JP3820308B2

JP3820308B2 - Card direction changing unit and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3820308B2
Application number: JP31153197A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 賢一由井; 裕史望月
Original assignee: Nisca Corp
Current assignee: Nisca Corp
Priority date: 1997-10-27
Filing date: 1997-10-27
Publication date: 2006-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2017-10-27
Also published as: JPH11134440A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、搬入されたカードの搬送方向を変更する転回ユニットと、該転回ユニットの回転位置を検出する少なくとも１つの検出器を有する検出手段とを備えたカード方向転換ユニットに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、例えば、キャッシュカードや社員証・会員証、或いはプリペイドカード等の比較的厚手で硬質なカードに絵柄や文字を印画する画像形成装置には、カードの両面に印刷や磁気コード入力を行うために、カードを反転させたり方向転換させたりする転回ユニットを備えたものが知られている。
【０００３】
このような画像形成装置に用いられている転回ユニットには、例えば、特開平９−１３１９３０号公報に示すように、上下２段の転回ユニットを一つの駆動手段（パルスモータ）で同期して回転させ、異なった搬送経路の受け渡しを可能としたものも知られている。
【０００４】
この際、上段に位置する転回ユニットには、転回ユニットと一体に回転すると共に９０度間隔で３箇所に切り欠きを形成した回転位置検出板と、同様に９０度間隔で３箇所に位置決めされて回転状態にある回転位置検出板の３箇所の切り欠きを検出するセンサーとを備え、この３つのセンサーによる切り欠きの有無検出の組み合わせによって転回ユニットの回転部分の位置を認識することによって、転回ユニット前後の搬送経路との相対位置やカードの表裏等の状態を検出している。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、上述した転回ユニットにあっては、上下２段の転回ユニットの回転位置を上段側の転回ユニットに設けた３つのセンサーの組み合わせによって行っているため、例えば、装置本体への各転回ユニットの組み付け時に組み付け誤差が生じた場合、上下のカードの受け渡しができずにカード詰まりが発生するという問題が生じていた。
【０００６】
また、このような転回ユニットにあっては、上段から下段へとカードを渡すために回転する際並びに下段から上段へとカードを渡すために回転する際、各転回ユニットのカード搬送機構が非電動駆動状態にあるにも拘らず転回ユニットの支持軸との摺接回転によってカード搬送機構がカードを送り出してしまい、これによってもカード詰まりが発生する虞があった。
【０００７】
本発明は、上記事情に鑑みなされたものであって、簡単且つ安価な構成でありながら、転回ユニット間のカードの受け渡しを良好に行うことができるカード方向転換ユニットを提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
その目的を達成するため、請求項１に記載の発明は、搬入されたカードの搬送方向を変更する第１の転回ユニットと、該第１の転回ユニットとの間でカードを受け渡しカードの搬送方向を変更する第２の転回ユニットと、前記各転回ユニットを同期して駆動させる一つの駆動手段とを備えたカード方向転換ユニットにおいて、
前記第１の転回ユニットの回転位置を検出する１つ以上の検出器からなる第１の検出手段と、前記第２の転回ユニットの回転位置を検出する１つ以上の検出器からなる第２の検出手段とを備えていることを要旨とする。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の発明は、前記第１の検出手段の検出結果と前記第２の検出手段の検出結果に基づいて前記各転回ユニットの回転位置を判断する方向判断部を備えていることを要旨とする。
【００１０】
請求項３に記載の発明は、前記方向判断部は、前記第１の検出手段若しくは前記第２の検出手段のエッジ信号を用いて位置決めをする位置決め部を備え、前記方向判断部によって仮り位置決めをした後に前記位置決め部によって正位置決めをすることを要旨とする。
【００１１】
請求項４にカードを搬送する搬送手段を固定するためのフレームに前記各検出手段用の位置出し部を設けたことを要旨とする。
【００１２】
請求項５に記載の発明は、前記第１の検出手段と前記第２の検出手段のうち、カードを渡す方の転回ユニット側を基準に位置決めを行うことを要旨とする。
【００１３】
請求項６に記載の発明は、前記各転回ユニットを同期駆動させる駆動手段は、前記各転回ユニットを同期連結する連結手段と、１つの駆動用アクチュエータとを備えていることを要旨とする。
【００１４】
請求項７に記載の発明は、前記各転回ユニットは、該各転回ユニットを同期して回転駆動する一つの回転手段と、前記各転回ユニット内でカードを個々に搬送する搬送手段と、前記回転手段と独立して前記搬送手段を個々に駆動させる搬送駆動手段と、前記検出手段の情報に基づいて前記転回ユニットが回転する際に発生する前記搬送駆動手段の誤差量を判断する判断手段と、該判断手段の判断結果に基づいて前記搬送駆動手段の誤差量を補正する方向に駆動する補正手段とを備えていることを要旨とする。
【００１５】
請求項８に記載の発明は、搬入されたカードの搬送方向を変更する第１の転回ユニットと、該第１の転回ユニットとの間でカードを受け渡しカードの搬送方向を変更する第２の転回ユニットと、前記各転回ユニットを同期して駆動させる一つの駆動手段とを備えたカード方向反転ユニットにおいて、
前記第１の転回ユニットに設けられて９０度間隔で３箇所に被検出部を形成した第１の回転円盤と、該第１の回転円盤の前記被検出部を検出する第１の検出器と、前記第２の転回ユニットと同期して回転すると共に前記第１の回転円盤と同一の９０度間隔で３箇所に被検出部を形成した第２の回転円盤と、前記第２の回転円盤の被検出部を検出すると共に前記第１の検出器と対向配置された第２の検出器並びに該第２の検出器と９０度間隔をおいて配置された第３の検出器と、前記各検出器の前記被検出部の検出結果の組み合わせによって前記各転回ユニットの回転位置を判断する方向判断部とを備えていることを要旨とする。
【００１６】
請求項９に記載の発明は、前記第１，第２の検出器が前記第１，第２の回転円盤の前記凸部のうちの各１つを検出しており且つ前記第３の検出器が前記第２の回転円盤の前記凸部の何れも検出していない状態のときを前記第１，第２の回転円盤の基準位置としたことを要旨とする。
【００１７】
請求項１０に記載の発明は、前記各検出器は、その検出結果の組み合せに応じて前記各回転円盤の位置決め基準用として兼用することを要旨とする。
【００１８】
請求項１１に記載の発明は、前記各検出器は、カードを渡す方の転回ユニット側を基準用として位置決めを行うことを要旨とする。
【００１９】
請求項１２に記載の発明は、搬入されたカードの搬送方向を変更する第１の転回ユニットと、該第１の転回ユニットとの間でカードを受け渡しカードの搬送方向を変更する第２の転回ユニットと、前記各転回ユニットを同期して駆動させる一つの駆動手段と、前記各転回ユニット内でカードを搬送する搬送手段と、前記駆動手段と独立して前記搬送手段を駆動させる搬送駆動手段とを備えたカード方向反転ユニットにおいて、
前記第１の転回ユニットから前記第２の転回ユニットへとカードを渡すために回転している際並びに前記第２の転回ユニットから前記第１の転回ユニットへとカードを受け渡すために回転している際には、その渡し側の転回ユニットの前記搬送手段に対応する前記搬送駆動手段が所定量逆転駆動することを要旨とする。
【００２０】
請求項１３に記載の発明は、搬入されたカードの搬送方向を変更する第１の転回ユニットと、該第１の転回ユニットとの間でカードを受け渡しカードの搬送方向を変更する第２の転回ユニットと、前記各転回ユニットを同期して駆動させる一つの駆動手段とを備えた画像形成装置において、
前記第１の転回ユニットを装着した第１のブラケットと、前記第２の転回ユニットを装着した第２のブラケットと、前記各ブラケットを装置本体に装着する際に前記各ブラケットを互いに位置決めするように前記各ブラケットに係合する位置決め固定手段を備えていることを要旨とする。
【００２１】
請求項１４に記載の発明は、前記第１の転回ユニットの回転位置を検出する１つ以上の検出器からなる第１の検出手段と、前記第２の転回ユニットの回転位置を検出する１つ以上の検出器からなる第２の検出手段とを備えていることを要旨とする。
【００２２】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明のカード方向転換ユニットの実施の形態を、画像形成装置の昇華型フルカラープリンタに適用し、図面に基づいて説明する。
【００２３】
図１において、昇華型フルカラープリンタ１（以下、単に「プリンタ１」と称する）は略直方体の筐体２を備えている。
【００２４】
この筐体２は、上方に開口３１を有するカバー本体３と、カバー本体３の開口３１を開閉する蓋体４とを備えている。
【００２５】
カバー本体３の一方の側壁には、その上方寄りに複数に重畳されたカードＣをカバー本体３内に供給する画像形成装置５が装着され、その下方寄りに不具合なカードＣのリジェクト口３２が設けられている。さらに、カバー本体３の他方の側壁には印刷処理終了後のカードＣの排出口３３が設けられている。さらに、カバー本体３の内部には、カード供給装置５から供給されたカードＣを搬送する第１搬送路６と、第１搬送路６の中途部に位置するプリンタユニット７と、第１搬送路６の下方に位置する第２搬送路８と、第２搬送路８の経路終端部に設けられてカードＣの裏面に設けられた磁気記録層に磁気コード化された情報を書き込むエンコードユニット９とを備えている。
【００２６】
尚、印刷処理後のカードＣに後処理がない場合には排出口３３の下方には排出トレイ（図示せず）が設けられ、印刷処理後のカードに後処理を行う場合には、後処理装置（例えば、カードの表面をホログラムコートフィルム等のコートフィルムで覆うオーバコート定着装置）等が装着若しくは隣接して設置される。
【００２７】
蓋体４は、図２に示すように、カバー本体３に固定された軸４１を支点に回動すると共に、カバー本体３の他方の側壁の内側上部に設けられたラック３４と係合するように軸４２に回転可能に装着されたギヤ４３と、蓋体４で開口３１を開放した際にその開放状態を維持するためにカバー本体３に固定された係子軸３５と係合する係子凹部４４ａを有するストッパ４４と、一端が蓋体４の裏面に係合され且つ他端が支持軸４５を支点として回動する押圧部材４６に係合された引っ張りコイルスプリング４７とを備えている。
