JPS62221554A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a color recorded image according to color information by providing a decision means to determine which color ink sheet is mounted, monocolor or multicolor more than bicolor and controlling a heating means through setting of the first and second recording ranges based on decision results. CONSTITUTION:If a ribbon mode flag determined by a sensor represents a monocolor ribbon mode, a carriage is accelerated at speed set for monocolor and thus assisted to travel. Then a command is sent to a controller so that a voltage and a current may be changed as heat parameters for monocolor. Further a heat time is set, heating a thermal head 25 and printing characters. If the ribbon mode flag represents a bicolor ribbon mode, a color flag is to be checked. If the flag is set ON, i.e., an auxiliary color (red), speed and heat parameters for auxiliary color are to be set to perform printing. If the color flag is set OFF, i.e., a basic color, carriage speed and heat parameters for basic color are to be set to print characters.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a method for printing ink in output devices such as printers or word processors used in recording units of electronic typewriters, facsimile machines, personal computers, etc. The present invention relates to a recording device that can obtain a recorded image in a color corresponding to color information using an ink sheet having the present invention. 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, in a recording device that can obtain a recorded image in a color corresponding to color information, a wide ink ribbon coated with ink layers of different colors in the width direction is used. An ink layer of a desired color had to be guided to the recording section by rotating the ink 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 present applicant previously disclosed the following technology in Japanese Patent Application No. 59-260403.

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 different tones are provided on a support in order from the support side, and heat is applied from the support side. After applying energy, when the recording medium and the support are peeled off, the selected color can be applied to the recording medium by changing the time from the application of the thermal energy until the separation of the two. It forms a recorded image.

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-mentioned technology, and is a recording apparatus that records on a recording medium using an ink sheet containing ink.
A heating means for heating the ink sheet, and the device is capable of mounting a first ink sheet capable of recording in one color and a second ink sheet capable of recording in two or more colors, and which ink sheet is mounted. A determination means for determining the determination means, sets a first recording range and a second recording range, respectively, based on the determination result of the determination means, and starts recording of the first or second recording range when the ink sheet is switched. The apparatus is characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the heating position of the heating means so that recording can be performed from any position.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, when an ink sheet is attached to the attachment section and recording is performed, a clear image in a color corresponding to color information can be recorded on a recording medium.

〔Example〕

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

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

However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first ink layer and the second ink layer may have the same color tone, or an ink layer with a different color tone may be added to create a third ink layer.
It is also possible to record more than just color.

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. Note that the ink sheet used in this example is the one disclosed in the aforementioned Japanese Patent Application No. 59-260403 or Japanese Patent Application No. 1988-60.
The method disclosed in No.-298831 can be used.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an ink ribbon 1 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 preferably about 1 to 15 μm when considering a thermal head as a heat source for thermal transfer, but it is preferable to use a heat source such as a laser beam that can selectively heat the thermal transferable ink layer. There are no particular restrictions on its use.

The first ink layer 3a needs to have good peeling between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b when thermal energy 5 is applied. 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, Ester wax, low molecular weight polyethylene, synthetic wax such as Fischer-Tropsch wax, higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, behenic acid, higher alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol, fatty acid esters of sucrose, Contains a small amount of esters such as fatty acid esters of sorbitan, amides such as oleylamide (both of which contain 50% or more), and other polyolefin resins, polyamide resins, polyester resins, epoxy resins, polyurethane resins, and polyacrylic resins. Resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, cellulose resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, petroleum resin, phenolic resin, polystyrene resin, vinyl acetate resin,
Natural rubber, threadin butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber,
By appropriately mixing elastomers such as chloroprene rubber, polyisobutylene, polybutene, or plasticizers, and oils such as mineral oil and vegetable oil, the melting temperature of the ink layer including colorants and other additives is 500°C to 150°C, 150°C. It is desirable that the melt viscosity (rotational viscometer) is 500 CPS.

The melting temperature mentioned in this example is Shimadzu Flow Tester CFT.
This is the outflow starting temperature when the apparent viscosity-temperature curve of the sample ink is determined using Model 500 under the conditions of a load of 10 Kg and a temperature increase rate of 2°C.

The second ink layer 3b should melt and soften when heat is applied from the thermal head and firmly adhere to the recording medium, and should be difficult to mix with the first ink layer 3a when the second ink layer 3b is in a molten state. is necessary. The heat-melting binder for this purpose contains at least 50% of the above-mentioned resin, and other parts are suitably mixed with waxes, plasticizers, mineral oils, vegetable oils, etc., and the melting temperature for the ink layer is high. Melt viscosity (rotational viscometer) between 60℃ and 150℃ is 200
CPS-1, ooO.

