JPH0467967A - Image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To detect the usage quantity of each cartridge by simply providing an identification signal on the cartridge by a method wherein the usage quantity of an image receiving paper cartridge is stored in a counting means which correspond with an identification display at the time of usage, and the usage quantity is displayed on an image recording device main body. CONSTITUTION:When image receiving paper cartridges 3A - 3X are in use, the usage quantities of said image receiving paper cartridges 3A - 3X are stored in counting means 20A - 20X which correspond with identification displays 3MA - 3MXZ, and the usage quantities are displayed at a display unit 20Y of an image recording device main body 20. When out-of-paper condition is detected, recording number of times counting means 20A - 20X are reset, and it is indicated that the device cannot be used. Remaining quantity memories which correspond with various types of process cartridges 3A - 3X are provided, and even when the process cartridges 3A - 3X are replaced, the remaining quantity data corresponding with the process cartridges 3A - 3X is retrieved from the memory and displayed, and therefore, regardless of whichever process cartridge among 3A - 3X is replaced, the remaining quantity can be known immediately, and it is very convenient.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an image recording device that is extremely suitable for so-called video printers and the like.

[Prior Art] In general, ink sheet cartridges and image receiving paper backs, which are consumable supplies for video printers, are manufactured so that the number of screens on each is one-to-one. Therefore, the user would open the image-receiving paper bag, take out the image-receiving paper, and use it by putting it in the cassette that is an accessory. In addition to standard paper, special papers such as OHP paper, sticker paper, and poster cards are also used as image-receiving paper, and when these papers are used, a corresponding dedicated ink sheet cartridge is used bare. Additionally, video printers are generally designed to be small and inexpensive. For this reason, video printers are usually provided with one paper feed section into which a single paper feed cassette is loaded. Therefore, for example, if you want to use OHP paper while using standard paper, it is necessary to remove the standard paper from the paper feed cassette and load OHP paper instead.

At the same time, I also need to replace the ink sheet cartridge from one for standard paper to one specifically for OHP paper. If a user makes a mistake in the combination of an ink sheet cartridge and image-receiving paper, the countermeasure is to detect each type separately and compare them with each other.

Devices that have an ink sheet remaining amount detection function detect the remaining amount only when the ink sheet cartridge is being used to remove the ink sheet cartridge.

Therefore, once the ink sheet cartridge is pulled out, it will be reset.

[Problem to be solved by the invention] The above-mentioned conventional technology has the following drawbacks.

(1) When taking out the image receiving paper from the image receiving bag and loading it into the printer, the image receiving surface of the image receiving paper may be directly touched by the hand. Therefore, there was a risk that the receiving paper would be soiled. In particular, with the image-receiving paper of a sublimation video printer, if you touch the image-receiving surface before printing, a fingerprint will appear directly on the print surface. Thus, there was a drawback that it was difficult to record high-quality images.

(2) When it becomes necessary to replenish the ink sheet cartridge and image receiving paper, which are consumables, it is necessary to load the ink sheet cartridge and the image receiving paper separately. For this reason, the consumables replenishment operation is complicated and it takes a long time to restart the printer.

(3) When using a different type of image-receiving paper, it is necessary to replace the image-receiving paper in the cassette. Therefore, the replacement work is complicated. Moreover, in this case, the disadvantage pointed out in (1), that is, the possibility that the image receiving paper will be soiled with fingerprints, etc. increases.

(4) Since the image-receiving paper and the ink sheet are set separately, when using different types of image-receiving paper, operational errors such as replacing only the image-receiving paper or only the ink sheet cartridge are likely to occur.

(5) In order to eliminate the operational error mentioned in (4) above, a detection means for detecting the types of both the ink sheet and image receiving paper is required, and a means for determining whether the two are compatible or not is also required. Become. Moreover, it takes a considerable amount of time to make the above determination.

(6) Since the receiver paper and ink sheet are set separately, the ink sheet may be sent to the destination.
There is a possibility that the number of screens cannot be matched with the receiving paper, or conversely, only the receiving paper is sent first, which may damage the receiving paper or cause it to become jammed inside the machine.

(7) As the number of usable types of image-receiving paper increases, it becomes difficult to know which types of image-receiving paper and ink sheet cartridges are loaded.

(8) If you frequently use different types of receiving paper, the remaining amount storage memory will disappear and you will not know the remaining amount.

(9) Since the image receiving paper cassette and ink cartridge cartridge are loaded independently into the main body of the apparatus, the image receiving paper may get caught in the paper feed section, platen, etc. In this case, it is inconvenient that it cannot be easily eliminated.

(10) There is no place to store unused types of receiving paper, and there is no environment in place for anyone to use it.

(11) Conventionally, a remaining amount memory was provided on the cartridge side,
This remaining amount memory was rewritten every time one sheet was recorded. However, with this method, it is necessary to provide a memory for each cartridge, which has disadvantages such as high cost.

The present invention was made in consideration of these various circumstances, and its main purpose is not only to be able to accurately store and display the usage amount of a cartridge, but also to provide an identification signal on the cartridge. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording device which can be manufactured at low cost and can detect the amount of usage of each cartridge.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the objectives, the present invention takes the following measures.

(1) An image recording device main body, a plurality of image receiving paper cartridges that accommodate image receiving paper used in the image recording device main body,
The plurality of image-receiving paper cartridges each include a cartridge identification mark provided on each of the plurality of image-receiving paper cartridges, and a plurality of recording number counting means provided on the main body of the image recording apparatus so as to correspond to each of these cartridge identification marks, and the use of the image-receiving paper cartridge is provided. At times, the usage amount of the image receiving paper cartridge is stored in a counting means corresponding to the identification mark, and the usage amount is displayed on a display section in the main body of the image recording apparatus.

(2) A means is provided for resetting the number of recording times counting means and instructing that the apparatus cannot be used when paper is detected to be out of paper.

(3) An image recording device main body and a plurality of ink sheets that house the ink sheets used in the image recording device main body.
a cartridge, a plurality of cartridge identification marks provided on the plurality of ink sheet cartridges, and a plurality of recording number counting means provided in the main body of the image recording apparatus so as to correspond to each of these cartridge identification marks; When an ink sheet cartridge is used, the usage amount of the ink sheet cartridge is stored in a counting means corresponding to the identification mark, and the usage amount is displayed on a display section in the main body of the image recording apparatus.

(4) When it is detected that the ink sheet has run out, a means is provided which resets the recording number counting means and indicates that the apparatus cannot be used.

(5) When using a cartridge in which image-receiving paper and ink sheet are integrally housed in a single housing, when either paper out or ink sheet out is detected, the device cannot be used. A means is provided to indicate that it is not possible.

[Effects] As a result of taking the above measures, the following effects occur. Equipped with remaining memory that corresponds to various process cartridges and nozzles,
Even if you turn on the process cartridge and set the power to 1, the remaining amount data corresponding to that process cartridge will be recalled from memory and displayed (because of this, you turn on the process cartridge and turn on the power). You can immediately know the remaining amount, which is very convenient.

In addition, the system detects whether there is no ink sheet film or C or image receiving paper and displays the remaining amount as ``0'', so if there is a paper jam during the process, the remaining amount of ink sheet film and image receiving paper will be displayed. Even if the process cartridge no longer fits, the process cartridge can be properly notified to the user that it is no longer usable.

[Embodiment] FIGS. 1 to 23 are diagrams showing a first embodiment (including some modified examples) of the present invention.

First, the most characteristic part of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, this apparatus includes an image recording apparatus main body 20, a plurality of image receiving paper cartridges 3A to 3X that house image receiving paper 10 used in this image recording apparatus main body 20, and these plurality of image receiving paper cartridges 3A to 3X. Cartridge identification marks 2MA to 3MX (corresponding to 2j, 2, and 2 (corresponding to l), which will be described later), and these cartridge identification marks 3
A plurality of recording number counting means 20A to 20 provided in the image recording apparatus main body 20 correspond to MA to 3MX, respectively.
X, and when using the image receiving paper cartridges 3A to 3X,
Counting means 20A corresponding to the identification marks 3MA to 3MX
20X stores the usage amount of the image receiving paper cartridges 3A to 3X, and displays the usage amount on the display section 20Y of the image recording apparatus main body 20.

