JP3424462B2 - 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 an improved method for transferring an overcoat layer of an ink film used in a thermal transfer recording device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A thermal transfer recording apparatus includes a platen roller,
On the other hand, it is provided with a thermal head as a heating element which can be pressed and released from the pressure, and the recording paper is sent between the platen roller and the thermal head. Between the recording paper and the thermal head, an ink film whose one surface is coated with, for example, thermally sublimable ink is conveyed. This ink film is fed from the supply-side reel and wound on the winding-side reel.

When a color image is reproduced on a recording paper by one thermal head, an ink film having an ink layer of each color such as yellow, magenta and cyan and an overcoat layer applied in this order on the surface is used. The
Color printing is performed by superimposing images of respective colors.

Here, the overcoat layer is a layer for thermally transferring and covering an overcoat agent as a laminating resin on the recording paper at the final stage of printing in order to prevent discoloration of the printed portion. In such a recording apparatus, the overcoat layer is transferred to be larger than the image area.

[0005]

By the way, since the ink layer of each color such as yellow, magenta, and cyan is composed of a sublimation dye and the like, and the transfer of the ink layer is performed by sublimation (diffusion), the transfer failure hardly occurs. . On the other hand, since the overcoat layer is composed of a pigment or the like, it is necessary to surely adhere the overcoat layer to the recording paper at an appropriate temperature when transferring the overcoat layer.

However, the recording paper as the recording medium is
For example, if you have a half-cut part such as a seal paper used to peel off the printed part and have a cut in the middle in the thickness direction, a gap will occur in this half-cut part, and that part The heat transfer is not performed well at, and therefore, after the half cut portion, that is, in the image area on the downstream side in the printing direction,
There is a problem that a transfer failure of the overcoat layer onto the recording paper occurs.

An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus capable of favorably transferring the overcoat layer in the image area after the half cut portion.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 forms an image by using an ink film and transferring to a recording paper by a heating element having heating elements arranged in a straight line. In the recording device, in the case of transferring the overcoat layer of the ink film covering the recording paper at the final stage of printing to the recording paper having the half cut portion, the straight line of the heating elements and the half cut portion Except when they are orthogonal to each other, the thermal energy applied to the heating element is larger than that of the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half-cut portion located immediately upstream in the printing direction of the image area with respect to the other overcoat layers. Thermal energy is applied to the heating element. In the present invention, thermal energy larger than usual is applied to the heating element immediately upstream of the image area, and the temperature of the heating element is suitable for transferring the overcoat layer in printing the image area after the half cut portion. Maintained at temperature.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the heating element is attached to the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion located immediately upstream of the image area in the printing direction. The applied thermal energy E is
When the heat energy applied to the heating element for the other overcoat layers is E ₀ , E = E ₀ + Δ
E, 1/2 ≦ ΔE / E ₀ ≦ 1 are set. In the present invention, the thermal energy applied to the heating element does not become excessively high, and quickly reaches the temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the heating element is 45 ° C. or higher, the printing direction of the image area is set. For the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion located immediately upstream, the same amount of thermal energy as that applied to the heating element for the other overcoat layers is applied to the heating element. It is characterized by doing. According to the present invention, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor is 45 ° C. or higher, the voltage applied to the thermal head is set to the normal level and the temperature suitable for transfer is secured.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of description, the edge of the recording paper, which is the leading end side when the recording paper is ejected, is referred to as the leading end of the recording paper.

The thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 shown in the drawing is used, for example, in a developing room for printing photographs as described above, and is a so-called index for reproducing information recorded on a plurality of frames of negative film on one recording sheet. -Used to output prints. Thermal transfer recording device 10
A control device (not shown) that performs various image processes on the information recorded on the negative film is connected via the interface so that image signals and control signals from the control device are input via the interface. Has become.

A lid member 12 is attached to the upper surface of a housing 11 which is the main body of the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 so as to be openable and closable around a swing shaft 12a (see FIG. 2), and an ink film cassette is opened with the lid member 12 open. Housing 11
It is designed to be loaded at a predetermined position inside. The front left side of the drawing is the front surface of the apparatus 10, and the paper discharge section 22 is provided on the front side and the paper supply section 21 is provided on the back side. The paper feed section 21 is provided with a paper feed tray 14 in which a plurality of recording papers are accommodated in an inclined manner. Further, in the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10, there is provided a cutter unit 23 for cutting an unnecessary portion (the leading end portion and / or the trailing end portion of the recording paper) of the recording paper after the image is reproduced, and the cutter unit 23 is cut. A duster unit 24 for storing pieces of paper is provided on the front side of the apparatus so that it can be freely inserted and removed. The recording paper after the unnecessary portion is cut is passed through the paper discharge port 16 and is vertically discharged onto a paper discharge tray 17 integrally provided on the front surface of the duster unit 24.

Further, the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.
In this case, an ink film coated with a heat sublimable ink is used, and a recording paper as an image receiving paper for trapping the sublimated ink is thick and strong like a photographic paper (150).
.About.250 μm) is used.

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the lid member of the thermal transfer recording apparatus is opened, and FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which an ink film cassette is loaded in the main body of the thermal transfer recording apparatus, FIG. 4 (1). 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views schematically showing the operating states of the thermal transfer recording device at the time of paper feeding, at the start of printing, and at the end of printing, and FIGS. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an operating state of the thermal transfer recording device at the time of cutting.

The internal structure of the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the platen roller 25 is rotatably supported in the housing 11, and the lid member 12 is provided.
A head base 27 having a thermal head 26 as a heating element is attached to the inner surface of the platen so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the platen roller 25 by an interlocking member (not shown). When the head base 27 moves forward with respect to the platen roller 25, the thermal head 26 moves to a position where it is pressed against the platen roller 25, while when the head base 27 moves backward with respect to the platen roller 25, the thermal head 26 is pressed against it. Move to the position to release. The head base 27 attaches the thermal head 26 to the platen roller 25 by elastic means such as a spring (not shown).
2 is urged in the direction indicated by arrow R in FIG.