【００２８】
尚、蓋体４は、開口３１を閉成した状態のときにカバー本体３に設けられたロック装置３６のフック部３６ａが軸４２に係合することによりその閉成状態が維持される。また、軸４２には、少なくとも蓋体４の開放方向の軸４２の回転を規制するトルクリミッタ４８が設けられており、これにより、カバー本体３に設けられたロック装置３５を操作して蓋体４の閉成状態を解除した際、ギヤ４３が緩やかに回転しつつラック３４と噛み合っているため、引っ張りコイルスプリング４７の付勢によって蓋体４が急激に開放することが防止されている。
【００２９】
押圧部材４６は、蓋体４で開口３１を閉成した際にプリンタユニット７の印画手段７１に上部に弾接するよう引っ張りコイルスプリング４７に付勢設定されており、その端部には印画手段７１の上部に弾接する当接ローラ４６ａが設けられている。また、押圧部材４６には、カードＣの供給状態に連動して引っ張りコイルスプリング４７の付勢に抗して当接ローラ４６ａを上方へと持ち上げるように軸７２を支点に回転する楕円ローラ７３と当接する当接ローラ４６ｂとを備えている。
【００３０】
カード供給装置５は、複数のカードＣが重畳載置されるように搬送方向上下流側に位置する載置台５１，５２と、カードＣの左右縁部を位置決めする左右一対の規制台５３，５４と、カードＣの搬送方向下流側底面と当接する送り出しローラ５５と、カードＣの搬送方向上流側底面に当接可能な略半月状の捌きローラ５６と、載置台５２と協動してカードＣが通過するゲート隙間５７を形成するゲート５８と、一方の規制台５４の上面に設けられてカードＣの厚さに応じてゲート隙間５７の間隔を可変するようにゲート５８を変位させるゲート調整手段５９とを備えている。
【００３１】
第１搬送路６は、ゲート隙間５７と排出口３３との間でカードＣを搬送するもので、ゲート隙間５７から導入されたカードＣを搬送方向下流側へと搬送すると共に第２搬送路８とのカードＣの受け渡しを可能とした回転搬送体６１と、複数の搬送ローラ体６２とを有する。
【００３２】
回転搬送体６１は、２対の搬送ローラ体６３と、この２対の搬送ローラ体６３のうちの駆動ローラ６３ａを同期して回転させるベルト６４と、ベルト６４にテンションを付与するテンションローラ６５と、回転搬送体６１の回転位置を検出させる回転板６６と、回転板６６に設けられた複数の突起６６ａのうちの１つを検出するセンサー６７とを備えている。
【００３３】
また、回転搬送体６１は、２対の搬送ローラ対６３によってカードＣを保持したまま（或いは空の状態で）図示の状態から反時計回り方向に９０度及び２７０度回転転した状態の時に第２搬送路８とのカードＣの受け渡しが可能となり、同様にして図示の状態から１８０度回転することによってカードＣを反転させることができる。そして、図示の状態並びに１８０度回転した状態の時に、ゲート隙間５７から導入されたカードＣの受け取り並びにプリンタユニット７に向けての搬送が可能となる。
【００３４】
さらに、回転搬送体６１は手動操作ノブ６８と無端ベルト６９を介して連結されており、この手動操作ノブ６８を回転することによってカードＣのジャム解除を行うことができる。
【００３５】
プリンタユニット７は、第１搬送路６の経路上の印画手段７１の下方に位置するプラテンローラ７４と、昇華型カラーリボン７５を巻装したインクリボンカセット７６と、印画手段７１の上下動を案内するレール７７とを備えている。
【００３６】
印画手段７１は、当接ローラ４６ａが当接するブラケット７１ａと、このブラケット７１ａに保持されたサーマルヘッド７１ｂとを備えている。
【００３７】
第２搬送路８は回転搬送体６１の下方に位置する回転搬送体８１を有する。この回転搬送体８１は、２対の搬送ローラ体８２と、２対の搬送ローラ体８２のうちの駆動ローラ８２ａを同期して回転させるベルト８３と、ベルト８３にテンションを付与するテンションローラ８４と、回転搬送体８１の回転位置を検出させる回転板８５と、回転板８５に設けられた複数の突起８５ａのうちの２つを検出するセンサー８６，８７とを備えている。
【００３８】
回転搬送体８１は回転搬送体６１と同期して時計回り方向に回転するもので、回転搬送体６１と同様に２対の搬送ローラ対８２によってカードＣを保持したまま（或いは空の状態で）図示の状態から時計回り方向に９０度及び２７０度回転転した状態の時に第１搬送路６とのカードＣの受け渡しが可能となり、同様にして図示の状態並びに１８０度回転した状態のときにカードＣをエンコードユニット９若しくはリジェクト口３２に搬送することができる。
【００３９】
センサー６７，８６，８７は、突起６６ａ，８５ａの有無検出を図示を略す方向判断部へと出力する。そして、この方向判断部では、各センサー６７，８６，８７の検出有無の組み合わせによって回転搬送体６１，８１の回転位置を判断する。
【００４０】
即ち、図１に示した状態のときには、図３（Ａ）に示すように、センサー６７，８６，８７の全てが突起６６ａ，８５ａを検出した状態、即ちＯＦＦとなる。同様に、図３（Ｂ）に示すように、この状態から反時計回り方向に９０度回転したときには、センサー６７，８６がＯＦＦ、センサー８７がＯＮとなる。また、この状態からさらに反時計回り方向に９０度回転したときには、図３（Ｃ）に示すように、センサー６７，８７がＯＦＦ、センサー８６がＯＮとなる。また、この状態からさらに反時計回り方向に９０度回転したときには、図３（Ｄ）に示すように、センサー６７がＯＮ、センサー８６，８７がＯＦＦとなる。
【００４１】
そして、これらの各状態において、センサー６７とセンサー８６，８７は、カードＣを渡す方、即ち、カードＣを保持している方の転回搬送体６１，８１を基準に位置決めを行う。
【００４２】
この際、回転搬送体６１，８１が回転すると、テンションローラ８４が回転しない構成であった場合、ベルト８３が回動移動してしまう。
【００４３】
このベルト８３がカードＣを搬送するために駆動源の駆動無しに回動移動してしまうと、駆動源の駆動によってベルト８３を回動移動させるのと同じ結果となるため、回転搬送体６１，８１の回転量に応じてカードＣを送り出してしまう。そこで、予め回転搬送体６１，８１が回転する際の回転角に応じたベルト８３の回動移動量を求めておき、この回動移動量に応じたカードＣの送り出し量と同量の逆転駆動をベルト８３に与えることで回転搬送体６１，８１の回転に伴うカードＣの送り出しを防止することができる。
【００４４】
尚、方向判断部は、図４に示すように、各センサー６７，８６，８７からのエッジ信号を検出している。
【００４５】
例えば、図４の位置ａで示した状態では回転搬送体６１，８１が回転していることによって各センサー６７，８６，８７が突起６６ａ，８５ａを検出していない状態、即ち、ＯＮ状態であり、位置ｂでセンサー６７が突起６６ａを検出したＯＦＦ状態となり、この検出と同時に回転搬送体６１，８１を回転させる回転駆動手段のステップ数のカウントを開始する。
【００４６】
また、これよりも若干遅れたときにセンサー８７が突起８５ａを検出することにより、位置ｃで各センサー６７，８６，８７の出力チェックを行い、
また、上述したエッジ信号を用いて位置決めをする位置決め部を設け、方向判断部によって仮り位置決めをした後に、この位置決め部によって正位置決めをしても良い。
【００４７】
例えば、対向関係にあるセンサー６７，８６とが突起６６ａ，８５ａを検出しており（センサー信号はＯＦＦ）このエッジ信号の立ち下がりにズレがあった場合、このズレを誤差量としてその中間で回転搬送体６１，８１の回転を停止（誤差量補正）するように回転搬送体の駆動手段（モータ）を制御する。
【００４８】
一方、回転搬送体６１，８１はブラケット３７，３８にそれぞれ装着されている。このブラケット３７，３８は固定ブラケット３９ａ，３９ｂを介してカバー本体３の側面に固定されていると共に、ブラケット３７，３８に跨って係合する位置決め固定ブラケット３９ｃを介して位置決め状態で固定されている。
【００４９】
従って回転搬送体６１，８１をカバー本体３に固定する際には、その上下方向の基本位置を決めた状態でカバー本体３に装着することができ、この装着後に回転搬送体６１，８１を同期回転させるためのベルトが懸架される。
【００５０】
上記の構成において、カード供給装置５に重畳載置された記録未処理のカードＣは、裁きローラ５６により裁かれつつ供給ローラ５５により１枚ずつゲート隙間５７からカバー本体３内へと導入される。
【００５１】
カバー本体３内へと導入されたカードＣは、図５に示すように、先ず、回転搬送体６１を通過してプリンタユニット７へと搬送し、印画手段７１とプラテンローラ７４とに挟持されたときに画像情報に基づいて昇華型カラーリボン７５により、その表面に文字や図柄或いは所有者写真等の画像が黒やカラーで印刷記録されるもので、単色印刷の場合にはプリンタユニット７を通過する際に印刷処理され（ステップＳ１〜Ｓ３）、多色印刷の場合には印画手段７１を中心に複数回往復動し、その応動時（昇華型カラーリボン７５の搬送方向に同じ）に印刷が施され（ステップＳ４〜Ｓ６）、カードＣが磁気カードの場合には第２搬送路８へと移送され（ステップＳ７〜Ｓ８）、磁気カードでない場合には排出口３４から排出される。
【００５２】
カードＣが磁気カードの場合、プリンタユニット７で画像記録されたカードＣは、第１搬送路６を逆送されて回転搬送体６１から回転搬送体８１へと受け渡される（ステップＳ８）。そして、第２搬送路８上を回転搬送体８１からエンコーダユニット９に送られ、このエンコーダユニット９に内臓の磁気記録ヘッドにより磁気コード化された情報がカードＣの裏面の磁気記録層に記録される（ステップＳ９〜Ｓ１０）。
【００５３】
磁気記録を終了したカードＣは、プリンタユニット７での印刷状態並びにエンコーダユニット９による磁気記録状態がチェックされ（ステップＳ１１）、印刷状態若しくは磁気記録状態に不具合が検出されればリジェクト口３２から排出され、不具合がなければ回転搬送体８１から回転搬送体６１に受け渡されて、第１搬送路６に移行され（ステップＳ１２）、プリンタユニット７を素通り又は裏面への印刷（一般には単色）が行われた後、第１搬送路６の端部に形成した排出口３３から排出される。
【００５４】
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係わる画像形成装置の縦断面図である。
【図２】同じく、カバー本体を開放した状態の画像形成装置の要部の斜視図である。
【図３】同じく、（Ａ）は上段の回転搬送体が水平方向にカードを順搬送する基準位置となる状態の要部の説明図、（Ｂ）は上段の回転搬送体から下段の回転搬送体へカードを渡す状態の要部の説明図、（Ｃ）は上段の回転搬送体が水平方向にカードを逆搬送する状態の要部の説明図、（Ｄ）は下段の回転搬送体から上段の回転搬送体へカードを渡す状態の要部の説明図である。
【図４】同じく、回転搬送体の回転位置検出センサーの検出タイミングを示すタイミング図である。
【図５】同じく、画像形成装置の処理を示すフロー図である。
【符号の説明】
Ｃ…カード
６１…回転搬送体（第１の転回ユニット）
６７…センサー
８１…回転搬送体（第２の転回ユニット）
８６…センサー
