JP2018086820A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal transfer printer capable of controlling timing of adjusting a peel angle.SOLUTION: A roller driving section 30 has a function to adjust a peel angle α by moving a platen roller 17. A control section has a function to read out ink ribbon information from an IC tag provided in an ink ribbon supply body. The roller driving section 30 controls timing of adjusting the peel angle α on the basis of the read out ink ribbon information J.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal transfer type printer.

  In a thermal transfer printer, when printing is performed on a sheet, the following processing is performed. First, the ink ribbon is overlaid on the paper, and the ink on the ink ribbon is transferred to the paper. Then, the ink ribbon is peeled from the paper.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a technique (hereinafter also referred to as “Related Art A”) that improves the peeling (peeling) of an ink ribbon from a paper during printing. In Related Art A, when the ink ribbon is peeled from the paper during printing, the paper is transported and the ink ribbon is transported at the same time. As a result, the ink ribbon can be easily peeled off from the paper. Thereby, noise is reduced and ink drag is prevented.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-181055

  In a thermal transfer type printer, for example, when a printing process is performed, an ink ribbon is peeled from a recording medium such as paper. Hereinafter, the angle formed by the ink ribbon and the recording medium in a state where the ink ribbon is peeled from the recording medium is also referred to as a “peeling angle”.

  In a conventional thermal transfer type printer, the peeling angle is adjusted (changed) immediately before and after the start of the printing process, regardless of the material transferred to the recording medium. That is, the timing at which the peel angle is adjusted is the same regardless of the material transferred to the recording medium. Therefore, for example, depending on the material to be transferred to the recording medium, the ink ribbon may not be peeled cleanly from the recording medium. Therefore, it is required to control the timing for adjusting the peeling angle. Note that Related Technology A cannot satisfy this requirement.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printer capable of controlling the timing for adjusting the peeling angle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a printer according to one embodiment of the present invention is a thermal transfer type printer having a function of performing printing processing on a recording medium by heating an ink ribbon with a thermal head. The printer includes: a sensor that acquires information about the ink ribbon; and an angle formed between the ink ribbon and the recording medium when the ink ribbon is peeled from the recording medium when the printing process is performed. And an adjustment mechanism having a function of adjusting the peeling angle, and a control unit that controls the timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on information of the ink ribbon.

  According to the present invention, the adjustment mechanism has a function of adjusting the peeling angle. The control unit controls the timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on the information on the ink ribbon. Thereby, the timing which adjusts a peeling angle is controllable.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration related to control in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printing mechanism provided in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a part of a printing mechanism included in the printer according to the first embodiment of the invention. It is a figure which shows the state from which the ink ribbon was peeled from the paper contained in the melt | fusion part of a superposition body. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state of the ink ribbon and the paper immediately after the ink ribbon is peeled from the paper. It is a top view which shows the state of a paper and an ink ribbon immediately after an ink ribbon peels from a paper. It is a timing diagram for demonstrating the position of a platen roller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure regarding the control in the printer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the printing mechanism with which the printer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention is provided. It is an expanded sectional view which shows a part of printing mechanism contained in the printer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the state by which the peeling angle was adjusted by the movement of a peeling plate. It is a timing diagram for demonstrating the position of a peeling plate. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a characteristic functional configuration of a printer. It is a hardware block diagram of a printer.

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

  Note that the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components exemplified in the embodiments may be appropriately changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied, various conditions, and the like. Moreover, the dimension of each component in each figure may differ from an actual dimension.

<Embodiment 1>
(1.1 Printer)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration relating to control in the printer 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an information processing apparatus 50 that communicates with the printer 100 for the purpose of the following description. The printer 100 is a thermal transfer type printer. The printer 100 includes a communication unit 2, a storage unit 3, an image processing unit 4, a control unit 5, and a printing mechanism 40.

  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the printing mechanism 40 provided in the printer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Note that the position of each component shown in FIG. 2 is not accurate. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the printing mechanism 40 included in the printer 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a part of the printing mechanism 40 in a roller separation state, which will be described later, after printing processing P, which will be described later, has been performed once or more.

  With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the printing mechanism 40 includes a roll paper 16r, a transport unit 9, a paper transport unit 10, a thermal head 8, a platen roller 17, bobbins Bna and Bnb (not shown), ink. A ribbon 15, bobbin driving units 11 a and 11 b, a cutter 6, a paper discharge unit 7, a sensor SN 1, a roller driving unit 30, and a peeling plate 18 are provided.

  The printer 100 may have a configuration other than the configuration shown in FIG.

  The roll paper 16r is configured by winding a long paper 16a in a roll shape. The sheet 16a has a plurality of print areas that are image formation targets. The printing mechanism 40 has a function of pulling out the paper 16a from the roll paper 16r.

  Hereinafter, yellow ink is also referred to as “Y ink”. In the following, magenta ink is also referred to as “M ink”. In the following, cyan ink is also referred to as “C ink”. Hereinafter, the member for protecting the ink is also referred to as “overcoat”. In the following, the material constituting the overcoat is also referred to as “OP material” or “OP”. The OP material is, for example, an abrasion resistant resin material.

  Hereinafter, each of the Y ink, the M ink, the C ink, and the OP material is also referred to as a “transfer object”. The transfer object is a material for transferring to the paper 16a.

  The ink ribbon 15 is a long sheet. The ink ribbon 15 is provided with a plurality of elongated transfer regions that are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 15. Each transferred area includes stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP. In each transferred region, the marking screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP are provided in the order of the marking screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP so as to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon 15.

  The stamp screen TrY includes Y ink. The stamp screen TrM includes M ink. The stamp screen TrC includes C ink. The stamp screen TrP includes an OP material (overcoat). In the following, each of the stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP is also simply referred to as “print screen Tr”.

  In the present embodiment, the type of stamp screen Tr means the type of transfer object included in the stamp screen Tr. In the present embodiment, as an example, four types of marking screens Tr are provided in each transfer area of the ink ribbon 15. Each transfer area may be provided with a different type of stamp screen from the stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP. Further, the number of stamp screens Tr provided in each transferred region of the ink ribbon 15 is not limited to four, and may be 1, 2, 3, or 5 or more.

