5 are moved while the thermal head unit 4 is heated and pressed so that a predetermined design portion is transferred.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the thermal head of the first embodiment.
The thermal head unit 4 includes a head unit 41 and a unidirectional drive control unit 42.
The head portion 41 has a plurality of subdividing elements 411 arranged in a row in the axial direction of the rotating body 21 and the platen roll 6 (the depth direction in FIG. 1). These elements are selectively controlled for heating and non-heating, respectively.
The unidirectional drive control unit 42 is configured to move the output shaft forward and backward by being driven, and has a structure in which the head unit 41 is attached to the distal end portion of the output shaft. Therefore, the head unit 41 moves forward and backward by driving the one-way drive control unit 42.
A position where the head portion 41 of the thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbon 2 against the intermediate transfer film 5 is defined as a printing point 7.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a main block configuration of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
The control unit 8 (corresponding to a control device for the thermal transfer head unit) receives a signal related to start / stop from the outside and, based on the print data 91 stored in the memory 9, the drive motor 22 and the drive motor 3. The drive motor 61, the one-way drive control unit 42, and the subdividing element 411 are controlled.
Print data 91 exists in the memory 9 and outputs data in response to a request from the control unit 8.
The print data 91 is data including the number of prints, a design shape to be printed by multilayer overcoating, ink to be used, data of the ink ribbon 2 associated therewith, and the like.

[Print processing]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of printing processing executed by the control unit 8 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Each step will be described below.

  In step S1, preprocessing such as preparation for starting print processing is performed.

  In step S2, the printing direction is set to the positive direction as an initial setting. One of the positive directions is the positive direction with respect to the axis set in the transport direction of the ink ribbon 2a, and the target direction with respect to this axis is the negative direction (reverse direction).

  In step S3, the print data 91 is read from the memory 9 to obtain print number data.

  In step S4, it is determined whether or not the previous printing direction is the positive direction. If it is the positive direction, the process proceeds to step S5, and if it is the negative direction (reverse direction), the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S5, the printing direction is set to the negative direction (reverse direction).

  In step S6, the printing direction is set to the positive direction.

  In step S7, multi-layer printing is performed in the set direction.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not the target number of prints has been reached. If it has been reached, the printing process is terminated. If not, the process returns to step S2.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the detailed processing flow of step S7 of FIG. 4, and each step will be described below.

  In step S71, each control position is controlled to the initial position before starting the printing process.

  In step S72, the print data 91 is read from the memory 9.

  In step S73, the print contents of the corresponding print layer are determined from the print data 91.

  In step S74, the drive motor 22 is driven and moved so that the ink ribbon 2a to be used is positioned at the printing position.

  In step S75, the head position of the head portion 41 of the thermal head unit 4 is moved to the printing point head position. This movement is performed by the one-way drive control unit 42.

  In step S76, the corresponding ink layer is printed. In this printing process, heating of the subdividing element 411, non-heating, rotation of the platen roll 6, and control of the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 are performed.

  In step S77, when the printing process is completed, the head position of the head portion 41 of the thermal head unit 4 and the rotational position of the platen roll 6 are moved to the origin position.

  In step S78, it is determined whether printing of all ink layers set from the print data 91 has been completed. If completed, the process ends. If not completed, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S79, the print of the corresponding ink layer is set to the next layer, and the process returns to step S73.

[Multi-layer printing]
In Example 1, as an example, when a meter panel of a vehicle meter is manufactured, a design is printed on the intermediate transfer film 5 with a multi-layer coating, and then further thermally transferred from the intermediate transfer film 5 to a transparent substrate for the meter panel. .
The printing apparatus 1 performs printing on the intermediate transfer film 5.

Printing on the intermediate transfer film 5 in the printing apparatus 1 starts from controlling the initial position in order to perform multi-layer coating with high accuracy (step S71). Here, for example, resetting of the counter, contact processing of the movable part with the stopper, etc. are performed.
Note that control in the printing apparatus 1 is performed by the control unit 8, and the control unit 8 reads the print data 91 from the memory 9 (step S72). As a result, it is obtained how many layers are printed and what design is printed with which ink ribbon 2 (2a to 2h).

