JPH07314742A - Laser printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the bonding properties of an ink sheet with a recording paper, carry the ink sheet smoothly and carry out the high picture quality and high speed recording by slide scanning the laster emission direction of a laser mechanism to the longitudinal direction of a drum. CONSTITUTION:The main scanning and sub-scanning of laser beam from a laser mechanism is carried out by a rotating mechanism and a slide mechanism 21 located inside a transparent drum 1 in a laser heat transfer recording device, and the beam is transmitted to the peripheral face of the drum 1 and emitted to the given position of an ink sheet 7 disposed on the outer periphery of the drum 1. Also the length of optical path from a laser transmitter to a sheet face of the ink sheet 7 is retained constant by an optical path length retaining mechanism without varying the slide scanning of the slide mechanism 21.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus for performing thermal transfer recording using light energy such as laser energy.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view showing a drum portion of a conventional laser thermal transfer recording apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-7357. The transparent drum 2, 2 is a support base provided inside the transparent drum 1, 3 is a laser light source fixed to the support base 4, 4 is a ball screw screwed with the support base 2, and 5 is parallel to the ball screw 4. With a linear guide that penetrates the support base 2,
Along with the rotation of the ball screw 4, the support base 2 to which the laser light source 3 is fixed is guided by the linear guide 5 and is movable in the transparent drum 1 in the longitudinal direction.

A sheet supply roller 6 is rotatably supported on the outside of the transparent drum 1 and rotates together with the transparent drum 1. A sheet-sequential transfer sheet 7 of three or four colors is wound around the sheet supply roller 6. The transfer sheet 7 is wound around the outer circumference of the transparent drum 1. A take-up roller 8 is provided outside the transparent drum 1 so as to face the sheet supply roller 6. The color of the transfer sheet 7 is taken up by the take-up roller 8
It is replaced by being wound up by. The main scanning of the laser is performed by rotating the transparent drum 1 together with the transfer sheet 7, and the sheet supply roller 6 and the sheet winding roller 8 are rotated outside the transparent drum 1 together with the rotation of the transparent drum 1. Is configured.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a pressure drum which is pressed against the transparent drum 1 and is in contact with the transparent drum 1. The pressure drum 9 rotates in the opposite direction to the transparent drum 1 at the same peripheral speed. Reference numeral 10 denotes a paper fixing claw that is provided outside the pressure drum 9 to sandwich and fix the image receiving paper 11 along the outer surface of the pressure drum 9. Reference numeral 12 denotes a notch provided in the pressure drum 9, which is a transparent drum 1. Pressure drum 9 while being pressurized
When the sheet is rotated, the sheet supply roller 6 and the sheet take-up roller 8 arranged outside the transparent drum 1 are notched 1
2 to prevent the collision with the pressure drum 9.

In the above structure, the main scanning of the laser is performed by rotating the transparent drum 1, but the transparent drum 1 is described.
It is also possible to make the main scanning in the longitudinal direction of the transparent drum 1 by installing a polygon mirror and an Fθ lens or a galvanometer mirror therein. Next, the operation will be described. When the rotation of the transparent drum 1 is in the main scanning direction, the first color is arranged on the transparent drum 1 and is aligned with the image receiving paper 11 fixed on the pressure drum 9 at a predetermined position. Then, both drums 1 and 9 are rotated in the opposite directions at the same peripheral speed by a timing belt or the like (not shown). At this time, a pressurizing mechanism (not shown) is operated to press the drums 1 and 9 into pressure contact with each other, and the portion sandwiched between the drums 1 and 9 is irradiated with laser light.

In the sub-scanning, when the portion of the pressure drum 9 where the image receiving paper 11 is fixed reaches the pressure contact portion of both drums, the laser light source 3 itself moves by one pixel in the longitudinal direction of the transparent drum 1. Or the laser light source 3 is always moved at a constant speed, and when the predetermined size is finished, the transfer sheet 7 is wound on the transparent drum 1 by the sheet winding roller 8 and at the same time, the sheet is wound. The next second color is supplied from the supply roller 6 and moved to a predetermined position. By repeating the above operation for three or four colors, a full-color print can be obtained without any color misregistration that occurs when the transfer sheet 7 is replaced.

[0007]

Since the conventional laser thermal transfer recording apparatus is constructed as described above, the rotation speed is limited because a large drum rotates while coming into contact with it, especially when performing large-screen recording. Therefore, there is a problem that high-speed recording cannot be performed. Laser thermal transfer recording is characterized by high resolution, and recording at about 2540 DPI is possible. For example, if an A3 size image is printed and recorded at this resolution, the short side of the paper is set in the drum longitudinal direction. 297 mm as the sub-scan, that is, 2970
0 line is required, and even if it is printed in 5 minutes for one color, it is 6
High speed rotation near 000 rpm is required, resulting in vibration, noise,
Considering that both drums come into contact with each other stably at a constant pressure to ensure printing stability, etc., it is difficult to realize, or even if it can be realized, it will be an expensive device due to its high precision. There was a point.

Further, since the two drums are arranged side by side, there is a problem that the device becomes large. The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is small in size, has good adhesion between an ink sheet and a recording sheet, and enables the ink sheet to be smoothly conveyed, and enables high-speed recording with high image quality. The objective is to obtain a simple laser thermal transfer recording device.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention comprises a light-transmissive drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet in close contact with the ink sheet are arranged, and a laser oscillator. A laser mechanism that transmits laser light from the inside of the drum-shaped member through the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member to irradiate the ink sheet and thermally transfer it to recording paper;
A rotation mechanism that rotationally scans the laser irradiation direction of the laser mechanism in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member and a slide mechanism that slides and scans the laser irradiation direction of the laser mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member.

Further, there is provided an optical path length holding mechanism for holding the optical path length from the laser oscillator to the ink sheet constant with respect to the slide scanning of the slide mechanism. The optical path length holding mechanism includes a laser oscillator that emits laser light from one side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member so as to penetrate the central axis of the drum-shaped member, and a laser provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member. A reflecting mirror that reflects the laser light from the oscillator, a half mirror that is provided inside the drum-shaped member, transmits the laser light from the laser oscillator, and reflects the laser light from the reflecting mirror in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member, The slide mechanism is configured to slide and scan the half mirror in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member and move the reflecting mirror in the same direction as the half mirror by half the half mirror.

