JP2016112854A - Thermal transfer apparatus, thermal transfer method, take-up device and take-up method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer apparatus which can prevent tension applied on an ink ribbon when the wound diameter is large from making a wide difference from tension applied on an ink ribbon when the wound diameter is small.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer apparatus comprises a head pressure adjustment unit that presses the second head of a second transfer device, under an adjusted head pressure, on an ink ribbon with ink transferred wound by the take-up part. The head pressure adjustment unit is configured to reduce the head pressure from the first head pressure down to the second head pressure until the wound diameter increases from the first wound diameter up to the second wound diameter.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer apparatus and a thermal transfer method for transferring ink to a transfer target using an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer. The present invention also relates to a winding device and a winding method for winding an ink ribbon that has been transferred with ink.

  2. Description of the Related Art A transfer system that uses an ink ribbon to print an image such as a character on a transfer object such as a card is widely used. The ink ribbon includes a ribbon (support layer) extending in a strip shape, and an ink layer formed on the ribbon and containing a dye or the like. In printing using an ink ribbon, ink is transferred to a transfer medium in a pattern corresponding to a desired image to be printed. In this case, a portion of the ink ribbon that has been subjected to ink transfer has ink that has been removed due to transfer to the transfer target in a pattern corresponding to the printed image. For this reason, it is possible to specify an image printed from the ink ribbon after ink transfer. Therefore, when printing information to be concealed such as ID information on an object to be transferred using an ink ribbon, it is necessary to pay attention to the handling of the ink ribbon to which ink has been transferred. In addition, it has become an obstacle to rewinding the take-up part by unwinding the ink ribbon with the ink transferred, which has been a factor in increasing costs.

  In order to cope with such a problem, in Patent Document 1, in the vicinity of the winding unit, the second transfer having a head unit that heats the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit from the support layer side. It has been proposed to provide a device. The ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated by the second transfer device is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon located inside the ink ribbon in a second pattern different from the first pattern in the first transfer device. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the first pattern in the first transfer device from being specified from the ink ribbon that has been ink-transferred while suppressing the winding unit and the ink ribbon from being integrated.

JP 2011-255564 A

  In the winding unit, as the winding proceeds, the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit, that is, the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit is formed. The outer diameter of the roll body increases. On the other hand, the head portion for heating the ink ribbon to which ink has been transferred is generally pressed against the roll body by an elastic member. In this case, as the outer diameter of the roll body increases, the elastic member is strongly compressed. As a result, the elastic force generated in the elastic member increases, and therefore the head portion is pressed against the roll body with a larger force. Become. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of winding up the ink ribbon, the head portion pressed against the ink ribbon acts as a resistance against winding. As described above, this resistance increases as the outer diameter of the roll body increases. Therefore, the torque applied to the take-up unit to rotate the take-up unit is set so that such resistance force can be overcome. For example, when the resistance force becomes maximum when the outer diameter of the roll body is maximum, the torque is set so as to overcome the resistance force caused by the head portion when the outer diameter of the roll body is maximum.

  By the way, the tension applied to the ink ribbon when the winding unit winds the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred is obtained by subtracting the resistance generated due to the head from the force resulting from the torque applied to the winding unit. Become a thing. Here, as described above, the resistance generated due to the head portion increases as the outer diameter of the roll body increases. In other words, when the outer diameter of the roll body is small, the resistance force caused by the head portion is also small. Therefore, when the torque applied to the winding unit is constant and the torque is determined on the basis of the resistance force from the head unit generated when the outer diameter of the roll body is maximum, when the outer diameter of the roll body is small, The tension applied to the ink ribbon is extremely large as compared with the case where the outer diameter of the roll body is maximum. That is, in the conventional method, the tension applied to the ink ribbon varies greatly depending on the outer diameter of the roll body. In this case, the transfer speed of the transfer medium when printing on the transfer medium varies depending on the tension of the ink ribbon, and as a result, the start position of the print transferred to the transfer medium and the length of the print area May fluctuate.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and tension applied to the ink ribbon when the outer diameter of the roll body is large and tension applied to the ink ribbon when the outer diameter of the roll body is small. It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal transfer device and a thermal transfer method, and a winding device and a winding method that can prevent the difference from being greatly different.

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer apparatus that transfers ink to a transfer medium using an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer, and is arranged on the downstream side of the delivery section, the delivery section that feeds out the ink ribbon, and the ink A first transfer device having a first head portion provided on the support layer side of the ribbon and transferring the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon in a first pattern to the transfer target; and the first transfer device. And a winding unit that winds up the ink ribbon that has been subjected to ink transfer, and is provided in the vicinity of the winding unit, and supports the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and that has been transferred by the winding unit. A second transfer device having a second head portion heated from the layer side, and the second head portion of the second transfer device having been transferred by the winding portion with the adjusted head pressure. The in A head pressure adjusting device that presses against the ribbon, and in the second transfer device, the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated by the second head portion is positioned inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern. The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon and wound up by the winding portion is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, When the head pressure when the winding diameter is a second winding diameter that is larger than the first winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure adjusting device is configured to reduce the winding diameter from the first winding diameter to the first winding diameter. The thermal transfer apparatus is configured to reduce the head pressure from the first head pressure to the second head pressure before the diameter increases to two winding diameters.

  In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the head pressure adjusting device includes a support member having one end attached to the first rotating shaft, the support member supporting the second head portion, and a movable connecting shaft. A first pressure adjusting unit coupled to the support member, and the coupling shaft is configured to increase the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and has been transferred by the winding unit. The first pressure adjusting unit rotates and moves about the first rotation axis so as to move away from the take-up unit, and the first pressure adjusting unit rotates the support member toward the take-up unit about the first rotation axis. A force may be applied to the support member via the connecting shaft so that a rotational torque acting on the support member decreases as the winding diameter increases.

  In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the first pressure adjusting unit includes an expansion / contraction rod having one end attached to the second rotation shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connection shaft. May be arranged such that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft toward the space between the winding portion and the first rotating shaft is generated in the telescopic rod.

  In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the first pressure adjusting unit has a central part attached to the second rotating shaft, one end attached to one end of the elastic member, and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft. The other end of the elastic member attached to the one end of the rotating piece is a fixed end, and the rotating shaft and the elastic member have the connecting shaft connected to the first piece. You may arrange | position so that a force may be applied to the said connection axis | shaft so that it may rotate toward the said winding part centering on 1 rotating shaft.

  In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the present invention, the first pressure adjusting unit includes an expansion / contraction rod having one end attached to the second rotation shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connection shaft. Is arranged such that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft is generated in the telescopic rod so that the connecting shaft moves away from the winding portion, and the head pressure adjusting device is configured such that the support member is attached to the winding portion. You may further have the 2nd pressure adjustment part containing the elastic member which generate | occur | produces the elastic force pushed toward toward.

