JPH0640053A - Current-carrying transfer printing head and method of performing current-carrying transfer printing by means of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable readily maintaining a good condition of contact when a receptor paper and an ink ribbon are put one upon another to be contacted with a resistance heating support surface by a platen by providing an insulating layer so as to define substantially the same plane between a group of recording electrodes and a group of return electrodes, which electrodes of the both groups are paired. CONSTITUTION:A recording head 2 is formed by applying, for example, a thick film tungsten paste to the same surface of a supporting substrate 2c of ceramics and the like for thick film printing of a group of six hundred and twenty-eight recording electrodes 2a and a group of the same number of return electrodes 2b with an electrode pitch of 125mum, an electrode width of 85mum and an electrode height of 60mum, and baking the resulted product. The group of recording electrodes 2a and the group of return electrodes 2b, respectively, are paired, and are set to be disposed such that a distance between opposing tip ends of the respective electrodes is 100mum.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention uses a heat generating sheet having an ink layer containing an ink that is softened / melted or sublimated by heating at least, and a resistance layer that generates heat when energized. An electric current transfer recording recording head and an electric current transfer recording in which a desired image is formed on a surface of a recording medium (image receiving paper) which is superposed on the ink layer by selectively passing an electric current between the (group) and the return electrode (group). Regarding the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A thermal transfer recording means using a melt type or sublimation type ink material has no noise, is easy to reduce the cost, is small and lightweight, and is excellent in operability and maintainability. It is widely used (spread) in image forming apparatuses such as facsimiles. This thermal transfer recording means or system uses, for example, a thermal transfer ink ribbon (hereinafter referred to as an ink ribbon) in which a heat-meltable or thermally sublimable ink layer is provided on the surface of a sheet-like support, and this ink ribbon is selected by a thermal head or the like. Heat to melt the ink layer
By sublimating and transferring the ink to the surface of the recording medium, an image can be recorded according to the heating pattern by the thermal head or the like.

However, in the thermal transfer recording means or device using a thermal head as a recording signal source, the thermal output of the thermal head is limited, and high quality printing is performed on rough paper such as PPC paper or bond paper. When using an ink ribbon that requires a large recording energy, such as a high-melting-point ink required for printing or a sublimation ink that can perform smooth halftone image recording, it has been difficult to increase the transfer recording speed.

In response to the above problems or requirements, the inside of the ink ribbon is selectively heated in response to a recording signal, and the heat generated melts and sublimes the ink in the ink ribbon, and the surface of the recording medium (image-receiving paper). In addition, a printer of an electric transfer recording system for transferring an image corresponding to a recording signal has been put into practical use. In this type of printer, since heat is generated inside the ink ribbon, the efficiency of transferring the generated heat to the ink is good, so that a large recording energy can be easily obtained.

FIG. 13 schematically shows the recording principle of the energization transfer recording system. Reference numeral 1 denotes an ink ribbon, which is a resistance heating support 1a, a conductive layer 1b such as aluminum, and the like. The ink layer 1c includes an ink material that is melted, softened, or sublimated by heat. Again 2
Is a recording head for current transfer, in which a group of recording electrodes 2a and a group of return electrodes 2b are arranged in pairs on the same plane of a supporting substrate 2c. Here, the recording electrode 2a group is connected to a recording electrode drive circuit 2d that selectively drives the recording electrode 2a group according to a required recording signal. The return electrode 2b group corresponding to the recording electrode 2a group is arranged on the downstream side with respect to the relative movement direction of the return electrode 2b group and the ink ribbon 1 (indicated by an arrow →). In this energization transfer recording method (means or device), an ink ribbon selectively contacted with the recording electrode 2a group from the recording electrode 2a group of the energization transfer recording head 2 by the function of the recording electrode driving circuit 2d. A recording current is injected into the resistance heating support 1a of No. 1, the recording current flows through the resistance heating support 1a, flows through the conductive layer 1b in the direction shown by the arrow, and again passes through the resistance heating support 1a. It flows to the corresponding return electrode 2b group. At this time, due to Joule heat selectively generated in the region of the resistance heating support 1a corresponding to the recording electrode 2a through which the recording current flows, the ink layer 1c of the ink ribbon 1 in contact with the heating region
Is melted, softened or sublimated, and the ink color material is transferred to the recording medium (image receiving paper) 3 to be transferred. While the recording electrode 2a moves on the resistive support 1a of the ink ribbon 1, a recording current is injected into the resistive heating support 1a according to a recording signal, and the color in the ink layer 1c of the ink ribbon 1 is changed. Transfer the material.

