JPS62220355A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable a sharp-image recording to be conducted with a color according to a color information on a recorded material by small-size mechanism, by providing a drive mans moving a heating means together with a peeling member. CONSTITUTION:An updown motor M3 is driven clockwise, whereby a thermal head 25 is rotated toward a platen 10 and pressed down agaisnt the platen 10 through a recording paper 12 and a two-color ink ribbon 1. At this time, a connecting lever 30 travels toward the platen 10 by moving a heat sink 26 in a direction B1. A peeling lever 58 is, however, forced downward and a switching-over lever 62 is forced counterclockwise by a return spring 59, therefore the peeling lever 58 is separated from the recording paper 12. Then, a carrier 22 is travelled rightward in a recording direction and the two-color ink ribbon 1 is heated with the thermal head 25 to transfer an ink layer 3b to the recording paper 12. The ink ribbon 1 is allowed to change its direction at an end portion 25b of the thermal head 25 by the take-up force of a take-up clutch 41, then being peeled from the recording paper 12. Furnishing of a drive means moving both the heating means and the peeling member enables a recording to be performed by a small-size mechanism.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to output devices such as electronic typewriters, facsimile machines, printers used in recording units of personal computers, etc., or word processors, etc. that contain ink. The present invention relates to a recording device that uses an ink sheet to obtain a recorded image in a color corresponding to color information. Note that the present invention includes not only cases in which the aforementioned color information means different colors, but also cases in which they mean the same color.

[Conventional technology]

Conventionally, printing apparatuses capable of obtaining recorded images in colors corresponding to color information use a wide ink ribbon coated with ink layers of different colors in the width direction, and use a wide ink ribbon coated with ink layers of different colors in the width direction. The ink layer of the desired color had to be guided to the recording section by rotating the ribbon in the vertical direction.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

Therefore, the above-mentioned conventional apparatus requires a means for vertically rotating the ink ribbon, which has the problem of making the apparatus larger and more complicated.

[Means for solving problems]

Therefore, the applicant should first take steps 1. Patent application 1986-260403
With this issue, we revealed the following technology.

That is, in order to perform clear recording in multiple colors on a recording medium, a first ink layer and a second ink layer having mutually different tones are provided on a support in order from the support side. When peeling off the recording medium and the support after applying thermal energy, by changing the time from applying the thermal energy until peeling off both,
A recorded image of a selected color is formed on a recording medium.

Furthermore, the applicant disclosed the following technology in Japanese Patent Application No. 60-298831.

That is, it has at least two ink layers, a first ink layer and a second ink layer, on a support, and has adhesive between the two ink layers or at least one side between the first ink layer and the support. An ink sheet having a layer is brought into contact with a recording material, and thermal energy is applied to the ink sheet according to the recording information, and then the peeling time from the application until the ink sheet and the recording material are separated is controlled. By doing so, a predetermined ink layer is transferred to the recording medium, thereby forming a recorded image of the selected color on the recording medium.

The present invention is a further development of the above technology,
A recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium using an ink sheet containing ink includes a mounting section for mounting the ink sheet, and a mounting section mounted on the mounting section for recording on the recording medium. A heating means for heating the ink sheet, and peeling in which the ink sheet and the recording medium are separated from each other after the ink sheet is heated by the heating means, depending on the color information to be recorded on the recording medium. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a peeling member for making conditions variable, and a driving means for moving both the heating means and the peeling member.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, by installing an ink sheet in the mounting portion and performing recording, it is possible to record a clear image on a recording medium in a color corresponding to color information using a compact mechanism.

〔Example〕

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

In the following embodiments, a case of two-color recording will be described to simplify the explanation.

However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the colors of the first ink layer and the second ink layer; It is also possible to record.

Note that when the first ink layer and the second ink layer have the same color tone, the ink sheet can be used twice as much for monochrome recording.

First, the ink sheet used in this example will be explained. The information used in this example is based on the patent application filed in 1986.
The method disclosed in No.-298831 can be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an ink ribbon l that can be applied to the present invention.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the ink ribbon 1 is formed by forming a thermally transferable ink layer 3 on a sheet-like support 2.

Further, this thermal transferable ink layer 3 itself has a multi-layer structure, and consists of a first ink layer 3a and a second ink layer 3b provided in this order from the support 2 side.

As the support 2, conventionally known films and papers can be used as they are, for example, films of relatively heat-resistant plastics such as polyester, polycarbonate, triacetyl, cellulose, nylon, polyimide, cellophane or sulfuric acid. Paper, condenser paper, etc. can be suitably used. The thickness of the support 2 is desirably about 1 to 15 μm when considering a thermal head as a heat source during thermal transfer. There are no particular restrictions on the use of available heat sources.

When thermal energy is applied to the first ink layer 3a,
It is necessary that the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b can be easily peeled off. Further, the first ink layer 3a is formed when the time from the application of thermal energy to the transfer of the support 2 from the recording medium is long, that is, when the ink ribbon l and the recording medium are in close contact with each other facing each other, heat is applied. It is necessary that the first ink layer 3a be easily peeled off from the support 2 when the ink ribbon 1 is cooled down considerably by running the thermal head that is still in close contact with the ink ribbon 1.

Therefore, heat-melting binders include natural waxes such as spermaceti wax, beeswax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax, and ceresin wax, petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax, oxidized waxes, and ester waxes. , low-molecular 1.1 polyethylene, synthetic waxes such as Fischer-Tropsch wax, higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, balmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, higher alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and hehenyl alcohol, and fatty acids such as sucrose. Contains a small amount of esters, esters such as fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and amides such as oleylamide (both 50!!6 or more),
Other polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, Evokin resins, polyurethane resins, polyacrylic resins, polyvinyl chloride resins, cellulose resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, petroleum resins, phenolic resins, polystyrene elastomers such as vinyl acetate resin, natural rubber, threadin butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, and chloroprene rubber, polyisobutylene, polybutene, or plasticizers, and oils such as mineral oil and vegetable oil, and colorants and other additives. The melting temperature of the ink layer including additives is 50°C to 150°C, 150°C.
Melt viscosity (rotational viscometer) at °C is 500 CI'
S is desirable.

In this example, melting full & degree refers to Shimadzu Flow Tester C.
Using I"rfi00 type, load: 10Kg, heating rate: 2°C
When the apparent viscosity-temperature curve of the sample ink is determined under the conditions of /min, this is the temperature at which the outflow starts.

The second ink layer 3b melts and softens when heat is applied from the thermal head and firmly adheres to the recording medium, and when the second ink layer 3b is in a molten state, the first ink layer 3 HI
It is necessary that it is difficult to mix with. The heat-melting binder for this purpose contains at least 50% of the above-mentioned resin, and is mixed with other oils such as wax 3f1, plasticizer, mineral oil, vegetable oil, etc. as described above, and the melting temperature of the ink layer is high. Melt viscosity from 60℃ to 150℃ (rotational viscometer)
is 200CPS - 1,000゜0 (1(l CP S
It is better to choose as follows. Moreover, in order to improve the sharpness of the printing of the second ink layer 3b, it is of course possible to form the second ink layer 3b in a dot shape or to form the surface of the second ink layer 3b in an uneven shape. .

The thickness of the first ink layer 3a is preferably in the range of 0.5μ to lOμ, and the thickness of the entire thermal transferable ink layer 3 is 2μ to 20μ.
Z is preferred.

Furthermore, the color tone of the first ink layer 3a and the color tone of the second ink layer 3b (
a; When the ira is different, the first ink layer 3n
It is better to use a dark color such as black for the first ink layer 3b, and a bright color such as yellow for the second ink layer 3b.
If it is desired to obtain a color mixture with the color tone of the ink layer 3b, for example, if the first ink layer 3a is colored yellow and the second ink layer 3b is colored magenta, magenta and red can be obtained.