  The present invention relates to an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer, wherein the ink ribbon is wound with the ink ribbon having the ink transferred thereon in a first pattern onto the transfer target. A winding unit that winds up the ink ribbon that has been subjected to ink transfer, and a winding unit that is provided in the vicinity of the winding unit and that heats the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit from the support layer side. The transfer device for a winding device having a head portion for the device and the head portion for the winding device of the transfer device for the winding device, which has been transferred by the winding portion with the adjusted head pressure. A head pressure adjusting device that presses against the ink ribbon, wherein the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon that is heated by the winding device head section has a second pattern in the transfer device for the winding device. The head when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon transferred to the ink ribbon support layer positioned inside the ink ribbon and wound by the winding portion is the first winding diameter. When the pressure is referred to as a first head pressure, and the head pressure when the winding diameter is a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure adjusting device A winding device configured to reduce the head pressure from the first head pressure to the second head pressure during a period from when the diameter increases to the second winding diameter. .

  In the winding device according to the present invention, the head pressure adjusting device is a support member having one end attached to the first rotating shaft, and supports the head unit for the winding device, and is movable. A first pressure adjusting unit coupled to the support member via a coupling shaft, and the coupling shaft increases the winding diameter of the ink ribbon having been transferred by the ink wound by the winding unit. As it moves away from the take-up part, the first pressure adjusting part rotates about the first rotary shaft, and the support member rotates toward the take-up part about the first rotary axis. Thus, a force may be applied to the support member via the connecting shaft such that the rotational torque acting on the support member decreases at least partially as the winding diameter increases.

  In the winding device according to the present invention, the first pressure adjusting unit includes an expansion / contraction rod having one end attached to the second rotation shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connection shaft. The rod may be arranged such that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft toward the space between the winding unit and the first rotating shaft is generated in the telescopic rod.

  In the winding device according to the present invention, the center of the first pressure adjusting unit is attached to the second rotating shaft, one end thereof is attached to one end of the elastic member, and the other end is attached to the support member via the connecting shaft. The other end of the elastic member attached to the one end of the rotating piece is a fixed end, and the rotating shaft and the elastic member have the connecting shaft connected to the first piece. You may arrange | position so that a force may be applied to the said connection axis | shaft so that it may rotate toward the said winding part centering on 1 rotating shaft.

  In the winding device according to the present invention, the first pressure adjusting unit includes an expansion / contraction rod having one end attached to the second rotation shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connection shaft. The rod is arranged such that an elastic force is generated on the telescopic rod so as to push the connecting shaft so that the connecting shaft moves away from the winding portion, and the head pressure adjusting device is configured to cause the support member to move the winding member. You may further have the 2nd pressure adjustment part containing the elastic member which generate | occur | produces the elastic force pushed toward a part.

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer method in which an ink ribbon having an ink layer having a support layer and an ink layer is used to transfer ink to a transfer target, and a step of feeding the ink ribbon and an ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon to a first head. A first transfer step for transferring the ink ribbon in a first pattern to the transfer target using a portion, a step for winding the ink ribbon after ink transfer onto the winding portion, and an ink wound by the winding portion A second transfer step of heating the transferred ink ribbon from the support layer side using a second head portion, wherein the second head portion is a head pressure adjusted by a head pressure adjusting device, and An ink ribbon that is pressed against the ink-transferred ink ribbon wound up by the winding unit and heated from the support layer side by the second head unit in the second transfer step. The ink of the ink layer is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon located inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern, and the winding diameter of the ink ribbon after the ink transferred by the winding unit is first. When the head pressure at the winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the head pressure when the winding diameter is a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, The head pressure is a thermal transfer method in which the head diameter decreases from the first head pressure to the second head pressure until the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter.

  The present invention is an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer, wherein the ink in the ink layer is wound around the transferred ink ribbon in which the ink has been transferred in the first pattern, A step of winding the ink ribbon that has been ink-transferred on a winding unit, and a step of heating the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit from the support layer side using a head unit. The head portion is pressed against the ink ribbon after ink transfer wound up by the winding portion with a head pressure adjusted by a head pressure adjusting device, and is heated by the head portion in the heating step. The ink of the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated from the support layer side is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon located inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern, and the front The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the winding diameter is larger than the first winding diameter. When the head pressure at the second winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure is calculated while the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. A winding method in which the pressure is reduced from one head pressure to the second head pressure.

  According to the present invention, the second head portion is pushed against the ink ribbon until the winding diameter of the ink ribbon having been transferred by the winding portion increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. The head pressure applied can be reduced from the first head pressure to the second head pressure. For this reason, it can suppress that the tension | tensile_strength applied to an ink ribbon when a winding diameter is large, and the tension | tensile_strength applied to an ink ribbon when a winding diameter is small differ greatly. As a result, the start position of the print and the length of the print area transferred to the transfer medium are prevented from fluctuating in accordance with the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit. be able to.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a view showing an ink ribbon that has been ink-transferred in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is a diagram in which the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred in a first pattern in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line III-III of the ink ribbon after ink transfer shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a winding device of the thermal transfer device of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the dependency of the head pressure applied to the second head unit by the head pressure adjusting device of the winding device and the tension applied to the ink ribbon on the winding diameter of the ink ribbon. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a head pressure adjusting device of the winding device. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining a component of the head pressure F applied to the second head portion 23. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the head pressure adjusting device shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the dependency of the head pressure applied to the second head unit by the head pressure adjusting device of the winding device and the tension applied to the ink ribbon on the winding diameter of the ink ribbon. FIG. 9A shows the ink layer of the outer ink ribbon after the transfer by the second head portion, and FIG. 9B shows the inner ink after the transfer by the second head portion. The figure which shows the support layer of a ribbon. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the first winding diameter in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the second winding diameter in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the first winding diameter in the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the second winding diameter in the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the first winding diameter in the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing a head pressure adjusting device when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon is the second winding diameter in the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the head pressure applied to the second head unit by the head pressure adjusting device of the winding device in the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a result of calculating the head pressure applied to the second head portion by the head pressure adjusting device of the winding device by setting the length of the support member in various ways. FIG. 15 shows the result of calculating the head pressure applied to the second head unit by the head pressure adjusting device of the winding device by setting various elastic coefficients of the elastic bodies included in the telescopic rod of the first pressure adjusting unit. FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the second head portion is pressed against the ink ribbon by the elastic member in the comparative embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the dependency of the head pressure applied to the second head unit and the tension applied to the ink ribbon on the winding diameter of the ink ribbon in a comparative embodiment. FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of a print start position and a length of a print region transferred to a transfer target when tension applied to the ink ribbon is large. FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of the print start position and the length of the print area transferred to the transfer target when the tension applied to the ink ribbon is small.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10B. First, the overall structure of the thermal transfer apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer apparatus 10 for transferring the ink 12a in a desired pattern to the transfer target 14 using the ink ribbon 13 having the support layer 11 and the ink layer 12 is arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow R1. A sending unit 16 that sends out the ribbon 13, a first transfer device 17 arranged on the downstream side of the sending unit 16, and an ink ribbon that is arranged on the downstream side of the first transfer device 17 and has ink transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow R2. A winding unit 21 that winds 13, and a second head unit 23 that is provided in the vicinity of the winding unit 21 and that heats the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 from the support layer 11 side. A second transfer device 22. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer apparatus 10 uses the second head section 23 of the second transfer apparatus 22 to transfer the ink that has been transferred by the winding section 21 with the adjusted head pressure. A head pressure adjusting device 30 that presses against the ribbon 13 is further provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the ink ribbon 13 is conveyed along a plurality of guide rolls 15. A winding device 20 is configured by the winding unit 21, the second transfer device 22, and the head pressure adjustment device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first transfer device 17 includes a platen roll 19 that supports the transfer target 14, and a first head that is provided to face the platen roll 19 with the ink ribbon 13 and the transfer target 14 interposed therebetween. Part 18, for example, a print head. As shown in FIG. 1, the first head portion 18 is provided on the support layer 11 side of the ink ribbon 13. The first head portion 18 heats the ink 12a of the ink layer 12 of the ink ribbon 13 in a predetermined pattern (first pattern) corresponding to the ID information, whereby the ink 12a of the ink layer 12 of the ink ribbon 13 is heated. The image is transferred to the transfer target 14 in the first pattern.

  FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a case where the ink ribbon 13 after the ink 12a is transferred to the transfer target 14 in the first pattern is viewed from the ink layer 12 side, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the to-be-transferred body 14 to which the ink 12a of the ribbon 13 was transcribe | transferred by the 1st pattern. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3, in the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred, the ink layer 12 is printed on the transferred material 14 and the ink 12 a remaining without being transferred to the transferred material 14. And the ink missing portion 12b corresponding to the ID information. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A, the pattern of the ink missing portion 12b in the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred corresponds to the first pattern in the first head portion 18 described above. For this reason, it is possible to specify the ID information printed on the transfer medium 14 based on the pattern of the ink missing portion 12b.

  In FIG. 2B, reference numerals 14 a and 14 b respectively represent the front end and the rear end of the transferred body 14 in the transport direction of the transferred body 14. Further, in FIG. 2B, the print area in which the ID information is printed by the ink 12a in the transferred body 14 is represented as an area surrounded by a dotted line with a reference numeral 14e. The front end of the print area 14e, that is, the print start position is represented by reference numeral 14f, and the rear end of the print area 14e, that is, the print end position is represented by reference numeral 14g.

  Printing on the transfer body 14 is generally started based on information from a sensor (not shown) configured to detect the front end 14a or the rear end 14b of the transfer body 14. For example, a sensor is installed in the vicinity of the first head unit 18, and after a predetermined time (hereinafter also referred to as a print start waiting time) has elapsed since the sensor detected the front end 14 a of the transfer body 14, the first head unit The transfer (the first transfer step described later) to the transfer target 14 by 18 is started. Accordingly, the distance v1 from the front end 14a of the transfer body 14 to the print start position 14f is determined by the print start waiting time and the transport speed of the transfer body 14 at that time. The length v2 of the printing area 14e is determined by a period during which the transfer by the first head unit 18 is performed (hereinafter also referred to as a printing period) and the conveyance speed of the transfer medium 14 at that time.

Winding device now to FIG. 4, it will be described in detail winding device 20 of the thermal transfer device 10. As described above, the winding device 20 includes the roll-shaped winding unit 21 that winds up the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred with the ink, and the ink-transferred unit that is provided in the vicinity of the winding unit 21 and has been wound up by the winding unit 21. The second transfer device (winding device transfer device) 22 having the second head portion 23 for heating the ink ribbon 13 from the support layer 11 side and the second head portion 23 of the second transfer device 22 were adjusted. A head pressure adjusting device 30 that presses against the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 with the head pressure F.

(Winding part)
As shown in FIG. 4, in the winding unit 21 of the present embodiment, the ink ribbon 13 is wound so that the support layer 11 of the ink ribbon 13 is positioned outside the ink layer 12. As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, the ink ribbon 13 positioned on the outermost periphery among the ink ribbons 13 wound around the winding unit 21 is referred to as an outer ink ribbon 13A, and the outer ink ribbon 13A. The ink ribbon 13 wound around the winding portion 21 on the inner side and adjacent to the outer ink ribbon 13A is referred to as an inner ink ribbon 13B.

  In the present embodiment, a constant torque M is applied to the winding unit 21. The configuration for maintaining the torque M applied to the winding unit 21 to be constant is not particularly limited, and for example, a known device such as a torque limiter is appropriately used.

(Second transfer device)
The second head unit 23 of the second transfer device 22 uses the second pattern to remove a part of the ink 12a remaining in the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A heated by the second head unit 23 in the second pattern. It is comprised so that it can transfer on the support layer 11 of this. Note that the temperature of the second head portion 23 is such that the phenomenon that the ink 12a of the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is melted over the entire region and the outer ink ribbon 13A and the inner ink ribbon 13B are bonded to each other does not occur. Is set low.

  The second pattern realized by the second head unit 23 is set to be different from the first pattern in the first head unit 18. Therefore, by transferring a part of the ink 12a remaining in the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A onto the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B, the ID information in the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is transferred to the ID information. When the ink ribbon 13 is unwound, the pattern of the corresponding ink missing portion 12b including the first pattern can be destroyed. As a result, as described later, it is possible to prevent identification of ID information printed on the transfer medium 14 based on the pattern of the ink missing portion 12b.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, as described above, the torque M applied to the winding unit 21 is constant. In this case, the torque M, the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21, the head pressure F applied to the second head unit 23, and the tension T applied to the ink ribbon 13 In the meantime, the following relational expression holds.
M-μ × F × cos θ × r = T × r
T = (M−μ × F × cos θ) / r
Here, μ is a dynamic friction coefficient between the second head portion 23 and the ink ribbon 13. Further, F × cos θ means a pressure F1 of a component of the head pressure F toward the center of the winding unit 21 as shown in FIG. 6B.

  First, consider the case where the second head portion 23 is pressed against the ink ribbon 13 by the head pressure F by the elastic member 60 that generates the elastic force X as in the comparative example shown in FIG. In this case, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases, the elastic member 60 is compressed, so that the elastic force X generated in the elastic member 60 increases, and thus the head pressure F also increases as shown in FIG. Therefore, the resistance to winding of the ink ribbon 13 due to the head pressure F, that is, μ × F in the above relational expression increases as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases. In FIG. 17 and the drawings to be described later, reference numeral F1 denotes a head pressure (hereinafter referred to as the first head) when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 is the first winding diameter r1. F2 represents a head pressure (hereinafter also referred to as a second head pressure) when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 is a second winding diameter r2 that is larger than the first winding diameter r1. Yes.

