JP2626405B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording characters or images on recording paper, and more particularly to an improvement in a recording paper transport mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a so-called "reciprocating type" is used as a transporting method of a recording sheet for separately performing recording for each color in a color recording apparatus such as a thermal transfer recording method.
“Drum winding type”, “circulation path type” and the like are known.
Typical examples of these conventional examples will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a main part of a "reciprocating type" apparatus, in which a feed roller is rotated in reverse to locate a recording paper for each color of an ink sheet, and the recording paper is rewound to a predetermined position. Recording.

In this system, the recording paper 1 is conveyed by a feed roller pair 100 and a platen roller 10
2 moves back and forth around a part of the outer circumference. On the other hand, in the recording unit that performs the recording operation, the ink sheet 108 supplied from the supply reel 104 and wound on the take-up reel 106 is transported in the direction of the arrow. Then, while the ink sheet 108 and the recording paper 1 are pressed against the platen roller 102 by the thermal head 112 urged by the spring 110, a color image in the color of the color area formed on the ink sheet 108 is thermally transferred onto the recording paper 1. And record.

When the recording of one color is completed, the platen roller 102 and the thermal head 112 are separated from each other, and the feed roller pair 100 is rotated in the reverse direction to return the recording paper 1 until the leading end of the recording paper 1 reaches the vicinity of the thermal head 112. The ink sheet 108 is conveyed, and control is performed such that the color area portion of the color to be printed next comes to the printing position of the thermal head 112, and the printing operation is started again. By repeating this process for the required number of colors, a final color image can be obtained on the recording paper 1.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a main part of a "drum wrapping type" apparatus. The recording paper is wound around a drum-shaped platen roller having an outer peripheral length longer than the length of the recording paper in the feed direction. It is a method of performing.

In this method, the recording paper 1 conveyed by a paper feeding means (not shown) is wound around a drum-shaped platen roller 200, and in this state, a thermal head 210 urged by a spring 208 is supplied to a supply reel. The platen roller 200 is in pressure contact with the platen roller 200 via the ink sheet 206 supplied from the 202 and wound on the take-up reel 204, and performs one-color recording each time the platen roller 200 is rotated once. Then, the platen roller 200 is rotated by the number of colors to be recorded, and the recording paper 1 on which recording is completed is separated from the platen roller 200 and discharged by discharge means (not shown).

FIG. 5 shows a main part of a "circulating path type" apparatus. After passing through the recording section, the recording paper passes through a circulating path having a predetermined length by a belt or a guide, and is guided again to the recording section. It is a method of recording in a recording mode.

In this method, the recording paper 1 is guided into the apparatus by a pair of feed rollers 300, and then reaches an outer peripheral portion of a platen roller 306 by a guide 302 and a feed roller 304 through a path indicated by a broken line. Then, while the outer periphery of the platen roller 306 is rotated by about half a circle, the recording unit including the supply reel 308, the ink sheet 310, the thermal head 312, the spring 314, the take-up reel 316, and the like, as in the above-described respective systems. Recording is performed, and thereafter, the recording paper 1 is further conveyed by a guide 302 and a feed roller 318 along a path indicated by a broken line. At this time, the discharge sector 320 for discharging the recording paper 1 to the outside is located at the position indicated by the solid line in the figure, and forms a circulation path as a part of the guide. Therefore, the recording paper 1 goes around the circulating path indicated by the broken line once again to reach the recording section, and recording is performed in the next color to be recorded. In this manner, the recording paper 1 is printed while circulating through the circulation path by the number of colors to be recorded, and when the recording is completed, the discharge sector 320 moves to the position shown by the dashed line, and the recording paper 1 is moved. Is discharged outside the device.

[0010]

The recording paper transport mechanism in the above-described conventional recording apparatus has various problems as described below.

First, the "reciprocating type" has an advantage that a color image can be recorded by a relatively simple mechanism. However, since the recording paper is rewound every time each color is recorded, time is required, and the entire recording time is reduced. There was a problem that it became long. Further, a space for temporarily storing the recording paper going back and forth may be required, which is a disadvantageous condition for downsizing the apparatus.

Next, in the "drum winding type", the "reciprocating type"
However, when the length of the recording paper in the feeding direction is long, a platen roller having a large diameter is required, which is disadvantageous in downsizing the apparatus. Further, when recording is performed on a recording sheet having a short length in the feeding direction using a platen roller having a large diameter, there is a problem that extra time is required for recording.

