JP2022082950A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image formation device, which can improve productivity even when using a special ink ribbon.SOLUTION: An image formation device 1, which transfers an image to a transfer film 46 using an ink ribbon 41 in which an ink panel Q4 having a predetermined width in a sub scanning direction and ink panels Q1-Q3 having first widths smaller than the predetermined width in the sub scanning direction are arranged in a frame sequential manner, comprises: an image formation part D that performs cueing of the ink ribbon 41 and of the transfer film 46 and performs transfer of an image to the transfer film 46 using the ink ribbon 41; and a control part H that performs control by which the transfer is performed by the ink panel Q4 without performing the cueing, when the ink panel Q4 is at a position at which the panel can perform the transfer, after completing the transfer using the ink panel Q3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium such as an ID card, an identification card, or a membership card.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus for forming an image such as a facial photograph or text information on a card-shaped recording medium such as a plastic card is widely known. Such a card-shaped recording medium is for printing a driver's license, various membership cards, a face photo such as an employee ID card or an ID card of an individual holding the card, or personal information, and is a large amount of information. Many of them are not printed on a large number of sheets.

Further, in recent years, a printer system that is connected to a computer network and performs on-demand printing is known. In such a printer system, printing of a face photograph of an individual holding a card, printing of a display such as an issuer and a type of card, and recording of electronic data such as personal information are simultaneously executed. As a printer used in such a printer system, a sublimation type transfer device is known.

In such a sublimation type transfer device, characters, images, and the like are transferred and printed on a card by using an ink ribbon in which a plurality of types of ink panels having a predetermined width corresponding to the printing width of the card are arranged in a surface-sequential manner. As a method of transfer printing on a card, there are a direct method of printing directly on a card and an intermediate transfer method of primary transfer to a transfer film and secondary transfer from the transfer film to a card. In either method, printing is performed by sequentially passing ink panels of each color such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black of the ink ribbon through the transfer surface of the card or the transfer film.

Further, in such a sublimation type transfer device, even if there is a small area for recording in color such as a face photograph in one card such as a driver's license or a membership card, each ink panel of the ink ribbon can be used. It consumes the ink of the area of one card. On the other hand, conventionally, a special ink ribbon is known in which the area of the color ink panel is limited to half the area of the black ink panel in order to reduce the running cost.

Under such circumstances, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus that realizes a high transfer printing speed. In the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, the continuous N transfer regions set on the transfer film are designated as the first to N transfer regions in the direction opposite to the arrangement order of the first to N ink panels. do. Then, using the first to Nth ink sets, a transfer operation of transferring the inks of the first to Kth ink panels to the first K to the first transfer region is performed on the transfer regions of N locations. = Repeat from 1 to KN times. As described above, in Patent Document 1, high speed is realized by performing continuous printing without moving the transfer film and the ink ribbon.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-47554

However, in Patent Document 1, when ink ribbons having different sizes of ink panels are used, the transfer operation cannot be continuously performed. Therefore, in this case, productivity is improved when using special ink ribbons having different sizes of each ink panel such that the area of the color ink panel is limited to half the area of the black ink panel. Has the problem of not being able to.

Further, in Patent Document 1, in order to obtain the effect of speeding up, one job needs to be composed of printing of a plurality of sheets, and when printing a small number of sheets such as one sheet, productivity is improved. It has the problem that it cannot be improved.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving productivity when a special ink ribbon is used or when a small number of images are transferred to a transfer medium.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a black ink panel having a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction and a color ink panel having a first width in which the width in the sub-scanning direction is smaller than the predetermined width are arranged in a surface-sequential manner. An image forming apparatus that transfers an image to a transfer medium using the ink ribbon, which cue the ink ribbon and the transfer medium, and transfer the image to the transfer medium using the ink ribbon. When the transfer using the image forming means for performing the above and the final color ink panel which is the color ink panel adjacent to the black ink panel on the downstream side in the transport direction of the ink ribbon is completed, the black ink is completed. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the transfer by the black ink panel without performing the cueing when the panel is in the transferable position.

According to the present invention, productivity can be improved when a special ink ribbon is used or when a small number of images are transferred to a transfer medium.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part of the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the composition of the ink ribbon used in the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and an example of a recorded card. It is a flow figure which shows the image formation process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the process of the first half of the primary transfer process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the process of the latter half of the primary transfer process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of performing the transfer without cueing the black ink panel in the image formation process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the procedure at the time of performing the transfer by cueing the black ink panel in the image formation process which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration of image forming device>
The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The image forming apparatus 1 records information such as magnetic information or electronic information (IC information) on an ID card for various certifications or a credit card for commercial transactions, and forms (prints) an image such as characters, photographs or marks. ,I do. Here, the image forming apparatus 1 exemplifies an image forming apparatus of an intermediate transfer method.

The image forming apparatus 1 has a first transport path P1, a second transport path P2, a third transport path P3, a film transfer path P4, and a carry-out path P5.

The first transport path P1 is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the card K when transferring an image to the card K as a recording medium of the inversion unit 20, and extends in the left-right direction (horizontal direction) in FIG. They are arranged and carry the card K in the left-right direction in FIG. The first transport path P1 extends in parallel with the direction in which the card K in the media supply unit C is fed (X direction in FIG. 1). The transport direction of the card K in the first transport path P1 when the image is transferred to the card K is the direction opposite to the direction in which the card K is fed out in the media supply unit C.

The second transport path P2 is arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction (vertical direction) in FIG. 1, and transports the card K in the vertical direction in FIG.

The first transport path P1 and the second transport path P2 are arranged so as to extend in a direction having a predetermined angle with each other in FIG. 1. Here, the predetermined angle is set in consideration of the degree of density of each transport path, and is preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 180 degrees.

The third transport path P3 transports the card K in a direction different from that of the second transport path P2.

The film transfer path P4 transports the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46.

The carry-out pass P5 is extended and arranged in the same direction as the first transport pass P1, and transports the card K transported from the first transport path P1 to the accommodating stacker 60.

Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 2, an information recording unit A, an image transfer unit B, a media supply unit C, an image forming unit D, a media standby unit E, and a film standby unit F. And a housing unit G. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an inversion unit 20, a reject stacker 25, a barcode reader 28, a decal roller 36, a transfer roller 37, a transfer roller 38, a sensor Se12, and a control module 90. is doing.

The device housing 2 is arranged with an information recording unit A, an image transfer unit B, a media supply unit C, an image forming unit D, a media standby unit E, a film standby unit F, an accommodating unit G, and a control unit H. Further, the reversing unit 20, the decal roller 36, the transfer roller 37, the transfer roller 38, the sensor Se12, and the control module 90 are arranged in the device housing 2.

The information recording unit A records information such as magnetic information or electronic information on the card K conveyed from the inversion unit 20 as a pre-process of image transfer in the image transfer unit B. The information recording unit A conveys the card K on which the information is recorded to the reversing unit 20. The details of the configuration of the information recording unit A will be described later.

The image transfer unit B is arranged in the first transfer path P1, and is conveyed from the film standby unit F and the image transferred to the transfer film 46 as the transfer medium by the image forming unit D is conveyed from the media standby unit E. Transfer to card K (secondary transfer). The image transfer unit B transfers the card K on which the image is transferred to the transfer roller 37 or the media standby unit E. The image transfer unit B includes a transfer platen 31, a heating roller 33, and a fan fn2.

The transfer platen 31 passes the card K and the transfer film 46 between the heating roller 33 and the heating roller 33.

The heating roller 33 moves up and down between a position where it is in pressure contact with the transfer platen 31 and a position separated from the transfer platen 31 by an elevating mechanism (not shown). The heating roller 33 pressurizes and heats the card K and the transfer film 46 between the card K and the transfer platen 31 at a position where the transfer platen 31 is in pressure contact with the transfer platen 31, so that the image formed on the transfer film 46 is transferred to the surface of the card K ( Transfer to the lower surface in FIG. 2).

The media supply unit C conveys the stored card K to the reversing unit 20. The media supply unit C includes a paper feed cassette 3, a card storage unit 4, a paper feed opening 7, a picker opening 11, and a pickup roller 19.

The paper cassette 3 includes a box-shaped cassette housing, and arranges and stores a plurality of cards K in a standing position.

The card storage unit 4 is provided in the cassette housing of the paper feed cassette 3, and has a storage space in which a plurality of cards K can be arranged and stored in a standing position.

The paper feed opening 7 communicates the card storage unit 4 with the information recording unit A, and separates the cards K one by one by the separation gap.

The picker opening 11 is an opening that opens the inside of the card storage portion 4 to the outside.

The pickup roller 19 projects to the card storage unit 4, and by rotating, the front row card K stored in the card storage unit 4 is conveyed to the information recording unit A via the picker opening 11 and the paper feed opening 7. do.

The fan fn2 discharges the heat generated in the device housing 2 to the outside of the device housing 2.

The image forming unit D as an image forming means transfers an image to the transfer film 46 (primary transfer) using the ink ribbon 41, and conveys the transferred film 46 to which the image is transferred to the film standby unit F. The details of the configuration of the image forming unit D will be described later.

The media standby unit E is arranged in the first transport path P1 and is provided between the inversion unit 20 and the image transfer unit B. The media standby unit E temporarily stops the transfer of the card K conveyed from the reversing unit 20 to make the card K stand by, and at the same time, conveys the waited card K to the image transfer unit B at a predetermined timing. It is configured. The details of the configuration of the media standby unit E will be described later.

The film standby unit F includes a sensor Se9. The film standby unit F is configured to temporarily stop the transfer of the transfer film 46 to make the transfer film 46 stand by, and to transfer the standby transfer film 46 to the image transfer unit B at a predetermined timing. .. The distance between the film standby unit F and the image transfer unit B is set so that the card K and the transfer film 46 that have been made to stand by in the media standby unit E can be conveyed toward the image transfer unit B at the same timing. The distance between the image transfer unit B and the media standby unit E is equal to that of the media standby unit E.

The sensor Se9 detects the amount of the transfer film 46 conveyed by the transfer roller 49 by detecting the markers formed on the transfer film 46 at predetermined intervals, and outputs the detection result to the control unit H.

The storage unit G stores the card sent from the image transfer unit B in the storage stacker 60. The accommodating stacker 60 is configured to detect the highest card K by a level sensor (not shown) and move downward in FIG. 1 by an elevating mechanism 61 according to the detection result.

The reversing unit 20 is provided below the media supply unit C, and is arranged on one end side (right end in FIG. 1) of the device housing 2. The reversing unit 20 is arranged at a connection point between the first transport path P1, the second transport path P2, and the third transport path P3. The details of the configuration of the reversing unit 20 will be described later.

The reject stacker 25 is provided on the outer periphery of the reversing unit 20. The card K that has caused a recording error in the non-contact IC recording unit 23 or the magnetic recording unit 24 is ejected from the reversing unit 20 to the reject stacker 25.

The barcode reader 28 is provided on the outer periphery of the inversion unit 20 and reads the barcode printed by the image transfer unit B of the card K discharged from the inversion unit 20 to determine the appropriateness of the print result (error determination). The bar code reader 28 conveys the card K for which the suitability of the print result is determined to the reversing unit 20.

The decal roller 36 is provided between the transfer roller 37 and the transfer roller 38, and curls the card K by pressing the central portion of the card K held between the transfer roller 37 and the transfer roller 38. to correct.

The transfer roller 37 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown), and is rotated by being driven by the transfer motor to transfer the card K transferred from the image transfer unit B to the transfer roller 38.

The transfer roller 38 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown), and is rotated by being driven by the transfer motor to discharge the card K transferred from the transfer roller 37 to the accommodating portion G.

The sensor Se12 detects the carrying out of the card K from the transport roller 38 to the accommodating unit G, and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result to the control unit H.

The control module 90 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 1. The details of the configuration of the control module 90 will be described later.