  Then, the control unit 8 determines the printing contents of the first layer (step S73), and drives the drive motor 22 so that the ink ribbon to be used (in this case, the ink ribbon 2a) becomes the transfer position. Thus, the rotating body 21 is rotated (step S74).

Next, the control unit 8 drives the one-way drive control unit 42 of the thermal head unit 4 to move the head unit 41 to the printing point head position (step S75).
By the movement of the head portion 41, the head portion 41 causes the intermediate transfer film of the portion that is wound around the platen roll 6 to the portion of the ink ribbon 2a that is stretched between the supply ink ribbon 2a1 and the take-up ink ribbon 2a2. 5 is pressed against the portion of the print point 7.

In this state, the control of the control unit 8 rotates the platen roll 6 from the origin position to the end position set beyond the design printing range. As the platen roll 6 rotates, the ink ribbon 2a is pulled out from the supply ink ribbon 2a1, and is collected by the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 by the drive motor 3.
The movement of the ink ribbon 2a and the movement of the intermediate transfer film 5 by the platen roll 6 are controlled so as to move at the same moving speed.
In accordance with the movement of the ink ribbon 2 a and the intermediate transfer film 5, the plurality of subdividing elements 411 of the head portion 41 of the thermal head unit 4 are selectively controlled to be heated or not heated, whereby the ink ribbon of the heated portion. The ink 2a is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film 5.
In this way, the layer is printed by the ink ribbon 2a (step S76).

  More specifically, the platen roll 6 has appropriate elasticity, and is controlled to have an appropriate pressing pressure by controlling the position of the printing point position of the head portion 41. That is, the subdividing element 411 is pressed against the intermediate transfer film 5 via the ink ribbon 2a. In this state, the ink ribbon 2a and the intermediate transfer film 5 are forcibly moved in this state, and the ink in the design shape is thermally transferred by selectively heating and non-heating the subdividing elements 411. At this time, if there is a gap between them, a heating defect and a transfer defect occur. Therefore, it is required that the ink ribbon 2a and the intermediate transfer film 5 be forcibly moved while preventing a gap from being generated by an appropriate pressing force.

When printing of the first layer is completed, the control unit 8 drives the one-way drive control unit 42 so that the head unit 41 moves backward to a position away from the platen roll 6 and the ink ribbon 2a.
Further, the drive motor 61 is controlled by the control unit 8 so that the platen roll 6 rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the previous print, and is returned to the origin position (step S77).
In this way, the intermediate transfer film 5 wound around the platen roll 6 is reciprocated in the rotation direction, the print position is changed, and thermal transfer is performed by multilayer coating (steps S79 → S73).

  In this way, when the design is printed on the intermediate transfer film 5 with multiple layers (step S78 → end), the intermediate transfer film 5 is then peeled off from the substrate by thermal transfer to the transparent substrate of the meter panel. To finish printing the meter panel.

[Action to reverse print design alternately]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing state according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a printing state. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a winding state of the winding ink ribbon 2a2.
In Example 1, as shown in FIG. 6, the ink ribbon 2a is forcibly conveyed between the head portion 41 of the thermal head unit 4 and the platen roll 6, and the intermediate transfer film 5 is forced in the same direction as that. Thermal transfer is carried out while being conveyed.
A film-like ribbon portion from which ink has been removed from the ink ribbon 2a by this thermal transfer is defined as a forward direction transfer portion 201a. Further, the ink portion in the positive direction transferred to the intermediate transfer film 5 by this thermal transfer is designated as 501a.