  An end portion on one side of the ink ribbon 15 is wound into a roll shape, thereby forming an ink roll 15ra. The ink roll 15ra is a roll for supplying the ink ribbon 15. The ink roll 15ra is attached to a bobbin Bna (not shown).

  The end of the other side of the ink ribbon 15 is wound into a roll shape, thereby forming an ink roll 15rb. The ink roll 15rb is a roll for winding up the ink ribbon 15. The ink roll 15rb is attached to a bobbin Bnb (not shown).

  The communication unit 2 communicates with an external information processing apparatus 50. The communication unit 2 receives, for example, image data, information related to printing, and the like from the information processing apparatus 50.

  The storage unit 3 is a non-volatile memory that temporarily stores information and the like. The storage unit 3 stores, for example, image data received by the communication unit 2. The storage unit 3 stores a control program, various setting values, and the like.

  The control unit 5 has a function of controlling each component in the printer 100, for example. The control unit 5 is configured to be able to communicate with each component (for example, the storage unit 3, the image processing unit 4, etc.) in the printer 100 via, for example, a bus.

  The control unit 5 controls each component of the printer 100 according to a control program, setting values, and the like stored in the storage unit 3. Further, the control unit 5 controls each component (for example, the paper transport unit 10 and the like) of the printing mechanism 40. In addition, the control unit 5 performs, for example, data processing related to printing.

  The image processing unit 4 converts the image data into print data under the control of the control unit 5. The print data is transmitted to the print mechanism 40. The printing mechanism 40 performs a process of forming an image expressed by the printing data on the paper 16a. That is, the paper 16a is a recording medium for recording the image by forming the image on the paper 16a. The recording medium has a long shape and a sheet shape.

  The thermal head 8 generates heat for transferring the transfer object of the ink ribbon 15 onto the paper 16a. Hereinafter, the process for transferring the transfer object onto the paper 16a is also referred to as “printing process P”.

  Although details will be described later, the printer 100 has a function of performing the printing process P on the recording medium (paper 16a) by heating the ink ribbon 15 with the thermal head 8. The thermal head 8 includes a heater Ht1 (heater line) having a function of generating heat, and a guide member 8a.

  The guide member 8a is a member for overlapping the ink ribbon 15 on the paper 16a. In the following, the position where the lower end of the guide member 8a exists is also referred to as “position Lc1”.

  In the printer 100, another type of recording medium may be used instead of the paper 16a as the recording medium. In the printer 100, for example, a recording medium such as a resin sheet or a cloth sheet may be used instead of the paper 16a.

  The platen roller 17 is configured to be movable. The platen roller 17 contacts the paper 16a (recording medium) when the printing process P is performed. The roller driving unit 30 has a function of moving the platen roller 17 according to the control of the control unit 5.

  Hereinafter, the state in which the platen roller 17 is separated from the heater Ht1 of the thermal head 8 is also referred to as “roller separation state”. In the following, the gap between the heater Ht1 and the platen roller 17 in the roller separation state is also referred to as “gap Gp” (see FIG. 3). As the platen roller 17 moves, the size of the gap Gp is adjusted.

  In the following, the path through which the paper 16a is transported is also referred to as a “paper transport path”. A paper discharge unit 7 and a cutter 6 are provided in the paper transport path. Note that paper conveyance guides (not shown) for assisting conveyance of the paper 16a are provided at a plurality of locations on the paper conveyance path. The paper transport guide is provided with a space for the paper 16a to pass through.

  The paper transport unit 10 controls the transport unit 9 according to the control of the control unit 5. The transport unit 9 has a function of transporting the paper 16 a according to the control of the paper transport unit 10. The conveyance unit 9 includes a grip roller 9a and a pinch roller 9b. The grip roller 9 a rotates according to the control of the paper transport unit 10. The transport unit 9 transports the paper 16a so that the paper 16a is transported along the paper transport path.

  In the state where the ink ribbon 15 and the paper 16a are sandwiched between the heater Ht1 and the platen roller 17, the printing process P is performed by the operation of the thermal head 8. As a result, an image is formed on a part of the sheet 16a. Hereinafter, the portion of the paper 16a where the image is formed is also referred to as “printed matter”. The printed material is, for example, a photograph.

  The cutter 6 cuts the paper 16a so that the printed material is separated from the paper 16a. The paper discharge unit 7 discharges the printed material to the outside of the printer 100.

  Each of the bobbin driving units 11a and 11b includes a direct current (DC) motor. The DC motor included in each of the bobbin driving units 11a and 11b may be replaced with another type of torque generation mechanism. The bobbin driving unit 11a has a function of rotating the bobbin Bna (ink roll 15ra). The bobbin driving unit 11b has a function of rotating the bobbin Bnb (ink roll 15rb).

  The ink ribbon 15 is pulled out from the ink roll 15ra by the rotation of the bobbins Bna and Bnb (not shown). For example, in a state where the rollers are separated, the ink ribbon 15 passes through the gap Gp, and the ink ribbon 15 is wound around the ink roll 15rb. Thereby, the ink ribbon 15 is conveyed from the ink roll 15ra to the ink roll 15rb.

  The bobbins Bna and Bnb and the bobbin driving units 11a and 11b constitute an ink ribbon transport mechanism for transporting the ink ribbon 15. The ink ribbon transport mechanism may be replaced with another type of ink ribbon transport mechanism.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the ink ribbon 15 drawn from the ink roll 15ra is superimposed on the paper 16a at the position Lc1. Hereinafter, a member formed by overlapping the ink ribbon 15 on the paper 16a is also referred to as “superimposed body 16X”.

  Note that the superposed body 16X immediately after the below-described printing process P includes a fusion part. The fused portion is a portion where the ink ribbon 15 is fused to the paper 16a by heat. That is, the fused portion of the overlapping body 16X is a portion where the ink ribbon 15 is attached to the paper 16a by heat. The fusion part of the superposed body 16X corresponds to, for example, a portion of the superposed body 16X in FIG. 3 that is in contact with the platen roller 17 to the right end of the superposed body 16X.

