JP2016215482A - Thermal transfer printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer printer that can suppress a fault from occurring to a printing screen of a sheet due to presence of a foreign matter of a member forming a conveyance path.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer printer 100 comprises fans FN1 and FN2 which generate wind and sheet conveyance guides PG10 and PG20. In the sheet conveyance guides are created holles for passing wind therethrough. The fan FN1 sends wind Wd1 to a printing screen 8a of a sheet 8 being conveyed. The fan FN2 sends wind Wd2 to the printing screen 8a of the sheet 8 being conveyed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printer that transfers heat to paper using heat.

  The conventional thermal transfer printer draws the paper from the roll paper having the paper, and performs the printing process N on the paper. The roll paper is configured by winding a long paper into a roll. In the printing process N, the thermal transfer printer performs printing by heating the ink sheet with a thermal head. Specifically, the thermal transfer printer presses the paper and the ink sheet with a thermal head and a platen roller. The ink sheet is coated with yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes and a protective material (overcoat material).

  Next, the thermal transfer printer heats the ink sheet with the thermal head while conveying the pressed paper and the ink sheet with the grip roller and the pinch roller. As a result, the dye and the protective material applied to the ink sheet are sequentially transferred to the paper. The dyes are yellow, magenta and cyan dyes. Thereby, color printing is performed.

  In the following, yellow, magenta and cyan are also referred to as “Y”, “M” and “C”, respectively. In the following, Y dye, M dye and C dye are also referred to as “Y dye”, “M dye” and “C dye”, respectively. In the following, each of Y dye, M dye and C dye is also referred to as “color dye” or “ink”. Hereinafter, the protective material is also referred to as “OP material”.

  More specifically, in the printing process N, the thermal transfer printer first performs a transfer process for transferring the Y dye onto the sheet, and then performs a return process (swing back) for returning the sheet by a predetermined distance. Next, the thermal transfer printer performs the transfer process and the return process for the M dye, the C dye, and the OP material as well as the Y dye. That is, the thermal transfer printer repeatedly performs a transfer process and a return process for each color dye and OP material.

  When the transfer of each color dye and OP material is completed, the thermal transfer printer cuts the end of the paper, to which each dye and OP material has been transferred, with a cutter, and discharges the end of the paper as a printed matter.

  In the thermal transfer printer, when the printing process N is performed in a state where foreign matter exists in an area related to printing, a problem related to printing occurs. The area related to the printing is, for example, an area where heat is generated in the thermal head, a sheet printing screen, or the like. The foreign matter is dust, dirt, or the like. The defect related to the print is, for example, a defect that a color omission (print scratch) exists in a part of the print.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing the occurrence of printing scratches (hereinafter also referred to as “Related Art A”). Specifically, in Related Art A, when the ink ribbon is replaced, the thermal head and a member in the vicinity of the thermal head (head guide portion) are cleaned by the cleaning member. As a result, the foreign matter in the region related to the printing is removed, so that it is possible to prevent the printing flaw.

JP 2004-130619 A

  In a thermal transfer printer, when a foreign substance exists on a member that forms a paper conveyance path, there is a possibility that the stamp screen of the paper being conveyed comes into contact with the foreign substance. The foreign matter is, for example, dust, a protrusion or the like existing on a member that forms the transport path. When the stamp screen comes into contact with the foreign object, there is a problem that a defect (hereinafter also referred to as “defect Df”) occurs on the stamp screen. The defect Df is, for example, a defect that a scratch occurs on the stamp screen. The related technology A cannot solve this problem.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a thermal transfer printer capable of suppressing the occurrence of a defect on a printing screen of paper.

  In order to achieve the above object, a thermal transfer printer according to an aspect of the present invention uses heat to transfer ink to a print screen that is a surface of a print target of a sheet. The thermal transfer printer includes a transport unit that transports the paper and a fan that generates wind, and the fan sends the wind to the marking screen of the paper transported by the transport unit.

  According to the present invention, the fan sends the wind to the marking screen of the sheet being conveyed by the conveyance unit.

  Thereby, when the foreign material exists in the member which forms the conveyance path | route of a paper, it can suppress that the said stamp screen of the said paper currently conveyed contacts the said foreign material. For this reason, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect that the stamp screen is scratched due to the contact of a foreign object with the stamp screen. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem on the sheet marking screen.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal transfer printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the cross section of the principal part of the thermal transfer printer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a thermal transfer printer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram mainly illustrating a configuration of a sheet conveyance guide according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a paper transport guide according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the paper transport guide according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram mainly illustrating a configuration of a sheet conveyance guide according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a paper transport guide according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the paper transport guide according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the cross section of the principal part of the thermal transfer printer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the thermal transfer printer which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof may be omitted.

