JP2988602B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for transporting a transfer material and a material to be transferred.
To transfer the ink held in the transfer material to a recording unit.
The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that more selectively transfers a recording material to a transfer material and performs recording .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Today, with the development of information processing systems,
Various information processing devices have been developed. Among these devices, recording devices such as facsimile machines and printers are widely used not only in offices but also in ordinary households.

In these facsimile apparatuses and the like, a so-called thermal recording system using a heat-sensitive sheet that develops color by heating is generally used in order to facilitate miniaturization. A facsimile apparatus based on a so-called thermal transfer recording method has also been developed. For example,
As shown in FIG. 15A, an ink sheet 100 obtained by applying ink to a base film is supplied to a supply reel 101 and a take-up reel.
Wrap around 102 and load into the device body. At the time of recording, the ink sheet 100 is conveyed by a convey roller 103 which is driven and rotated, and the recording sheet 105 pressed by the recording head 104 is conveyed by a platen roller 106 so that the recording head 104 generates heat in accordance with an image signal. In this way, recording is performed. The conveyance of the ink sheet 100 is started at the same time as the printing is started.

The thermal transfer recording type facsimile apparatus has the advantage that plain paper can be used as a recording sheet and that an image can be clearly recorded. In recent years, even in the facsimile apparatus of the thermal transfer recording system, the use of plain paper cut to a fixed size as a recording sheet has been increasing.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional printing apparatus, the ink sheet 100 is conveyed after the start of printing, and if the printing is not performed for a long period of time, the ink sheet 100 becomes loose. When the recording sheet 105 is conveyed to the recording position before the start of recording, the leading end of the recording sheet 105 comes into contact with the ink sheet 100 as shown in FIG. There is a possibility that conveyance will not be performed. In particular, record sheet 105
This is likely to occur when the tip of the lens is curled upward as shown in FIG.

Also, in a facsimile apparatus of a thermal transfer recording system using plain paper cut to a fixed size as a recording sheet, a leading end position adjusting mechanism for positioning the leading end of the recording sheet with respect to a recording position, and the leading end position There is a problem that a space for providing an alignment mechanism is required, which leads to an increase in the size of the recording apparatus main body and an increase in cost.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to simplify the apparatus by changing the method of aligning the leading edge of the recording sheet,
An object is to reduce the size and cost.

[0008]

Means for solving the above problems, which is applied to the embodiments described below, is to convey a transfer material and a material to be transferred, and to print ink held on the transfer material by a recording means. In a recording apparatus for selectively transferring and recording on a material to be transferred, a transfer material transporting means for transporting the transfer material, and a material transporting means for transporting the material to be transferred, wherein the transfer is performed. The apparatus is characterized in that the leading end of the transfer material is aligned with the material, the recording means, and the transfer material transport means.

[0009]

According to the present invention, the transfer material, the recording means, and the transfer material transfer means are configured to align the recording position with the leading end of the transfer material. The positioning between the recording position and the leading end of the transfer-receiving material can be performed without providing another mechanism or the like for aligning with the leading end of the material.

[0010]

First, a reference example of a recording apparatus to which the above-mentioned means is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [Reference Example] recording apparatus B according to this reference example is configured as a recording system of a facsimile apparatus, are those commonly referred to as thermal transfer recording apparatus. 1 is an explanatory view of the overall structure of the facsimile apparatus, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view, FIG. 3 is an explanatory sectional view of an ink sheet, and FIG. 4 is an exploded explanatory view of an ink sheet cartridge.

(Overall Facsimile Description) First, the overall configuration of a facsimile apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile apparatus includes a paper feeding system A for supplying a recording sheet, a recording system B as a recording device, a reading system C for reading an image described on a document, an operation unit D, And the loaded ink sheet cartridge E.

The paper feeding system A is mounted on the paper feeding cassette 1.
A recording sheet 2 as a transfer material is separated and fed one by one by a sheet feeding unit including a sheet feeding roller 3 and a sheet feeding piece 4 pressed against the sheet, and the recording sheet 2 is conveyed by feed roller pairs 5a and 5b. Then, it is supplied to a recording system B described later. The conveyance path of the recording sheet 2 forms a semicircular path that is turned upside down by the guides 6a and 6b.
Further, near the front of the recording system B, a recording sheet front end sensor 7 such as a photo sensor for detecting the front end position of the recording sheet 2 and a micro switch is provided. The paper feed cassette 1 is provided detachably with respect to the apparatus main body 8.
Further, a paper feed roller 3, a paper feed piece 4, a feed roller pair 5a,
5b, guides 6a and 6b, and a recording sheet leading edge sensor 7 are provided in the apparatus main body 8, respectively.

The recording system B responds to an image signal transmitted from another device or an image signal transmitted from a reading system C described later.
The image is recorded on the recording sheet 2 supplied by the paper feeding system A. That is, the recording sheet 2 and the transfer material that have been polymerized
The recording sheet 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow a by pressing the certain ink sheet 9 against the platen roller 10b by the recording head 10a constituting the recording means 10 to be described later and driving and rotating the platen roller 10b in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In addition, the ink sheet 9 is moved by an arrow b by a driving mechanism described later.
Transport in the direction. The recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9
The recording head 10a generates heat in accordance with the image signal in synchronism with the conveyance of the ink, and the ink applied to the ink sheet 9 is melted (including sublimation, the same applies hereinafter).
To form an image.

A recording sheet 2 on which a predetermined image is formed
Is further conveyed in the direction of the arrow a, and is conveyed by the pair of discharge rollers 12a and 12b through the path formed by the discharge guides 11a and 11b and discharged out of the apparatus. Also, the discharge roller pair
A recording sheet discharge sensor 13 such as a photo sensor for detecting the passage of the recording sheet 2 and a micro switch is provided near 12a and 12b. The platen roller 10b, the discharge guides 11a and 11b, the pair of discharge rollers 12a and 12b, and the recording sheet discharge sensor 13 are provided in the apparatus main body 8, respectively.
In this embodiment , the ink sheet 9 is housed in an ink sheet cartridge E having a configuration to be described later. The ink sheet cartridge E is loaded at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body 8, and the recording head 10a is pivoted. It is provided at a predetermined position of a recording cover 15 serving as a lid configured to be rotatable via 14.

On the other hand, the reading system C irradiates the original 16 with light and converts the reflected light into an electric signal, and transmits this signal to another device according to the operation mode, or transmits the signal to its own recording system B. Things. That is, a plurality of originals 16 are placed on an original mounting table 15a formed on the upper surface of the recording cover 15, and the originals 16 are preliminarily conveyed by the preliminary conveying rollers 17a and the pressing pieces 17b, and are also pressed against the separation rollers 18a and the pressing rollers 17a. The document 16 is separated and fed one by one by the pressure contact piece 18b,
a, 19b and a pair of discharge rollers 20a, 20b to be discharged to the discharge tray 21. Then, while the original 16 is being conveyed, the image information is read by the photoelectric conversion element 22 such as a contact sensor, and the image signal is transmitted to its own recording system in the case of the copy mode, and is transmitted to another machine in the case of the transmission mode. It is configured to transmit to the recording system.

The operation unit D is a panel for performing operations such as the mode switching operation, copy operation, and transmission operation as shown in FIG. 2, and is provided with keys corresponding to various operations. The operation unit D is provided above the document transport mechanism in the reading system C, and is configured to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body 8. In addition, the transmission
A handset 23 for receiving telephones is provided.
In FIG. 1, reference numerals 24a and 24b denote electrical boards.

Next, the configuration of each section of the paper feeding system A, the recording system B, the ink sheet cartridge E and the like will be specifically described.

