JPH0615937A - Ink sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the confirmation of the number of residual sheets to be printed. CONSTITUTION:An ink sheet 10 for color printing is prepared by installing a blank part 21 on the left side of the ink sheet in the winding direction of a sheet 11 and by forming a marker 22 for detection with the naked eye which indicates the number of the residual ink sheets and a marker 23 for automatic detection which indicates the number of the residual ink sheets on the blank part 21. The marker 23 for automatic detection is detected by the photo sensor 30 of a printer. In this way, the printer indicates the number of the residual ink sheets to be printed on a recording sheet on a display panel. When the indication by the display panel is not done, a cassette 1 holding the ink sheet 10 is removed from the printer, and the marker 22 for detection with naked eyes is confirmed with the naked eye from an opening. The number of the residual ink sheet to be printed can be thereby confirmed correctly.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink sheet used in a printer for printing an image from a personal computer, a television receiver or the like on a recording sheet, and more particularly to an ink which can display the remaining amount of the ink sheet. Regarding the seat.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a printer device for printing an image from a personal computer, a television receiver or the like on a recording paper, yellow (Ye), magenta (M)
g) and cyan (Cy) ink are sequentially applied to a recording paper using an ink sheet for color printing, and three colors are printed.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an ink sheet for color printing used in such a conventional printer device.

In FIG. 9, an ink sheet 70 for color printing is a sheet 71 formed of a transparent resin in a band shape.
Ye, Mg, Cy ink 72Y, 72M, 7 on one surface
2C are sequentially applied through the blank portions 73Y, 73M and 73C, respectively, and the ink sheet supply roll and the ink sheet take-up roll are Ye → Mg → Cy → Ye.
Supply and winding are performed in this order. Y
Blank portions 73Y, 73 at positions adjacent to the inks 72Y, 72M, 72C of e, Mg, Cy in the winding direction, respectively.
M and 73C include a marker 74Y for printing start position detection,
74M and 74C are formed. The marker 74Y is Y
It is for making the marker detection element detect the printing start position of e, and by applying a paint such as black that does not transmit light and absorbs light in a state of traversing the ink sheet on the winding direction side of the blank portion 73Y. It was formed. Marker 74M
Is a paint for causing the marker detection element to detect the printing start position of Mg, and is a paint that absorbs light without passing through the left half of the blank portion 73M on the winding direction side (the left half facing the winding direction). It is formed by applying. The marker 74C is for causing the marker detection element to detect the printing start position of Cy, and does not transmit light to the right half of the blank portion 73C on the winding direction side (the right half when facing the winding direction) without absorption. It is formed by applying the coating material. The printer device uses such markers 74Y, 74
Marker detection elements M and 74C are provided at two positions on the left and right sides of the back side of the ink sheet and the left and right sides of the ink sheet 70 on the back side
It is detected by a reflecting mirror arranged at a place. The marker detection element is composed of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion and is provided so as to face the reflection plate. When the ink sheet 70 is wound up, the marker detection element is irradiated with light and reflected by the reflection plate, and the reflected light is reflected by the ink sheet 70. The markers 74Y, 74M, and 74C are detected by receiving light through the blank portions 73Y, 73M, and 73C.

To specifically describe such detection, in the left and right marker detection elements, the light emitted from the light emitting portion is used for the markers 74Y, 74M, and 74C and the paints 72Y and 72Y.
When the light is absorbed by M and 72C and not received by the light receiving portion, low level detection output is performed. Further, in the left and right marker detection elements, the light emitted from the light emitting unit is
When Y, 73M and 73C are transmitted, reflected by the reflection plate, further transmitted through the blank portions 73Y, 73M and 73C, and received by the light receiving portion, high level detection output is performed. Therefore, when the marker 74Y passes between the left and right marker detecting elements and the left and right reflecting mirrors, the detection outputs of the left and right marker detecting elements simultaneously switch from the low level to the high level.
From this detection output, the printer device confirms that it is the Cy print start position. When the marker 74M passes between the left and right marker detecting elements and the left and right reflecting mirrors, the detection output of the left and right marker detecting elements is switched from the low level to the high level first by the right marker detecting element. , The marker detection element on the left switches from low level to high level. From this detection output, the printer device confirms that it is the Mg print start position. When the marker 74C passes between the left and right marker detecting elements and the left and right reflecting mirrors, the detection outputs of the left and right marker detecting elements are switched from the low level to the high level first by the left marker detecting element, ,
The right marker detection element switches from low level to high level. From this detection output, the printer device confirms that it is the Cy print start position.