Here, as an image forming apparatus for transferring an image to a card K having an uneven surface by incorporating an IC for recording electronic information, the image forming apparatus 1 adopting the intermediate transfer method illustrated in FIG. 1 is suitable. There is. Further, as an image forming apparatus for transferring an image to a card K whose surface is coated with a hologram or the like, the image forming apparatus 1 adopting an intermediate transfer method is suitable.

<Structure of information recording unit>
The configuration of the information recording unit A of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The information recording unit A includes a carry-in roller 22, a non-contact IC recording unit 23, a magnetic recording unit 24, a sensor Se1, a sensor Se2, a sensor Se3, a sensor Se5, a sensor Se6, and a sensor Se7. It is equipped with.

The carry-in roller 22 is provided on the downstream side of the paper feed opening 7 in the transport direction of the card K, and the card K transported from the paper feed cassette 3 through the picker opening 11 and the paper feed opening 7 is inverted unit 20. Transport in.

The non-contact IC recording unit 23 is provided in the third transport path P3 and records electronic information in the IC built in the card K transported from the reversing unit 20. The non-contact IC recording unit 23 conveys the card K in which electronic information is recorded in the IC to the inversion unit 20.

The magnetic recording unit 24 is provided in the second transport path P2 and is composed of a read / write head. The magnetic recording unit 24 records magnetic information on the magnetic stripe of the card K conveyed from the inversion unit 20, and reads the recorded magnetic information to determine correctness. The magnetic recording unit 24 conveys the card K on which magnetic information is recorded to the inversion unit 20.

In this way, the non-contact IC recording unit 23 and the magnetic recording unit 24 electrically or magnetically input data to the card K conveyed from the inversion unit 20.

The sensor Se1 operates under the control of the control unit H, detects the transfer of the card K from the media supply unit C to the information recording unit A, and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result to the control unit H.

The sensor Se2 operates under the control of the control unit H, detects the transfer of the card K from the reversing unit 20 to the reject stacker 25, and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result to the control unit H.

The sensor Se3 operates under the control of the control unit H to detect and detect the transfer of the card K from the reversing unit 20 to the magnetic recording unit 24 or the transfer of the card K from the magnetic recording unit 24 to the reversing unit 20. An electric signal corresponding to the result is output to the control unit H.

The sensor Se5 operates under the control of the control unit H to detect and detect the transfer of the card K from the reversing unit 20 to the media standby unit E or the transfer of the card K from the media standby unit E to the reversing unit 20. An electric signal corresponding to the result is output to the control unit H.

The sensor Se6 operates under the control of the control unit H. The sensor Se6 detects the transfer of the card K from the reversing unit 20 to the non-contact IC recording unit 23 or the transfer of the card K from the non-contact IC recording unit 23 to the reversing unit 20, and responds to the detection result. The electric signal is output to the control unit H.

The sensor Se7 operates under the control of the control unit H, detects the transfer of the card K from the inversion unit 20 to the barcode reader 28, and outputs an electric signal according to the detection result to the control unit H.

<Structure of image forming part>
The configuration of the image forming unit D of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The image forming unit D includes a pinch roller 32a, a pinch roller 32b, a thermal head 40, a ribbon cassette 42, an image forming platen 45, a transfer roller 49, and a film cassette 50. Further, the image forming unit D includes a sensor Se10, a sensor Se11, and a cooling fan fn1.

The pinch roller 32a and the pinch roller 32b are arranged in the film transfer path P4, and the transfer film 46 is pressed against the transfer roller 49 to be transferred on the film transfer path P4.

The thermal head 40 is arranged to face the image forming platen 45 and includes a heating element (not shown). The thermal head 40 heats the sublimation type ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by a heating element selectively heated and controlled by the head control IC 74x described later, and transfers an image to the transfer film 46.

The ribbon cassette 42 is detachably attached to the device housing 2. The ribbon cassette 42 is rotatably provided with a supply spool 43 and a take-up spool 44, and houses a film-shaped ink ribbon 41 wound around the supply spool 43 and the take-up spool 44.

The take-up spool 44 is connected to the wind motor Mr1 and rotates by being driven by the wind motor Mr1.

The image forming platen 45 as a platen can be moved between the position where the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 are sandwiched and the position where the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 are sandwiched with the thermal head 40 by an extrusion mechanism (not shown). The image forming platen 45 transfers an image to the transfer film 46 using the ink ribbon 41 at a position where the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 are sandwiched together with the thermal head 40.

An ink ribbon 41 is inserted between the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 when the ribbon cassette 42 is mounted on the device housing 2. A film transfer path P4 on which the ink ribbon 41 conveyed from the ribbon cassette 42 and the transfer film 46 conveyed from the film cassette 50 travel is formed between the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40. ..

The transfer roller 49 is arranged in the film transfer path P4 and is connected to a drive motor (not shown), and the transfer roller 49 is driven at a constant speed by driving the drive motor. When the image is formed on the transfer film 46, the transfer roller 49 rotates in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. 2 to transfer the transfer film 46 to the image transfer unit B at the same speed as the ink ribbon 41.

The film cassette 50 is composed of a unit separated from the device housing 2, and is detachably attached to the device housing 2. The film cassette 50 includes a take-up spool 47 and a supply spool 48, and houses a transfer film 46 wound around the take-up spool 47 and the supply spool 48.

The take-up spool 47 is connected to a take-up motor Mr2 which is a stepping motor, and is rotated by being driven by the take-up motor Mr2.

The supply spool 48 is connected to a feeding motor Mr3, which is a stepping motor, and is rotated by being driven by the feeding motor Mr3.

The take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 are both connected to the spool shaft via a coupling means (not shown) attached to the apparatus frame, and rotate in the same direction with the same feed amount.

The sensor Se10 operates under the control of the control unit H, detects the position of the ink ribbon 41 conveyed by driving the take-up spool 44, and outputs the detection result to the control unit H.

The sensor Se11 operates under the control of the control unit H, detects the position of the transfer film 46 conveyed by driving the take-up spool 47 and the supply spool 48, and outputs the detection result to the control unit H.