(Sheet Cassette) The sheet cassette 1 includes a box-shaped orb 1 a that accommodates a plurality of recording sheets 2, a middle plate 1 b, an upper guide 1 c, and a lid 1.
d, and the recording sheet 2 has a middle plate 1b and an upper guide 1c.
And a predetermined amount is placed between them. The middle plate 1b is rotatably provided on the lower surface of the placed recording sheet 2 with one end as a fulcrum, and is pushed up by a push-up plate 25 described later.
The uppermost recording sheet 2 is pressed against the paper feed roller 3. The upper guide 1c is fixed at a predetermined position, and always keeps the uppermost recording sheet 2 at the predetermined position.

The push-up plate 25 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 8, and is further provided with a rotational force in the direction of pushing up the middle plate 1b by the force of a spring or the like (not shown).
Therefore, as the number of placed recording sheets 2 decreases, the middle plate 1b rotates by the rotational force of the push-up plate 25, and the uppermost recording sheet 2 is sequentially conveyed. Lid 1d
Is detachably provided on the upper surface of the orchestra 1a to prevent dust from adhering to the recording sheet 2 and to function as a tray for placing the recording sheet 2 which has been recorded and discharged to the outside of the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2, the end and the side of the lid 1d are inclined to stabilize the placement of the recording sheet 2, and the center of the lid 1d is used to hold the orifice 1a when the paper cassette 1 is attached or detached. Notches are provided to make it easier to hold.

The paper feed cassette 1 is provided detachably with respect to the apparatus main body 8, and is detached from the apparatus main body 8 by being pulled out to the left in FIG. 1, and is inserted through the opening 8a to the right in FIG. While being guided by the guide portions 8b and 8c, and attached to a predetermined position (the position shown in FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 8.

(Sheet Feeding Unit) The sheet feeding roller 3 is a roller made of a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as silicon rubber, and has an arc portion 3a and a flat portion 3b, and rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Then, the uppermost recording sheet 2 in the paper feed cassette 1 is fed out. Further, a circular roller (not shown) having substantially the same outer diameter as the arc portion 3a is provided at both side ends of the sheet feeding roller 3. Paper feed strip 4
The arm 4b rotatably supports a sheet portion 4a made of urethane rubber or the like containing cork, and is pressed toward the paper feed roller 3 by a spring or the like (not shown). Therefore, when the arc portion 3a is located at a position facing the sheet portion 4a, the sheet feeding piece 4 is in pressure contact with the arc portion 3a of the sheet feeding roller 3. On the other hand, when the flat portion 3b is located at a position facing the sheet portion 4a, the sheet feeding piece 4 is in pressure contact with the above-mentioned circular rollers (not shown) at both ends of the sheet feeding roller 3a. 4, a space through which the recording sheet 2 passes is formed.

In the recording standby state, the sheet feeding roller 3 is at a position where the flat portion 3b faces the recording sheet 2 and the sheet feeding piece 4 (the position shown in FIG. 1, hereinafter referred to as a sheet feeding standby position). When the paper feed roller 3 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 by a driving source described later, the arc portion 3a comes into contact with the recording sheet 2 to feed out the uppermost recording sheet 2. At this time, when a plurality of recording sheets 2 are fed out, the lower recording sheet 2 is prevented from being conveyed by the contact friction with the sheet portion 4a, so that only the uppermost recording sheet 2 is fed by the feed roller pair 5a. , 5b, and thereafter, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed by a pair of feed rollers 5a, 5b. The paper feed roller 3 makes one rotation by a clutch means such as an electromagnetic clutch, and then stops rotating at the aforementioned paper feed standby position. Therefore, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed to the recording system B by the pair of feed rollers 5a and 5b without being in contact with the paper feed roller 3.

(Recording Sheet) As the recording sheet 2, it is possible to use plain paper, a plastic sheet or the like and other materials that can transfer ink. In this embodiment , plain paper cut into B4 size or A4 size is used as the recording sheet 2. The sheet cassette 1 containing the recording sheets 2 is stored in a predetermined position of the apparatus main body 8 (the position shown in FIG. 1). Further, in this embodiment , a so-called multi-printing method is employed in which printing is performed with the transport speed of the ink sheet 9 slower than the transport speed of the recording sheet 2 in order to reduce the running cost. In the multi-printing method, recording is performed by setting the transport length l of the ink sheet 9 shorter than the transport length L of the recording sheet 2 at the time of recording (L / l = n> 1). This makes it possible to increase the use efficiency of the ink sheet 9 by n times as compared with the conventional recording method (L / l = 1) in which the transport length of the recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9 is the same.

(Ink Sheet) The ink sheet 9 is configured so that n times of ink transfer can be performed in the same portion in order to perform multi-printing as described above. Therefore, in this reference example , as shown in FIG. 3, the first heat-resistant coat layer 9a, the second base film layer 9b, the third ink layer 9c, and the fourth top coating layer 9d are composed of four layers. It is composed.

The heat-resistant coating layer 9a protects the base film layer 9b from the heat of the recording head 10a which is a thermal head. This heat-resistant coat layer 9a is suitable for multi-printing in which thermal energy for n lines may be applied to the same location (when heat generation information is continuous), but whether or not to provide this heat-resistant coat layer 9a May be appropriately selected according to the recording method. It is effective to provide the heat-resistant coating layer 9a on a relatively low heat-resistant base film such as a polyester film.

The second base film layer 9b serves as a support for the ink sheet 9, and in the case of multi-printing, thermal energy is applied to the same location many times.
Aromatic polyamide films and capacitor papers with high heat resistance are advantageous, but conventional polyester films can be used. As for these thicknesses, as thin as possible from the role of the medium, it is advantageous in terms of printing quality, but it is necessary to take into consideration the strength, and it is preferably about 3 μm to 8 μm.

The third ink layer 9c is the recording sheet 2
Is a layer containing an amount of ink that can be transferred n times. This ink component includes a resin such as EVA as an adhesive, carbon black or nigrosine dye for coloring,
Carnauba wax, paraffin wax, or the like as a binding material is used as a main component and is blended so as to withstand n uses at the same location. The different sensitivity and concentration by the coating amount of the ink layer 9c, which may be arbitrarily selected ^{but, 4g / m 2 ~9g / m} 2 is preferably about.

The fourth top coating layer 9d is formed on the recording sheet 2 at the portion where recording is not to be performed.
Is to prevent pressure transfer, and is generally made of a transparent wax or the like. As a result, only the transparent top coating layer 9d is pressure-transferred to the recording sheet 2 in the non-recording portion, and the background of the recording sheet 2 is prevented.

The structure of the ink sheet 9 is not limited to that of this reference example . For example, a base layer serving as a support and a porous ink holding layer containing ink provided on one side of the base layer may be used. Or a heat-resistant ink layer having a microporous network structure provided on a base film, and the ink contained in the ink layer. As the material of the base film layer 9b, for example, polyimide, polyethylene, polyester,
It may be a film made of polyvinyl chloride, triacetyl cellulose, nylon or the like, or paper. Further, the heat-resistant coat layer 9a is not always necessary, but may be made of, for example, silicon resin, epoxy resin, fluororesin, or the like.
Etrocellulose may be used. Further, as an example of the ink sheet 9 having the thermal sublimation ink, a spacer particle and a dye formed of a guanamine-based resin and a fluorine-based resin on a base material formed of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, an aromatic polyamide film, or the like. And an ink sheet provided with a coloring material layer containing In the present embodiment , the ink sheet 9 is loaded into the ink sheet cartridge E in order to facilitate the handling of the ink sheet 9.

