JP7363603B2 - Thermal transfer system and method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to thermal transfer systems and methods.

2. Description of the Related Art Transfer systems that use ink ribbons to print information such as characters and images on transfer objects such as cards are widely used. An ink ribbon has a ribbon (base material layer) extending in a band shape, a sublimable ink layer formed on the ribbon and containing a sublimable dye, etc., and a heat-melting ink layer containing a pigment, etc. . In printing using an ink ribbon, ink is transferred onto an object in a pattern corresponding to a desired image to be printed. In this case, the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred has a pattern corresponding to the printed image, where the ink has been removed due to the transfer to the transfer target. Therefore, it is possible to identify the printed image from the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred. Therefore, when using an ink ribbon to print information that should be kept confidential, such as a face photo or ID information such as an address, on a transferred object, care must be taken when handling the ink ribbon to which ink has been transferred.

In order to deal with such problems, for example, in Patent Document 1, the outermost ink ribbon wound around the winding section is heated by a heating element and bonded to the ink ribbon located inside the outermost ink ribbon. A thermal transfer system has been proposed. According to the thermal transfer system described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to integrate the ink ribbon onto which the ink has been transferred and which has been wound up on the winding unit, and thereby the printed character information can be transferred from the ink ribbon onto which the ink has been transferred. It is possible to prevent leakage of image information.

Patent No. 5521946

By the way, when the winding diameter of the ink ribbon wound up on the winding section changes, the pressing position at which the heating body presses the outermost ink ribbon changes. By appropriately pressing the ink ribbon at a position on the ink ribbon that can disturb the part where the ink has escaped, and by applying sufficient thermal energy from the heating element to the ink ribbon, without depending on such changes in the pressing position, It is necessary to appropriately prevent the leakage of information that should be kept confidential.

The present disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a thermal transfer system and a thermal transfer method that can appropriately prevent leakage of information that should be kept confidential.

The thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure includes:
a sending unit that sends out an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer on the support layer;
Heating the ink ribbon in a first pattern from the support layer side downstream of the delivery section to transfer the ink of the ink layer to the transfer object in the first pattern, and each time a predetermined delivery amount of the ink ribbon is sent out. a first heating element that repeatedly transfers ink in the first pattern;
Downstream of the first heating element, the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred is wound up so that its support layer is located outside the ink layer and temporarily stopped, and the ink ribbon is wound up in an amount corresponding to the predetermined delivery amount. a winding unit that repeats the stop each time the transferred ink ribbon is wound;
Every time the winding unit stops, the ink ribbon wound up by the winding unit and onto which the ink has been transferred is pressed from the support layer side and heated in a second pattern different from the first pattern, and the ink ribbon is heated in a second pattern different from the first pattern. a second heating body that transfers or fuses the transferred ink ribbon support layer to the ink ribbon support layer located inside the second heating body;
The ink moves from the first heating element to the pressing position in accordance with a change in the pressing position of the second heating element due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred and which is wound up by the winding section. An adjusting section that adjusts the length of the transferred ink ribbon.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The adjustment unit adjusts the length of the ink ribbon with the ink transferred from the first heating element to the pressing position so that the second heating element presses the ink missing part of the first pattern at the pressing position. You can adjust it to a suitable length.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The adjustment unit may adjust the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating body to the pressing position to be the same length before and after the changing of the pressing position.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The adjustment section adjusts the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element to the pressing position based on the detection results of the winding diameter, the angular velocity of the winding section, or the number of used transfer objects. You may adjust the length.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The adjustment section is
a first guide roller that guides the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first heating body and upstream of the pressing position;
a second guide roller that guides the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first guide roller and upstream of the pressing position;
a swinging roller that guides the traveling of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first guide roller and upstream of the second guide roller, and swings in response to changes in the winding diameter. You can leave it there.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The swinging roller is
when the winding diameter is a first winding diameter, adjusting the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller to the second guide roller to a first length;
When the winding diameter is a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter, the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller to the second guide roller is determined by the first winding diameter. The second length may be adjusted to be shorter than the length by an integral multiple of the predetermined delivery amount.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The adjustment section is
a displacement roller that comes into contact with the ink ribbon onto which the ink has been transferred and is wound up by the winding section and is displaced in accordance with a change in the winding diameter;
The apparatus may further include a link mechanism connecting the displacement roller and the swinging roller so that the swinging roller swings in accordance with the displacement of the displacement roller.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The second heating body does not need to press the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred, when the winding section is winding up the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred.

In the thermal transfer system according to the present disclosure,
The temperature of the second heating body may increase when the winding section is stopped.

The thermal transfer method according to the present disclosure includes:
feeding an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer on the support layer;
A first heating element heats the fed-out ink ribbon from the support layer side in a first pattern, and transfers the ink of the ink layer to the transfer target in the first pattern, so that a predetermined feed amount of the ink ribbon is heated. repeating the ink transfer in the first pattern each time the ink is sent out;
Winding up the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred by a winding unit so that its support layer is located outside the ink layer, and temporarily stopping the winding unit;
repeating stopping of the winding unit each time the ink ribbon with the ink transfer completed is wound up in a winding amount corresponding to the predetermined feeding amount;
Every time the winding unit stops, a second heating body presses the ink ribbon, which has been rolled up by the winding unit and has been transferred with the ink, from the support layer side to form a second pattern different from the first pattern. heating to transfer or weld the ink ribbon support layer to which the ink has been transferred to the ink ribbon support layer located inside the ink ribbon support layer;
The adjusting unit adjusts the pressing position from the first heating body to the pressing position according to a change in the pressing position of the second heating body due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred and which has been wound up by the winding unit. adjusting the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred.