  It should be noted that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the constituent elements exemplified in the embodiments are appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. It is not limited to those examples. Moreover, the dimension of each component in each figure may differ from an actual dimension.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a thermal transfer printer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction shown in the following figures is also orthogonal to each other. Hereinafter, a direction including the X direction and the direction opposite to the X direction (−X direction) is also referred to as “X axis direction”. In the following, the direction including the Y direction and the direction opposite to the Y direction (−Y direction) is also referred to as “Y-axis direction”. Hereinafter, a direction including the Z direction and a direction opposite to the Z direction (−Z direction) is also referred to as a “Z-axis direction”.

  Hereinafter, a plane including the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is also referred to as an “XY plane”. Hereinafter, a plane including the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is also referred to as an “XZ plane”. Hereinafter, a plane including the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is also referred to as a “YZ plane”.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the main part of the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Note that, in FIG. 1 described above, each component of FIG. 2 is simplified. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the thermal transfer printer 100 is configured such that the roll paper 8 r can be attached to and detached from the thermal transfer printer 100. The roll paper 8r is configured by winding a long paper 8 in a roll shape. The paper 8 has a stamp screen 8a. The printing screen 8a is a surface to be printed. A paper flange 9 is attached to the roll paper 8r.

  The thermal transfer printer 100 is configured such that the ink ribbons 10 r and 10 rm can be attached to and detached from the thermal transfer printer 100. Each of the ink ribbons 10r and 10rm is configured by winding a long ink sheet 10 in a roll shape. The ink ribbon 10r is a ribbon for supplying the ink sheet 10. The ink ribbon 10rm is a ribbon for winding up the ink sheet 10.

  In the ink sheet 10, a plurality of transfer regions composed of Y dye, M dye, C dye, and OP material are formed along the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet 10. The transfer region is a region where Y dye, M dye, C dye, and OP material are arranged in the order of Y dye, M dye, C dye, and OP material along the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet 10.

  1 and 2 show a state in which the roll paper 8r and the ink ribbons 10r and 10rm are attached to the thermal transfer printer 100. FIG.

  The thermal transfer printer 100 includes a transport unit 7, a thermal head 2, a heat sink 4, a platen roller 6, fans FN1, FN2, and FN3, a cutting unit 13, paper transport guides PG10 and PG20, and a housing CH1. Prepare.

  The transport unit 7 transports the paper 8. Specifically, the transport unit 7 includes a grip roller 7a and a pinch roller 7b. The conveyance unit 7 conveys the paper 8 with the grip roller 7a and the pinch roller 7b interposed therebetween. Hereinafter, the path along which the paper 8 is transported is also referred to as a “paper transport path”.

  The thermal head 2 generates heat for transferring ink. Specifically, the thermal head 2 has a heat generation part 2h that generates heat. The heat generating unit 2h is configured using, for example, a thermistor. The heat sink 4 is a member for cooling the thermal head 2. The heat sink 4 is thermally connected to the thermal head 2. A part of the heat generated in the thermal head 2 is transmitted to the heat sink 4.

  The fan FN3 generates wind. Specifically, the fan FN3 sends wind to the heat sink 4. Thereby, the heat sink 4 dissipates the heat transmitted from the thermal head 2 to the heat sink 4.

  The platen roller 6 is provided to face the thermal head 2. The platen roller 6 is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction.

  The thermal head 2, the heat sink 4, the fan FN3, and the platen roller 6 constitute a transfer unit. The transfer section has a function for transferring the dye.

  The cutting unit 13 is provided downstream of the paper transport path. The cutting unit 13 is configured to cut the end of the paper 8. The cutting unit 13 is configured using, for example, a cutter.

  Each of the paper transport guides PG10 and PG20 is provided in the paper transport path. The paper transport guide PG10 is provided at a position upstream of the thermal head 2 in the paper transport path. The paper transport guide PG10 has a transport space SP1c. The conveyance space SP1c is a space in which the paper 8 is conveyed. That is, the transport space SP1c is a part of the paper transport path.

  The paper transport guide PG20 is provided at a position downstream of the thermal head 2 in the paper transport path. The paper transport guide PG20 has a transport space SP2c. The conveyance space SP2c is a space in which the paper 8 is conveyed. That is, the transport space SP2c is another part of the paper transport path. The detailed configuration of each of the paper transport guides PG10 and PG20 will be described later.

  The housing CH1 accommodates each component included in the thermal transfer printer 100, roll paper 8r (paper 8), and ink ribbons 10r and 10rm. The constituent elements are, for example, the transport unit 7, the thermal head 2, the heat sink 4, the platen roller 6, the cutting unit 13, the paper transport guides PG10 and PG20, and the like.