<< Ink Sheet Cartridge >> As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the ink sheet cartridge E is such that a supply reel 26 serving as a first winding member and a take-up reel 27 serving as a second winding member are fixed to a predetermined position of a frame 28. The ink sheet 9 is loaded by mounting the ink sheet 9 at the position and stretching the ink sheet 9 wound around the supply reel 26 to the take-up reel 27 side. By using the ink sheet cartridge E, the ink sheet 9 for the recording system B can be loaded very simply and surely in a stable state. When the ink sheet 9 has been used, the ink sheet cartridge E is discarded together with the ink sheet 9. That is, since the ink sheet cartridge E is disposable, it must be provided at a low cost. Next, the configuration of each part of the ink sheet cartridge E will be specifically described.

(Frame) In the present embodiment , the frame 28 includes a first housing 28a and a second housing 28b.
Are ultrasonically welded. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the welding portions 28c1 and 28c2 of the connecting portion between the first housing 28a and the second housing 28b.
Are welded by ultrasonic welding to form a first housing 28a and welding portions 28a1 and 28a4 formed at substantially the front end and side ends of the housing 28a, and welding portions 28b1 and 28b1 formed at substantially the front end and side ends of the second housing 28b. 28b6 by ultrasonic welding. The welding portion 28a1,
28b1 and 28c1, 28c2 may be formed over the entire length,
It may be formed intermittently with a predetermined length in the width direction of the ink sheet. As a molding material for the frame 28, a resin such as a polypropylene resin or an ABS resin can be used. In the frame 28, a window 28 for inserting the recording head 10a is provided substantially at the center of the first housing 28a as shown in FIG.
d is formed, and a window 28e for inserting the platen roller 10b is formed substantially at the center of the second housing 28b. The shaft portion 10 of the platen roller 10b is connected to the window 28e.
A notch 28e1 for escaping b1 (see FIG. 1) is formed.

Side plates 28a2 and 28b2 are formed upright on both side surfaces of the first housing 28a and the second housing 28b, respectively. A curved surface is formed. A fitting hole 28a3 is formed in the welded portion 28a1 formed at the open side curved end of the first housing 28a, and the welded portion formed at the open side curved end of the second housing 28b.
28b1 is formed with a fitting projection 28b3 that fits into the fitting hole 28a3. Further, when the ink sheet cartridge E is mounted on the apparatus main body 8 on the open side curved surface of the second housing 28b,
A locking projection 28b4 is formed to engage with a U-shaped groove (not shown) provided on the main body 8. Side plate 28b2 of the second housing 28b
Guide pins 28f serving as guides for mounting the ink sheet cartridge E to the apparatus main body 8 are formed at predetermined positions on both sides of the printer.

At predetermined positions of the side plates 28a2 and 28b2, U-shaped grooves 28 which are fitted with bearings 29a mounted on one end of the supply reel 26 are provided.
g1 and a square groove 28 for fixedly supporting a shaft 30a of a sliding clutch 30 attached to the other end of the supply reel 26 as described later.
g2 is formed. The side plates 28a2 and 28b2 have U-grooves 28g3 to be fitted with bearings 29b mounted on one end of the take-up reel 28.
And a U-groove 28g4 in which the shaft 31a of the slip clutch 31 attached to the other end of the take-up reel 27 fits, as described later. Further, bearings 32a of capstan rollers 32 serving as ink sheet conveying members to be described later are provided on the side plates 28a2 and 28b2.
U-grooves 28g5 and 28g6 are formed in which are fitted. Further, an opening 28h for exposing the reel gear 33 of the take-up reel 27 is formed in the second housing 28b.

(Supply Reel and Sliding Clutch) The supply reel 26 is for winding the ink sheet 9. As shown in FIG. 4, flanges 26b1 and 26b2 are provided at both ends of a reel shaft 26a having substantially the same length as the width of the ink sheet 9, and a bearing 29a is mounted on one of the flanges 26b1 and the other is mounted on the other side. On the side of the flange 26b2, a slip clutch 30 as tension applying means is attached. The slip clutch 30 is for applying a back tension to the ink sheet 9 drawn from the supply reel 26. The configuration of the slip clutch 30 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5 and the sectional view of FIG. 5B, a spring 30b is attached to a shaft 30a having a bilaterally-cut end so as to be tightened.
b1 is formed. Then, the shaft 30a to which the spring 30b is attached is inserted into the through hole 30c1 of the flange 30c, and the E-ring 30d is attached to the tip of the shaft 30a to prevent the shaft 30a from coming off. At this time, the spring 30b is attached so that the hook portion 30b1 of the spring 30b is engaged with the concave portion 30c2 formed in the through hole 30c1. Further, the collar
The reel 30c is fitted into the hollow reel shaft 26a, and the protrusion 30c3 protruding from the outer periphery of the flange 30c is fitted and locked into the U-shaped groove 26c formed at the end of the reel shaft 26a.

In the above configuration, the supply reel 26 is
When the ink sheet 9 is pulled out while attached to the
The supply reel 26 rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow c in FIG. 5A (a direction in which the ink sheet 9 is fed). At this time, the shaft 30a is a frame
Because it fits into the square groove 28g2 of 28 and cannot rotate.
The spring 30b tightening 30a receives a rotational force in the loosening direction, and a friction load is generated between the outer periphery of the shaft 30a and the inner periphery of the spring 30b. When the ink sheet 9 receives a conveying force and the supply reel 26 receives a rotational force of a predetermined torque or more, the frictional load causes the spring 30b to move to the shaft 30a.
Slides on the outer circumference while receiving the predetermined torque. Therefore, when the ink sheet 9 is pulled out from the supply reel 26, a constant load is always applied, whereby a back tension is applied to the ink sheet 9. Since the value of the loose torque load of the spring 30b is stable, the ink sheet 9 is provided with a stable back tension.

(Take-up Reel and Sliding Clutch) Next, the take-up reel 27 takes up the ink sheet 9 pulled out from the supply reel 26 at the time of recording. As shown in FIG. 4, this is a reel shaft 27a having substantially the same length as the width dimension of the ink sheet 9, similarly to the supply reel 26 described above.
Flanges 27b1 and 27b2 are provided at both ends of the bearing, a bearing 29b is mounted on one flange 27b1 side, and the other flange 27b2
On the side, a slip clutch 31 as a rotational force transmission restricting means (torque transmitting means) is attached. The slip clutch
31 is for applying a constant rotational torque to the take-up reel 27. The structure of the slip clutch 31 is shown in FIG.
As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 6 and the sectional view of FIG. 6B, a spring 31b is attached to a shaft 31a having a D-cut fitting portion 31a1 so as to be tightened.
31b1 is formed. The reel gear 33 is loosely fitted to the shaft 31a to which the spring 31b is attached.
31a is inserted through the through hole 31c1 of the flange 31c, and the E-rings 31d, 31
e is attached to the end of the shaft 31a to prevent it from falling off. At this time, the hook portion 31b1 of the spring 31b is a reel gear.
It is attached so as to be locked in a concave portion 33a formed in 33. Further, the flange 31c is fitted into the hollow reel shaft 27a,
The protrusion 31c2 projecting from the outer periphery of the reel shaft 27a is fitted and locked in a U-shaped groove 27c formed at the end of the reel shaft 27a.

In the above configuration, the reel gear 33 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow d in FIG.
When the shaft 27 rotates in the direction of winding the ink sheet 9), the spring 31b tightening the shaft 31a receives a rotational force in the loosening direction, and the outer periphery of the shaft 31a and the spring spring 31b.
A friction load is generated between the inner circumference of b. Under this frictional load, the take-up reel 27 rotates in the direction of arrow d in FIG. When the spring 31b receives a predetermined torque or more, it slides on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 31a while applying the predetermined torque. Therefore, a rotational force is always applied to the take-up reel 27 with a constant torque. Incidentally, the value of the loose torque load of the spring spring 31b is stable as in the case of the slip clutch 30 of the supply reel 26.