In the thermal transfer method according to the present disclosure,
The first pattern may be a pattern corresponding to a human face image.

According to the present disclosure, leakage of information that should be kept confidential can be appropriately prevented.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an ink ribbon in the thermal transfer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line IIB of the ink ribbon in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a winding section in the thermal transfer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a transfer target to which ink has been transferred. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an ink ribbon to which ink has been transferred in a first pattern. FIG. 4B is an IVC-IVC sectional view of the ink ribbon in FIG. 4B. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing welding of the support layer in the second pattern in the operation example of the thermal transfer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating changes in the pressing position of the second heating body as the winding diameter changes in the winding section in the operation example of the thermal transfer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is small and a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is large in an operation example of a thermal transfer system according to a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is small and a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is large in an operation example of the thermal transfer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer system according to a third embodiment.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall structure of the thermal transfer system 10 will be described.

The thermal transfer system 10 shown in FIG. 1 uses an ink ribbon 13 having a support layer 11 and an ink layer 12 on one surface of the support layer 11 to transfer ink to a transfer target 14 in a desired pattern. The ink ribbon 13 used in the thermal transfer system 10 is a thermal sublimation type ink ribbon 13 having sublimable dye ink.

(ink ribbon 13)
Here, before specifically explaining the configuration of the thermal transfer system 10, an example of the configuration of the ink ribbon 13 will be described. FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the ink ribbon 13 in the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line IIB-IIB of the ink ribbon 13 in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the ink ribbon 13 includes a support layer 11 made of a substantially transparent material, and an ink layer 12, that is, a dye layer, provided on the support layer 11. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ink layer 12 includes sublimable ink layers 31, 32, 33 of multiple colors arranged periodically on the support layer 11 along the longitudinal direction, and sublimable ink layers 31, 32, 33 of each sublimable color. The detection mark 34 is provided between the ink layers 31, 32, and 33.

As the support layer 11, various resin films having heat resistance and strength capable of withstanding thermal transfer can be used. As a specific material for the support layer 11, for example, the material for the base layer described in Japanese Patent No. 6443600 can be suitably used.

The sublimable ink layers 31, 32, and 33 of multiple colors include a Y sublimable ink layer 31 containing a yellow Y sublimable ink 31a, an M sublimable ink layer 32 containing a magenta M sublimable ink 32a, and a cyan sublimable ink layer 32. The C sublimable ink layer 33 includes a C sublimable ink 33a. By using these three types of sublimable inks 31a, 32a, and 33a, it is possible to print a color image on a transfer target. Note that the above-mentioned "longitudinal direction" refers to the direction in which the band-shaped ink ribbon 13 extends. Moreover, the types of sublimable inks used are not limited to three types, and only one type, only two types, or four or more types of sublimable inks may be used. Note that "sublimable ink" refers to ink that has the property of being sublimated by heat from the head heating element. In the case of sublimable ink, the sublimable ink becomes a gas and is received by the ink-receiving layer of the transfer target, thereby fixing the sublimation ink onto the transfer target.

The ink layer 12 is a layer in which a heat-transferable dye is supported by an arbitrary binder. As the ink for the ink layer 12, various sublimable dye inks that undergo sublimation transfer by heat can be used. Heat-melting inks are suitable for printing, while heat-sublimable inks are suitable for printing. As a specific material for the ink layer 12, for example, the material described in Japanese Patent No. 6443600 can be suitably used. Further, the ink ribbon 13 may further include a back layer described in Japanese Patent No. 6443600.

The ink layer 12 is prepared, for example, by adding ink and a binder to an appropriate solvent, and optionally additives such as a silane coupling agent, dissolving or dispersing each component, and preparing a coating liquid. It may be formed by applying this coating liquid onto the support layer 11 and drying it. The method for applying the coating liquid may be a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, a reverse roll coating method using a gravure plate, or the like.

The detection mark 34 is a mark provided at the boundary between the sublimable ink layers 31, 32, 33 of each color, and detects the positional relationship between the ink ribbon 13 and a first heating element, which will be described later, and the sublimable ink layers 31, 32. , 33 is a mark provided to identify the colors. This detection mark 34 has different characteristics (length, thickness, pattern, etc.) depending on the position where it is provided. Therefore, when the first heating body (described later) transfers sublimable ink of a predetermined color to the transfer target, the first heating body contains sublimable ink of a predetermined color based on information obtained from the detection mark 34. The sublimable ink layer can be heated. Note that if a means for identifying the color of the sublimable ink layers 31, 32, 33 other than the detection mark 34, such as a color sensor, is used, the detection mark 34 may be omitted.