Further, in the "circulation path type", the platen roller itself can be made smaller. However, since the length of the circulation path is constant, the length of the recording sheet in the feed direction is extremely shorter than the length of the circulation path. Has a problem that extra time is required for passing through an unnecessary circulation path. Another problem is that the recording paper is likely to be displaced while circulating in the circulation path.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus in which the conveyance distance can be selected according to the size of a recording sheet, and the time which is not involved in the recording operation can be reduced. The purpose is to provide.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, a plurality of types having different dimensions are provided with an ink film interposed between a rotatable platen roller and a thermal head opposed thereto. in the recording apparatus that performs thermal transfer through the recording paper, said platen
Roller and the rotation axis are provided in parallel and separated from each other.
A driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the ten roller, paper dimension information output means that determines the length of the recording paper in the feed direction and outputs a recording paper dimension signal, and performs color recording between the platen roller and the thermal head. A first circulation path for circulating the recording paper a plurality of times for each color,
A second circulation path in which the recording paper circulation path is longer than the first circulation path, and a circulation path disconnection for selectively switching between the first and second circulation paths in accordance with the recording paper size signal.
Replacement means. This first circulation path
The recording paper circulates around the platen roller
Path, and the second circulation path is such that the recording paper
Part of the outer periphery of the platen roller and the outer periphery of the driven roller
It is a route that circulates partly . Further, the recording paper
The dimension signal is applied to recording paper longer than the first circulation path.
In this case, the circulating path switching means is provided in the second circulating path.
Select a ring route.

[0016]

According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, in the above configuration,
For example, paper size information such as selection of a paper cassette, or a recording paper size signal including information on the length of the recording paper in the feed direction, which is given in advance from paper size information output means such as a manual switch or an automatic paper length detector. To control the circulation path switching means to selectively guide recording paper to a relatively short first circulation path and a relatively long second circulation path.

That is, if the recording paper size signal indicates that the recording paper is relatively short prior to recording, the circulation path switching means selects the relatively short first circulation path,
The recording paper circulates between the platen roller and the thermal head a number of times corresponding to the number of colors according to a first circulation path for color recording. On the other hand, if the recording paper size signal indicates that the recording paper is a relatively long recording paper prior to recording, the circulation path switching means selects the relatively long second circulation path, and the recording paper is connected to the platen roller. It circulates between the thermal head and the thermal head a number of times corresponding to the number of colors according to the second circulation path for color recording.

As described above, in the present invention, by selecting the circulation paths having different lengths in accordance with the length of the recording paper in the feed direction, an extra part which is not involved in the recording operation when handling recording papers having different lengths is selected. The time can be reduced, and as a result, high-speed recording with less wasted time can be performed.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the recording paper size signal corresponds to a recording paper having a dimension longer than the first circulation path, the second circulation path is switched by the circulation path switching means. Selected.

According to another preferred aspect, the first circulation path is configured to go around the outer periphery of the platen roller.

According to still another preferred embodiment, the second
Of the platen roller, and a driven roller whose rotation axis is parallel to the platen roller and is spaced apart from each other and rotates in conjunction with the platen roller. Is configured.

In this case, more preferably, the second circulation path is provided with a pressure roller that presses against both the platen roller and the driven roller.

The second circulating path may have a similar configuration and may be provided with a plurality of driven rollers or the like to form a large number of circulating paths. It is also possible to individually reduce the waste time optimally.

[0022]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a main part of a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described.

In FIG. 1, a paper feed roller pair 10 is rotated by a driving means (not shown) to feed the recording paper 1 conveyed in the direction of the arrow to a recording paper circulating section of the apparatus.

The recording paper circulating section includes a platen roller 12, a driven roller 14, and a pressure roller 16 which are arranged in parallel with each other.
a, 16b, etc. The platen roller 12 and the driven roller 14 are provided at regular intervals, and these are provided with pressure rollers 16a, 16b made of an elastic material and pressure sections A, B, C,
D is in contact with the press contact state, and these four rollers are configured to rotate in conjunction with each other. Accordingly, when the platen roller 12 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by the driving device 18, the pressure rollers 16a and 16b rotate in the opposite direction to the platen roller 12, and the driven roller 14 rotates in the same direction as the platen roller 12 at the same peripheral speed. .

Springs 20 are provided at both ends of each axis of the pressure rollers 16a and 16b, respectively. The springs 20 are urged in the directions of arrows X and Y, respectively.
b is pressed against the platen roller 12 and the driven roller 14 with a constant pressure. This pressing pressure can be adjusted by a spring pressure adjusting device 22 provided at the end of each spring 20.

A circulation path switching device 24 for switching the circulation path of the recording paper 1 is provided near the outlet on the downstream side (opposite to the recording paper supply side) of the crimping section A. The circulation path switching device 24 is switched to a position shown by a solid line or a broken line in the figure by a driving mechanism (not shown), and the recording paper 1 coming out of the press-bonding portion A is moved in a direction along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 (first circulation path). Alternatively, the guide is selectively guided along the outer circumference of the pressure roller 16a toward the pressure portion B (second circulation path).