It is better to choose so that it becomes ooocps. In addition, in order to improve the sharpness of printing on the second ink layer 3b, the second ink layer 3b
Of course, b may be formed into a dot shape, or the surface of the second ink layer 3b may be formed into an uneven shape.

The thickness of the first ink layer 3a is preferably in the range of 0.5μ to 10μ, and the thickness of the entire thermal transferable ink layer 3 is 2μ to 20μ.
is preferred.

In addition, when the color tone of the first ink layer 3a and the color tone of the second ink layer 3b are made different, a dark color such as black is arranged in the first ink layer 3a, and a bright color such as yellow is arranged in the second ink layer 3b. The color tone of the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3 are
If it is desired to obtain a color mixture with the color tone b, 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, various recordings of two different colors can be obtained.

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%. Additionally, additives such as a dispersant or a filler made of fine metal powder, inorganic fine powder, metal oxide, etc. may be added to 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 3a and 3b are melt-kneaded using a dispersion device such as an attritor, or an appropriate A first ink layer and a second ink layer are obtained by kneading with a suitable solvent to obtain a hot-melt, solution or dispersion ink, and sequentially applying these inks on a support and drying as necessary. They should be formed in this order.

Furthermore, another embodiment of the ink ribbon 1 is shown in FIG.

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

Also in the case of the ink ribbon 1 shown in FIG. 2, the relationship between the adhesive force between the support 1 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 adhesive layer 4b increases due to the heating of the thermal head, and the strength of the second adhesive layer 4b decreases rapidly. The adhesion 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 (I)).

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.

In addition, in the examples described below, thermal energy and
In one case, the ink sheet and the recording medium are peeled off in a short time after applying energy and thermal energy, and in the other, the ink sheet and the recording medium are separated by providing a cooling process for the ink sheet after applying thermal energy. Two-color recording is made possible by providing appropriate peel-off times.

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, IO is a platen, 12 is a recording paper, 13 is an exterior, 14 is a power switch for controlling power on/off, and 15 is a keyboard. Reference numeral 16 denotes a foot switch that is turned on and off by opening and closing the hood 13a, which senses the opening and closing of the hood 13a, and when the hood 13a is opened, it emits a signal to shift the ink ribbon to a predetermined position, which will be described later. The keyboard is locked. 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 in this embodiment, the above-mentioned input section and display section may not be provided (of course, it is possible to do so).

5 and 6 are perspective views of a recording section to which an 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 shaft 17a of the paper feed roller 17, and a reduction gear 2
The paper feed roller 17 is connected to the paper feed motor Ml via 0, and the paper feed roller 17 is rotated by the rotation of the paper feed motor Ml.
Convey the recording paper I2. 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 IO. A carrier 22 (FIG. 6) is guided and supported on this shaft 21 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow. That is, the carrier 22 can reciprocate along the conveyance path S of the recording paper 12.

A portion of the belt 23 is fixed to the carrier 22 and stretched by two pulleys (not shown). This pulley (not shown) has a gear (not shown)
A carrier motor M2 is connected via the carrier motor M2. 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 indicated by 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 attached to the rack 2 by an integrated guide portion 22a.
7 is supported. The rack 27 is also provided with protrusions 27a and 27b at both ends thereof.

Furthermore, this carrier 22 includes an ink ribbon cassette 5.
A carrier table 28 is provided for mounting 0 (FIG. 11). 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 (in the direction of arrow C) with a guide 22a.
It is guided and supported so that it can be moved along. This lever 3
0 is further engaged with a connecting member 31 attached to the heat sink 26. Therefore, as the heat sink 26 rotates in the direction of the platen 10 (in the direction of arrow B), the lever 30 moves in the direction of approaching or separating from the platen 10 (in the direction of arrow C). Note that this connection lever 30 is provided with an indicator portion 30a. This index portion 30a 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.

In this way, in this embodiment, since the index section 30a is provided on the connecting lever 30, which is close to the thermal head 25' and is related to the control of the peeling conditions, when recording is performed at the position indicated by the index section 30a, Since it is only necessary to move the thermal head a short distance to the position indicated by the index section 30a, the recording speed is not slowed down and problems such as noise do not occur even though the index is provided. do not have.

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 the top surface and an elastic hook portion 28c on the side surface thereof. Therefore, the pins 2 are inserted into openings 52h and 52I provided in the lower cassette case 52 of the cassette 50 (FIG. 12), which will be described later.
8a and 28b and elastically engages the hook portion 28c with the locking portion 52j of the lower cassette case 52, the cassette 50 can be removably loaded onto 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. 1O 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, thereby rotating the cam 32. . This cam 32 is provided with a cam protrusion 32b, and the cam 32 is rotated clockwise (arrow DI force direction (FIG. 9)) or counterclockwise (arrow D2 direction).
(FIG. 1O), the cam 32 comes into contact with a stopper 33 installed on the carrier 22, thereby regulating the rotation of the cam 32.