In this way, the first printing is performed by multilayer coating with the ink ribbons 2a to 2h. Note that the first printing is performed in the forward direction (step S2).
When the next printing is performed, the control unit 8 inverts the printing design so that printing is performed in the negative direction (reversing direction), and thereafter the printing in the positive direction and the negative direction (reversing direction) are alternately performed. Is printed (steps S4 to S6).
Then, as shown in FIG. 6, in the ink ribbon 2a, the positive direction transfer portions 201a and the negative direction transfer portions 201b are alternately arranged. Here, when an axis extending in the transport direction is considered at the center of the width of the ink ribbon 2a, the shape of ink removal on both sides in the width direction is the same. Therefore, since the thickness and stiffness are uniform, the state of the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 forcibly taken up by the drive motor 3 becomes uniform (see FIG. 8A).
Therefore, wrinkles and the like are not generated on the ink ribbon 2a.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the printed design shape is not reversed and the state of the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 becomes uneven and the ink ribbon 2 is wrinkled, the state of thermal transfer is not uniform ( As shown in FIG. 8B, an ink printing defect occurs. Furthermore, when the positional deviation occurs in the ink ribbon 2, the subdividing elements 411 arranged in a plurality of rows lead to a problem that a portion where thermal transfer is not performed at a predetermined position is generated.
In Example 1, the intermediate transfer film 5 on which the design is printed with high accuracy by performing overcoating by good thermal transfer without causing such an abnormality is produced.

Furthermore, the effect | action which reverses the design of printing alternately is demonstrated.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of alternating inversion printing according to the first embodiment.
For example, the case of design shapes such as a positive direction transfer portion 211a and a negative direction transfer portion 211b shown in FIG. 9 will be described as an example.
In the ink ribbon 2a (the same applies to 2h), the arrangement of the positive direction transfer portion 211a and the negative direction transfer portion 211b with respect to the film conveyance direction is an arrangement in which an interval α is provided as a whole as shown in FIG. May be. On the other hand, if the tension and winding force applied to the ink ribbon 2a are taken into consideration, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the virtual overall shape 212a that originally considers the interval α, and an inverted one Is considered as the virtual overall shape 212b. Then, considering the actual positive direction transfer portion 211a and the negative direction transfer portion 211b, the substantially convex portion is referred to as a convex portion 213a, and the inverted portion is referred to as a convex portion 213b. Furthermore, a substantially concave portion is referred to as a concave portion 214a, and an inverted portion is referred to as a concave portion 214b.

  Then, the convex shape portion 213a of the positive direction transfer portion 211a and the concave shape portion 214b of the negative direction transfer portion 211b, and the convex shape portion 213b of the negative direction transfer portion 211b and the concave shape portion 214a of the positive direction transfer portion 211a are combined. Thus, the positive direction transfer portion 211a and the negative direction transfer portion 211b can be brought close to each other, and if the space α is spaced at the closest portion, the ink of the ink ribbon 2a is used more efficiently, and the cost is reduced. Is done.

Another example of the shape of this combination of irregularities is shown. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an arrangement of another design shape of the alternating inversion printing according to the first embodiment.
In this way, by combining portions that are generally considered to be uneven, the ink of the ink ribbon 2a can be used more efficiently in various design shapes, thereby reducing costs.

Furthermore, the effect | action which reverses the design of printing alternately is demonstrated.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of alternating inversion printing according to the first embodiment.
For example, the case of design shapes such as the positive direction transfer portion 211a and the negative direction transfer portion 211b shown in FIG.
When the design shape is alternately inverted and the interval is made smaller than the interval α in the film conveyance direction of the entire design shown in FIG. 9A, as shown in FIG. 11, in the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the film conveyance direction. It can be said that a part of either the positive direction transfer portion 211a or the negative direction transfer portion 211b is always present (see the line portions of the D1 cross section to the D4 cross section in FIG. 11).
In this way, if the distance in the film conveyance direction between the positive direction transfer portion 211a and the negative direction transfer portion 211b is reduced, the ink of the ink ribbon 2a is used more efficiently, and the cost is suppressed.

Explain the effect.
In Example 1, the effects listed below can be obtained.
(1) As the thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbons 2a to 2h against the intermediate transfer film 5 and the intermediate transfer film 5 is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h also move the transfer position. In the print image creation method in which the ink of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film 5 by the thermal head unit 4, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h that have been subjected to the thermal transfer are wound up, and the thermally transferred print image is conveyed to the film. Since printing is performed by alternately inverting the axis set in the direction, the degree of ink removal from the ink ribbons 2a to 2h is a target on both sides with respect to the film conveyance direction. Thereby, the winding and collecting state of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h becomes uniform, and the generation of wrinkles of the ribbon can be suppressed.