When a paper break is detected, the recording number counting means 20A to 20
The apparatus is equipped with means for resetting X and indicating that the device cannot be used.

Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the ink sheet cartridge also employs exactly the same means as the image receiving paper cartridges 3A to 3X.

Note that when using a cartridge in which the image receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet 4 are integrally housed in a single housing, if either the paper out or the ink sheet out is detected, the device cannot be used. It has a means of instructing something.

Thus, according to this device, various process cartridges 3
A remaining amount memory corresponding to process cartridges 3A to 3X is provided, and even if process cartridges 3A to 3X are replaced, the remaining amount data corresponding to the process cartridges 3A to 3X is recalled from the memory and displayed. ~ Even if you replace 3X, you can immediately know the remaining amount, which is very convenient.

In addition, since either the ink sheet film is out or the image receiving paper is out is detected and the remaining amount is displayed as "0," ink sheet film 4 and image receiving paper 1 are
Even when the remaining amount does not match the remaining amount of 0, it is possible to accurately notify the user that the process cartridges 3A to 3X are no longer usable.

Next, the configuration of the entire device including the above feature points will be explained in detail and specifically. Note that the features of the overall configuration of the apparatus described below are as follows.

(1) A paper feed cassette and an ink sheet cartridge are configured to be integrated, and the manufacturer packs the receiving paper and ink sheet and delivers it to the user. This integrated product is called a process cartridge 3. In order to easily load the process cartridge 3 into the apparatus main body 2o, a large hole extending from the paper feed section to the platen section is provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 20.

(2) The process cartridge 3 is filled with an image receiving paper 10 and a dedicated ink sheet 4 corresponding thereto, and means for detecting the type of the process cartridge 3 is provided on the apparatus main body 20 side. . The system performs various controls as shown below.

I) Adjustment of printing energy (heat generation amount) suitable for the receiver paper 10 ■) Display of receiver paper type on the monitor ■) Switching of operation mode when receiving paper or sticker paper with dividing cuts ■) Each cartridge Display of the remaining amount value of the remaining amount memory corresponding to the type (3) A part of the process cartridge 3 is used as a paper guide so that the process cartridge 3 can be pulled out to perform a jam processing operation.

(4) A part of the process cartridge 3 is also used as a part of the paper ejection tray, and the process cartridge 3 is pulled out.
It is now possible to perform am processing operations.

(5) The leading and trailing ends of the reciprocating image-receiving paper 10 are arranged in one space composed of two paper guides. Further, the platen roller 25 is provided with a knob for operation.

(6) Create a rack 100 that can accommodate unused process cartridges 3, and combine this rack 100 with the device main body 20.
It is now possible to load .

A detailed explanation follows. 2 and 3 are side views showing the structure of the process cartridge 3, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are sectional views showing the structure of the process cartridge 3. FIG. Furthermore, FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) are an end view and a top view showing the structure of the process cartridge 3. FIG. 7(a) and 7(b) are side views showing the structure of the process cartridge 3 disassembled into the first housing 1 and the second /X housing 2, and FIG. 8 is a side view of the process cartridge 3. FIG. 3 is a side view of the configuration seen from the rear side.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first
and the second housing 2 are connected to each other in a state where they can be opened and closed and cannot be separated, with one end rotatably supported by a shaft, and constitute a single process cartridge 3.

The first winding 1 rotatably holds a delivery reel 5 around which an unused ink sheet film 4 is wound, and a take-up reel 6 around which a used ink sheet film 4 is wound.

The ink sheet film 4 is stretched between two reels 5 and 6 with a predetermined tension. Furthermore, holes 1a and lb for positioning during loading are provided at both ends of the front side wall of the first housing 1. The first housing 1 has an extension 1r on the side of the delivery reel 5, and its tip ends on the front side (the front side in Figures 2 and 3) and the rear side (the back side in Figures 2 and 3). ) protrude parallel to each other in the shape of an arm. A beam 7 is provided in the extension portion 1r from the front side to the rear side, extending between both arms.
A presser member 8 is attached on top of the .

This pressing member 8 is made of a highly elastic foam material or the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, a hole IC is provided at the center of the back surface of the 1st/% housing 1 so that a print head 30, which will be described later, can come into contact with the ink sheet film 4.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), bosses 1d and 1e each protrude inward from the arm-shaped extension 1r.

The explanation will be moved to FIGS. 4 and 5. The second housing 2 that holds the image-receiving paper 10 is box-shaped, and an intermediate plate 11 on which the image-receiving paper 10 is directly placed is placed on the bottom of the second housing 2 . As shown in FIG. 11, which will be described later, this middle plate 11 is installed in a state in which it can be rotated vertically from the right end with the left end in the figure as the center.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a hole 2a is provided in the bottom of the box of the second housing 2 so that the middle plate 11 can be pushed up from the outside. The image-receiving paper 10 is placed face down with the image-receiving surface facing the middle plate 11, with the rear end facing the wall surface 2b,
The tip is regulated by wall surface 2 c and both sides are regulated by wall surfaces 2 d and 2 e.

Further, the image receiving paper 10 is surrounded by a cartridge cover 12 at its upper portion. As shown in FIG. 5, a paper feed port 2f is provided at the upper right end of the second housing 2 in the figure, into which a portion of a receiving paper transport roller 31 (to be described later) enters to feed paper. The height of the walls 2d and 2e that regulate the sides of the image receiving paper is from the bottom of the second housing 2 to the vicinity of the cartridge cover 12, that is, the height is greater than the maximum stacked thickness dimension of the image receiving paper 10 to be loaded. is set to . However, it is slightly lower near the paper feed port 2f. In other words, a notch G is provided in this portion. In the vicinity of the paper feed port 2f of the second housing 2, bosses 2g shown in FIG. 7(a) are provided on the front side and the rear side. The central portion of this boss 2g has a through hole shape. boss 2g
A pair of locking members 2h are located at opposing positions on the coaxial circumference of
, 2i are provided facing each other.

The boss 1d of the first housing 1 and the boss 2g of the second housing 2 fit into each other on the front side and the rear side, respectively, and are integrated as a process cartridge 3.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the axis XX connecting the two bosses 1d on the front side and the rear side is the leading edge of the receiving paper 10, the axis Y-Y of the delivery reel 5, and the axis Axis Z-Z
It is almost parallel to . The first housing 1 and the second housing 2 are rotatable around the axis XX. Boss 1e protruding from extension part 1r of first housing 1
is on the same axial circumference as the boss 1d. Thus, one end or the other end of the boss 1e of the first housing 1 engages with the locking member 2h or 21 of the 27th fitting 2, so that
The rotation angle between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 is regulated. That is, the first housing 1 and the second housing 2
means that when 1d and 2g are rotatably fitted, and one end of 1e and 2h are engaged with a click feeling, the closed state as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, that is, the state shown in FIG. The aspect of 1 is maintained. On the other hand, when the other end of 1e and 21 are engaged with each other with a click feeling, the results shown in FIGS.
Maintain the open or second configuration as shown.

In the closed state, that is, in the first mode, as shown in FIG. to intervene in a part. and the first
The bottom portion (upper part in the figure) lz of the housing 1 and the bottom portion 2z of the second housing 2 are approximately parallel to each other. At this time, the pressing member 8 presses the back surface (the upper surface in the figure) of the image receiving paper 10 with its elastic force. Even when the amount of image-receiving paper 10 is small, since the holding member 8 enters the second housing 2 through the paper feed port 2f, the image-receiving paper 10 is prevented from escaping from the paper feed port 2f to the outside. .