The printer device uses these markers 74Y, 7
When 4M and 74C are detected, the winding of the ink sheet 70 is once stopped, the recording paper is conveyed together with the ink sheet 70, and the winding of the ink sheet 70 is restarted.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining printing with such an ink sheet 70.

In FIG. 10, a plurality of heating elements 81, 81, 81 ... Are formed on the thermal head 80 along the direction traversing the ink sheet 70. The printer device supplies the thermal head drive signal to the thermal head in a state where the recording paper 82 is conveyed together with the ink sheet 70, so that the heating elements 81 and 8 of the thermal head are provided.
, 81 are made to generate heat in accordance with the signal power of the thermal head drive signal, the heat is transferred to the inks 72Y, 72M, 72C via the sheet 71 of the ink sheet 70, and the inks 72Y, 72M, 72C of the ink sheet 70 are transferred. The image is transferred to the printing portion 83 of the recording paper 82 by being melted or sublimated. The printer apparatus performs color copying on the recording paper 82 by repeating such transfer for three colors of Ye, Mg, and Cy.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an ink sheet for monochrome printing used in a conventional printer device.

In FIG. 11, an ink sheet 90 is a sheet 91 in which a transparent resin is formed into a strip shape, and black ink 92 is sequentially applied through a blank portion 93 to the ink sheet supply roll and the ink sheet. Supply and winding are performed by a winding roll. A marker 94 for detecting the print start position is formed on the blank portion 93. The marker 94 is formed by applying a paint such as black that does not transmit light while crossing the ink sheet on the winding direction side of the blank portion 93. The printer device detects such a marker 94 by a marker detection element arranged on the back side of the ink sheet 90 and a reflecting mirror arranged on the back side of the ink sheet.

The ink sheet 90 shown in FIGS. 9 and 11.
Is the number of printed sheets in the cassette (for example, 20 sheets, 1
(00 sheets) are rolled and stored. Here, the ink sheet 70 of FIG.
Three colors of M and 72C correspond to one print number, and if the number of prints is 20, the inks 72Y, 72M and 72C
Will be stored in the cassette for 20 areas each, for a total of 60 areas. On the other hand, the ink sheet 90 of FIG. 11 corresponds to one printed sheet with one color of ink 92. If the printed sheet number is 20, 20 areas of the ink 92Y will be stored in the cassette. . By thus storing the number of printed sheets in the cassette, the printer device can continuously print.

However, with the conventional ink sheets shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, it is difficult to accurately confirm how many sheets can be printed because they are stored in the cassette. Therefore, when performing continuous printing on a plurality of recording papers, the ink sheet may be used up before printing on all the recording papers without the user's knowledge, and the printer device is left in a stopped state. There were many things. Moreover, the ink sheet is often used up without preparing a spare ink sheet.

[0013]

In the above-mentioned conventional ink sheet, it is difficult to accurately confirm the remaining number of sheets to be printed, and all the recording papers are kept in a state where the user is away from the printer device. There is a defect that the ink sheet is used up before the printing of, or the ink sheet is used up without preparing a spare ink sheet.

Therefore, the present invention has an object to provide an ink sheet capable of accurately confirming how many remaining sheets can be printed.

[0015]

An ink sheet according to the present invention as set forth in claim 1 is accommodated in a cassette in a state where ink is applied to one surface of a belt-shaped sheet, an ink sheet supply roll and an ink sheet take-up roll. In the ink sheet in which the ink of the sheet is supplied and wound by the roll and the ink of the sheet is transferred to the recording paper by the head of the printer device, the ink is not transferred to the recording paper on one surface and the other surface of the sheet. A marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets is formed in the portion to indicate how many sheets can be printed on the recording paper, and the marker for exposing the remaining number of sheets is exposed in the cassette. It is characterized by being formed.

[0016]

According to this structure, the remaining number display marker exposed on the remaining number display marker exposure opening formed on the cassette is confirmed by the naked eye, an optical sensor, etc. You can check exactly how many sheets can be printed.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cassette accommodating an ink sheet according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the ink sheet 10 for color printing is provided with a blank portion 21 on the left side facing the winding direction of the sheet 11, and the blank portion 21 has a marker 22 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection. A marker 23 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection is formed. The ink sheet 10 is
The ink sheet is supplied to the cassette 1 in the order of Ye → Mg → Cy → Ye by the ink sheet supply roll 4 and the ink sheet take-up roll 5 which are axially supported by bearings 2 and 3, respectively.
It is designed to be wound up. An opening 6 for exposing the ink sheet 10 is provided in a portion between the ink sheet supply roll 4 and the ink sheet take-up roll 5 of the cassette 1.
Are formed. As a result, from the opening portion 6, Y
e, Mg, Cy inks 12Y, 12M, 12C (see FIG. 2).
Blank space between ink 13Y, 13M, 13C
(See FIG. 2), the marker 1 for color display displayed on these.
4Y, 14M and 14C (see FIG. 2), the blank portion 21 and the remaining number display markers 22 and 23 formed on the blank portion 21 are exposed. The printer device is configured such that the ink sheet 10 can be sandwiched between the thermal head and the recording paper by such an opening 6. Below the position where the remaining sheet number display marker 23 passes, a light receiving section 32 that constitutes a light emitting section and an optical sensor 30 described later is provided.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the ink sheet of FIG.