(Thermal transfer system 10)
Next, a specific configuration of the thermal transfer system 10 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal transfer system 10 includes, in order from the upstream side in the feeding direction of the ink ribbon 13, a feeding section 16, a plurality of feeding side guide rollers 15, a first transfer device 18, an adjustment section 19, It has a winding section 20 and a second transfer device 21. The first transfer device 18 includes a first heating body 22 and a platen roller 23. The adjustment section 19 includes a first guide roller 191 , a second guide roller 192 , a swinging roller 193 , and a winding diameter detection section 195 . The second transfer device 21 includes a second heating body 211 . The thermal transfer system 10 also includes a control section 24 .

(Sending unit 16)
The delivery unit 16 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R1 in FIG. ₁ , and delivers the ink ribbon 13 having the support layer 11 and the ink layer 12 on the support layer 11 to the downstream side.

The plurality of delivery-side guide rollers 15 are arranged at intervals in the transport direction of the ink ribbon 13. Each delivery-side guide roller 15 guides the conveyance of the ink ribbon 13 delivered from the delivery unit 16 to the downstream side.

(First heating body 22)
The first heating body 22 heats the ink ribbon 13 in a first pattern from the support layer 11 side downstream of the delivery section 16. Thereby, the first heating body 22 transfers the ink of the ink layer 12 onto the transfer target 14 in the first pattern. Further, the first heating body 22 repeats the transfer of ink in the first pattern onto the transfer target 14 every time a predetermined amount of the ink ribbon 13 is sent out from the delivery unit 16 . The predetermined feeding amount is, for example, a constant feeding amount corresponding to the distance between adjacent detection marks 34 . Note that FIG. 4B, which will be described later, shows a transfer pitch P of a pattern corresponding to the face image 14a as a specific example of the predetermined feed amount.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first heating body 22 is provided downstream of the delivery-side guide roller 15 so as to face the platen roller 23 with the ink ribbon 13 interposed therebetween. The platen roller 23 faces the ink ribbon 13 on the ink layer 12 side. The platen roller 23 supports the transfer target 14 conveyed between the ink layer 12 and the platen roller 23 . The first heating body 22 faces the ink ribbon 13 on the support layer 11 side. The first heating body 22 heats the ink ribbon 13 from the support layer 11 side. The first heating body 22 is, for example, a thermal head having a heating element that generates heat when energized. By heating the ink ribbon 13, the first heating body 22 transfers the sublimable dye ink of the ink layer 12 to the transfer target 14 in a first pattern, and expresses color gradation by changing the amount of transferred sublimable dye. Realize. The first pattern is, for example, an image pattern showing the face of a person to be transferred to an identification card, such as a photo of a driver's license, employee ID, or passport, that is, an ID card. Further, the transfer object 14 has a function of receiving sublimable dye ink.

By transferring the ink in the first pattern, a portion where the ink of the first pattern is missing is generated on the ink ribbon 13. A specific example of the ink missing portion of the first pattern will be explained in the operation example described later.

(Take-up section 20)
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the winding section 20 in the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment. The winding section 20 is, for example, a roll-shaped core body. The winding unit 20 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow R2 in FIGS. 1 and ₃ by power from a drive source (not shown) such as a motor. By rotating, the winding unit 20 winds up the ink ribbon 13, which has been transferred from the upstream side of the winding unit 20, and the ink ribbon 13 has been transferred so that the ink layer 12 thereof is positioned inside. That is, the winding unit 20 winds up the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first heating element 22 so that the support layer 11 is located outside the ink layer 12 . In the process of winding up the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred, the winding section 20 temporarily stops rotating. Specifically, the winding unit 20 temporarily rotates each time it winds up the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred by the winding amount corresponding to the predetermined feeding amount described above from the temporary stop of the previous rotation. repeat. Such a temporary stoppage of the rotation of the winding unit 20 is canceled each time the welding of the support layer 11 in the second pattern in each stop period is completed.

(Second heating body 211)
Every time the winding unit 20 stops, the second heating body 211 presses the ink ribbon 13 wound up by the winding unit 20 and onto which the ink has been transferred from the support layer 11 side to create a second pattern different from the first pattern. Heat it up. Thereby, the second heating body 211 welds the support layer 11 of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred to the support layer 11 of the ink ribbon located inside it in a second pattern. The second heating body 211 may transfer the support layer 11 of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred onto the support layer 11 of the ink ribbon located inside thereof in a second pattern.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second heating body 211 is arranged near the top of the winding section 20. The second heating body 211 rotates in the direction shown by arrow _R3 in FIG. 3, that is, in the direction toward or away from the winding section 20, by the power of a drive source (not shown) such as a motor. The second heating body 211 rotates in a direction approaching the winding unit 20 when the winding unit 20 is stopped, so that the second heating body 211 rotates at the outermost periphery of the ink ribbon 13 that is wound around the winding unit 20 and has been transferred with ink. The outer ink ribbon 13A located at is pressed from the support layer 11 side and heated. The second heating body 211 welds the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B that is adjacent to the outer ink ribbon 13A on the inside of the ink ribbon 13 wound up by the winding section 20. The outer ink ribbon 13A is heated at an exothermic temperature of about The second heating body 211 is, for example, a thermal head having a heating element that generates heat when energized. The second heating element 211 may be a heating element other than a thermal bed.

By heating the outer ink ribbon 13A, the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is welded or adhered to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B. The second heating body 211 heats the outer ink ribbon 13A in the second pattern, so that the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is welded to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B in the second pattern.