  Each of fans FN1 and FN2 generates wind. The fans FN1 and FN2 are provided in the paper transport guides PG10 and PG20, respectively. Fan FN1 generates wind Wd1. A filter FL1 is attached to the intake side of the fan FN1. Fan FN2 generates wind Wd2. A filter FL2 is attached to the intake side of the fan FN2. The filters FL1 and FL2 will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the space between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 2 is also referred to as “printing space”. The print space is a space in which print processing described later is performed. The print space is a space through which the paper 8 and the ink sheet 10 pass.

  Next, a print control process performed by the thermal transfer printer 100 will be briefly described. In the print control process, first, the paper 8 supplied from the roll paper 8r is transported to the above-described print space via the transport space SP1c of the paper transport guide PG10. Then, the state of the paper 8 and the ink sheet 10 is a state of being sandwiched between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 2 (hereinafter also referred to as “clamping state”). In the sandwiched state, the paper 8 and the ink sheet 10 are transported by the transport unit 7. In the state where the paper 8 and the ink sheet 10 exist in the print space, the print process which is the transfer process described above is performed.

  In the printing process, the thermal transfer printer 100 transfers ink (color dye) to the printing screen 8a of the paper 8 using heat. Specifically, in the printing process, the thermal head 2 generates heat using the heat generation unit 2h. As a result, the ink (color dye) of the ink sheet 10 is transferred to the marking screen 8 a of the paper 8. In the first printing process, Y dye is transferred to the printing screen 8 a of the paper 8.

  After performing the printing process (transfer process), the thermal transfer printer 100 performs a return process (swing back) for returning the paper 8 by a predetermined distance. Next, the thermal transfer printer 100 performs the printing process and the returning process for the M dye, the C dye, and the OP material as well as the Y dye. That is, the thermal transfer printer 100 repeatedly performs the printing process and the returning process for each color dye and OP material included in one transfer region. As a result, an image is formed on the stamp screen 8 a of the paper 8. The state of the paper 8 on which the image is formed on the printing screen 8a is also referred to as “printing state”.

  Then, the printed sheet 8 is conveyed by a predetermined distance to the position where the cutting unit 13 exists through the conveyance space SP2c of the sheet conveyance guide PG20. The cutting part 13 cuts the edge part of the paper 8 on which the image is formed with a cutter. Then, the thermal transfer printer 100 discharges the end portion of the paper 8 as a printed matter.

(Characteristic configuration)
Next, the sheet conveyance guides PG10 and PG20 having a characteristic configuration in the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram mainly illustrating the configuration of the sheet conveyance guide PG10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, each component of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 described later is shown in a simplified manner. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the paper transport guide PG10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the paper transport guide PG10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, the sheet conveyance guide PG <b> 10 includes a guide member PG <b> 11 and a guide member PG <b> 12. The guide member PG11 and the guide member PG12 are arranged apart from each other so as to form a transport space SP1c between the guide member PG11 and the guide member PG12.

  Further, the sheet transport guide PG10 has a space SP1 as shown in FIGS. The space SP1 is a space into which the wind Wd1 generated by the fan FN1 is sent. Although details will be described later, the guide member PG12 is configured such that at least a part of the guide member PG12 is in contact with the space SP1. Although details will be described later, the fan FN1 is provided in the guide member PG12 so as to be in contact with the space SP1 as shown in FIGS.

  Hereinafter, the paper 8 being transported by the transport unit 7 is also referred to as “transport state paper”.

  The guide member PG12 has a surface PG12s. The surface PG12s is a surface that faces the stamp screen 8a of the conveyance state paper. Further, the guide member PG12 includes a main guide member PG12a and a cover PG12b as shown in FIGS. The main guide member PG12a has the aforementioned surface PG12s.

  The main guide member PG12a and the cover PG12b are arranged so as to constitute the space SP1 in FIGS. The cover PG12b functions as a lid for configuring the space SP1.

  Specifically, the cover PG12b is provided on the lower side of the main guide member PG12a. Accordingly, a part of the main guide member PG12a and a part of the cover PG12b are in contact with the space SP1. The main guide member PG12a and the cover PG12b constitute a duct that surrounds the space SP1. That is, the paper transport guide PG10 has a duct.

  The fan FN1 is provided on the cover PG12b so as to be in contact with the space SP1, as shown in FIGS. Thereby, the wind Wd1 generated by the fan FN1 is sent into the space SP1. A filter FL1 is attached to the intake side of the fan FN1.

  The filter FL1 has a function of removing fines contained in the air passing through the filter FL1. The fine object is, for example, dust. With the function of the filter FL1, the fan FN1 can generate the wind Wd1 in which no fine object exists.