  Further, the ink ribbon 15 is not fused to the paper 16a in a portion existing on the left side of the portion in contact with the platen roller 17 in the stacked body 16X in FIG.

  The thermal head 8 is provided with a peeling plate 18. Specifically, a peeling plate 18 is provided at the end of the thermal head 8. The peeling plate 18 is a member that comes into contact with the ink ribbon 15 in a state where the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a included in the fusion part of the stacked body 16X.

  Hereinafter, the position where the tip of the peeling plate 18 exists is also referred to as “peeling position Lc2”. For example, in the roller separation state, the stacked body 16X is conveyed from the position Lc1 to the vicinity of the peeling plate 18 via the gap Gp. Then, the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a included in the fused portion of the superposed body 16X. In the state where the roller is separated, the peeled ink ribbon 15 comes into contact with the tip of the peeling plate 18 (peeling position Lc2).

  Note that when the printing process P has never been performed, there is no fused portion, and therefore a part of the ink ribbon 15 is in linear contact with the position Lc1 and the peeling position Lc2. Hereinafter, a state in which a part of the ink ribbon 15 is in contact with the position Lc1 and the peeling position Lc2 in a straight line is also referred to as an “initial state Stn”.

  The initial state Stn corresponds to a state in which the arrangement of a part of the ink ribbon 15 is changed in FIG. In the initial state Stn, the shape of a part of the ink ribbon 15 existing from the position Lc1 to the peeling position Lc2 is linear. In the initial state Stn, the superposed body 16X does not exist.

  When the printing process P is performed, the superimposed body 16X is sandwiched between the heater Ht1 and the platen roller 17 of the thermal head 8, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the ink ribbon 15 and the paper 16a included in the overlapping body 16X are pressed against each other. In this state, the printing process P is performed.

  In the printing process P, the heater Ht1 of the thermal head 8 heats the ink ribbon 15. As a result, the transfer object of the ink ribbon 15 is transferred to the paper 16a, and the above-described fused portion is generated in the overlapping body 16X. The thermal head 8 and the platen roller 17 constitute a transfer mechanism that transfers the transfer object of the ink ribbon 15 to the paper 16a.

  Note that the transfer mechanism including the thermal head 8 and the platen roller 17 may be replaced with another type of transfer mechanism.

  The printing process P is performed while the ink ribbon transport mechanism is transporting the ink ribbon 15 and the paper 16a. As a result, the transfer of the Y ink on the stamp screen TrY, the transfer of the M ink on the stamp screen TrM, the transfer of the C ink on the stamp screen TrC, and the transfer of the OP material (overcoat) on the stamp screen TrP are sequentially performed on the paper 16a. Done.

(1.2 Ink ribbon supply body)
2 and 3, the ink ribbon 15 having ink rolls 15ra and 15rb at both ends of the ink ribbon 15 is an ink ribbon supply body 21 for supplying the ink ribbon 15 from the ink roll 15ra. .

  The printer 100 is configured such that the ink ribbon supply body 21 is detachable from the printer 100. 2 and 3 show a state where the ink ribbon supply body 21 is mounted on the printer 100. FIG. The ink ribbon supply body 21 is also called an ink ribbon cartridge, an ink ribbon cassette, or the like.

  An IC (Integrated Circuit) tag 22 is attached to the ink roll 15ra. The IC tag 22 is configured by an integrated circuit or the like for storing information. The IC tag 22 may be attached to a component of the ink ribbon supply body 21 other than the ink roll 15ra.

  The IC tag 22 is a holding medium that holds (stores) ink ribbon information that is information about the ink ribbon 15. The ink ribbon information includes, for example, information on the type of the ink ribbon 15, information for correcting manufacturing variations, ink size (image size), and the like.

  The IC tag 22 is an IC tag having the same function as the IC tag disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-322403, for example. Note that the IC tag 22 may be replaced with another type of holding medium. For example, the IC tag 22 may be replaced with a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a memory circuit having a connection terminal, or the like.

(1.3 Sensor)
The sensor SN1 is an IC tag reader (reading mechanism) having a function of reading out ink ribbon information from an IC tag 22 provided in the ink ribbon supply body 21 under the control of the control unit 5. When the IC tag 22 is replaced with another type of holding medium, the IC tag reader (reading mechanism) is replaced with another type of reading mechanism.

  For example, when the IC tag 22 is replaced with a barcode, the IC tag reader is replaced with a barcode reader. When the IC tag 22 is replaced with a two-dimensional code, the IC tag reader is replaced with a two-dimensional code reader. When the IC tag 22 is replaced with a memory circuit having a connection terminal, the IC tag reader is replaced with a readout circuit having a connection terminal connected to the connection terminal.

(1.4 Printing operation)
The bobbin driving unit 11b generates, for example, a winding torque in the positive direction under the control of the control unit 5, and transmits the winding torque in the positive direction to the bobbin Bnb (not shown). For example, the bobbin driving unit 11b rotates the bobbin Bnb in the clockwise direction so that a positive winding torque is generated in the bobbin Bnb.

  The bobbin driving unit 11a generates, for example, a reverse winding torque according to the control of the control unit 5, and transmits the reverse winding torque to the bobbin Bna (not shown). For example, the bobbin driving unit 11a rotates the bobbin Bna counterclockwise so that a reverse winding torque is generated on the bobbin Bna.

  Thereby, tension is applied to the ink ribbon 15. The winding torque generated by the bobbin driving unit 11b and the winding torque generated by the bobbin driving unit 11a are controlled by the control unit 5 so that the tension applied to the ink ribbon 15 becomes a preset tension. .

  Therefore, the bobbin driving units 11 a and 11 b and the control unit 5 constitute a tension adjusting mechanism that adjusts the tension applied to the ink ribbon 15. When the printing process or the peeling process is performed, a constant torque is applied to the ink ribbon 15 by the tension adjusting mechanism.