By welding the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B with a second pattern different from the first pattern, the ink dropout portion of the first pattern is disturbed or destroyed in the outer ink ribbon 13A. A second pattern of welded parts can be formed. Since the ink missing portion of the first pattern can be disturbed, personal information such as a face image shown in the first pattern can be prevented from leaking.

In the winding section 20, as the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred is wound up, the outer diameter of the roll body made up of the wound ink ribbon 13, that is, the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 increases. . In accordance with such an increase in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13, the pressing position at which the second heating body 211 presses the outer ink ribbon 13A changes upward.

(Adjustment section 19)
The adjustment unit 19 adjusts the pressure from the first heating body 22 to the second heating body 211 according to a change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211 due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred and which has been wound up by the winding unit 20. The length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred up to the pressing position of the heating body 211 is adjusted. More specifically, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position, so that the second heating element 211 presses the missing ink portion of the first pattern at the pressing position. Adjust it to the desired length. More specifically, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position to be the same length before and after the changing of the pressing position.

The first guide roller 191 of the adjustment section 19 is rotatably arranged downstream of the first heating element 22 and upstream of the pressing position of the second heating element 211. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first guide roller 191 is arranged at approximately the same height as the first heating body 22. In the example shown in FIG. The first guide roller 191 guides the running or conveyance of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred downstream of the first heating element 22 and upstream of the pressing position of the second heating element 211 .

The second guide roller 192 is rotatably arranged downstream of the first guide roller 191 and upstream of the pressing position of the second heating body 211 . In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second guide roller 192 is arranged above the first guide roller 191. The second guide roller 192 guides the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred downstream of the first guide roller 191 and upstream of the pressing position of the second heating body 211 .

The swing roller 193 is disposed downstream of the first guide roller 191 and upstream of the second guide roller 192 so as to be rotatable and swingable. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the swinging roller 193 is arranged above the first guide roller 191 and below the second guide roller 192. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the swing roller 193 moves in the direction shown by arrow _D1 in FIG. It swings in the direction of pushing in or in the direction of releasing the pushing. The swinging of the swinging roller 193 can be realized by, for example, a drive source (not shown) such as a motor, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the drive source such as a gear, a lever, a cam, etc. to the swinging roller 193.

The swinging roller 193 guides the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred downstream from the first guide roller 191 and upstream from the second guide roller 192 . Further, the swinging roller 193 swings in response to changes in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred in the winding section 20 . By oscillating the oscillating roller 193 according to the change in the winding diameter, the adjusting section 19 adjusts the length of the ink ribbon 13 from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position to which the ink ribbon 13 has been transferred, from the second heating element 211 to the pressing position. is adjusted to a length that presses the ink missing portion of the first pattern at the pressing position and is the same length as the length before the winding diameter was changed. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position based on the detection result of the winding diameter by the winding diameter detection unit 195. . For example, when the winding diameter is the first winding diameter, the swinging roller 193 converts the length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192 into the first length. and when the winding diameter is the second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter, the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192 is adjusted to the second winding diameter. The second length may be adjusted to be shorter than the first length by an integral multiple of the predetermined delivery amount described above.

Note that the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the position from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position of the second heating element 211 based on detection results other than the detection result of the winding diameter, such as the angular velocity of the winding unit 20 and the number of sheets to be transferred 14 used. The length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred may be adjusted.

(Control unit 24)
The control section 24 controls the first heating body 22 , the second heating body 211 , the winding section 20 , and the adjustment section 19 . For example, the control unit 24 outputs a control signal to a drive unit that drives each of the first heating body 22, the second heating body 211, the winding unit 20, and the adjustment unit 19, so that the first heating body 21 , controls the driving of the second heating body 211, the winding section 20, and the adjusting section 19.

Specifically, the control unit 24 heats the ink ribbon 13 in a first pattern from the support layer 11 side, transfers the ink of the ink layer 12 to the transfer target 14 in the first pattern, and sends out a predetermined amount of the ink ribbon. The first heating element 22 is controlled so that the ink transfer in the first pattern is repeated every time the ink 13 is sent out.

In addition, the control unit 24 temporarily stops the winding of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred, and the ink to which the ink has been transferred is removed by a winding amount corresponding to a predetermined feeding amount from the previous temporary stop. The winding section 20 is controlled so as to repeat a temporary stop every time the ribbon 13 is wound up.

Further, each time the winding unit 20 stops, the control unit 24 presses the outer ink ribbon 13A from the support layer 11 side and heats the outer ink ribbon 13A in a second pattern different from the first pattern. The second heating body 211 is controlled so as to weld the inner ink ribbon 13B to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B. In order to weld the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B, the control unit 24 causes the second heating element 211 to generate heat at a temperature that is a predetermined times greater than 1 as compared to the first heating element 22. The heat generation temperature of the heating bodies 21 and 22 is controlled so as to As the exothermic temperature to be controlled, for example, a suitable exothermic temperature may be set based on the results of experiments conducted in advance. The control unit 24 may also control the second heating body 211 so as not to press the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred, when the winding unit 20 is winding up the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred, that is, during rotation. good. In this case, when the winding section 20 rotates, the second heating body 211 is positioned apart from the outer ink ribbon 13A. Further, the control unit 24 may control the second heating body 211 so that the temperature rises to a predetermined temperature when the winding unit 20 stops, and reaches an arbitrary temperature when the winding unit 20 rotates.