Further, as a modification of the electro-transfer recording means, as shown in FIG. 14 schematically showing a main part of an embodying state, an ink ribbon 1 ″ is composed of a resistance heating support 1a and a conductive layer 1b. 1'and an ink ribbon 1 "composed of an ink layer 1c and a support 1d for supporting the ink layer 1c, which are separated into a heat generating sheet 1 ', an ink ribbon 1" and a recording medium to be transferred (image receiving paper). It is also known to carry out required electric transfer recording by the recording head 2 for electric transfer while stacking and transporting 3. The endless heating sheet composed of the resistance heating support 1a and the conductive layer 1b. An ink ribbon 1 ″ composed of an ink layer 1c and a support 1d supporting the ink layer 1c on the 1 ′ surface
While carrying the sheet, the end surface of the recording electrode 2a of the recording head 2 for electric current transfer is opposed to the rear surface of the heat-generating sheet 1 ', while the return electrode 2b is disposed on the rear surface of the heat-generating sheet 1', away from this opposed position. Opposed, resistance heating element support 1a-conductive layer 1b-
By selectively energizing and generating heat in the path of the resistance heat generating support 1a, the required energization transfer recording is performed.In this method, the ink layer 1c and the support 1d supporting the ink layer 1c are used. It is sufficient to replace only the constituent ink ribbon 1 ″ (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-230966). In this energization transfer recording means, the heat generating sheet 1 ′, the ink ribbon 1 ″ and the recording medium 3 to be transferred are the same. Transported at speed.

In this way, in the electric transfer recording means (apparatus), heat is generated in the ink ribbon 1, so that the heat transfer efficiency to the ink layer 1c is good, and thermal transfer recording is performed using a thermal head which is an external heat source. Compared with the case, it is possible to use high-speed recording or a high melting point coloring material that could not be used conventionally.

[0008]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned current transfer recording apparatus or means, there are the following problems. That is, in the configuration of the recording head 2 for electric transfer, a group of recording electrodes 2a and a group of return electrodes 2b having a predetermined thickness are arranged to face each other on the same plane of the supporting substrate 2c. Therefore, when the ink ribbon 1 is conveyed in the printing / transferring process, the tip end corners of the recording electrode 2a group and the return path electrode 2b group of the recording head 2 for energizing transfer form the back surface of the ink ribbon 1. The scraps of the resistive support 1a scraped off by scratching the 1a adhere to the tips of the recording electrode 2a group and the return electrode 2b group. As a result, the return electrode 2b
The contact stability between the and the resistive support 1a is reduced, the contact resistance value and the amount of heat generated fluctuate and the image density becomes unstable, and the contact surface between the return electrode 2b group and the resistive support 1a A void is generated, and a spark is generated between the return electrode group 2b and the resistive support 1a, which causes wear and damage of the return electrode group 2b. Further, when dust generated from the resistive support 1a is deposited between the end faces of the recording electrode 2a group and the return electrode 2b group facing each other, a recording current is applied to both the resistive support 1a of the ink ribbon 1 and the deposited dust. There are many problems in practical use, such as a decrease in image density due to flow.

On the other hand, a heat-generating sheet 1'composed of the ink ribbon 1 composed of a resistance heat-generating support 1a and a conductive layer 1b,
The ink layer 1c and the support 1d supporting the ink layer 1c are separated into an ink ribbon 1 ″, and the heat generating sheet 1 ′, the ink ribbon 1 ″, and the recording medium 3 to be transferred are superposed on each other, and the like. In the means for performing the required energization transfer recording by the energization transfer recording head 2 while conveying at a high speed, the conveyance movement amount of the heat generating sheet 1'becomes large, so that it is difficult to stably convey the heat generating sheet 1 ', and the electricity is transferred. The contact stability between the recording electrode 2a of the transfer recording head 2 and the resistance heat generating support 1a of the heat generating sheet 1'is reduced, and the recording electrode 2a
Discharges when the heat generating sheet 1'is separated from the resistance heat generating support 1a, which tends to easily wear the heat generating sheet 1 '. In other words, the resistance heat generating support 1a of the heat generating sheet 1'and the recording electrode 2a of the recording head 2 for electric current transfer.
There is a problem in that the required recording and transfer cannot be performed in a stable state for a long period of time because a contact failure with the above is likely to occur in a short period of time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and not only the recording electrode group and the return electrode group and the resistive support forming the back surface of the ink ribbon always exhibit a stable contact state, but also the return electrode. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording head for electrification transfer in which abrasion and damage of a group are completely eliminated, and a recording method for electrification transfer capable of image transfer without image unevenness.