Note that this 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. 1O), 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 b and biases the head holder 24 in the direction away from the platen 10 (in the direction of arrow B2) (FIGS. 8 and 1θ). The biasing force of the head return spring 38 is applied to the pressure contact portion 2 of the head holder 24.
4b to the arm portion 36a of the torsion coil spring 36, and from this arm portion 36a to the up-down lever 34. Therefore, the up-down lever 34 is moved away from the platen 10 by the head return spring 38 (
The roller 37 provided on the up/down lever 34 is urged in the direction of the arrow E (direction 22 in FIG. 1O), and 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 take-up latch 41 are each rotatably supported on the take-up shaft 39 around the take-up shaft 39 . Further, the winding lever 40 includes a winding gear 42.
is rotatably supported, and the gear portion (not shown) of the take-up latch 41 is a sun gear, and the take-up gear 42 is a planet gear.

Further, a winding switching lever 43 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 is in engagement with the winding lever 40. Furthermore, a take-up lever pressure contact spring 44 is provided between the spring hook portion 40a of the take-up lever 40 and the spring hook portion 22d of the carrier 22, and urges the take-up lever 40 in the direction of arrow F1. ing. The biasing 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.
The take-up switching lever 43 is urged in the direction of arrow G1 to press 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. Further, a friction clutch (not shown) is provided between the hub receiving part 41a of the take-up latch 41 and the gear part (not shown), and the rotation of the gear part (not shown) is transmitted to the hub receiving part 41a. be done.

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

FIG. 7 and FIG. 9 are diagrams showing a state in which the head is in pressure contact (down), and a state in which ribbon winding is possible. The up-down motor M3 is driven clockwise to rotate the cam 32 in the direction of arrow DI (FIG. 9) via the reduction gear 31, and the cam protrusion 32b of the cam 32 is brought into contact with the stopper 33.

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 rotational force of the up-down lever 34 is transmitted from the arm portion 36a of the torsion coil spring 36 provided on the up-down lever 34 to the pressure contact portion 24b of the head holder 24, and
Rotate counterclockwise (direction of arrow B1) (Fig. 9). Therefore, the thermal head 25 attached to the heat sink 26 provided on the head holder 24 is pressed against the platen 10 via the recording paper 12. That is, the head 25
During recording, the head 25 comes into contact with the recording paper 12, and this recording paper 12 is maintained in its position by the platen lO.

Further, even after the thermal head 25 comes into contact with the platen 10, 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 (arrow E1 direction) (FIG. 9), the torsion coil spring 36 leaves the protrusion 34b of the up-down lever 34, and the torsion coil spring 36 is further charged with spring force. Ru. The spring force of the torsion coil spring 36 is due to the separation of the protruding part 34b of the up-down lever 34 and the arm part 36a of the torsion coil spring 36,
The pressure is transmitted to the pressure contact portion 24b, which presses the thermal head 25 against the platen 10 via the recording paper 12.

Note that when the cam protrusion 32b of the cam 32 is in contact with the stopper 33 in FIG. 9, the thermal head 25 is pressed against the platen 10 with a predetermined force.

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 10 (direction (direction of arrow B1)), the take-up switching lever 43 closes to the take-up lever pressure contact spring 44.
The force moves in the direction of arrow G1. Therefore, the take-up lever 40 rotates in the direction of arrow F1, and the take-up lever 40 rotates in the direction of arrow F1.
A winding gear 42 provided on the rack 27 meshes with a tooth portion 27c provided on the rack 27. Here, in a state where the thermal head 25 is pressed against the platen lO, the take-up lever 40
The movement of the winding gear 42 is regulated by the abutting position of the winding gear 42 and the rack 27, and the winding gear 42 is urged against the rack 27 by the winding lever pressure contact spring 44. Therefore, when the carrier 22 moves in the recording direction (arrow AI force direction), the take-up gear 42 rotates clockwise (arrow H1 direction), and the rotation of the take-up gear 42 is transmitted to the take-up latch 41. The hub receiving portion 41a rotates counterclockwise (in the 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 rotated in the direction of arrow D2 (FIG. 10) via the reduction gear 31, so that the cam protrusion 32 of the cam 32 is rotated.
b is brought into contact with the stopper 33. Here, as the cam 32 rotates in the direction of arrow D2 (FIG. 10), 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 decreases. Then, the up-down lever 34 rotates in the direction of arrow E2 (FIG. 10) by the biasing force of the head return spring 38, and the head holder 24 moves in the direction of arrow B2, and the heat sink 26 attached to the head holder 24 and the thermal head 25 is separated from the platen 10. Also, the arrow B2 of the heat sink 26
Due to the movement in the direction, 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 biasing force of the take-up lever pressure contact spring 44, thereby separating the take-up gear 42 from the rack 27.