  (2) In the above (1), the interval between the printed images alternately arranged in the film transport direction of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h and the reversed printed image is recessed at the portion where the irregularity of the design shape is caused by the inversion. Alternatively, a convex or concave part of another design shape is arranged on the convex part so as to be combined with a predetermined interval, and the intervals in the film transport direction of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h are the same arrangement of the print images Therefore, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h are used efficiently, so that the cost can be reduced.

  (3) In the above (2), since at least part of the print image in the forward direction or the print image in the reverse direction is always present in the film cross section of the ink ribbon in the direction orthogonal to the film conveyance direction, the ink ribbon can be efficiently used. 2a-2h will be used and cost can be suppressed.

  (6) In any one of the above (1) to (3), the ink ribbon 2a is wound around a rotatable supply ink ribbon 2a1 and pulled out to a transfer position, and the ink ribbon 2a subjected to thermal transfer is Since the take-up ink ribbon 2a2 is taken up by driving the drive motor 3, the shape in which the ink is removed on both sides when the axis is considered in the film transport direction is targeted, so that the unevenness of the ink removal is reduced and uniform. Therefore, the winding after use can be made uniform without unevenness. Thereby, a good printing state can be continuously maintained without causing wrinkles in the stretched portion including the used portion.

  (7) As the thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbons 2a to 2h against the intermediate transfer film 5 and the intermediate transfer film 5 is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h also move the transfer position. In the printing apparatus 1 that thermally transfers the ink ribbons 2a to 2h to the intermediate transfer film 5 by the thermal head unit 4, a plurality of ink ribbons 2a to 2h are attached to the outer periphery of the rotating body 21, and the thermal head unit 4 and the intermediate transfer film The drive motor 22 that drives the ink ribbons 2a to 2h by the rotation of the rotating body 21 and the ink ribbon 2a that is wound around the rotatable supply ink ribbon 2a1 are driven by the drive motor 3. The wound ink ribbon 2a2 is wound so that it is drawn out to the transfer position, supplied, and recovered. The supply ink ribbon 2 a 1 and the take-up ink ribbon 2 a 2 provided on the rolling member 21, the platen roll 6 that winds and rotates the intermediate transfer film 5 around the cylindrical outer periphery, and the thermal head unit 4 are attached to the rotating member 21. A one-way drive control unit 42 that moves the ink ribbon 2a at the transfer position against the intermediate transfer film 5 on the outer periphery of the platen roll 6 and moves in a direction away from the inner peripheral side by advancing and retracting one axis by a motor; The head unit 41 that is provided in the head unit 4 and that heats and unheats the subdividing elements 411 arranged in a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the platen roll 6, selection contents of at least the ink ribbons 2 a to 2 h, and printing contents , The rotation of the rotating body 21 and the platen roll 6 to which the ink ribbons 2a to 2h are attached, The direction drive control unit 42 and the control unit 8 that controls the head unit 41 based on the print data 91 are provided. The control unit 8 alternately inverts the print image to be thermally transferred with respect to the axis set in the film conveyance direction. Since the processing of steps S4 to S6 for performing printing is provided, the position of the ink ribbon 2a that is forcedly moved between the platen roll 6 and the subdivision element 411 of the thermal head unit 4 in a pressed state is wound. The degree of ink removal of ˜2h is targeted on both sides with respect to the ink transport direction. Thereby, the winding and collecting state of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h becomes uniform, and the generation of wrinkles of the ribbon can be suppressed. Therefore, a good thermal transfer printing state can be continuously maintained.

Example 2 is an example in which printing is performed on portions other than the design shape so that both sides of the shaft approach a uniform shape with respect to the axis set in the film conveyance direction.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a printing state according to the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, the print data 91 read from the memory 9 when printing by the control unit 8 is set including the margin printing portion.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a margin printing portion in the second embodiment.
In the print data 91 of the second embodiment, for example, the design portion 931 of the print data 91 will be described below assuming that it has the shape shown in FIG.