In FIG. 2, the sheet 11 is made of a transparent resin in the shape of a strip.
The inks 12Y, 12M, and 12C of e, Mg, and Cy are sequentially applied through the blank portions 13Y, 13M, and 13C. A blank portion 21 having a predetermined width is provided on the left side of the sheet 11 in the winding direction.

The blank portions 13Y, 13M and 13C are Ye,
The inks 12Y, 12M, and 12C of Mg and Cy are adjacent to each other in the winding direction. Blank part 13Y, 1
3M and 13C include markers 7 for color display in the conventional example of FIG.
Marker 14 for color display similar to 4Y, 74M, 74C
Y, 14M and 14C are formed.

At the position close to the blank portion 13Y of the blank portion 21, a marker 22 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection is formed. The marker 22 for displaying the remaining number is the ink sheet 1
The arithmetic numerals 10, 9 ... Show how many remaining 0 can be printed on the recording paper. For example, if the remaining number display marker 22 is (10), it indicates that the remaining number display marker 22 can print on the remaining 10 sheets.

A marker 23 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection is formed at a position separated from the marker 22 for displaying the remaining number of sheets in the blank portion 21 on the ink sheet supply side by a predetermined distance.
The marker 23 for displaying the remaining number of sheets displays a bar code-like figure on how many remaining ink sheets 10 can be printed on the recording paper.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a position where an optical sensor for reading the remaining number display marker 23 for automatic detection is provided.

In FIG. 3, the optical sensors 30 are provided above and below the position where the remaining number display marker 23 passes when the ink sheet 10 is supplied and wound.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the optical sensor 30 of FIG.

In FIG. 4, the optical sensor 30 includes a light emitting portion 31 disposed above the position where the remaining number display marker 23 of the ink sheet 10 passes, and a position where the remaining number display marker 23 passes. It is composed of a light receiving portion 32 arranged on the lower side. The light a from the light emitting portion 31 is received by the light receiving portion 32 via the blank portion 21 of the ink sheet 10. The light receiving unit 32 is provided with a number of light receiving elements capable of discriminating the figure of the remaining number display marker 23.

When the remaining number display marker 23 passes between the light emitting section 31 and the light receiving section 32, the light from the light emitting section 31 does not pass through the printing section of the remaining number display marker 23. The corresponding light receiving element of the light receiving section 32 does not detect light, and the light passes through the non-printing section, so the corresponding light receiving element of the light receiving section 32 detects light. The signal of the detection result of the light receiving element of the light receiving unit 32 is supplied to the control unit of the printer device. The control unit of the printer device determines from the signal of the detection result of the light receiving element how many ink sheets are left to be printed on the recording paper, and the determination result is displayed by the light emitting diode provided in the cabinet of the printer device. Display numbers on the panel.

According to such an embodiment, when the optical sensor 30 of the printer detects the marker 23 for displaying the remaining number of sheets, the control section judges the detection result, and the remaining number of ink sheets is recorded. Since it is possible to display the number of prints on paper on the display panel provided in the cabinet of the printer device, it is possible to accurately confirm how many sheets can be printed. In addition, when the printer device fails or power is not supplied to the printer device and the display on the display panel is not performed, the ink sheet 10
It is possible to accurately confirm how many sheets can be printed by removing the cassette 1 storing the image from the printer device and visually confirming the marker 22 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection. As a result, when performing continuous printing, the user may run out of ink sheets before printing on all recording sheets without knowing the user, or may run out of ink sheets without preparing a spare ink sheet. Can be prevented.

FIG. 5 shows a first modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

In FIG. 5, the ink sheet 40 for color printing corresponds only to automatic detection.
Only the marker 22 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection is formed in the blank portion 21, but the marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection is not formed anywhere.

According to such a modification, the same effect as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be obtained at the time of automatic detection, and the marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection detected by the optical sensor by the control unit of the printer apparatus. Is prevented from being erroneously displayed as a marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced because the marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection is not formed.