  Further, the sheet conveyance guide PG10 has a structure for sending the wind Wd1 to the conveyance state sheet marking screen 8a (hereinafter also referred to as “blower structure WCT1”). Hereinafter, the blower structure WCT1 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the guide member PG12 is provided with a plurality of holes H1. Each hole H1 is a hole for allowing the wind Wd1 to pass therethrough. Each hole H1 is provided in the guide member PG12 so that the wind Wd1 sent into the space SP1 by the fan FN1 is sent to the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state paper. That is, each hole H1 is provided in the guide member PG12 so that the wind Wd1 is sent to the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a. Specifically, the main guide member PG12a (surface PG12s) is provided with a plurality of holes H1 as shown in FIGS.

  In addition, each hole H1 is provided so that the wind Wd1 may be sent to almost the entire conveyance space SP1c. Specifically, each hole H1 is provided so that the wind Wd1 having substantially the same strength can be generated from each hole H1. For example, each hole H1 is provided in the main guide member PG12a (surface PG12s) so that the interval between two adjacent holes H1 is substantially the same.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view mainly showing the configuration of the paper transport guide PG20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, each component of FIG. 2 and FIG. 8 described later is simplified. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the paper transport guide PG20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the paper transport guide PG20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, the paper transport guide PG20 includes a guide member PG21 and a guide member PG22. The guide member PG21 and the guide member PG22 are arranged apart from each other so as to form a transport space SP2c between the guide member PG21 and the guide member PG22.

  Further, the sheet transport guide PG20 has a space SP2 as shown in FIGS. The space SP2 is a space into which the wind Wd2 generated by the fan FN2 is sent. Although details will be described later, the guide member PG22 is configured such that at least a part of the guide member PG22 is in contact with the space SP2. Although details will be described later, the fan FN2 is provided on the guide member PG22 so as to be in contact with the space SP2, as shown in FIGS.

  Further, the guide member PG22 has a surface PG22s. The surface PG22s is a surface that faces the stamp screen 8a of the conveyance state paper. The guide member PG22 includes a main guide member PG22a and a cover PG22b as shown in FIGS. The main guide member PG22a has the aforementioned surface PG22s.

  The main guide member PG22a and the cover PG22b are arranged so as to constitute the space SP2 in FIGS. The cover PG22b functions as a lid for configuring the space SP2.

  Specifically, the cover PG22b is provided on the upper side of the main guide member PG22a. Accordingly, a part of the main guide member PG22a and a part of the cover PG22b are in contact with the space SP2. The main guide member PG22a and the cover PG22b form a duct that surrounds the space SP2. That is, the paper transport guide PG20 has a duct.

  The fan FN2 is provided on the cover PG22b so as to be in contact with the space SP2, as shown in FIGS. Thereby, the wind Wd2 generated by the fan FN2 is sent into the space SP2. A filter FL2 is attached to the intake side of the fan FN2.

  The filter FL2 has a function of removing fines contained in the air passing through the filter FL2. The fine object is, for example, dust. With the function of the filter FL2, the fan FN2 can generate the wind Wd2 in which no fine object exists.

  Further, the sheet conveyance guide PG20 has a structure for sending the wind Wd2 to the conveyance state sheet marking screen 8a (hereinafter, also referred to as “blower structure WCT2”). Hereinafter, the blower structure WCT2 will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, the guide member PG22 is provided with a plurality of holes H2. Each hole H2 is a hole for allowing the wind Wd2 to pass therethrough. Each hole H2 is provided in the guide member PG22 so that the wind Wd2 sent into the space SP2 by the fan FN2 is sent to the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a. That is, each hole H2 is provided in the guide member PG22 so that the wind Wd2 is sent to the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a. Specifically, the main guide member PG22a (surface PG22s) is provided with a plurality of holes H2 as shown in FIGS.

  In addition, each hole H2 is provided so that the wind Wd2 may be sent to almost the entire conveyance space SP2c. Specifically, each hole H2 is provided so that the wind Wd2 having substantially the same strength can be generated from each hole H1. For example, each hole H2 is provided in the main guide member PG22a (surface PG22s) so that the interval between two adjacent holes H2 is substantially the same.

  Next, a process for sending wind to the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a (hereinafter, also referred to as “blow control process WP”) will be described. Hereinafter, the period during which the paper 8 is transported is also referred to as “paper transport period Tp”. The air blowing control process WP is performed in the paper transport period Tp. Further, the air blow control process WP is performed in parallel independently of the above-described print control process. Note that the air blow control process WP is started simultaneously with the start of the print control process, for example.

  In the blow control process WP, the blow process WPa and the blow process WPb are performed independently and in parallel. Referring to FIG. 1, in the air blowing process WPa, the fan FN1 sends the wind Wd1 to the space SP1 of the guide member PG12. Thereby, the wind Wd1 sent into the space SP1 passes through each hole H1 of the guide member PG12 and is sent to the transport space SP1c. That is, the wind Wd1 is sent from the duct of the paper transport guide PG10 to the transport space SP1c.