[0011]

A recording head for electric current transfer according to the present invention comprises a recording electrode group provided on the same plane of a supporting substrate, and a return electrode group forming a pair with this recording electrode group. An ink ribbon having an ink layer containing an ink that is softened / melted or sublimated by heating and a resistance layer that generates heat when energized is superposed on the surface of a recording medium, and the recording electrode is brought into contact with the back surface of the ink ribbon to energize the recording medium. In an electric current transfer recording head that selectively heats and transfers ink to the surface of a recording medium, an insulating layer is arranged between the recording electrode group and the return electrode group forming the pair so as to form substantially the same plane. Alternatively, at least the upper surfaces of the recording electrode group and the return electrode group forming the pair, which are opposed to each other, on the end surface side of the recording electrode are projected.

Further, the electric transfer recording method according to the present invention provides an electric transfer recording head comprising a recording electrode group provided on the same plane of a supporting substrate and a return electrode group forming a pair with the recording electrode group. A heat-generating sheet having a resistance layer for electrically heating on the back side and a recording medium surface are overlapped with each other through an ink ribbon having an ink layer containing an ink which is softened / melted or sublimated by heating, In the energization transfer recording method, in which the ink ribbon is brought into contact with the energization to selectively energize to transfer the ink to the surface of the recording medium, heat is generated with the conveyance speed V ₁ of the ink ribbon traveling opposite to the energization transfer recording head. The sheet conveyance speed V ₂ and V ₁
It is characterized by selecting and setting the relation of> V ₂ .

In the energization transfer recording head,
Between the end surfaces of the recording electrode group and the return electrode group forming a pair, which face each other, in other words, in the region where the insulating layer is arranged, when the recording medium and the ink ribbon are superposed, and when the energizing transfer recording head is energized, It is preferable to set the area wider than the contact range between the ink ribbon and the electric transfer recording head.

[0014] In the current transfer recording method, and a conveying speed V ₂ of the heat generating sheet and the conveying speed V ₁ of the ink ribbon, but selecting, setting the relation of V _1> V _2, further if necessary recording When the medium transport speed is V ₃ , V ₃ > V ₁
It is preferable to select and set the relation of> V ₂ .

[0015]

In the recording head for electric current transfer of the present invention,
An insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the support base portion between the opposing electrodes of the counter electrode composed of the recording electrode group and the return electrode group provided on the same plane of the support base so as to form substantially the same plane. It is filled. Therefore, even when the ink ribbon is pressed against the counter electrode to be conveyed, the phenomenon that each tip of the return electrode group (the end face facing the end face of the recording electrode) scratches the resistance heating substrate is eliminated. . Therefore, the problem of the generation of scraps due to scratching of the resistance heating support is completely eliminated, and good contact stability can be maintained between the recording electrode group and the return electrode group and the resistance heating support. Further, the occurrence of sparks between the return path electrode group and the resistance heat-generating support is eliminated, and high-quality current transfer recording is always reliably achieved.

[0016] On the other hand, in the energizing transfer recording method, the conveying speed V ₂ of the resistance heat generating sheet and the conveying speed V ₁ of the ink ribbon
By selecting and setting and in the relationship of V ₁ > V ₂ ,
Since a large number of recording image points can be formed on the ink ribbon with a relatively small transfer amount, this contributes to a reduction in the running cost of the ink ribbon. In addition, since the resistance heating sheet requires a relatively small amount of movement, it not only reduces mechanical wear but also stabilizes conveyance (movement), which greatly improves contact stability with the recording electrode group. As a result, the electric discharge wear is eliminated, and the required electric current transfer recording can be reliably achieved in a stable state.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a main part configuration of an electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention. The recording head 2 is made of, for example, tungsten on the same plane of a supporting substrate 2c such as ceramics. Using thick film paste, electrode pitch 125 μm, electrode width 85 μm
628 recording electrodes with m and electrode height of 60 μm
2a (group) and the return electrode 2b (group) are formed by thick film printing and firing. In addition, the recording electrode
2a (group) and return electrode 2b (group) are paired,
The electrodes are set and placed so that the distance between the tips (end faces) facing each other is 100 μm.
Between 2a and 2b (group), the insulating layer 2e is formed by thick film printing of crystallized glass so as to be almost equal to the height of the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b (to form substantially the same plane). Is formed and arranged.