A plurality of pinch rollers 28 are provided along the outer periphery of the driven roller 14, and serve as a guide so that the recording paper 1 guided to the second circulation path moves along the peripheral surface of the driven roller 14. Plays a role. Crimping part C
Guide member 2 slidingly contacting the peripheral surface of driven roller 14
The recording paper 6 coming out of the pressure-bonding portion C is surely guided to the pressure-bonding portion D.

The recording section for performing the recording operation is a supply reel for supplying a thermal head 30 for color image thermal recording and an ink sheet 32 provided downstream of the exit of the pressure bonding section D and opposed to the peripheral surface of the platen roller 12. 34, a take-up reel 36 for winding the ink sheet 32, etc., and have the same configuration as the conventional apparatus.

The ink sheet 32 in which a plurality of color ink regions are formed in a predetermined order in the longitudinal direction,
With the rotation of the platen roller 12, the thermal head 30
Is sent by the frictional force caused by the pressing force. This ink sheet 3
2 is separated from the platen roller 12 by the separation roller 42 after the thermal head 30 urged by the spring 40 passes through the contact point E contacting the platen roller 12,
It is wound by a take-up reel 36.

In the vicinity of the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 on the exit side of the recording section, a recording paper discharge device 44 is provided in the same configuration as the circulation path switching device 24. That is, the discharge device 44 can be switched to a position shown by a solid line or a broken line in the figure by a drive mechanism (not shown). A recording paper detection sensor 46 is provided at a position between the ink sheet separation roller 42 and the recording paper discharge device 44, and the passage of the end of the recording paper 1 is detected here.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. First, the case where the length of the recording paper 1 in the feed direction is relatively short and the length in the feed direction is short with respect to the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 will be described. By a switching operation based on a recording paper size signal from a paper size information output device (not shown) such as a paper length detector, the circulation path switch 24 is turned on as shown in FIG.
Is set to the position indicated by the solid line.

In the above state, the recording paper 1 guided to the press-fitting section A by the paper feed roller pair 10 passes through the press-fitting section A, and then is kept as it is by the circulation path switching device 24 set at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. It is guided so as to advance along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12. Then, the recording paper 1 that has passed through the pressure bonding section D and is guided to the recording section along the outer circumference of the platen roller 12 is pressed against the outer circumference of the platen roller 12 together with the ink sheet 32 by the pressing roller 38, and is integrated with the ink sheet 32. And passes through the contact point E. Further, after the ink sheet 32 is separated by the separation roller 42, the recording paper 1 proceeds along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 as it is, and when the recording paper detection sensor 46 detects the leading end of the recording paper 1, the thermal head 30 is activated. On the basis of the signal output from the recording paper detection sensor 46, an operation for recording a first color of a color image on the recording paper 1 is started by a thermal head driving circuit (not shown).

The recording paper discharge device 44 is set at the position indicated by the solid line (non-discharge position) in FIG.
Travels again to the crimping section A along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 and makes one round around the outer periphery of the platen roller 12. That is, the circulation path of the recording paper 1 at this time is like the first circulation path R1 shown in FIG.
The recording of one color is performed every time the recording paper 1 makes one revolution.

Next, when the recording paper 1 makes a round of the circulation diameter path R1 and reaches the recording section again, recording of a color different from the previous time is performed. Such a recording operation is repeated by the number of types of colors to be recorded.

When the last color is recorded,
The recording paper discharge device 44 is rotated to be set at the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 1, and the recording paper 1 is guided by the recording paper discharge device 44 and along the discharge path R3 as shown in FIG. It is discharged outside the device.

Next, a recording operation when the length of the recording paper 1 in the feed direction is longer than the outer peripheral length of the platen roller 12 will be described. In this case, first, a circulation path switching device 2 is provided by a recording sheet size signal from a sheet size information output device (not shown).
4 is set to the position shown by the broken line in FIG. In this state, the recording paper 1 guided by the paper feed roller pair 10 passes through the pressure bonding portion A, is guided by the circulation path switching device 24, advances along the outer periphery of the pressure bonding roller 16a, and passes through the pressure bonding portion B. .

Further, the recording paper 1 travels along the outer periphery of the driven roller 14 while being guided by the pinch roller 28 and the like from the pressure-bonding portion B, and substantially goes around the outer periphery of the driven roller 14. Then, the recording paper 1 that has passed through the pressing portion C is guided by the guide body 26 and advances along the outer periphery of the pressing roller 16b. After passing through the pressing portion D, the recording paper 1 further advances along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12. To Then, similarly to the case where the length in the recording paper feed direction is short, the recording paper 1 advances on the outer periphery of the platen roller 12, during which recording is performed at the contact point E of the thermal head 30.