In this embodiment , the supply reel 26 has a built-in slip clutch 30 and the take-up reel 27 has a slip clutch 31.
The special space for providing the slip clutches 30 and 31 is not required. For this reason, the arrangement of gears and the like in the design of the drive system is facilitated, and the assemblability is improved. Further, since the clutches 30 and 31 are exchanged together with the ink sheet cartridge E, it is sufficient if the clutch 30 and 31 have durability for one turn of the ink sheet.
Further, since the clutches 30 and 31 have a simple structure, they have an advantage that they can be manufactured at a lower cost than a commercially available powder clutch.

In this embodiment , the take-up reel
When winding the ink sheet 9 around the ink sheet 9, the base film 9b, which is the end of the ink sheet 9, is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel shaft 27a of the take-up reel 27 with a tape or the like. The take-up reel 27 is rotated so as to face the inside of the take-up roll.

(Capstan Roller) Next, the capstan roller 32 applies a conveying force to the ink sheet 9. In the present embodiment , the capstan roller 32 is stored in the ink sheet cartridge E as shown in FIG. I have.
The capstan roller 32 has a core made of a metal material.
A rubber part 32c such as silicon rubber is sprayed on the outer peripheral surface of the core 32b, and a gear 32d is fixed to an end of the core part 32b. The capstan roller 32 is a U-shaped groove of the frame 28.
The bearing 32a is fitted and attached to 28g5 and 28g6.
It is attached so as to be located on the side of the base film 9b side of the ink sheet 9 housed therein. When the ink sheet cartridge E is loaded into the recording system B and recording is performed, FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the recording and conveying direction of the ink sheet 9 (the direction of the arrow b in FIG. 1), the capstan roller 32 is positioned downstream of the recording means 10 and upstream of the take-up reel 27. Of the base film layer 9b.

At the time of recording, the ink sheet 9 is conveyed by a capstan roller 32 rotating in the direction of the arrow in FIG. In the multi-print system in which the recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9 are conveyed in the opposite directions as in this embodiment to perform recording while the ink sheet 9 is conveyed, a maximum force of about 15 kg is required. I have. Therefore, in this embodiment , the coefficient of friction between the capstan roller 32 and the base film 9b of the ink sheet 9 is in the range of 1.5 to 6.0, preferably in the range of 2.0 to 5.0, and most preferably.
By setting the value in the range of 2.5 to 4.0, slip between the two can be prevented. In this embodiment , the friction coefficient is set to about 2.6.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Since the contact area between the capstan roller 32 and the ink sheet 9 increases as the wrapping angle θ of the ink sheet 9 with respect to 32 increases, the capstan roller 32 is less likely to slip. Therefore, in this reference example , a state in which the ink sheet 9 is not wound at all on the take-up reel 27 (the minimum take-up roll diameter)
Is set so that the winding angle θ is about 100 °.
As is apparent from FIG. 1, the ink surface of the ink sheet 9 is wound inward and the capstan roller 32 is positioned so as to contact the base film surface side. When the take-up reel 27 is taken up and the take-up roll diameter increases, the winding angle θ also increases. Accordingly, the ink sheet conveying force is reliably applied by the capstan roller 32 so that the ink sheet 9 is wound on the take-up reel 27. The winding angle θ
Is 5 ° ≦ θ ≦ 180 °, depending on the capstan roller diameter
, Preferably in the range of 70 ° ≦ θ ≦ 180 °, and more preferably in the range of 90 ° ≦ θ ≦ 180 °. In this embodiment , the winding angle θ is changed in the range of 100 ° to 130 ° by changing the diameter of the winding roll of the winding reel 27 for winding the ink sheet 9.

As described above, the capstan roller 32 having a high friction coefficient is wound around the ink sheet 9 at a predetermined winding angle θ, so that the transfer force is applied to the ink sheet 9 only by the capstan roller 32. And the need for a conventional pinch roller is eliminated. In addition, in order to improve the conveyance accuracy of the ink sheet 9, it is preferable that the deformation of the rubber portion 32c of the capstan roller 32 is small. Therefore, in the present embodiment , the rubber portion 32c is configured to be thin such that the thickness thereof is approximately 75 μm. This makes it difficult for the roller portion of the capstan roller 32 to be deformed.
This improves the transfer accuracy.

Further, in this embodiment , since the capstan roller 32 is provided in the ink sheet cartridge E,
When the cartridge E is replaced, the capstan roller 32 is also replaced. Therefore, the durability of the capstan roller 32 is sufficient for one turn of the ink sheet, and the production of the capstan roller 32 is facilitated. When the capstan roller 32 is rotated at a constant speed, the transport amount of the ink sheet 9 depends on the diameter of the capstan roller 32. Therefore, particularly in the case of multi-printing, the recording n value (the value of the conveyance amount of the ink sheet 9 with respect to the conveyance amount of the recording sheet 2) is selected from the ink sheet cartridge E containing the capstan roller 32 having a desired roller diameter. By doing so, it can be easily handled.

(Assembly of Ink Sheet Cartridge) Next, in order to assemble the ink sheet cartridge E, a supply reel shaft 26a around which the ink sheet 9 shown in FIG.
A bearing 29a is attached to one end of the
The two-way shaft 30a of the slip clutch 30 is fitted into the square groove 28g2 while fitting into the U-shaped groove 28g1 formed in the groove 28b. Further, a bearing 29b is attached to one end of the take-up reel shaft 27a, and the bearing 29b is fitted into the U groove 28g3 of the second housing 28b,
A bearing (not shown) attached to the shaft portion 31a of the slip clutch 31 is fitted in the U groove 28g4. Then, the bearing 32a of the capstan roller 32 is fitted into the U-grooves 28g5, 28g6 formed in the second housing 28b. Next, the first housing 28a is opposed to the second housing 28b,
By ultrasonically welding the welding portions 28a1 and 28b1 and the welding portions 28a4 and 28b6, respectively, the ink sheet 9 and the capstan roller 32 are welded.
The ink sheet cartridge E loaded with is assembled.

(Ink Cartridge Loading Method) In the ink sheet cartridge E, as shown in FIG. 1, the recording cover 15 in the recording system B is opened, and the guide pins 28 f of the cartridge base are formed on the apparatus main body 8. The cartridge is inserted into the recording system B by inserting it along a guide card rail not shown, and by locking the locking projection 28b4 at the leading end of the cartridge with a U-shaped groove (not shown) formed on the apparatus main body 8.

{Recording Configuration} Recording in the recording system B is performed by loading the ink sheet cartridge E as described above and performing thermal transfer recording by the recording unit 10.

(Recording Unit) Next, the recording unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. The recording head 10a used in this embodiment is a head substrate.
A plurality of heating elements 10a2 that generate heat when energized are arranged in a line on 10a1, and a head driver element 10a3 and a recording sheet 2 for selectively energizing the heating elements 10a2 in accordance with an image signal are provided. A protective cover 10 that surrounds and protects the head driver element 10a3 over the entire width direction.
This is a line type thermal head with a4 attached.

The recording head 10a which is the thermal head
As shown in FIG. 8, when the distance from the heating element 10a2 to one end in the short direction of the recording head 10a is L1 and the distance from the other end to L2 is L2, as shown in FIG. It is arranged at a position where the relationship of the distances is L1 <L2 (for example , L1 = 5 mm and L2 = 20 mm in this reference example ). The recording head 10a having the heating element 10a2 includes:
As shown in FIG. 1, the heating element 10a2 is swingably attached to a head support portion 10c provided on the recording cover 15 so as to be located on the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording sheet 2, and further includes a recording head.
Fork members (not shown) are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of 10a. When the recording cover 15 is closed, the shaft portion 10b1 of the platen roller 10b or a shaft (not shown) disposed at a predetermined position engages with the fork member, and the platen roller 10
It has a positioning function for setting the position of the recording head 10a with respect to b. Further, the recording head 10a used in the present embodiment reproduces the conventional image only by changing the configuration of the recording head by reversing the arrangement order of the heating elements from the conventional one.