That is, each of the electric current transfer recording heads according to the present invention is mounted on the same plane of the support base 2c in a structure as shown in a perspective view in FIG.
The configuration of the recording electrode 2a group driven by the recording electrode control IC 2f having 64 constant voltage drive circuits and the return electrode 2b group corresponding to this recording electrode 2a group is as shown in FIG. Is made. In FIG. 2, the output terminal of the recording electrode control IC 2f is connected by wire bonding to the side opposite to the end surface facing the return electrode 2b group, and the output terminal of each recording electrode control IC 2f is externally connected. It shall be connected to a terminal (not shown) by a conductor.

Next, an ink ribbon applied to electric transfer recording using the electric transfer recording head will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of the ink ribbon 1. Reference numeral 1a is a polycarbonate-based resistance heat-generating support substrate having a thickness of 12 μm in which conductive particles such as conductive carbon black are dispersed, and 1b is the above-mentioned. The resistance heating element is composed of a conductive layer made of an aluminum layer having a thickness of, for example, about 100 nm provided on the surface 1a, and 1c is an ink layer having a thickness of 1 μm and containing a sublimable coloring material provided on the surface of the conductive layer 1b. ing. In the configuration of the ink ribbon 1, the ink layer 1c includes a yellow ink layer region 1cY containing a sublimable yellow dye, a magenta ink layer region 1cM containing a sublimable magenta dye, and a cyan ink layer containing a sublimable cyan dye. Regions 1c C are sequentially formed in stripes in the flow direction of the ink ribbon 1 (opposite to the transport direction). The lengths of the ink layer regions 1c Y, 1c M, and 1c C for one color are appropriately set according to the length of the recording screen, and are 145 m in this configuration example. The width of each dye in the ink layer regions 1c Y, 1c M, and 1c C is set to 84 mm so as to sufficiently cover the column length 78.5 mm of the recording electrodes 2a.

Next, the operation of the energization transfer recording head in the energization transfer recording apparatus equipped with the energization transfer recording head having the above structure will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the recording medium to be transferred (image receiving paper) 3 is taken out from the cassette 4 and wound around the platen 5, and its tip is fixed and held on the peripheral surface of the platen 5 by the clip 5a. The ink ribbon 1 supplied from the ink ribbon supply reel 6 is pulled out by a pair of rollers 7 that control the supply / conveyance of the ink ribbon 1, and first the yellow ink layer area 1c Y is indexed.

During this series of operations of the image receiving paper 3 and the ink ribbon 1, the electro-transfer recording head 2 is separated from the platen 5, but the ink ribbon 1 and the image receiving paper 3 are set at the fixed positions. After that, the peripheral surface of the platen 5 is urged. Next, the recording signal of the yellow component is supplied from the color image signal means (not shown) to the recording electrode control IC 2f of the energization transfer recording head 2, and the recording current is selectively supplied to the group of recording electrodes 2a. On the other hand, the image receiving paper 3 is sent in accordance with the rotation of the platen 5, and the recording / transferring of the yellow screen is completed.
After recording / transferring the yellow screen, the energization transfer recording head 2 is separated from the platen 5, and the recording screen of the image receiving paper 3 and the magenta ink layer area 1c M of the ink ribbon 1 are cued to perform energization transfer recording. The head 2 is again urged by the platen 5, a recording current is supplied to the recording electrode 2a group in accordance with the recording signal of the magenta component, the magenta image is recorded / transferred so as to be superposed on the yellow image, and thereafter, the cyan operation is performed by the same operation. The image is recorded while being superimposed on the recorded and transferred image.

After recording / transferring the cyan image, the electric transfer recording head 2 is separated from the platen 5, and the feeding / supply of the ink ribbon 1 is stopped, but the image receiving paper 3 is sent out in accordance with the rotation of the platen 5. , The clip 5a is removed by the paper discharge guide 8, the front end of the image receiving paper 3 is released,
The paper is discharged onto the paper discharge guide 8.