In this non-recording state in which the head 25 is separated from the platen 10, the carrier 22 is moved along the shaft 21 in the direction of arrow A.
Even if the ink ribbon 1 is moved in the I and A2 directions, the hub receiving portion 41a of the take-up latch 41 does not rotate, and the ink ribbon 1 is not taken up. Therefore, even when the switching lever 62 (described later) and the peeling roller 54 move away from the platen 10 in conjunction with the head 25, the ink ribbon l is not wound up.

The biasing force of the head return spring 38 is set so that it does not charge the torsion coil spring 36, but has a force that resists the take-up lever pressure contact 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 motor M3 may be driven for a sufficient period of time necessary for the rotation of the cam, or it 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 (in this embodiment, the cam A sensor that detects the position of 32 (
(not shown) may be provided to perform driving and stopping.

In addition, the switching lever and peeling roller move away from the platen 0 in conjunction with the head 25 or the head 25 when the carrier 22 returns to its home position, or when there is more than a space between images to be recorded. If there is a gap (so-called skip) or if there is partial recording, the ink ribbon is not wound up in these cases, so wasteful consumption of the ink sheet can be prevented.

Next, the ink ribbon cassette will be explained using FIG. 1.1 and FIG. 12.

50 is the aforementioned ink ribbon cassette, which is removably loaded onto the carrier tape 28 with the ink ribbon 1 housed in the case C formed by the cassette lower case 52 and the cassette upper case 63.

In the figure, the ink ribbon 1 is wound around a core 51 and fitted into a protrusion 52a of a cassette lower case 52.

The ink ribbon l passes through rows 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 to the cassette lower case. After being exposed to the outside of the case C at the opening 52e, it is guided to the peeling roller 54 and then exposed to the opening 52I! Then it enters the case C again and is wound up on the winding hub 55.

Note that when the cassette 50 is loaded at a predetermined position on the table 28, the cassette opening 52e is located opposite the head 25 on the main body side. Therefore, the ink ribbon exposed to the outside of the cassette case C can be heated by the thermal head 25 that generates heat according to the recording information. Furthermore, the ink ribbon l is attached to the cassette lower case 5.
The roller 53b is biased by a pressure spring 56 provided at the roller 53b. Note that a felt 56a is attached to the spring 56 to prevent damage caused by pressure contact of the ink ribbon l.

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 1). Therefore, the peeling lever 5 described later
Even if the ribbon l becomes slack when the path of the ink ribbon 1 changes due to the displacement of the peeling roller 54 due to the movement of the tension spring 8, this slack can be quickly absorbed by the elastic force of the 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, so that the ink ribbon l
Prevents damage to the product. In addition to felt,
A coating or the like may be applied to the surface of the tension spring 57.

Furthermore, the peeling lever 58 is provided so as to be slidable (in the direction of arrows CI and C2) along the side end 50a of the cassette 50 on the side where the opening 52e 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 a shaft 54a. Furthermore, this lever 58 is provided with an upper opening 58a and a lower opening 58b. A lower case protrusion 52f 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 rod 58c. Therefore, the lever 58 is urged downward (in the direction of arrow C2) by the elastic force of the spring 59. Further lower opening 5
A slider 60 is provided at 8b. This slider 60 is slidable relative to the lever 58 along the guide 58d. Further, in this lower opening 58b, a pressure contact spring 61 is provided between the renocouple 58 and the slider 60, along a guide rod 58e fixed to the lever 58 and a guide rod 58f fixed to the slider 60. ing.

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 connected to the slider 6.
0, and is provided so as to be slidable (in the direction of arrow I) and rotatable (in the direction of the arrow) between the cassette lower case 52 and the cassette upper case 63. A bending switching section 6 is provided at the rear end of the lever 62.
2b is provided, and when this switching portion 62b comes into contact with the aforementioned protruding portions 27a and 27b on the main body side, the lever 62 slides in the left-right direction (direction I in the figure).

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 openings 63 provided in the lower case 52 and the upper case 63.
This is done around the protrusion 62c of the lever 62, which engages with the lever 62c.