In addition, by changing the pigment concentration or layer thickness ratio of each layer, it is possible to record in various different two colors.

As the colorant, various dye pigments widely used in the field of printing and recording are used. The content of the colorant in each of the ink layers 3a and 3b is suitably in the range of 1 to 80%. In addition, additives such as a dispersant or a filler made of a fine metal powder, an inorganic fine powder, a metal oxide, etc. may be used in the ink layers 3a and 3b, if necessary.

Regarding the relationship between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b, it is desirable to select materials that are not compatible with each other, but even if the materials are compatible, they may differ due to the difference in melt viscosity. Peeling becomes possible.

To obtain the ink ribbon used in this example, the heat-melting binder, colorant, and additives described above for each of the ink layers 3X1 and 3b were melt-kneaded using an attritor or the like. Alternatively, the first ink is prepared by kneading with a suitable solvent to obtain a hot-melt, solution or liquid ink, and sequentially applying these inks on a support and drying as necessary. The first ink layer and the second ink layer may be formed in this order.

Ink ribbon in history! Another embodiment is shown in FIG.

The ink ribbon 1 shown in FIG. 2 has, on a support 2, a first ink layer 3a, a second adhesive layer 4b, and a second ink layer 3b, each having a first tangent layer of 4a%, in this order.

Also in the case of the ink ribbon l shown in FIG. 2, the relationship between the adhesive force between the support l and the first ink layer 3a and the adhesive force between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b is There is no difference from the ink ribbon shown in the figure.

That is, if a material whose adhesive strength changes greatly depending on temperature is used as the second adhesive layer 4b, the temperature of the second neck layer 4b increases from 1- to 1+ due to the heating of the thermal head, and the temperature of the second adhesive layer 4b decreases from 1 to 1. The strength of the first layer 4b decreases rapidly, and the adhesive strength between the layers changes as shown in FIG. 3(a).

Furthermore, if the first adhesive layer 4a is made of a material with a large change in adhesive strength due to temperature, and the second adhesive layer 4b is made with a material with a relatively small change in adhesive strength due to temperature, the adhesive strength between each layer is as shown in Figure 3. It shows changes like (b).

Note that 2a is a heat-resistant protective layer, which is provided on the surface of the support 2 in contact with the thermal head, and is made of silicone resin, fluororesin,
It is made of polyimide resin, melamine resin, nitrocellulose, etc., and can improve the heat resistance of the support 2, or can use a support material that could not be used conventionally.

Now, next, a recording apparatus capable of obtaining a recorded image in a color corresponding to color information using the above-mentioned ink ribbon will be described using an electronic typewriter as an example.

Note that the embodiments described below apply thermal energy to an ink sheet, peel off the ink sheet and recording medium in a short time after applying thermal energy, and cool the ink sheet after applying thermal energy. Two-color recording is made possible by providing an appropriate process for separating the ink sheet from the recording medium.

FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of a typewriter T, which is an output device, to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

In the figure, 10 is a platen, 12 is a recording paper, 1:
3 is an exterior, 14 is a power switch for controlling power on/off, and 15 is a keyboard. ! 6 is the hood 13a
A foot switch that is turned on and off by opening and closing the
When the opening/closing of the hood +3a is sensed and the hood 1;3a is opened, a signal to shift the ink ribbon to a predetermined position, which will be described later, is generated, and the keyboard is also locked using the same signal. M OK Y is a mode key l, which is used to set various modes such as ribbon mode setting, which will be described later. P RKY is a print command key. The typewriter T also includes a printing section, an input section, a display section, a control section, an external input/output interface section, and the like. Note that, of course, in this embodiment, the input section and the display section may not be provided.

Figures 5121 and 3 are perspective views of the recording unit to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The recording paper 12 is pressed against a rubber portion (not shown) of a paper feed roller 17 by a pinch roller 18 while being backed up by the platen IO. A gear 19 is attached to the foot 17a of the paper feed roller 17, and a reduction gear 2
The paper feed roller I7 is connected to the paper feed motor Ml via 0, and the rotation of the paper feed motor M+ rotates the paper feed roller I7.
The recording paper 12 is conveyed. Therefore, when the thermal head 25, which will be described later, contacts the recording paper 12 to perform recording,
The platen 10 maintains the position of the recording paper 12.

Next, the reciprocating movement of the carrier 22 will be explained.

A shaft 21 is installed parallel to the front side of the platen 10. A carrier 22 (FIG. 6) is guided and supported on this shaft 21 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow. In other words, the carrier 22 is recording paper! It is possible to reciprocate along the transport path S of No. 2.

A portion of the bell 1-23 is fixed to the carrier 22 and stretched by two pulleys (not shown). A carrier motor M2 is connected to this pulley (not shown) via a gear (not shown). The rotation of the carrier motor M2 rotates a pulley (not shown), which rotates the belt 23, thereby reciprocating the carrier 22 along the shaft 21 (in the direction of the arrow). Further, a limit sensor 23 for detecting the position of the carrier 22 is installed at the end on the home position side.

Furthermore, a head holder 24 (FIG. 6) is guided and supported by the carrier 22 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 21. This head holder 24 includes a thermal head 25.
The heat sink 26 with the attached is the attachment. Note that this carrier 22 is guided and supported by a rack 27 through an integral guide portion 22X. In addition, this rack 27 has
Projections 27a and 27b are provided at both ends thereof.

Furthermore, this carrier 22 includes an ink ribbon cassette 5.
A carrier table 28 is provided for loading 0 (FIG. 1I). This table 28 is provided with a sensor 29 for detecting the presence or absence of an ink ribbon cassette 50, the type thereof, and the end of the ink ribbon l. Furthermore, a connecting lever 30 is attached to the carrier table 28 in a direction perpendicular to the platen lO (direction of arrow C).
It is guided and supported so as to be movable along a. This lever 30 is further engaged with a connecting member 31 attached to the heat sink 26. Therefore, the heat sink 26
By rotating the platen in 10 directions (arrow ■3 directions),
The lever 30 moves in the direction of approaching/separating from the Teraten IO (in the direction of arrow C). In addition, this connection lever 30
is provided with an indicator portion 30a. This indicator part 3
0a allows visual confirmation of the next printing position. Further, an engaging portion 30b is provided at the rear end of this connecting lever 30, and when a switching lever 62 of a cassette 50, which will be described later, is engaged, this lever 62 is pushed up toward the platen 10.

As described above, in this embodiment, the index portion 3 is attached to the connecting lever 30, which is close to the thermal head 25 and is related to controlling the peeling conditions.
Since 0a is provided, when recording at the position indicated by the index section 30a, the thermal head only needs to be moved a short distance to the position indicated by the index section 30a. Do not slow down the recording speed (
Also, problems such as noise do not occur.

A case in which the cassette 50 is removably loaded onto the carrier tape 28 will be described next. This carrier tape 2
8 is provided with pins 28a and 28b fixed on two sides and an elastic hook portion 28c on the side thereof. Therefore, the pins 28a and 28b are fitted into openings 52h and 521 provided in the lower cassette case 52 of the cassette 50 (FIG. 12), which will be described later, and the hook portion 28c is elastically attached to the locking portion 52j of the lower cassette case 52. By engaging the carrier table 28, the cassette 50 can be removably loaded into the carrier table 28. It goes without saying that not only two-color ribbon cassettes but also ordinary single-color ribbon cassettes can be commonly loaded on this carrier table 28.

Next, the up/down mechanism of the thermal head 25 will be explained.

FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the pressure contact (down) and separation (up) of the head 25 and the ribbon winding mechanism.