In the series of operations described above, the energization operation of the energization transfer recording head 2 and the ink ribbon 1 and the conveyance of the ink ribbon 1 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a state in which the image receiving paper 3 and the ink ribbon 1 are superposed by the platen 5 and the energizing transfer recording head 2 shown in FIG. In the figure, the resistance heat generating support 1a of the ink ribbon 1 is in contact with the facing end surfaces of the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b of the current transfer recording head 2. When a recording current is supplied to the recording electrode 2a in this state, the recording current flows into the resistive heating support 1a in contact with the recording electrode 2a as shown by the arrow and contacts the return electrode 2b through the conductive layer 1b. From the resistance heating support 1a to the return electrode 2b. Then, the ink layer 1c is heated by the Joule heat generated by the current concentration in the resistance heat generating support 1a on the end faces of the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b facing each other, and the coloring material contained in the ink layer 1c ( (Not shown) is thermally transferred and transferred to the image receiving surface of the image receiving paper 3. While the image receiving paper 3 and the ink ribbon 1 are being conveyed by the rotation of the platen 5, the above operation is performed in accordance with the recording signal, thereby recording one screen. Here, since the insulator layer 2e having substantially the same height as the electrodes 2a and 2b is arranged and installed between the electrodes 2a and 2b, the ink ribbon 1 includes the recording electrode 2a, the insulator layer 2e and the return electrode 2b.
It will be conveyed while contacting the flat upper surface formed by. Therefore, the resistance heating substrate 1a is completely rubbed against the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b, particularly the end surface corners of the return electrode 2b facing the recording electrode 2a, and is smoothly transported.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view schematically showing another embodiment in which the image receiving paper 3 and the ink ribbon 1 are superposed by the platen 5 and the energizing transfer recording head 2 is biased. In this example, the recording electrode 2a of the energization transfer recording head 2 is used.
Since the insulating layer 2e arranged between the return path electrode 2b and the return electrode 2b is longer than the contact width of the current transfer recording head 2 and the ink ribbon 1, the ink ribbon 1 is smoothly transported. That is, the ink ribbon 1 is smoothly transported over the entire recording width without contacting the corners of the electrodes 2a and 2b and the insulating layer 2e.

Further, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another example of the construction of the main part of the electro-transfer recording head 2 according to the present invention.
Compared with the configuration example of FIG. 1, the return electrodes 2b do not correspond to the recording electrode 2a groups one by one, but have an integrated configuration. When the electric transfer recording head 2 of this configuration is used, current concentration occurs only in the resistance heating support 1a on the recording electrode 2a, and the color material in the ink layer 1c migrates due to Joule heat.
Although the shapes of the transferred and transferred coloring materials are different, the same behavior as in the case of the above example is exhibited in terms of contact stability and conveyance of the ink ribbon 1.

Example 2 In the structure of the electric current transfer recording head of Example 1,
As shown in perspective view in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, at least the end face side of each recording electrode 2a facing the return electrode 2b of the recording electrode 2a group and the return electrode 2b group is projected. With such a configuration, contact with the ink ribbon 1 can be stabilized, the recording / transfer image quality can be improved, and the life of the energization transfer recording head can be extended. That is, first, a supporting substrate 2c such as ceramics is prepared, and the recording electrode of the supporting substrate 2c is prepared.
2a (group) and return electrode 2b (group) on one main surface,
After the recording electrode 2a (group) and the return electrode 2b (group) are positioned on the opposite end faces, and after at least the end face of the recording electrode 2a, for example, a thick film of crystallized glass is printed to form the protrusion 2g. , For example, using a tungsten thick film paste, the recording electrode 2a (group) and the return electrode 2b are arranged in groups of 628 such that the electrode pitch is 125 μm, the electrode width is 85 μm, and the electrode height is 60 μm.
A thick film is printed on the (group) and is baked to obtain the structure shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b). In the above structure, the recording electrode 2a (group) and the return electrode 2b
Set to a position where each group forms a pair and the distance between the tips (end faces) facing each other is 100 μm.
The electrodes 2a, 2b (
Between the groups, a configuration may be adopted in which an insulating layer is formed and arranged by thick-film printing of crystallized glass so that the heights of the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b are approximately the same.

The use mode and operation of the electro-transfer recording head having the above-described structure are the same as those in the first embodiment,
By projecting at least the opposite end surface side of the recording electrode 2a as described above, the recording electrode 2a with respect to the resistance heating support 1a of the ink ribbon 1 is formed in the process of electric transfer recording.
Since the contact area of the (group) is set to be small, current is likely to be concentrated and the contact between the recording electrode 2a (group) and the ink ribbon 1 is also stabilized, so that the resistance heating support 1a of the ink ribbon 1 is formed. It completely eliminates the possibility of electric discharge during the period, and maintains and exhibits the required current transfer recording function with a stable upper body.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 9 schematically shows an embodiment of the energization transfer recording method according to the present invention. First, a transfer recording medium (image receiving paper).
3 is taken out from the cassette 4 and wound around the platen 5, and its tip is fixed and held on the peripheral surface of the platen 5 by the clip 5a. Further, the ink ribbon 1 ″ supplied from the ink ribbon supply reel 6 ′ is wound around the collecting roller 9a while being controlled by the pair of supply rollers 7 ′ controlling the supply / conveyance of the ink ribbon 1 ″, while the heat generating sheet is generated. 1'is also wound around a collecting roller 9b while being controlled by a pair of supply rollers 7 "for controlling the supply / conveyance of the heat-generating sheet 1 ', and the electric transfer recording head 2 contacts the heat-generating sheet 1'. It is arranged in a possible arrangement.