  In the air blowing process WPb, the fan FN2 sends the wind Wd2 to the space SP2 of the guide member PG22. Thereby, the wind Wd2 sent into the space SP2 passes through each hole H2 of the guide member PG22 and is sent to the transport space SP2c. That is, the wind Wd2 is sent from the duct of the paper transport guide PG20 to the transport space SP1c.

  In the following, in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, and FIG. 7, the position of the paper 8 represented by a dotted line is also referred to as “no wind state position Ln”. The no-wind state position Ln is the position of the paper 8 when the above-described air blowing process WPa and air blowing process WPb are not performed. In the following, the position of the paper 8 represented by a solid line in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7 is also referred to as “wind generation state position La”.

  By the above-described printing control process, the above-described air blowing process WPa is performed over a period during which the sheet 8 passes through the conveyance space SP1c of the sheet conveyance guide PG10 (hereinafter also referred to as “sheet passage period T1”).

  As a result, the fan FN1 sends the wind Wd1 to the marking screen 8a of the paper 8 being conveyed (conveyance state paper). Specifically, the wind Wd1 having substantially uniform strength is sent to the entire marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c. Therefore, the position of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c moves from the no-wind state position Ln to the wind generation state position La. That is, the position of the transport state paper (paper 8) existing in the transport space SP1c is a position away from the surface PG12s of the guide member PG12.

  That is, by performing the air blowing process WPa over the paper passage period T1, it is possible to prevent the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state paper (paper 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c from contacting the surface PG12s of the guide member PG12. it can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the defect Df on the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8.

  The defect Df is, for example, a defect that the stamp screen 8a is scratched when the stamp screen 8a contacts the surface PG12s. The defect Df is a defect in which, for example, the stamp screen 8a is scratched when the stamp screen 8a comes into contact with the foreign object in a state where the foreign object exists on the surface PG12s. The foreign matter is, for example, dust, dust, or a minute protrusion existing on the surface PG12s.

  Further, by the above-described print control process, the above-described air blowing process WPb is performed over a period during which the sheet 8 passes through the conveyance space SP2c of the sheet conveyance guide PG20 (hereinafter also referred to as “sheet passage period T2”).

  As a result, the fan FN2 sends the wind Wd2 to the marking screen 8a of the paper 8 being conveyed (conveyance state paper). Specifically, the wind Wd2 having substantially uniform strength is sent to the entire marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c. Therefore, the position of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c moves from the no-wind state position Ln to the wind generation state position La. That is, the position of the transport state paper (paper 8) existing in the transport space SP2c is a position away from the surface PG22s of the guide member PG22.

  That is, by performing the air blowing process WPb over the paper passage period T2, it is possible to prevent the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state paper (paper 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c from contacting the surface PG22s of the guide member PG22. it can. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the defect Df on the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8.

  The defect Df is, for example, a defect that the stamp screen 8a is damaged when the stamp screen 8a contacts the surface PG22s. The defect Df is a defect in which, for example, the stamp screen 8a is scratched when the stamp screen 8a comes into contact with the foreign object in the state where the foreign object is present on the surface PG22s.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the fan FN1 sends the wind Wd1 to the marking screen 8a of the paper 8 being transported by the transport unit 7. The fan FN2 sends the wind Wd2 to the marking screen 8a of the paper 8 being conveyed.

  Thereby, when the foreign material exists in the member which forms the conveyance path | route of a paper, it can suppress that the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8 currently conveyed contacts the said foreign material. Therefore, for example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect that a scratch is generated on the stamp screen 8a due to the contact of a foreign object on the stamp screen 8a. That is, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a problem on the sheet marking screen.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the paper conveyance guide PG10 has the above-described air blowing structure WCT1 for sending the wind Wd1 to the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a. Further, the sheet conveyance guide PG20 has the above-described air blowing structure WCT2 for sending the wind Wd2 to the conveyance state sheet marking screen 8a.

  In the above configuration, the blowing process WPa is performed over the paper passage period T1, so that the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state paper (paper 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c does not contact the surface PG12s of the guide member PG12. be able to. Further, in the above configuration, the air blowing process WPb is performed over the sheet passage period T2, so that the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c does not contact the surface PG22s of the guide member PG22. Can be.

  Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-described defect Df on the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8. The defect Df is, for example, a defect that the stamp screen 8a is damaged when the stamp screen 8a contacts the surface PG12s (surface PG22s). The defect Df is, for example, a defect in which the stamp screen 8a is scratched when the stamp screen 8a contacts the foreign object in the state where the foreign object exists on the surface PG12s (surface PG22s). The foreign matter is, for example, dust, dust, minute protrusions or the like existing on the surface PG12s or the surface PG22s.