The cooling fan fn1 cools the thermal head 40.

<Composition of media standby unit>
The configuration of the media standby unit E of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The media standby unit E includes a first roller pair 29, a second roller pair 30, and a sensor Se8.

The first roller pair 29 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown) and is configured to be able to switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation. The first roller pair 29 conveys the card K conveyed from the reversing unit 20 to the second roller pair 30, or conveys the card K conveyed from the second roller pair 30 to the reversing unit 20.

The second roller pair 30 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown) and is configured to be able to switch between forward rotation and reverse rotation. The second roller pair 30 conveys the card K conveyed from the first roller pair 29 by rotating forward to the image transfer unit B, or the card K conveyed by the image transfer unit B by rotating in the reverse direction. Transport to 1 roller vs. 29.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first roller pair 29 and the second roller pair 30 are arranged so as to have an interval Ld shorter than the length Lc of the card K in the transport direction. In the first roller pair 29 and the second roller pair 30, the transmission of the card K is stopped and the card K is temporarily held by turning off the transmission clutch (not shown) provided between the first roller pair and the second roller pair 30. To wait.

The transport mechanism for the card K in the media standby unit E is not limited to the case where the first roller pair 29 and the second roller pair 30 are configured, and may be a belt.

The sensor Se8 is arranged close to the second roller pair 30. The sensor Se8 operates under the control of the control unit H to detect the tip of the card K transported from the first roller pair 29 to the second roller pair 30 in the transport direction, and the card K exists in the media standby section E. The detection result of whether or not to do is output to the control unit H.

<Structure of inversion unit>
The configuration of the inversion unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The reversing unit 20 includes a unit frame 18 and a plurality of roller pairs 21a and roller pairs 21b.

The unit frame 18 is bearing-supported by a device frame (not shown) so as to be able to swing, and is swiveled by a swing motor (not shown) such as a pulse motor, and is predetermined with the card K nipped by the roller pair 21a and the roller pair 21b. Posture deflection in the direction. The unit frame 18 rotates at a predetermined angle so that the nipped card K can be conveyed to the first transfer path P1, the second transfer path P2, the third transfer path P3, the reject stacker 25, or the barcode reader 28. ..

The roller pair 21a and the roller pair 21b are arranged at a distance from each other and are rotatably supported by the unit frame 18. The roller pair 21a and the roller pair 21b are rotated in the forward direction by a transport motor (not shown) to transport the card K into the unit frame 18, or are rotated in the reverse direction by the transport motor to transport the card K to the outside of the unit frame 18. do.

The turning motion of the unit frame 18 and the rotation of the roller pair 21a and the roller pair 21b are not limited to the configuration in which they are operated by different motors, and may be configured to be operated by one pulse motor and switched by a clutch.

<Control module configuration>
The configuration of the control module 90 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The control module 90 includes a control unit H, a ROM 71, a RAM 72, an IC R / W control IC 73x, a magnetic R / W control IC 73y, and a head control IC 74x. Further, the control module 90 includes a reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80, a first transfer path transfer motor control circuit 81, a second transfer path transfer motor control circuit 82, and a wind motor control circuit 83. Further, the control module 90 includes a take-up motor control circuit 84, a feeding motor control circuit 85, and a transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86.

The control unit H as a control means controls the entire operation of the image forming apparatus 1 while using the RAM 72 by executing the control program stored in the ROM 71.

Specifically, the control unit H operates the IC R / W control IC73x, the magnetic R / W control IC73y, the head control IC74x, the reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80, and the first transfer path transfer motor control circuit 81. To control. Further, the control unit H controls the operation of the second transfer path transfer motor control circuit 82, the wind motor control circuit 83, the take-up motor control circuit 84, the feeding motor control circuit 85, and the transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86. The control unit H includes a CPU 70, a data input control unit 73, an image formation control unit 74, a film transfer control unit 75, a sensor control unit 76, and a card transfer control unit 77.

When the control unit H receives magnetic data, electronic data, or image data to be recorded on the card K from a higher-level device such as a host computer (not shown), the control unit H sets the card K according to the received magnetic data, electronic data, or image data. Controls transfer of images and recording of information. Specifically, the control unit H controls the card K to record a combination of magnetic information and image information, a control to record a combination of electronic information and image information, or magnetic information, electronic information, and an image. Controls recording in combination with information.

The CPU 70 controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 while using the RAM 72 by executing the control program stored in the ROM 71. The CPU 70 is a data input control unit 73, an image formation control unit 74, a film transfer control unit 75, a sensor control unit 76, and a card transfer control unit based on the detection result input from the sensor control unit 76 by executing the control program. Controls the operation of 77.

The data input control unit 73 operates under the control of the CPU 70 to output a command signal for controlling transmission / reception of input data to the magnetic R / W control IC 73y. The data input control unit 73 operates under the control of the CPU 70 and outputs a command signal for controlling transmission / reception of input data to the IC R / W control IC 73x.

The image formation control unit 74 operates under the control of the CPU 70, outputs a control signal to the head control IC 74x to control the thermal head 40, and outputs a control signal to the wind motor control circuit 83 to output the control signal of the ink ribbon 41. Control transport.

The film transfer control unit 75 operates under the control of the CPU 70 and outputs control signals to the take-up motor control circuit 84, the feeding motor control circuit 85, and the transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86 to control the transfer of the transfer film 46. do.

The sensor control unit 76 operates under the control of the CPU 70, and by controlling the operation of the sensors Se1 to Se12, outputs the detection result input from the sensors Se1 to Se12 to the CPU 70.

The card transfer control unit 77 operates under the control of the CPU 70, and outputs control signals to the reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80, the first transfer path transfer motor control circuit 81, and the second transfer path transfer motor control circuit 82. Drive control.

The ROM 71 stores the control program in advance.

The RAM 72 functions as a work area of the CPU 70.

The IC R / W control IC 73x is provided in the non-contact IC recording unit 23. The IC R / W control IC 73x records electronic information in the IC built in the card K based on a command signal for controlling transmission / reception of input data input from the data input control unit 73.