As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 8, on the rear side of the second housing 2, there are bosses 2j, 2 indicating the type of cartridge 3, and 2. There is a provision for p. The device main body 2 is connected to these plurality of bosses 2j, 2 so as to correspond to 2Ω.
A sensor is provided on the 0 side, and the type is detected by the combination of the presence or absence of each boss. As shown in FIG. 6, one end of the delivery reel 51 and the take-up reel 6 is connected to the first housing 1 so as to be engaged with the drive system on the side of the device main body 20.
It protrudes slightly from the side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a display sticker 13 is pasted on the front side of the second housing 2 so that the operator can see at a glance what type of cartridge it is. Further, a handle 2m is provided on the front side wall of the second housing 2 for easy operation when attaching and detaching the process cartridge 3 to the apparatus main body 20.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the state in which the process cartridge 3 is loaded into the apparatus main body 20, and FIG. 10(a) is a side view of the apparatus main body 20.
FIG. 10(b) is a side view showing a state in which the process cartridge 3 is loaded into the apparatus main body 20 and then the cover 28 is placed on top.

As shown in FIG. 9, there is a hole 2 in the front frame 21 on the component loading side of the apparatus main body 20, which also serves as an insertion port for the process cartridge 3 and an ejection port for the printed receiving paper 10.
2 is provided. Furthermore, positioning pins 23g and 23b are provided at predetermined locations on the surface of the front frame 21 so as to protrude toward the front side. More hole 2
A guide groove 24 is provided at a location located at the lower left in FIG. 2, extending from the front side to the rear side of the device main body 20. Thus, when loading the process cartridge 3 into the apparatus main body 20, the flange-shaped protrusion 2n provided at the lower left in the figure of the process cartridge 3 is guided by the guide groove 24 for insertion. Then, positioning is performed by engaging the positioning hole 1a of the first housing 1 with the positioning pin 23a, and similarly engaging the 61b with the pin 23b.

As shown in FIGS. 10(a) and (b), the front cover 2
8 is provided with a window 28a for taking out the printed receiving paper and a window 28b for viewing the display sticker. Thus, even when the process cartridge 3 is completely loaded into the apparatus main body 20 and the front cover 28 is closed, the display sticker 13 of the process cartridge 3 can be seen through the window 28b of the front cover 28. It becomes possible to clearly identify the type of cartridge 3 loaded from the outside.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the apparatus main body 20 with the process cartridge 3 loaded. As shown in the figure, pinch rollers 26 and 27 are in pressure contact with the platen roller 25. Also, the shaft 29
A print head 30 is provided so as to rotate toward and away from the print head 30 .

The print head 30 enters and exits through a hole 1c (not shown in this figure) provided in the first housing 1 of the process cartridge 3, and presses the ink sheet 4 against the circumferential surface of the platen roller 25.

An image receiving paper transport roller 31 is provided at the upper center of the paper feed port 2f. A tongue 32 is provided below the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 and at a position opposite to the hole 2a at the bottom of the process cartridge 3, so as to be rotatable about a shaft 33. A torsion coil spring 34 is interposed between the shaft 33 and the tongue 32. When the shaft 33 is rotated in this manner, the tongue 32 rotates about the shaft 33 via the torsion coil spring 34 and pushes up the bottom surface of the intermediate plate 11. As a result, the back surface of the image-receiving paper 10 is pressed against the lower peripheral surface of the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 with a predetermined pressure. Between the receiving paper conveyance roller 31 and the platen roller 25, there is a lower surface of a first guide 34 provided on the side of the apparatus main body 20 and a part of the process cartridge 3, that is, the first housing 1.
A paper feeding path is formed by the upper surface of the reel accommodating portion 1g. One end 34a of the first guide 34 is located on the side farther away from the platen roller 25 than the nip tangent between the platen roller 25 and the pinch roller 26.

A pinch roller 35 is in pressure contact with the circumferential surface of the receiving paper transport roller 31 on the side opposite to the paper feed port 2f, that is, on the upper side. This pinch roller 35 and platen roller 2
5, there is a gap between the upper surface of the first kite 34 and the device main body 2.
A paper discharge path space 37 is formed by the lower surface of the second guide 36 provided at the upper part of the paper discharge path space 37.

A third guide 38 is provided at an upper portion of the apparatus main body 20 facing the cartridge cover 12. Between the third guide 38 and the cartridge cover 12, a storage space 39 is formed for storing ejected paper (printed image receiving paper).

On the upper surface of the cartridge cover 12, which is a component of the three storage spaces, as shown in FIGS. A rib 12C is also provided. Also, on the right end of the cover 12 in the drawings, there is a
), the projections 12d and 12e are provided. A portion of the protrusions 12d and 12e extends to a position where they overlap the cross section of the receiving paper transport roller 31 when viewed from the front side. Thus, these protrusions 12d, 12e
serves to prevent the ejected paper that has passed the upper surface of the receiving paper transport roller 31 from being caught up in the receiving paper transport roller 31 again.

A reflective sensor 41 for detecting the presence or absence of image receiving paper is installed near the paper feed port 2f, facing the back surface of the image receiving paper 10. Further, a reflective sensor 42 for determining whether an ink sheet is used or not is installed near the platen roller 25.

The A torque limiter 50 and the B torque limiter 60 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are drive systems that engage with the ink sheet delivery reel 5 and take-up reel 6 of the cartridge 3, respectively, and transport the ink sheet. . The A torque limiter 50 has a shaft 51 coupled to the delivery reel 5, and a gear portion 52 is locked by a ratchet mechanism consisting of a ratchet pawl 53, a spring 54, and the like. The B torque limiter 60 also has an output shaft 61 coupled to the take-up reel 6, and a gear 62 connected to a reduction mechanism 63. It is rotatably driven by a drive source consisting of a motor 64. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a black and white pattern 66 is provided on the side surface 65 of the gear 62. A reflective sensor 67 is provided opposite the black and white pattern 66 as shown in FIG. The black and white pattern 66 has a one-to-one correspondence with the rotational state of the take-up reel 6. Therefore, reflective sensor 6
By determining the output of 7, it is possible to determine whether or not the take-up reel 6 is rotating, and even its rotational speed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of the ink sheet film 4. As shown in the figure, the ink film 4 has ink layers of three colors, yellow Y, magenta M, and cyan C, successively connected to form an ink sheet for one screen.

There is a black band B in front of the yellow Y to separate the ink application area for each screen. Before the ink sheet film 4 is wound onto the take-up reel 6, the reflective sensor 42 shown in FIG. 11 detects the black band B, and then the actual printing operation begins. For an unused process cartridge 3, there is a length gl before the black band B on the first screen is first detected. On the other hand, in the case of the process cartridge 3 that has been used once, the amount of feed until the black band B is first detected is p2. The relationship is pl>ρ2. Therefore, the amount of feed of the ink sheet film 4 from the print command until the black band B of the ink sheet film 4 is first detected is counted by the number of detection pulses of the reflective sensor 67 for detecting the black and white pattern, and the discrimination is made. By determining whether ρl and N2 are equal to or greater than the specified values by the means, it is possible to determine whether or not the device is unused. Note that the determination can also be made by detecting the length of the winding time.

The printed image-receiving paper 10 has a window 2 on the front cover 28.
Unlike 8a, the paper is ejected towards the back of the machine, making it difficult to remove. Therefore, measures have been taken to bring the image receiving paper 10 closer to the opening 28a of the front cover 28. There are two ways.

FIGS. 17(a), 17(b), and 17(c) are diagrams showing the first means.

The first arm 71. is attached to the axis of the pinch roller 35 with an opening angle of approximately 90 degrees. A drive element 70 having a second arm 72 provided on the outer periphery of the shaft cylinder is rotatably attached. Note that when there is no printed image-receiving paper 10, the tip of the first arm 71 is in a position to block the paper discharge port formed by the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 and the pinch roller 35. Also, the first arm 72
The other end is in contact with an arm portion 74 of a passive element 73, which will be described next.

A paddle shaft 75 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the third guide 38. One end of this paddle shaft 75 (Fig. 17 (
The passive element 73 is fitted and fixed to the right end of (a), that is, the portion perpendicular to the axis of the pinch roller 35. Paddles 76° 77.78 made of plate-shaped elastic bodies are fixed at three locations on the paddle shaft 75 at the same angle.