Further, the laser mechanism is provided with a collimating lens for collimating the laser light from the laser oscillator into parallel light and a converging means for converging the laser light that has become parallel light. Accordingly, the optical path length from the collimator lens to the converging means is variable. Further, a paper holding means that holds the end portion of the recording paper and is capable of coming into contact with the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member in the paper-holding state, and supplying and winding an ink sheet interposed between the drum-shaped member and the recording paper. And an ink sheet roller for removing.

Further, it is provided with a drum rotating means for rotating the drum-shaped member together with the ink sheet when the ink sheet is conveyed. Further, a supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet, a winding side ink sheet roller for winding the ink sheet, and a torque limiter for giving a predetermined torque to the rotation of the supply side ink sheet roller are provided. The side ink sheet roller, the take-up side ink sheet roller, and the drum-shaped member rotate together.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet that is in close contact with the ink sheet are disposed, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording sheet. , Hold the paper or ink sheet that is movable along the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member so that the edge of the recording paper or the ink sheet is held and the recording paper or the ink sheet is wound with tension in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. And means. Also,
The recording paper or ink sheet is provided with a paper or ink sheet holding means that holds both ends of the recording paper or ink sheet and is movable in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet in close contact with the ink sheet are disposed, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording sheet. A pressing member that presses the ink sheet and the recording sheet around the drum-shaped member while winding the ink sheet and the recording paper while relatively moving on the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member. Further, the pressing member is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the drum-shaped member.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet in close contact with the ink sheet are arranged, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording sheet. , A supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet and a take-up side ink sheet roller for taking up the ink sheet. The supply side ink sheet roller and the take-up side ink sheet roller are provided on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member. It can be revolved.

The first drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which the ink sheet and the recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are disposed, and the inner peripheral surface of which the peripheral surface is partially opened in the longitudinal direction and the first peripheral member. A second drum-shaped member that presses the ink sheet and the recording sheet with the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member of
The sheet holding means for holding the sheet on the drum-shaped member or the second drum-shaped member, and the laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with the laser beam from the laser oscillator to thermally transfer the sheet onto the recording sheet. The second drum-shaped member is a cover sheet, and a movable shaft that is connected to one end of the cover sheet and moves in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member is provided.

[0017]

In the laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention, the laser light from the laser mechanism is subjected to main scanning and sub-scanning by the rotating mechanism and the sliding mechanism arranged inside the drum-shaped member, and the circumference of the light-transmissive drum-shaped member. The light is transmitted through the surface and irradiated onto a predetermined position of the ink sheet arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member. Further, the optical path length holding mechanism holds the optical path length from the laser oscillator to the sheet surface of the ink sheet to be constant without changing with respect to the slide scanning of the slide mechanism.

Further, the laser light emitted from one side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member penetrates the inside of the drum-shaped member and is reflected at the reflection boundary on the other side, and this reflected light is reflected by the half mirror of the drum-shaped member. It reflects in the circumferential direction. The slide mechanism slides the half mirror by a predetermined length to perform scanning, and moves the reflection boundary in the same direction as the movement direction of the half mirror by half the moving width of the half mirror to keep the optical path length constant.

Further, the laser light emitted from the laser oscillator becomes parallel light by the collimator lens, the parallel light is scanned to a predetermined position by the slide mechanism, and the convergence means arranged so as to be at a constant distance from the ink sheet. The collimated light is converged and applied to the ink sheet. That is, the distance from the laser oscillator to the collimator lens and the distance from the converging means to the laser light irradiation surface of the ink sheet are always kept constant.

When the recording sheet is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member by the sheet holding means, the ink sheet and the recording sheet come into close contact with each other, and when the recording sheet is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member, the ink sheet and the recording sheet are separated from each other. The close contact is released, and the ink sheet moves in the gap between the recording sheet and the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member by the rotation of the ink sheet roller to supply and wind the ink sheet.

Further, when the ink sheet is conveyed by the drum rotating means, the drum-shaped member is integrally rotated at the same speed as the conveyance speed of the ink sheet, so that the drum-shaped member can be wound and wound without causing friction between the ink sheet and the drum-shaped member. Supply is made. Further, when the supply-side ink sheet roller and the take-up-side ink sheet roller rotate together with the drum-shaped member during conveyance of the ink sheet, a predetermined torque is applied to the rotation of the supply-side ink sheet roller by the torque limiter, and tension is applied to the ink sheet. Therefore, the ink sheet is conveyed in a state of being in close contact with the drum-shaped member and the recording sheet without slack.

Further, as the paper holding means or the ink sheet holding means moves in the circumferential direction, tension is applied to the recording paper or the ink sheet, and the recording paper and the peripheral surface of the ink sheet and the drum-shaped member are brought into close contact with each other without sagging. Also,
By moving the paper holding means or the ink sheet holding means in the circumferential direction so as to apply a tension to the recording paper or the ink sheet, the recording paper and the ink sheet and the drum upper member come into close contact with each other without slack.

The pressing member relatively moves in the circumferential direction while pressing the recording paper and the ink sheet on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member to wind the recording paper and the ink sheet around the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member. As a result, the ink sheet and the recording sheet are brought into close contact with each other. Further, the pressing member moves relatively in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member while being separated from the drum-shaped member,
When reaching a predetermined position, the ink sheet and the recording sheet are brought into close contact with each other by relatively moving in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface so as to press the drum-shaped member.

After the recording sheet is supplied, the ink sheet roller on the supply side revolves to supply the ink sheet and perform recording. After the recording is completed, the take-up side ink sheet roller or the supply side ink sheet roller revolves to take up the ink sheet, and then the recording sheet is collected and the ink sheet is conveyed. After the recording paper is discharged or supplied, the ink sheet roller is wound around the drum upper member again.
In addition, the ink sheet and the recording sheet are sandwiched between the first drum-shaped member and the second drum-shaped member for recording,
The ink sheet is conveyed from the opening of the second drum-shaped member.

Further, the cover sheet is covered from above the ink sheet and the recording sheet, and the ink sheet and the recording sheet are pressed against the drum-shaped member. When replacing the ink sheet, the movable shaft moves to loosen the pressing force on the cover sheet.
When the paper is conveyed, the movable shaft moves, the cover sheet is removed from the recording paper, and the paper is conveyed.

[0026]

【Example】

Example 1. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the same side, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a clamper portion of FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a transparent drum-shaped member, which is made of glass or acrylic having a thickness of about 10 mm and high light transmittance. In this embodiment, the drum-shaped member 1 is configured to be rotatable itself. Reference numeral 22 denotes a mirror provided inside the drum-shaped member 1, and a laser beam emitted from the solid-state laser 3 provided outside through a lens system (not shown) to the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member 1 is irradiated. It is bent almost at right angles to the circumferential direction of No. 1.
The laser optical axis and the rotation axis of the drum-shaped member coincide with each other.