The magnetic R / W control IC73y is provided in the magnetic recording unit 24. The magnetic R / W control IC 73y records magnetic information on the magnetic stripe of the card K based on a command signal for controlling transmission / reception of input data input from the data input control unit 73.

The head control IC 74x applies a pulse to the thermal head 40 based on a control signal input from the image formation control unit 74 to control the heating of the thermal head 40.

The reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80 controls the drive of a swivel motor (not shown) based on a control signal input from the card transfer control unit 77 to swivel the reversing unit 20.

The first transfer path transfer motor control circuit 81 controls the drive of a transfer motor (not shown) based on the control signal input from the card transfer control unit 77 to drive the first roller pair 29 and the second roller pair 30. As a result, the card K is transported in the first transport path P1.

The second transfer path transfer motor control circuit 82 controls the drive of a transfer motor (not shown) based on the control signal input from the card transfer control unit 77 to drive the roller pair 21a and the roller pair 21b. 2 The card K is transported in the transport path P2.

The wind motor control circuit 83 controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 based on the control signal input from the image formation control unit 74, and conveys the ink ribbon 41.

The take-up motor control circuit 84 controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 based on the control signal input from the film transport control unit 75 to feed or wind the transfer film 46.

The feeding motor control circuit 85 controls the drive of the feeding motor Mr3 based on the control signal input from the film transport control unit 75 to feed or wind the transfer film 46.

The transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86 controls the drive of the transfer roller 49 based on the control signal input from the film transfer control unit 75 to transfer the transfer film 46.

<Composition of ink ribbon>
The configuration of the ink ribbon 41 used in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

4 (a) shows the structure of the ink ribbon 41, and FIG. 4 (b) shows an example of the card K in which an image is transferred from the transfer film 46.

The ink ribbon 41 is a sublimation type ribbon. On the ink ribbon 41, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) ink panels Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are arranged in strips in order of surface.

Here, the ink panels Q1 to Q3 are color ink panels and are formed of dye ink. Further, the ink panel Q4 is a black ink panel and is formed of pigment ink. The ink panel Q3 is a final color ink panel adjacent to the ink panel Q4 on the downstream side in the transport direction of the ink ribbon 41. The ink panels Q1 to Q3 may be formed by a material other than the dye ink, and the ink panel Q4 may be formed by a material other than the pigment ink.

The width L in the sub-scanning direction (left-right direction in FIG. 4A) parallel to the transport direction of the ink ribbon 41 of the ink panel Q4 of B (black) has a predetermined width corresponding to the printing width of the transfer film 46. ing. The width A as the first width of the ink ribbons 41 of the Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) ink panels Q1, Q2, and Q3 in the transport direction is shorter than the width L of the ink panel Q4 ( L> A). Specifically, the width A of the ink panels Q1, Q2, and Q3 is 50% to 70% of the width L of the ink panel Q4.

Such an ink ribbon 41 is used when transferring an image to a card K such as a driver's license or a membership card, which has a small area to be recorded in color such as a face photograph in one card K shown in FIG. 4 (b) as an example. Used.

<Operation of image forming unit>
The operation of the image forming unit D of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

First, the transfer film 46 is taken out from the take-up spool 47, and the transfer roller 49 is rotated clockwise in FIG. 2 to be transferred to the cue position of the image transfer. Further, the ink ribbon 41 is conveyed to the cue position of the image transfer by rotating the take-up spool 44 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. At this time, the transfer directions of the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 are opposite to each other.

The transfer film 46 is once conveyed upstream of the thermal head 40 in the transfer direction of the transfer film 46, and then the transfer film 46 is conveyed in the same direction as the transfer direction of the ink ribbon 41 to reach the cueing position. May be transported to. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of backlash of the drive motor or the like that conveys the transfer film 46 when the transfer is started after the transfer to the cue position.

Next, the image forming platen 45 moves toward the thermal head 40 by an extrusion mechanism (not shown), and abuts on the thermal head 40 with the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 sandwiched between them as shown in FIG.

Next, the take-up spool 44 rotates in synchronization with the thermal control of the thermal head 40, and takes up the ink ribbon 41 at a predetermined speed. Further, the transfer roller 49 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 to transfer the transfer film 46 in the same direction as the ink ribbon 41 by the amount corresponding to the print width of one card K. As a result, the image is transferred to and formed on the transfer film 46.

Then, when the transfer of the image by one ink panel is completed, the transfer roller 49 rotates clockwise again in FIG. 2, and the transfer film 46 is cueed by the amount corresponding to the printing width of one card. Pull it back to the position. Further, since the ink ribbon 41 is conveyed in the winding direction, the next ink panel is aligned with the transfer film 46 at the cueing position.

In such cue control, the Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) ink panels are sequentially aligned with the transfer film 46 at the cue position. After such alignment, the image forming unit D repeats heat transfer by the thermal head 40 and the image forming platen 45 to print images such as facial photographs and characters printed on the front and back surfaces of the card K on the ink ribbon 41. Is transferred to the transfer film 46 using the above.

In the image forming unit D, in order to shorten the total time for transporting the ink ribbon 41 for cueing, transfer using the ink panel Q4 is performed according to the relationship between the printing positions of the ink panel Q3 and the ink panel Q4. Performs an operation that omits the previous cueing. The details of this operation will be described later.

<Image formation processing>
The image forming process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The image forming process shown in FIG. 5 is started at the timing when the main power of the image forming apparatus 1 is turned on.

First, the control unit H executes a film initialization process for transporting the transfer film 46 to the cue position by taking out the transfer film 46 from the supply spool 48 and rotating the transfer roller 49 counterclockwise in FIG. 2. (S1).

Next, the control unit H executes an ink ribbon initialization process for transporting the ink ribbon 41 to the cueing position of image transfer by the take-up spool 44 (S2).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the job start signal has been received (S3).

When the job start signal is not received (S3: No), the control unit H repeats the process of step S3.