  Even if the paper 8 having a low hardness on the stamp screen 8a is used, the stamp screen 8a comes into contact with various members forming the transport spaces SP1c and SP2c by performing the blowing process WPa and the blowing process WPb. Can be prevented. Therefore, even when the paper 8 having a low hardness on the stamp screen 8a is used, it is possible to prevent the stamp screen 8a from being scratched. For this reason, it is possible to obtain a printed matter with high print quality free from scratches and color loss (print defects).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from accumulating in the transport space SP1c by performing the air blowing process WPa. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect Dfa related to a foreign substance on the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8 that passes through the transport space SP1c. The defect Dfa is, for example, a defect that a scratch is generated on the stamp screen 8a due to contact of a foreign object with the stamp screen 8a.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, it can prevent that a foreign material accumulates in conveyance space SP2c by performing the ventilation process WPb. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect Dfa related to foreign matter on the stamp screen 8a of the paper 8 that passes through the transport space SP2c.

  Further, by performing the air blowing process WPa, even if the paper 8 having foreign matter on the stamp screen 8a is transported to the transport space SP1c, the foreign matter on the stamp screen 8a can be removed by the wind Wd1. As a result, the printing process is performed on the paper 8 from which the foreign matter has been removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of color loss (printing defects).

  Moreover, the temperature of the paper 8 can be lowered by performing the blowing process WPa. As a result, the paper 8 having a lowered temperature is conveyed and the paper 8 comes into contact with the thermal head 2, whereby the temperature of the thermal head 2 can be lowered. As a result, the thermal head 2 can be prevented from being overheated.

  Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the waiting time for the printing process. As a result, it is possible to shorten the printing time when the printing process is continuously performed. That is, the throughput of printing can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which an electrostatic removal device is provided in both or one of the fans FN1 and FN2 (hereinafter may be referred to as “deformed configuration CT1”. The static removal device is a device that removes static electricity. It is.

  For example, in the modified configuration CT1 in which the static eliminator is provided in both the fans FN1 and FN2, static electricity in the transport spaces SP1c and SP2c is removed by the static eliminator. Thereby, it is possible to prevent foreign matters (for example, dust) from adhering to the surfaces PG12s, PG22s, etc. due to static electricity. Thereby, it can prevent that the stamp screen 8a contacts the said foreign material. For this reason, it is possible to prevent scratches on the stamp screen 8a, dirt on the stamp screen 8a, and the like.

  It should be noted that the dust adhered to the thermal head, each roller, etc. provided in the conventional thermal transfer printer can be suppressed to some extent by scratching the marking screen by removing the dust using a cleaning tape or the like. In the following, scratches present on the stamp screen are also referred to as “print scratches”. However, the conventional thermal transfer printer has a problem that it is not possible to suppress the occurrence of print scratches due to the contact of the foreign matter on the print screen when foreign matter is present in the paper transport path. The foreign matter is, for example, dust or a minute protrusion.

  In order to suppress the occurrence of printing flaws, a configuration in which a member having a small frictional resistance is brought into contact with the printing screen of the conveyed paper (hereinafter also referred to as “configuration N1”) is conceivable. Hereinafter, a member having a low frictional resistance is also referred to as a “low friction member”. The low friction member is, for example, a roller provided in the paper transport guide. Moreover, a low friction member is a nonwoven fabric, a resin sheet, etc., for example. The resin sheet is a sheet in which a fluorine resin material is blended. That is, the resin sheet is a sheet made of, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene resin).

  However, in the configuration N1, the low friction member physically contacts the stamp screen. For this reason, there may be a problem that dust is mixed into the paper conveyance path, a problem that a surface of a member forming the conveyance path is scratched, or the like. In the configuration N1, there is a problem that when the trouble occurs, a new scratch is generated on the stamp screen.

  Further, depending on the material of the paper and the type of material (ink, OP material) transferred to the paper, the hardness of the stamp screen may be low. That is, when an appropriate material is not used as the material to be transferred to the paper, there is a problem that the hardness of the stamp screen is lowered and the stamp screen is easily damaged.

  Therefore, the thermal transfer printer 100 of the present embodiment is configured as described above. Therefore, the thermal transfer printer 100 can solve the above problems.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the wind is sent to the stamp screen 8a. The configuration of the present embodiment is a configuration in which a roller is added to the configuration of the first embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as “deformed configuration A1”). Hereinafter, the thermal transfer printer to which the modified configuration A1 is applied is also referred to as “thermal transfer printer 100A”.

  The thermal transfer printer 100A is different from the thermal transfer printer 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that it further includes a plurality of rollers RL1. Since the other configuration of the thermal transfer printer 100A is the same as that of the thermal transfer printer 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the main part of the thermal transfer printer 100A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 10 mainly shows the paper transport guides PG10 and PG20 included in the thermal transfer printer 100A. In FIG. 10, the guide member PG11, the cover PG22b, and the like are not shown for easy understanding of the configuration.