An axis is set in the film conveyance direction so as to cover the design portion 931 of the print data 91, and a uniform rectangular shape portion 932 is virtually considered on both sides thereof (see FIG. 13A). Then, when the rectangular portion 932 is considered as a whole, there is a blank portion 933 that is a blank that is not the design portion 931.
In the print data 91 according to the first embodiment, the margin portion 933 is used as a margin print portion 934 so as to be printed in the same manner as the design portion.
Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

The operation will be described.
[Print processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing executed by the control unit 8 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. Each step will be described below.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the processes of steps S1, S2, S3, S7, and S8 in FIG. 4 are performed. Since the processing content of each step is the same as that of FIG. 4, description is abbreviate | omitted.

[Action to print margins]
In the second embodiment, the print data 91 is printed with the blank portion that is not the design portion 931 in the uniform rectangular portion 932 as the blank print portion 934 (see FIG. 13B).
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the portions where the ink is removed from the ink ribbons 2a to 2h are rectangular ink removal portions 240, which have a uniform shape when the axis is considered in the film transport direction.
Further, since it is a multi-layer coating, it is preferable to print a margin print portion 934 in each layer.

  Therefore, a rectangular and non-biased ink portion 502 is formed on the intermediate transfer film 5 by thermal transfer. For example, when this printing is used for a meter panel of a vehicle, the intermediate transfer film 5 is further transferred to a substantially transparent meter panel to obtain a multi-colored and multi-layered meter panel, and thereafter Then, the meter panel is completed by cutting or the like into a predetermined shape. Since the cutting step for forming the shape also serves as a removal step of the portion where the blank print portion 934 has been transferred via the intermediate transfer film 5, the cost does not increase by providing the blank print portion 934.

  The ink ribbon 2a is uniformly wound around the wound ink ribbon 2a2 as shown in FIG. 8A because it has a uniform ink removal shape without bias. As a result, there is no wrinkle in the printed portion or the like, and a good printing state continues over the entire supply ink ribbon 2a1.

Further, margin printing according to the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of another example of margin printing according to the second embodiment.
The design portion 931 and the margin print portion 934 may be connected as a whole (see FIG. 13) or may be a shape where a part of the design portion 931 and the margin print portion 934 are connected (see FIG. 15A). ). Further, the design portion 931 and the margin print portion 934 may have a gap (see FIG. 15B).
For example, when this printing is used for a meter panel of a vehicle meter, the design portion 931 and the margin print portion 934 have a gap depending on the printing accuracy, the accuracy of the subsequent meter panel, the shape complexity, etc. It may be preferable for the meter panel to keep a part of the connection, and it is desirable to determine it according to the request from the meter panel.

Explain the effect. The print image creating method and the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment have the effects listed below.
(4) As the thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbons 2a to 2h against the intermediate transfer film 5 and the intermediate transfer film 5 is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h also move the transfer position. In the method of creating a print image in which the ink of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film 5 by the thermal head unit 4, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h that have been subjected to the thermal transfer are wound up, and the print image to be thermally transferred is the film. Since the margin print portion 934 is printed also on the portion other than the design portion 931 so that both sides of the shaft approach a uniform shape with respect to the shaft set in the transport direction, the degree of ink removal of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h is determined by the film It becomes an object on both sides with respect to the transport direction and the whole becomes nearly uniform. Thereby, the winding and collecting state of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h becomes uniform, and the generation of wrinkles of the ribbon can be suppressed.

  (5) In the above (4), the blank print portion 934 other than the design portion 931 has a shape that is partially connected to the design portion 931. This can contribute to maintaining high printing accuracy while suppressing the generation of wrinkles.