  On the other hand, as can be seen from the above relational expression, the tension T resulting from the torque M applied to the winding unit 21 decreases as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases. Even when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is large, for example, when the winding diameter r is the second winding diameter r2, this torque M overcomes the resistance force caused by the second head portion 23. The size is set to some extent so that an appropriate tension T2 can be applied to the ink ribbon 13. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the first winding diameter r1 smaller than the second winding diameter r2, the tension T1 applied to the ink ribbon 13 is larger than the tension T2. It is thought that it will become extremely large.

  By the way, when the transfer to the transfer target 14 by the first head unit 18 is performed, the transfer target 14 is conveyed by the platen roll 19 in a state where the ink ribbon 13 is stuck by the printing heat of the first head unit 18. Is done. The surface portion of the platen roll 19 is generally made of rubber. The tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 acts in a direction that facilitates the conveyance of the transfer target 14. For this reason, the greater the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13, the greater the action of promoting the transfer of the transfer target 14. Therefore, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is large and, therefore, the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is small, the conveyance speed of the transfer medium 14 becomes smaller than the average. On the other hand, when the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is large, the frictional force that the ink ribbon 13 exerts on the transfer target 14 acts in a direction that promotes the conveyance of the transfer target 14 by the platen roll 19. Therefore, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is small and, therefore, the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is large, the conveyance speed of the transfer medium 14 becomes larger than the average. That is, the change in the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 according to the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 means that the transfer speed of the transfer target 14 also changes.

  Here, as described above, the distance v1 from the front end 14a of the transferred body 14 to the printing start position 14f is determined by the printing start waiting time and the transport speed of the transferred body 14 at that time. The length v2 of the printing area 14e is determined by the printing period and the conveyance speed of the transfer medium 14 at that time. Accordingly, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is small and, therefore, the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is large, as shown in FIG. 18A, the distance v1 from the front end 14a of the transfer medium 14 to the print start position 14f, In addition, the length v2 of the print area 14e is larger than expected. In FIG. 18A, the distance v1 and length v2 in the case of FIG. 2B, that is, the ideal (in other words, average) distance v1 and length v2 are represented by dotted arrows for comparison. ing.

  FIG. 18B shows the distance v1 from the front end 14a of the transfer medium 14 to the printing start position 14f and the printing area 14e when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is large and the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is small. It is a figure which shows length v2. As shown in FIG. 18B, in the example shown in FIG. 18B, the distance v1 and the length v2 are smaller than in the case of FIG.

  In this way, the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 in accordance with the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 varies depending on the distance v1 from the front end 14a of the transfer target 14 to the print start position 14f and the print area 14e. It leads that the length v2 varies. Conventionally, by using a torque limiter or the like, the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is controlled so that the fluctuations in the distance v1 and the length v2 are within a certain range, for example, ± 0.2 mm. On the other hand, when the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13 is affected by the head pressure F from the second head portion 23 as in the present embodiment, it is sufficient to use only the torque limiter to change the tension applied to the ink ribbon 13. It is difficult to suppress it.

(Head pressure adjusting device)
Considering such problems, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the head pressure is increased until the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. It is proposed to configure the head pressure adjusting device 30 so as to decrease F from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure F2. That is, the head pressure adjusting device 30 is configured such that the second head pressure F2 at the second winding diameter r2 is smaller than the first head pressure F1 at the first winding diameter r1. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the tension T1 applied to the ink ribbon 13 at the first winding diameter r1 from greatly differing from the tension T2 applied to the ink ribbon 13 at the second winding diameter r2. it can. As a result, the printing start position 14 f and the length of the printing area 14 e transferred to the transfer medium 14 vary according to the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 and has been transferred. Can be suppressed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the first winding diameter r1 is the minimum value of the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 and the second winding diameter r2 is the maximum value of the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13. Yes. 5 shows an example in which the head pressure adjusting device 30 is configured such that the tension T applied to the ink ribbon 13 is substantially constant between the first winding diameter r1 and the second winding diameter r2. ing. Note that “substantially constant” means that the ratio of the tension T2 to the tension T1 is in the range of 80% to 120%.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6A, the head pressure F is changed from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure until the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. An example of a specific configuration of the head pressure adjusting device 30 that can be reduced to F2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6A, the head pressure adjusting device 30 includes a head support portion 40 including a support member 41 that supports the second head portion 23, and a first support member 41 connected to the support member 41 via a movable connecting shaft C. 1 pressure adjusting unit 31.

  The support member 41 extends linearly between one end and the other end. The support member 41 has one end attached to the first rotating shaft A and the other end connected to the connecting shaft C. A method of attaching one end of the support member 41 to the first rotating shaft A and a method of connecting the other end of the support member 41 to the connecting shaft C are not particularly limited. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, one end of the support member 41 is fixed to one end of the support member 41 and the first connection portion 42 provided with a through hole through which the first rotation shaft A passes is provided. It may be attached to the rotating shaft A. Further, the other end of the support member 41 is fixed to the other end of the support member 41 and connected to the connection shaft C via a second connection portion 43 provided with a through hole through which the connection shaft C passes. Good. Moreover, the method in which the support member 41 supports the second head portion 23 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a fixture 44 extending toward the winding portion 21 in a direction crossing the direction in which the support member 41 extends is fixed to the other end of the support member 41, and the second head portion is attached to the fixture 44. 23 may be attached. In FIG. 6A, the distance between the 1st rotating shaft A and the connection shaft C is represented by the code | symbol L1. The support member 41 is configured such that the distance L1 is unchanged.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the first pressure adjusting unit 31 has a telescopic rod 32 having one end attached to the second rotating shaft B and the other end connected to the other end of the support member 41 via the connecting shaft C. Contains. In the present embodiment, the telescopic rod 32 is arranged such that an elastic force X that pushes the connecting shaft C toward the space between the winding portion 21 and the first rotation shaft A is generated in the telescopic rod 32. Yes. For example, an elastic member such as a spring is provided inside the telescopic rod 32, and this elastic member is in a compressed state. For this reason, the telescopic rod 32 pushes the connecting shaft C toward the space between the winding portion 21 and the first rotation shaft A. Accordingly, a rotational torque Q is applied to the support member 41 so that the support member 41 rotates toward the take-up portion 21 about the first rotation axis A. As a result, the second head portion 23 is moved in a predetermined manner. It is pressed against the second head portion 23 by the head pressure F. In FIG. 6A, the distance between the 2nd rotating shaft B and the connection shaft C is represented by the code | symbol L2. Since the telescopic rod 32 is telescopic, the distance L2 is variable. The rotational torque Q acts in a direction orthogonal to a straight line Z connecting the first rotational axis A and the tip of the support member 41 as shown in FIG. 6A.