Seven springs are fitted into the paddle shaft 75, and the force of these springs causes the paddles 76, 77, . 78 is always shown in Figure 17 (
It is pressed so that it is at the PZ position in b). The paddle shaft 75 is located within the width of the image receiving paper 1o. paddle 7
6.77.78 length is part or cartridge cover 1
The length should be such that it flexes when it comes into contact with the top surface of 2. Furthermore, the tips of the paddles 76 and 78 are designed to fit into grooves 12a and 12b provided in the cartridge cover 12.

When the printed image-receiving paper 10 is nipped by the pinch rollers 35 and begins to be ejected, the first arm 71 of the driver 7o is pushed forward by the rigidity of the printed image-receiving paper 10.

As a result, the drive element 7o rotates, and the second arm 72 pushes up the arm 74 of the passive element 73 against the force of the spring 79. Therefore, the paddle shaft 75 rotates, and the paddles 76, 77.
78 is from the PZ position to the P in the discharge paper storage space 39.
Evacuate to position X. When the paddles 76, 77, 78 are in the PX position, the paddles 76□ 77, 78 do not obstruct the ejection of the printed receiving paper 10. Even if the printed receiver paper 10 comes off, the force of the spring 79 to return the driver 700 to rotation, that is, the pressing force of the first arm 71, keeps the printed receiver paper 10 pressed against the receiver paper transport roller 31. Continue to be transported. And printed receiving paper 1
When the rear edge of the printer 0 comes off the tip of the first arm 71, the printed receiver paper 10 falls onto the cartridge cover 12. At the same time, the driver 70 returns to its original position,
The paddles 76, 77, 78 are rotated to the position PZ by the force of the spring 79, and push the printed receiving paper 10 toward the window 28a of the front cover 28. The front cover 28 has a window 28b for checking the type of process cartridge 3. Therefore, it is possible to easily take out the printed receiver paper 10 by inserting a finger into this window 28b.

FIGS. 18(a), 18(b), and 18(c) are diagrams showing the second means. The difference from the first means is that the paddle shaft 75 is driven to rotate continuously by a sheet discharge drive source.

A pulley 80 is fixed to the shaft 31a of the receiving paper transport roller 31. The paddle shaft 75 is perpendicular to the shaft 31a and
A pulley 82 is fixed to one end of a shaft 81 disposed parallel to. A belt 83 is hung between this pulley 82 and the pulley 80 in a twisted state by 90 degrees. Another pulley 84 is fixed to the other end of the shaft 81.

A heald 86 is hung between this pulley 84 and a pulley 85 fixed to one end of the paddle shaft 75. Therefore, when the receiving paper conveying roller 31 rotates, the belt 8
3 by pulley 82. Axis 81. Pulley 84 rotates,
The pulley 85 and paddle shaft 75 are rotated by the belt 86. The paddle 76.77°78 is located in the hole 3 of the third guide 38.
When the paddles 7677.8a protrude into the discharged paper storage space 39 or are evacuated from the three discharged paper storage spaces by rotation of the paddles 7677.78, the paddles 7677.78 are regulated by the hole 38a as shown in FIG. 78 is in a bent state.

When the printed image-receiving paper 10 is nipped by the pinch roller 35 and the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 and is V1 paper, the paddles 76, 77, and 78 rotate while touching the surface of the printed image-receiving paper 10 many times. However, compared to the stiffness of the printed receiving paper 10, the paddle 76.77.
Since the rigidity of the paper 78 is made low, the printed receiver paper 10 will not be bent or pushed out toward the front cover 28 side. However, once the rear end of the printed image-receiving paper 10 leaves the nip and falls onto the process cartridge 3, it is pushed toward the window 28a of the front cover 28 by the force of the paddle 76.7778.

Paddle 76.77.7 for hole 38a of third guide 38
8 passes through while being bent, so the printed receiving paper 10
It will not get caught between the paddles 76, 77, 78 and the third guide 38 and be damaged.

In this apparatus, a plurality of process cartridges 3 can be attached to and removed from the printer to print images in various formats on various types of receiving paper.

As shown in FIG. 19, unused process cartridges 3 are placed in the cartridge rack 100 in the first state, that is, in the closed state. This cartridge rack 100 is provided with accommodating sections 101 to 104 into which process cartridges 3 are placed on the operation side of the apparatus, and the floor area thereof is set to be approximately equal to the floor area of the apparatus main body 29. Cartridge rack 100 and device main body 2
It is designed to be able to load 0 and 0 above and below. Further, the cartridge rack 100 itself is provided so that a plurality of cartridges can be loaded, and the number of cartridge racks 100 can be increased according to the number of types of process cartridges 3. Note that an operation panel 90 is attached to the main body 2o of the apparatus as shown in the figure. As shown in Figure 2, since the Process Catlin Lassock 100 is installed near the main body 20 of the device, anyone can easily print an image created in a desired format on a desired type of image receiving paper as needed. Is it possible to get it?

Next, a modification of the image receiving paper regulating means in the process cartridge 3 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 20, an image receiving paper 10 is housed inside the cartridge 3. As shown in FIG. The image-receiving paper regulating member 121 is provided to be swingable about a support shaft 122 provided on the inner wall surface of the cartridge 3 . A hole 2P is provided in the side regulating wall surface 2d of the image-receiving paper 10, and the tip end [2]a of the image-receiving paper regulating member 121 enters the image-receiving paper storage section through the hole 2P. The tip portion 121a is urged in the direction of arrow A by a spring (not shown) and presses the back surface of the image receiving paper 10. Side wall surface 1 of the device main body at a position corresponding to the hole 2Q of the first housing 1 in the process cartridge 3
10 has a restriction release projection 12 protruding therefrom. When the process cartridge 3 is loaded into the apparatus main body 20, the restriction release protrusion 112 enters the inside of the cartridge through the hole 2Q and pushes up the image-receiving paper restriction member 121 against the biasing force of the spring. Process cartridge 3 or device main body 20
When the image receiving paper 10 is completely housed in the regulating member 1
21 is the image receiving paper 10 as shown on the left side of FIG.
From now on, I've gotten a little better at it.

Thus, according to this example, when the process cartridge 3 is not loaded into the apparatus main body 20, the receiving paper regulating member 1
Since the image receiving paper 10 is held down by the image receiving paper 21, the image receiving paper 10 or the image receiving paper 10 will not fall out from the cartridge 3 even if the process cartridge 3 is carried around or turned upside down, regardless of the form of the process cartridge 3. On the other hand, when the process cartridge 3 is loaded into the apparatus main body 20,
Since the image-receiving paper regulating member 121 is retracted from the image-receiving paper 10, there is no risk of it interfering with paper feeding.

Next, the printing means of the printer will be explained mainly with reference to the drawings from FIG. 21 onwards. The printer can be connected externally, for example via a video interface.

Image data is captured into the device memory via a digital interface or the like. And after adding image processing,
The image output means sends data to the print head 30 in the printing mechanism to form an image. The image processing functions at this time include the following functions.

A: Enlarge or reduce the input data and print it.

B: Trim and print a part of the input data.

C: Capture multiple screens at the same time and print them out on − sheets of receiving paper.

D: Add other data to the input data and print.

By combining A-D, it is possible to obtain various images. For example, one screen, two screens in a sheet of receiving paper.
It is possible to create formatted images of 4 screens, 9 screens, 25 screens, etc.

As shown in FIG. 19, the operating panel 90 is provided with a key 98 for selecting a slide creation mode. When the above mode is selected, an image of the size of a 35 mm slide film is formed on the memory by means for enlarging or reducing the input screen to the size of a 35 mm slide film. Then, another formatting means creates a frame outside the image, and creates information regarding the image inside the frame and in the non-image area.

FIG. 22(h) shows the state in which the image thus created on the memory is printed out as an image 141142 or the like on OHP image receiving paper. The information includes date, order, etc.

Slides can be easily created by cutting the OHP receiver paper printed out in this way according to its framework and placing it in a slide holder. The frame is one that matches the shape and size of the slide holder, and may be anything such as a broken line or a solid line.In short, it is sufficient as long as the frame allows the cutting position to be known.