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, the convex portion 62d has a slope 62dl so that the switching portion 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 portion 62b comes into contact with the protruding portion 27b on the main body side and the lever 62 moves to the left and its tip 62a protrudes from the cassette side end portion 50a, this tip 62a is moved toward the main body side. is guided to a position where it comes into contact with the engaging 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 engage, and the lever 62 is pushed toward the platen 10. Then, this lever 62 resists the biasing force of the return spring 59, and the lever 58
Push in the direction of platen 10 (arrow CI). Further, after the lever 58 comes into contact with the platen 10 via the ink ribbon 1 and the recording paper 12, the slider 60 is pushed in the direction of the platen 10 (arrow CI) against the urging force of the pressure spring 61. As a result, the lever 58 stops pressing the platen 1O.

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.

As described above, in this embodiment, the switching lever 62 is connected to the spring 6.
Since the peeling roller 54 is configured to lightly press against the platen 10 through the elastic force of 1, the peeling roller 5
When the ink sheet 4 contacts the platen 10, it does so with a stable elastic force, thereby preventing stains on image recording due to offset, or supply failures such as wrinkles or skewing of the ink sheet.

Conversely, when the switching portion 62b comes into contact with the protruding portion 27a on the main body side and the lever 62 moves to the right and its tip 62a retreats into the cassette side end portion 50a, the connecting lever 30 on the main body side Even if the lever 62 is moved to the side, the lever 62 is not pushed, and the lever 62 remains retracted away from the platen 10 by the biasing force of the return spring 59. Therefore, the position of the peeling roller 54 remains apart from the platen IO, and the heated recording paper and ink sheet l are peeled off soon after passing the end of the thermal head 25.

Furthermore, another embodiment of the ink ribbon cassette is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, an integral contact lever 63 is used in place of the above-mentioned peeling lever 58, peeling roller 54, return spring 59, slider 60, and pressure spring 61.

In this embodiment, the contact lever 63 is connected to the cassette lower case 52 and the cassette upper case (not shown).
It is guided so as to be movable in the directions of arrows C1 and C2. Further, this contact lever 63 is in an engagement relationship with the switching lever 62,
The movement of the switching lever 62 moves in the direction of arrow Cl-C2.

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 1°. 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.

Conversely, 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, causing the tip 62a of the lever 62 to move to the right.
When 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 10. Therefore, the position of this contact lever 63 remains apart from the platen 10, and the heated recording paper and ink sheet l are separated soon after passing the end of the thermal head 25.

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 5o is loaded on the carrier table 28.

Below, using the above-mentioned ink ribbon cassette 5o,
An example of selectively forming two-color black recorded images according to color information will be described.

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 to separate from the platen 10. 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), and the switching portion 62b provided on the switching lever 62 and the protruding portion 27a of the rack 27 are moved. and move the switching lever 62 to the right (one direction in the figure). By moving the switching lever 62 in one direction of the arrow, the connecting portion 62 of the switching lever 62
a is disengaged from the connection lever 30. Also,
Due to the urging force of the return spring 59, the peeling lever 58 is urged downward (direction C2 in the figure), and the switching lever 62 is urged counterclockwise (two directions in the figure).

Therefore, the peeling port 54 is sufficiently far away from the platen 10.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which recording is performed using the second ink layer 3b (for example, red) of the two-color ribbon 1. In the state described above using FIG. 16, the up-down motor M3 (FIG. 8) is driven clockwise to rotate the thermal head 25 in the direction of the platen 10 (direction B1 in the figure) to rotate the recording paper 12 and It is pressed against the platen 10 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 10 (direction C1 in the drawing). However, as mentioned 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 (two directions in the figure), and the peeling lever 58 is separated from the recording paper 12 by a sufficient distance. Therefore, the carrier 22 is moved in the rightward recording direction (direction A1 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 l, thereby recording the second ink layer 3b. A red image is formed on the recording paper 12 by transferring it to the paper 12. Immediately after heating, the ink ribbon l 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 of arrow 11, and is separated from the recording paper 12. After that, the two-color ribbon 1 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 image recording is performed using both the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b of the two-color ink ribbon 1, 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 as described above, the thermal head 25 is moved in the direction of arrow B2, and the platen lO 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, and the carrier motor M2 (Fig. 5) is driven.
2 (FIG. 8) to the right (in the AI force direction shown in the figure), the switching portion 62b of the switching lever 62 and the protruding portion 27 of the rack 27
b and move the switching lever 62 to the left (in two directions in the figure). By moving the switching lever 62 in the two directions indicated by the arrows, the connecting portion 62a of the switching lever 62 engages with the connecting lever 30. Furthermore, due to the biasing force of the return spring 59, the peeling lever 58 is biased downward (direction C2 in the figure), and the switching lever 62 is biased counterclockwise (two directions in the figure). It is in a state of separation from 12.