A drive shaft 28 rotatably attached to the lid member 12 is brought into contact with a head base 27 to move the head base 27 forward so that the thermal head 26 is pressed against the platen roller 25. 29 is fixed. Eccentric cam 2 for pressure welding by rotating drive shaft 28
A thermal head drive motor M1 composed of a pulse motor is connected to the drive shaft 28 in order to rotationally drive the motor 9.

As shown in FIG. 3, between the thermal head 26 and the platen roller 25, a belt-shaped ink film 32 that is to be unwound from the supply reel 30 and to be wound on the winding reel 31 is conveyed. It has become so. The ink film 32 is a three-color yellow ink layer,
A magenta ink layer, a cyan ink layer, and an overcoat layer are formed on the base film in this order (see FIG. 7). Both supply side and take-up side reels 3
0 and 31 are housed in the ink film cassette 33. The ink film cassette 33 is attachable to and detachable from the housing 11.
It is mounted at a predetermined position by setting it on the holding plate 34 mounted inside. A part of the gear 35 attached to the take-up reel 31 faces an opening formed in the ink film cassette 33, and when the cassette is attached, a drive gear 36 provided on the apparatus side is engaged with the gear 35. . The drive gear 36 is rotationally driven by the motor M2, and winds the ink film 32 fed out onto the winding side reel 31.

An ink film take-up roller 37 is provided near the platen roller 25 so as to form a transport path for the ink film 32 when the cassette is mounted. Although the ink film take-up roller 37 is normally free to rotate, it can be driven by the ink film take-up motor M3 by engaging a clutch (not shown) only when the ink film 32 is desired to be moved during non-printing. On the other hand, at the time of printing, the ink film 32 is sent out along with the conveyance of the recording paper 18, and is fed to the ink film guide plate 38 provided at the tip of the thermal head 26 and the ink film take-up roller 37 in a rotation-free state. It is guided and wound up on the winding side reel 31.

The recording paper 18 is held on the paper feed tray 14 in an inclined state, and a width regulating plate 40 is provided on the paper feed tray 14 in order to regulate the width direction of the recording paper 18. There is. The width regulating plate 40 is slidable in the width direction according to the size of the recording paper 18.

The recording paper 18 on the paper feed tray 14 is fed one by one by a paper feed roller 45 and a separation roller 46 which is arranged with a minute gap from the paper feed roller 45. It is conveyed while being guided by the guide member 47. The paper feed roller 45 is rotationally driven by a paper feed motor M4 which is a pulse motor, but the separation roller 46 is non-rotating. The separating roller 46 has a hardness of 70 degrees, and the surface thereof is coated. The gap is set to about 0.3 mm, which is the paper thickness plus a predetermined dimension. With this configuration, the thick recording paper 18 can be smoothly fed, and the surface of the recording paper 18 is not scratched.

An upstream side of the platen roller 25 is adjacent to the platen roller 25, the grip roller 50, and the pinch roller 5 that abuts against the grip roller 50.
1 is disposed, and the fed recording paper 18 is fed between the rollers 50 and 51. Grip roller 5
0 is a grip roller drive motor M consisting of a pulse motor
5, the pinch roller 51 is driven to rotate as the recording paper is conveyed.

On the downstream side of the platen roller 25, in order to discharge the recording paper 18 onto the paper discharge tray 17, a first discharge roller pair 53 positioned on the paper discharge port 16 side and a platen roller 25 side are positioned. The second discharge roller pair 54 is attached at a predetermined distance. These discharge roller pairs 5
3, 54 are rotationally driven by a conveyance motor M6 which is a pulse motor.

A guide member 55 is provided between the platen roller 25 and the discharge roller pair 54 to guide the conveyance of the recording paper 18 during the paper discharge process. This guide member 55
An accommodation space 56 for accommodating the recording paper 18 when a printing operation is performed is formed below the.

In the illustrated thermal transfer recording device 10,
When reproducing a color image on the recording paper 18, first, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the recording paper 18 is fed from the paper feed tray 14 and conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow P, and the recording paper 18 is stored in the storage space 56 as shown in FIG. 4 (2). . Next, the yellow image is formed while the recording paper 18 is returned and conveyed from this state in the direction indicated by the arrow Q. That is, the return printing method is used. After transferring the yellow image while the recording paper 18 is being conveyed back, the recording paper 18 is conveyed forward in preparation for reproducing the next magenta image. As described above, according to the frame sequential method, for example, 3
A color image is formed on the recording paper 18 by overlapping and transferring the color images. The thermal head 26 is brought into pressure contact with the platen roller 25 only during the return conveyance,
When the recording paper 18 is conveyed forward, the thermal head 2
6 is separated from the platen roller 25. When the return conveyance and the forward conveyance are repeated during the printing operation, the grip roller 50 and the pinch roller 51 are always in contact with the recording paper 1.
I continue to hold 8.

Below the guide member 55, the recording paper 18 conveyed by the grip roller 50 and the pinch roller 51 is provided in a paper discharge section 22 or a storage space 56 in which discharge roller pairs 53 and 54 are provided. A swing guide 58 is provided so as to be swingable around the support shaft 57 so as to be selectively guided to either one. The swing guide 58 is made of a flexible material. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the swing guide 58 is swung to the upper position, the recording paper 18 conveyed by the grip roller 50 or the like is stored in the storage space 56. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the rocking guide 58 is rocked clockwise from the upper position to the lower position around the support shaft 57, the recording paper 18 is conveyed toward the paper ejection unit 22. .