Further, the control unit 24 controls the pressure from the first heating body 22 in response to a change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211 due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 that has been wound up by the winding unit 20 and has undergone ink transfer. The adjustment unit 19 is controlled to adjust the length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred up to the pressing position of the second heating body 211.

(Operation example)
Next, an example of the operation of the thermal transfer system 10 configured as described above will be described. First, a conveyance device (not shown) for the transferred object 14 transports the transferred object 14 between the first heating body 22 and the platen roller 23 . On the other hand, the delivery section 16 rotates in the _R1 direction in FIG. 1 to send out the ink ribbon 13 downstream, and the winding section 20 rotates in the _R2 direction in FIG. 1 to wind up the ink ribbon 13. . The ink ribbon 13 sent out from the delivery section 16 passes through a plurality of delivery-side guide rollers 15 and reaches between the first heating body 22 and the platen roller 23 .

The first heating body 22 presses the ink ribbon 13 that has arrived between the first heating body 22 and the platen roller 23 against the transfer target 14 on the platen roller 23 . At this time, the control unit 24 controls the first heating body 22 to generate heat according to the first pattern, so that the first heating body 22 transfers some of the ink from the ink layer 12 of the ink ribbon 13 to the first heating body 22. It is transferred onto the transfer target 14 according to the pattern.

FIG. 4A is a plan view showing the transfer target 14 to which ink has been transferred. FIG. 4B is a plan view showing the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred in the first pattern. FIG. 4C is an IVC-IVC cross-sectional view of the ink ribbon of FIG. 4B.

To explain a specific example of ink transfer in the first pattern, first, a detection unit (not shown) included in the thermal transfer system 10 detects that the Y sublimable ink layer 31 is between the first heating element 22 and the platen roller 23. A detection mark 34 indicating that the vehicle has arrived is detected. When the arrival of the Y sublimable ink layer 31 is detected, under the control of the control unit 24, the first heating body 22 moves the Y sublimable ink layer 31 to the human face shown in FIG. 4A, which is an example of the first pattern. It is pressed against the transfer target 14 while being heated in a pattern corresponding to the image 14a. As a result, the Y sublimable ink 31a of the Y sublimable ink layer 31 of the ink ribbon 13 is transferred onto the transfer target 14.

After the Y sublimable ink 31a is transferred onto the transfer target 14, the transfer target 14 to which the Y sublimable ink 31a is transferred is moved upstream to a position between the first heating element 22 and the platen roller 23. be returned. The ink ribbon 13 is conveyed further downstream by the delivery section 16 and the winding section 20. Then, when the detection mark 34 indicating that the M sublimable ink layer 32 has arrived between the first heating body 22 and the platen roller 23 is detected by the detection unit, the control unit 24 controls the first heating body. 22 presses the M sublimable ink layer 32 against the transfer target 14 while heating it in a pattern corresponding to the human face image 14a. As a result, the M sublimable ink 32a of the M sublimable ink layer 32 of the ink ribbon 13 is transferred onto the transfer target 14. That is, as an example of the ink ribbon 13 having a predetermined feed amount, the ink ribbon 13 corresponding to the face image 14a is fed out at a constant transfer pitch P shown in FIG. 4B, which corresponds to the interval between adjacent detection marks 34. The transfer of ink in a pattern is repeated.

After the M sublimable ink 32a is transferred onto the transfer target 14, the transfer target 14 to which the Y sublimable ink 31a and the M sublimable ink 32a are transferred is placed between the first heating body 22 and the platen roller 23. is returned upstream to the position. The ink ribbon 13 is conveyed further downstream by the delivery section 16 and the winding section 20. When the detection mark 34 indicating that the C sublimable ink layer 33 has arrived between the first heating element 22 and the platen roller 23 is detected by the detection unit, the control unit 24 controls the first heating element 22 presses the C sublimable ink layer 33 against the transfer target 14 while heating it in a pattern corresponding to the human face image 14a. As a result, the C sublimable ink 33a of the C sublimable ink layer 33 of the ink ribbon 13 is transferred onto the transfer target 14. That is, each time the ink ribbon 13 with the transfer pitch P is fed out, ink transfer in a pattern corresponding to the face image 14a is repeated.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 4A, a face image 14a made of each sublimable ink 31a, 32a, and 33a is formed on the transfer target 14. At this time, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, each sublimable ink layer 31, 32, 33 of the ink ribbon 13 to which the sublimable ink has been transferred has a sublimable Sublimable ink discharged portions 31b, 32b, and 33b are formed from which the inks 31a, 32a, and 33a have been discharged.

FIG. 5A is a plan view showing welding of the support layer 11 in the second pattern in an example of operation of the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing welding of the support layer 11 in the second pattern in an example of operation of the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment.

The ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred in the first pattern is conveyed to the downstream side of the first heating element 22 and sequentially passes through the first guide roller 191, swing roller 193, and second guide roller 192 of the adjustment section 19. and is wound up by the winding section 20. In the winding section 20, the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred is wound around the outer periphery of the winding section 20 such that the ink layer 12 is located on the inside and the support layer 11 is located on the outside. By winding the ink ribbon 13 in this way, the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A faces the second heating body 211, and the ink layer of the outer ink ribbon 13A faces the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B. 12 makes contact.