An up-down motor M3 is provided on the carrier 22, and the driving force of the up-down motor M3 is transmitted to the gear part 32a of the cam 32 via a gear part (not shown) and a reduction gear 31 to rotate the cam 32. let This cam 32 is provided with a cam protrusion 32b, and when the cam 32 rotates clockwise (arrow DI force direction (FIG. 9)) or counterclockwise (arrow D2 direction) (FIG. 10), the carrier 22 The stopper 33 contacts the installed stopper 33 and restricts the rotation of the cam 32.The stopper 33 is made of an elastic member such as rubber, and also serves to relieve the contact with the cam 32.

Further, the up/down lever 34 is connected to a shaft 35 (10th
It is provided on the carrier 22 so as to be rotatable around the center of the figure. Furthermore, the protruding portion 34a of this up/down lever 34
, 34b (FIG. 10), a torsion coil spring 36 is installed with a charged spring force. A roller 37 is rotatably guided and supported at one end of the up-down lever 34. Furthermore, head holder 2
4 spring hook part 24a and carrier 22 spring hook part 22
A head return spring 38 is provided between
direction) (Figures 8 and 10). The biasing force of the head return spring 38 is applied from the pressure contact portion 24b of the head holder 24 to the arm portion 3621 of the torsion coil spring 36.
The signal is transmitted from the arm portion 36 a to the up/down lever 34 . Therefore, the up/down lever 34
is biased in the direction away from the platen IO (in the direction of arrow E2) (Fig. 1O) by the head return spring 38, and the roller 37 provided on the up-down lever 34 is
It is pressed against the cam 32.

Therefore, the head 25 is rotated with respect to the platen lO direction by the drive of the motor M3.

Next, a mechanism for winding up the ink ribbon 1 will be explained.

Now, the carrier 22 is provided with a winding shaft 39. Furthermore, a take-up lever 40 and a filtration latch/11 are rotatably supported around the take-up shaft 39 at the top of the take-up lever 40. Furthermore, the filtration lever 40 includes a winding gear 4.
2 is rotatably supported, the gear portion (not shown) of the take-up latch 4I is a sun gear, and the take-up gear 42 is a planetary gear.

Further, a take-up switching lever 4 is installed on the guide portion 22c of the carrier 22 so as to be movable in the directions of arrow Gl (FIG. 7) and arrow G2 (FIG. 8).
One end of 3 is in engagement with the take-up lever 40. Furthermore, the spring hook part/IOa of the take-up lever 40 and the carrier 2
A take-up lever pressure contact spring 4 is provided between the spring hook portion 22d of No.
4 is provided to bias the take-up lever 40 in the direction of arrow F1. The urging force of the take-up lever pressure contact spring 44 is transmitted to the take-up switching lever 43 via the take-up lever 40, and urges the take-up switching lever 13 in the direction of arrow G1.
It is pressed against the heat sink 26. The take-up latch 41 is provided with a hub receiving portion 41a, which allows the ink ribbon l and the take-up hub to fit together. In addition, the winding latch 41
A friction clutch (not shown) is provided between the hub receiving part 41a and the gear part (not shown), and the rotation of the gear part (not shown) is transmitted to the hub receiving part 41a.

Next, press contact (down) of the head in the above configuration.
The separation (up) and ribbon winding operations will be explained.

Figures 7 and 9 show the head pressure contact (down) state; 1ζ
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the ribbon can be wound. The up-down motor M3 is driven clockwise to reduce the speed of the deceleration float 31.
The cam 32 is rotated in the direction of the arrow DI (FIG. 9) through the cam 32, and the cam protrusion 32b of the cam 32 is brought into contact with the stopper 3:3.

Here, the cam 32 is moved clockwise (arrow DI) (Fig. 9)
As the cam 32 rotates, the radius of the cam 32 at the contact point between the cam 32 and the roller 37 provided on the up/down lever 34 increases. As a result, the up-down lever 34 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow E1) (FIG. 9) against the biasing force of the head return spring 38. The force is transmitted from the arm portion 36a of the torsion coil spring 36 provided on the lever 34 to the pressure contact portion 24b of the head holder 24, and the bed holder 2
4 in the counterclockwise direction (direction of arrow 01) (Fig. 9). Therefore, the thermal head 25 attached to the heat sink 26 provided on the head holder 24 is attached to the recording paper 12.
Press it against platen 0 through. That is, head 2
5, the head 25 comes into contact with the recording paper 12, and this recording paper I2 is maintained in its position by the platen lO.

Further, even after the thermal head 25 contacts the platen IO, the radius of the cam 32 increases, and the up/down lever 34
further rotate counterclockwise (direction of arrow E1) (Fig. 9). In this state, since the thermal head 25 of the head holder 24 is in contact with the platen 10, the movement of the head holder 24 is restricted. Therefore, the pressure contact portion 24b of the head holder 24
The movement of the arm portion 36a of the torsion coil spring 36 that is in contact with is restricted. Therefore, as the up-down lever 34 rotates counterclockwise (in the direction of arrow E1) (Fig. 9), the torsion coil spring (6) leaves the protrusion 34b of the up-down lever 34, and the torsion coil spring 36 further increases its spring force. The spring force of the torsion coil spring 36 that is charged is the same as the protrusion 34b of the up-down lever 34 and the torsion coil.

Since the arm portion 36a of the spring 36 has separated, the head holder 24
The pressure is transmitted to the pressure contact portion 2/lb, which presses the thermal head 25 against the platen and IO via the recording paper 12.

Note that in the state in which the cam protrusion 32b of the cam 32 in FIG. 9 is in contact with the stopper 3;
The thermal head 25 is pressed against the platen 10.

Next, a ribbon winding mechanism for winding up the ink ribbon 1 will be explained.

As the heat sink 26 attached to the head holder 24 moves toward the platen lO (direction (direction of arrow 131)), the take-up switching lever 43 is moved toward the take-up lever pressure contact spring 4.
4, it moves in the direction of arrow G1. Therefore, this winding lever 40 rotates in the direction of arrow F1, and the filtration lever 40 rotates in the direction of arrow F1.
The winding gear 42 provided on the rack 27 meshes with the tooth portion 27c provided on the rack 27. Here, the thermal head 25
is pressed against the platen IO, the take-up lever 4
0 is regulated by the contact position of the winding gear 42 and the rack 27, and the winding gear 42 is regulated by the winding lever pressure contact spring 44.
The rack 27 is urged by. So career 22
When moves in the recording direction (one direction in the direction of the arrow), the winding gear 42 rotates clockwise (in the opening direction of the arrow), and the rotation of this winding gear 42 is transmitted to the winding latch 41, The brake receiving portion 41a rotates in the counterclockwise direction 8-1 (direction of arrow 11).

Therefore, when the cassette 50 is mounted on the carrier table 28, if the illustrated winding hub 55 provided on the cassette 50 side fits into the hub receiving part 41a, the ink ribbon l in the cassette 50 is wound up. becomes possible.

Next, the head 25 moves away from the platen 10 (up).
I will explain about it. FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing the head separated (up) state, and are diagrams showing the ribbon winding stopped state.

The up-down motor M3 is driven in the counterclockwise direction opposite to that described above, and the cam 32 is driven by the arrow 1i11) via the reduction gear 3I.
2 (FIG. 1O) direction to bring the cam protrusion 32b of the cam 32 into contact with the stopper 33. Here, following the rotation of the cam 32 in the direction of arrow ■)2 (Fig. 10),
Rollers 3 provided on the cam 32 and the up/down lever 34
The radius of the cam 32 at the point of contact at 7 decreases. Therefore, the up/down lever 34 is connected to the head return spring 38 (=
1 force rotates in the direction of arrow E2 (Fig. 10),
The head holder 24 moves in the direction of arrow B2, and the heat sink 26 and thermal head 25 attached to the head holder 24 separate from the platen 10. Furthermore, as the heat sink 26 moves in the direction of arrow B2, the take-up switching lever 43 moves in the direction of arrow G2. Therefore, the take-up switching lever 43 rotates the take-up lever 40 in the direction of arrow F2 against the urging force of the take-up lever pressure contact spring 44, and rotates the take-up gear 40.
2 away from the rack 27.