In order to improve the printing quality, it is necessary to prevent the recording paper 18 from being pinched by the pair of discharge rollers 53 and 54 during printing, but as in the present embodiment, the swing guide 58 is provided to discharge the recording paper 18. If the accommodation space 56 is formed at a position below the conveyance path to the paper section 22, the platen roller 25
The distance between the discharge roller pair 53 and the discharge roller pair 53 can be reduced, and the floor area of the apparatus 10 can be reduced.

The cutter unit 23 provided between the first discharge roller pair 53 and the second discharge roller pair 54 includes a rotary cutter 60 and a cradle 61 for cutting the recording paper 18 in cooperation with the cutter 60. Have and. The cutter unit 23 can cut the non-printing area, and the cut unnecessary piece of paper is
Duster unit 2 arranged below the cutter unit 23
It falls into 4 and is collected.

As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 6, a sensor S1 is installed adjacent to the grip roller 50 for detecting the leading edge of the recording paper at the time of paper feeding or the trailing edge of the recording paper at the time of printing. The sensor S1 emits an ON signal when detecting the front end or the rear end of the recording paper 18. Since the sensor S1 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper during printing, it is referred to as the trailing edge detection sensor S1 in the following description for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cutter unit 23
Is provided with a leading edge detection sensor S2 that detects the leading edge of the recording paper. The leading edge detection sensor S2 emits an ON signal when the leading edge of the recording paper 18 is detected. Tip detection sensor S
The pulse for driving the conveyance motor M6 is controlled with reference to the time point when 2 detects the front end of the recording paper 18, and the front end cut for cutting the recording paper 18 by a predetermined length from the front end of the recording paper and the predetermined cut from the rear end of the recording paper. The trailing edge cutting for cutting the recording paper 18 by the length is performed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a control unit 19 is arranged below the inside of the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, and the control unit 19 supplies external electric power. It has a power supply unit, a controller 90 as control means for receiving signals from a control device (not shown) provided outside the device via an interface, and controlling various parts in the device, and various boards.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the ink film 32 used in this apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, a reading sensor S3 is installed adjacent to the ink film take-up roller 37 as a detection means for detecting the cue mark 86 attached to the ink film 32. As each of the sensors S1, S2, and S3, a reflection type photo sensor can be exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this case, and may be a transmission type photo sensor, for example.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cue mark 86 is imprinted on the head portion (winding side) of each yellow ink layer. Reference numeral "Y" in the figure is a yellow ink layer, "M"
Indicates a magenta ink layer, “C” indicates a cyan ink layer, and “O” indicates an overcoat layer, and printing is performed in this order. The overcoat layer, as described above,
In order to increase the durability of the printed portion and prevent discoloration, an overcoating agent as a laminating resin is thermally transferred and covered on the entire surface of the dyes and dyes already transferred onto the recording paper 18 at the final stage of printing. .

The cue for each screen of the ink film 32 is
This is done by sending out the ink film 32 and then stopping it until the cueing mark 86 is detected by the reading sensor S3, but after receiving the print command, the trailing edge of the fed recording paper 18 is detected by the trailing edge detection sensor S1. It is carried out while the recording paper 18 is being conveyed forward until it is detected by.

The cue of the ink layer of the next color is performed by pulse counting the carry amount of the ink film 32 by an encoder (not shown) provided at one end of the ink film take-up roller 37.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a film end mark 87a is provided near the index mark 86 only on the final screen of the ink film 32. Therefore, when a print command is received, a predetermined print is performed after the normal film cueing operation, and the film end mark 87a can be detected by the reading sensor S3 when this print is performed. Is configured. That is, by detecting the film end mark 87a, the controller 90 can recognize that the final printing is performed. In this case, the reading sensor S3 also functions as end mark detecting means for detecting the film end mark 87a.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram for driving the thermal head. As shown, the thermal head 26
Via the thermal head control circuit 91, for example, CP
The U is connected to the controller 90 described above. The thermal head 26 as a heating element has a heating element (not shown) provided linearly in a direction orthogonal to the recording paper conveyance direction, and generates heat when energized. The controller 90 transmits a voltage application signal (hereinafter, referred to as STB signal) and a voltage amplification signal (hereinafter, referred to as VUP signal) to the thermal head control circuit 91, and based on these signals, the thermal head control circuit 91 performs thermal operation. A voltage is applied to the head 26.

Specifically, when the STB signal is at a high level (hereinafter referred to as H), the thermal head control circuit 91
Through, the voltage is applied to the thermal head 26, while when the STB signal is at a low level (hereinafter referred to as L), the voltage is not applied to the thermal head 26. When the VUP signal is H, the voltage V ₀ + higher than the normal voltage V ₀ by ΔV when the STB signal becomes H.
ΔV (both unit is volt)
On the other hand, when the VUP signal is L, the normal voltage V ₀ is applied to the thermal head 26 when the STB signal becomes H.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of the STB signal and the VUP signal and the voltage applied to the thermal head corresponding thereto, and FIG. 10 is a control flow chart when the operation shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

In FIG. 10, the controller 90 first sets the VUP signal and the STB signal to H (step S
1, S2, T ₁ in FIG. 9), and the timer is started (YES in step S3) maintaining the H state, a ₀ (msec) at the time elapsed (step S4), and by stopping the timer (step S5) , STB signal is set to L (step S6, T ₂ in FIG. 9). Based on this, FIG.
As shown in, the voltage applied to the thermal head in the section T _{1 to} T ₂ is higher than usual (V ₀ + ΔV). Then restart the timer (step S
7), when b ₀ (msec) has elapsed (step S8)
YES), stop the timer (step S
9), the VUP signal is set to L (step S1)
0) and the STB signal is set to H (step S11, T ₃ in FIG. 9). Based on this, as shown in FIG. 9, T ₂ through T
_The voltage applied to the thermal head in section ₃ is 0 (volt) because the STB signal is before L and H.
Becomes Furthermore, start the timer (step S
12), when a ₀ (msec) has elapsed (step S
YES 13), and to stop the timer (step S14), and the STB signal and L (step S15, T ₄ in FIG. 9). Based on this, as shown in FIG. 9, T ₃
The voltage applied to the thermal head in the section to T ₄ is the normal voltage V ₀ .