Next, a driving mechanism for adjusting the pressing force of the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b will be described with reference to FIG. The platen roller 10b has a shaft portion 10b1 rotatably attached to the apparatus main body 8, and a roller portion 10b2 that is longer in the axial direction than the width of the recording sheet 2 is formed at one end of the shaft portion 10b1. The platen gear 48 is fixed as shown in FIG. The recording head 10 is attached to the platen roller 10b.
a, on the back side of the recording head 10a,
A shaft on which the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34c are rotatably supported.
It is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 35, and the pressing levers 34a, 34b, and 34c are applied with rotational force in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 1 by springs 36a, 36b, and 36c, respectively. The pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34c are provided with grooves 34a1, 34b1, 34c1, and the grooves 34a1, 34b1, 34c1 are pins fixed to the shaft 35.
It is configured to contact with 35a, 35b, 35c with a predetermined play. Further, an arm 37 is fixed to one end of the shaft 35.

Therefore, when the position of the shaft 35 is at the position shown in FIG. 1 (that is, the position where the pins 35a, 35b, 35c are not in contact with the grooves 34a1, 34b1, 34c1, respectively), the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34
c rotates in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 1 by the force of the springs 36a, 36b, and 36c, and comes into contact with the recording head 10a.
a is pressed against the platen roller 10b (hereinafter, referred to as
The positions of the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34c at this time are called recording positions). On the other hand, when the shaft 35 rotates a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. 1, the pins 35a, 35b, 35c and the groove 34a
1, 34b1, 34c1 are in contact with each other, so that the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 3
4c overcomes the force of the springs 36a, 36b and 36c, and rotates in the direction of the arrow f in FIG. 1 to weaken (or eliminate) the pressing force of the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b (hereinafter, this time). The positions of the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34c are referred to as standby positions). The standby position is the pressing lever 34a, 34b, 34
It is desirable that c is a position not in contact with the recording head 10a. Further, in this embodiment , the levers 34a, 34a are pressed against the shaft 35.
Since b and 34c are configured to be independently rotatable,
Pressing lever by changing spring force of springs 36a, 36b, 36c
The pressing force of the recording heads 10a to 34a, 34b, and 34c has a difference in the width direction of the recording head 10a, so that the recording quality can be improved.

(Drive Transmission Structure) Next, a transport drive mechanism for the recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, a cassette motor 38, a platen motor 39, and an ink sheet motor 40 are attached to the apparatus main body 8.

The cassette motor 38 rotates the feed roller 3, the feed roller 5a and the discharge roller 12a in one direction of rotation, and presses the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b by means described later by rotation in the other direction. Is to adjust. The motor gear 38a of the cassette motor 38 is engaged with the clutch gears 41a and 41b, and the clutch gears 41a and 41b are engaged.
b is a boss gear 43 via spring clutches 42a and 42b, respectively.
a, 43b. The spring clutches 42a and 42b are one-way clutches wound with a wire. The boss gear 43a meshes with the roller gear 5c of the feed roller 5a, the roller gear 5c meshes with the intermediate gear 44, and the intermediate gear 44 meshes with the roller gear 3c of the paper feed roller 3. The rotation of the feed roller 5a is controlled by the roller pulley 5d, the belt 45, and the roller pulley 12c.
To the discharge roller 12a. On the other hand, the boss gear 43b is engaged with the cam gear 46a of the cam 46. This cam 46 is in contact with the arm 37, and the arm
Swing 37. Here, the shape of the cam 46 is such that when the minimum radius portion 46b of the cam 46 is in contact with the arm 37, the pressing lever 34
a, 34b, and 34c are at the aforementioned recording positions, and when the maximum radius portion 46c of the cam 46 is in contact with the arm 37, the pressing levers 34a, 34c
34b and 34c are configured to be at the above-mentioned standby position. The rotation position of the cam 46 is detected by a cam sensor 47.

With the above configuration, the cassette motor 38 is driven to rotate the motor gear 38a in the direction indicated by the solid arrow (hereinafter, referred to as a solid arrow).
When the clutch gears 41a and 41b rotate, the spring clutch 42a is locked in this rotation direction, while the spring clutch 42b is configured to idle, so that the boss gear 43a rotates in the direction of the solid arrow. Meanwhile, the boss gear 43b is stopped. Therefore, the paper feed roller 3, the feed roller 5a, and the discharge roller 12a rotate in the direction of the solid line arrow, and convey the recording sheet 2 in the direction of the arrow a. At this time, the cam 46 is stopped. On the other hand, when the cassette motor 38 is driven to rotate the motor gear 38a in the direction of the dashed arrow (hereinafter referred to as reverse rotation), the clutch gears 41a and 41b rotate. In this rotation direction, the spring clutch 42a idles while the spring clutch 42a rotates. Since the boss gear 43a is stopped, the boss gear 43b is rotated in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow, and the cam 46 is rotated in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow. Therefore, by rotating the cassette motor 38 in the reverse direction by a predetermined step corresponding to the output of the cam sensor 47 (the position of the cam 46), the pressing levers 34a, 34a are driven via the cam 46, the arm 37, and the shaft 35.
By moving the recording heads b and 34c to the recording position or the standby position, the pressing force of the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b is increased or decreased.

The platen motor 39 is a motor gear.
The platen roller 10b is driven to rotate by the drive rotation of the motor 39 in the direction of the solid arrow, and the recording sheet 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow a.

When the recording cover 15 loaded with the ink sheet cartridge E is closed, the motor gear 40a of the ink sheet motor 40 meshes with the gear 32d of the capstan roller 32, and the gear 32d engages with the reel gear 33 of the take-up reel 27.
Meshes. Accordingly, when the ink sheet motor 40 is driven to rotate the motor gear 40a in the direction of the solid arrow, the gear 32d of the capstan roller 32 rotates in the direction of the solid arrow, and the reel gear 33 of the take-up reel 27 moves in the direction of the solid arrow. Rotate. Accordingly, the ink sheet 9 is pulled out from the supply reel 26 by the rotation of the capstan roller 32 and is conveyed in the direction of arrow b. The transported ink sheet 9 is to be taken up on a take-up reel 27.

The gear ratio is set so that the rotational peripheral speed of the take-up reel 27 is higher than the rotational peripheral speed of the capstan roller 32.
It is configured to rotate while slipping due to. The ink sheet 9 is wound around the take-up reel 27 while being given a front tension by the slip. In addition, by disposing a capstan roller 32 for applying a conveying force to the ink sheet 9 near the platen roller 10b, the elongation of the ink sheet 9 is reduced,
More accurate transport can be performed.

(Description of Control System) Next, a control system for driving and controlling each of the above members will be described with reference to a block diagram shown in FIG. In FIG. 10, reference numeral 50 denotes a control unit of the facsimile apparatus. A power supply unit 51 for supplying power to the entire apparatus, a modem board unit 52, an NCU board unit 54 for connecting a telephone 53, and an operation unit D A display unit 55 and the like for displaying input contents and the like are arranged.