Reference numeral 23 denotes a motor which is a rotary scanning mechanism, and the mirror 22 is fixed to a rotary shaft 24 of the motor which coincides with the laser optical axis from the solid-state laser 3. Reference numeral 21 denotes a slide mechanism that slides the mirror 22 in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member 1, and slides the support table 2 on which a motor 23 is placed. 25 and 26 are side plates fixed to the drum-shaped member 1,
A protrusion is formed near the rotation axis of the drum-shaped member 1, and a hole through which laser light passes is formed on the solid-state laser 3 side. 7 is an ink sheet for laser thermal transfer recording, 11
Is a recording sheet, which is the same as that of the prior art.
The optical system from the solid-state laser 3 to the ink sheet 7 constitutes a laser mechanism.

In FIG. 2, numeral 10 is a paper holding means, in which a clamper is used. 27 is a rod-shaped member,
Here, a pressing roller having a rubber surface is used. 28
Is an up-down mechanism that supports the pressing roller 27 from the outside, and presses the pressing roller 27 to or separates it from the drum-shaped member 1, that is, the recording paper 11 on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member 1. Incidentally, the other components having the same reference numerals as those of the conventional technique indicate the same or corresponding components of the conventional technique, and the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the supply side ink sheet roller 6, the winding side ink sheet roller 8, the rod-shaped member 27, and the pressing roller 28 are omitted in FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 29 denotes a clamper claw which rotates about a fulcrum 30, and holds the recording paper 11 by the force of a spring 31. The clamper pawl 29 is opened by a mechanism (not shown), a solenoid, a piezoelectric element, or the like. The clamper 10 uses the up-down mechanism 32 to form the drum-shaped member 1, that is, the ink sheet 7 on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member 1.
Can be separated from and attached to. The up-down mechanism 32 includes a ball screw 33, a linear guide 34, a motor 35, etc., and is fixed to the drum-shaped member 1. The clamper 10 is moved up and down in the radial direction of the drum-shaped member 1 by a ball screw 33 rotated by a motor 35.

Next, the operation will be described. Solid-state laser 3
The emitted laser light is modulated according to image data by a modulator (not shown), and then adjusted by a lens system (not shown) so as to always focus on the layer containing the laser absorbing substance on the ink sheet 7. The laser light is reflected by the mirror 22, then passes through the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1, and is irradiated onto the ink sheet 7 with a spot diameter of about 5 μm. The ink sheet 7 is an ink sheet for a normal sublimation type thermal transfer color printer to which a laser absorbing substance is added, and the portion irradiated with the laser light generates heat to generate the recording paper 11.
An image can be formed by so-called laser thermal transfer recording in which ink is sublimated (diffused) and transferred.

Here, the ink sheet 7 and the recording paper 11 are wound on the drum-shaped member 1 in this order. During printing, the drum-shaped member 1, the ink sheet 7, and the recording paper 11 are all stationary, and both main scanning and sub-scanning are performed by laser light scanning. That is, the rotation of the motor 23, which is a rotation mechanism, causes the mirror 22 to rotate and the laser light to rotate in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member 1. This rotation scanning becomes the main scanning. Simultaneously, the slide mechanism 21 moves the mirror 22 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the drum-shaped member 1 so that the laser light also moves in the same direction without changing the irradiation angle.
This slide scanning becomes sub-scanning.

Since all the scanning is performed by scanning the laser beam in this way, since the drum-shaped member 1 does not rotate during printing, there is no problem of vibration or noise, high-speed printing is possible, and one drum is used. Therefore, the entire device can be downsized. Next, in the case of color printing, the operation of the ink sheet 7 and the recording paper 11 which are recording media will be mainly described. As the ink sheet 7, a sheet in which three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan are sequentially formed is used, and it is assumed that the first color is currently located on the drum-shaped member 1 in FIG.

Here, the clamper 10 holds the leading edge of the recording paper 11 fed by a paper feeding device (not shown), and the drum-shaped member 1 rotates clockwise to take up the take-up roller 8 and the supply roller 6.
Also, when the clamper 10 passes through the pressure roller at the position of 27a, the pressure roller 27 is pressed against the recording paper 11. After that, the pressing roller 27 makes the recording paper 11 adhere to the ink sheet 7 and the drum-shaped member. 1 continues rotating to the right and stops at the position depicted by the solid line in FIG. Then, the first color is printed as described above.

When the printing of the first color is completed, the pressing roller 2
7 releases the pressure and moves to the position of 27a, and the clamper 10 moves to the position of 10a while holding the recording paper 11 in between. Subsequently, while the drum-shaped member 1 is stationary, the second color of the ink sheet 7 is fed from the supply roller 6 and at the same time, the first color ink sheet is wound by the winding roller 8. The surface of the drum-shaped member 1 has a high degree of smoothness and slides well with the ink sheet 7. Further, if the space between the drum-shaped member 1 and the ink sheet 7 is adsorbed, the drum-shaped member 1 can be peeled off by a method such as once rotating the drum-shaped member 1 to the left while pressing the pressing roller 27 and rotating it counterclockwise. it can.

The second color of the ink sheet 7 is the drum-shaped member 1.
When it is extended upward and reaches a predetermined position, the clamper 10 is again moved toward the drum upper member 1 and pressed against it. At this time, since the position of the recording paper 11 with respect to the drum-shaped member 1 is held, color misregistration does not occur even when the second and third colors are overprinted. Then, the drum-shaped member 1 is rotated clockwise and the clamper 10 is rotated.
When the pressure roller 27 passes through the pressure roller 27, the pressure roller 27 is pressed against the recording sheet 11 and rotated to the right again, so that the recording paper 11 is transferred to the ink sheet 7
In close contact with. Then, the second color is printed. This operation is repeated below.

With the above structure, the drum-shaped member 1
The ink sheet 7 interposed between the recording paper 11 and the recording paper 11 can be smoothly replaced, and the recording paper 11 is held in the clamper 10 during that time.
Since the recording sheet 11 is still held at, the recording sheet 11 does not shift. Further, in the present invention in which the laser light is emitted from the inside of the transparent drum, only one drum is required.