Next, types of usable image receiving paper will be explained with reference to FIG. 22. The types of image-receiving paper can be roughly divided into opaque image-receiving paper called standard paper shown in Figure 22(a), transparent image-receiving paper called OHP paper shown in FIG. 22(b), and (c) to (g).
) There is also adhesive-coated image-receiving paper with a backing called sticker paper.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of video recordings of color images, which are then printed out for viewing and storing. In addition, the use of printing out stickers and pasting them in notebooks or as indexes for video cassettes is also increasing. Furthermore, OHP paper is used for presensation purposes at conferences.

Depending on the type of image-receiving paper 10, there may be a format that causes problems when used or a format that is meaningless to use. Usable formats are set as shown in Table 1, for example. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing an example of screen mode selection operation based on Table 1.

The second format can be set by the operator using an operation panel 90 provided on the exterior of the device or a remote control switch, as shown in FIG. A mechanism that can be used with the process cartridge 3 is selected.For example, when using the process cartridge 3 that includes seal E in Table 1, the image mode is automatically set so that only 25 screens can be used. Also, when using the process cartridge 3 containing sticker B, the screen mode is automatically set so that only two screens can be used.Even if the slide print mechanism is selected, the process cartridge 3 is automatically No reception is accepted outside of Shitachi.

As an experimental example, a printer was equipped with formatting functions such as a multi-screen function and a slide creation function, and image-receiving paper as shown in Table 1 was created as a corresponding paper. In this case, new image-receiving paper consisting mainly of cut-out sticker paper compatible with the multi-screen on the printer side was created. For example, "Seal E" is created as a sticker sheet for the 25-screen Moto format of a printer, and "Sil D" is created as a sticker sheet for the 9-screen Moto format. Since the sticker paper included pre-cuts, I was able to save myself the trouble of cutting it with scissors later.

Next, printing conditions will be explained. Different printing conditions are required for different types of image-receiving paper 10 as described above. This is because the surface condition and hardness of the image receiving paper 10 differ depending on the material. Therefore, it is necessary to combine the type of ink film 4 that is most suitable for each type of image receiving paper 10. Then, it is necessary to form an image under optimal printing conditions for that type. -Standard paper for boat fishing < Sticker paper < OHP paper, in this order.
The energy required for printing increases.

A good image can only be obtained when the three parameters of ``receiver paper type,'' ``ink film type,'' and ``printing conditions'' are optimized. As mentioned above, when there are many types of image receiving paper 10, it is not easy for the operator to match the type of image receiving paper 10 and the type of ink sheet film 4.
The probability of erroneous operation increases. Furthermore, even if this erroneous operation is detected and dealt with on the device main body 20 side, the judgment cannot be made instantaneously, which can be one of the causes of failure. Furthermore, if the image receiving paper 10 is inserted into and taken out from one cassette, fingerprints may be left on the image receiving surface. In order to eliminate such problems and complications, in this embodiment, the image receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet film 4 are optimally combined and placed in the process cartridge 3 based on the combination model shown in Table 2. It is set in advance. By detecting the type of process cartridge 3 in this manner, printing can be performed under optimal printing conditions.

In Table 2 above, Hl is standard paper No. 1, H2 is standard paper No., 2.11 is sticker paper No. I, ■2 is sticker paper No. 2, Jl is OHP paper No. 1, J2 is OH
P paper No. 2, SX is ink sheet No. 091, SY is ink sheet beak 02, and SZ is ink sheet No. 3. Also, ■~■ are six types of energy table numbers, which specify the amount of energy to be given to each of the 256 gradations, for example, corresponding to each color of yellow Y, man-entering M, and cyan C1. be.

The usable format is set immediately when the process cartridge 3 is loaded into the apparatus main body 20, and is canceled when the cartridge 3 is removed from the apparatus. In this way, it is possible to easily change the type of image receiving paper for each process cartridge. As a result, it is rare that one process cartridge 3 remains inside the apparatus main body 20 at all times.

Particularly when a single device is used by a plurality of operators, it is necessary to be able to clearly determine what type of process cartridge 3 is loaded at the time of use. There are two means for determining the type of cartridge 3.

The first determination means is by adding a display sticker to the process cartridge 3. That is, a display sticker 13 indicating the type of process cartridge 3 is added to the front side surface of the process cartridge 3. As described above, even if the process cartridge 3 is completely loaded into the apparatus main body 20 and the front cover 28 is closed, the cartridge nozzle 3
In order to clearly distinguish the type from the outside, the 10th
As shown in the figure, the display sill 13 of the front cover 28
A window 28a is formed at a position corresponding to .

The second discrimination means is an automatic discrimination means using a sensor. That is, the process cartridge 3 is provided with protrusions 2j, 2N as shown in FIG. 6, and these are detected by a sensor in the apparatus main body 20 to determine the type. Then, the paper type determining means selects and calls out a signal corresponding to the type from the storage means and displays it on the monitor.

Next, the means for detecting the remaining amount of the image receiving paper 10 or ink sheet film 4 in the process cartridge 3 will be explained. Receiving paper 10 in one process cartridge 3
The number of sheets and the number of screens of the ink sheet film 4 are made to match. Therefore, if you count how many copies you have printed,
It is possible to know the amount remaining in the process cartridge 3. This device makes it possible to detect the remaining amount of a plurality of types of process cartridges 3 that are easy to attach and detach. For example, if n types of cartridges 3 can be used, a memory for storing the remaining amount of each type of process cartridge is provided on the printer side, and a means for selecting and recalling the memory contents of the detected type of process force cartridge 3 is provided. , and means for selecting and rewriting, and each time a sheet is printed, it is subtracted and rewritten, and the content is displayed on the remaining amount display window 91. Even if you replace the process cartridge 3 with a different type during printing, the remaining amount of the previous process cartridge 3 will remain in memory, and each time you print a new type of memory content,
Subtract by similar means. The following three types of reset means are provided as means for resetting the remaining amount.

Remaining amount resetting means (1) Detects that the image receiving paper 10 or ink sheet film 4 in the process cartridge 3 is used up and resets the remaining amount. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the presence or absence of the image-receiving paper 10 is detected by a reflective sensor 41 provided near the paper feed port 2f of the apparatus main body 20, facing the back surface of the image-receiving paper 10.

Regarding the ink sheet, the remaining amount is detected using the A torque limiter 50 and the B torque limiter 60 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

That is, when the ink sheet runs out, if the terminal end of the ink sheet film 4 is fixed to the delivery reel 5, the output of the reflective sensor 67 disappears.

Further, if the end of the ink sheet film 4 is free, the end will be wound onto the take-up reel 6, and the load on the A torque limiter 50 will be eliminated.

Therefore, the winding wheel 6 rotates at a much higher rotational speed than when the ink sheet film 4 is used. Therefore, the output of the reflective sensor 67 becomes higher than the normal frequency. From this fact, it can be determined that the ink sheet is out. The signals from the reflective sensor 67 and the sensor 41 are judged by the discrimination means, and if it is judged that one of them is absent, the remaining memory contents corresponding to the type of process cartridge 3 are changed by the rewriting means. Forcibly reset to “0” information. Further, the remaining amount display means displays the content that the remaining amount of the process cartridge 3 is "0". Further, the process cartridge error lamp 99 on the operation panel 90 is turned on or blinks.

Remaining Amount Resetting Means (2) Immediately after loading a new process cartridge 3 into the apparatus, the operator manually presses the set key 92 provided on the operation panel 90. By doing this, the remaining amount display is reset. Whether or not the process cartridge 3 is present in the apparatus main body is detected by a process cartridge type sensor on the apparatus side at the same time as the type is detected. When the apparatus control unit detects whether or not a process cartridge is present, it turns on the flag. Next, the flag is kept ON until the presence or absence of a process cartridge is detected and a print command is received. When this flag is ON, when a signal from the reset key 92 enters the control section, the remaining amount memory contents corresponding to the type of process cartridge 3 are rewritten to unused contents by the remaining amount rewriting means. At the same time, the unused content is displayed on the remaining capacity display.
And the flag becomes OFF. The recent key 92 is accepted only when the flag is ON.