While the head 25 is in this non-recording state t6 separated from the platen lO, the carrier 22 is moved along the shaft 21 in the direction indicated by the arrow Δ1. Even if you move it in the Δ2 direction, it will not wind up.
A 1 no・ノ＼Gozoshi Yuu (/II?lI+ Oka 1
Base;
(Mi゛)L winding is not performed. Therefore, even when the switching lever 62 (described later) and the peeling roller 54 move away from the platen lO in conjunction with the head 25, the ink ribbon l is not wound up.

Further, the biasing force of the head return spring 38 is stepped so that it does not have a force that charges the torsion coil spring 36 but has a force that resists the take-up lever pressure spring. And the position of the winding gear 42 is determined.

The up-down motor M3 is driven and stopped by the cam 32.
The cam 32 may be driven for a sufficient period of time necessary for the rotation of the cam 32, or may be stopped by detecting the lock current of the up-down motor M3 caused by the contact between the cam protrusion 32b and the stopper 33. A sensor that detects the position of (
(not shown) may be provided to perform driving and stopping.

Furthermore, the head 25 or the switching lever and the peeling roller in conjunction with the head 25 move away (up) from the platen 10 when the carrier 22 returns to its home position, or by a predetermined amount when the image to be recorded is 17:1. There may be cases where there is a second gap (so-called skip) or partial printing, and in these cases the ink ribbon is not wound up, so wasteful consumption of the ink sheet can be prevented.

Next, regarding the ink ribbon cassette,
This will be explained using Figure 2. .

Reference numeral 50 designates the aforementioned ink ribbon cassette, which is removably loaded onto the carrier tape 28 with the ink ribbon l stored in the case C formed by the cassette lower case 52 and the cassette second case 63.

In the figure, the ink ribbon l is wound around a core 51 and fitted into a protrusion 52 a of a cassette lower case 52 . The ink ribbon l passes through rollers 53b, 53c, and 53d rotatably attached to the protrusion 52b of the cassette lower case 52, the ink ribbon detection window 52c, and the cassette lower case protrusion 52d, respectively, and then passes through the cassette lower case opening. After being exposed to the outside of the case C at 52e, the case C is guided through the peeling roller 54 and then exposed again through the opening 521.
It enters the inside and is wound up on the winding hub 55.

Note that when the cassette 50 is loaded at a predetermined (\γ) position on the table 28, the cassette opening [1 part 52c is located opposite the head 25 on the main body side. The ink ribbon l can be heated by a thermal head 25 that generates heat according to recorded information.Furthermore, the ink ribbon l can be heated by a roller 53 by a pressure spring 56 provided in a cassette lower case 52.
energized by b. Note that the spring 56 is made of fer l-5.
6a is attached to prevent damage caused by pressure contact of the ink ribbon I.

Further, the tension spring 57 biases the ink ribbon 1 in the direction of arrow J, and takes up slack in the ink ribbon 1. That is, this tension spring 57 is provided in the cassette lower case 52, and elastically presses the ink ribbon l on the upstream side of the rollers 53c and 53d (with respect to the winding direction of the ink ribbon l). Therefore, the peeling lever 5 described later
When the path of the ink ribbon l changes due to the displacement of the peeling roller 54 due to the movement of the roller 8, even if the ribbon l becomes slack, this slack can be quickly absorbed by the elastic force of this tension spring. This prevents the ribbon l from remaining loose. Note that the tension spring 57 also has a felt 57a attached to its contact surface with the ink ribbon 1 to prevent damage to the ink ribbon 1. Here, in addition to felt, a coating or the like may be applied to the surface of the tension spring 57.

Further, the peeling lever 58 is provided so as to be slidable (in the direction of the arrow Cl-C2) along the side end 50a of the cassette 50 on the side where the opening portion 52c is provided.

That is, the lever 58 has its back side connected to the end 63a of the cassette upper case 63 and the guide 63b, the end of the cassette lower case 52 (not shown), and the guide (not shown), and its front side connected to the cassette upper case 63. Lower bent portion 63b of
It is guided by the upper bent portion 52b of the lower cassette case 52 and is movable. Further, the peeling roller 54 is attached to the tip of the lever 58 so as to be rotatable about the lever 54a. Further, this lever 58 is provided with an upper opening 58a and a lower opening 58b.

A lower case protrusion 52'' is fitted into the upper opening 58a, and a return spring 59 is provided between the protrusion 52f and the lever '58 along the guide bar 58c.

Therefore, the lever 58 is urged downward (in the direction of arrow C2) by the elastic force of the spring 59. Furthermore, a slider 60 is provided in the lower opening 58b. This slider 60 is slidable relative to the lever 58 along the guide 58d. Furthermore, a guide rod 58e fixed to the lever 58 and a slider 6 are provided in the lower opening 58b.
A pressure contact spring 61 is provided between the lever 58 and the slider 60 along the guide rod 58f fixedly attached to the guide rod 58f.

Therefore, this slider 60 is always downward (in the direction of arrow C2).
The guide 58d comes into contact with the stopper portion 58g of the guide 58d and stops.

Here, the switching lever 62 has its tip 62a engaged with the lower end 60a of the slider 60, so that the switching lever 62 is connected to the lower cassette case 52.
and cassette upper case 63 (arrow I (
direction) and rotatable (in the direction of the arrow). A bending switching part 62b is provided at the rear end of the switching lever 62, and when this switching part 62b comes into contact with the protruding parts 27a and 27b on the main body side, the lever 62 is moved in the left-right direction (I Slide in (direction).

Further, the movement range of this lever 62 is restricted by the left and right ends of the opening 52c. Further, the rotation of the lever 62 is controlled by the elongated opening 6 provided in the lower case 52 and the upper case 6;
This is done centering around the protrusion 62c of the lever 62 that engages with βC.

Further, a convex portion 62d is provided on the tip side of the lever 62 to prevent the lever 62 from moving inadvertently in the left-right direction. However, this protrusion 62d has a slope 62dl so that the switching part 62b comes into contact with the protrusions 27a and 27b on the main body side and does not obstruct the movement of the lever 62 in the left and right directions. . Therefore, when the lever 62 is moved, the convex portion 62d can overcome the roller 52k with a slight force.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned cassette 50, when the switching part 62b comes into contact with the protruding part 27b on the main body side and the lever 62 moves to the left and its tip 62a protrudes from the cassette side end 50a, this tip 62a comes into contact with the protruding part 27b on the main body side. It is guided to a position where it comes into contact with the engaging portion 30b. Therefore, the above-mentioned passing motor M
When the connecting lever 30 is moved toward the platen 10 by the drive of the lever 3, the engaging portion 30b and the tip 62a engage, and the lever 62 is pushed toward the platen 10. Then, this lever 62 pushes the lever 58 in the direction of the platen 10 (arrow CI) against the biasing force of the return spring 59. Further, after the lever 58 contacts the platen IO via the ink ribbon l and the recording paper 12, the slider 60 is pushed in the direction of the platen 10 (arrow Ct) against the biasing force of the pressure spring 61, and the pressure spring 6
The lever 58 stops pressing the platen 10 due to the urging force of I.

Therefore, after heating, the recording paper 12 and the ink sheet I run in a state of being in contact with each other until reaching the peeling roller 54, without being peeled off.

As described above, in this embodiment, the switching lever 62 is connected to the spring 61.
The peeling roller 54 is configured to lightly press against the platen IO through the elastic force of the peeling roller 54.
When it comes into contact with the platen 10, it does so with a stable force due to elastic force, so it is possible to prevent stains on image recording due to offset, or supply failures such as wrinkles or skew of the ink sheet.