(1.5 Problems caused when peeling is insufficient)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a included in the fusion part of the superposed body 16X. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state of the ink ribbon 15 and the paper 16a immediately after the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a. FIG. 5 also shows a state where a part of the transfer object of the ink ribbon 15 is transferred to the paper 16a.

  In FIG. 5, a region Rx is a region where a part of the transfer object is removed from the ink ribbon 15 by transferring a part of the transfer object onto the paper 16a. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state of the paper 16a and the ink ribbon 15 immediately after the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a. FIG. 6A is a plan view showing the state of the paper 16a in FIG. FIG. 6B is a plan view showing the state of the ink ribbon 15 of FIG.

  Hereinafter, an angle formed by the ink ribbon 15 and the paper 16a in a state where the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a is also referred to as a “peeling angle α”.

  When the peeling angle α is small, a residue 20 as shown in FIG. 6A may remain at the end of the printing area of the paper 16a after the printing process for transferring the transfer object to the paper 16a is performed. is there. The residue 20 is a part of the transferred object that does not need to be transferred to the paper 16a. The residue 20 is, for example, a part of the OP material that does not need to be transferred to the paper 16a among the OP material. Therefore, in order to prevent the residue 20 from remaining, it is desirable to control the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α when the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a.

(1.6 Control of peel angle adjustment timing)
Although details will be described later, the peeling angle α is adjusted by the roller driving unit 30 when the printing process P is performed. That is, the roller driving unit 30 is an adjustment mechanism having a function of adjusting the peeling angle α when the printing process P is performed. In the present embodiment, the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is controlled.

  Although details will be described later, the printer 100 according to the present embodiment performs print control processing. The print control process includes a print process P and a timing control process described later.

  In the storage unit 3, reference angles KY, KM, KC, and KP are associated with the stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, and TrP, respectively. That is, the reference angles KY, KM, KC, and KP are associated with the Y ink, M ink, C ink, and OP material, respectively. The reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP are stored in the storage unit 3.

  Each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP is set to an angle corresponding to the type of the corresponding transfer target (print screen Tr). For example, each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP is set to an angle corresponding to the peeling characteristic of the corresponding transfer object. The transfer property of the transfer object is, for example, a numerical value or the like that indicates the force required to release the transfer object when the transfer object included in the ink ribbon 15 is released from the ink ribbon 15. It is a characteristic.

  For example, the reference angle KY is set to an angle corresponding to the peeling characteristics of Y ink. Further, for example, the reference angle KP is set to an angle corresponding to the peeling characteristic of the OP material (overcoat).

  In the present embodiment, each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP is the same angle as an example. Each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP is an angle included in a range of 60 degrees to 90 degrees, for example.

  Hereinafter, each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP is also simply referred to as “reference angle K”. Each reference angle K is a predetermined angle.

  Further, the ink tag information JY, JM, JC, JP is stored in the IC tag 22 as an example. The ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP is associated with the stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP, respectively. That is, the ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP is associated with the Y ink, M ink, C ink, and OP material, respectively. That is, the ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP is associated with the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP, respectively.

  Hereinafter, each of the ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, and JP is also simply referred to as “ink ribbon information J”. That is, four types of ink ribbon information J are stored in the IC tag 22 as an example. The ink ribbon information J is information on the ink ribbon.

  FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the position of the platen roller 17. FIG. 7A is a timing diagram when the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is not controlled. FIG. 7B is a timing chart in the case where the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is controlled based on the type of transfer object. Hereinafter, the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is also referred to as “adjustment timing Tα” or “Tα”.

  The horizontal axis of Fig.7 (a) and FIG.7 (b) shows time. The print control process including the print process P starts at time t0 and ends at time t9. The vertical axis | shaft of Fig.7 (a) and FIG.7 (b) shows the position Lp. The position Lp is the position of the platen roller 17.

  In FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the position Lp0 is the position of the platen roller 17 in the state where the gap Gp exists (see FIG. 3). The position Lp1 is the position of the platen roller 17 in the state where the gap Gp does not exist (see FIG. 4).

  7A and 7B, each of the periods T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1p is a transfer period in which the transfer object on the printing screen Tr is transferred to the paper 16a by performing the printing process P. It is. In the periods T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1p, Y ink, M ink, C ink, and OP material are transferred to the paper 16a, respectively.

  Hereinafter, the printing process P performed during the period T1y is also referred to as “printing process Pry”. In the following, the printing process P performed during the period T1m is also referred to as “printing process Prm”. In the following, the printing process P performed in the period T1c is also referred to as “printing process Prc”. In the following, the printing process P performed during the period T1p is also referred to as “printing process Prp”. That is, the print control process includes four types of print processes P.

  In the printing processes Pry, Prm, Prc, and Prp, Y ink, M ink, C ink, and OP material are transferred to the paper 16a, respectively. Hereinafter, each of the periods T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1p is also simply referred to as “period T1”.

  In the present embodiment, the print control process is performed according to the diagram shown in FIG. Note that the period T1p in FIG. 7B is longer than any of the periods T1y, T1m, and T1c. In the present embodiment, each ink ribbon information J includes timing information. The timing information indicates the target timing Tαx. The target timing Tαx is a target timing when the adjustment timing Tα is controlled.

  A part of the state of the printing mechanism 40 at the time when the printing control process is started is the above-described initial state Stn.

  As described above, the initial state Stn corresponds to a state in which the arrangement of a part of the ink ribbon 15 is changed in FIG. In the initial state Stn, the platen roller 17 is in contact with the paper 16a.

  FIG. 3 shows a state in which the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a included in the fused portion of the superposed body 16X. Also, FIG. 3 shows the peeling angle α in a state where a part of the ink ribbon 15 peeled from the paper 16a is in contact with the tip (peeling position Lc2) of the peeling plate 18 in a state where the roller is separated. Yes. 4 is larger than the peeling angle α in FIG.