One of the supply rollers 7 '(lower side)
A motor driven by an ink ribbon 1 ″ speed control means (not shown) is connected to the collecting roller 9a.
Is connected to the motor through a slip clutch (not shown), and the recovery roller 9a rotates so that the clutch plate on the motor side rotates faster than the clutch plate on the recovery roller 9a side of the ink ribbon 1 ″, so that the clutch plates are connected to each other. Since a rotational force due to the frictional force is applied, the ink ribbon 1 ″ is always conveyed with a constant tension applied. At the time of energization transfer recording, the energization transfer recording head 2 is urged to the platen 5. However, the conveyance speed of the recording medium 3 to be transferred which moves with the rotation of the platen 5 is the conveyance speed of the ink ribbon 1 ″. Since the speed is equal to or higher than the speed, the ink ribbon is transported while sliding on the 1 ″ surface. Therefore, due to the frictional force generated between the transfer recording medium 3 and the ink ribbon 1 ″, the ink ribbon 1 ″ between the current transfer recording head 2 and the ink ribbon supply reel 7 ′.
Tension is generated in. Further, between the energization transfer recording head 2 and the ink ribbon collecting roller 9a, tension is similarly generated by the slip clutch action of the ink ribbon collecting roller 9a, so that a constant tension is always applied to the ink ribbon 1 ″. Since it is conveyed in a shape, defective conveyance is completely eliminated.

Here, the electric transfer recording head 2 has a thickness of 5 μm formed by electroless copper plating on the same plane of a supporting substrate such as a ceramic having a thickness of 3 mm.
Electrode pitch 125μm, electrode width 85μ
After making m, 628 recording electrodes 2a (group) are coated with a Ni-P alloy film by electrolytic plating, and the end faces of the recording electrodes 2a opposite to the heat generating sheet 1'are easily contacted. The recording electrode is chamfered, and the other end of the recording electrode 2a is connected to the output terminal of the recording electrode control IC, and the heat generating sheet 1 '.
The return electrode roller 2b opposite to the recording electrode 2a at a position
It consists of and.

On the other hand, the ink ribbon 1 ″ has a film made of polyethylene terephthalate resin or the like having a thickness of 2 to 15 μm (preferably 3 to 6 μm) as a support 1d, as shown in a sectional view of a main part in FIG. , This support 1d
3-20 μm thick ink layer containing a known sublimable coloring material (dye) such as an azo dye or a heat-melting dye on the surface.
It has a structure in which 1c is applied. In the configuration of the ink ribbon 1 ″, the ink layer 1c includes a yellow ink layer region 1c Y containing a sublimable yellow dye, a magenta ink layer region 1c M containing a sublimable magenta dye, and a cyan ink containing a sublimable cyan dye. The layer regions 1c C are sequentially formed in stripes in the flow direction of the ink ribbon 1 ″ (opposite the transport direction). Ink layer areas 1c Y and 1c of the ink ribbon 1 "
The lengths of M and 1c C are appropriately set according to the length of the recording screen, and are 145 m in this configuration example. The width of each dye in the ink layer regions 1c Y, 1c M, and 1c C is determined by the recording electrode.
The length of the row of 2a is set to 84 mm so as to sufficiently cover the length of 78.5 mm. Here, when a black ink layer is provided as the ink layer 1c, the characters or alphanumeric characters to be recorded / transferred can be recorded in monochrome. Here, the ink layer 1c is formed of a sublimable coloring material and a binder (so-called binder resin) and has a thickness of about 3 to 20 μm, preferably 3 to 10 μm.
If it is too thick, the sensitivity is inferior, and if it is too thin, the recording / transfer density is low and the repetitive recording performance tends to be poor.
Then, the composition ratio of the sublimable colorant and the binder, the content of the sublimable colorant is 50 wt% from the adhesiveness to the support 1d.
Below, it is preferable to set 4 to 40 wt%.