On the contrary, the switching part 62b comes into contact with the protruding part 27a on the main body side, and the lever 62 moves to the right, and its tip b 2
a retreats into the cassette side end 50a, even if the main body side connecting lever 30 moves toward the platen 10 side, the lever 62
is not pushed, and the lever 62 remains retracted away from the platen io due to the biasing force of the return spring 59. Therefore, the position of this peeling roller 54 is
The recording paper and the ink sheet I remain separated from the platen 10 after being heated, and are separated shortly after passing the end of the thermal head 25.

Furthermore, other embodiments of the ink ribbon cassette are shown in Section 1:3.
As shown in the figure. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned peeling lever 58, peeling roller 54, return spring 59, slider 6o, pressure contact spring 61
Instead, an integral contact lever 63 is used.

Here, in this embodiment, the contact lever 63 is 1'2/1 1 11
), it is movably guided in the direction of arrow Cl-C2. Further, this contact lever 63 is in an engagement relationship with the switching lever 62, and the movement of the switching lever 62 causes the contact lever 63 to move toward the arrow Cl.
-Move in the C2 direction.

Therefore, in the above-mentioned cassette, when the switching part 62b comes into contact with the protruding part 27b on the main body side and the lever 62 moves to the left and its tip 62a protrudes from the cassette side end 50a, this tip 62a is engaged with the main body side. It is guided to a position where it comes into contact with the joint portion 30b. Therefore, as described above, when the connecting lever 30 is moved toward the platen 10 by the drive of the motor M3, the engaging portion 30b and the tip 62a are engaged, and the lever 6
2 is pushed toward the platen 10. Then this lever 6
2, the thermal head 25 pushes the contact lever 63 to approximately the same position as the position relative to the platen 10, and the contact lever 63 stops at the position where it approaches or contacts the platen 10.

Therefore, after heating, the recording paper 12 and the ink sheet l continue to be in contact with each other until they reach the position of the peeling roller 54, without being peeled off.

On the contrary, the switching part 62b comes into contact with the protruding part 27a on the main body side, and the lever 62 moves rightward, and the tip 62a
is retracted into the cassette side end, the lever 62 will not be pushed even if the main body side connecting lever 30 moves toward the platen IO side, and 1. The lever 62 remains retracted away from the platen 10. Therefore, the position of this contact lever 63 remains distant from the platen IO,
After heating, the recording paper and ink sheet l are transferred to the thermal head 25.
It is peeled off shortly after passing the edge of the

Next, switching of colors of recorded images in this embodiment will be explained. Note that although this embodiment will be described using red and black recorded images as examples, the present invention is not limited to this.

14 to 17 are plan views showing the operation of two-color recording. The figure shows a recordable state in which the ink ribbon cassette 50 is loaded on the carrier table 28.

An example of "using the aforementioned ink ribbon cassette 50 to selectively form two-color recorded images of red and black according to color information will be described below."

First, a case will be shown in which red recording is performed.

14 and 15 are diagrams showing a case where an image is recorded using the second ink layer 3b (red) of the two-color ink ribbon 1, and FIG. 14 shows the color switching operation of the cassette.

First, when the red record information is received by the method described later, the up-down motor M3 (Fig. 8) is activated as described above.
counterclockwise and move the thermal head 25 in the direction of arrow B2.
direction and move it away from the platen IO. Further, the connecting lever 30 is moved in the direction of arrow C2. Next, the carrier motor M2 (FIG. 5) is driven to move the carrier 22 (FIG. 8) to the left (direction A2 in the figure), so that the switching portion 62b provided on the switching lever 62 and the protruding portion 27 of the rack 27 are moved. a and move the switching lever 62 to the right (
(K1 direction shown in the figure). By moving the switching lever 62 in the direction of arrow C1]K1, the coupling portion 62a of the switching lever 62 is disengaged from the coupling lever 30. Also, due to the urging force of the return spring 59, the peeling lever 5
8 is biased downward (direction C2 in the figure), and the switching lever 62 is biased counterclockwise (two directions in the figure).

The peeling roller 54 is then sufficiently far away from the platen 10.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the two-color ribbon 1 is used for recording using the second ink layer 3b (for example, red). In the state described above with reference to FIG. 16, the up-down motor M3 (FIG. 8) is driven clockwise to rotate the thermal head 25 in the direction of the platen lO (direction 11 in the figure), thereby moving the recording paper 12 and Press onto the platen IO via the two-color ink ribbon l.

At this time, as the heat sink 26 moves in the direction of arrow B1, the connection lever 30 moves in the direction of the platen lO (in the CI force direction shown in the figure). However, as described above, the return spring 5
9 causes the peeling lever 58 to move downward (in the direction C2 in the figure).
The switching levers 62 remain biased counterclockwise (direction L2 in the drawing), and the peeling lever 58 is separated from the recording paper 12 by a sufficient distance. Therefore, the carrier 22 is moved rightward in the 9'6 direction (At direction in the figure), and the heat generating part 25a of the thermal head 25 is made to generate heat according to the recording information to heat the two-color ink ribbon I, and the second ink layer is 3b onto the recording paper 12, a red image is formed on the recording paper 12. Ink ribbon immediately after heating! is deflected from the end 25b of the thermal head 25 by the winding force generated by the rotation of the winding clutch 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow (2), and is separated from the recording paper 12. Note that after that, the two-color ribbon l is wound around the winding core 55.

Next, a case will be described in which black recording is performed.

16 and 17 are diagrams showing the case where an image is recorded using both the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b of the two-color ink ribbon l, and FIG. 16 shows the color of the cassette. The switching operation is shown.

First, when black recording information is received by the method described later, the up-down motor M3 (Fig. 8) is rotated counterclockwise, the thermal head 25 is moved in the direction of arrow I32, and the platen lO is rotated as described above. to move away from

Also, the connecting lever 30 is moved in the direction of arrow C2. Next, the carrier motor M2 (FIG. 5) is driven to move the carrier 22 (FIG. 8) in the direction Δ1 shown in the figure toward the right J, and the switching section (i 2 b and rack 2
7, and move the switching lever 62 to the left (1 (two directions) in the figure).
By moving in two directions according to the arrow 2, the switching lever 6? The connecting portion 62a engages with the connecting lever 30. Furthermore, the peeling lever 58 is biased downward (in the C2 direction in the figure) and the switching lever 62 is biased counterclockwise (in the L2 direction in the figure) by the biasing force of the return spring 59. is in a state of separation from

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the first ink layer 3a (black) and the second ink layer 3b of the two-color ribbon 1 are transferred to the recording paper 12 to perform black recording. In the state described above with reference to FIG. 15, the up-down motor M3 (FIG. 8) is driven clockwise, the thermal head 25 is rotated toward the platen 10 (direction B1 in the figure), and the recording paper 1 is rotated.
2. Press onto the platen 10 via the two-color ink ribbon l. At this time, the movement of the heat sink 2G in the direction of the first arrow causes the connection lever 30 to move toward the platen 10 (C
1 direction). By this movement of the connecting lever 30 in the illustrated CI force direction, the engaging portion 30b of the connecting lever 30 pushes up the connecting portion 62a of the switching lever 62, and the return spring 5
9 and rotate the switching lever 62 clockwise (L1 direction). As the switching lever 62 rotates in the L1 direction, the peeling lever 58 moves upward (in the direction of the CI force shown in the figure) and comes into contact with the recording paper I2 via the ribbon 1.

The connection lever 30 further moves in the CI force direction and rotates the switching lever 62 in the L1 direction. [,1 of the switching lever 62
Further rotation in the direction causes the slider 60 to move in the direction of the arrow CI force against the return spring 59 and the pressure spring 61. Therefore, the reaction force of the pressure spring 61 causes the peeling roller 54 of the peeling lever 58 to be pressed against or close to the recording paper 12 via the ink ribbon 1 .