８７…センサー[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a card direction changing unit including a turning unit that changes the carrying direction of a card that has been carried in, and detection means having at least one detector that detects the rotational position of the turning unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, for example, an image forming apparatus that prints a pattern or a character on a relatively thick and hard card such as a cash card, an employee card / membership card, or a prepaid card, for printing on both sides of the card and inputting a magnetic code In addition, there are known ones equipped with a turning unit for inverting and turning a card.
[0003]
As the rotation unit used in such an image forming apparatus, for example, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-131930, two upper and lower rotation units are rotated in synchronization with one drive means (pulse motor). It is also known that enables delivery of different transport routes.
[0004]
At this time, the rotating unit located in the upper stage is positioned at three positions at 90 degree intervals similarly to the rotating position detection plate that rotates integrally with the rotating unit and has three notches formed at 90 degree intervals. And a sensor for detecting notches at three locations on the rotational position detection plate in a rotating state, and by recognizing the position of the rotating part of the turning unit by a combination of the presence / absence detection of notches by these three sensors, the turning unit It detects the relative positions of the front and rear transport paths and the state of the front and back of the card.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the above-described turning unit, the rotation position of the upper and lower two-stage turning units is performed by a combination of three sensors provided in the upper-stage turning unit. When an assembling error occurs during assembling, there has been a problem that the upper and lower cards cannot be delivered and the card is jammed.
[0006]
Further, in such a turning unit, when rotating to pass the card from the upper stage to the lower stage and when rotating to pass the card from the lower stage to the upper stage, the card transport mechanism of each turning unit is non-electrically driven. In spite of the driving state, the card transport mechanism sends out the card due to the sliding contact rotation with the support shaft of the turning unit, which may cause the card jam.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a card direction changing unit that can perform good card transfer between turning units while having a simple and inexpensive configuration. .
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a card is transferred between a first turning unit that changes the carrying direction of a card that has been carried in, and the first turning unit. A card turning unit comprising: a second turning unit that changes the driving unit; and one driving unit that drives each turning unit in synchronization.
A first detection means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the first turning unit, and a second detecting means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the second turning unit. And a detection means.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a direction determination unit that determines a rotation position of each of the rotation units based on a detection result of the first detection unit and a detection result of the second detection unit. The gist.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the direction determination unit includes a positioning unit that performs positioning using an edge signal of the first detection unit or the second detection unit, and the temporary determination is performed by the direction determination unit. After that, the gist is to perform the positive positioning by the positioning portion.
[0011]
The gist of the present invention is that a positioning portion for each of the detecting means is provided on a frame for fixing the conveying means for conveying the card.
[0012]
The gist of the invention described in claim 5 is that positioning is performed with reference to the turning unit side of the first detection means and the second detection means that hand the card.
[0013]
The gist of the invention described in claim 6 is that the driving means for synchronously driving the respective rotating units includes a connecting means for synchronously connecting the respective rotating units and one driving actuator.