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 in the platen IO direction (B1 direction in the figure), and the recording paper 12 is rotated. . Press onto the platen 10 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 IO (direction C1 in the drawing). Illustrated CI of this connecting lever 30
By moving in the force direction, the engaging portion 30b of the connecting lever 30
pushes up the connecting portion 62a of the switching lever 62 and rotates the switching lever 62 clockwise (L1 direction) against the return spring 59. This rotation of the switching lever 62 in the L1 direction causes the peeling lever 58 to move upward (in the CI force direction shown in the figure).
It contacts the recording paper 12 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. Further rotation of the switching lever 62 in the L1 direction causes the slider 60 to move in the arrow C1 direction against the return spring 59 and the pressure contact 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 l.

In this state, move the carrier 22 in the right recording direction (At direction in the figure) to record the heat generating part 25a of the thermal head 25.
The two-color ink ribbon l is heated by generating heat according to the information, and then the peeling lever 5 is moved at a distance of 1 from the heat generating part 25a.
At the position of the peeling roller 54 of 8, the ink ribbon is changed direction by the winding force generated by the rotation of the winding latch 41 in the direction of the arrow 11, and is peeled off from the recording paper 12, and the first ink layer 3a is removed together with the second ink layer 3b. By transferring the image to the recording paper 12, a black image is formed on the recording paper 12. Furthermore, after that,
The two-color ribbon 1 is wound around a winding core 55.

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

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 10 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 to heat the two-color ink ribbon l. The second ink layer 3b (for example, red recording) of the two-color ink ribbon 1 is heated.
or adheres to the recording paper 12.

Next, the thermal head 25 is moved in the direction of the arrow AI force to change the direction of the ink ribbon l at the edge portion 25b of the thermal head 25, so that a quick time t1 after heating, that is, before the heated ink ribbon l cools down (3rd Figure (a) 2
(Refer to the color ink ribbon characteristic diagram) The ink ribbon l is pulled and peeled off from the recording paper 12 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 first ink layer 3a, which has the weakest adhesive force,
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, a red recording) is transferred to the recording paper 12 to obtain a red image recording RI.

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

FIG. 19(a) and FIG. 19(b) show the first ink layer 3a.
, is a diagram showing recording of the second ink layer 3b.

Similarly to the above, the thermal head 25 is connected to the two-color ink ribbon 1.
The recording paper 12 is then pressed against the platen 10, and while the thermal head 25 is running in the direction of the arrow AI, the heat generating section 25a of the thermal head 25 is made to generate heat in accordance with the image information, thereby heating the two-color ink ribbon l.

The second ink layer 3b of the two-color ink ribbon l adheres to the recording paper 12 by heating. Further, the distance of the two-color ink ribbon 1 from the heat generating part 25a of the thermal head 25 in the direction opposite to the arrow AI! ! It is brought into contact with the recording paper 12 by a peeling roller 54 at a point separated by (FIG. 19(a)). 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, a late time t2 after heating the ink ribbon 1, that is, the heated ink ribbon l has cooled down. Later (Figure 3 (a) 2
(Refer to the color ink ribbon characteristic diagram) The color ink ribbon changes its direction and is pulled and peeled off from the recording paper 12 by the winding force. The time t2 can be determined by the moving speed and distance l of the thermal head 25.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), the relationship between the adhesive forces between the support 2, the first ink layer 3a, and the second ink layer 3b of the ink ribbon 1 at the time of peeling is the relationship between the support 1 and the first ink layer 3a. The adhesive force between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b is smaller than the adhesive force between the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3b. Further, the adhesive force between the second ink layer 3b and the recording paper 12 is increased by the heating of the thermal head 25, and therefore the ink layer 3 is separated between the support 2, which has the weakest adhesive force, and the first ink i3a. and the first ink layer 3
Both the ink layer a and the second ink layer 3b are transferred to the recording paper 12, and a black image recording B1 is obtained.

As described above, the apparatus of this embodiment transfers only the second ink layer 3b and transfers the first ink layer 3a and the second ink layer 3.
This makes it possible to perform the combined transfer of b, and to record a two-color image. A two-color image is created by controlling the separation of the ink ribbon immediately after heating at the edge of the thermal head, movement of the ink ribbon by a distance l after heating the thermal head (overrun), and separation of the ink ribbon at the pressure roller part located a distance l from the thermal head. Recording becomes possible.