In this state, the carrier 22 is moved to the right in the recording direction (in the AI force direction shown in the figure), the heat generating part 25a of the thermal head 25 is made to generate heat according to the recording information, the two-color ink ribbon 1 is heated, and then the heat generating part 25a is heated. , Distance! Separation 911 [At the position of the peeling roller 54 of the lever 58, the ink ribbon is changed direction by the winding force caused by the rotation of the winding latch 41 in the arrow! direction, and is peeled off from the recording paper I2. Ink layer 3b
At the same time, a black image is formed on the recording paper 12 by transferring the first ink layer 3a onto the recording paper 12. Note that after that, the two-color ribbon l is wound around the winding core 55.

Next, the states of red and black image recording described above will be explained using enlarged schematic diagrams. 18(l) and (b) are enlarged schematic views showing the case of red image recording, and FIGS. 19(a) and (b) showing the case of black image recording, respectively.

FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) are diagrams showing image recording of the second ink layer (for example, red recording).

In the figure, the thermal head 25 is a two-color ink ribbon l.
and is pressed against the platen IO via the recording paper 12. While the thermal head 25 is traveling in the direction of the arrow AI force, the heat generating section 25a (for example, composed of a plurality of heat generating elements) of the thermal head 25 is caused to generate heat in accordance with recording information, thereby heating the two-color ink ribbon 1. The second ink layer 3b (for example, red ink 8) of the two-color ink ribbon l is heated.
or adhere to the recording paper 12.

Next, the thermal head 25 is moved in the direction of the arrow AI force, and at the edge portion 25b of the thermal head 25, the direction of the ink ribbon I is changed and the time t after heating is quickly reached! That is, before the heated ink ribbon l cools down (Fig. 3(a) 2
(Refer to color ink ribbon characteristic diagram) The ink ribbon 1 is pulled and peeled off from the recording paper I2 by winding force.

Two-color ink ribbon l at the time of peeling as shown in Figure 3(a)
The relationship between the adhesive force between the support 2, the first ink layer 3a, and the second ink layer 3b is that the adhesive force between the support 2 and the first ink layer 3a is the same as that between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer. 3b is greater than the adhesive force between the two. Further, the adhesive force between the second ink layer 3b and the recording paper 12 is increased due to the heating of the thermal head 25, and therefore, the adhesive force between the second ink layer 3b and the recording paper 12 is increased. Ink layer 3a
The ink layer 3 is separated between the second ink layer 3b and the second ink layer 3b, and only the second ink layer 3b (for example, red recording) is the recording paper! 2, and 7g of red image recording Rl is recorded.

On the other hand, black image recording is performed as follows.

FIG. 19(+1) and FIG. 19(b) show the first ink layer:
(;l is a diagram showing recording of the second ink layer 3b.

In the same way as above, press the thermal head 25 against the platen In via the ink ribbon 2 (!!, ink ribbon!) and the recording paper 12,
The two-color ink ribbon 1 is heated by causing the heat generating portion 25;I of the thermal head 25 to generate heat in accordance with image information while moving the thermal head 25 in the direction of the arrow Δ1.

By heating, the second ink layer 3b of the two-color ink ribbon I adheres to the recording paper I2. The two-color ink ribbon l is brought into contact with the recording paper 12 by a peeling roller 54 at a distance l (FIG. 19(a)) away from the heat generating part 25a of the thermal head 25 in the direction opposite to the arrow Δl. . Next, the thermal head 25 and the peeling roller 54 move in the direction of the arrow AI force while maintaining the distance l, and at the point of the peeling roller 54, the ink ribbon l is heated for a long time L2, that is, the heated ink ribbon l is cooled down. /ill L, later (Chapter:
(Refer to the two-color ink ribbon characteristic diagram in FIG. 3(a)) The ink ribbon is peeled off from the recording paper 12 under tension by a peeling force ν11t.

It is possible to determine the time [2] by the moving speed and distance l of the thermal head 25.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the relationship between the adhesive force between the support 2 and the first ink layer of the inkliphone I at the time of separation: The adhesive force between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b is smaller than the contact force between the second ink layer 3b and the recording paper 12. The ink layer 3 is separated between the first ink layer 3a and the support 2 which has a large adhesive force and therefore has a weak adhesive strength, and both the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b are attached to the recording paper I2. The image is transferred and a black image record is obtained.

As described above, the apparatus of this embodiment enables the transfer of only the second ink layer 3b and the combined transfer of the first ink layer 32L and the second ink layer 3b, making it possible to record a two-color image. The separation of the ink ribbon immediately after heating at the edge of the thermal head, the movement of the distance l after heating the thermal head (overrun), and the distance from the thermal head! Two-color image recording is possible by controlling the peeling of the ink ribbon at the separate pressure rollers.

[Configuration block diagram]

Next, FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of the configuration of the output device described above.

Note that this diagram only shows the connection relationship between each block.
Detailed control lines are omitted. The part surrounded by dotted lines is the CPU unit.

The CPU is a central processing unit that reads programs and various data from a ROM, etc. (described later), performs necessary calculations and judgments, and performs various controls. Further, the CPU may be composed of a plurality of CPUs. The ROM is a read-only memory and stores various programs for the CPU to operate, character codes, dot patterns (character generator; CG), various data necessary for printing, etc. TRAM is read-no-write memory, and is a working area where the CPU temporarily stores data and calculation results while executing instructions.
Keyboard 15 and external interface unit rFu (
It consists of a buffer area for storing various input data (described later), a text area for storing documents, etc., and the power switch 14 is backed up by a battery.
This allows data to be saved even if the main unit's power is turned off.

In addition, the C I) U unit includes a thermal head driver "r HD, a motor driver M1], and a detection unit Su.
It is connected to the printer unit Pu via.

Thermal head driver TMN) i'! It is provided in the aforementioned printer unit Pu under the control of the cPU.

The motor driver MD drives the thermal head 25.
Under the control of PU, paper feed motor Ml.

Carrier motor M2. Drives up/down motor M3.

The detection unit Su sends information from the aforementioned limit sensor 23 and sensor 29 provided in the printer unit Pu to the CPU.
to communicate.

The power supply I'Su is the power supply VH for driving the thermal head 25.
.

Paper feed motor Ml, carrier motor M2. A power supply VM for driving the up/down motor M3 and a power supply Vcc for other logic circuits are supplied.

Further, the controller GA performs six types of control under the control of the CPU, including changing the voltage and current of the power source VH for driving the thermal head 25, and changing the heat time and duty of the thermal head 25.

The CPU unit also has a keyboard connector KBC.
A keyboard 15 is connected to the keyboard 15 for inputting various data necessary for printing 1 editing and the like.

Further, a liquid crystal display section 70 for displaying data and information input from the keyboard 15 is connected to the CPU unit via an LCD connector [, CDC].

Note that, instead of the liquid crystal display section 70, another display device such as a CRT may be used.

CI) The U unit has an interface connector I
R3232C for controlling the recording apparatus by an external control device and communicating with external devices via the FC.

Interfaces such as Centro interface and modem can be connected.

The CPU unit also has a cartridge connector CA.
R for operating special functions or printing in a different font via C.
An OM cartridge and a RAM cartridge for expansion memory for storing documents, data, etc. can be connected.

Furthermore, although not shown in this figure, an audio output device such as a buzzer may be provided.

[Power on sequence]

Next, control of the output device using the program stored in the ROM will be explained. FIG. 21 is a control flow of the power-on sequence of the output device to which the present invention is applied. As mentioned above, this output device has a thermal printer that can print in two colors, and can be equipped with a ribbon for one color or a ribbon for two colors that can print in two colors with one ribbon. , Furthermore, in the case of two colors, the colors can be switched.

In the present invention, the color information may be a ribbon identification signal or a color designation signal input from a key.

