JPS61246069A - Color printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance color reproduction characteristics, by a method wherein simultaneously with insertion of a recording paper, a boundary line between the ground color of the paper and a leading end part detection band is detected while feeding the recording paper by one step at a time whose step is equal to a fraction of the diameter of each dot of image data. CONSTITUTION:When a thermal head 5 is moved downward and a position detector 15 is turned ON, an ink region of an ink sheet is located at a transfer- starting position. Then, the recording paper 2 is fed in the transferring direction [direction of arrow (a)] by a platen 4, the leading end part detection band 2A is detected by a position detector 12, and when the detected color is black, rotation of a driving motor 16 is switched to one-step feeding, and the paper 2 is fed until a white color is detected. When the white color is detected, the rotation of the motor 16 is switched to four-step feeding, and transferring is started, after which the paper 2 and the ink sheet 10 in a laminated state are fed until transferring in the last line is completed. Accordingly, since the position in each initial condition at the time of transferring of the recording paper 2 can be accurately set, color images with favorable image quality free of color misregistration can be obtained.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Lifting ship The present invention relates to a color printer device, and more particularly to a color printer device.

The present invention relates to a technique that is effective when applied to a thermal transfer color printer device that uses a color ink sheet.

As shown in Figure 5, a thermal transfer color printer device generally uses an ink sheet 1 on which multiple ink areas of different colors are regularly arranged to record images or characters in a predetermined color. S
Recorded on paper 2. The recording paper 2 is in close contact with the ink sheet 1-1, which is conveyed by the supply member 3A and the winding member 3B.

The ink sheet 1 is conveyed by the platen 4 in the transfer direction (arrow a direction) so that the ink in a predetermined ink area is transferred onto the recording paper 2 by the heating resistor element 5A of the thermal head 5 which is pressed against the platen 4. It is composed of During the first transfer, this ink sheet 1 is peeled off from the recording paper 2 by a peeling member 6, and the first ink area is wound up on a winding member 3B. As a result, the second ink area used for the second transfer is arranged at the transfer start position.

After the first transfer, as shown in FIG.

First, in order to release the pressure contact with the platen 4, the thermal head 5 is moved downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow).

Then, with the winding member 3B stopped, the recording paper 2 is transported in the return direction (arrow C direction) by the platen 4 and the transport roller 7, and the recording paper 2 is placed at the transfer start position.

In this way, the second ink area and the recording paper 2 on which the first transfer has been completed are superimposed at the second transfer start position. After this, the second transfer is performed 6 In other words, in this type of conveyance mechanism, conveyance in the transfer direction is carried out by the platen 4 and the winding member 3B.
For conveyance in the return direction, only the recording paper 2 is conveyed using the platen 4 and the conveyance roller rough.

Further, 8 is a guide roller for the ink sheet 1, and 9 is a guide plate for the recording paper 2.

However, in such a conveyance mechanism, the platen 4 is rotated and fed by a step motor, so the recording paper 2
The coefficient of friction between the platen 4 and the recording paper 2 during conveyance in the feeding direction (transfer direction) and the returning direction is different. As a result, the coefficient of friction against the recording paper 2 during forwarding and return per rotation of the step motor becomes constant each time, so that by the time one sheet of color printing is completed, the friction coefficient of the recording paper 2 when printing each color is The amount of return differs, and the position of the first printing dot line shifts.

Also, since the leading edge of the recording paper 2 is jagged,
The detection position of the leading edge of the recording paper 2 may shift due to minute skews.

For these reasons, the image transfer position on the recording paper 2 is shifted between the first transfer and the second transfer.

There is a problem in that color shift occurs in images, characters, etc. transferred to the recording paper 2, and the quality of one image deteriorates. In particular, this problem becomes noticeable when continuous transfer is performed.

(2) An object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can eliminate color shift and improve 61-color reproducibility in a color printer device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can eliminate color shift, improve color reproducibility, and improve printing efficiency in a color printer device.

The above and other objects and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Ao-che.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention detects the leading edge of a recording paper, aligns the ink sheet with the recording paper, and scans the recording paper back and forth, thereby combining a plurality of ink sheets of different colors. This is a color printer device that prints by sequentially overlapping the recording paper.

A thin color band different from the fabric color of the recording paper for detecting the leading edge is provided at the leading edge of the recording paper, and the boundary line between the color band for detecting the leading edge and the fabric of the recording paper is set to 1. A recording paper leading edge detecting means is provided which detects the leading edge of recording paper while feeding it in one step using multiple valves having the diameter of a dot.

Furthermore, the apparatus is characterized in that means is provided for conveying the recording paper in predetermined steps when printing an image on the recording paper and when returning the recording paper.

The present invention will be specifically described below based on one embodiment.