(8) As the thermal head unit 4 presses the ink ribbons 2a to 2h against the intermediate transfer film 5 and the intermediate transfer film 5 is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbons 2a to 2h also move the transfer position. In the printing apparatus 1 that thermally transfers the ink ribbons 2a to 2h to the intermediate transfer film 5 by the thermal head unit 4, a plurality of ink ribbons 2a to 2h are attached to the outer periphery of the rotating body 21, and the thermal head unit 4 and the intermediate transfer film A drive motor 22 that moves the ink ribbons 2a to 2h by the rotation of the rotating body 21 and an ink ribbon 2a that is wound around the rotatable supply ink ribbon 2a1 are driven by the drive motor 3 at the printing point 7 between 5. To be wound around the take-up ink ribbon 2a2, drawn out to the transfer position, supplied, and recovered The supply ink ribbon 2 a 1 and the take-up ink ribbon 2 a 2 provided on the rolling member 21, the platen roll 6 that winds and rotates the intermediate transfer film 5 around the cylindrical outer periphery, and the thermal head unit 4 are attached to the rotating member 21. A one-way drive control unit 42 that moves the ink ribbon 2a at the transfer position against the intermediate transfer film 5 on the outer periphery of the platen roll 6 and moves in a direction away from the inner peripheral side by advancing and retracting one axis by a motor; The head unit 41 that is provided in the head unit 4 and that heats and unheats the subdividing elements 411 arranged in a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the platen roll 6, selection contents of at least the ink ribbons 2 a to 2 h, and printing contents , The rotation of the rotating body 21 and the platen roll 6 to which the ink ribbons 2a to 2h are attached, The direction drive control unit 42 and the control unit 8 that controls the head unit 41 based on the print data 91 are provided. The control unit 8 is uniform on both sides of the axis with respect to the axis set in the film conveyance direction for the print image to be thermally transferred. Since the processing of step S7 by the print data 91 for performing printing as the margin printing portion 934 is also provided in portions other than the design portion 931 so as to approach the shape, the degree of ink removal of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h is relative to the film transport direction. It becomes a target on both sides and the whole becomes nearly uniform. Thereby, the winding and collecting state of the ink ribbons 2a to 2h becomes uniform, and the generation of wrinkles of the ribbon can be suppressed.
Since other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

As described above, the print image creating method and the printing apparatus of the present invention have been described based on the first and second embodiments. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and the scope of the claims is as follows. Design changes and additions are allowed without departing from the spirit of the invention according to each claim.
For example, the design shape may be other design shapes besides those shown in the first and second embodiments.

1 is an explanatory diagram of a printing apparatus that performs a print image creation method according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a thermal head of Example 1. 1 is a diagram illustrating a main block configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of printing processing executed by the control unit 8 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the detailed process of step S7 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printing state according to the first exemplary embodiment. It is a figure explaining the state of printing. It is explanatory drawing which shows the winding-up state of winding ink ribbon 2a2. 6 is an explanatory diagram of alternating inversion printing according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of arrangement | positioning of the other design shape of alternating inversion printing. 6 is an explanatory diagram of alternating inversion printing according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a printing state according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a margin printing portion in Embodiment 2. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of printing processing executed by the control unit 8 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of another example of margin printing according to the second embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 2 Ink ribbon supply mechanism 2a-2h Ink ribbon 21 Rotating body 22 Drive motor 2a1 Supply ink ribbon 2a2 Winding ink ribbon 201a Positive direction transfer part 201b Negative direction transfer part 211a Positive direction transfer part 211b Negative direction transfer part 212a Virtual Overall shape 212b Virtual overall shape 213a Convex part 213b Convex part 214a Concave part 214b Concave part 240 Ink missing part 3 Drive motor 4 Thermal head unit 41 Head part 411 Subdivision element 42 Unidirectional drive control part 5 Intermediate transfer film 51 Supply Roll 52 Recovery Roll 502 Ink Part 6 Platen Roll 61 Drive Motor 7 Print Point 8 Control Part 9 Memory 91 Print Data 931 Design Part 932 Rectangular Part 933 Blank Part 934 Blank Print Part D1 to D Cross section

Claims (8)