First, when the power of the device is turned on, the thermal head is raised and the head is separated from the platen 10 (Sl), and the carrier 22 is moved toward the limit sensor 23 in order to detect the absolute position of the carriage. Move it (S2).

When the limit sensor 23 detects a carrier (S3),
Proceed to step 4 (S4), if the ribbon is for two colors,
21r; Light blue For example, print in black (turn off the color flag (stored in the above 'I' RAM). In other words, the basic color is the standard mode when the power is turned on. It must also be in the standard mode. may be displayed.

Next, in step 85, the slack of the ribbon is removed in order to maintain uniform printing quality. Note that details regarding slack removal will be described later. The next ribbon that is installed or should be installed is (1)
Check the ribbon mode flag (stored in the above TR8M) to identify whether it is a single color ribbon or a two color ribbon (S6)
. Note that this ribbon mode flag may be set by the sensor 29 for determining the type of ribbon or ribbon cassette, or may be set by the operator manually using keys or voice input. flag is I
(1-Saint in ribbon mode;!
-k1! , the process proceeds to step 8 (S8). Also, if the ribbon mode flag is set to two-color ribbon mode, the basic color (black) of the two colors can be printed.
Move the carriage to the basic color setting position (Fig. 16,
(See FIG. 17) Set the state of the ribbon cassette to the basic color (S7). Then, in S8, the carriage is moved to the left margin LM1 for the one-color ribbon mode if the ribbon mode is one color, and to the left margin LM2 for the two-color ribbon mode if the ribbon mode is the two colors. This left margin will be explained in FIG. 22.

Note that the ribbon mode flag is backed up by the power supply even when the power is turned off, and the ribbon mode at the time the power is turned off is saved.

Then, the ribbon is determined when the power is turned on, and if it is different from the one when the power is turned off, there is a possibility that the operator made a mistake (input is performed assuming that a 2-color ribbon is installed when a 1-hue ribbon is installed). (Possibility), it may be possible to notify by a buzzer, message, etc. after the power is turned on and before the input.

Next, referring to FIG. 22, the margins (movement range of the carriage) for one-color printing and two-color printing described above will be explained. LMI and RM l are a left margin and a right margin indicating the range that can be printed by a monochrome (one color) ribbon. In this case, 80 characters are used in this embodiment.
s can be printed. Also, for two-color ribbons L M
2. Within the printable range of RM 2, it is possible to print the above-mentioned black or hood red. In this case 76 c h a r
It is possible to print aCt cr s. Further, the two characters on the left and right sides are a color switching area at the red set position (protrusion 27a position) at the left end, and a color switching area at the black set position (protrusion 27b position) at the right end. Furthermore, the area between the position of the sensor 23 and the area where actual printing is possible is an area (for example, Icharacter pitch) in which ribbon slack is removed. Note that 27-a and 27-b are protrusions for changing the color of the ribbon mentioned above.

[Key human power sequence]

Next, FIG. 23 is a flowchart for controlling the operator's key power. If there is a key press in Sl, the process advances to S2, and it is determined whether or not a ribbon mode setting key has been pressed. If Yes, proceed to the ribbon mode flagon program in S8.

If No, proceed to S3. In addition, ribbon mode setting key I
For example, the key MKY in FIG.
These are key operations using Y + numeric keys, etc.

Next, in step 33, it is determined whether the power chain saw key CCI (Y) has been pressed. If Yes, proceed to the color change program in S7.

may be a key operation using, for example, the mode key M OK Y ten numerical key (2) in FIG. Further, the color change key is a key that changes the color described above. If NO in S3, the process advances to S4, and if it is a return key, tab key, centering key left margin set, etc. key in S4, the process advances to S6 to proceed to the operation control program for the above function.

Also, if No in S4, the input key is the print key PR.
It is determined that it is KY, and the process proceeds to print control program S5. After the above operations are completed, the system returns to Sl again and waits for key power. In addition, in Section 2, we have explained the case in which the data is input manually, but it is also possible to input commands in text information or control from an external control device such as a host! Needless to say, it may be a command.

[Remove slack from ribbon]

Next, removing slack from the ribbon in FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 24 is a control flowchart for removing slack from the ribbon. In Sl, the thermal head 25 is lowered. This allows winding of the ribbon within the cassette (see Figures 7 to 1O). Next, in S2, move the carriage to arrow A without heating the head 25.
Move in the I force direction, ■ Move the character hand. And S3
Perform a heads-up. These operations tension the ribbon at a predetermined tension and remove slack.

[Ribbon mode change]

Next, the ribbon mode change shown in FIG. 288 will be explained. Ribbon mode setting key RM K
When Y is input, first at 34 in FIG.
The pits of the ribbon mode flag stored in AM are reversed, and the ribbon mode flag is changed to 2-color ribbon mode if it is 1-color ribbon mode, and to 1-color ribbon mode if it is 2-color ribbon mode. Next, in step 32, it is determined which mode the mode has changed to, and if it is the one-color mode, the process advances to S4 and the power-on routine shown in FIG. 21 is executed. Also, if the ribbon mode is 21Q ribbon mode in S2, the second
Left (L M 2 ) for two colors explained in Figure 2
Write margin (RM2) position in memory (TRAM)
Set to . (Normally, LMI and RMI are set.) Then, the process proceeds to the power-on routine of S4. In the power-on routine, as described above, the slack of the ribbon is removed, and the carriage is moved to a predetermined left margin (LMI or LM2) depending on the ribbon of one color or two colors. Note that it may be moved to a desired margin position set by the user. Note that the ribbon mode is not only manually set by the key, but also automatically differentiated by I-11 by the sensor 29 shown in FIG.
You may proceed to the routine shown in FIG. 25. Also, because there are two printing ranges, the user may input the margin position incorrectly, in which case a warning or
It is also possible to ignore the margin position input by the user and move to LMI or LM2.

[Color change]

Next, the color change shown in FIG. 23 87 will be explained. When performing a color change, it is assumed that a two-color ribbon cassette is installed, so in Sl, the ribbon mode flag is determined, and if it is determined that a one-color ribbon cassette is installed, the input Since the color change information is invalid, a warning is given at 82 by a buzzer, display, or voice. If the ribbon mode flag in Sl is determined to be two colors, that is, two colors of ribbon are installed, the output color should be changed (
The bits of the color flag stored in TR8 are inverted at 83.゛In other words, of the two-color ribbon, black (basic color)
If it is selected, the bit of the color flag is inverted so that red (preliminary one color) is output, and if red is selected, black is output. Then, store the current carriage position in 'r RAM, and then
The color flag inverted in step 4 is determined, and if it is off (black), the process proceeds to step S5, where the carriage is moved to the basic color (black) set position described above. Further, the color flag is turned on (red) in S3, and the carriage is moved to the preliminary color (red) setting position in S6. (See FIGS. 16 and 17) Next, at 87, the carriage is moved to the position before the carriage was moved at 85 and S6 or to the next printing position.

Note that in this explanation, ribbon slack is not removed during color change, but ribbon slack is removed even when a color change signal is input (for example, after 37 in Fig. 26, ribbon slack is removed). ).

[Print sequence]

Next, regarding the printing sequence shown in FIG. 23 85,
This will be explained with reference to FIG. 27. Note that the information output in the present invention may be any data such as characters, graphics, images, layouts, etc., or a combination thereof. 85 in FIG. 23 is the print command key PI? Proceed by KY, but 1c
A printing command may be generated for each haracter manually, or a printing command may be generated in small units of WO, RD, or one line, and the process may proceed to step 85 in FIG. Although the carriage and the like are moved by a motor driver MD shown in FIG. 20, the motor and the like are omitted for the sake of explanation.