Remaining amount reset means (3) Reset the remaining amount by detecting a new process cartridge. That is, the amount of feed of the ink sheet film 4 from when a print command is given until the black band B on the ink sheet film 4 is first detected is counted by the number of detection pulses of the reflective sensor 67 for detecting the black and white pattern. do.

Then, the determining means determines whether Nl, .

Note that the determination can also be made by detecting the length of the winding time. Then, the contents of the remaining amount memory corresponding to the type of the process cartridge 3 are rewritten by the remaining amount rewriting means, and at the same time, the contents of the unused process cartridge 3 are displayed on the remaining amount display section.

The reason why the remaining amount reset means (1) detects that either the ink sheet film 4 or the receiver paper 5 is running out and forcibly changes the remaining amount display to "No amount remaining" is as follows. This is because, in the unlikely event of a paper jam, the number of screens on the ink sheet film 4 and the number of image-receiving papers 10 may not match. Remaining amount reset means (2),
For (3), it is sufficient to have either one of them.

Next, the operation during printing will be explained. First, take out the process cartridge 3 from the packaging box. At this time, the cartridge 3 is in the state shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, that is, in the first mode. As long as it is carried in this state, the image receiving surface of the image receiving paper 10 will not be directly touched by fingers or fingers. Also, receiver paper 10
Since the paper is held down by the holding member 8, it will not fall from the paper feed port 2f and will not shake inside the process cartridge 3. Open the process cartridge 3 and remove the boss l.
One end of e is engaged with the locking member 21 to lock it.

The front cover 28 of the device main body 20 is opened to expose the hole 22 of the front frame 21. Load the process cartridge 3 into the apparatus main body 20 by holding the handle 2m. Next, the front cover 28 is closed and a print command is given. Then, first, the ink sheet film 4 is wound up on the winding side 6. And sensor 42 is black belt B
When detected, winding stops. Whether the process cartridge 3 is new or not is determined based on the length of the winding amount at this time. Next, the tongue 32 is rotated about the shaft 33 by a drive source (not shown). Then, one end of the intermediate plate 11 is lifted, and the receiving paper 10 or the receiving paper conveying roller 31 is lifted.
press against.

As the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 rotates, the uppermost image-receiving paper 10 is fed first. The leading edge of the fed image receiving paper lO is
It is guided by the lower surface of the first guide 34 and the upper surface of the reel accommodating portion 1g of the process cartridge 3 and reaches the nip portion between the platen roller 25 and the pinch roller 26. The print head 30 rotates around a shaft 29 to press the ink sheet film 4 against the platen roller 25. When the platen roller 25 rotates, the image receiving paper 10 is transferred to the platen roller 25.
It slides around the ink sheet film 4 and the print head 30 while being guided by the ink sheet film 4 and the print head 30, and advances to the nip portion between the pinch roller 27 and the platen roller 25. While the leading edge of the receiving paper advances from the pinch rollers 26 to 27, the tongue 32 retreats to its original position, that is, to the bottom position of the process cartridge 3. At this point, the receiving paper transport roller 31 stops rotating. After this, printing of yellow Y, which is a negative color, begins, or at least before printing begins, the image receiving paper 10
The rear end edge is at a position where the wall surfaces 2d and 2e for regulating movement in the width direction do not guide the image receiving paper 10, that is, at a position where there is no notch G. Therefore, the following effects can be expected.

The process cartridge 3 is made more compact, and the apparatus main body 20 is made more compact, and the image receiving paper conveying roller 3]
By shortening the distance between the image receiving paper 1 and the platen roller 25,
When the front end of the image receiving paper 10 reaches the platen roller 25, the rear end of the image receiving paper 10 may not have come off from the paper feed port 2f of the process cartridge 3. And in the normal case,
There is some mounting error between the conveyance direction of the platen roller 25 and the orientation of the process cartridge 3. Therefore, when the image-receiving paper 10 is conveyed by the platen roller 25 with its rear end regulated by the regulating walls 2d and 2e, the side edges of the image-receiving paper 10 or the wall 2e are regulated by the wall surfaces 2d and 2e.
d and 2e may be scratched by strong rubbing. Furthermore, if the trailing edge of the image-receiving paper comes off the regulating walls 2d, 2e after printing has started, the recorded image will be affected by the vibration.

However, in this embodiment, the length of the portion of the image receiving paper that is not conveyed by the platen roller 25 and is regulated by the regulating walls 2d and 2e is set to 1/3 or less of the conveyance length of the image receiving sheet.

In other words, the positional relationship is such that the rear end of the image-receiving paper is out of the regulation area of the regulation walls 2d and 2e of the process cartridge 3, at least before printing begins. In this way, damage to the image receiving paper 10 or adverse effects on image recording due to vibration can be avoided.

In this way, the platen roller 25 and the pinch roller 2627
The image-receiving paper 10 is conveyed by the image-receiving paper 10, and an image of a different color is formed. The rear end of the image-receiving paper 10 leaves the end 34 a of the first guide 34 and goes in the tangential direction of the nip portion of the pinch roller 26 . At this time, the leading edge of the receiving paper passes through a space 37 surrounded by the first guide 34 and the second guide 36, and is located between the receiving paper transport roller 31 and the pinch roller 35. The pinch roller 35 has an extremely light contact force, for example 20g.
It is in pressure contact with the receiving paper transport roller 31 at a pressure of about f. Therefore, even if the rotation of the receiving paper transport roller 31 is stopped, the leading edge of the receiving paper can enter the nip between the receiving paper transport roller 31 and the pinch roller 35 only by the rigidity of the paper. - When the color image formation is completed, the platen roller 25 starts rotating in reverse. At this time, the rear end of the image receiving paper 10 does not go in the direction of the paper feed port 2f of the process cartridge 3, and the rear end of the image receiving paper 10 does not reach the first kite 34.
It enters a space 37 formed by the upper side and the lower side of the second guide 36. Then, the receiving paper is nipped between the conveying roller 31 and the pinch roller 35. Similarly, the printed receiver paper 10 on which the two-color and third-color images have been formed is moved between the lower surface of the third guide 38 and the process cartridge B (more specifically, the second housing 2) is discharged to the discharged paper storage space 39 formed by the upper side surface of the sheet. Printed receiving paper 1
The tip of 0 is the cart linoac and the rib 12c on the top of 12.
conveyed with less contact resistance. The ejected paper 10 ejected to this ejected paper storage space 39 is stored as shown in FIGS. 17(a), (b), and (c) or FIG.
The front force tX-
28 in the direction of the window 28a. Then, it becomes possible to take out the printed image receiving paper 10 outside the machine through this window 28a.

In the manner described above, it is possible to easily perform printout with the process cartridge 3 loaded.

By the way, if you want to print out on OHP paper, for example, replace the Prosen cartridge 3 with one for OHP and load it. Then, 2j, 2 and 2g indicating the type of process cartridge 3 are read by the sensor of the apparatus main body 20. In this way, on the device main body side, or OHP
It recognizes that the image-receiving paper 10 is for OHP use, and outputs on the monitor that the image-receiving paper 10 is for OHP use. At the same time, the remaining amount data for that OHP or the last time it was used is read from the memory and the remaining amount data is displayed on the display window 91. When the OHP version is used for the first time, the initial setting value of the number of full sheets is displayed as the remaining amount because the previous remaining amount data is not available. It is known that in the case of OHP paper, even when combined with a dedicated ink sheet film 4, more than 20% more printing energy is required than that of standard receiver paper. When it is detected that the device is for OHP, an OHP-specific applied energy control table is called from the ROM data, and the applied energy is controlled in accordance with the control table. The above example is O
Although the description has been made with respect to HP paper, the same sequence and control is automatically selected for any type of process cartridge 3, and the optimum energy control is always achieved using the ink sheet film 4 that matches the type of receiving paper 10. Realized.

Next, we will explain how to deal with the occurrence of a paper jam (vapor jam). In conventional printers, the highest probability of paper jam occurs between the paper feed section and the platen roller 25. Moreover, the Nyam paper located between these areas was extremely difficult to remove.