  As described above, the connecting shaft C is configured to be movable. That is, in the head pressure adjusting device 30, the support member 41 and the telescopic rod 32 function as so-called links and arms, and the connecting shaft C functions as a so-called joint. In this case, the connecting shaft C rotates about the first rotation axis A so as to move away from the winding unit 21 as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the ink transferred by the winding unit 21 increases. Moving. In FIG. 6A, the position of the connecting shaft C when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2 is indicated by a dotted line with a reference C2. In addition, the position of the connecting shaft C when the first rotating shaft A, the second rotating shaft B, and the connecting shaft C are aligned on a straight line is indicated by a dotted line with a symbol C0. Further, the distance between the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B when the first rotation axis A, the second rotation axis B, and the connection axis C are aligned is indicated by a symbol L0. A straight line connecting the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B when the distance between the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B is L0 is also referred to as a reference straight line. In FIG. 6A, the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 are respectively an angle formed by a straight line connecting the first rotation axis A and the connection axis C and the reference line, and a straight line connecting the second rotation axis B and the connection axis C and the reference. It represents the angle formed by a straight line.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the head pressure adjusting device 30 shown in FIG. 6A.
As shown in FIG. 7, the head support portion 40 may further include an arm 45 that extends between the first connection portion 42 and the second connection portion 43. In addition, one end of the telescopic rod 32 is attached to the second rotating shaft B via a first connecting portion 33 provided with a through hole through which the second rotating shaft B passes, and the other end of the telescopic rod 32 is connected to the connecting shaft. You may be connected with the connection axis | shaft C via the 2nd connection part 34 in which the through-hole which C penetrates was provided.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which the first winding diameter r1 is the minimum value of the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 and the second winding diameter r2 is the maximum value of the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the first winding diameter r1 may be larger than the minimum value ra of the winding diameter r, and the second winding diameter r2 may be smaller than the maximum value rb of the winding diameter r. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the head pressure F applied to the second head portion 23 does not need to decrease monotonously with the increase in the winding diameter r over the entire winding diameter r, and can be set to an arbitrary first winding diameter r1. And the second winding diameter r2 may be monotonously decreased as the winding diameter r increases.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described. Here, first, ID information is printed on the transfer medium 14 by the first transfer device 17 of the thermal transfer device 10, and then the ink 12 a of the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13 A to which ink has been transferred is transferred to the second transfer device 22. The action (pattern destruction effect) transferred to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B in the second pattern will be described. Next, the head pressure F is changed from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure by the head pressure adjusting device 30 until the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. The action (head pressure adjustment effect) that decreases to F2 will be described.

(Pattern destruction effect)
First, the transfer target 14 is prepared, and then the transfer target 14 is conveyed toward the first transfer device 17. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the ink ribbon 13 is sent out from the sending unit 16 toward the first transfer device 17.

  When the transfer target 14 reaches between the first head unit 18 and the platen roll 19 of the first transfer device 17, the first head unit 18 heats the ink ribbon 13 with the first pattern corresponding to the ID information. Press against the transfer body 14. As a result, the ink 12a of the ink layer 12 of the ink ribbon 13 is transferred onto the transfer target 14 in a first pattern (first transfer step). As a result, ID information is printed on the transfer medium 14, and an ink missing portion 12 b corresponding to the ID information is formed in the ink layer 12 of the ink ribbon 13.

  The ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred after passing through the first transfer device 17 is taken up by the take-up unit 21 of the take-up device 20. Then, in a state where the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred is wound by the winding unit 21, the outer ink ribbon 13A is heated in the second pattern by the second head unit 23 of the second transfer device 22 (first pattern). 2 transfer step).

  FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a case where the outer ink ribbon 13A after being transferred by the second transfer device 22 is viewed from the ink layer 12 side, and FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating the second transfer device. 22 is a diagram illustrating a case where the inner ink ribbon 13B after the transfer by 22 is viewed from the support layer 11 side. 9 (a) and 9 (b) shows a state where the ink 12a of the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is partially divided when the wound ink ribbon 13 is unwound, and the inner ink ribbon 13A is broken. This is realized by shifting to the 13B side.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A has an ink missing portion 12b (1) having a first pattern based on the ID information print pattern in the first transfer device 17, and a second pattern. An ink removal portion 12b (2) having a second pattern 26 based on the heating pattern in the second head portion 23 of the transfer device 22 is formed. As shown in FIG. 9A, the first layer and the second pattern 26 are mixed in the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A. Therefore, the ink composed of the first pattern corresponding to the ID information. The pattern of the missing portion 12b (1) is destroyed to the extent that it cannot be recognized. As a result, it is possible to prevent the identification information printed on the transfer medium 14 from being specified based on the pattern of the ink missing portion 12b.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the ink 12c is transferred from the outer ink ribbon 13A by the second pattern 26 onto the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B by the second head unit 23 of the second transfer device 22. ing. As shown in FIG. 9B, the ink 12c is partially formed with an ink missing portion 12d having a pattern based on the ink missing portion 12b formed of the first pattern of the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A. Has been. However, as shown in FIG. 9B, the ink missing portion 12d is only visually recognized in a region overlapping with the second pattern 26. Therefore, based on the pattern of the ink missing portion 12d, the transferred object The ID information printed on 14 is not specified.

(Head pressure adjustment effect)
Next, the head pressure adjustment effect will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 is the first winding diameter r1. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2.

  10A and 10B, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2, the connecting shaft C moves away from the winding unit 21, Moreover, the distance L2 between the 2nd rotating shaft B and the connection shaft C becomes short. For this reason, the elastic force X2 generated in the expansion / contraction rod 32 when the ink ribbon 13 has the second winding diameter r2 is larger than the elastic force X1 generated in the expansion / contraction rod 32 when the ink ribbon 13 has the first winding diameter r1. On the other hand, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2, both the angle θ1 and the angle θ2 approach 0 °. That is, the angle formed by the direction in which the support member 41 of the head support unit 40 extends and the direction in which the telescopic rod 32 of the first pressure adjustment unit 31 extends approaches 180 °. Therefore, the elastic force X generated in the telescopic rod 32 is converted into a rotational torque Q that acts on the support member 41 so that the support member 41 rotates toward the winding portion 21 about the first rotation axis A. The conversion efficiency decreases as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases. For this reason, by appropriately setting the elastic coefficient of the elastic member included in the telescopic rod 32 and the arrangement of the telescopic rod 32, the rotational torque Q acting on the support member 41 can be increased to increase the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13. It can be reduced accordingly. That is, the rotational torque Q2 applied to the support member 41 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2 is added to the support member 41 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the first winding diameter r1. The rotational torque Q1 can be made smaller. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the head pressure F is changed from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure until the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. It can be monotonously decreased to F2. As a result, the tension T1 applied to the ink ribbon 13 at the first winding diameter r1 and the tension T2 applied to the ink ribbon 13 at the second winding diameter r2 are prevented from greatly differing. Can do. For this reason, the print start position 14 f and the length of the print area 14 e transferred to the transfer medium 14 vary according to the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 and has been transferred. Can be suppressed. Further, the ink ribbon 13 can be wound up to a desired winding diameter r without excessively increasing the torque M applied to the winding unit 21.