In the present embodiment, in particular, as shown in FIG. 11, the recording paper 18 as the recording medium is the half cut portion 18b.
When the overcoat layer of the ink film covering the recording paper is transferred at the final stage of printing, when the straight line where the heating elements of the thermal head 26 are arranged and the half cut portion 18b are orthogonal to each other, Except for the overcoat layer 92a immediately before the image area, that is, in the vicinity of the half-cut portion 18b located immediately upstream in the printing direction.
On the other hand, the thermal energy larger than the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26 for the other overcoat layer 92b is applied to the thermal head 26. Specifically, thermal energy larger than usual is applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the predetermined length immediately before the image area to the half cut portion 18b. Immediately after the image area, that is, for the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion 18b located immediately downstream in the printing direction, a particularly large amount of heat energy is applied to the thermal head 26 because it does not affect the image area. I will not do it.

In the present specification, the half-cut portion means a portion which is easily formed in advance, and more specifically, a half-cut portion or a sewing machine where a cut is formed halfway in the thickness direction. It refers to the part where the eyes enter.

As described above, by applying thermal energy larger than usual to the thermal head 26 immediately before the image area, the temperature of the thermal head 26 is transferred to the overcoat layer in printing the image area after the half cut portion. It is possible to maintain the temperature suitable for.

In order to increase the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion 18b immediately before the image area, in the present embodiment, the voltage applied to the thermal head 26 is changed. The method of setting higher than usual is adopted. FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head, where (A) shows the voltage applied to the thermal head with respect to the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half-cut portion immediately before the image area, and (B) ) Indicates the voltage applied to the thermal head for the other overcoat layers.

As shown in the figure, in order to maintain the temperature suitable for transfer, a ₀ (mse
The voltage control of applying a voltage during c) and then pausing during b ₀ (msec) is repeated for each line, but the thermal control is performed on the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion immediately before the image area. The thermal energy E applied to the head is the other overcoat layer 92b.
The heat energy applied to the thermal head to E ₀
And E = E ₀ + ΔE, 1/2 ≦ ΔE / E ₀ ≦
The configuration is set so as to satisfy 1. This Δ
The lower limit of the setting range of E / E ₀ is necessary in order to maintain the temperature at which transfer is good and to reliably transfer the overcoat layer to the recording paper, and the upper limit thereof is due to excessive thermal energy and overcoating. It is necessary to ensure that the rest of the film after transfer of the layers and the recording paper do not stick to each other so that they are separated.

The thermal energy E is E = (V ² / R), where V is the voltage applied to the thermal head, R is the resistance value of the heating element of the thermal head, and t is the voltage application time.
-Represented as t. Therefore, when the thermal energy E is controlled by the applied voltage V, 1/2 ≦ ΔE / E ₀ ≦ 1
Therefore, since (3/2) · E ₀ ≦ E ₀ + ΔE ≦ 2 · E ₀ , (3/2) · V ₀ ² ≦ (V ₀ + ΔV) ² ≦ 2 · V
₀ ² which is (3/2) ^1/2 · V ₀
It can be modified as ≦ V ₀ + ΔV ≦ 2 ^1/2 · V ₀ .

Therefore, the voltage V applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to the write-out portion 92a of the overcoat layer is the same as that of the overcoat layer 92 other than the write-out portion.
The voltage applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to b is V ₀
, V = V ₀ + ΔV, V ₀ · (−1+ (3 /
2) ^1/2 ) ≦ ΔV ≦ V ₀ · (-1 + 2 ^1/2 ) is set.

The application of heat energy larger than usual to the thermal head 26 is applied to the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the predetermined length immediately before the image area to the half cut portion 18b. The maximum length that can be taken is determined based on the shape and size of the image area with respect to the whole, and is set to be equal to or less than the maximum length that can be taken, for example, about 2 mm.

The temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor (not shown) attached to the thermal head 26 is 45
When the temperature is equal to or higher than 0 ° C., thermal energy of the same magnitude as that applied to the thermal head 26 is applied to the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion immediately before the image area and to the other overcoat layers. , Is applied to the thermal head 26. This is because, as described above, the thermal energy may become excessive and the rest of the film after the transfer of the overcoat layer and the recording paper may stick to each other, resulting in defective peeling. In that case, the transfer of the overcoat layer can be sufficiently performed even if the voltage applied to the thermal head 26 is set to a normal level.

Next, the operation of the thermal transfer recording apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
The description will be given based on (1) to (3), FIGS. 5 (1) and (2), and the main flow of the printing operation of the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half-cut portion immediately before the image area shown in FIG.

<Paper feeding (FIG. 4 (1))> Controller 90
When a print command is output from the sheet feeding motor M4, the sheet feeding roller 45 is rotationally driven, and only one sheet of the recording sheet 18 is conveyed forward in the direction of arrow P, and when the trailing edge detection sensor S1 detects the leading edge of the recording sheet. The paper feed motor M4 is stopped.
Next, when the grip roller 50 is rotationally driven by the grip roller drive motor M5, the recording paper 18 is further advanced and conveyed, and the rear end detection sensor S1 detects the rear end of the recording paper 18, the grip roller drive motor M5 is stopped. .
The forward conveyance of the recording paper 18 is performed with the thermal head 26 separated from the platen roller 25. Further, the swing guide 58 swings to the upper position, and the recording paper 18 is guided to the storage space 56.