In all the figures of the embodiment, parts having the same functions as those in FIGS. 5 and 6 are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof will be omitted.

1 to 4 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a thermal transfer color printer device, and FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a conveyance mechanism of the thermal transfer color printer device. A reproduction diagram, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the main part of the ink sheet, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the main part of the recording paper, and FIG.
The figure is a flowchart of the print sequence of the thermal transfer color printer device of this embodiment.

1 to 4, reference numeral 10 is an ink sheet, one end of which is wound around the supply member 3A, and the other end of which is connected to a peeling member 6 provided on the paper feed side of the conveyance path, and a transfer unit (heating resistor). (element 5A portion), and is wound onto the winding member 3B via the guide roller 8 and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the ink sheet 10 is constructed by regularly arranging a plurality of ink areas of different colors such as white (W), yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). ing. As a result, the ink sheet 10 forms an image of a predetermined color on the recording paper 2.

It is designed to record characters, etc.

Further, the recording paper 2 is as shown in FIG.

A thin black tip detection band 2A is provided at the tip.

11 or 12 is the leading edge of the recording paper 2 or the ink sheet 1
This is a position detector for detecting the zero ink area, and is provided on the paper discharge side of the conveyance path of the recording paper 2 or the ink sheet IO. This position detector 11 or 12 is connected to the recording paper 2
It is configured to detect the leading end detection IF 2A or the boundary ALOA between the ink areas of each of the ink sheets 1 to 10, and set a predetermined ink area of the recording paper 2 and the ink sheet 10 as a transfer start position. .

As the position detector 11 or 12, for example, a reflective photosensor or the like is used.

13 is a guide roller for the recording paper 2 and the ink sheet 10, and also serves to separate the ink sheet 10 and the recording paper 2 when the recording paper 2 is returned. The guide roller 13 is provided on the supply side of the conveyance path of the recording paper 2 and is configured to guide the conveyance of the recording paper 2 in the forwarding direction to the transfer start position or in the return direction. Reference numeral 14 denotes an ink sheet conveyance roller, which is provided on the winding side of the conveyance path of the ink sheets 1 to 10.

15 is a thermal head position detector, and the rotating shaft 5B
The thermal head 5 is provided at a predetermined position on the movement path of the thermal head 5 supported by a rotationally movable support member 5C. The thermal head position detector 15 is.

This is to detect whether the thermal head 5 is in pressure contact with the platen 4 during transfer, or whether the pressure contact is released at a time other than during transfer.

The thermal head position detector 15 is configured by, for example, a microswitch. The thermal head 5 is moved using a cam mechanism, solenoid, or the like.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a drive motor for the platen, which rotates at a constant rotation angle in steps and can change the rotation angle.

For example, when detecting the leading end detection band 2A of the recording paper 2, the drive motor 16 feeds the recording paper 2 in one step with a width equal to 1/4 of the diameter of one dot of one image data, When moving and returning, a pulse motor is used that is switched and fed in four steps (steps with a diameter of one dot). Further, this drive motor 16 is connected to a driven shaft of the platen 4 via a transmission belt 16A.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a drive motor for the winding member, and its rotation is performed in steps at a constant rotation angle. Inksee 1-10 is wound up in 4 steps with a step width of 1/1 of the width. This drive motor 17 is connected to the first winding member 3B via a transmission belt 17A, and is used to rotationally drive the first winding member 3B.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be briefly explained using FIGS. 1 to 4.

First, the thermal head 5 is moved downward and the platen 4 is
In other words, the thermal head position detector 15 is brought into the 'ON' state.

In this "ON" state, the first ink area (for example, yellow Y) on the ink sheet 10 is placed at the transfer start position for the first transfer.

Next, the recording paper 2 is placed at the transfer start position according to the print sequence flowchart shown in FIG. That is, the recording paper 2 is arranged in the transfer direction (arrow a) on the platen 4.
direction), and the leading end detection band 2A is transferred to the recording paper 2.
is detected by the position detector 12, and if the result is black,
The rotation angle of the drive motor 16 is switched to one step feed, and the recording paper 2 is fed in that state until white is detected. When the detection result of the tip detection band 2A becomes white, the rotation angle of the drive motor 16 is switched to 4-step feed.
Transfer is started, and the recording paper 2 and the ink sheet 10 are fed in this state in a superimposed state until the transfer of the last line of the first transfer of the color image is completed.

In this manner, when the ink sheet 10 and the recording paper 2 are placed at the transfer start position, the ink area position detector 11 and the recording paper 2 position detector 12 are in the "ON tt" state.

When this "ON" state is confirmed, the thermal head 5 is brought into pressure contact with the platen 4, and the thermal head position detector 15 is brought into the "OFF" state, as shown in FIG.