At this time, the detection mark 34 on the outer ink ribbon 13A is detected by a detection means (not shown) provided near the upstream side of the second heating body 211. When the detection mark 34 on the outer ink ribbon 13A is detected, the control unit 24 causes the sublimable ink missing portions 31b, 32b, 33b of the sublimable ink layers 31, 32, 33 to reach the pressed position by the second heating body 211. It is determined that the rotation of the winding unit 20 is temporarily stopped. Then, in a state where the winding unit 20 stops rotating, the second heating body 211 moves to the pressing position of the outer ink ribbon 13A under the control of the control unit 24, and presses the sublimable ink layers 31, 32 from the support layer 11 side. , 33. While pressing the sublimable ink layers 31, 32, and 33, the second heating element 211 generates a bar-shaped disturbance pattern 35, as an example of the second pattern, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, which is different from the pattern corresponding to the face image 14a. The outer ink ribbon 13A is heated. Note that the form of the disturbance pattern 35 is not limited to the form shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The second heating body 211 heats the outer ink ribbon 13A in the disturbance pattern 35, so that the support layer 11 of the outer ink ribbon 13A is welded to the support layer 11 of the inner ink ribbon 13B in the disturbance pattern 35. After welding the support layer 11 using the disturbance pattern 35, the control section 24 releases the stoppage of rotation of the winding section 20 and restarts the rotation of the winding section 20. Thereafter, when a new detection mark 34 is detected, the control unit 24 stops the winding unit 20 again, and repeats welding of the support layer 11 in the disturbance pattern 35 by the second heating element 211.

In this way, the winding unit 20 uses the ink that has been transferred at the transfer pitch P of the disturbance pattern 35 in FIG. Each time the ribbon 13 is wound up, the temporary stop is repeated. Further, the second heating body 211 presses the outer ink ribbon 13A from the support layer 11 side to heat the outer ink ribbon 13A in the disturbance pattern 35 every time the winding unit 20 stops, and heats the outer ink ribbon 13A with the inner ink. A disturbance pattern 35 is welded to the support layer 11 of the ribbon 13B.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211 as the winding diameter in the winding section 20 changes in an example of the operation of the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is small and a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is large, in an operation example of the thermal transfer system 10 according to a comparative example. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is small and a pressing position and welding pattern when the winding diameter is large, in an operation example of the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressing position of the second heating body 211 against the outer ink ribbon 13A changes depending on the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred in the winding section 20. In the example shown in FIG. 6, as the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred increases, the pressing position of the second heating element 211 changes upward, and the length from the roller shaft 15 to the heating element 211 increases. do. Here, if the swinging roller 193 is not provided as shown in FIG. 7, for example, at the pressing position P1 when the winding diameter is small, the second heating element 211 covers the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. Although it can be pressed, at the pressing position P2 when the winding diameter is large, the second heating body 211 cannot press the sublimable ink missing parts 31b, 32b, and 33b, and is at a position deviated from the sublimable ink missing parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. There is a risk of being pressed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, at the pressing position P1 when the winding diameter is small, the second heating element 211 can weld the support layer 11 with a disturbance pattern 35P1 that disturbs the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. However, at the pressing position P2 when the winding diameter is large, the support layer is arranged so that the disturbance pattern 35P2 shifts from the sublimable ink missing parts 31b, 32b, and 33b, thereby disturbing the sublimable ink missing parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. 11 cannot be welded.

On the other hand, in the thermal transfer system 10 according to the first embodiment, regardless of the change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211 according to the change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred in the winding section 20, The second heating element 211 operates to weld the support layer 11 in a disturbance pattern 35 that disturbs the sublimable ink omission portions 31b, 32b, and 33b.

Specifically, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the ink transfer from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position in accordance with a change in the pressing position of the second heating element 211 due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred. The length of the finished ink ribbon 13 is adjusted to such a length that the second heating body 211 presses the sublimable ink removal portions 31b, 32b, and 33b at the pressing position. The adjustment unit 19 may adjust the length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position of the second heating element 211 to the same length before and after the pressing position changes. . In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position of the second heating element 211 based on the detection result of the winding diameter by the winding diameter detection unit 195. Adjust the length of 13.

For example, when the winding diameter is the first winding diameter, the swinging roller 193 is located on the right side with respect to the first guide roller 191 and the second guide roller 192, as shown by the solid line in FIG. By pushing the ink ribbon 13 to the right between the first guide roller 191 and the second guide roller 192, the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192. The length of the ink ribbon 13 is adjusted to the first length. On the other hand, when the swinging roller 193 has a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter, the swinging roller 193 swings to the left as shown by the broken line in FIG. By releasing the pushing of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred between the first guide roller 191 and the second guide roller 192, the length of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192 is reduced to the second guide roller 192. The second length is adjusted to be shorter than the first length by an integral multiple of the predetermined feed amount described above. As a result, the second heating body 211 can press the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b at the pressing position P1 when the winding diameter is small, and also at the pressing position P2 when the winding diameter is large. The second heating body 211 can press the sublimable ink removal portions 31b, 32b, and 33b.