  In the following description, each of the surfaces PG12s and PG22s facing the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a is also referred to as a “facing surface”.

  In the modified configuration A1, a plurality of rollers RL1 are provided on the facing surface that faces the stamp screen 8a of the conveyance state paper. Each roller RL1 has a cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral surface of each roller RL1 is configured so that the frictional resistance of the outer peripheral surface is very small.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in the modified configuration A1, a roller RL1 is provided on a surface PG12s (opposing surface) of the guide member PG12 of the paper transport guide PG10. The roller RL1 is rotatably provided on the surface PG12s. In addition, the roller RL1 is provided so as to suppress as much as possible that the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a contacts the surface PG12s in the following situation Sta.

  The situation Sta is a situation in which the conveyance of the paper 8 is stopped, for example. In addition, the status Sta is a status in which the paper 8 is conveyed so that the stamp screen 8a approaches the surface PG12s, for example.

  Specifically, the roller RL1 is provided on the surface PG12s such that a part of the roller RL1 protrudes from the surface PG12s (opposing surface). The number of rollers RL1 provided on the surface PG12s may be plural.

  Further, in the modified configuration A1, a plurality of rollers RL1 are provided on a surface PG22s (opposing surface) of the guide member PG22 of the paper transport guide PG20. Each roller RL1 is rotatably provided on the surface PG22s. Further, each roller RL1 is provided so as to suppress as much as possible that the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a contacts the surface PG22s in the following situation Sta. The situation Sta is a situation in which the conveyance of the paper 8 is stopped, for example.

  Specifically, the roller RL1 is provided on the surface PG22s such that a part of the roller RL1 protrudes from the surface PG22s (opposing surface). The number of rollers RL1 provided on the surface PG22s may be one.

  In the modified configuration A1, the thermal transfer printer 100A performs the air blowing control process WP (the air blowing process WPa and the air blowing process WPb) as in the first embodiment.

  Each roller RL1 is provided as in the modified configuration A1 described above. Therefore, for example, in the situation Sta, the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a existing in the conveyance space SP1c does not contact the surface PG12s but contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller RL1. That is, the stamp screen 8a is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the roller RL1. The outer peripheral surface is configured so that the frictional resistance is very small. Therefore, in the modified configuration A1, the paper 8 (the stamp screen 8a) is conveyed by the roller RL1 while preventing the stamp screen 8a from being scratched.

  Further, for example, in the situation Sta, the conveyance state paper marking screen 8a existing in the conveyance space SP2c does not contact the surface PG22s but contacts the outer peripheral surface of the roller RL1. That is, the stamp screen 8a is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the roller RL1. Therefore, in the modified configuration A1, the paper 8 (the stamp screen 8a) is conveyed by the roller RL1 while preventing the stamp screen 8a from being scratched.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the stamp screen 8a from being damaged even in the above-described situation Sta. That is, the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained even in the above-described situation Sta.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first embodiment, the fan is provided on the upper side and the lower side of the housing CH1. The configuration of the present embodiment is a configuration (hereinafter, also referred to as “deformed configuration B1”) for realizing a thin casing CH1. Hereinafter, the thermal transfer printer to which the modified configuration B1 is applied is also referred to as “thermal transfer printer 100B”.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a thermal transfer printer 100B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In FIG. 11, each component included in the thermal transfer printer 100B is shown in a simplified manner. Further, in FIG. 11, in order to make the configuration of the modified configuration B1 easy to understand, constituent elements that are not related to the modified configuration B1 are not shown. The components not shown in FIG. 11 are, for example, the fan FN3, the cutting unit 13, and the like.

  The thermal transfer printer 100B is different from the thermal transfer printer 100 of FIG. 1 in that it further includes ducts DU1 and DU2 and a point related to the arrangement position of the fans FN1 and FN2. Since the other configuration of the thermal transfer printer 100B is the same as that of the thermal transfer printer 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  In the modified configuration B1, the thermal transfer printer 100B performs the air blowing control process WP (the air blowing process WPa and the air blowing process WPb) as in the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 11, fans FN1 and FN2 are provided on the side surface (back side) of housing CH1. Fans FN1 and FN2 are provided so as to be aligned in the Y-axis direction on the side surface side parallel to the YZ plane in housing CH1. Hereinafter, the wind Wd1 generated by the fan FN1 and the wind Wd2 generated by the fan FN2 are also collectively referred to as “wind Wda”.

  The duct DU1 is provided so as to send a part of the wind Wda generated by the fans FN1 and FN2 to the space SP1 of the paper transport guide PG10. Specifically, the duct DU1 is provided so as to connect the fans FN1 and FN2 and the paper transport guide PG10. Hereinafter, a part of the wind Wda that passes through the duct DU1 and is sent to the sheet conveyance guide PG10 is also referred to as “wind Wda1”.