Example 2. FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing another embodiment. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
Reference numeral 37 denotes a total reflection mirror that totally reflects the laser light from the solid-state laser 3, and the solid-state laser 3 and the total-reflection mirror 3 are provided on the opposite end side of the drum-shaped member 1 where the solid-state laser 3 is arranged.
It is arranged so that the laser optical axis connecting 7 and the axis of the drum-shaped member coincide with each other.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a laser beam axis connecting the solid-state laser 3 and the total reflection mirror 37. The laser beam from the solid-state laser 3 is transmitted, and the laser beam from the total reflection mirror 37 is passed through the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1. It is a half mirror that reflects at right angles to the direction, and is configured to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member 1 by the slide mechanism 21 like the mirror 22 of the first embodiment. In addition, the total reflection mirror 37 also has a slide mechanism 21.
Thus, the drum-shaped member 1 is slidable in the longitudinal direction independently of the half mirror 72.

Next, the operation will be described. Solid-state laser 3
The laser light emitted from the laser beam passes through a converging unit (not shown), is reflected by the total reflection mirror 37, is then bent at a right angle by the half mirror 72 in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member 1, and is focused on the ink sheet 7. tie. At the time of sub scanning, the total reflection mirror 37 is moved by the slide mechanism 21 in the same direction as the half mirror 72 at substantially half the speed of the half mirror 72. As a result, the distance (optical path length) from the solid-state laser 3 to the focal point of the ink sheet 7 is always kept constant. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Although the solid-state laser 3 is located outside the drum-shaped member 1 in the above-described embodiment, the solid-state laser 3 is installed inside the drum-shaped member 1 and the solid-state laser 3 is moved to the slide mechanism 21.
It may be movable by. In this case, the total reflection mirror 37
However, the solid-state laser 3 and the half mirror 72 (in this case, the mirror 22 similar to that of the first embodiment) may be moved at substantially the same speed. Further, the solid-state laser 3 itself may be rotated together with the optical system.

As described above, as the half mirror 72 moves in the axial direction of the drum-shaped member 1 during sub scanning, the solid-state laser 3 or the half mirror 72 is moved and corrected so that the optical path length of the laser light does not change. Therefore, a constant spot diameter can always be obtained on the ink sheet 7 without adjusting the converging means. In addition, as in the above embodiment, the solid-state laser 3
Is fixed and the total reflection mirror 37 is movable, the structure of the solid-state laser 3 is simplified, and it is not necessary to determine the inner diameter of the drum-shaped member 1 depending on the size of the device of the solid-state laser 3. , Easy to design and miniaturize. If the solid-state laser 3 is made movable, the structure of the slide mechanism 21 becomes simple and the optical path length can be shortened.

Example 3. FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view showing another embodiment. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
Reference numeral 70 denotes a collimating lens that collimates the laser light from the solid-state laser 3 into parallel light.
The optical path length up to 0 is constant. 38 is a converging lens that converges the light reflected from the mirror 22 onto the ink sheet 7, 39
Is a unit that supports the converging lens 38 and the mirror 22.

Next, the operation will be described. Solid-state laser 3
The laser light emitted from the laser beam is collimated by the collimator lens 70, is reflected by the mirror 22 at a right angle to the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member 1, is converged by the converging lens 38, and is focused on the ink sheet 7. . In the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, the unit 39 performs rotary scanning and slide scanning as in the first embodiment. At the time of sliding movement in the sub-scanning direction, the distance from the solid-state laser 3 to the collimating lens 70 and the focal length from the converging lens 38 to the ink sheet 7 are constant, and the unit 39 is moved by the sliding mechanism to move the collimating lens 70 from the collimating lens 70. Only the distance to the mirror 22 changes.

As a result, the optical path length changes only in the portion where the laser light is parallel light, so that the focal length from the converging lens 38 to the ink sheet 7 may shift due to movement in the sub-scanning direction. Nonetheless, a constant spot diameter can always be obtained without providing particularly complicated adjusting means. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Example 4. FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part showing another embodiment. In the drawing, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 44 denotes a shaft of the drum-shaped member 1, and the clamper 10 is supported by the shaft 44. Only the drum-shaped member 1 is configured to be slidably rotatable while the clamper 10 is stationary. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. The operation until the printing of the first color is completed is the same as in the first embodiment. When the printing of the first color is completed, the pressing roller 27 releases the pressing and moves to the position of 27a in FIG. 2, and the clamper 10 moves to the position of 10a in FIG. Subsequently, while the clamper 10 holds the absolute position, the drum-shaped member 1 rotates counterclockwise together with the ink sheet 7, and the second color of the ink sheet 7 formed in the frame sequence is fed from the supply roller 6 and at the same time by the take-up roller 8. Roll up the first color ink sheet. When the ink sheet for the second color arrives at the same position as when printing the first color, the rotation of the drum-shaped member 1 is stopped. The operation for the third and subsequent colors is similar.

Since the drum-shaped member 1 and the ink sheet 7 rotate integrally as described above, there is no need to slide between them,
The winding force of the winding roller 8 may be small, and the ink sheet can be smoothly conveyed. Further, even if the drum-shaped member 1 and the ink sheet 7 are slightly attracted to each other, they can be easily peeled off by the winding force of the winding roller 8 and the rotational force of the drum-shaped member 1. When the second color of the ink sheet 7 is fed onto the drum-shaped member 1, the clamper 10 is pressed.
At this time, since the absolute position of the recording paper 11 is held, color misregistration does not occur even when the second and third colors are overprinted.
Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Example 5. FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Two
Reference numeral 7 is a rod-shaped pressing member, and in this embodiment, a pressing roller having a diameter of 20 mm and a surface made of rubber is used. Pressing roller 27
Is configured such that the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member 1 can revolve. Reference numeral 32 denotes an up / down mechanism of the clamper 10, which is supported by an external member (not shown) separate from the drum-shaped member 1, such as a housing.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a paper feed roller that conveys the recording paper 11 at the time of paper feeding, and a pair of rollers 40a and 4a that sandwich the recording paper 11 from both sides and rotate in opposite directions to convey the recording paper 11 in a predetermined direction.
It is composed of 0b. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. Next, the operation will be described. When the paper is being fed, the pressing roller 27 is at the position 27b in FIG.
1a is conveyed together with the paper feed roller 40 and is clamped by the clamper 10. Then, the pressing roller 27 revolves counterclockwise on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 while the drum-shaped member 1 remains stationary.