In this embodiment, in accordance with the use of process cartridges, a large hole 22 is provided in the front frame 21 that extends from the paper feed section to the platen roller 25, and one of the paper guides from the paper feed section to the platen roller 25 is A portion of 1 g of process cartridge 3 was used for both purposes. In this way, when the process cartridge 3 is removed from the apparatus main body 20, the jammed paper can be removed at the same time.

Even if the platen roller 25 and pinch rollers 26 and 27 jam during conveyance, the platen roller 25
Turn the knob (not shown) attached to the front end of the receiver paper to remove the rear end of the receiving paper
Get out of. Therefore, it becomes possible to pull out the process cartridge 3. Alternatively, by turning the knob, the tip of the image receiving paper 10 comes out from between the pinch roller 35 and the image receiving paper transport roller 31. Therefore, it becomes possible to pull out the process cartridge 3 and remove the jammed paper.

Also, during the reciprocating operation for sequentially overlapping colors, the front end and rear end of the image receiving paper 10 are in one space 37 formed by the upper surface of the first guide 34 and the lower surface of the second guide 36. It's within. Therefore, by turning the knob of the platen roller 25 to either the left or right, the image receiving paper 10 will come out from between the pinch roller 35 and the image receiving paper transport roller 31, so the process cartridge 3 can be pulled out and the jammed paper removed. It becomes possible.

Also, the cartridge cover 12 of the process cartridge 3
Since a part of the paper directly serves as a part of the paper discharge tray, by pulling out the process cartridge 3, the paper discharge storage space 39 and the process cartridge storage space are communicated with each other to form one large space. and front frame 2
1 is also provided with a correspondingly large hole 22, so paper jams near the paper discharge area can be easily removed.

Note that the leading edge and trailing edge of the image receiving paper 10 and the first guide 34
When the platen roller 25 is rotated to the left or right from within a space 37 formed by the upper surface and the lower surface of the second guide 36, the image-receiving paper 10 is rotated from the leading edge side or the trailing edge side to both sides. In the reverse direction, the paper comes out from between the receiving paper transport roller 31 and the pinch roller 35. Therefore, by selecting the rotational direction of the platen roller 25 after image formation, the printed receiver paper 10 can be ejected face-up or face-down.

According to this embodiment described above, the following effects can be expected.

(1) Since the image-receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet film 4 are cart-reruned, the user does not have to worry about loading the image-receiving paper 10 into a paper feed cassette. Also, there is no risk of accidentally touching the image receiving surface and staining it with fingerprints or sweat.

(2) Since the image receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet film 4 can be loaded into the main body of the apparatus at the same time, the complexity of loading work is reduced. Also, when using different types of image receiving paper 10,
Since the process cartridge 3 can be replaced in units, it is possible to easily use a plurality of types of process cartridges.

(3) When using multiple types of image-receiving paper 10, since the image-receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet film 4 suitable for the image-receiving paper 10 are set in advance in one process cartridge 3, the image-receiving paper 10 There is no need to make a mistake in the combination of the ink sheet film 4 and the ink sheet film 4. Accordingly, the number of image receiving papers 10 and the number of screens of ink sheet film 4 are as follows.
Since a one-to-one correspondence is always maintained, the above-mentioned correspondence will not be disturbed due to an operational error.

(4) The process cartridge 3 is provided with unevenness 2j, 2p indicating its type, and the apparatus main body 20 is provided with the unevenness 2p.
Since a sensor for detecting the type of process cartridge 3 from the condition of 2g is provided in j, 2, it is possible to determine the type of process cartridge 3 at the same time as it is loaded. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where the compatibility between the image receiving paper 10 and the ink sheet film 4 is determined after paper is fed, time loss is reduced.

(5) A means is provided to detect the type of process cartridge 3 and display it on the monitor, so even when multiple types of process cartridges are used, it is possible to determine which type of process cartridge 3 is currently in the main body of the apparatus. You can tell at a glance if it is. Therefore, by mistake, a different type of image receiving paper 10 is used.
You can prevent operational errors such as printing on

(6) An indicator sticker 13 indicating the type of process cartridge 3 is added to the operation side of the process cartridge 3 so that it can be seen from outside the device body, making it easy to identify which process cartridge 3 is inside the device. Identifiable.

(7) Remaining amount memory corresponding to various process cartridges 3 is provided, and even if the process cartridge 3 is replaced, the remaining amount data corresponding to the process cartridge 3 is retrieved from the memory and displayed. Even if you replace it, you can immediately know the remaining amount, which is very convenient.

(8) Since either the absence of ink sheet film or the absence of image receiving paper is detected and the remaining amount is displayed as rOJ, the remaining amount of ink sheet film 4 and image receiving paper 10 can be changed due to paper jams etc. Even if the process cartridge 3 does not fit, the user can be accurately informed that the process cartridge 3 is no longer usable.

(9) The ink sheet film 4 is provided with a partition mark B for partitioning the ink application area of each screen layer, and the feed length from the start position to the partition mark B for the first screen, or a certain screen. It is set longer than the feed length from the ink application area of 1 minute to the partition mark B for the next screen. Then, it is determined whether the length from the start of transport of the ink sheet film 4 to the first partition mark B is longer than a specified value, and if it is longer than the specified value, the process cartridge 3 is the one that has not been used. , and the remaining amount is automatically reset to an unused value. Therefore, an unused process cartridge 3 can be automatically detected, and a corresponding remaining amount can be displayed. Further, since the reset is performed only for the type of process cartridge 3 concerned, it is possible to perform the reset while the remaining amount of the process cartridge 3 of other types is stored and held.

(10) Create an image receiving paper 10 that corresponds to the screen configuration that can be output from the printer main body 20, and
By selecting the process cartridge 3 that matches the screen configuration, the user can perform post-processing after printing (
Processing such as cutting out the necessary parts and pasting them as a reel is no longer necessary.

(]1) When a process cartridge 3 containing a certain type of image receiving paper 1o is used for the device body 20 that can output multiple screen configurations, the screen configuration suitable for that image receiving paper 10 is automatically selected. This simplifies the user's operating procedure and prevents mismatch between the image receiving paper 10 and the screen configuration.

(12) A slide creation mode is provided, and as soon as the mode is selected, a screen of the slide size is outputted with a cutout, so slides can be created extremely easily.

(1B) When a process cartridge 3 other than the process cartridge 3 with OHP paper is loaded,
Since the slide creation mode is set to a sequence in which no reception is accepted, it is possible to prevent misprinting in the slide mode on receiving paper other than oHP paper.

(14) Since the remaining amount reset switch 92 is provided on the operation panel 9o, the remaining amount can be reliably detected by pressing the reset switch 92 when an unused process cartridge 3 is inserted. Further, the reset switch 92 is configured to be pressed once after detecting that the process cartridge F is present even though the process cartridge is ``absent'', thereby preventing unnecessary erroneous operations.

(15) Since the process cartridge 3 can be opened and closed freely, the space required for transportation and storage can be reduced.

(16) Since the process cartridge 3 can be opened and closed freely and has a retention function by clicking, it is easy to maintain the posture of the process cartridge 3 when loading it into the apparatus main body 20 by carrying the process cartridge 3 with it closed. .

(17) Since the process cartridge 3 is provided with a handle 2m, it can be easily attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 20.

(18) In the process cartridge 3 in the closed state, the outer shape of the process cartridge 3 is intertwined with each other, making it compact and easy to transport and carry.

(19) When the process cartridge 3 is closed, the image-receiving paper 10 is pressed by the presser member 8 that enters the image-receiving paper storage section from the paper feed port 2f. No. 10 can prevent gagging inside the process cartridge. Therefore, stable transportation is possible. Further, when carrying or storing the process cartridge 3 in which the remaining used image receiving paper 10 is present, it is possible to prevent the image receiving paper 10 from falling from the paper feed port 2f.