When this "OFF" state is confirmed, as shown in FIG. Convey paper 2. As a result, the first ink area is transferred onto the recording paper 2 at the transfer portion (heating resistor element 5A portion), and the first transfer is completed.

Next, in order to perform the second transfer, first, the thermal head 5 is moved downward (in the direction indicated by the arrow).

The pressure contact with the platen 4 is released and the thermal head position detector 15 is turned on.When this 'ON' state is confirmed, the recording paper 2 is conveyed in the direction of arrow C as shown in FIG. The ink sheet 10 is returned to a predetermined position by the drive motor 17, and the first ink area of the ink sheet 10 is wound around the winding member 3B in four steps. As a result, the recording paper 2 and the ink sheet 10 are moved to the guide roller 1.
3, and the next second ink area (
Magenta (M) is transported to the transfer position. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the recording paper 2 is returned to a predetermined position by four steps of rotation, and similarly to the first transfer, the ink sheet 1o is first conveyed in the transfer direction (arrow a direction). And the second
(for example, magenta M) is placed at the transfer start position. After this.

Recording paper 2 is placed at the transfer start position. These arrangements are
As in the first transfer, this is controlled by the ink area position detector 11 and the recording paper 2 position detector 12.

Thereafter, the third and fourth transfers are performed in the same manner as the first transfer.

As can be seen from the above description, according to this embodiment, in a color printer device, at the same time as recording paper is inserted, one dot of the image data is drawn to mark the boundary line between the fabric color of the recording paper 2 and the leading edge detection band 2A. By detecting the recording paper 2 while feeding it in one step with a width equal to 1/4 of the diameter of the recording paper 2,
This allows you to accurately set the initial position each time you take a photo.

A color image of good quality without color shift can be obtained. Moreover, this makes it possible to provide an apparatus with good reproducibility.

In addition, during the transfer operation and the return operation, the recording paper is conveyed at a speed of four steps with the step width.
Transfer efficiency can be improved.

The present invention has been specifically explained above using examples.
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the boundary line between the fabric color of the recording paper 2 and the leading edge detection band 2A is set to 4 times the diameter of one dot of the image data.
Detection was performed by feeding the recording paper in one step with the step width equal to the equally divided width, but it is also possible to feed the recording paper in one step with a width of 1/2 to 1/6 of the diameter of one dot. Of course. Further, the return and forwarding of the recording paper 2 may be performed in more than four steps or less than four steps.

As explained above, according to the present invention, in a color printer device, at the same time as recording paper is inserted, the boundary line between the fabric color of the recording paper and the leading edge detection band is divided into multiple parts of the diameter of one dot of image data. By detecting while feeding the recording paper in 1 step of 1 width.

Since it is possible to accurately set the initial position of the recording paper each time it is printed, it is possible to obtain a color image of good quality without color shift. Moreover, this makes it possible to provide an apparatus with good reproducibility.

Further, during the printing operation and return operation, the printing efficiency can be improved by conveying the recording paper in multiple steps having the above-mentioned step width.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 4 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a thermal transfer type color printer device. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conveyance mechanism of a thermal transfer color printer device, and FIG. 2 is a plan view showing main parts of an ink sheet. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the main parts of the recording paper. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the color print sequence of the thermal transfer color printer device of this embodiment, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic configuration diagrams for explaining the problems of the conventional thermal transfer color printer device. be. In the figure, 2... Recording paper, 3A... Supply member, 3B...
- Winding member, 4... Platen, 5... Thermal head, 5A... Heat generating resistor element, 10... Ink sheet, 11... Ink area position detector, 12... Recording paper position It is a detector.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Detect the leading edge of the recording paper, align the ink sheet with the recording paper, scan the recording paper back and forth, and print multiple ink sheets of different colors and the recording paper in sequence. A color printer device, wherein a thin color band different from the fabric color of the recording paper for detecting the leading edge is provided at the leading edge of the recording paper, and a border between the color band for detecting the leading edge and the fabric of the recording paper. A color printer device comprising recording paper leading edge detection means for detecting a line while feeding the recording paper in steps of a plurality of steps of the diameter of one dot. (2) Detect the leading edge of the recording paper, align the ink sheet with the recording paper, scan the recording paper back and forth, and print multiple ink sheets of different colors sequentially overlapping the recording paper. A color printer device, wherein a thin color band different from the fabric color of the recording paper for detecting the leading edge is provided at the leading edge of the recording paper, and a border between the color band for detecting the leading edge and the fabric of the recording paper. recording paper leading edge detection means for detecting the line while feeding the recording paper in steps of multiple fractions of the diameter of one dot; A color printer device characterized in that it is provided with a means for conveying the image in steps.