[0014]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, each of the rotating units includes a rotating unit that synchronously drives the rotating units, a conveying unit that individually conveys a card in each of the rotating units, and the rotating unit. A transport driving unit that individually drives the transport unit independently of the unit; a determination unit that determines an error amount of the transport driving unit generated when the turning unit rotates based on information of the detection unit; The gist of the invention is that it includes a correction unit that drives in a direction to correct the error amount of the transport driving unit based on the determination result of the determination unit.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 8 is the first turning unit for changing the carrying direction of the card that has been carried in, and the second turning for changing the carrying direction of the card by transferring the card between the first turning unit. In a card direction reversing unit comprising a unit and one driving means for driving each of the turning units in synchronization with each other,
A first rotating disk provided in the first turning unit and having detected portions formed at three positions at intervals of 90 degrees; and a first detector for detecting the detected portions of the first rotating disk; A second rotating disk that rotates in synchronization with the second rotating unit and that has three detected portions formed at three intervals at the same 90-degree intervals as the first rotating disk; and A second detector that detects the detected portion and is disposed opposite to the first detector; a third detector that is disposed 90 degrees apart from the second detector; and each of the detections And a direction determining unit that determines the rotational position of each of the rotating units based on a combination of detection results of the detected portion of the device.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that the first and second detectors detect each one of the convex portions of the first and second rotating disks and the third detector. The point is that the reference position of the first and second rotating disks is a state where none of the convex portions of the second rotating disk is detected.
[0017]
The gist of the invention described in claim 10 is that each of the detectors is also used as a positioning reference for each of the rotating disks according to a combination of detection results.
[0018]
The gist of the invention described in claim 11 is that each of the detectors is positioned with the turning unit side of the card passing side as a reference.
[0019]
The invention according to claim 12 is the first turning unit for changing the carrying direction of the card that has been carried in, and the second turning for changing the carrying direction of the card by delivering the card between the first turning unit. A unit, one driving means for driving each turning unit synchronously, a carrying means for carrying a card in each turning unit, and a carrying driving means for driving the carrying means independently of the driving means; In the card direction reversing unit with
Rotating to deliver a card from the first turning unit to the second turning unit and to deliver a card from the second turning unit to the first turning unit. The gist of the present invention is that the conveyance drive means corresponding to the conveyance means of the turning unit on the delivery side is reversely driven by a predetermined amount.
[0020]
The invention described in claim 13 is a first turning unit for changing the carrying direction of the card that has been carried in, and a second turning for changing the carrying direction of the card by handing over the card between the first turning unit. In an image forming apparatus comprising a unit and one driving unit that drives each of the rotating units synchronously,
The first bracket with the first turning unit, the second bracket with the second turning unit, and the brackets are positioned relative to each other when the brackets are attached to the apparatus body. The gist of the invention is that it includes positioning and fixing means for engaging with each bracket.
[0021]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first detecting means comprising one or more detectors for detecting a rotational position of the first turning unit, and a first detecting means for detecting the rotational position of the second turning unit. The gist of the present invention is that it comprises the second detection means comprising the above detector.
[0022]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment of the card direction changing unit of the present invention is applied to a sublimation type full color printer of an image forming apparatus and will be described based on the drawings.
[0023]
In FIG. 1, a sublimation type full-color printer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer 1”) includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2.
[0024]
The housing 2 includes a cover body 3 having an opening 31 on the upper side and a lid body 4 that opens and closes the opening 31 of the cover body 3.
[0025]