At the same time as such paper feeding, the film cueing is performed. This film cue is read by the reading sensor S
The ink film 32 is fed out to the winding side and then stopped until the cue mark 86 is detected by 3. Here, the ink film take-up roller 37 is rotated by driving the ink film take-up motor M3 by engaging a clutch (not shown).

<< Printing Start (FIG. 4 (2)) >> When the film cueing is completed, the printing starts. That is, the thermal head 26 is pressed against the platen roller 25, the grip grip roller 50 is then rotated, and the recording paper 18 is returned and conveyed in the direction of the arrow Q, and the trailing edge detection sensor S1.
Printing starts immediately after the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by
A yellow image is formed on the recording paper 18. The grip roller 50 is the only transport system that returns and transports the recording paper during printing.

Immediately before this printing operation, it is judged whether or not the film end mark 87a is detected by the reading sensor S3.

<< End of Printing (FIG. 4 (3)) >> When the printing of the yellow image is finished, the return conveyance of the recording paper 18 is also stopped,
The pressure contact of the thermal head 26 with the platen roller 25 is released.

When the next color is printed or the overcoat is printed, the recording paper 18 is conveyed forward by the grip roller 50 and guided to the accommodation space 56, as shown in FIG. 4 (2). It The forward conveyance to the print start position is performed by rotating the grip roller drive motor M5 by a predetermined number of pulses. Simultaneously with the preparation for the next color printing, the ink film take-up motor M3 is driven to rotate, and the encoder provided at one end of the ink film take-up roller 37 pulse-counts the carry amount of the ink film 32, while the position of the next ink layer is detected. Delivering is done.
Then, the same printing operation is executed and the next color is printed.

After this operation is repeated for all colors, the overcoat layer is thermally transferred and covered on the entire surface of the dyes and dyes already transferred onto the recording paper 18 at the final stage of printing.
That is, overcoat printing is performed.

Next, the printing operation of the overcoat layer will be described in detail. First, the shape and size of the image area are recognized in advance. This is fixedly set when the image area is constant, but can be recognized by the image information transmitted, for example. Based on the shape and size of the image area, a portion to which a large amount of heat energy is applied is determined, and the image processing of the overcoat layer creates the image data of the overcoat layer line by line.
Regarding the printing itself, the overcoat layer is also printed in the same procedure as the yellow ink layer, the magenta ink layer or the cyan ink layer, as described above.

FIG. 13 shows a printing operation when a portion to which heat energy larger than usual is applied, that is, from L = N ₁ (mm) immediately before the image area.

First, it is judged whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the thermal head is 45 ° C. or higher (step S21). If not, the process proceeds to the next step S22. In this step S22, one line of the overcoat layer is transferred with an applied voltage larger than usual. That is, one line of the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to N ₁ (mm) immediately before the image area to the half cut portion 18b is replaced with the other overcoat layer 92a.
Transfer is performed with an applied voltage V = V ₀ + ΔV that is larger than the voltage V ₀ applied to the thermal head 26 by ΔV with respect to b.

FIG. 14 is a process for drawing one line shown in FIG. 13 with an applied voltage V = V ₀ + ΔV (step S2).
It is a subroutine of 2). That is, specifically, FIG.
4, the VUP signal and the STB signal are first set to H (steps S31, S32, T _{1 in} FIG. 12A), the timer is started (step S33), the H state is maintained, and a ₀ (msec) elapses. (Step S34
YES), stop the timer (step S3
5), the STB signal is set to L (step S36, FIG. 12).
(A) T ₂ ). Based on this, as shown in FIG. 12A, the voltage applied to the thermal head in the section T _{1 to} T ₂ is set to a voltage higher than usual (V ₀ + ΔV). Then, the timer is started again (step S37),
When b ₀ (msec) has elapsed (Y in step S38
ES), stop the timer (step S3
9) and sets the VUP signal to L (step S40, FIG.
T ₃ of (A)), the flow returns to the main flow. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 12A, the voltage applied to the thermal head in the section T _{2 to} T ₃ is 0 (volt) because the STB signal remains L.

Applied voltage V = V ₀ + ΔV
The process of drawing is performed by applying heat energy larger than usual, N ₁ (mm), that is, unless the temperature detected by the temperature detection thermistor attached to the thermal head is 45 ° C. or higher (NO in step S 21), that is, If it is in the range that does not reach the half-cut portion immediately before the image area (NO in step S23), the process is repeated (steps S21 to S23).

As described above, thermal energy larger than usual is applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to the overcoat layer 92a in the vicinity of the half cut portion immediately before the image area, so that the thermal printing is performed in the image area after the half cut portion. Since the temperature of the head 26 can be maintained at a temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer, the transfer of the overcoat layer becomes good.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor is 45 ° C. or higher, the process proceeds to step S24. This step S2
In No. 4, one line of the overcoat layer is transferred by a normal applied voltage. That is, N ₁ (m
The same normal voltage V ₀ as that applied to the thermal head 26 is transferred to the overcoat layer 92b other than the overcoat layer corresponding to m) to the half cut portion 18b. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the rest of the film after the transfer of the overcoat layer and the recording paper stick to each other due to excessive heat energy, and when the detected temperature is 45 ° C. or higher, the overcoat is formed. The transfer of layers is sufficiently good.