[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. (to be described later), performs necessary calculations and judgments, and performs various controls. Further, the CPU may be composed of a plurality of CPUs. ROM is a read-only memory that stores various programs and character codes for the CPU to operate.
Various data necessary for dot patterns (character generator; CG), printing, etc. are stored. TRAM is a read-no-write memory, and includes a working area where the CPU temporarily stores data and operation results during instruction execution, a keyboard 15, and an external interface unit IFu.
It consists of a buffer area for storing various input data (described later), a text area for storing documents, etc., and the power switch 1 is backed up by a battery.
4 allows data to be saved even if the main unit's power is turned off.

The CPU unit also has a thermal head driver THD.
, a motor driver MD, and a detection unit Su to the printer unit Pu.

The thermal head driver THD is provided in the aforementioned printer unit Pu under the control of the CPU. The motor driver MD drives the thermal head 25, and the CPU
By controlling the 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 PSu is a 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.

The controller GA also performs various controls such as changing the voltage and current of the power source VH for driving the thermal head 25, changing the heating time and duty of the thermal head 25, etc. under the control of the CPU.

The CPU unit also has a keyboard connector K B C
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 LCDC.

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

The CPU unit has an interface connector IFC.
R3232C for controlling this recording device by an external control device and communicating with external devices.

Interfaces such as Centro interface and modem can be connected.

In addition, the CPU unit is connected to a ROM for operating special functions and printing in a different font via the cartridge connector CAC.
A 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 separated from the platen 10 (Sl), and in order to detect the absolute position of the carriage, the thermal head is moved across the carrier 22 and toward the sensor 23. (S2).

When the limit sensor 23 detects a carrier (S3),
Proceed to step 4 (S4), if the ribbon is for two colors,
Color flag (TR above) to print in basic color, for example black
(stored in AM) is turned off. In other words, the basic color is the standard mode when the power is turned on. Note that it may be possible to display that the mode is standard mode. 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 to be loaded or to be loaded is (1) a single color ribbon or 2
Ribbon mode flag to identify color ribbon (TRA
) stored in M (S6). Note that this ribbon mode flag may be set by a sensor 29 for determining the type of ribbon cassette or ribbon cassette, or may be set by the operator by manual input of keys or voice input. If the flag is set to the one-color phone mode, the process advances to step 8 (S8). Also, if the ribbon mode flag is set to 2-color ribbon mode, move the carriage to the basic color set position so that the basic color (black) of the two colors can be printed, and press (
(See FIGS. 16 and 17) The state of the ribbon cassette is set 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 (the operator may have made an input assuming that a two-color ribbon is installed when a one-color ribbon is installed). Therefore, 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 RMI are a left margin and a right margin indicating the range that can be printed by a monochrome (one color) ribbon. In this case, in this example, 80 characters
can be printed. Also, for two-color ribbons, LM2.
Within the printable range of RM2, the aforementioned black or red printing is possible. In this case, printing of 76 characters is possible. Furthermore, the left and right two characters 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, between the position of the sensor 23 and the area where actual printing is possible, there is an area where ribbon slack is removed (for example, 1 character
r pitches). 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 change program in S8.

If No, proceed to S3. In addition, ribbon mode setting key R
MKY is, for example, a key operation using the mode key MOKY+numeric key ■ in FIG. Next, at 83, it is determined whether the color change key CCKY Y has been pressed. If Yes, proceed to the color change program in S7. The large change key CCKY may be a key operation using, for example, the mode key MOKY+numeric key (2) in FIG. 4. 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 the key in S4 is a return key, tab key, centering key left margin set, etc., 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 SI and waits for key input. Although the above description has been about the case where data is entered manually using keys, it goes without saying that commands in text information or control commands from an external device such as a host or a control device may also be used.

[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 FIGS. 7-10). Next, in S2, move the carriage to arrow A without heating the head 25.
Move in one direction and move one character. 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. 2388 will be explained. When the ribbon mode setting key RMKY is input, first, at 81 in FIG. 25, the bits of the ribbon mode flag stored in the TRAM are inverted, and the ribbon mode flag is changed from 1 color ribbon mode to 2 color ribbon mode, 2 If in color ribbon mode, change to single color ribbon mode. Next, in step 82, 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. If the ribbon mode is the two-color ribbon mode in S2, the positions of the two-color left (LM2) and right margin (RM2) explained in FIG. 22 are set in the memory (TRAM) in S3.