  In addition, by performing the above-described air blowing process WPa, the wind Wda1 sent into the space SP1 passes through each hole H1 of the guide member PG12 and is sent to the transport space SP1c. That is, the duct DU1 is configured to guide the wind Wda1 generated by the fan FN1 to the conveyance space SP1c through which the conveyance state sheet marking screen 8a passes. Therefore, in the modified configuration B1, the wind Wda1 is sent to the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c as in the first embodiment.

  The duct DU2 is provided so as to send a part of the wind Wda generated by the fans FN1 and FN2 to the space SP2 of the paper transport guide PG20. Specifically, the duct DU2 is provided so as to connect the fans FN1 and FN2 and the paper transport guide PG20. Hereinafter, a part of the wind Wda that passes through the duct DU2 and is sent to the sheet conveyance guide PG20 is also referred to as “wind Wda2”.

  In addition, by performing the above-described air blowing process WPb, the wind Wda2 sent into the space SP2 passes through each hole H2 of the guide member PG22 and is sent to the transport space SP2c. That is, the duct DU2 is configured to guide the wind Wda2 generated by the fan FN2 to the transport space SP2c through which the stamp screen 8a of the transported state paper passes. Therefore, in the modified configuration B1, the wind Wda2 is sent to the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c, as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, fans FN1 and FN2 are provided on the side surface (rear side) of housing CH1. This configuration is effective in the following situation Stb. The situation Stb is a situation where there is a limit in the thickness direction of the housing CH1, for example. In addition, the situation Stb is a situation in which, for example, there is no gap for providing a fan between the housing CH1 and the paper transport guide PG10.

  Further, the duct DU1 is configured to guide the wind Wda1 generated by the fan FN1 to the transport space SP1c through which the stamp screen 8a of the transported state paper passes. As a result, the wind Wda1 is sent to the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP1c.

  Further, the duct DU2 is configured to guide the wind Wda2 generated by the fan FN2 to the transport space SP2c through which the stamp screen 8a of the transported state paper passes. As a result, the wind Wda2 is sent to the marking screen 8a of the conveyance state sheet (sheet 8) existing in the conveyance space SP2c.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained while realizing the thinning of the housing CH1.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be freely combined with each other within the scope of the invention, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted.

  For example, the modified configuration A1 of the second embodiment may be a configuration applied to the modified configuration B1 of the third embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as “modified configuration Ab”). The thermal transfer printer 100B to which the modified configuration Ab is applied is provided with a roller RL1 as in the modified configuration A1. That is, in the modified configuration Ab, the roller RL1 is provided on the surface PG12s so that a part of the roller RL1 protrudes from the surface PG12s (opposing surface). Further, the roller RL1 is provided on the surface PG22s such that a part of the roller RL1 protrudes from the surface PG22s (opposing surface).

  Also in the above modified configuration Ab, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the configurations of the first to third embodiments, the number of fans that send wind to the stamp screen 8a is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. For example, in the configuration in which the number of fans sending wind to the stamp screen 8a is 1, any of the fans FN1 and FN2 is provided in the thermal transfer printers of the first to third embodiments.

  7 Transport section, 8 sheets, 8a marking screen, 100, 100A, 100B thermal transfer printer, CH1 housing, DU1, DU2 duct, FN1, FN2, FN3 fan, H1, H2 holes, PG10, PG20 Paper transport guide, PG11, PG12 , PG21, PG22 Guide member, RL1 roller.

Claims (6)

A thermal transfer printer that uses heat to transfer ink to a print screen that is a target of printing on a sheet of paper,
A transport unit for transporting the paper;
And a fan for generating wind,
The thermal transfer printer in which the fan sends the wind to the marking screen of the paper that is being transported by the transport unit. The thermal transfer printer further includes:
A paper transport guide provided in a paper transport path, which is a path through which the paper is transported,
The paper transport guide has a guide member having a surface facing the marking screen of a transport state paper that is the paper being transported,
The guide member is provided with a hole for passing the wind,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the hole is provided in the guide member so that the wind is sent to the marking screen of the conveyance state sheet. The paper transport guide has a space into which the wind generated by the fan is sent,
The guide member is configured such that at least a part of the guide member is in contact with the space,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, wherein the hole is provided in the guide member so that the wind sent into the space is sent to the marking screen of the transported paper. A roller is provided on the facing surface that is the surface facing the stamp screen,
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, wherein the roller is provided on the facing surface such that a part of the roller protrudes from the facing surface. The thermal transfer printer further includes:
A housing for housing the transport unit and the paper;
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the fan is provided on a side surface side of the housing. The thermal transfer printer further includes:
The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, further comprising a duct configured to guide the wind generated by the fan to a space through which the stamp screen of the transported state paper that is the transported paper passes.

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