  The ink ribbon 13 wound up to a desired winding diameter r by the winding unit 21 of the winding device 20 is unwound, separated from the winding unit 21 and discarded. At this time, between the ink ribbons 13, for example, between the outer ink ribbon 13A and the inner ink ribbon 13B, the ink layer 12 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is divided, and the ID information remaining on the ink 12a is destroyed. As a result, the winding unit 21 only needs to discard the ink ribbon 13 that has been ink-transferred, so that the processing cost can be reduced. Further, the production cost can be reduced by reusing the taken-up winding unit 21.

  Note that various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, modified examples will be described with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above embodiment are used for the parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above embodiment. A duplicate description is omitted. In addition, when it is clear that the operational effects obtained in the above-described embodiment can be obtained in the modified example, the description thereof may be omitted.

(First modification)
With reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B, a head pressure adjusting device 30 according to a first modification will be described. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 is the first winding diameter r1. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in the present modification, the first pressure adjustment unit 31 includes a rotating piece 35 and an elastic member 36. The central portion of the rotating piece 35 is attached to the second rotating shaft B, one end of the rotating piece 35 is attached to one end of the elastic member 36, and the other end of the rotating piece 35 is connected to the connecting shaft C. It is connected to the support member 41 via The rotating piece 35 is provided with a long hole 35a extending along the longitudinal direction of the rotating piece 35, and the connecting piece C passes through the long hole 35a, whereby the rotating piece 35 is connected to the connecting axis C. Yes. The long hole 35a is configured such that the connecting shaft C can move along the long hole 35a.

  The other end of the elastic member 36 attached to one end of the rotating piece 35 is a fixed end 37. Further, the rotating piece 35 and the elastic member 36 are arranged so as to apply a force to the connecting shaft C so that the connecting shaft C rotates toward the winding portion 21 about the first rotating shaft A. Specifically, the elastic member 36 is in a compressed state. Therefore, the elastic member 36 has an elastic force X that pushes the other end of the rotating piece 35 in a direction in which the other end of the rotating piece 35 moves away from the winding portion 21. Has occurred. Based on the elastic force X, the rotating piece 35 rotates about the second rotating shaft B, and as a result, the rotating piece 35 moves toward the winding unit 21 with the connecting shaft C serving as the first rotating shaft A. A force is applied to the connecting shaft C so as to rotate. For this reason, also in this modification, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, the support member 41 acts so that the support member 41 rotates toward the winding unit 21 about the first rotation axis A. As a result, the second head portion 23 is pressed against the second head portion 23 with a predetermined head pressure F.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2, the connecting shaft C moves away from the winding unit 21, The rotating piece 35 rotates about the second rotation axis B. As a result, the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the rotating piece 35 and the direction in which the elastic force X generated in the elastic member 36 acts approaches 180 °. Therefore, the conversion efficiency when the elastic force X generated in the elastic member 36 is converted into the rotational torque S that rotates the rotary piece 35 about the second rotational axis B is increased by the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13. As it gets lower. Accordingly, the rotational torque S2 applied to the rotating piece 35 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2 is added to the rotating piece 35 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the first winding diameter r1. It becomes smaller than the rotational torque S1. As a result, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2, the rotational torque Q2 applied to the support member 41 based on the first pressure adjusting unit 31 is the same as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13. The rotational torque Q1 applied to the support member 41 at the time of one winding diameter r1 can be made smaller. Accordingly, also in this modification, the head pressure F is changed from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure F2 until the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. It can be monotonously reduced.

(Second modification)
With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a head pressure adjusting device 30 according to a second modification will be described. FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 that has been transferred by the winding unit 21 is the first winding diameter r1. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the head pressure adjusting device 30 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2.

  In the present embodiment and the first modification described above, the first pressure adjustment unit 31 is provided on the support member 41 so that the support member 41 rotates toward the winding unit 21 about the first rotation axis A. The example which acts with respect to the connection axis | shaft C was shown so that the rotational torque Q which acts may be generated. On the other hand, in the present modification, the telescopic rod 32 of the first pressure adjusting unit 31 is arranged such that an elastic force X that pushes the connecting shaft C is generated in the telescopic rod 32 so that the connecting shaft C moves away from the winding unit 21. ing. In this modification, the head pressure adjustment device 30 further includes a second pressure adjustment unit 50 including an elastic member 51 that generates an elastic force Y that pushes the support member 41 toward the winding unit 21. Here, one end of the elastic member 51 is attached to the support member 41, and the other end of the elastic member 51 is fixed to the fixed end 52. Both the elastic member 51 and the fixed end 52 are arranged so that the support member 41 is positioned between the elastic member 51 and the fixed end 52 and the winding portion 21. The elastic member 51 is in a compressed state.

  12A and 12B, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2, the connecting shaft C moves away from the winding unit 21, Moreover, the distance between the 2nd rotating shaft B and the connection shaft C becomes long. For this reason, the elastic force X2 generated in the expansion / contraction rod 32 when the ink ribbon 13 has the second winding diameter r2 is smaller than the elastic force X1 generated in the expansion / contraction rod 32 when the ink ribbon 13 has the first winding diameter r1. . On the other hand, as the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2, the direction in which the support member 41 of the head support section 40 extends and the telescopic rod 32 of the first pressure adjustment section 31 are extended. The angle formed by the extending direction approaches 90 °. As a result, the conversion efficiency when the elastic force X generated in the telescopic rod 32 is converted into the rotational torque acting on the support member 41 so that the connecting shaft C moves away from the take-up portion 21 with the first rotational axis A as an axis is As the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases, it becomes higher. Therefore, when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the second winding diameter r2 by appropriately setting the elastic coefficient of the elastic member included in the elastic rod 32, the arrangement of the elastic rod 32, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member 51, and the like. The rotational torque Q2 applied to the support member 41 can be made smaller than the rotational torque Q1 applied to the support member 41 when the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 is the first winding diameter r1. Accordingly, also in this modification, the head pressure F is changed from the first head pressure F1 to the second head pressure F2 until the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 increases from the first winding diameter r1 to the second winding diameter r2. It can be monotonously reduced.

  12A and 12B, the elastic member 51 and the fixed end 52 of the second pressure adjusting unit 50 are arranged so that the support member 41 is positioned between the elastic member 51 and the fixed end 52 and the winding unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Although not shown, the elastic member 51 and the fixed end 52 may be disposed in a space between the support member 41 and the winding unit 21. In this case, the elastic member 51 is arranged to be in a pulled state. For this reason, the elastic force Y generated in the elastic member 51 may generate a rotational torque that acts on the support member 41 so that the support member 41 rotates toward the winding unit 21 about the first rotation axis A. it can.