At this time, the pressing roller 27 also rotates about the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1, but if the brake is applied to the rotation of the pressing member 27, the recording paper 11 is handled and brought into close contact with the ink sheet 7. be able to. When the pressing roller comes to the position of 27 in FIG.
Print the color. When the printing of the first color is completed, the clamper 10 is moved to the position 10a by the up-down mechanism 32, and the ink sheet 7 is wound and unwound while the drum-shaped member 1 is stationary or rotating.
At this time, when the pressing roller 27 is rotated counterclockwise, the recording paper 1
A force is applied to 1 in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the ink sheet 7, and the recording paper 11 is easily separated from the ink sheet 7.

In addition to the above embodiment, a metal roller 27c having a diameter of 5 mm as shown in FIG. 7b is provided as another rod-shaped member, and the metal roller 27c is connected to the recording paper 11 and the ink sheet 7 before the ink sheet 7 is conveyed. If the recording sheet 11 is inserted between the ink sheet 7 and revolved clockwise, the recording sheet 11 is easily peeled off from the ink sheet 7, and the ink sheet 7 can be conveyed more smoothly. Further, further in combination with the invention of claim 6, the pressing roller 27
Alternatively, if the metal roller 27c can be brought into and out of contact with the drum-shaped member 1, the above operation can be easily realized.

Example 6. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the main part of another embodiment. In the drawing, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Reference numeral 41 is a support plate that allows the clamper 10c to move in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 about a shaft 44 of the drum-shaped member 1, and 43 is the support plate 41 at a fixing point 42 outside the drum-shaped member 1. An attracting spring 45 is a sector gear rotated by a drive gear 46, and is fixed to the support plate 41. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a clamper 10c is used instead of the pressing roller 27 and the up-down mechanism 28 in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. After the paper is fed by the same operation as in the first or fifth embodiment, the clamper 10c is driven by the gear 46 to move to the right, and the leading end of the recording paper 11 clamped by the clamper (not shown) is moved. Hold it. After that, when the gear 46 releases the drive, the clamper 10c becomes free, the clamper 10c is pulled to the left by the urging force of the spring 43, and the tension is generated on the recording paper 11 so that the recording paper 11 and the ink sheet 7 are separated from each other. Adhesion is improved. When the ink sheet 7 is conveyed, the clamper 1
0c again moves to the right to loosen the tension of the recording paper 11, and thereafter, the same as the operation of the first embodiment, the same is separated from and contacted with the drum-shaped member 1, and the ink sheet of the first color is taken up and at the same time the second color of the ink sheet is wound. Ink sheet is fed out.

In the above embodiment, the first embodiment or the fifth embodiment is used.
An example applied to the configuration of
It is also applicable to a configuration in which the recording paper 11 is set inside the ink sheet. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the recording paper 11 is sandwiched is shown. However, for example, when the ink sheet 7 is not a roll shape but is a sheet one by one, a tension is applied to the ink sheet 7 by a similar method. It will be possible to give. Further, when the recording paper is a roll-shaped continuous paper, an appropriate tension is generated by the weight of the roll even if there is no clamper at the opposite end of the clamper 10c.
In such a case, after the recording sheet and the ink sheet are brought into close contact with each other by the urging force of the spring 43, the recording sheet may be cut into an appropriate length by a cutter or the like.

Example 7. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of a main part showing another embodiment. In the drawing, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. A recording paper 11 and an ink sheet 7 are wound around the drum-shaped member 1 in this order. If the recording paper 11 is light transmissive, the same laser scanning mechanism as that in the first embodiment can be applied. If the recording paper 11 is light non-transmissive, the laser irradiation can be performed from the outside of the ink sheet 7. Good. When irradiation is performed from the outside, the sub-scanning is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the main scanning is configured such that the drum-shaped member 1 rotates together with the recording paper 11 and the ink sheet 7.

FIG. 10 is an external side view showing the drive mechanism of the supply side ink sheet roller 6. In the figure, 51 is a gear which is supported by the side plate 50 and rotates together with the take-up roller 8, and 52 is the shaft of the supply roller 6. The main body is fixed to the side plate 50 by the torque limiter attached to the supply roller 6
Apply a predetermined load to the rotation of. Reference numeral 53 denotes a gear that meshes with the gear 51 and rotates together with the drum-shaped member 1, and is supported by the side plate 50.

Next, the operation will be described. When the drum-shaped member 1 rotates counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 10 after the printing of the first color is completed by the above-mentioned main scanning and sub-scanning, the gear 51 and the take-up roller 8 of FIG. To rotate right. The supply roller 6 is pulled right by the ink sheet 7 wound by the winding roller 8 and rotates rightward, and the ink sheet 7 is conveyed (starting the next color). At that time, since a predetermined load is applied to the supply roller 6 by the torque limiter 52, the ink sheet 7 is wound around the recording paper 11 without sagging.

Example 8. Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to the front view of the main part of FIG. In the figure, Examples 1 and 7
The same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals,
The description is omitted. Reference numerals 52a and 52b are respectively attached to the shafts of the winding roller 8 and the supply roller 6, and torque limiters 54a and 54b for applying a predetermined load to the rotation of the winding roller 8 and the supply roller 6, respectively. , A gear that is attached to the shaft of the supply roller 6 and rotates together with the winding roller 8 and the supply roller 6.

55a and 55b are shafts 44 of the drum-shaped member 1.
Is fixed to the drum-shaped member 1 and rotates integrally with the drum-shaped member 1,
Each is a gear meshed with the gears 54a and 54b, and the shaft 44 is driven by a motor (not shown). Also, the gear 55
The gear a is configured to have a larger gear ratio with respect to the gear 54a, and the gear 55b is configured to have a smaller gear ratio than the gear 54b. 56 is the shaft 44 of the drum-shaped member 1
And a side plate supporting the torque limiters 52a and 52b. Other configurations are the same as those in the seventh embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. When the drum-shaped member 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11 during the conveyance of the ink sheet 7, the supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8 also rotate in association with each other through the gears 55a, 55b to 54a, 54b as shown in FIG. To do. Here, the take-up roller 8 has a gear 55a.
The gear ratio of 54a and 54a tries to rotate at a peripheral speed higher than that of the drum-shaped member 1, but the ink sheet 7 is wound with a constant torque limited by the torque limiter 52a. Further, the supply roller 6 tries to rotate at a peripheral speed lower than that of the drum-shaped member 1 due to the gear ratio of the gears 55b and 54b, but is pulled by the ink sheet 7 and the ink sheet 7 is pulled under a constant torque. Go out.