On the other hand, when the control unit H receives the job start signal (S3: Yes), the control unit H supplies the card K by transporting the card K from the media supply unit C to the inversion unit 20 (S4).

Next, the control unit H controls the reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80 to swivel drive the reversing unit 20 based on the detection result of detecting the tip of the card K in the transport direction input from the sensor Se1. As a result, the card K is conveyed to the first transfer path P1, the second transfer path P2, or the third transfer path P3.

Further, the control unit H controls the take-up motor Mr2 and the feeding motor Mr3 based on the detection result of the feeding amount of the transfer film 46 input from the sensor Se9, and conveys the transfer film 46 to the image forming unit D. Here, the transfer film 46 is marked for each frame having a predetermined width corresponding to the print width of the area forming the image on the card K. Therefore, the control unit H controls the feeding amount of the transfer film 46 based on the detection result of the sensor Se9 that detects this mark.

Next, the CPU 70 of the control unit H transfers the magnetic data or electronic data to be recorded on the card K received from a higher-level device (not shown) to the data input control unit 73. Further, the CPU 70 transfers the image data received from the host device to the image formation control unit 74 (S5). Since the processing time of step S5 differs depending on the status of the data volume or the transfer means, other processing performed in parallel with the processing of step S5 may precede the processing of step S5.

Next, when the control unit H finishes transporting the card K to the information recording unit A, the control unit H records the magnetic information on the card K by the magnetic R / W control IC73y based on the magnetic data, or records the magnetic information in the electronic data. Based on this, electronic information is recorded on the card K by the IC R / W control IC 73x. When the control unit H finds an error in the recorded magnetic information or electronic information, the reversing unit 20 is swiveled by the reversing unit swivel motor control circuit 80, and the card K is carried out to the reject stacker 25. Then, the control unit H controls the media supply unit C to convey the new card K to the inversion unit 20.

Next, the control unit H sets the head temperature of the thermal head 40 to an appropriate value by controlling the head control IC 74x. The control unit H controls to cool the thermal head 40 when the head temperature is excessively high with respect to the appropriate value, and to raise the temperature of the thermal head 40 when the head temperature is low with respect to the appropriate value. Since it takes time for cooling when the head temperature is excessively high with respect to the appropriate value, the control unit H controls the take-up motor control circuit 84, the feeding motor control circuit 85, and the transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86. The transfer film 46 is kept on standby until the head temperature reaches an appropriate value.

Next, the control unit H executes a primary transfer process of transferring an image to the transfer film 46 using the ink ribbon 41 when the head temperature is set to an appropriate value (S6). The details of the primary transfer process will be described later.

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer process is completed (S7).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S7 when the primary transfer process has not been completed (S7: No).

On the other hand, when the primary transfer process is completed (S7: Yes), the control unit H moves the transfer film 46 to the film standby unit F based on the detection result input from the sensor Se9. Specifically, the control unit H controls the take-up motor control circuit 84, the take-out motor control circuit 85, and the transfer roller drive motor control circuit 86, and drives and controls the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to transfer. The film 46 is moved to the film standby unit F. Further, the control unit H controls the first transfer path transfer motor control circuit 81 to drive and control the first roller pair 29 and the second roller pair 30 to move the card K to the media standby unit E.

Since the tip of the card K in the state of waiting on the media standby unit E in the transport direction is on the upstream side in the transport direction with respect to the heating roller 33, it is not heated by the heating roller 33. This makes it possible to eliminate the risk of unevenness in the image transferred to the card K.

Further, in the image forming apparatus 1, the media standby unit E is arranged in the first transport path P1 between the inversion unit 20 and the image transfer unit B. Thereby, the job of recording the magnetic information in the second transport path P2, the job of recording the electronic information in the third transport path P3, and the job of forming an image in the first transport path P1 are separately controlled. Can be done.

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the temperature of the heating roller 33 is an appropriate value. At this time, the control unit H determines that the card K has not reached the media standby unit E, the transfer film 46 has not reached the film standby unit F, or the temperature of the heating roller 33 is not an appropriate value. , Wait until each condition is met.

Next, when the temperature of the heating roller 33 reaches an appropriate value, the control unit H conveys the card K from the media standby unit E toward the image transfer unit B, and transfers the transfer film 46 from the film standby unit F. It is conveyed toward the image transfer unit B.

At this time, the card K stands by in the media standby unit E, and the transfer film 46 stands by in the film standby unit F, so that the transfer film 46 and the card K reach the image transfer unit B from the standby position at the same time and at the same speed. Can be made to. Therefore, the positional deviation between the transfer film 46 and the card K can be reduced.

Next, the control unit H raises the heating roller 33 in the standby position separated from the transfer platen 31 to a position where it is in pressure contact with the transfer platen 31 at the timing when the card K and the transfer film 46 reach the transfer platen 31.

Next, the control unit H simultaneously conveys the card K and the transfer film 46, heat-presses the image transferred to the transfer film 46 to the card K, and executes the secondary transfer process (S8).

Next, the control unit H carries out the card K to the accommodation stacker 60 (S9). Then, the control unit H winds up the transfer film 46 by the take-up spool 47 by controlling the take-up motor control circuit 84 and the take-out motor control circuit 85 to control the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3. ..

<Primary transcription process>
The primary transfer process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

The primary transfer process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is started at the timing when the process of step S5 in the image forming process shown in FIG. 5 is completed.

First, the control unit H clears the operation shortening flag stored in the RAM 72 and sets it to, for example, "0" (S21).

Next, the control unit H transfers the transfer start positions of the ink panels Q1 to Q4 of each color to the entire surface of the transfer film 46 based on the image data received from a higher-level device (not shown). Set to the same position. Further, the control unit H sets the transfer end positions of the ink panels Q1 to Q4 of each color according to the transfer image size based on the image data received from the host device (S22).

Next, the control unit H acquires the width L (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the transfer film 46 as the third width (S23). The width L of the transfer film 46 is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 71. Here, the width L of the transfer film 46 is the width of the region to be transferred to one card K, and is the same width as the width parallel to the transport direction of the ink panel Q4.