(Other variations)
In the above-described embodiment, the second pattern realized by the second head unit 23 is different from the first pattern realized by the first head unit 18. However, the second pattern is not particularly limited as long as the ID information printed on the transfer medium 14 can be prevented from being specified. For example, the second pattern may be the same as the first pattern.

  In addition, although some modified examples with respect to the above-described embodiment have been described, naturally, a plurality of modified examples can be applied in combination as appropriate.

  EXAMPLES Next, although an Example demonstrates this invention further more concretely, this invention is not limited to description of a following example, unless the summary is exceeded. Here, by using the head pressure adjusting device 30 shown in FIG. 6A, the second head portion 23 of the second transfer device 22 has been transferred by the winding portion 21 with the adjusted head pressure F. A case where the ink ribbon 13 is pressed against the ink ribbon 13 will be described.

Example 1
A point D is an intersection of a perpendicular drawn from the position of the connecting shaft C to a straight line connecting the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B and a straight line connecting the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B. . Further, it is assumed that the relationship L0 = a × L1 is established between the distance L1 and the distance L0. In addition, the distance between any two of the first rotation axis A, the second rotation axis B, the connection axis C, and the point D is represented by a distance (XX). Here, X is one of A to D. For example, the distance (AB) represents the distance between the first rotation axis A and the second rotation axis B. In this case, based on the relationship between the triangle constituted by the first rotation axis A, the connection axis C and the point D and the triangle constituted by the second rotation axis B, the connection axis C and the point D, the following relational expression Is calculated.
(AC) ² − (AD) ² = (BC) ² − (BD) ²
L1 ² − (L1 ・ cosθ1) ² = L2 ² − (L0−L1 ・ cosθ1) ²
L1 ² (1−cos ² θ1) = L2 ² − (a ・ L1−L1 ・ cosθ1) ²
＝ L2 ² −L1 ² (a−cosθ1) ²
L2 ² = L1 ² (1−cos ² θ1) + L1 ² (a−cosθ1) ²
= L1 ² {(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² }
L2 = L1 {(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5

Based on the relationship between the triangle formed by the first rotation axis A, the connection axis C, and the point D and the triangle formed by the second rotation axis B, the connection axis C, and the point D, the angle θ2 is a distance. It is expressed as follows using L1 and angle θ1.
(AC) ・ sinθ1 ＝ (BC) ・ sinθ2
L1 ・ sinθ1 ＝ L2 ・ sinθ2
sinθ2 ＝ (L1 / L2) ・ sinθ1
= Sinθ1 ・ L1 / [L1 {(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 ]
= Sinθ1 / [{(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 ]
θ2 ＝ asin [sinθ1 / [{(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 ]]

The elastic force generated in the elastic member included in the expansion / contraction rod 32 is X, the elastic coefficient of the elastic member included in the expansion / contraction rod 32 is k, and the elastic member of the expansion / contraction rod 32 when angle θ1 = angle θ2 = 0 °. In the case where the elastic force generated in the graph is X0, the elastic force X is expressed as follows using the distance L1 and the angle θ1.
X = k · {L2− (L0−L1)} + X ₀
＝ k ・ {L2− (a ・ L1−L1)} + X ₀
＝ k ・ {L2−L1 (a−1)} + X ₀
＝ k ・ [L1 {(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 −L1 (a−1)] + X ₀

The rotation moment Q of the support member 41 around the first rotation axis A is expressed as follows using the distance L1 and the angle θ1.
Q ＝ X ・ L1 ・ sin (θ1 ＋ θ2)
＝ k ・ [L1 {(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 −L1 (a−1)] + X ₀ × L1
× sin {(asin [sinθ1 / [{(1−cos ² θ1) + (a−cosθ1) ² } ^0.5 ]] + θ1}

When the second head portion 23 comes into contact with the ink ribbon 13 wound around the winding portion 21 in a direction in contact with the arc centered on the first rotation axis A, the second head portion 23 is brought into contact with the ink ribbon 13. When the distance between the point in contact with the first rotation axis A is L9, the head pressure F is expressed by the following equation.
F = Q / L9

  Angle θ1 and head when distance L1 = 120 mm, a = 3 (ie, L0 = 360 mm), elastic coefficient k of telescopic rod 32, X0 = 1.86 N, distance L9 = 120 mm The relationship of the pressure F is shown in FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, a relationship is established between the angle θ1 and the winding diameter r of the ink ribbon 13 such that the angle θ1 decreases as the winding diameter r increases. As shown in FIG. 13, when the angle θ1 is between 0 and 12.5 °, the head pressure F decreases as the angle θ1 decreases. This means that when the angle θ1 is between 0 and 12.5 °, the head pressure F decreases as the winding diameter r increases. Accordingly, by using the head pressure adjusting device 30 to generate the head pressure of the second head portion 23 at least partially using the section where the angle θ1 is 0 to 12.5 °, the winding diameter r is reduced. It can be realized that the head pressure F decreases as the value increases.

(Example 2)
The relationship between the angle θ1 and the head pressure F was calculated for each of the cases where the distance L1 was 90 mm, 120 mm, and 160 mm. The results are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, by changing the distance L1, that is, by changing the ratio between the distance L0 and the distance L1, it is possible to realize that the head pressure F decreases as the winding diameter r increases. It was possible to adjust the interval of.

(Example 3)
The relationship between the angle θ1 and the head pressure F was calculated for each of the cases where the elastic coefficient k of the elastic member included in the telescopic rod 32 was 0.108 N / mm, 0.144 N / mm, and 0.192 N / mm. The results are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, by changing the elastic coefficient k of the telescopic rod 32, it is possible to appropriately adjust the section of the angle θ1 at which the head pressure F can be reduced as the winding diameter r increases. did it.

  The angle θ shown in FIG. 6B changes according to the angle θ1, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, FIGS. 11A and 11B, and FIGS. 12A and 12B. However, when L0 in the figure is sufficiently long, the influence on the results shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 is small, and for the sake of convenience, the relational expressions in the above-described embodiments are treated as having no change.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Thermal transfer apparatus 11 Support layer 12 Ink layer 12a Ink 12b Ink omission part 12c Ink transferred on support layer by 2nd transfer apparatus 13 Ink ribbon 13A Outer ink ribbon 13B Inner ink ribbon 13C Outer ink ribbon 13D Inner ink ribbon 14 Covered Transfer body 17 First transfer device 18 First head portion 20 Winding device 21 Winding portion 22 Second transfer device 23 Second head portion 26 Second pattern 30 Head pressure adjusting device 31 First pressure adjusting portion 32 Telescopic rod 35 Rotation Piece 35a Elongate hole 36 Elastic member 37 Fixed end 40 Head support part 41 Support member 50 2nd pressure adjustment part 51 Elastic member 52 Fixed end A 1st rotating shaft A
B Second rotation axis B
C connecting shaft

Claims (12)