With the above-described structure, the ink sheet 7
It is possible to obtain an effect that not only the recording sheet 11 can be closely attached to the recording sheet 11 but also slack does not occur in the winding operation of the winding roller 8. In the seventh and eighth embodiments, the ink sheet 7 is conveyed after the printing of each color is finished. For example, when the main scanning is performed by scanning the laser beam in the axial direction of the drum-shaped member 1 with a polygon mirror or the like. Alternatively, it may be conveyed during printing.

Example 9. 12 and 13 are a side sectional view and a front view of a main portion showing another embodiment. In FIG. 12, the winding roller 8 is configured to be able to revolve on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1. . 13, 52 is a torque limiter attached to the shaft of the take-up roller 8, 54c and 54d are attached to the shaft of the take-up roller 8 outside the torque limiter 52, and the shaft 44 of the drum-shaped member 1 is provided. Gears 55c and 55d attached to
Two sets of one-way clutch-equipped gears that roll around gears 55c and 55d while meshing with each other and that are locked by rotation in opposite directions.

The gear ratio between the gear 54c and the gear 55c is configured to be larger than the rotation ratio between the take-up roller 8 and the drum-shaped member 1, and the gear ratio between the gear 54d and the gear 55d is equal to that of the take-up roller 8. It is configured to be smaller than the rotation ratio with the drum-shaped member 1. Drive gear 59 described later
When the arm 57 is rotated by, the one-way clutch gears 54c and 54d roll around the gears 55c and d while meshing with the gears 55c and d fixed to the shaft 44, respectively, and the take-up roller 8 also moves in the drum-shaped member 1. Roll on the outer circumference. That is, the gears 54c and 54d with the one-way clutch
And gears 55c and 55d are two sets of planetary gears having different gear ratios.

Reference numeral 57 denotes an arm which rotates around the shaft 44 of the drum-shaped member 1, which has the torque limiter 52 fixed thereto and also supports the take-up roller 8 and the one-way clutch gears 54d and 54c. Reference numeral 58 denotes a gear that is loosely fitted to the shaft 44 of the drum-shaped member 1 with the rotation axis as one, and the arm 57 is connected to the gear. Reference numeral 59 is meshed with the gear 58 to apply the rotational driving force from the driving means (not shown) to the gear 58.
It is a drive gear that is transmitted to. The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted. Further, the supply roller 6 is omitted in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. At the start of paper feeding, the take-up roller 8 is at the position 8a in FIG. 12, and the clamper 10 holds the leading end of the recording paper 11 fed by the paper feeding device (not shown). Then, for example, by rotating the drum-shaped member 1 together with the supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8a, the recording sheet 11 is wound around the drum-shaped member 1 and at the same time, the ink sheet is conveyed, that is, the next color is formed. Then, while the drum-shaped member 1 remains stationary, the winding roller 8a rolls on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member 1 and the ink sheet 7 is wound on the recording paper 11 as shown in FIG.
Reach position 8.

At this time, that is, when the take-up roller 8 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12, the one-way clutch gear 54d in FIG. 13 is locked and the one-way clutch 54c idles. Therefore, the gear ratio is such that the drum-shaped member 1 and the take-up roller 8
Since it is smaller than the outer peripheral length ratio, the take-up roller 8 is braked, and the ink sheet 7 can be closely contacted around the recording sheet 11 as if it were handled. On the other hand, in the case where all the printing is completed and the sheet is discharged in the same manner as in Example 7, the take-up roller 8
Moves clockwise on the outer circumference of the drum-shaped member 1 and moves to the position 8a again. At that time, gear 54c with one-way clutch
Is locked, and the same 54d idles.

As a result, since the gear ratio is larger than the outer peripheral length ratio between the drum-shaped member 1 and the take-up roller 8, the take-up roller 8 tries to rotate faster, so that the ink sheet 7 can be taken up without sagging. When the take-up roller 8 reaches the position of 8a, the drum-shaped member 1, the supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8a are simultaneously rotated, and the recording paper 11 is conveyed and the next color of the ink sheet 7 is obtained. At this time, the recording sheet 11 is exposed and can be easily transported. Therefore,
Even if the ink sheet 7 is placed on the recording paper 11 during printing, the winding roller 8 revolves on the drum-shaped member 1 so that the recording paper 11 can be fed and discharged smoothly. In the above embodiment, the winding roller 8 revolves, but the supply roller 6 or both may revolve, and the same effect can be obtained.

Example 10. Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in Embodiments 1 and 9 are assigned the same reference numerals and explanations thereof are omitted. Reference numeral 61 denotes a second drum-shaped member whose inner peripheral surface is in pressure contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 and which has an opening portion in the longitudinal direction in a part of the peripheral surface. The clamper 10d is provided at one end of the opening portion. Is fixed, and the recording paper 11 sandwiched by the clamper 10d can be attracted to the inner peripheral surface by static electricity.

The second drum-shaped member 61 can be changed by adjusting the opening area of the opening portion by a mechanism (not shown), and the pressure contact force between the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 and the inner peripheral surface of the second drum-shaped member 61. Is adjustable so that the entire circumferential surface expands so that the circle expands by expanding the opening area, and the pressure contact force with the outer circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member 1 can be weakened. In this case, for example, the second drum-shaped member 61
There is a method of using a material such as a thin metal which is uniform in the circumferential direction and has low rigidity. The supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8 are arranged outside the second drum-shaped member 61, and the ink sheet 7 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 and the recording paper 11.
The ink sheet 7 is supplied and wound from the open portion by interposing it between the ink sheet 7 and the inner peripheral surface of the ink sheet. Other configurations are similar to those in FIG.

Next, the operation will be described. The printing operation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and when the printing of the first color is completed, the opening portion of the second drum-shaped member 61 is widened by a mechanism (not shown). When the open portion is widened, the recording paper 11 is adsorbed to the second drum-shaped member 61, so that a gap is created between the recording paper 11 and the ink sheet 7, and the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 and the second drum-shaped member 61. The pressure contact force with the inner peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 61 is weakened. In this state, the drum-shaped member 1, the supply roller 6, and the take-up roller 8 rotate, for example, as in the seventh embodiment, and the ink sheet 7 is conveyed, that is, the next color is cued.

Further, as to the conveyance of the recording paper, after the electrostatic attraction force of the second drum-shaped member 61 with the recording paper 11 is canceled and the clamper 10d is released, as shown in FIG.
The second drum-shaped member 61 moves in the axial direction with the opening widened. At that time, the recording paper 11 is restricted by the stopper 70 provided at the end of the drum-shaped member 1 on the side where the second drum-shaped member 61 moves, and does not move. It is exposed and can be replaced easily.