  Here, the following premise Pm1 is considered. In the premise Pm1, the adjustment timing Tα is not controlled when the printing processes Pry, Prm, and Prc are performed. In the premise Pm1, the adjustment timing Tα is controlled when the printing process Prp is performed.

  With reference to FIG. 7B, in the print control process in the premise Pm1, first, an information acquisition process is performed. In the information acquisition process, the sensor SN1 acquires ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP from the IC tag 22. Then, the sensor SN1 transmits ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP to the control unit 5.

  Next, the following processing is performed for the period T1y. First, immediately before the start of the printing process Pry, the roller driving unit 30 moves the platen roller 17 according to the control of the control unit 5 so that the platen roller 17 contacts the heater Ht1 via the superposed body 16X. (See FIG. 4). Hereinafter, the state in which the platen roller 17 is in contact with the heater Ht1 through the superposed body 16X is also referred to as a “roller contact state”.

  Then, the printing process Pry is performed. In the printing process Pry, the heater Ht1 of the thermal head 8 heats the printing screen TrY of the ink ribbon 15 in the state shown in FIG. As a result, the Y ink is transferred to the paper 16a, and the above-described fused portion is generated.

  Further, immediately after the end of the printing process Pry, the roller driving unit 30 moves the platen roller 17 so that the state of the platen roller 17 becomes the roller separation state of FIG.

  Note that processing similar to that for the period T1y is performed for the periods T1m and T1c.

  Next, immediately before the start of the printing process Prp, the roller driving unit 30 moves the platen roller 17 according to the control of the control unit 5 so that the state of the platen roller 17 becomes the roller contact state of FIG.

  Then, the printing process Prp is performed. In the printing process Prp, the heater Ht1 of the thermal head 8 heats the printing screen TrP of the ink ribbon 15 in the state shown in FIG. As a result, the OP material is transferred to the paper 16a, and the above-described fused portion is generated. Then, the printing process Prp ends.

  Next, the timing control process in the premise Pm1 is performed. In the timing control process in the premise Pm1, the control unit 5 controls the timing (Tα) at which the roller driving unit 30 (adjustment mechanism) adjusts the peeling angle α based on the ink ribbon information JP.

  In addition, the roller driving unit 30 adjusts the peeling angle by moving the platen roller 17 at the timing of adjusting the peeling angle α controlled by the control unit 5.

  Specifically, in the timing control process in the premise Pm1, the control unit 5 controls the timing at which the roller driving unit 30 moves the platen roller 17 according to the timing information of the ink ribbon information JP.

  In the premise Pm1, the adjustment timing Tα before being controlled by the control unit 5 is, for example, the time t5. Further, in the premise Pm1, the timing information of the ink ribbon information JP indicates the time t8 as an example as the target timing Tαx. That is, in the premise Pm1, the adjustment timing Tα controlled by the control unit 5 is, for example, time t8 (target timing Tαx).

  More specifically, in the timing control process at the premise Pm1, the control unit 5 sets the adjustment timing Tα to the target timing Tαx (time t8). That is, the control unit 5 controls the adjustment timing Tα.

  In the period T1pb corresponding to the period from the end point of the printing process Prp (time t5) to immediately before the end point of the period T1p (time t8), the roller driving unit 30 controls the platen roller 17 according to the control of the control unit 5. Do not move.

  Then, the roller driving unit 30 follows the control of the control unit 5 so that the state of the platen roller 17 becomes the roller separation state of FIG. 3 at the end time (time t8) of the period T1p, which is the adjustment timing Tα. The platen roller 17 is moved. That is, the roller driving unit 30 adjusts the peeling angle α by moving the platen roller 17. As a result, the timing control process in the premise Pm1 ends, and the print control process in the premise Pm1 ends.

  The timing control process described above may also be performed when the printing processes Pry, Prm, and Prc are performed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the roller driving unit 30 (adjustment mechanism) has a function of adjusting the peeling angle α. Based on the ink ribbon information J, the control unit 5 controls the timing at which the roller driving unit 30 adjusts the peeling angle α. Thereby, the timing which adjusts peeling angle (alpha) is controllable.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the platen roller 17 is not moved from the end of the printing process Prp to the end of the period T1p. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the residue of OP material from adhering to the end of the printing area of the paper 16a. As a result, the print quality on the paper 16a can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the roller driving unit 30 is configured to move the platen roller 17, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a thermal head driving unit is provided and the thermal head is moved. The printer 100 may be provided with both the roller drive unit 30 and the thermal head drive unit.

  In addition, in a general thermal transfer type printer that performs photo printing, an ink ribbon having four types of marking screens is used. The four types of stamp screens are, for example, the aforementioned stamp screens TrY, TrM, TrC, TrP. The ink ribbon is provided with a plurality of transfer areas having four types of marking screens along the longitudinal direction of the ink ribbon.

  When printing is performed on a sheet, control is performed so that the tension applied to the ink ribbon becomes a preset tension. This avoids printing defects due to local thermal contraction of the ink ribbon, peeling failure such that the ink ribbon is not completely peeled from the paper, and the like.

  It should be noted that the peeling characteristics of the stamp screen including the overcoat are greatly different from those of the stamp screen including the ink. For this reason, even when the above control is performed, an overcoat residue may remain at the end of the print area of the paper. As a result, there is a problem that the print quality on the paper is deteriorated.

  This problem may also occur in a situation where the material to be transferred is a different material from materials such as Y ink, M ink, C ink, and overcoat. This problem also occurs when the recording medium to which the transfer object of the ink ribbon is transferred is a member different from the paper.

  Therefore, the printer 100 of the present embodiment is configured as described above. Therefore, the above problems can be solved by the printer 100 according to the present embodiment.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the adjustment timing Tα is controlled using the platen roller 17. The configuration of the present embodiment uses the peeling plate 18 to control the adjustment timing Tα and to adjust the peeling angle α based on the type of transfer object (hereinafter also referred to as “configuration Ct2”). ). Hereinafter, the printer to which the configuration Ct2 is applied is also referred to as “printer 100A”.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to control in the printer 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The printer 100 </ b> A is different from the printer 100 in that it includes a printing mechanism 40 </ b> A instead of the printing mechanism 40. Since the other configuration of printer 100A is the same as that of printer 100, detailed description will not be repeated.