FIG. 15 is a subroutine of the process (step S24) of drawing the one line shown in FIG. 13 with the applied voltage V ₀ . That is, specifically, in FIG.
First, the VUP signal is set to L and the STB signal is set to H (steps S41 and S42, T _{1 in} FIG. 12B), the timer is started (step S43), this state is maintained, and a ₀ (msec) has elapsed. At the time point (step S4
4 YES), stop the timer (step S
45) and the STB signal is set to L (step S46, FIG. 1).
2 (B) T ₂ ). Based on this, as shown in FIG. 12B, the applied voltage to the thermal head in the section T _{1 to} T ₂ is the normal applied voltage V ₀ . Then, the timer is started again (step S47), and b ₀ (ms
ec) when the time has elapsed (YES in step S48), the timer is stopped (step S49, FIG.
T of the (B) _3), the flow returns to the main flow. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 12B, the voltage applied to the thermal head in the section T _{2 to} T ₃ is 0 (volt) because the STB signal remains L.

Applied voltage V = V ₀ + ΔV
When the process of drawing in step S22 or the process of drawing one line with the applied voltage V ₀ (step S24) is repeated to finish printing N ₁ (mm) (YES in step S23), Immediately before N ₁ (mm)
The printing operation from to the half cut portion 18b ends.
This printing operation is similarly performed each time the thermal head 26 reaches N ₁ (mm) immediately before the image area, and the printing of the overcoat layer is completed.

When the reading sensor S3 detects the film end mark 87a (not shown), the ink film is continuously wound after the overcoat printing is completed, and the film end is displayed on the display unit of the recording apparatus. However, when it is not the film end, the winding of the ink film 32, which has been sent according to the printing operation, is stopped at the same time as the printing is completed, and the next printing is prepared.

<< Tip Cut (Fig. 5 (1)) >> When all printing for one screen is completed, the thermal head 26 is released from the pressure contact with the platen roller 25, and the swing guide 5 is released.
8 is swung to the lower position. The recording paper 18 that is conveyed forward by the grip roller 50 is guided toward the paper discharge unit 22. The transport motor M6 is also rotated at a predetermined timing, and the recording paper 18 is transported forward by the second discharge roller pair 54. Then, the recording paper 18 is controlled by the cutter unit 23 while controlling the pulse of the transport motor M6 with reference to the time point when the leading end detection sensor S2 detects the leading end of the recording paper 18.
Thus, the tip is cut from the tip by a predetermined length, and falls into the duster portion 24 to be collected. At this time, the recording paper 18
Is temporarily stopped.

<< Rear End Cut (FIG. 5 (2)) >> When the front end cut is completed, the carry motor M6 is driven by the number of pulses corresponding to the predetermined length, and the first discharge roller pair 53 and the second discharge roller pair 54 are driven. The recording paper 18 is conveyed by. afterwards,
The recording paper 18 is cut by the cutter unit 23 from the rear end by a predetermined length to the rear end, and is collected in the duster unit 24. In this way, a so-called borderless image in which the non-printed area is cut can be obtained. When the collection of the cut pieces of paper is completed, the recording paper 18
The discharge tray 1 that is conveyed by the first discharge roller pair 53
Discharged on top of 7.

As described above, the thermal transfer recording apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has the recording paper 18 having the half cut portion 18b.
In the case where the overcoat layer covering the recording paper 18 is transferred at the final stage of printing, the printing direction of the image area is changed except when the straight line of the heating elements of the thermal head 26 and the half cut portion 18b are orthogonal to each other. Overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion 18b located immediately upstream
On the other hand, since heat energy larger than that applied to the thermal head 26 for the other overcoat layer 92b is applied to the thermal head 26, printing of the image area after the half cut portion is performed. In, it is possible to maintain the temperature of the thermal head 26 at a temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer, and therefore,
Good transfer of the overcoat layer.

The thermal energy E applied to the thermal head 26 to the overcoat layer 92a corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion 18b located immediately upstream of the image area in the printing direction is applied to the other overcoat layers 92b. On the other hand, when the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26 is E ₀ , E = E ₀ + ΔE, 1/2 ≦ ΔE / E ₀ ≦ 1
Since the heat energy is excessively large, the rest of the film after the transfer of the overcoat layer and the recording paper do not stick to each other, and the temperature of the thermal head 26 is set to satisfy the transfer of the overcoat layer. It is possible to reach and maintain an appropriate temperature for a short number of drawing lines.

Further, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the thermal head is 45 ° C. or higher, the voltage applied to the thermal head is set to the normal level, so that the temperature suitable for transfer is maintained and It is possible to prevent a situation in which the rest of the film after the transfer of the coat layer and the recording paper stick to each other.

FIG. 16 is a control block diagram for driving a thermal head of a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to another embodiment.

In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the thermal head 26 is connected to the controller 90 via the thermal head control circuit 91, and the thermal head 26 is connected to the overcoat layer 92a in the vicinity of the half cut portion immediately before the image area. In order to increase the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26, the method of setting the voltage application time for one drawing line longer than usual is adopted, which is different from the above-described embodiment.

The controller 90 sends only the STB signal to the thermal head control circuit 91, and based on this signal, the thermal head control circuit 91 sends the thermal head 2 to the thermal head 2.
Voltage is applied to 6. That is, specifically, STB
By setting the signal to H or L, it is controlled whether or not the above-mentioned normal voltage V ₀ is applied to the thermal head 26.

FIG. 17 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head of the apparatus shown in FIG.
Shows the voltage applied to the thermal head for the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion immediately before the image area, and (B) shows the voltage applied to the thermal head for the other overcoat layers. . In addition, FIG.
Is a main flow of the printing operation of the overcoat layer of the apparatus according to FIG. 16, FIG. 19 is a subroutine of processing for drawing one line shown in FIG. 18 with a voltage application time longer than usual, and FIG. It is a subroutine of a process for drawing the indicated one line in a normal voltage application time.

Next, the printing operation of the overcoat layer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 18, first, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the thermal head is 45
It is determined whether or not the temperature is equal to or higher than ° C (step S51), and if not, the process proceeds to the next step S52.