As described above, when the ink sheet 7 and the recording sheet 11 are pressed against each other so as to cover the entire outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member 1 by the second drum-shaped member 61, the ink sheet 7 and the recording sheet 11 are surely drum-shaped without sagging. It can be adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the member 1. In addition, since the inner diameter of the drum-shaped member 1 does not change, a device for pressurizing / depressurizing is not required, and the configuration is simplified, and a sliding mechanism or the like is used from the inside of the drum-shaped member 1 as in the first embodiment. Then, the laser light can be emitted. Further, since the second drum-shaped member 61 is partially opened, the ink sheet 7 can be conveyed smoothly, and the drum-shaped member 1 and the second drum-shaped member 6 can be conveyed.
It becomes possible to easily perform inspection and cleaning with the outside.

Example 11. FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a main part showing another embodiment. In the drawing, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first and seventh embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. 75 is a transparent PE with a thickness of about 100 μm
A cover sheet made of a T film, and the recording sheet 11, the ink sheet 7, and the cover sheet 75 are wound around the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member 1 in this order. The configurations of the supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8 are the same as those in FIG. 76 is a fixed shaft for holding one end of the cover sheet 75 in the circumferential direction, 77
Is a movable shaft that also holds the other end of the cover sheet 75.

The movable shaft 77 is supported from both longitudinal ends of the drum upper member 1 by a movable shaft support arm 78 which is rotatable about the central axis 44 of the drum-shaped member 1 and the rotation axis. In addition, the movable shaft support arm 7
8 can be rotated by an eccentric cam 79 which rotates around a cam shaft 80. The movable shaft support arm 78 is constantly biased toward the eccentric cam 79 by a spring or the like (not shown).

Next, the operation will be described. During printing of each color (during laser irradiation), the movable shaft support arm 78 receives a force of right rotation by the eccentric cam 79, and the cover sheet 75
Pressure contact. Therefore, the adhesion between the ink sheet 7 and the recording paper 11 is improved, and the printing quality is improved. When the ink sheet is fed or the recording sheet is conveyed, the eccentric cam 79 rotates and the movable shaft support arm 78 rotates counterclockwise, so that the pressure contact force of the cover sheet 75 is weakened.

In this state, the drum-shaped member 1, the supply roller 6 and the take-up side roller 8 are rotated to convey the ink sheet 7. Also, with a peeling claw not shown,
By rotating the recording paper 11 while peeling it off the drum upper member 1, the recording paper is conveyed from between the supply roller 6 and the take-up roller 8. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the degree of adhesion between the drum upper member and the recording paper and the ink sheet is increased, so that the image quality is improved and the second drum-shaped member is provided in the tenth embodiment described above. It is cheaper to provide a cover sheet. Further, if a transparent sheet is used, it can be applied even in the case of laser irradiation from the outside.

[0077]

As described above, according to the present invention, the light-transmitting drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which the ink sheet and the recording sheet closely attached to the ink sheet are arranged, and the laser from the laser oscillator are provided. A laser mechanism that irradiates light from the inside of the drum-shaped member onto the ink sheet through the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member to thermally transfer it to recording paper, and the laser irradiation direction of this laser mechanism rotates in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. Since the rotating mechanism for scanning and the slide mechanism for sliding and scanning the laser irradiation direction of the laser mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member are provided, the device can be downsized and high-speed recording can be achieved.

Further, since the optical path length holding mechanism for holding the optical path length from the laser oscillator to the ink sheet constant for slide scanning of the slide mechanism is provided, the spot diameter of the laser light irradiated on the ink sheet is constant. The effect of being able to hold it is obtained.

Further, the optical path length holding mechanism is provided on the laser oscillator which emits laser light from one side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member so as to penetrate the central axis of the drum-shaped member, and on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member. A reflecting mirror for reflecting the laser light from the laser oscillator, and a half mirror provided inside the drum-shaped member for transmitting the laser light from the laser oscillator and reflecting the laser light from the reflecting mirror in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. Since the half mirror is slid and scanned in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member and the reflecting mirror is moved by half the half mirror in the same direction as the half mirror, the optical path length holding mechanism is arranged in a line on the laser optical path. It is possible to obtain the effect that the spot diameter of the laser beam irradiated on the ink sheet can be kept constant without increasing the inner diameter of the drum-shaped member. It is.

Further, the laser mechanism comprises a collimator lens for collimating the laser light from the laser oscillator into parallel light, and a converging means for converging the laser light which has become the parallel light.
Since the optical path length from the collimator lens to the converging means is variable according to each scan of the rotating mechanism and the slide mechanism, even if the optical path length is changed by sliding the slide mechanism, the ink sheet is irradiated. The effect is obtained that the spot diameter of the generated laser light can be kept constant.

Further, the paper holding means for holding the end portion of the recording paper and being capable of coming into contact with the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member in the paper-holding state, and the ink sheet interposed between the drum-shaped member and the recording paper Equipped with an ink sheet roller for feeding and winding, the positional relationship between the recording paper and the drum-shaped member can be maintained accurately, and ink sheets can be replaced smoothly without causing color misregistration during overprinting. The effect is obtained. Further, since the drum rotating means for rotating the drum-shaped member together with the ink sheet at the time of carrying the ink sheet is provided, the effect that the ink sheet can be carried smoothly can be obtained.

Further, a supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet, a winding side ink sheet roller for winding the ink sheet, and a torque limiter for giving a predetermined torque to the rotation of the supply side ink sheet roller. Since the supply side ink sheet roller and the take-up side ink sheet roller are rotated together with the drum-shaped member, the ink sheet is wound around the drum-shaped member without sagging, and the irradiation spot diameter of the laser beam is stable. Therefore, the effect of improving the image quality can be obtained.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are disposed, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording sheet. Since the recording paper is provided with a paper holding means that holds the end portion of the recording paper and is movable along the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member so that the recording paper is wound with tension in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member, Since the paper is brought into close contact with the ink sheet and recording can be performed smoothly, the effect of improving the image quality can be obtained. Further, since both ends of the recording paper are respectively held and each of them is provided with a paper holding means movable in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member, it is possible to apply tension to the recording paper so that the recording paper can be brought into close contact with the ink sheet and smoothly. Since recording is possible, the effect of improving the image quality can be obtained.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet to be brought into close contact with the ink sheet are arranged, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the recording sheet to the recording sheet. Since the ink sheet and the recording sheet are provided with a pressing member for pressing and winding the ink sheet and the recording sheet onto the drum-shaped member while moving relatively on the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member, the recording sheet and the ink sheet and the drum-shaped member are in close contact with each other. As a result, the effect of improving the image quality is obtained.
Further, since the pressing member is configured to be able to come into contact with and separate from the drum-shaped member, there is an effect that the ink sheet and the recording sheet can be smoothly conveyed.