  The storage unit 3 of the printer 100A stores the same reference angles KY, KM, KC, and KP as those in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC is the same or equivalent. In the present embodiment, each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC is different from the reference angle KP. For example, the reference angle KP is larger than each of the reference angles KY, KM, and KC.

  Each reference angle K of the present embodiment can stably peel the ink ribbon 15 from the paper 16a on which the transfer object of the ink ribbon 15 has been transferred by the printing process P based on experiments or the like performed in advance. The angle is preset. For example, the reference angle KP is set to an angle at which the ink ribbon 15 can be stably peeled from the paper 16a on which the OP material of the ink ribbon 15 has been transferred by the printing process P.

  The IC tag 22 stores ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP similar to that in the first embodiment as an example. The ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP is associated with the reference angles KY, KM, KC, KP, respectively.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the printing mechanism 40A provided in the printer 100A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The printing mechanism 40A is different from the printing mechanism 40 of FIG. 1 in that a peeling plate driving unit 30A is provided instead of the roller driving unit 30. Since the other configuration of the printing mechanism 40A is the same as that of the printing mechanism 40, detailed description will not be repeated.

  In the present embodiment, the release plate 18 is provided on the thermal head 8 so that the release plate 18 is movable. Specifically, the peeling plate 18 is configured to be movable in a state where the peeling plate 18 (peeling position Lc2) is in contact with the ink ribbon 15. The peeling plate driving unit 30A has a function of moving the peeling plate 18. The peeling plate driving unit 30A is an adjusting mechanism having a function of adjusting the peeling angle α when the printing process P is performed.

  Although details will be described later, the printer 100A according to the present embodiment performs a print control process A. The print control process A is different from the print control process of the first embodiment in that the print control process A includes the timing control process A instead of the timing control process. Since the other processes of the print control process A are the same as the print control process, detailed description will not be repeated. That is, the print control process A includes a print process P and a timing control process A.

  FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the printing mechanism 40A included in the printer 100A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state where the ink ribbon 15 is peeled from the paper 16a included in the fusion part of the superposed body 16X. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the platen roller 17 is in contact with the heater Ht1 through the stacked body 16X. That is, FIG. 10 shows a state where there is no gap Gp.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the peeling angle α is adjusted by the movement of the peeling plate 18.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the position of the peeling plate 18. FIG. 12 differs from FIG. 7 in that a position Lh is shown instead of the position Lp. Other than that, the detailed description will not be repeated because it is the same as FIG. FIG. 12A is a timing chart when the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is not controlled. FIG. 12B is a timing diagram when the timing for adjusting the peeling angle α is controlled based on the type of transfer object.

  The print control process A including the print process P starts at time t0 and ends at time t9. The vertical axis | shaft of Fig.12 (a) and FIG.12 (b) shows the position Lh. The position Lh is the position of the peeling plate 18. 12A and 12B, a position Lh0 is a position of the peeling plate 18 when the peeling angle α is not adjusted (see FIG. 10). The position Lh1 is the position of the peeling plate 18 after the peeling angle α is adjusted (see FIG. 11).

  In the present embodiment, the print control process A is performed according to the diagram shown in FIG. Note that the period T1p in FIG. 12B is longer than any of the periods T1y, T1m, and T1c. In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, each ink ribbon information J includes the timing information described above.

  Note that the state of the platen roller 17 in FIG. 10 immediately before the start of the printing control process A is a roller separation state as shown in FIG.

  Here, the following premise Pm2 is considered. In the premise Pm2, the adjustment timing Tα is not controlled when the printing processes Pry, Prm, and Prc are performed. In the premise Pm2, the adjustment timing Tα is controlled when the printing process Prp is performed.

  Referring to FIG. 12B, in the print control process A in the assumption Pm2, first, an information acquisition process is performed as in the first embodiment. In the information acquisition process, the sensor SN1 acquires ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP from the IC tag 22. Then, the sensor SN1 transmits ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP to the control unit 5.

  Next, similarly to the print control process in the premise Pm1 of the first embodiment, the process for each of the periods T1y, T1m, and T1c is performed.

  Next, immediately before the start of the printing process Prp, the roller driving unit 30 moves the platen roller 17 according to the control of the control unit 5 so that the state of the platen roller 17 becomes the roller contact state of FIG. Then, as in the first embodiment, the printing process Prp is performed. As a result, the OP material is transferred to the paper 16a, and the above-described fused portion is generated.

  Next, the timing control process A in the premise Pm2 is performed. In the timing control process A, the control unit 5 controls the timing (Tα) at which the peeling plate driving unit 30A (adjustment mechanism) adjusts the peeling angle α based on the ink ribbon information JP.

  Further, the peeling plate driving unit 30A moves the peeling plate 18 so that the peeling angle α becomes the reference angle KP corresponding to the ink ribbon information JP at the timing of adjusting the peeling angle α controlled by the control unit 5. Let

  Specifically, in the timing control process A in the premise Pm2, the control unit 5 controls the timing at which the peeling plate driving unit 30A moves the peeling plate 18 according to the timing information of the ink ribbon information JP.

  In the premise Pm2, the timing information of the ink ribbon information JP indicates the time t5 as an example as the target timing Tαx. That is, in the assumption Pm2, the adjustment timing Tα controlled by the control unit 5 is the time t5 (target timing Tαx).

  More specifically, in the timing control process A at the premise Pm2, the control unit 5 sets the adjustment timing Tα to the target timing Tαx (time t5). That is, the control unit 5 controls the adjustment timing Tα.

  Then, the peeling plate drive unit 30A moves the peeling plate 18 so that the peeling angle α becomes the reference angle KP corresponding to the ink ribbon information JP at the adjustment timing Tα (time t5) controlled by the control unit 5. .