On one side wall of the cover main body 3, an image forming apparatus 5 for supplying a plurality of superimposed cards C into the cover main body 3 is mounted on the upper side, and a reject port 32 for the defective card C is provided on the lower side. Is provided. Further, a discharge port 33 for the card C after completion of the printing process is provided on the other side wall of the cover body 3. Further, inside the cover main body 3, a first conveyance path 6 that conveys the card C supplied from the card supply device 5, a printer unit 7 that is located in the middle of the first conveyance path 6, and a first conveyance path A second conveyance path 8 located below 6, and an encoding unit 9 that is provided at the end of the path of the second conveyance path 8 and writes magnetically encoded information on a magnetic recording layer provided on the back surface of the card C; It has.
[0026]
Note that when the post-printing card C has no post-processing, a discharge tray (not shown) is provided below the discharge port 33, and when post-processing is performed on the post-printing card, post-processing is performed. A device (for example, an overcoat fixing device that covers the surface of the card with a coat film such as a hologram coat film) or the like is mounted or installed adjacently.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 4 rotates about a shaft 41 fixed to the cover body 3 as a fulcrum, and engages with a rack 34 provided on the inner upper side of the other side wall of the cover body 3. A gear 43 rotatably attached to the shaft 42 and a latch engaging with a latch shaft 35 fixed to the cover body 3 in order to maintain the open state when the opening 31 is opened by the lid 4. A stopper 44 having a recess 44 a and a tension coil spring 47 having one end engaged with the back surface of the lid 4 and the other end engaged with a pressing member 46 that rotates with the support shaft 45 as a fulcrum.
[0028]
The lid 4 is maintained in the closed state by engaging the hook portion 36a of the locking device 36 provided in the cover body 3 with the shaft 42 when the opening 31 is closed. Further, the shaft 42 is provided with a torque limiter 48 that restricts at least the rotation of the shaft 42 in the opening direction of the lid 4, thereby operating the lock device 35 provided on the cover body 3 to operate the lid. When the closed state of 4 is released, the gear 43 meshes with the rack 34 while rotating slowly, so that the cover body 4 is prevented from being suddenly opened by the urging of the tension coil spring 47.
[0029]
The pressing member 46 is biased by a tension coil spring 47 so as to elastically contact the printing means 71 of the printer unit 7 when the opening 31 is closed by the lid 4, and the printing means 71 is provided at the end thereof. An abutting roller 46a that is elastically contacted is provided on the upper part. The pressing member 46 includes an elliptical roller 73 that rotates about a shaft 72 so as to lift the contact roller 46a upward against the bias of the tension coil spring 47 in conjunction with the supply state of the card C. And an abutting roller 46b that abuts.
[0030]
The card supply device 5 includes mounting tables 51 and 52 positioned on the upstream and downstream sides in the transport direction so that a plurality of cards C are stacked and a pair of left and right regulating tables 53 and 54 that position the left and right edges of the card C. A card roller C in cooperation with the loading roller 52, a delivery roller 55 that contacts the bottom surface on the downstream side in the transport direction of the card C, a substantially half-moon shaped roller 56 that can contact the bottom surface on the upstream side in the transport direction of the card C. A gate 58 that forms a gate gap 57 through which the gate passes, and a gate adjusting means that is provided on the upper surface of one of the regulating bases 54 and that displaces the gate 58 so as to vary the interval of the gate gap 57 according to the thickness of the card C. 59.
[0031]
The first transport path 6 transports the card C between the gate gap 57 and the discharge port 33. The first transport path 6 transports the card C introduced from the gate gap 57 to the downstream side in the transport direction and the second transport path 8. And a plurality of transport roller bodies 62.
[0032]
The rotary conveyance body 61 includes two pairs of conveyance roller bodies 63, a belt 64 that rotates the driving roller 63a of the two pairs of conveyance roller bodies 63 in synchronization, and a tension roller 65 that applies tension to the belt 64. , A rotation plate 66 for detecting the rotation position of the rotary conveyance body 61, and a sensor 67 for detecting one of the plurality of protrusions 66 a provided on the rotation plate 66.
[0033]