In this embodiment, a polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 4.5 μm is used as a support 1d, and 10 g of each sublimable coloring material (dye) of Disperse Blue 24, Disperse Red 1 and Disperse Yellow 42, and 3 g of polyvinyl butyral. , An ink paint prepared by using 45 g of isopropyl alcohol as a component, a yellow ink layer region 1c Y containing a sublimable yellow dye as described above, a magenta ink layer region 1c M containing a sublimable magenta dye, and a sublimable cyan A cyan ink layer region 1c C containing a dye was used which was sequentially provided in the flow direction of the ink ribbon 1 ″ (opposite to the transport direction).

Further, when the heat generating sheet 1'is wound around the heat generating sheet supplying roller 10 at one end side and is wound around the heat generating sheet collecting roller 9b at the other end side as shown in FIG. In the process in which the recording current from the recording electrode 2a of the head 2 flows through the conductive layer 1b via the resistance heating support 1a of the heat generating sheet 1'and returns to the return electrode 2b via the resistance heating support 1a again, it is required. Then, the transfer and recording from the ink ribbon 1 ″ are achieved.

Here, the heat generating sheet 1'is made of a heat resistant resin sheet material, as shown in FIG.
For example, metal such as aluminum, copper, or nickel is vapor-deposited or sputtered on the surface of the resistance heating substrate 1a formed by dispersing conductive particles such as conductive carbon, copper, or silver in polyimide resin or polyester resin. , The conductive layer 1b is formed by plating or the like. The resistance value of the resistance heating support 1a is 100 to 1000Ω / □.
Is preferably in the range of 700Ω / □ or less. This is because when clogging and a high resistance value are applied, the applied voltage also rises, and the life of the recording electrode 2a is shortened and the image quality tends to be deteriorated, and the thickness is preferably about 3 to 50 μm. On the other hand, the thickness of the conductive layer 1b is preferably about 20 ~ 500 nm,
If it is too thick, the heat diffusion will increase and the heat transfer to the ink ribbon 1 ″ will decrease. In this embodiment, a polycarbonate film having a thickness of 7 μm in which conductive carbon is dispersed is used as the resistance heating support 1a, and aluminum is sputtered. Then thickness
A 100 nm conductive layer 1b was used.

Next, an embodiment of the energization heat transfer recording in the above structure will be specifically described.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the transfer speed of the recording medium 3 to be transferred is 40 mm / s, and the ink ribbon 1 ″.
Transport speed of 10mm / s, transport speed of heat generating sheet 1'5mm / s
When s is set and 1000 sheets are transferred and recorded, 1000
The first transfer / recorded image was a clear color image comparable to the first transfer / recorded image.

For comparison, in the above, the transfer speed of the recording medium 3 to be transferred is 40 mm / s, and the transfer speed of the ink ribbon 1 ″.
When 40 sheets were transferred and recorded at 40 mm / s and the heating speed of the heating sheet 1'was set to 40 mm / s, white stripes etc. from the 150th sheet due to poor contact between the recording electrode 2a and the heating sheet 1 ' Started to stand out, and the image quality (image quality) was significantly reduced on the 1000th sheet.

In this embodiment, the transfer recording medium 3
Transport speed of the ink ribbon 1 ″> transport speed of the heat generating sheet 1 ′ is selected and set, but at least the transport speed of the ink ribbon 1 ″> transport speed of the heat generating sheet 1 ′ is selected and set. It was also confirmed that the result of was obtained. Further, in the above, as the recording head 2 for energization heat transfer,
Although the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b are integrally provided on the surface of the supporting substrate 2c, the recording electrode 2a and the return electrode 2b are separated, and the recording electrode 2a is supported by the heat generating sheet 1'for resistance heating. Even in the arrangement in which the return electrode 2b is in the form of a roller and is in contact with the surface of the body 1a and is in contact with the surface of the conductive layer 1b of the heat generating sheet 1 ', as described above, at least the conveying speed of the ink ribbon 1 "> the heat generating sheet 1'. The same result can be obtained when the transport speed is selected and set (the margin below).