As a result, the second heating element 211 always covers the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b, regardless of the change in the pressing position of the second heating element 211 according to the change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred. The supporting layer 11 can be welded by the disturbing pattern 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, at the pressing position P1 when the winding diameter is small, the second heating body 211 welds the support layer 11 in a disturbance pattern 35P1 that disturbs the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. Furthermore, even at the pressing position P2 when the winding diameter is large, the support layer 11 can be welded with the disturbance pattern 35P2 in which the second heating element 211 disturbs the sublimable ink omission parts 31b, 32b, and 33b. .

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the adjustment unit 19 applies pressure to the second heating body 211 in response to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 that has been wound up by the winding unit 20 and has been transferred with ink. Depending on the change in position, the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position is adjusted so that the second heating element 211 presses the ink missing part of the first pattern at the pressing position. Adjust to As a result, regardless of the change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211 due to the change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred, the outer ink ribbon 13A is moved to the inner ink at the position corresponding to the ink dropout part of the first pattern. It can be welded to the ribbon 13B in a second pattern. Thereby, it is possible to appropriately disturb the ink missing portion of the first pattern and appropriately prevent leakage of information that should be kept secret.

Further, according to the first embodiment, by heating the outer ink ribbon 13A with the second heating body 211 when the winding unit 20 is stopped, sufficiently large thermal energy can be applied to the outer ink ribbon 13A. Therefore, the outer ink ribbon 13A can be more appropriately welded to the inner ink ribbon 13B.

Further, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the second heating element 211 to the same length before and after the change in the pressing position of the second heating element 211. In this case, it is possible to more reliably weld the outer ink ribbon 13A to the inner ink ribbon 13B in the second pattern at the position corresponding to the ink dropout part of the first pattern regardless of the change in the pressing position of the second heating body 211. can.

In addition, based on the detection results of the winding diameter, the angular velocity of the winding section 20, or the number of used transfer objects 14, the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred is moved from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position of the second heating element 211. By adjusting the length of the outer ink ribbon 13A, the outer ink ribbon 13A can be welded to the inner ink ribbon 13B by a simple method so as to appropriately disturb the ink missing portion of the first pattern.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the adjustment section 19 can be easily configured by the first guide roller 191, the second guide roller 192, and the swing roller 193.

Further, when the winding diameter is the first winding diameter, the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192 is adjusted to the first length, and the winding diameter is adjusted to the first length. is a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter, the length of the ink ribbon 13 on which ink has been transferred from the first guide roller 191 to the second guide roller 192 is set to a predetermined length less than the first length. By adjusting the second length to be an integral multiple of the feeding amount, it is possible to weld the outer ink ribbon 13A to the inner ink ribbon 13B by a simple method so as to appropriately disturb the ink missing portion of the first pattern. can.

Furthermore, by configuring the second heating body 211 not to press the outer ink ribbon 13A during the winding operation of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred by the winding unit 20, the second heating body 211 can move the outer ink ribbon 13A. It is possible to prevent the ink ribbon 13 from becoming loose due to a delay in winding caused by winding the ink ribbon 13 while pressing. By preventing the ink ribbon 13 from loosening, it is possible to prevent the ink ribbon 13 from being streaked or torn due to impact being applied to the ink ribbon 13 due to the reaction when the slack is removed.

Furthermore, by configuring the second heating body 211 to generate less heat during the winding operation of the ink ribbon 13 to which the ink has been transferred by the winding unit 20 than when the winding unit 20 is stopped, the second heating body The power consumption required for heat generation of 211 can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer system 10 according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the adjustment section 19 is different from the first embodiment. Specifically, the adjustment unit 19 further includes a displacement roller 194 and a link mechanism 196 in addition to a first guide roller 191, a second guide roller 192, and a swing roller 193.

The displacement roller 194 contacts the outer ink ribbon 13A at a position where it does not interfere with the second heating body 211, and is displaced according to a change in the winding diameter. The link mechanism 196 connects the displacement roller 194 and the swinging roller 193 so that the swinging roller 193 swings in accordance with the displacement of the displacement roller 194. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the link mechanism 196 is disposed outside the ink ribbon 13 in the ribbon width direction so as not to interfere with the ink ribbon 13, and rotatably supports the displacement roller 194 at one end in the longitudinal direction. , a swinging roller 193 is rotatably supported at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Further, the link mechanism 196 is rotatable between one end in the longitudinal direction and the other end in the longitudinal direction as a fulcrum, and is rotated in the direction in which the displacement roller 194 presses against the outer ink ribbon 13A by an elastic member such as a coil spring. Thus, the swinging roller 193 is given an elastic force in the direction of pushing the ink ribbon 13. However, the link mechanism 196 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. It goes without saying that even if the stop position is not accurate, the desired effect can be obtained as long as it falls within a certain range, and the link mechanism may have a simple structure.

According to the second embodiment, the operation of the swinging roller 193 according to the winding diameter can be mechanically controlled without using a sensor, so power consumption can be further reduced.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a thermal transfer system 10 according to a third embodiment. So far, an example has been described in which the ink ribbon 13 has sublimable ink layers 31, 32, and 33 of a plurality of colors arranged periodically on the support layer 11. The present disclosure is not limited to a configuration in which a color image is transferred using an ink ribbon 13 having ink layers 31, 32, and 33 of multiple colors, but as shown in FIG. It can also be applied to a configuration in which a color image is transferred using a plurality of ink ribbons 13Y, 13M, and 13C.