  In the above processing for moving the peeling plate 18, the distance that the peeling plate driving unit 30A moves the peeling plate 18 is set in advance as a distance corresponding to the reference angle KP. That is, the peeling plate driving unit 30A moves the peeling plate 18 by a preset distance corresponding to the reference angle KP at the adjustment timing Tα (time t5) controlled by the control unit 5. In the present embodiment, the release plate 18 moves upward as an example (see FIG. 11). Thereby, the peeling angle α is set to an angle (reference angle KP) suitable for the stamp screen TrP (OP material).

  Then, at time t8 when the period T1pb has elapsed from the end time (time 5) of the printing process Prp, the peeling plate driving unit 30A causes the peeling plate 18 so that the position of the peeling plate 18 becomes the position shown in FIG. Move. Moreover, the roller drive part 30 moves the platen roller 17 according to control of the control part 5 so that the state of the platen roller 17 will be in the roller separation state of FIG. As a result, the timing control process A ends, and the print control process A in the premise Pm2 ends.

  By the timing control process A of the print control process A described above, the adjustment timing Tα is controlled, and the peeling angle α is adjusted based on the type of transfer object. The peeling angle α is set to a reference angle K corresponding to the type of transfer object.

  The timing control process A described above may also be performed when the printing processes Pry, Prm, and Prc are performed. Thereby, for example, the peeling angle α is set to an angle (reference angle KY) suitable for the stamp screen TrY (Y ink). Further, for example, the peeling angle α is set to an angle (reference angle KM) suitable for the stamp screen TrM (M ink). For example, the peeling angle α is set to an angle (reference angle KC) suitable for the stamp screen TrC (C ink).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, in addition to the adjustment timing Tα being controlled, the peeling plate driving unit 30A peels off based on the type of the transfer object. By moving the plate 18, the peeling angle α is adjusted. That is, the peeling angle α is set to the reference angle K corresponding to the type of transfer object.

  In other words, the peeling angle α is controlled to be an angle suitable for peeling of the ink ribbon. Therefore, the ink ribbon can be stably peeled from the recording medium (paper 16a). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the residue of the transfer object from remaining at the end of the printing area of the recording medium (paper 16a). Therefore, the print quality on the paper 16a can be improved.

  Moreover, according to this Embodiment, peeling angle (alpha) is set to the angle suitable for a to-be-transferred material. That is, the peeling angle α is adjusted to an angle suitable for the transfer object for each stamp screen Tr. Thereby, the ink ribbon 15 can be stably peeled from the paper 16a.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the peeling angle α is set to an angle (reference angle KP) suitable for the stamp screen TrP (OP material). The reference angle KP of the present embodiment is larger than each of the reference angles KY, KM, KC. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the residue of the OP material, which is the transfer object, from adhering to the end of the printing area of the paper 16a. As a result, the print quality on the paper 16a can be improved.

  The adjustment timing Tα controlled by the control unit 5 is not limited to the time t5, and may be a time included in the period T1pb, for example.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the peeling plate 18 is controlled according to the stamp screen Tr. Note that the same control may be performed using a peeling roller with little friction with the ink ribbon instead of the peeling plate 18. Thereby, wrinkles, scratches, etc. of the printed material can be further effectively suppressed.

<Modification 1>
In the configuration of this modification, the control of the adjustment timing Tα and / or the adjustment of the peel angle α are considered in consideration of the information related to the manufacture of the ink ribbon, the image size, the material of the ink ribbon (transfer object), and the like. (Hereinafter also referred to as “configuration Cth1”). The configuration Cth1 is applied to both or one of the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  Each ink ribbon information J in the configuration Cth1 includes information when the ink ribbon 15 is manufactured. Specifically, each of the ink ribbon information J in the configuration Cth1 includes at least one or all of information relating to the manufacture of the ink ribbon, the size of the image, and information on the transfer object (material).

  Note that each ink ribbon information J in the configuration Cth1 may necessarily include information related to the manufacture of the ink ribbon.

  The “information relating to the manufacture of the ink ribbon” is information (numerical values) for correcting variations in the peeling characteristics of the transfer object due to, for example, manufacturing variations of the transfer object. Here, it is assumed that the transfer object is an OP material (overcoat). Since the OP material is a wear-resistant resin material, the peeling characteristics of the OP material (ink ribbon) greatly change due to the fluctuations during the manufacturing. For this reason, in this modification, both or one of the control of the adjustment timing Tα and the adjustment of the peeling angle α is performed in consideration of the variation in the peeling characteristics and the like.

  Note that the “information relating to the manufacture of the ink ribbon” is not limited to the above, and is, for example, information (numerical values) for correcting variations in the material of the transfer object (eg, OP material) at the time of manufacturing the ink ribbon. There may be. The “image size” is the size (print size) of an image to be formed on the paper 16a as a recording medium. The “information on the transfer object” is, for example, information indicating the material constituting the transfer object (for example, information indicating Y ink, OP material (abrasion resistant resin material), etc.).

  Specifically, in the configuration Cth1, each of the ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, JP stored in the IC tag 22 includes information on the manufacture of the ink ribbon, the size of the image, and the information on the transfer object (material). Contains at least one or all of the information.

  The ink ribbon information JY, JM, JC, and JP are associated with the reference angles KY, KM, KC, and KP, respectively. Note that the target timing Tαx of the timing information corresponding to each ink ribbon information J and the reference angle K corresponding to each ink ribbon information J are information included in the ink ribbon information J (information on manufacturing of the ink ribbon, image Based on the size, the information on the transfer object, etc.) and based on experiments conducted in advance.

  Then, the above-described print control process of the first embodiment or the above-described print control process A of the second embodiment is performed.

  As described above, according to the present modification, for each stamp screen Tr, both or one of the control of the adjustment timing Tα and the adjustment of the peeling angle α is performed in consideration of the information at the time of manufacturing the ink ribbon 15. Done.

  As a result, the ink ribbon peeling characteristics change due to variations in manufacturing, and the ink ribbon can be peeled stably even when the optimum tension of the ink ribbon changes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of printing defects. Further, for example, it is possible to suppress the residue of the overcoat at the end of the printing area of the paper 16a. Thereby, the print quality on the paper 16a can be improved.