Further, the rotary transport body 61 holds the card C by the two transport roller pairs 63 (or in an empty state) when it is rotated 90 degrees and 270 degrees counterclockwise from the illustrated state. The card C can be transferred to and from the second transport path 8, and similarly, the card C can be reversed by rotating 180 degrees from the illustrated state. Then, in the state shown in the figure and the state rotated 180 degrees, the card C introduced from the gate gap 57 can be received and conveyed toward the printer unit 7.
[0034]
Further, the rotary conveyance body 61 is connected to a manual operation knob 68 via an endless belt 69, and the jam of the card C can be released by rotating the manual operation knob 68.
[0035]
The printer unit 7 guides the platen roller 74 positioned below the printing unit 71 on the first conveyance path 6, the ink ribbon cassette 76 around which the sublimation type color ribbon 75 is wound, and the vertical movement of the printing unit 71. Rail 77.
[0036]
The printing means 71 includes a bracket 71a with which the contact roller 46a abuts and a thermal head 71b held by the bracket 71a.
[0037]
The second transport path 8 has a rotary transport body 81 located below the rotary transport body 61. The rotary conveyance body 81 includes two pairs of conveyance roller bodies 82, a belt 83 that rotates the driving roller 82a of the two pairs of conveyance roller bodies 82 in synchronization, and a tension roller 84 that applies tension to the belt 83. , A rotation plate 85 for detecting the rotation position of the rotary conveyance body 81, and sensors 86 and 87 for detecting two of the plurality of protrusions 85 a provided on the rotation plate 85.
[0038]
The rotary conveyance body 81 rotates in the clockwise direction in synchronization with the rotary conveyance body 61, and the card C is held (or in an empty state) by the two conveyance roller pairs 82 in the same manner as the rotation conveyance body 61. The card C can be delivered to the first transport path 6 when it is rotated 90 degrees and 270 degrees clockwise from the state shown in the figure, and similarly when the card C is rotated 180 degrees as shown. C can be conveyed to the encoding unit 9 or the reject port 32.
[0039]
The sensors 67, 86, 87 output the presence / absence detection of the protrusions 66a, 85a to a direction determination unit (not shown). In this direction determination unit, the rotational positions of the rotary transport members 61 and 81 are determined based on the combination of the presence or absence of detection of the sensors 67, 86, and 87.
[0040]
That is, in the state shown in FIG. 1, as shown in FIG. 3A, all of the sensors 67, 86, 87 detect the protrusions 66a, 85a, that is, turn off. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3B, when rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from this state, the sensors 67 and 86 are OFF and the sensor 87 is ON. Further, when rotated further 90 degrees counterclockwise from this state, as shown in FIG. 3C, the sensors 67 and 87 are turned off and the sensor 86 is turned on. Further, when it further rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise from this state, as shown in FIG. 3D, the sensor 67 is turned on and the sensors 86 and 87 are turned off.
[0041]
In each of these states, the sensor 67 and the sensors 86 and 87 perform positioning with reference to the rolling conveyance bodies 61 and 81 that pass the card C, that is, the side that holds the card C.
[0042]
At this time, when the rotary conveyance bodies 61 and 81 are rotated, the belt 83 is rotated when the tension roller 84 is not rotated.
[0043]
If this belt 83 is rotated to drive the card C without driving the drive source, the result is the same as rotating the belt 83 by driving the drive source. The card C is sent out according to the amount of rotation 81. Therefore, the rotational movement amount of the belt 83 corresponding to the rotation angle when the rotary conveyance bodies 61 and 81 rotate is obtained in advance, and the reverse rotation drive of the same amount as the sending amount of the card C corresponding to the rotational movement amount. To the belt 83, the card C can be prevented from being sent out along with the rotation of the rotary conveyance bodies 61 and 81.
[0044]
The direction determining unit detects edge signals from the sensors 67, 86, and 87 as shown in FIG.
[0045]
For example, in the state shown by the position a in FIG. 4, the sensors 67, 86, 87 are not detecting the protrusions 66 a, 85 a due to the rotation of the rotary conveyance bodies 61, 81, that is, the ON state. When the sensor 67 detects the protrusion 66a at the position b, the sensor 66 enters an OFF state, and simultaneously with this detection, counting of the number of steps of the rotation driving means for rotating the rotary conveyance bodies 61 and 81 is started.
[0046]
In addition, when the sensor 87 detects the protrusion 85a when slightly delayed, the output of each sensor 67, 86, 87 is checked at the position c.