In the configuration of FIG. 10, thermal transfer systems 10 corresponding to each of the ink ribbons 13Y, 13M, and 13C are arranged along the conveyance direction of the transfer target 14. In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, for each thermal transfer system 10 corresponding to each of the ink ribbons 13Y, 13M, and 13C, the adjustment unit 19 adjusts the winding of the ink ribbon 13 onto which the ink has been transferred and which has been wound up by the winding unit 20. In response to a change in the pressing position of the second heating element 211 due to a change in diameter, the second heating element 211 changes the length of the ink ribbon 13 to which ink has been transferred from the first heating element 22 to the pressing position. Adjust the length to press the ink missing part of one pattern.

Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the present disclosure, as well as within the scope of the present disclosure as described in the claims and its equivalents.

10 thermal transfer system, 11 support layer, 12 ink layer, 13 ink ribbon, 14 transfer target, 16 delivery section, 19 adjustment section, 22 first heating body, 20 winding section, 21 second heating body

Claims (11)

a sending unit that sends out an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer on the support layer;
Heating the ink ribbon in a first pattern from the support layer side downstream of the delivery section to transfer the ink of the ink layer to the transfer object in the first pattern, and each time a predetermined delivery amount of the ink ribbon is sent out. a first heating element that repeatedly transfers ink in the first pattern;
Downstream of the first heating element, the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred is wound up so that its support layer is located outside the ink layer and temporarily stopped, and the ink ribbon is wound up in an amount corresponding to the predetermined delivery amount. a winding unit that repeats the stop each time the transferred ink ribbon is wound;
Every time the winding unit stops, the ink ribbon wound up by the winding unit and onto which the ink has been transferred is pressed from the support layer side and heated in a second pattern different from the first pattern, and the ink ribbon is heated in a second pattern different from the first pattern. a second heating body that transfers or fuses the transferred ink ribbon support layer to the ink ribbon support layer located inside the second heating body;
The ink moves from the first heating element to the pressing position in accordance with a change in the pressing position of the second heating element due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred and which is wound up by the winding section. A thermal transfer system comprising: an adjustment section that adjusts the length of a transferred ink ribbon; The adjustment unit adjusts the length of the ink ribbon with the ink transferred from the first heating element to the pressing position so that the second heating element presses the ink missing part of the first pattern at the pressing position. The thermal transfer system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal transfer system is adjusted to a suitable length. 3. The adjusting unit adjusts the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating body to the pressing position to be the same length before and after the changing of the pressing position. Thermal transfer system described. The adjustment section adjusts the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first heating element to the pressing position based on the detection results of the winding diameter, the angular velocity of the winding section, or the number of used transfer objects. The thermal transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length is adjusted. The adjustment section is
a first guide roller that guides the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first heating body and upstream of the pressing position;
a second guide roller that guides the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first guide roller and upstream of the pressing position;
an oscillating roller that guides the running of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred downstream of the first guide roller and upstream of the second guide roller, and that oscillates in response to changes in the winding diameter; The thermal transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The swinging roller is
when the winding diameter is a first winding diameter, adjusting the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller to the second guide roller to a first length;
When the winding diameter is a second winding diameter larger than the first winding diameter, the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred from the first guide roller to the second guide roller is determined by the first winding diameter. The thermal transfer system according to claim 5, wherein the second length is adjusted to be shorter than the length by an integral multiple of the predetermined feed amount. The adjustment section is
a displacement roller that comes into contact with the ink ribbon onto which the ink has been transferred and is wound up by the winding section and is displaced in accordance with a change in the winding diameter;
The thermal transfer system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a link mechanism connecting the displacement roller and the swinging roller so that the swinging roller swings in accordance with the displacement of the displacement roller. . According to any one of claims 1 to 7, the second heating body does not press the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred, when the winding unit takes up the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred. thermal transfer system. The thermal transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the temperature of the second heating body increases when the winding section stops. feeding an ink ribbon having a support layer and an ink layer on the support layer;
A first heating element heats the fed-out ink ribbon from the support layer side in a first pattern, and transfers the ink of the ink layer to the transfer target in the first pattern, so that a predetermined feed amount of the ink ribbon is heated. repeating the ink transfer in the first pattern each time the ink is sent out;
Winding up the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred by a winding unit so that its support layer is located outside the ink layer, and temporarily stopping the winding unit;
repeating stopping of the winding unit each time the ink ribbon with the ink transfer completed is wound up in a winding amount corresponding to the predetermined feeding amount;
Every time the winding unit stops, a second heating body presses the ink ribbon, which has been rolled up by the winding unit and has been transferred with the ink, from the support layer side to form a second pattern different from the first pattern. heating to transfer or weld the ink ribbon support layer to which the ink has been transferred to the ink ribbon support layer located inside the ink ribbon support layer;
The adjusting unit adjusts the pressing position from the first heating body to the pressing position according to a change in the pressing position of the second heating body due to a change in the winding diameter of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred and which has been wound up by the winding unit. A thermal transfer method comprising: adjusting the length of the ink ribbon to which the ink has been transferred. The thermal transfer method according to claim 10, wherein the first pattern is a pattern corresponding to a human face image.

Images