Next, the control unit H acquires the width A (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the ink panel Q3 of C (cyan) as the final ink panel (S24). The width A of the ink panel Q3 is stored in advance in, for example, the ROM 71.

Next, the control unit H sets the transfer start positions of the ink panels Q1 to Q4 of each color so that all of the transferred images are contained in the ink panels Q1 to Q4 of each color based on the image data received from the host device. do. Then, the control unit H acquires the transfer start position of the B (black) ink panel Q4 on the transfer film 46 (S25).

Next, the control unit H acquires the transfer image size S by the ink panel Q4 based on the image data received from the host device (S26).

Next, in the control unit H, the width b from the cueing position of the ink panel Q3 to the transfer start position of the ink panel Q4 is larger than the width A of the ink panel Q3, and the width b and the transfer image size S are added. It is determined whether the width (fourth width) is included in the width L of the transfer film 46 (S27).

That is, by performing the former determination in step S27, the control unit H determines whether or not the transfer start position of the ink panel Q4 is on the upstream side of the width A of the ink panel Q3 in the transport direction of the transfer film 46. do. Further, the control unit H determines whether or not the transfer region from the transfer start position to the transfer end position of the ink panel Q4 is included in the width L by performing the latter determination in step S27. As described above, the control unit H determines whether or not the cueing can be omitted from the width L of the transfer film 46, the width A of the ink panel Q3, the transfer start position of the ink panel Q4, and the transfer image size S by the ink panel Q4. do.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit H has a width b larger than the width A, and the width obtained by adding the width b and the transferred image size S is included in the width L (S27: Yes). ), Judge that cueing can be omitted. Then, the control unit H sets the transfer start position of the ink panel Q4 to the upstream side in the transport direction of the transfer film 46 by the width b from the cueing position of the ink panel Q3 (S28).

Next, the control unit H sets the operation shortening flag to "1" and stores it in the RAM 72 (S29).

Next, the control unit H controls the head control IC 74x to switch the thermal head 40 for the dye ink and control the heating (S30). In this heating control, the head control IC 74x creates a pulse in which the applied energy is stepwise changed according to the density of the pixel to be transferred in order to perform multi-gradation transfer processing on the transfer film 46. Can be applied to.

On the other hand, the control unit H is when the width b is the width A or less as shown in FIG. 9A, or when the width obtained by adding the width b and the transferred image size S is not included in the width L (S27). : No), it is determined that the cueing cannot be omitted, and the process of step S30 is skipped. As a result, the operation shortening flag is in a cleared state.

Next, the control unit H executes a Y ink cueing process for cueing the Y (yellow) ink panel Q1 (S31). Specifically, the control unit H controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 by controlling the wind motor control circuit 83, rotates the take-up spool 44 counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and causes the ink panel Q1 to rotate. The ink ribbon 41 is transferred to the cue position.

Next, the control unit H controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to take out the transfer film 46 from the supply spool 48 and rotate the transfer roller 49 counterclockwise in FIG. The transfer film 46 is conveyed to the cue position (S32). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A, the transfer start position of the transfer film 46 and the transfer start position of the ink panel Q1 are aligned at the cueing position.

Next, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 and nip the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 (S33).

Next, the control unit H starts the primary transfer by the ink panel Q1 (S34).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q1 has been completed (S35).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S35 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q1 has not been completed (S35: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 (b) and 9 (b), the control unit H separates the image forming platen 45 from the thermal head 40 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q1 is completed (S35: Yes). (S36).

Next, the control unit H executes an M ink cueing process for cueing the ink panel Q2 of M (magenta) (S37). Specifically, the control unit H controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 to rotate the take-up spool 44 counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the ink ribbon 41 reaches the cue position of the image transfer of the ink panel Q2. To transfer.

Next, the control unit H controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to rewind the transfer film 46 and rotate the transfer roller 49 clockwise in FIG. 2 to rotate the transfer film 46. Transport to the cue position (S38). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 8 (c) and 9 (c), the transfer start position of the transfer film 46 and the transfer start position of the ink panel Q2 of the ink ribbon 41 are aligned at the cue position. ..

Next, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 and nip the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 (S39).

Next, the control unit H starts the primary transfer by the ink panel Q2 (S40).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q2 has been completed (S41).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S41 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q2 has not been completed (S41: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 (d) and 9 (d), the control unit H separates the image forming platen 45 from the thermal head 40 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q2 is completed (S41: Yes). (S42).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the operation shortening flag stored in the RAM 72 is “1” (S43).

When the operation shortening flag is “1” (S43: Yes), the control unit H executes a C ink cueing process for cueing the C (cyan) ink panel Q3 (S44). Specifically, the control unit H controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 to rotate the take-up spool 44 counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the ink ribbon 41 reaches the cue position of the image transfer of the ink panel Q3. To transfer.

Next, the control unit H controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to rewind the transfer film 46 and rotate the transfer roller 49 clockwise in FIG. 2 to rotate the transfer film 46. Transport to the cue position (S45). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8E, the transfer start position of the transfer film 46 and the transfer start position of the ink panel Q3 of the ink ribbon 41 are aligned at the cueing position.

Next, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 and nip the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 (S46).

Next, the control unit H starts the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 (S47).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 has been completed (S48).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S48 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 has not been completed (S48: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (f), the control unit H controls the head control IC74x when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 is completed (S48: Yes), and uses the thermal head 40 for pigment ink. The heating is controlled by switching to (S49). In this heating control, the head control IC 74x controls whether or not a pulse can be applied to the thermal head 40 in order to perform a black-and-white two-gradation transfer process. In this way, the control unit H controls the thermal head 40 so that the ink panels Q1 to Q3 formed of the dye ink and the ink panels Q4 formed of the pigment ink perform different heat treatments.

Since the ink panel Q4 is in a position where the ink panel Q4 can be transferred, the control unit H continuously performs the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 as it is without cueing the transfer film 46 and the ink panel Q4. As a result, after the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3, the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 can be continuously performed without interposing the cueing operation, and the printing time can be shortened.