Further, a drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are arranged, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer to the recording sheet. , A supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet and a take-up side ink sheet roller for taking up the ink sheet, and the supply side ink sheet roller or the take-up side ink sheet roller on the outer periphery of the drum-shaped member. Since it can be revolved, the effect that the recording paper can be replaced smoothly can be obtained.

Further, the first drum-shaped member, on which the ink sheet and the recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are arranged on the outer peripheral side, and a part of the peripheral surface is opened in the longitudinal direction, the inner peripheral surface and the first peripheral member are formed. A second drum-shaped member that presses the ink sheet and the recording sheet with the outer peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member of
Paper holding means for holding the drum-shaped member or the second drum-shaped member, and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink onto the recording paper. The sheet and the recording sheet and the first drum-shaped member can be pressed against each other over the entire surface, and the effect of improving the image quality can be obtained.

Further, since the second drum-shaped member is used as a cover sheet, and the movable shaft connected to one end of the cover sheet and movable in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member is provided, it is inexpensive and the exchange of recording paper is smooth. The effect that can be done is obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed partial enlarged view of the sheet holding unit in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a front sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing a main part of a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing an essential part of a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of essential parts showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial front view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Example 8 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 9 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial front view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Example 9 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side transmission surface view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side sectional view showing a laser thermal transfer recording apparatus in Embodiment 11 of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a conventional laser thermal transfer recording apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Drum-shaped member 3 Solid-state laser 6 Supply side ink sheet roller 7 Ink sheet 8 Winding side ink sheet roller 10 Paper holding means 21 Slide mechanism 22 Mirror 23 Motor 27 Press roller 28 Up-down mechanism 32 Up-down mechanism 37 Total reflection mirror 38 Converging lens 41 Support plate 70 Collimating lens 72 Half mirror

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A light-transmissive drum-shaped member on which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are disposed on the outer peripheral side, and laser light from a laser oscillator is applied to the drum from the inside of the drum-shaped member. A laser mechanism that transmits the ink sheet through the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording sheet; a rotation mechanism that rotationally scans the laser irradiation direction of the laser mechanism in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member; A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus, comprising: a slide mechanism that slides and scans the laser irradiation direction of the laser mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member. 2. The laser thermal transfer recording according to claim 1, further comprising an optical path length holding mechanism for holding a constant optical path length from the laser oscillator to the ink sheet with respect to slide scanning of the slide mechanism. apparatus. 3. The optical path length holding mechanism includes a laser oscillator that emits laser light from one side in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member so as to penetrate the central axis of the drum-shaped member, and the other in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member. And a reflecting mirror that is provided on the side of the drum-shaped member for reflecting the laser beam from the laser oscillator, and that is provided inside the drum-shaped member to transmit the laser beam from the laser-oscillator and transmit the laser beam from the reflecting mirror to the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member. And a slide mechanism that slides and scans the half mirror in the longitudinal direction of the drum-shaped member and moves the reflection mirror in the same direction as the half mirror by half the half mirror. The laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 2, which is characterized in that. 4. The laser mechanism comprises a collimator lens for collimating the laser light from the laser oscillator into parallel light, and a converging means for converging the laser light that has become the parallel light.
2. The laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical path length from the collimating lens to the converging means is variable according to each scanning of the rotating mechanism and the sliding mechanism. 5. A sheet holding means for holding an end portion of the recording sheet and capable of being brought into contact with and separated from a peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member in a sheet-holding state, and interposed between the drum-shaped member and the recording sheet. 2. The laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an ink sheet roller that supplies and winds the ink sheet. 6. A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising drum rotating means for rotating the drum-shaped member together with the ink sheet when the ink sheet is conveyed. 7. A supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet, a winding side ink sheet roller for winding the ink sheet, and a torque for giving a predetermined torque to the rotation of the supply side ink sheet roller. 7. A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a limiter, wherein the supply side ink sheet roller, the winding side ink sheet roller and the drum-shaped member rotate together. 8. A drum-shaped member having an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet on the outer peripheral surface, and a laser for irradiating the ink sheet with a laser beam from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the recording sheet to the recording sheet. A mechanism and an end portion of the recording paper or the ink sheet, and movable along the circumferential surface of the drum-shaped member so that the recording paper or the ink sheet is wound with tension in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. Thermal transfer recording apparatus, which is provided with a sheet or ink sheet holding means. 9. A paper or ink sheet holding means for holding both ends of the recording paper or ink sheet, each of which is movable in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. Laser thermal transfer recording device. 10. A drum-shaped member on which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are disposed on the outer peripheral side, and a laser for irradiating the ink sheet with a laser beam from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the recording sheet to the recording sheet. Laser thermal transfer recording comprising a mechanism and a pressing member that presses the ink sheet and the recording sheet to wind around the drum-shaped member while relatively moving on the peripheral surface of the drum-shaped member. apparatus. 11. The laser thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the pressing member is configured to be capable of coming into contact with and separating from the drum-shaped member. 12. A drum-shaped member around which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are wound around the outer peripheral side, and a laser for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the recording sheet to the recording sheet. A supply side ink sheet roller for supplying the ink sheet, and a take-up side ink sheet roller for taking up the ink sheet; and the supply side ink sheet roller or the take-up side ink sheet roller. A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus, wherein the outer circumference of the drum-shaped member is revolvable. 13. A first drum-shaped member on the outer peripheral side of which an ink sheet and a recording sheet adhered to the ink sheet are disposed, and a peripheral surface of which a part is opened in the longitudinal direction, A second drum-shaped member that press-contacts the ink sheet and the recording sheet with the outer peripheral surface of the first drum-shaped member, and a sheet that holds the recording sheet on the first drum-shaped member or the second drum-shaped member A laser thermal transfer recording apparatus comprising: holding means and a laser mechanism for irradiating the ink sheet with laser light from a laser oscillator to thermally transfer the ink sheet to the recording paper. 14. The second drum-shaped member as a cover sheet, and a movable shaft which is connected to one end of the cover sheet and moves in the circumferential direction of the drum-shaped member. Laser thermal transfer recording device.