FIG. 6 shows a second modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. The same components as those shown in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

In FIG. 6, the ink sheet 41 for color printing has only the remaining number display marker 22 for automatic detection formed on the blank portion 21, and the remaining number display marker 42 for naked eye detection has the blank portion 21. Not on the ink 12Y when printing on the left side of the take-up side (left side facing the take-up direction)
Is printed on.

According to such a modified example, the same effect as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be obtained both at the time of automatic detection and at the time of naked eye detection, and, like the modified example of FIG. It is possible to prevent the detection remaining quantity display marker from being erroneously recognized as the automatic detection remaining quantity display marker and to display an incorrect display.

FIG. 7 shows a third modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the same components as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

In FIG. 7, the ink sheet 42 for color printing corresponds only to the naked eye detection.
Only the remaining number display marker 23 for naked eye detection is formed in the blank portion 21, and the remaining number display marker for automatic detection is not formed anywhere.

According to such a modification, the same effect as that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 can be obtained at the time of naked eye detection, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced because the marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection is not formed.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the ink sheet according to the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In FIG. 8, the ink sheet 50 for color printing of this embodiment does not have a blank portion on the left side facing the winding direction of the sheet 51, and a marker 53 for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection. Is printed not on the blank area but on the left corner on the winding side that does not affect printing on the ink 12Y. Also,
The marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection is not printed.

According to such an embodiment, the same effects as those of the modification of FIG. 7 are obtained, and since there is no blank portion on the left side facing the winding direction of the sheet 51, the cassette can be made smaller and lighter. Manufacturing cost can be reduced. It can also be made compatible with conventional printer devices.

In the embodiments and modifications shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the markers for displaying the remaining number of sheets for naked eye detection and the markers for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection are inks 12Y, 12M,
Although it is formed on the same surface as the surface coated with 12C, it may be formed on the opposite surface. Further, in the embodiment and the modified examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the ink sheet having the blank portion between the inks 12Y, 12M, and 12C is applied.
You may apply to the ink sheet which has not provided the blank part between Y, 12M, and 12C. Further, in the embodiment and the modification shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the ink sheet for color printing is applied, but it may be applied to the ink sheet for black and white printing. Further, in the embodiment and the modification shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the ink 12 of Ye, Mg, and Cy is introduced from the opening portion 6.
Y, 12M, 12C (see FIG. 2), blank portions 13Y, 13M, 13C between the inks, ink exposure apertures for exposing the color display markers 14Y, 14M, 14C displayed thereon, and the remaining portions. The opening for exposing the remaining number displaying marker 22 and 23 for exposing the remaining quantity displaying markers 22 and 23 is continuously provided as one opening 6. However, the opening for ink exposure and the remaining number displaying marker exposing The openings may be provided individually.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately confirm how many remaining sheets can be printed. Therefore, when performing continuous printing, all the recording papers can be printed without the user's knowledge. It is possible to prevent the ink sheet from being used up before printing, or the ink sheet to be used up without preparing a spare ink sheet.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an ink sheet according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the ink sheet of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a position at which an optical sensor for reading a marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets for automatic detection of FIG. 1 is provided.

FIG. 4 is a side view showing the optical sensor of FIG.

5 is a plan view showing a first modification of the embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a second modification of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a third modification of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing another embodiment of the ink sheet according to the invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an ink sheet for conventional color printing.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating printing with the ink sheet of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a conventional black-and-white printing ink sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Cassette 4 Ink Sheet Supply Roll 5 Ink Sheet Winding Roll 6 Opening Area 10 Ink Sheet 11 Sheet 21 Blank Area 22,23 Marker for Remaining Number of Sheets Display 12Y, 12M, 12C Ink

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. The ink of the sheet is stored in a cassette in a state in which ink is applied to one surface of a belt-shaped sheet and is supplied and wound by an ink sheet supply roll and an ink sheet take-up roll. In the ink sheet that is transferred to the recording paper by the head of the printer device, a remaining number indicating how many sheets can be printed on the recording paper remains on the one surface and the other surface of the sheet where the ink is not transferred to the recording paper. An ink sheet, characterized in that a marker for displaying the number of remaining sheets is formed, and an opening for exposing the marker for displaying the remaining number of sheets is formed in the cassette. 2. An ink exposure opening for exposing the ink of the sheet when the ink of the sheet is transferred to a recording paper by a head of a printer device, the opening for exposing the remaining number of sheets marker. The ink sheet according to claim 1, wherein the ink sheet is continuously provided.