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 has been completed (S50).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S50 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 has not been completed (S50: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 (g), the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 in a direction away from the thermal head 40 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 is completed (S50: Yes). (S51), the primary transfer process is completed.

Further, when the operation shortening flag is not "1" (S43: No), the control unit H executes a C ink cueing process for cueing the C (cyan) ink panel Q3 (S52). Specifically, the control unit H controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 to rotate the take-up spool 44 counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the ink ribbon 41 reaches the cue position of the image transfer of the ink panel Q3. To transfer.

Next, the control unit H controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to rewind the transfer film 46 and rotate the transfer roller 49 clockwise in FIG. 2 to rotate the transfer film 46. Transport to the cue position (S53). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9E, the transfer start position of the transfer film 46 and the transfer start position of the ink panel Q3 of the ink ribbon 41 are aligned at the cueing position.

Next, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 and nip the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 (S54).

Next, the control unit H starts the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 (S55).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 has been completed (S56).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S56 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 has not been completed (S56: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 (f), the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 in a direction away from the thermal head 40 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q3 is completed (S56: Yes) (S56: Yes). S57).

Next, the control unit H executes a B ink cueing process for cueing the B (black) ink panel Q4 (S58). Specifically, the control unit H controls the drive of the wind motor Mr1 to rotate the take-up spool 44 counterclockwise in FIG. 2, and the ink ribbon 41 reaches the cue position of the image transfer of the ink panel Q4. To transfer.

Next, the control unit H controls the drive of the take-up motor Mr2 and the take-out motor Mr3 to rewind the transfer film 46 and rotate the transfer roller 49 clockwise in FIG. 2 to rotate the transfer film 46. It is conveyed to the cue position (S59). As a result, as shown in FIG. 9 (g), the transfer start position of the transfer film 46 and the transfer start position of the ink panel Q4 of the ink ribbon 41 are aligned at the cueing position.

Next, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 and nip the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 by the image forming platen 45 and the thermal head 40 (S60).

Next, the control unit H starts the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 (S61).

Next, the control unit H determines whether or not the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 has been completed (S62).

The control unit H repeats the process of step S62 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 has not been completed (S62: No).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9H, the control unit H moves the image forming platen 45 in a direction away from the thermal head 40 when the primary transfer by the ink panel Q4 is completed (S62: Yes). (S63), the primary transfer process is completed.

In this way, the control unit H transfers the four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and B (black) to the transfer surface to the transfer film 46 in the above order.

In the present embodiment, when the primary transfer using the ink panel Q3 is completed and the ink panel Q4 is in a position where the primary transfer is possible, the primary transfer is performed by the ink panel Q4 without cueing. Control. This makes it possible to improve productivity even when a special ink ribbon is used.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

Specifically, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 of the intermediate transfer method using the transfer film 46 is shown, but the image forming of the direct method of directly transferring to a recording medium such as a card K as a transfer medium is shown. It can also be applied to devices.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ink panels of the ink ribbon are arranged in the order of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, but the order of the ink panels can be changed as appropriate, and a plurality of blacks are provided. It may have been done. Further, the ink ribbon may be combined with a heat seal panel, a peel-off panel, a UV panel, an overcoat panel, or the like. In the above embodiment, these ink-free panels are also included in the ink panel.

A Information recording unit B Image transfer unit C Media supply unit D Image formation unit E Media standby unit F Film standby unit H Control unit K card Mr1 Wind motor Mr2 Take-up motor Mr3 Feeding motor Q1 Ink panel Q2 Ink panel Q3 Ink panel Q4 Ink Panel 1 Image forming device 20 Inverting unit 40 Thermal head 41 Ink ribbon 42 Ribbon cassette 43 Supply spool 44 Winding spool 45 Image forming platen 46 Transfer film 47 Supply spool 48 Winding spool 49 Transfer roller 50 Film cassette 70 CPU
74x head control IC
83 Wind motor control circuit 84 Take-up motor control circuit 85 Feed motor control circuit 90 Control module

Claims (7)

An image using an ink ribbon in which a black ink panel having a predetermined width in the sub-scanning direction and a color ink panel having a first width in which the width in the sub-scanning direction is smaller than the predetermined width are arranged in a surface-sequential manner. An image forming device that transfers ink to a transfer medium.
An image forming means for cueing the ink ribbon and the transfer medium and transferring an image to the transfer medium using the ink ribbon.
When the transfer using the final color ink panel, which is the color ink panel adjacent to the black ink panel on the downstream side in the transport direction of the ink ribbon, is completed, the position where the black ink panel can be transferred is completed. In the case of, a control means for controlling the transfer by the black ink panel without performing the cueing, and
An image forming apparatus characterized by having. The control means is
The second width from the cueing position of the final color ink panel to the transfer start position of the black ink panel is larger than the width of 1, and the transfer region of the transfer medium on which the transfer is performed. When the third width in the transport direction is larger than the fourth width obtained by adding the second width and the width in the sub-scanning direction in which the transfer is performed in the black ink panel, the final color ink panel. When the transfer is completed using the black ink panel, the transfer is controlled by the black ink panel without performing the cueing.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The control means is
When the transfer using the final color ink panel is completed and the black ink panel is not in the transferable position, the cueing is performed and the transfer is performed using the black ink panel. To control,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The image forming means is
A thermal head including a heating element and a platen for sandwiching the ink ribbon and the transfer medium between the thermal heads are provided, and the ink ribbon and the transfer medium are heated by the thermal head to perform the transfer.
The control means is
When the color ink panel is formed of dye ink and the black ink panel is formed of pigment ink, the transfer using the color ink panel differs from the transfer using the black ink panel. Controlling the thermal head to perform heat treatment,
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The first width is
50% to 70% of the predetermined width.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The image forming means is
The image transferred to the transfer medium is transferred to a recording medium.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that. The image forming means is
Using the ink ribbon, an image is transferred to a recording medium which is the transfer medium.
The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is characterized in that.

Images