(20) By using the outer surface of the hanging of the process cartridge 3 as part of the paper guide from the paper feed section to the platen roller 25, the number of paper guide members can be reduced and the cost can be reduced. Also, in the unlikely event of a paper jam,
Since a wide space is obtained when the process cartridge 3 is pulled out, the jam processing is easy.

(21) At least before printing starts, move the width direction movement regulating walls 2d, 2e of the receiving paper storage section in the process cartridge 3 to the rear end of the receiving paper or the regulating wall surfaces 2d, 2e.
Since the configuration is such that it is not subject to the regulation e, even if the distance from the platen roller 25 is shortened to make it more compact, there will be no contact between the image receiving paper 10 being conveyed and the walls 2d and 2e. You can prevent damage caused by rubbing.

Further, since the vibration caused when the rear end of the receiving paper deviates from the restrictions of the wall surfaces 2d and 2e does not occur after printing has started, it does not adversely affect the recorded image.

(22) A large hole 22 into which the process cartridge 3 is inserted is provided in the front frame 21.

This hole 22 communicates from the paper feed section to the platen roller 25 as one hole, which is convenient when processing jam paper.

(23) Since a part of the process cartridge 3 is configured to also serve as a paper discharge tray, there is no need to newly provide a paper discharge tray. This simplifies the configuration of the device and allows it to be manufactured inexpensively and compactly. Furthermore, when the process cartridge 3 is pulled out, the storage space for the process cartridge 3 and the ejected paper storage space become one and are enlarged, making it easy to perform jam processing at the paper ejection section.

(24) The image receiving paper 10 is attached to a part of the process cartridge 3.
Since a recess is provided to avoid a part of the suppressing means for pressing the image receiving paper transport roller 31, the printer main body 20
can be configured compactly.

(25) At the end of the portion of the process cartridge 3 that also serves as a paper ejection tray, protrusions 12d, l:'e, which are shaped to prevent the ejected paper from getting caught up in the receiving paper transport roller 31, are provided. There is no need to add any parts to the paper (ejected paper can be prevented from being caught in the roller 31).

(26) During printing, the leading and trailing ends of the image-receiving paper 10 pass through the circumferential surface of the platen roller 25 and then reciprocate within the same space 37 surrounded by the first guide 34 and the second guide 36 Therefore, even if a paper jam should occur in this state, the jammed paper can be easily ejected from the paper ejection section by turning the knob coaxial with the platen roller 25 in either the left or right direction. Further, since there is no risk that the front end and rear end of the image-receiving paper 10 will collide with the constituent members of the image-receiving paper transport path during the reciprocating movement, there is no risk that the image-receiving paper 10 will be damaged no matter how many times the reciprocating movement is repeated.

(27) Since the image-receiving paper transport roller 31 has both the image-receiving paper transport roller function and the paper ejection roller function, the paper transport path is simplified, and the configuration of the apparatus main body 20 is simplified. It can be manufactured inexpensively and compactly.

(28) Elastic paddle 76 for pushing out the ejected paper, that is, the printed receiver paper 10 toward the front side of the apparatus main body 20
．． Since the image-receiving paper retrieval means equipped with the receiver paper 77 and 78 is driven by a forward force utilizing the rigidity of the ejected paper itself, it can be driven without a new drive source, and the device configuration is simplified.

(29) Receiving paper pushing member 76.7 consisting of an elastic paddle
The driving force for the receiving paper take-out means equipped with 7.78 is taken from the paper ejection drive source to continuously rotate the extrusion members 76, 77, and 78, so that the ejected paper can be taken out quickly and accurately. Ru.

(30) Since the grooves 12a and 12b are provided in the cartridge cover 12 of the process cartridge 3, and the receiving paper pushing members 76 and 78 are provided at corresponding positions, the pushing operation of the printed receiving paper 10 can be performed reliably. Therefore, the printed image-receiving paper 10 can be taken out properly.

(31) Detect the type of process cartridge 3, select the optimal energy control table according to the type (that is, the type of image receiving paper 10 and ink sheet film 4 loaded in the cartridge 3), and record the image. Since this is done, good images can always be obtained no matter what type of process cartridge 3 is inserted.

(32) Since the cartridge rack 100 for storing unused process cartridges 3 is used as a stand under the printer main body 20, the process cartridges 3 are always kept near the printer main body 20. Therefore, the required process cartridge 3 can be easily replaced at any time.

(33) Since the width of the cartridge rack 100 is made approximately equal to the width of the printer main body 20 and a plurality of racks can be stacked on top of each other, it is possible to It is possible to increase or decrease.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the amount of cartridge usage can be accurately stored and
Not only can it be displayed, but it is also possible to detect the usage amount of each cartridge by simply providing an identification signal on the cartridge and the nozzle, and it is possible to provide an image recording device that can be manufactured at low cost.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 23 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the present invention (including some modified examples), and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the most characteristic part of the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 show the cartridge in the closed state (first
FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views showing the detailed configuration of the cartridge in the closed state (first embodiment) and the open state (second embodiment).
6(a) and 6(b) are views showing the end surface and top surface of the cartridge, and FIG. 7(a) and (b) are views showing the cartridge in the 171st embodiment. Side view showing the housing and the second housing exploded, No. 8
The figure is a side view of the cartridge seen from the rear side. Figure 9 is a side view showing the details of the cartridge loaded into the main body of the apparatus, Figure 10 (a) is a sectional view of the front cover of the main body of the apparatus, and Figure 10 (b) is the apparatus with the front cover covered. A side view showing the main body, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing details of a state in which a cartridge is loaded into the main body of the apparatus. Figures 12 and 13 are top views and partial perspective views showing the structure of the ink sheet winding drive section, and Figures 14 and 15 are of a reservoir for counting the amount of ink sheet used attached to a part of the ink sheet winding drive section. FIG. 16, which shows the encoder, is a plan view showing the structure of the ink sheet. FIGS. 17(a), (b), and (c) are views showing a means (first means) for taking out the printed image-receiving paper with a part of the apparatus main body cut away, and FIGS. 18(a), (b), and (C) ) is a partially cutaway view of the apparatus main body to show the means (second means) for taking out the printed receiving paper, FIG. 19 is a front view showing an example in which the cartridge rack and the apparatus main body are arranged in a stacked manner, and FIG. The figure is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the receiving paper regulating means (pressing means). Figure 21 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system, Figure 22 (
a) to (h) are diagrams showing examples of usable receiver paper, No. 23
The figure is a flowchart for explaining the type of receiving paper and the format selectable table in the main body of the apparatus. 1... First housing la, lb... Hole for positioning 2... Second housing 3... Cartridge 4. Ink sheet 8. Holding member 10...
Receiving paper 20... Apparatus main body 2 front cover 23 a.・Positioning pin

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) An image recording device main body, a plurality of image receiving paper cartridges that house image receiving paper used in this image recording device main body, cartridge identification marks provided on each of these plurality of image receiving paper cartridges, and these cartridge identification marks. and a plurality of recording number counting means provided on the main body of the image recording apparatus so as to correspond to the number of recording times, respectively, and when the image receiving paper cartridge is used, the usage amount of the image receiving paper cartridge is counted by the counting means corresponding to the identification mark. An image recording apparatus characterized in that the usage amount is displayed on a display section of the image recording apparatus main body. (2) The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for resetting the number of recording times and instructing that the apparatus cannot be used when a paper break is detected. (3) An image recording device main body and a plurality of ink sheets that house the ink sheets used in the image recording device main body.
a cartridge, a plurality of cartridge identification marks provided on the plurality of ink sheet cartridges, and a plurality of recording number counting means provided on the main body of the image recording apparatus so as to correspond to each of these cartridge identification marks, and the ink sheet - When the cartridge is used, the usage amount of the ink sheet cartridge is stored in the counting means corresponding to the identification mark, and the usage amount is displayed on the display section of the image recording apparatus main body. image recording device. (4) The image recording apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for resetting the number of recording times and instructing that the apparatus cannot be used when the ink sheet runs out is detected. (5) When using a cartridge in which image-receiving paper and ink sheet are integrally housed in a single housing, if either paper out or ink sheet out is detected, the device cannot be used. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for indicating a certain fact.