The control unit 50 includes a CPU 50a for controlling the entire recording apparatus, a ROM 50b for storing various programs and various data, and a temporary area for storing various data such as the number of recordings while being used as a work area of the CPU 50a. It has a RAM 50c for storing. Reference numeral 50d denotes a line memory for storing an image of each line of the image data, which stores one line of image data from the original reading system C in the case of transmitting or copying an original, and in the case of receiving image data. Stores one line of decoded data. The various data stored in the line memory 50d is output to the recording system B, so that the image is recorded. An encoding / decoding unit 50e encodes image information to be transmitted by MH encoding or the like, or decodes received encoded image data and converts the image data into image data. 50f is a buffer memory for storing the transmitted and received encoded image data.

Next, the electrical connection between the recording system B and the control unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Recording head 10a
Is the serial recording data 56 for one line from the control unit 50.
shift register 57 for inputting a, latch signal 56b
A latch circuit 58 for latching the data of the shift register 57 by the heating element 10 composed of a heating resistor for one line
Equipped with a1. The heating element 10a1 is driven by being divided into m blocks (10a1-1 to 10a1-m). The recording head 10a is provided with a temperature sensor 59 for detecting a temperature. An output signal 56c of the temperature sensor 59 is A / D-converted in the control unit 50, and the C signal is output.
Input to PU50a. Thereby, the CPU 50a
Detects the temperature of the recording head 10a and changes the pulse width of the strobe signal 56d according to the detected temperature, or changes the driving voltage of the recording head 10a, etc.
The energy applied to the recording head 10a is changed in accordance with the above characteristics. The type (characteristic) of the ink sheet 9 is selected by inputting from the operation unit D or the like, but it is also possible to detect a mark or the like printed on the ink sheet 9 and determine the type or characteristic. . In addition, it is possible to determine a mark, a notch, a protrusion, or the like attached to a cartridge that stores the ink sheet 9.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a printhead drive circuit which receives a drive signal for the printhead 10a from the control unit 50 and outputs a strobe signal 56d for driving the printhead 10a in units of blocks. The recording head drive circuit 60
By changing the control time of the current output to the power supply line 56e for supplying the current to the heating element 10a1 of the recording head 10a according to the instruction 50, the energy applied to the recording head 10a can be changed. Reference numerals 61, 62, and 63 denote a cassette motor 38, a platen motor 39,
This is a motor drive circuit that drives the ink sheet motors 40 to rotate. Although the stepping motors are used as the motors 38, 39, and 40, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a DC motor, a servo motor, or the like. The control unit 50 further includes a recording sheet leading edge sensor 7 for detecting the leading edge of the recording sheet 2, a recording sheet discharging sensor 13 for detecting passage of the recording sheet 2, a recording sheet presence / absence sensor S1 for detecting the presence or absence of the recording sheet 2, Detection signals from an ink sheet presence / absence sensor S2 for detecting the presence / absence of the ink sheet 9 and an ink sheet speed sensor S3 for detecting the conveyance speed and the like of the ink sheet 9 are input, and the display unit 55 is provided in accordance with the detection signal.
And a recording operation is controlled.

<Feeding Operation> Next, prior to printing, an operation of feeding the recording sheet 2 to the printing system B by the feeding system A will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. In the following description, as for the rotation direction of each motor, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation in the direction of the solid line arrow is referred to as forward rotation, and the rotation in the direction of the broken line arrow is referred to as reverse rotation.

(Operation 1) First, the cassette motor 38 rotates in the reverse direction to push the levers 34a, 34a.
Move b and 34c to the standby position. As a result, the pressure contact force of the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b is reduced.
The friction of the ink sheet 9 with the a and the platen roller 10b is reduced, and problems such as wrinkles and ink peeling due to rubbing of the ink sheet 9 can be prevented.

(Operation 2) When a recording signal arrives, first, before starting recording, the ink sheet motor 40 rotates forward to rotate the capstan roller 32 forward.
Thereby, the ink sheet 9 is wound up until the ink sheet speed sensor S3 detects it. Then, the back tension is applied to the ink sheet 9 by the action of the sliding clutch 30 of the supply reel 26, and the ink sheet 9 is not wrinkled or loose. Thereby, when the recording sheet 2 is supplied to the printing position of the recording means 10 in the next operation, the tensioned ink sheet 9 guides the leading end of the recording sheet 2 and breaks at the leading end of the recording sheet 2. The recording position is smoothly reached without wrinkles or the like.

(Operation 3) Next, the cassette motor 38 rotates forward to rotate the sheet feeding roller 3 and the feed roller 5a forward. As a result, the uppermost recording sheet 2 of the paper feed cassette 1 is fed out by the paper feed roller 3 and the paper feed piece 4, and is conveyed toward the recording means 10 via the guides 6a and 6b by the feed roller pairs 5a and 5b. When the leading edge of the recording sheet 2 reaches the recording sheet leading edge sensor 7, the output of the leading edge sensor 7 turns ON.
From this point, the drive step of the cassette motor 38 is controlled by the control unit.
Counting at 50, and rotating a predetermined step a (here, the number of steps required for the leading edge of the recording sheet 2 to reach the recording means 10 after passing through the leading edge sensor 7), the leading edge of the recording sheet 2 Reaches the recording position while being guided by the ink sheet 9 as described above.

(Operation 4) After the elapse of the predetermined step a, the platen motor 39 is rotated forward to rotate the platen roller 10b forward. As a result, the recording sheet 2 is easily inserted into the recording means 10, and the recording sheet 2 is sandwiched between the pressure contact portions between the platen roller 10b and the recording head 10a. Thereafter, the recording sheet 2 is held by the platen roller 10b. Transport. Predetermined amount Platen motor 39
Is rotated, the leading end of the recording sheet 2 is conveyed to the downstream of the recording position of the recording means 10 by a margin, and is in a recording standby state.

(Operation 5) Next, the cassette motor 38 is rotated in the reverse direction to press the levers 34a, 34a.
b and 34c are moved to the recording position to be in a recordable state.

<< Recording Operation >> (Operation 6) When the above-described paper feeding operation is completed and the recording is enabled, the cassette motor 38, the platen motor 39, the ink sheet motor 40
Rotates forward, the feed roller 5a, the platen roller 10b,
The capstan roller 32 is rotated forward. Thus, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow a, and the ink sheet 9 is conveyed in the direction of arrow b opposite to the direction of conveyance of the recording sheet 2, and the recording on the recording sheet 2 is performed. As described above, when the multi-print system in which the recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9 are conveyed in the reverse direction to perform recording is adopted, an image is formed while shearing the ink in the ink layer. Therefore, conveyance of the ink sheet 9 requires a force obtained by adding a frictional force between the ink sheet 9 and the recording head 10a and a shearing force of the ink. For this reason, a large conveying force is required for the ink sheet 9 as compared with a conventional one-time ink sheet. In the multi-print recording method, it is necessary to reliably convey the ink sheet 9 by 1 / n line each time an image for one line is formed on the recording sheet 2 (recording n).
Value), it is possible to improve the quality of the recorded image by reliably performing the conveyance. In order to satisfy the above conditions, in the present embodiment , the capstan roller 32 applies a highly accurate and reliable transport force to the ink sheet 9.

(Operation 7) When the recording on the recording sheet 2 is completed, the cassette motor 38
Reversely move the pressing levers 34a, 34b, 34c to the standby position. Thereby, the recording head for the platen roller 10b
The pressure contact force of 10a decreases.

(Operation 8) Next, the cassette motor 38 and the platen motor 39 rotate forward to rotate the platen roller 10b and the discharge roller 12a forward. Thus, the recording sheet 2 on which recording has been completed can be completely removed from the recording means 10.

(Operation 9) Further, the cassette motor 38 is rotated forward to rotate the discharge roller 12a forward. Thereby, the recording sheet 2 is discharged onto the lid 1d functioning as a tray on which the sheet 2 is placed. Incidentally, when the recording signal of the next page comes, following the above-mentioned operation 2, the same operation is repeated thereafter. In addition, the operations 8 and 9 may be omitted between pages of continuous page recording.