[0042]

According to the recording head for electric current transfer of the present invention, the counter electrode composed of the recording electrode (group) and the return electrode (group) arranged on the same plane of the supporting substrate is formed by, for example, a platen. When the image receiving paper and the ink ribbon are overlapped and brought into contact with the surface of the resistance heat-generating support, a good contact state can be easily maintained. That is, when the energizing transfer recording head is energized, in other words, even when the ink ribbon is pressed against the energizing transfer recording head and conveyed, the tip corner portion of the return path electrode may scratch the resistance heating substrate. It will be totally eliminated. Therefore, the generation of dust on the resistive support due to scraping is eliminated, and as a result, the contact stability between the recording electrode and the return electrode and the resistive heat-generating support is increased, and an image with stable density can be obtained and Sparks are not generated between the resistance heating substrates, and the life of the recording head can be extended. Further, since no dust is accumulated between the electrodes, a bypass route of the recording current is not generated and the image density is stabilized.

On the other hand, according to the energization transfer recording method of the present invention, the composition of the ink ribbon is separated into a so-called ink ribbon and a heat generating sheet, and at least the ink ribbon conveying speed is selected and set to be larger than the heat generating sheet conveying speed. By doing so, not only the running cost of the ink ribbon can be reduced, but also the transport stability of the heat generating sheet can be achieved, so that the contact stability between the recording electrode and the heat generating sheet is improved.
Since it is improved, it is possible to always achieve stable recording and transfer with image quality.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a main part of an electric transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of an electric transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an ink ribbon used in a practical example of the electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an embodiment in a practical example of the electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view schematically showing a main part of an embodiment in another practical example of the electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view schematically showing a main part of an embodiment in still another practical example of the electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a main part of an electric transfer recording head according to the present invention.

8 (a) and 8 (b) are perspective views showing different main part configuration examples of the electric current transfer recording head according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an embodiment of an electric transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of an ink ribbon used in an example of an embodiment of an electric transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a main part of an embodiment example of an electric transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a heat generating sheet used in an embodiment example of the electro-transfer recording method according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view schematically showing an example of an embodiment of a conventional energization transfer recording method.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view schematically showing an example of an embodiment of a conventional energization transfer recording method.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 '... Ink ribbon 1 "... Heating sheet 1a ...
Resistance heating substrate 1b ... Conductive layer 1c ... Ink layer 2 ... Electric recording head 2a ... Recording electrode 2b ... Return electrode 2c ... Support base 2d ... Recording electrode drive circuit 2e ... Insulator layer 2f ... Recording electrode control IC 2g ... Projection material 3 ... Transfer recording medium 4 ... Cassette 5 ... Bratten 5a ... Clips 6, 6 '... Ribbon supply reel 7 ... Conveyance control roller 7' ... Ink ribbon supply roller 7 "... Heat generation sheet supply roller 8 ...
Paper ejection guide 9a ... Ink ribbon collection roller 9b ... Heat sheet collection roller 10 ... Heat sheet supply roller

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An ink layer including an ink that is softened / melted or sublimated by heating, and an energization, comprising a recording electrode group provided on the same plane of a supporting substrate, and a return electrode group forming a pair with this recording electrode group. An ink ribbon having a resistance layer that generates heat is superposed on the surface of a recording medium, and the recording electrode is brought into contact with the back surface of the ink ribbon to energize to selectively generate heat and transfer the ink to the surface of the recording medium. In the electric current transfer recording head, an electric conductor transfer recording head is characterized in that an insulating layer is disposed between the recording electrode group and the return electrode group forming the pair so as to be substantially flush with each other. 2. An ink layer including an ink which is softened / melted or sublimated by heating, and an energization which comprises a recording electrode group provided on the same plane of a supporting substrate and a return path electrode paired with the recording electrode group. An ink ribbon having a resistance layer that generates heat is superposed on the surface of a recording medium, and the recording electrode is brought into contact with the back surface of the ink ribbon to energize to selectively generate heat and transfer the ink to the surface of the recording medium. An electric current transfer recording head, characterized in that at least the upper surfaces of the recording electrode group and the return electrode group forming the pair, which are opposed to each other, on the recording electrode end surface side are projected. 3. An ink for softening / melting / sublimating by heating an electric current transfer recording head comprising a recording electrode group provided on the same plane of a supporting substrate and a return path electrode group forming a pair with the recording electrode group. Through the ink ribbon provided with an ink layer containing a heat generating sheet having a resistance layer for generating heat on the back side and the surface of the recording medium are superposed and contacted with the back side of the heat generating sheet to conduct electricity, heat is generated by the current transfer recording method for transferring to a recording medium surface of the ink, said the conveying speed V ₁ of the ink ribbon which runs by oppositely arranged to the conduction transfer recording head and the conveyance speed V ₂ of the heat generating sheet,
A current transfer recording method characterized by selecting and setting a relationship of V ₁ > V ₂ .