The thermal head unit presses the ink ribbon against the intermediate transfer film, and as the intermediate transfer film is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbon also moves the transfer position, and the thermal head unit moves the ink ribbon. In the method for creating a print image in which ink is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film,
The ink ribbon that has been subjected to thermal transfer is wound up,
Printing is performed by alternately inverting the print image to be thermally transferred with respect to the axis set in the film conveyance direction.
A method for producing a print image. In the printing image creation method according to claim 1,
The interval between the printed image alternately arranged in the film transport direction of the ink ribbon and the reversed printed image is a portion that becomes a concave / convex relationship of the design shape by the reversal, and another design shape is formed on the concave or convex portion. The convex or concave portions are arranged so as to be combined with a predetermined interval, and the interval of the ink ribbon in the film conveyance direction is made smaller than that in the case of the same arrangement of the print images.
A method for producing a print image. In the printing image creation method of Claim 2,
In the cross section of the film in a direction perpendicular to the film conveying direction, at least a part of the print image in the forward direction or the print image in the reverse direction is always present.
A method for producing a print image. The thermal head unit presses the ink ribbon against the intermediate transfer film, and as the intermediate transfer film is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbon also moves the transfer position, and the thermal head unit moves the ink ribbon. In the method for creating a print image in which ink is thermally transferred to the intermediate transfer film,
The ink ribbon that has been subjected to thermal transfer is wound up,
Printing is also performed on parts other than the design shape so that both sides of the shaft approach a uniform shape with respect to the axis set in the film transport direction for the print image to be thermally transferred,
A method for producing a print image. In the printing image creation method of Claim 4,
The print part other than the design shape has a shape that is partially connected to the print part of the design shape.
A method for producing a print image. In the printing image creation method of any one of Claims 1-5,
The ink ribbon is wound around a rotatable supply roller so as to be drawn out to a transfer position,
The ink ribbon that has been subjected to thermal transfer is wound around a collection roller by driving a motor.
A method for producing a print image. The thermal head unit presses the ink ribbon against the intermediate transfer film, and as the intermediate transfer film is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbon also moves the transfer position, and the thermal head unit moves the ink ribbon. In a printing apparatus for thermally transferring ink to the intermediate transfer film,
A plurality of ink ribbons attached to the outer periphery of the rotating body, and ink ribbon moving means for moving the ink ribbon to a transfer position between the thermal head unit and the intermediate transfer film by rotation of the rotating body;
An ink ribbon supply means provided on the rotating body so that the ink ribbon wound around a rotatable supply roller is wound around a collection roller driven by a motor, drawn out to a transfer position, and collected; ,
A platen roll that winds and rotates the intermediate transfer film around a cylindrical outer periphery;
The thermal head unit is moved in the direction in which the ink ribbon at the transfer position is pressed against the intermediate transfer film on the outer periphery of the platen roll and the direction in which the thermal head unit is moved away from the inner peripheral side of the rotating body by advancing and retracting one axis by a motor. A head moving means;
Element control means for heating and non-heating elements arranged in a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the platen roll provided in the thermal head unit;
At least the selected content of the ink ribbon, the print data indicating the print content, and
Print control means for controlling the rotation of the ink ribbon moving means and the platen roll, the head moving means, and the element control means based on the print data;
With
The print control means includes a process of performing a print by alternately inverting a print image to be thermally transferred with respect to an axis set in the film conveyance direction.
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The thermal head unit presses the ink ribbon against the intermediate transfer film, and as the intermediate transfer film is transported to change the transfer position, the ink ribbon also moves the transfer position, and the thermal head unit moves the ink ribbon. In a printing apparatus for thermally transferring ink to the intermediate transfer film,
A plurality of ink ribbons attached to the outer periphery of the rotating body, and ink ribbon moving means for moving the ink ribbon to a transfer position between the thermal head unit and the intermediate transfer film by rotation of the rotating body;
An ink ribbon supply means provided on the rotating body so that the ink ribbon wound around a rotatable supply roller is wound around a collection roller driven by a motor, drawn out to a transfer position, and collected; ,
A platen roll that winds and rotates the intermediate transfer film around a cylindrical outer periphery;
The thermal head unit is moved in the direction in which the ink ribbon at the transfer position is pressed against the intermediate transfer film on the outer periphery of the platen roll and the direction in which the thermal head unit is moved away from the inner peripheral side of the rotating body by advancing and retracting one axis by a motor. A head moving means;
Element control means for heating and non-heating elements arranged in a plurality of rows in the axial direction of the platen roll provided in the thermal head unit;
At least the selected content of the ink ribbon, the print data indicating the print content, and
Print control means for controlling the rotation of the ink ribbon moving means and the platen roll, the head moving means, and the element control means based on the print data;
With
The print control means includes a process of performing printing on a portion other than the design shape so that both sides of the shaft approach a uniform shape with respect to the shaft set in the film transport direction of the print image to be thermally transferred,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

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