In addition, a positioning unit that performs positioning using the above-described edge signal may be provided, and after the temporary positioning is performed by the direction determination unit, the positive positioning may be performed by the positioning unit.
[0047]
For example, when the sensors 67 and 86 in the opposing relationship detect the protrusions 66a and 85a (sensor signal is OFF), if there is a deviation in the fall of the edge signal, this deviation is used as an error amount to rotate in the middle. The driving means (motor) of the rotary conveyance body is controlled so as to stop the rotation of the conveyance bodies 61 and 81 (error amount correction).
[0048]
On the other hand, the rotary conveyance bodies 61 and 81 are attached to the brackets 37 and 38, respectively. The brackets 37 and 38 are fixed to the side surface of the cover main body 3 via fixing brackets 39a and 39b, and are fixed in a positioned state via positioning fixing brackets 39c engaged across the brackets 37 and 38. .
[0049]
Therefore, when the rotary transport bodies 61 and 81 are fixed to the cover main body 3, they can be mounted on the cover main body 3 with their basic positions in the vertical direction determined. After this mounting, the rotary transport bodies 61 and 81 are synchronized. A belt for rotation is suspended.
[0050]
In the above-described configuration, the unrecorded card C superimposed and placed on the card supply device 5 is introduced into the cover body 3 from the gate gap 57 one by one by the supply roller 55 while being cut by the cutting roller 56. .
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 5, the card C introduced into the cover main body 3 first passes through the rotary conveyance body 61 and is conveyed to the printer unit 7, and is sandwiched between the printing means 71 and the platen roller 74. Occasionally, a sublimation color ribbon 75 is used to print and record images such as characters, designs or owner photographs in black or color on the surface based on the image information, and passes through the printer unit 7 in the case of monochromatic printing. When printing is performed (steps S1 to S3), in the case of multicolor printing, the printing unit 71 is reciprocated a plurality of times, and printing is performed at the time of response (same as the transport direction of the sublimation type color ribbon 75). If the card C is a magnetic card, the card C is transferred to the second transport path 8 (steps S7 to S8). If the card C is not a magnetic card, the card C is discharged from the discharge port 34.
[0052]
When the card C is a magnetic card, the card C on which an image has been recorded by the printer unit 7 is sent back from the first transport path 6 and transferred from the rotary transport body 61 to the rotary transport body 81 (step S8). Then, the information is magnetically encoded by the magnetic recording head incorporated in the encoder unit 9 on the magnetic recording layer on the back surface of the card C. (Steps S9 to S10).
[0053]
The card C for which magnetic recording has been completed is checked for the printing state in the printer unit 7 and the magnetic recording state by the encoder unit 9 (step S11). If a defect is detected in the printing state or magnetic recording state, the card C is ejected from the reject port 32. If there is no problem, the rotary transport body 81 is transferred to the rotary transport body 61 and transferred to the first transport path 6 (step S12), and printing (generally monochrome) is performed through the printer unit 7 or on the back surface. After being carried out, it is discharged from a discharge port 33 formed at the end of the first transport path 6.
[0054]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of essential parts of the image forming apparatus in a state where a cover body is opened.
3A is an explanatory diagram of a main part in a state where the upper rotary transport body is a reference position for sequentially transporting cards in the horizontal direction, and FIG. 3B is a lower rotary transport from the upper rotary transport body. Explanatory drawing of the principal part of the state which passes a card | curd to a body, (C) is explanatory drawing of the principal part in the state which reversely conveys a card | curd in the upper stage rotation conveyance body, (D) is an upper stage from a lower rotation conveyance body. It is explanatory drawing of the principal part of the state which passes a card | curd to the rotary conveyance body of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a timing chart similarly showing detection timing of a rotational position detection sensor of the rotary conveyance body.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the image forming apparatus in the same manner.
[Explanation of symbols]
C ... Card 61 ... Rotating carrier (first turning unit)
67 ... Sensor 81 ... Rotating carrier (second turning unit)
86 ... Sensor 87 ... Sensor