In this embodiment, the platen roller 10b and the discharge roller 12a are driven by different motors, respectively.
The recording sheet 2 on which recording has been completed is discharged to a pair of discharge rollers 12a and 12b.
It is not necessary to rotate the platen roller 10b excessively when discharging the ink sheet 9, so that the contact rotation between the platen roller 10b and the ink sheet 9 can be minimized, and wrinkles and ink peeling due to rubbing of the ink sheet 9 can be achieved. Can be prevented, and the quality can be improved. Further, the normal ejection of the recording sheet 2 is confirmed by the recording sheet ejection sensor 13 detecting the rear end of the recording sheet 2.

[First Embodiment] The basic configuration of the recording apparatus according to the present embodiment is substantially the same as the apparatus described in the above reference example. Omitted. Members having the same function are denoted by the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, when the recording sheet 2 is supplied to the recording unit 10, the ink sheet 9 is supplied.
The recording head 10a and the platen roller 10b are used to align the recording position of the recording means 10 with the leading end of the recording sheet 2.

Also, as described in the above-mentioned reference example , a maximum force of about 15 kg is required as a force for transporting the ink sheet 9 during recording. However, in this embodiment, the capstan roller 32 and the base of the ink sheet 9 are required. The coefficient of friction between the films 9b is set to be in the range of 10 to 20 to prevent slip between them. In this embodiment, the coefficient of friction is set to about 14. Further, the wrap angle θ of the ink sheet 9 with respect to the capstan roller 32 (see FIG. 7)
Is larger in the contact area between the capstan roller 32 and the ink sheet 9, the slip is less likely to occur in the capstan roller 32 in the above-described reference example. The winding angle θ is set to be about 30 ° in a state where the ink sheet 9 is not wound at all on the reel 27 (the winding roll diameter is minimum). Hereinafter, the operation of aligning the recording position of the recording unit 10 with the leading end of the recording sheet 2 performed before the start of the recording will be described.

{Feeding Operation} Prior to recording, the recording sheet 2 is fed by the paper feeding system A to the recording system B.
Will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG. 13 and a partially enlarged view of the recording system B shown in FIGS. 14 (a) and 14 (b). In the following description, as for the rotation direction of each motor, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotation in the direction of the solid line arrow is referred to as forward rotation, and the rotation in the direction of the broken line arrow is referred to as reverse rotation.

(Operation 1) First, the cassette motor 38 rotates in the reverse direction to push the levers 34a, 34a.
Move b and 34c to the standby position. As a result, the pressure contact force of the recording head 10a against the platen roller 10b is reduced.
The friction of the ink sheet 9 with the a and the platen roller 10b is reduced, and problems such as wrinkles and ink peeling due to rubbing of the ink sheet 9 can be prevented.

(Operation 2) When a recording signal comes, first, before starting recording, the ink sheet motor 40 rotates forward to rotate the capstan roller 32 forward to wind up the ink sheet 9 by a predetermined amount. Then, the supply reel 26
The back tension is applied to the ink sheet 9 by the action of the slip clutch 30 to eliminate wrinkles and looseness of the ink sheet 9, and the quality of recording at the time of recording is improved. Further, the ink sheet 9 forms a flat surface between the capstan roller 32 and the recording head 10a, so that the platen roller
Toward the opposite portion of 10b and the ink sheet 9 to form a bitterness <br/> beauty shaped space narrowing. Therefore, when the recording sheet 2 is supplied to the recording means 10, the recording sheet 2 can smoothly enter without being bent or wrinkled at the leading end.

(Operation 3) Next, the cassette motor 38 rotates forward to rotate the sheet feeding roller 3 and the feed roller 5a forward. As a result, the uppermost recording sheet 2 of the paper feed cassette 1 is fed out by the paper feed roller 3 and the paper feed piece 4, and is conveyed toward the recording means 10 via the guides 6a and 6b by the feed roller pairs 5a and 5b. When the leading edge of the recording sheet 2 reaches the recording sheet leading edge sensor 7, the output of the leading edge sensor 7 turns ON.
From this point, the drive step of the cassette motor 38 is controlled by the control unit.
By counting at 50 and rotating a predetermined step a (here, the number of steps required for the leading end of the recording sheet 2 to reach the recording means 10 after passing through the leading end sensor 7), FIG.
As shown in (a), the leading end of the recording sheet 2 reaches the leading end of the wedge-shaped space formed by the platen roller 10b and the ink sheet 9, and further proceeds to a predetermined step b (here, at the leading end of the recording sheet 2). This is the number of steps required to form the loop 2a.) By rotating, there is no place to go to the recording sheet 2 as shown in FIG. 2 A force acts in the direction of arrow g due to the strength of the waist, and the platen roller 10b
In addition, the recording head 10a and the leading end of the recording sheet 2 are positioned in parallel.

(Operation 4) After the predetermined steps a and b have elapsed (after the completion of the alignment between the recording position and the leading end of the recording sheet 2), the platen motor 39 is rotated forward to rotate the platen roller 10b forward. Thereby, the recording sheet 2 can be easily inserted into the recording means 10, and the platen roller 10b and the recording head 10 can be easily inserted.
The recording sheet 2 is sandwiched between the pressure contact portions of the recording sheet 2 and the recording sheet 2 is conveyed by the platen roller 10b thereafter. By rotating the platen motor 39 by a predetermined amount, the recording sheet 2
Is conveyed to the downstream of the recording position of the recording means 10 by a margin, and is in a recording standby state.

(Operation 5) Next, the cassette motor 38 is rotated in the reverse direction to press the levers 34a, 34a.
b and 34c are moved to the recording position to be in a recordable state. The operation after the end of the paper feeding operation is the same as the operation described in the above reference example , and thus the description thereof will be omitted here.

As described above, in this embodiment, the recording sheet 2
When supplying the ink sheet 9 to the recording means 10,
Another mechanism for aligning the leading end of the recording sheet 2 with the recording head 10a and the platen roller 10b is provided in order to align the recording position of the recording means 10 with the leading end of the recording sheet 2. No need.

Another Embodiment Next, another embodiment of each section in the above-described ink sheet cartridge and recording apparatus will be described. Participation mentioned above
In the examples and the embodiments, the multi-print system in which the recording sheet 2 and the ink sheet 9 are conveyed in the opposite directions to perform the recording is illustrated. However, the recording sheet and the ink sheet are conveyed in the same direction using a one-time ink sheet. It is of course possible to use a one-time printing method for performing recording. In the above-described embodiment, the roller portion is formed by spraying the silicone rubber as the capstan roller 32. However, it is needless to say that the capstan roller 32 is not limited to the silicone rubber. That is, any material can be used as long as the friction coefficient in the above-described range can be obtained with respect to the ink sheet 9, and other materials such as chloroprene rubber can be used. Further, as a method of attaching the above-mentioned material to the core portion, one sheet-shaped member may be wound around the core portion and attached. Alternatively, a pipe-shaped member may be formed from the above-mentioned material, and the core may be attached through the pipe. The rubber portion may be formed by molding.
In this case, since the coefficient of friction is lower than that obtained by the spraying process (about 1.5 to 6), it is necessary to increase the winding angle θ and the back tension so that the capstan roller 32 and the ink sheet 9 do not slip. is there. As experimental data, when the coefficient of friction was 2.6, the wrap angle was 45 °, the back tension was 400 g or more, and there was no transport failure of the ink sheet 9. Also, in the case of manufacturing thin plates, pipes, moldings, etc. as described above, the rubber outer peripheral surface is mirror-finished,
The coefficient of friction between the capstan roller 32 and the ink sheet 9 used in the reference example can be approximated.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the capstan roller 32 is incorporated in the ink sheet cartridge E. However, as a recording apparatus, the roller 32 is not necessarily the cartridge E.
It does not need to be built into the device, and may be attached to the device body. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the capstan roller 32 is configured as a conveying unit of the ink sheet 9, but it is needless to say that the capstan roller 32 may be configured as a conveying unit of another ink sheet 9 such as using a conveying roller and a pinch roller. It is.