In step S52, one line of the overcoat layer is transferred with a voltage application time longer than usual.
That is, for the normal overcoat layer 92b,
A control of applying a voltage for a ₀ (msec) and then pausing for b ₀ (msec) for one line (FIG. 17).
(See (B)) is performed, but immediately before the image area L = N
_{For the} overcoat layer 92a (see FIG. 11) corresponding to ₂ (mm) to the half cut portion 18b, a voltage is applied for a (msec) for one line and then b
Control to pause for ₀ (msec) (Fig. 17 (A))
See).

In this embodiment, since the thermal energy E is controlled by the voltage application time t, the write-out portion 92a of the overcoat layer is selected from the above E = (V ² / R) · t relationship. the time a to the voltage applied to the thermal head 26 against the time that the voltage applied to the thermal head 26 with respect to the overcoat layer 92b other than the writing part when the _{a 0, a = a 0 +} Δt, a 0
The configuration is such that / 2 ≦ Δt ≦ a ₀ is satisfied. The thermal head 26 has a normal voltage V _0.
Is applied.

More specifically, in FIG. 19, the STB signal is first set to H (step S61, FIG. 17A).
T ₁ ) and start the timer (step S6)
2) When the H state is maintained and a (msec) has elapsed (YES in step S63), the timer is stopped (step S64) and the STB signal is set to L (step S65, T _{2 in} FIG. 17A). ). Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (A), the voltage application time to the thermal head in the section T _{1 to} T ₂ is longer than usual (a ₀ + Δ).
t). Next, the timer is started again (step S66), and when b (msec) has elapsed (YES in step S67), the timer is stopped (step S68, T _{3 in} FIG. 17A) and the process returns to the main flow. . Therefore, as shown in FIG.
The voltage applied to the thermal head in the section T _{2 to} T ₃ is S
Since the TB signal remains L, it becomes 0 (volt) and the rest time is b (msec). The rest time b (msec) is set to be equal to or shorter than the normal rest time b ₀ (msec).

In the processing (applied voltage V ₀ ) for drawing one line with a voltage application time longer than usual, the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the thermal head is 4
As long as the temperature does not exceed 5 ° C. (N in step S51
O), after applying more heat energy than usual, N
_{If it is 2} (mm), that is, in the range that does not reach the half-cut portion immediately before the image area (NO in step S53), the process is repeated (steps S51 to S53).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S51 that the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor is 45 ° C. or higher, the process proceeds to step S54. This step S5
In No. 4, one line of the overcoat layer is transferred for a normal voltage application time. That is, a ₀ for one line
B ₀ (msec) after applying voltage for (msec)
The control (see FIG. 17 (B)) to pause during that period is performed.

Specifically, in FIG. 20, first, STB
The signal and H (step S71, T ₁ in FIG. 17 (B)), and the timer is started (step S72)
When this state is maintained and a ₀ (msec) has elapsed (YES in step S73), the timer is stopped (step S74) and the STB signal is set to L (step S75, T _{2 in} FIG. 17B). . Therefore, FIG.
As shown in (B), the voltage application time to the thermal head in the section T _{1 to} T ₂ is the normal time a ₀ . Then, the timer is started again (step S76),
When b ₀ (msec) elapses (Y in step S77
ES), stop the timer (step S78,
T in FIG. 17 (B) _3), the flow returns to the main flow. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17B, the voltage applied to the thermal head in the interval T _{2 to} T ₃ is 0 (volt) because the STB signal remains L, and the rest time is , The normal rest time b ₀ .

A process of drawing the above-mentioned one line in a voltage application time longer than usual (step S52) or a process of drawing one line in a normal voltage application time (step S5).
When 4) is repeatedly performed and N ₂ (mm) is printed (YES in step S53), N immediately before the image area is printed.
The printing operation from ₂ (mm) to the half cut portion 18b is completed. This printing operation is N ₂ (mm) immediately before the image area
The printing of the overcoat layer is completed while the thermal head 26 is similarly performed each time.

As described above, by performing the processing of drawing one line on the overcoat layer 92a in the vicinity of the half-cut portion immediately before the image area in a voltage application time longer than usual, thermal energy larger than usual is thermally generated. Since the voltage can be applied to the head 26, the temperature of the thermal head 26 can be maintained at a temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer in the printing of the image area after the half cut portion, and the transfer of the overcoat layer can be performed. It is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment, such as being favorable.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a printing example of an overcoat layer by a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to still another embodiment together with a thermal head, and FIG. 22 shows an overcoat layer corresponding to the line AA of FIG. It is a figure which shows image data.

In this embodiment, the thermal head 26
The voltage application time is set longer than usual in order to increase the heat energy applied to the device. However, when drawing one line, the voltage application time is set individually for each heating element. This is the difference from the above-described embodiment.

When the image area 18a has an arbitrary shape as shown in FIG. 21, except when the straight line where the heating elements of the thermal head 26 are arranged and the half cut portion 18b are orthogonal to each other.
In order to increase the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26 only to the overcoat layer 92a in the vicinity of the half cut portion 18b immediately before the image area 18a, that is, the portion shown by the diagonal lines in the drawing, one line is drawn in this embodiment. At this time, the voltage application time is individually set by the thermal head control circuit 91 for each heating element, and gradation can be expressed by the magnitude of the application time.

For example, in the image data of the overcoat layer corresponding to the line AA in FIG. 21 shown in FIG. 22, the image data 93a in the shaded area in the drawing indicates that a large amount of heat energy is applied, and the other images. The data 93b represents that normal heat energy is applied. In this way 1
Image data of the overcoat layer is created for each line.

FIG. 23 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head of the device shown in FIG.
Indicates the voltage applied to the heating element of the thermal head corresponding to the shaded portion 93a of the image data shown in FIG.
(B) shows the voltage applied to the heating element of the thermal head corresponding to the other portion 93b.