In FIG. 27, the carriage is moved to the print start position using S1. In S2, the thermal head 25 is lowered. Check the ribbon mode flag in S3. Here, if it is the single color ribbon mode, the process moves to S4. In S4, set the carriage speed for monochrome (speed table on ROM), accelerate the carriage at the speed set in S5, and make it run up (for example, 18 characters/
5ee). Then, in S6, heat conditions for single color are set. Here, commands are sent to the controller to change the voltage and current. Also, set the beat time for a single color (for example, 1. I m5ec heat). In S7, the thermal head 25 is heated according to the heat conditions and printing is performed. Then, in S8, the head 25 is raised, and in S9, the carriage is overrun, that is, moved by a certain m. By performing an overrun here, it becomes possible to see the printed portion, and it becomes possible for the index 30a to indicate the next printed character. Then, the process ends.

Here, the position where the carriage is stopped is the printing standby position when the ribbon is in a single color.

By the way, when the process returns to S3 and the ribbon mode flag indicates the two-color ribbon mode, the process moves to 510.

SIO examines the color flag. If the flag is on, ie, the preliminary color (red), transition to Sll.

In Sll, set the carriage speed for the preliminary color (speed table on ROM), accelerate the carriage at the speed set in S12, and make it run up (for example, 18
character/5ee). Then, in step 513, the preliminary color heat conditions are set, that is, the preliminary color voltage,
Current for preliminary color, heat time for preliminary emergency (e.g. 1.1m5
ec), the thermal head is heated and printing is performed in S14. Then, raise the head at 515 and S1
At step 6, an overrun is performed and the process is terminated.

([1, S l (Return to 1, and if the color flag is off, that is, the basic color, transition to S17. 517
Now, set the carriage speed for the basic color and press S18.
The carriage is accelerated and run-up at the speed set in 519 (for example, 10 characters/5 ec), the heat conditions for basic colors are set in 519, and the thermal head is heated and printed in S20 (for example, 0, 8 m s). e c heat). In the case of basic colors, the carriage speed and heat time are changed from the others in order to ensure that the basic colors are printed. S21
Now, in order to change the ribbon peeling position, lower the carrier to the head-up starting position, and check the distance! (See Figure 28) It is being moved. This transfers the first and second ink layers of the ribbon and prints black. Then, in S22, the head is raised, and in S23, the overrun is performed as in the case of the monochromatic auxiliary (preliminary) color. When printing in single color or auxiliary color, the over run (S9.5I6)
The index will now indicate the next print position, but S2
In step 4, since the carriage is stopped at a different position from that for the monochrome ribbon because it is S21, the index does not indicate the next printed character. Therefore, in order to stop the carriage at the same position as when the single color ribbon was used, 64 was moved in S21.
The pulse amount is returned. Then, regardless of which ribbon mode or color printing is being performed, the indicator 30a should be positioned at the next printing position (the carriage is moved).

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the above-mentioned index 30a, head 25, and printed characters. The solid line I indicates the already printed character, and the dotted line H indicates the position of the next printed character. m
is the distance between the index 30a and the head 25, which is naturally constant regardless of the ribbon mode or color (see FIG. 5). Note that the index drawn with a dotted line indicates a desired position indicating the next printing position, and the index drawn with a thick line indicates a position to be added after basic color printing. n is the distance from the position of the head 25 at the end of printing to the center position of the next printed character. Therefore, in the case of monochrome printing or two-color ribbon printing, in the case of preliminary color printing, an overrun is made by m + n in order to align the index with the next printing position (FIG. 27, 59.516). For basic color printing, the second
7. As explained in FIG. 321, in FIG. 28, for example, the carriage has already advanced by l.

Note that the relationship between n, m, and l may be any one of the larger values. 521SS23 in Fig. 27, S21 in S2/I
The carriage is moved as shown in S23 524 r71+n + m -'7', but as is clear from FIG. 28, after it has moved l after printing (S21), I! -(m+n) only,
The carriage may be returned. In this example, the heat time was changed, but the v■! mentioned above! It goes without saying that the voltage may be changed by controlling the voltage.

Although the above embodiments have been described using an example of using an ink ribbon, the present invention is not limited to ribbon-shaped ink sheets, and can also be used as an ink sheet as well as wide ink ribbons used in line printers, etc. A tape-shaped material or the like can also be used as appropriate.

In addition to the recording paper described in the above embodiment, examples of recording media include an overhead projector (so-called OH
A transparent plastic thin plate used in P) can also be used as appropriate.

Furthermore, the heating means is not limited to the thermal head described in the above embodiment (for example, infrared rays or laser beams, etc. can also be used as appropriate).

Further, in the above embodiment, a so-called serial type in which a thermal head moves reciprocally along a recording paper was explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a heating means such as a thermal head is used for recording. A so-called full-line type, which is provided over the entire width, can also be used as appropriate.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the ink ribbon is housed in a case and an ink ribbon cassette that is removably attached to the main body of the apparatus is used. However, the present invention relating to a recording apparatus is not limited to this. Of course, for example, an ink sheet wound on a reel or roll may be directly loaded into the main body of the apparatus and used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ink ribbon cassette moves back and forth, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ink ribbon cassette is static
It may be the type that is L.

Further, in the above embodiments, two-color image recording has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that it can also be applied to image recording of three colors or more. It can also be applied when the recorded image color of each ink layer is the same, and in this case, the ink sheet is doubled or tripled for monochrome recording.
It can be used for doubling, etc.

Further, the ink sheet is not limited to those shown in the examples, and it goes without saying that other ink sheets can be used as appropriate.

Further, in the embodiment described above, a peeling timing control member such as a peeling roller is also provided on the cassette side, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that it may be provided on the apparatus main body side, for example.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the step of cooling the ink sheet after heating is achieved by natural cooling by delaying the timing of peeling the ink sheet, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, It is also possible to forcibly cool a metal such as aluminum by bringing it into contact with or close to the ink sheet, or by spraying cold air from a nozzle.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention records a clear image in a color corresponding to color information on a recording medium using a compact mechanism that includes a driving means that can move both the heating means and the peeling member. be able to.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figures 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views in the thickness direction of an ink ribbon that can be applied to embodiments of the present invention, and Figures 3 (a) and (b) show the relationship between changes in adhesive force between each layer over time. 4 is an external perspective view of a typewriter to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a recording section to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied, and FIGS. Figure 8 is a plan view showing the head rotation and ribbon winding mechanism, Figures 9 and 10 are side views thereof, Figure 11 is an external perspective view of the two-color ribbon cassette, and Figure 12 is its interior. A plan view, FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the two-color ribbon cassette, FIGS. 14 to 17 are plan views showing the color switching operation, and FIGS. 18 (a) and (b). and Figure 19(a)-(b)
20 is a block diagram of the configuration of the output device, FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the power-on sequence of the output device, and FIG. 22 shows the output range according to the ribbon. Figure 23 is a flowchart showing key operations, Figure 24 is a flowchart showing ribbon slack removal, Figure 25 is a flowchart showing ribbon mode change operation, Figure 26 is a flowchart showing color change operation, FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the printing sequence,
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the print position, head, and index, 50 is a cassette, 58 is a peeling lever, 25 is a thermal head, 22 is a carrier, M3 is an up/down motor, 2
9 is a sensor, CPU is a central processing unit, THD is a TH driver, and 30a is an index.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) In a recording device that records on a recording medium using an ink sheet containing ink, there is a mounting section for mounting the ink sheet, and a mounting section for recording on the recording medium. A heating means for heating the attached ink sheet, and a heating means for heating the ink sheet and the recording medium after the heating means heats the ink sheet according to color information to be recorded on the recording medium. A recording apparatus comprising: a peeling member for varying peeling conditions; and a driving means for moving the heating means and the peeling member. (2) The recording device according to claim (1), wherein the movement of the heating means and the movement of the peeling member are performed in conjunction with each other. (3) The recording apparatus according to claim (1), wherein the interlock between the heating means and the peeling member is disconnected.