In the above-described embodiment, the ink sheet 9 is conveyed when a recording signal comes, and tension is added to the ink sheet 9. However, the recording sheet 2 is conveyed, and the leading end reaches the leading end sensor 7. You can go at any time up to that time. In the above-described embodiment, the conventional image is obtained by reversing the arrangement order of the heating elements 10a2 of the recording head 10a.
Naturally, the same effect as the present invention can be obtained by reversing the data permutation of 56a. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the locking projection is formed by the ink sheet cartridge, and is configured to be locked with the U-shaped groove (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body, but the frame of the ink sheet cartridge is held. It goes without saying that the apparatus main body and the ink sheet cartridge may be configured so as to perform the above operation.

[0086]

As described above, the transfer material and the transfer material
The recording device and the transfer material transporting device use the leading end of the transfer material.
By configuring to align the edges, specific examples and
To form a wedge-shaped space with transfer material and recording means
The transfer material is transferred to the transfer material
With this configuration, the recording position and the leading end of the material to be transferred are aligned, so that it is not necessary to provide another mechanism or the like for aligning the recording position with the leading end of the material to be transferred. The size and simplification of the main body can be achieved. Further, with the above configuration, there is no component or the like conventionally added, and the cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the entire structure of a facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory perspective view of the external appearance of the facsimile machine.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory sectional view of an ink sheet.

FIG. 4 is a development explanatory view of the ink sheet cartridge.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a slip clutch on a supply reel side.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a slip clutch on a take-up reel side.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an ink sheet conveyance path.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of a thermal head.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a drive transmission configuration.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a recording control system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a drive control system.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart illustrating a recording sheet conveyance operation in a reference example .

FIG. 13 is a timing chart illustrating a recording sheet conveyance operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of a recording system for performing position adjustment of the leading edge of a recording sheet.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional technique.

[Explanation of symbols]

A: Paper feed system B: Recording system C: Reading system D: Operation unit E: Ink sheet cartridge 1 ... Cassette 1a ... Oke 1b ... Middle plate 1c ... Upper guide 1d ... Lid 2 ... Recording sheet 3 ... Paper feed roller 3a ... Arc part 3b Flat part 3c Roller gear 4 Feeding piece 4a Sheet part 4b Arm 5a, 5b Feed roller 5c Roller gear 5d Roller pulley 6a, 6b Guide 7 Recording sheet tip sensor 8 Device main body 8a Openings 8b, 8c Guide part 9 Ink sheet 9a Heat-resistant coat layer 9b Base film layer 9c Ink layer 9d Top coating layer 10 Recording means 10a Recording head 10a1 Head substrate 10a2 Heating element 10a3 Head Driver element 10a4 Protective cover 10b Platen roller 10b1 Shaft 10b2 Roller 10c Head support 11a, 11b Discharge Guides 12a, 12b: Discharge roller 12c: Roller pulley 13: Recording sheet discharge sensor 14: Rotating shaft 15: Recording cover 15a: Document placement table 16: Document 17a: Preliminary transport roller 17b: Pressing piece 18a: Separation roller 18b: Pressure contact piece 19a, 19b transport rollers 20a, 20b discharge rollers 21 discharge tray 22 photoelectric conversion element 23 handset 24a, 24b electric board 25 push-up plate 26 supply reel 26a reel shaft 26b1, 26b2 flange 26c U-shaped groove 27 ... Take-up reel 27a ... Reel shaft 27b1, 27b2 ... Flange 27c ... U-shaped groove 28 ... Frame 28a ... First housing 28a1 ... Welding part 28a2 ... Side plate 28a3 ... Fitting hole 28a4 ... Welding part 28b ... Second Housing 28b1 welding portion 28b2 side plate 28b3 fitting projection 28b4 locking projection 28b6 welding portion 28c1, 28c2 welding portion 28d, 28e window 28e1 notch 28f guide pin 28g1 U groove 28g2 square groove 28g3 29g4, 28g5, 28g6: U groove 28h: Opening 29a , 29b ... bearing 30 ... sliding clutch 30a ... shaft 30b ... spring spring 30b1 ... hook part 30c ... flange 30c1 ... through hole 30c2 ... concave part 30c3 ... convex part 30d ... E-ring 31 ... sliding clutch 31a ... shaft part 31a1 ... D-cut fitting. Joint 31b Spring spring 31b1 Hook 31c Flange 31c1 Through hole 31c2 Projection 31d, 31e E-ring 32 Capstan roller 32a Bearing 32b Core 32c Rubber 32d Gear 33 Reel gear 33a ... recesses 34a, 34b, 34c ... pressing levers 34a1, 34b1, 34
c1 Groove 35 Shaft 35a, 35b, 35
c: Pins 36a, 36b, 36c: Spring 37: Arm 38: Cassette motor 38a: Motor gear 39: Platen motor 39a: Motor gear 40: Ink sheet motor 40a: Motor gear 41a, 41b: Clutch gear 42a, 42b: Spring clutch 43a, 43b ... Boss gear 44 ... Intermediate gear 45 ... Belt 46 ... Cam 46a ... Cam gear 46b ... Minimum radius 46c ... Maximum radius 47 ... Cam sensor 48 ... Platen gear 50 ... Control unit 50a ... CPU 50b ... ROM 50c ... RAM 50d ... Line memory 50e ... Encoding / decoding unit 50f Buffer memory 51 Power supply unit 52 Modem board unit 53 Telephone 54 NCU board unit 55 Display unit 56a Serial recording data 56b Latch signal 56c Output signal 56d Strobe signal 56e Power line 57 ... Shift register 58 ... Latch circuit 59 ... Temperature sensor 60 ... Recording head drive circuit 61,62,63 ... Drive circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI B41J 17/24 B41J 3/20 109Z (72) Inventor Fumihiko Nakamura 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-5-169781 (JP, A) JP-A-62-111171 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B41J 2/32-2 / 325 B41J 11/42 B41J 13/00 B41J 17/10 B41J 17/24

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for conveying a transfer material and a material to be transferred, and selectively transferring the ink held on the transfer material to the material to be transferred by a recording means to perform recording. Transfer material transporting means for transporting the transfer material, and a transfer material transport means for transporting the transfer material, wherein the transfer material, the recording means, and the transfer material transport means align the leading end of the transfer material. A recording apparatus characterized in that the recording apparatus is configured to perform: 2. A transfer material for holding ink, and said ink
And the transferred material to be transferred from the transfer material to the transferred material.
Platen so that the ink can be transferred to the copying material.
To execute recording by guiding to the opposing part of the print head
In the device, Transfer material conveying means for conveying the transfer material, And a transfer material transfer means for transferring the transfer material, The transfer material is stretched by the transfer material conveying means;
The transfer material is transferred to the facing portion by the transfer material transfer means.
When transporting, the stretched transfer material and the platen
Forms a wedge-shaped space that narrows toward the facing part
And projecting the leading end of the transfer-receiving material into the leading end of the wedge-shaped space.
The recording position by the recording head
And performing alignment with the tip of the transfer-receiving material.
Recording device. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the material to be transferred is a sheet cut to a fixed size capable of transferring the transfer material.