The transfer of the overcoat layer is performed by applying a voltage to the heating element corresponding to the hatched portion 93a in FIG. 22 for a longer time than usual. That is, for the portion 93b other than the shaded portion in FIG. 22, a ₀ (msec) for one line.
The voltage is applied for a period of time and then a pause for b ₀ (msec) is performed (see FIG. 23B).
For the heating element corresponding to the shaded portion 93a of FIG. 23, control is performed such that a voltage is applied for a (msec) larger than a ₀ for one line and then paused for b (msec) (see FIG. 23A). I do. In this case, when the printing time for one line is t ₀ , t ₀ = a ₀ + b ₀ = a +
It is necessary to match as b.

When the normal voltage V ₀ is applied to the thermal head 26 and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the thermal head is judged to be 45 ° C. or higher, one line of the overcoat layer is formed. Is transferred in a normal voltage application time as in the above-described embodiment.

According to this embodiment, even for the image area 18a having an arbitrary shape as shown in FIG. 21, the straight line where the heating elements of the thermal head 26 are arranged and the half cut portion 18 are arranged.
Except when it is orthogonal to b, the thermal energy applied to the thermal head 26 is increased with respect to the overcoat layer 92a in the vicinity of the half-cut portion 18b immediately before the image region 18a, that is, the portion indicated by the diagonal lines in the drawing, thereby increasing the image. The transfer of the overcoat layer can be made good in the region 18a.

[0095]

As described above, according to the recording apparatus of the first aspect, the temperature of the heating element is maintained at a temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer in the printing of the image area after the half cut portion. Therefore, the transfer of the overcoat layer becomes good.

According to the recording apparatus of the second aspect, the heat energy applied does not become excessive and the rest of the film after the transfer of the overcoat layer and the recording paper do not stick to each other, and the heating element is not present. The temperature can be reached and maintained at a temperature suitable for transferring the overcoat layer with a short number of drawing lines.

According to the recording apparatus of the third aspect, while ensuring a temperature suitable for transfer, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the rest of the film after the transfer of the overcoat layer and the recording paper stick to each other. You can

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a lid member of the present device is opened.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where an ink film cassette is loaded in the main body of the apparatus.

4 (1) to (3) are cross-sectional views showing an operating state of the present device at the time of feeding, starting printing, and ending printing.

5 (1) and (2) are cross-sectional views showing an operating state of the present device at the time of cutting the front end and cutting the rear end.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of a printing unit.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an ink film used in this apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a control block diagram for driving a thermal head.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of an STB signal and a VUP signal and a corresponding voltage applied to the thermal head.

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart when the operation shown in FIG. 9 is performed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a printing example of an overcoat layer.

FIG. 12 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head, wherein (A) shows the voltage applied to the thermal head with respect to the write start portion of the overcoat layer,
(B) shows the voltage applied to the thermal head with respect to the overcoat layer other than the write start portion.

FIG. 13 is a main flow of a printing operation of an overcoat layer.

FIG. 14 shows an applied voltage V = for one line shown in FIG.
This is a subroutine of processing for drawing with V ₀ + ΔV.

FIG. 15 shows an applied voltage V ₀ for one line shown in FIG.
It is a subroutine of the process of drawing.

FIG. 16 is a control block diagram for driving a thermal head of a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head of the apparatus according to FIG. 16, (A) showing the voltage applied to the thermal head with respect to the write-out portion of the overcoat layer, and (B) showing The voltage applied to the thermal head with respect to the overcoat layer other than the write start portion is shown.

FIG. 18 is a main flow of a printing operation of an overcoat layer of the apparatus according to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a subroutine of a process for drawing one line shown in FIG. 18 with a voltage application time longer than usual.

FIG. 20 is a subroutine of a process for drawing one line shown in FIG. 18 in a normal voltage application time.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing, together with a thermal head, an example of printing of an overcoat layer by a thermal transfer recording apparatus according to another embodiment.

22 is a diagram showing image data of the overcoat layer corresponding to the line AA in FIG.

23 is a time chart showing the voltage applied to the thermal head of the apparatus according to FIG. 21, (A) shows the voltage applied to the heating element of the thermal head corresponding to the shaded area of the image data shown in FIG. 3B shows the voltage applied to the heating elements of the thermal head corresponding to the other portions.

[Explanation of symbols]

18 ... Recording paper, 18a ... Image area, 18b ... Half cut part, 26 ... Thermal head (heating element), 32 ... Ink film, 33 ... Ink film cassette, 90 ... Controller, 92a. Overcoat layer, O ... Overcoat layer.

Front page continuation (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 2/32 B41J 29/00 B41M 5/26

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. In a recording apparatus for forming an image by transferring to a recording paper by a heating element having linearly arranged heating elements using an ink film, the recording paper having a half cut portion is used at the final stage of printing. In the case of transferring the overcoat layer of the ink film covering the recording paper, in the vicinity of the half-cut portion located immediately upstream in the printing direction of the image area, except when the straight line of the heating elements and the half-cut portion are orthogonal to each other. The recording apparatus is characterized in that, with respect to the overcoat layer corresponding to (4), heat energy larger than that applied to the heating element for the other overcoat layers is applied to the heating element. 2. The thermal energy E applied to the heating element with respect to the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half cut portion located immediately upstream of the image area in the printing direction is the same as that of the other overcoat layers. 2. When the heat energy applied to the heating element is E ₀ , it is set to satisfy E = E ₀ + ΔE, 1/2 ≦ ΔE / E ₀ ≦ 1, Recording device. 3. When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting thermistor attached to the heating element is 45 ° C. or higher, the overcoat layer corresponding to the vicinity of the half-cut portion located immediately upstream of the image area in the printing direction, The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the same amount of thermal energy as that applied to the heating element to the other overcoat layers is applied to the heating element.