(Function block diagram)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a characteristic functional configuration of the printer BL10. The printer BL10 corresponds to either the printer 100 or the printer 100A. That is, FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the main functions related to the present invention among the functions of the printer BL10.

  The printer BL10 is a thermal transfer type printer having a function of performing printing processing on a recording medium by heating an ink ribbon with a thermal head.

  The printer BL10 functionally includes a sensor BL1, an adjustment mechanism BL2, and a control unit BL3.

  The sensor BL1 acquires information on the ink ribbon. The sensor BL1 corresponds to the sensor SN1.

  The adjustment mechanism BL2 has a function of adjusting a peeling angle that is an angle formed by the ink ribbon and the recording medium in a state where the ink ribbon is peeled from the recording medium when the printing process is performed. . The adjustment mechanism BL2 corresponds to the roller driving unit 30 or the peeling plate driving unit 30A.

  The controller BL3 controls the timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on the information on the ink ribbon. The control unit BL3 corresponds to the control unit 5.

(Other variations)
As described above, the printer according to the present invention has been described based on the respective embodiments and modifications. However, the present invention is not limited to the respective embodiments and modifications. Within the scope of the present invention, modifications that a person skilled in the art have conceived to the embodiments and modifications are also included in the present invention. That is, within the scope of the invention, the present invention can be freely combined with each embodiment and modification, or can be appropriately modified and omitted according to each embodiment and modification.

  Hereinafter, the printer according to the present invention is also referred to as “printer hzs”. The printer hzs is either the printer 100 or the printer 100A.

  Further, the printer hzs may not include all the components shown in the drawing. That is, the printer hzs needs to include only the minimum components that can realize the effects of the present invention.

  Further, the function of the control unit 5 included in the printer hzs may be realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit is a circuit for controlling the timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on the information of the ink ribbon.

  The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware. The processing circuit may be a processor that executes a program stored in the memory. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like.

  Hereinafter, the configuration in which the processing circuit is dedicated hardware is also referred to as “configuration Cs1”. In the following, the configuration in which the processing circuit is a processor is also referred to as “configuration Cs2”.

  In the configuration Cs1, the processing circuit is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Applicable.

  A configuration in which all or a part of each component included in the printer hzs is indicated by hardware is, for example, as follows. Hereinafter, a printer in which all or a part of each component included in the printer hzs is indicated by hardware is also referred to as a “printer hd10”.

  FIG. 14 is a hardware configuration diagram of the printer hd10. Referring to FIG. 14, the printer hd10 includes a processor hd1, a memory hd2, and an adjustment mechanism hd3. The memory hd2 is, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM, or an EEPROM. Further, for example, the memory hd2 is a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD, or the like.

  The adjustment mechanism hd3 corresponds to the roller driving unit 30 or the peeling plate driving unit 30A.

  In the configuration Cs2, the processing circuit is the processor hd1. In the configuration Cs2, the function of the control unit 5 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. Software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory hd2.

  In the configuration Cs2, the processing circuit (processor hd1) reads the program stored in the memory hd2 and executes the program, thereby realizing the function of the control unit 5. That is, the memory hd2 stores the following programs.

  The program is a program for causing a processing circuit (processor hd1) to execute a step of controlling the timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on information on the ink ribbon.

  The program also causes a computer to execute a procedure of processing performed by the control unit 5, a method of executing the processing, and the like.

  As in the configuration Cs1 and the configuration Cs2, the processing circuit can realize the above-described functions by hardware, software, firmware, or the like.

  Further, the present invention may be realized as an adjustment timing control method in which the operation of a characteristic component included in the printer hzs is a step. The present invention may also be realized as a program that causes a computer to execute each step included in such an adjustment timing control method. Further, the present invention may be realized as a computer-readable recording medium that stores such a program. The program may be distributed via a transmission medium such as the Internet.

  All the numerical values used in the above-mentioned embodiment are examples of numerical values for specifically explaining the present invention. That is, the present invention is not limited to the numerical values used in the above embodiments.

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

  5, BL3 control unit, 8 thermal head, 15 ink ribbon, 16a paper, 17 platen roller, 18 release plate, 22 IC tag, 30 roller drive unit, 30A release plate drive unit, 40, 40A printing mechanism, 100, 100A, BL10, hd10 printer, BL2, hd3 adjustment mechanism, BL1, SN1 sensor.

Claims (4)

A thermal transfer type printer having a function of performing printing processing on a recording medium by heating an ink ribbon with a thermal head,
A sensor for acquiring information of the ink ribbon;
An adjusting mechanism having a function of adjusting a peeling angle that is an angle formed by the ink ribbon and the recording medium in a state where the ink ribbon is peeled from the recording medium when the printing process is performed;
A control unit configured to control timing at which the adjustment mechanism adjusts the peeling angle based on information on the ink ribbon. The printer further includes:
A platen roller in contact with the recording medium;
A roller driving unit having a function of moving the platen roller,
The adjusting mechanism is the roller driving unit;
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the roller driving unit adjusts the peeling angle by moving the platen roller at a timing of adjusting the peeling angle controlled by the control unit. The thermal head is provided with a release plate that contacts the ink ribbon in a state where the ink ribbon is peeled from the recording medium included in the portion where the ink ribbon is attached to the recording medium.
The release plate is configured to be movable while the release plate is in contact with the ink ribbon.
The printer further includes:
A peeling plate driving unit having a function of moving the peeling plate;
The adjustment mechanism is the peeling plate driving unit,
The peeling plate driving unit controls the peeling plate so that the peeling angle becomes a predetermined angle corresponding to the information of the ink ribbon at the timing of adjusting the peeling angle controlled by the control unit. The printer according to claim 1. The information on the ink ribbon includes at least one of information on manufacturing the ink ribbon, a size of an image to be formed on the recording medium, and information on a material to be transferred to the recording medium. The printer according to any one of 1 to 3.

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