Claims

The first turning unit that changes the transport direction of the card that has been carried in, the second turning unit that transfers the card between the first turning unit and changes the transport direction of the card, and the respective turning units are synchronized. In the card direction changing unit provided with one drive means to be driven,
A first detection means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the first turning unit, and a second detecting means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the second turning unit. And a card direction changing unit.

The direction determination part which determines the rotation position of each said rotation unit based on the detection result of the said 1st detection means and the detection result of the said 2nd detection means is provided. Card turning unit.

The direction determination unit includes a positioning unit that performs positioning using an edge signal of the first detection unit or the second detection unit, and performs positive positioning by the positioning unit after performing temporary positioning by the direction determination unit. The card direction changing unit according to claim 2, wherein:

2. The card direction changing unit according to claim 1, wherein a positioning portion for each detecting means is provided on a frame for fixing a conveying means for conveying the card.

2. The card direction changing unit according to claim 1, wherein positioning is performed with reference to a turning unit side of the first detection means and the second detection means that is to pass the card. 3.

2. The card direction changing unit according to claim 1, wherein the driving means for synchronously driving the respective turning units includes a connecting means for synchronously connecting the respective turning units and one driving actuator.

Each of the turning units includes one rotating means for rotating and driving each of the turning units, a conveying means for individually conveying the cards in each of the turning units, and the conveying means independently of the rotating means. Based on the determination result of the determination means, the conveyance drive means to be driven individually, the determination means for determining the error amount of the conveyance drive means generated when the turning unit rotates based on the information of the detection means, card turning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a correcting means for driving in the direction of correcting the error amount of the transport driving means.

The first turning unit that changes the transport direction of the card that has been carried in, the second turning unit that transfers the card between the first turning unit and changes the transport direction of the card, and the respective turning units are synchronized. In the card direction reversing unit provided with one driving means for driving
A first rotating disk provided in the first turning unit and having detected portions formed at three positions at intervals of 90 degrees; and a first detector for detecting the detected portions of the first rotating disk; A second rotating disk that rotates in synchronization with the second rotating unit and that has three detected portions formed at three intervals at the same 90-degree intervals as the first rotating disk; and A second detector that detects the detected portion and is disposed opposite to the first detector; a third detector that is disposed 90 degrees apart from the second detector; and each of the detections A card direction changing unit, comprising: a direction determining unit that determines a rotational position of each of the rotating units based on a combination of detection results of the detected portion of the card.

The first and second detectors detect each one of the convex portions of the first and second rotating disks, and the third detector detects the one of the second rotating disks. 9. The card direction changing unit according to claim 8, wherein a state where none of the convex portions is detected is set as a reference position of the first and second rotating disks.

9. The card direction changing unit according to claim 8, wherein each of the detectors is also used as a positioning reference for each of the rotating disks according to a combination of detection results.

11. The card direction changing unit according to claim 10, wherein each of the detectors performs positioning by using a turning unit side of a card passing side as a reference.

The first turning unit that changes the transport direction of the card that has been carried in, the second turning unit that transfers the card between the first turning unit and changes the transport direction of the card, and the respective turning units are synchronized. A card direction reversing unit comprising: one driving means that is driven; a conveying means that conveys a card in each of the turning units; and a conveying driving means that drives the conveying means independently of the driving means .
Rotating to deliver a card from the first turning unit to the second turning unit and to deliver a card from the second turning unit to the first turning unit. The card direction changing unit is characterized in that the conveying driving means corresponding to the conveying means of the turning unit on the transfer side is reversely driven by a predetermined amount.

The first turning unit that changes the transport direction of the card that has been carried in, the second turning unit that transfers the card between the first turning unit and changes the transport direction of the card, and the respective turning units are synchronized. In an image forming apparatus provided with one driving means to be driven
The first bracket with the first turning unit, the second bracket with the second turning unit, and the brackets are positioned relative to each other when the brackets are attached to the apparatus body. An image forming apparatus comprising positioning fixing means for engaging with each bracket.

A first detection means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the first turning unit, and a second detecting means comprising one or more detectors for detecting the rotational position of the second turning unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a detection unit.

The direction determination part which determines the rotation position of each said rotation unit by the combination of the detection result of the said 1st detection means and the detection result of the said 2nd detection means is provided. Image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus according to claim 13, wherein positioning is performed with reference to a turning unit side of the first detection unit and the second detection unit that transfers the card.