Further, the recording paper 1 advances along the outer periphery of the platen roller 12 with the recording paper discharge device 44 set at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1, and the platen roller 12, the driven roller 14, and the pressure rollers 16a, 16b. Circulates through a relatively long second circulation path R2 shown in FIG.

The recording paper 1 having passed the predetermined number of recordings is guided by the recording paper discharge device 44 moved to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1, and is directed to the outside of the device along the discharge path R3 as shown in FIG. Is discharged.

As described above, in the above embodiment, when the size (length in the feeding direction) of the recording paper is different,
When the size of the recording paper is short, the short circulation path R1 is selected, and when the size of the recording paper is long, the long circulation path R2 is selected. Extra circulation time not involved in the operation is reduced.

In the above embodiment, the recording paper is circulated while any one of the surfaces is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the platen roller, the driven roller, and the pressure roller that rotates at a constant peripheral speed during the circulation. The configuration is relatively simple without providing an extra guide as a path, and the configuration is such that the recording sheet is less likely to be displaced. Further, for a recording sheet having a long recording sheet size, the effect of preventing the curl of the recording sheet can be expected by alternately changing the bending direction of the recording sheet during conveyance.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the feeding direction of the recording paper is shifted due to an error in the parallelism of the rollers, the spring 2 supporting the shaft of the pressure roller 16a or 16b is used.
The shift in the feed direction can be corrected by the zero spring pressure adjusting device 22. This causes a difference in the pressing force at both ends of the roller by providing a difference in the spring pressure at both ends of the shaft, thereby making the diameters at both ends of the pressing roller substantially different and passing through the pressing portion. This is because the traveling direction of the recording paper can be changed. This is an effective adjustment for preventing a color shift caused by a shift in the recording paper feed direction.

In the above embodiment, the pressure roller 1
6a and 16b, the pressure roller 16
b may be omitted from the configuration, and the recording paper may be guided onto the platen roller 12 by, for example, a pinch roller.

Instead of supporting the shafts of the pressure rollers 16a and 16b with springs 20 provided at both ends of the shafts, the shafts may be fixed at predetermined positions.

Further, in the above embodiment, the recording apparatus of the thermal transfer type has been described, but it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to an apparatus of another recording type such as an ink jet type.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By selecting a circulating path having a different length in accordance with the length of the recording paper in the feed direction, it is possible to reduce a dead time in which a recording operation is not performed. There is an effect that it can be shortened.

Further, since it is not necessary to use a large-diameter platen roller, the thermal transfer recording apparatus does not require a specially shaped head.

Further, since all the rollers forming the recording paper circulation path are always linked directly or through the recording paper, a plurality of driving sources are required, or one driving source is required. Since a belt or a gear train is not required even when a source is used, there is an effect that the driving mechanism can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a main part of a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a circulation path of recording paper in the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A shows a first circulation path R1 around the outer periphery of a platen roller, and FIG. (C) shows a second circulation path R2 around the rollers;
Denotes a recording paper discharge path R3.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a main part of an example of a conventional “reciprocating type” device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an example of a conventional “drum winding type” device.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of an example of a conventional “circulation path type” device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: recording paper 10: paper feed roller pair 12: platen roller 14: driven roller 16a: pressure roller 16b: pressure roller 18: drive device 20: spring 22: spring pressure adjusting device 24: circulation path switching device 26: guide member 28 : Pinch roller 30: Thermal head 32: Ink sheet 34: Supply reel 36: Take-up reel 38: Holding roller 40: Spring 42: Separation roller 44: Recording paper discharge device 46: Recording paper detection sensor R1: Second circulation path R2 : Second circulation path R3: Discharge path

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tsuyoshi Sato 1-6-3 Nishioi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Nihon Kogaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. Oi Works (56) References JP-A-63-209860 (JP, A)

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a thermal transfer is performed through a plurality of types of recording paper having different sizes under an ink film between a rotatably provided platen roller and a thermal head opposed thereto. The platen roller and the rotation axis are spaced apart in parallel.
Driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the platen roller
When the the paper size information output means for determining the length of the feeding direction of the recording paper and outputs the recording sheet size signal, the recording paper between the platen roller and the thermal head for color recording for each color a first circulation path for a plurality of times cyclically passed, and the first circulation path of the recording paper than the circulation path is long second circulation path, and the first in response to the recording paper size signal Circulating path switching means for selectively switching the second circulating path.
And, wherein the first circulation path, the recording paper is the Puratenro
A path for circulating the periphery of La, the second circulation path, the recording paper is the Puratenro
Part of the outer periphery of the roller and part of the outer periphery of the driven roller, respectively.
A recording device, which is a circulating path . Wherein when said recording paper size signal corresponds to a long recording sheet dimensions than the first circulation path, the circulation path
2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit selects the second circulation path.