In a thermal transfer device that transfers ink to a transfer object using an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer,
A delivery section for delivering the ink ribbon;
A first head portion is provided on the downstream side of the delivery portion and provided on the support layer side of the ink ribbon, and the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon is transferred to the transfer object in a first pattern. A first transfer device,
A winding unit that is disposed on the downstream side of the first transfer device and winds up the ink ribbon after ink transfer;
A second transfer device provided in the vicinity of the winding unit and having a second head unit that heats the ink-transferred ink ribbon wound up by the winding unit from the support layer side;
A head pressure adjusting device that presses the second head portion of the second transfer device against the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding portion with the adjusted head pressure;
In the second transfer device, the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated by the second head unit is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon positioned inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern,
The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and taken up by the winding unit is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the winding diameter is larger than the first winding diameter. When the head pressure at the time of the large second winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure adjusting device is configured so that the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. A thermal transfer device configured to reduce the head pressure from the first head pressure to the second head pressure. The head pressure adjusting device includes:
One end of which is a support member attached to the first rotation shaft, and supports the second head part; and a support member;
A first pressure adjusting unit coupled to the support member via a movable coupling shaft,
The connecting shaft rotates about the first rotating shaft so as to move away from the winding portion as the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the ink taken up by the winding portion increases.
In the first pressure adjusting unit, a rotational torque acting on the support member so that the support member rotates toward the winding unit about the first rotation shaft decreases as the winding diameter increases. The thermal transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a force is applied to the support member via the connecting shaft. The first pressure adjusting unit includes an extendable rod having one end attached to the second rotating shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft,
3. The telescopic rod according to claim 2, wherein the telescopic rod is arranged so that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft toward the space between the winding unit and the first rotation shaft is generated in the telescopic rod. Thermal transfer device. The first pressure adjusting unit includes a rotating piece having a central portion attached to the second rotating shaft, one end attached to one end of the elastic member, and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft. Including
The other end of the elastic member attached to the one end of the rotating piece is a fixed end,
The rotary piece and the elastic member are arranged so as to apply a force to the connection shaft so that the connection shaft rotates toward the winding portion about the first rotation shaft. The thermal transfer apparatus described. The first pressure adjusting unit includes an extendable rod having one end attached to the second rotating shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft,
The telescopic rod is arranged such that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft is generated in the telescopic rod so that the connecting shaft moves away from the winding portion.
The thermal transfer apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the head pressure adjustment device further includes a second pressure adjustment unit including an elastic member that generates an elastic force that pushes the support member toward the winding unit. In an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer, the take-up device winds up an ink ribbon that has been transferred with the ink of the ink layer transferred in a first pattern onto the transfer target,
A winding unit for winding up the ink ribbon that has been subjected to ink transfer;
A winding device transfer device that is provided in the vicinity of the winding portion and has a winding device head unit that heats the ink-transferred ink ribbon wound up by the winding portion from the support layer side;
A head pressure adjusting device for pressing the winding device head portion of the winding device transfer device against the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding portion with the adjusted head pressure; Prepared,
In the transfer device for the winding device, the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated by the head unit for the winding device is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon located inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern. ,
The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and taken up by the winding unit is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the winding diameter is larger than the first winding diameter. When the head pressure at the time of the large second winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure adjusting device is configured so that the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. The winding device is configured to reduce the head pressure from the first head pressure to the second head pressure. The head pressure adjusting device includes:
One end of which is a support member attached to the first rotating shaft, and supports the winding device head, and a support member;
A first pressure adjusting unit coupled to the support member via a movable coupling shaft,
The connecting shaft rotates about the first rotating shaft so as to move away from the winding portion as the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the ink taken up by the winding portion increases.
The first pressure adjusting unit includes at least a portion of a rotational torque acting on the support member so that the support member rotates toward the winding unit about the first rotation shaft as the winding diameter increases. The winding device according to claim 6, wherein a force is applied to the support member via the connecting shaft so as to reduce the power of the support member. The first pressure adjusting unit includes an extendable rod having one end attached to the second rotating shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft,
The said expansion rod is arrange | positioned so that the elastic force which pushes the said connection shaft toward the space between the said winding part and the said 1st rotating shaft generate | occur | produces in the said expansion rod. Winding device. The first pressure adjusting unit includes a rotating piece having a center attached to the second rotating shaft, one end attached to one end of the elastic member, and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft. ,
The other end of the elastic member attached to the one end of the rotating piece is a fixed end,
The rotation piece and the elastic member are arranged so as to apply a force to the connection shaft so that the connection shaft rotates toward the winding portion about the first rotation shaft. The winding device as described. The first pressure adjusting unit includes an extendable rod having one end attached to the second rotating shaft and the other end connected to the support member via the connecting shaft,
The telescopic rod is arranged such that an elastic force that pushes the connecting shaft is generated in the telescopic rod so that the connecting shaft moves away from the winding portion.
The winding device according to claim 7, wherein the head pressure adjusting device further includes a second pressure adjusting unit including an elastic member that generates an elastic force that pushes the support member toward the winding unit. In a thermal transfer method for transferring ink to a transfer medium using an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer,
Sending out the ink ribbon;
A first transfer step of transferring the ink of the ink layer of the ink ribbon in a first pattern to the transfer target using a first head portion;
A step of winding the ink ribbon on which the ink has been transferred onto a winding unit;
A second transfer step of heating the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit from the support layer side using a second head unit,
The second head portion is pressed against the ink-transferred ink ribbon wound up by the winding portion with a head pressure adjusted by a head pressure adjusting device,
In the second transfer step, the ink in the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated from the support layer side by the second head unit is transferred in a second pattern to the support layer of the ink ribbon positioned inside the ink ribbon. ,
The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and taken up by the winding unit is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the winding diameter is larger than the first winding diameter. When the head pressure at the time of a large second winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure is calculated while the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. A thermal transfer method wherein the pressure is reduced from a first head pressure to the second head pressure. In an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer, the winding method for winding the ink transferred ink ribbon in which the ink of the ink layer is transferred in a first pattern onto the transfer target,
A step of winding the ink ribbon on which the ink has been transferred onto a winding unit;
Heating the ink-transferred ink ribbon wound up by the winding unit from the support layer side using a head unit, and
The head portion is pressed against the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding portion with the head pressure adjusted by a head pressure adjusting device,
In the heating step, the ink of the ink layer of the ink ribbon heated from the support layer side by the head unit is transferred to the support layer of the ink ribbon located inside the ink ribbon in the second pattern,
The head pressure when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon that has been transferred by the winding unit and taken up by the winding unit is the first winding diameter is referred to as a first head pressure, and the winding diameter is larger than the first winding diameter. When the head pressure at the time of a large second winding diameter is referred to as a second head pressure, the head pressure is calculated while the winding diameter increases from the first winding diameter to the second winding diameter. A winding method for reducing the first head pressure to the second head pressure.

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