(Normally, LM1 and RMI are set.) Then, the process proceeds to the power-on routine of S4. Then, in the power-on routine, as mentioned above, the slack in the ribbon is removed.
The carriage is moved to a predetermined left margin (LMl or LM2) depending on the one-color or two-color ribbon. Note that it may be moved to a desired margin position set by the user. Note that the ribbon mode may not only be set manually using a key, but also automatically determined by the sensor 29 shown in FIG. 5 described above, and the process may proceed to the routine shown in FIG. 25. Also, due to the two printing ranges mentioned above, the user may input the margin position incorrectly, but in that case, a warning will be issued or a message will be issued to ignore the margin position input by the user and move to LMI or LM2. You may also do so.

[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 TRAM are inverted at 83. In other words, if black (basic color) is selected from the two-color ribbon, red (preliminary color) is output, and if red is selected, black is output, so the color flag bits are inverted. It is. Then, the current carriage position is stored in TRAM, and then the inverted color flag is determined at 84, and if it is off (black), the process proceeds to S5, and the carriage is moved to the basic color (black) set position described above (
carrier). Further, the color flag is turned on (red) in S3, and the carriage is moved to the preliminary color (red) set position in S6. (See FIGS. 16 and 17) Next, at step 37, the carriage is moved to the position of the carriage 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 87 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 1, images, symbols, etc., or a combination thereof. Proceed to 85 in FIG. 23 by pressing the print command key PRKY, but 1c
A print command may be generated for each haracter input, or a print command may be generated for each word or 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 printing 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/
5ec). 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 heat time for a single color (for example, heat for 1.1 m5ec). In S7, the thermal head 25 is heated according to the heat conditions and printing is performed. Then, when moving to S8,
Raise the head 25 and move the carriage over with S9.
Run, that is, move a certain amount. 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 SIO.

In SlO, check the color flag. If the flag is on, ie, the preliminary color (red), transition to Sll.

In Sll, set the carriage speed for preliminary emergency (speed table in ROM), accelerate the carriage at the speed set in S12, and make it run up (for example, 18c).
haracters/5ec). Then, in S13, the preliminary heat conditions are set, that is, the preliminary color voltage, preliminary preliminary current, preliminary preliminary heat time (for example, 1.lm5e
c) heating the thermal head in S14;
Print. Then, raise the head with S15 and SI6
performs an overrun and terminates the process.

Returning to SIO again, if the color flag is off, that is, the basic color, the process moves to S17. In S17, the carriage speed for the basic color is set, and the carriage is accelerated and run-up at the speed set in S18 (for example, 10 characters/5ec). And S1
In step 9, heat conditions for basic colors are set, and in step S20, the thermal head is heated and printed (for example, 0.8 m
5ec 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. In S21, in order to change the ribbon peeling position, the carrier is lowered to the head-up start position and moved by a distance f (see FIG. 28).

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. During monochrome and auxiliary color printing, the overrun (S9.516) causes the index to indicate the next printing position, but because S24 is S21, the carriage stops at a different position than when printing a monochrome ribbon. Therefore, the index does not indicate the next print character. Therefore, in order to stop the carriage at the same position as when the monochrome ribbon was used, the 64 pulses that were moved in S21 are returned. Then, no matter what ribbon mode or color printing is being performed, the carriage is moved to position the index 30a at the next printing position.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the relationship between the above-mentioned index 30a, head 25, and printed characters. The solid line H 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 Figure 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 increased 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, even when printing in a single color or with a two-color ribbon, in the case of preliminary color printing, overrun by m+n is necessary in order to align the index with the next printing position (
Figure 27 89.5j6). In the case of basic color printing, as explained in FIG. 27 821, in FIG.
Only the carriage is moving forward.

Note that the relationship between n, m, and l may be any one of the larger values. In S23 and S24 of FIG. 27, S21
S23 524 r71. The carriage is moved as n + m - '7', but as is clear from Fig. 28, after it has advanced by l after printing (S21), the carriage is moved by i' - (m + n). You may try to return it. In this example, the heating time was changed, but it goes without saying that the voltage may be changed by controlling the VH described above.

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. It is also possible to use a material with a shape or the like as appropriate.

In addition to the recording paper described in the above embodiments, examples of recording media include, for example, 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 embodiments, the ink ribbon cassette moves back and forth, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ink ribbon cassette may be of a stationary type.

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 or more colors. It can also be applied to a case where the recorded image color of each ink layer is the same, and in this case, the ink sheet can be used for monochrome recording, for example, twice or three times as many times.

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〕

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily perform recording according to information related to recording (related to color information), and it is also possible to miniaturize the apparatus with a simple configuration.

According to the present invention, it is possible to set the recording range according to the information related to recording, and when switching the ink sheet,
Since the recording range can be automatically set, it is now possible to continue recording efficiently.

Further, in a recording apparatus for recording on a recording medium using an ink sheet having ink according to the present invention, a heating means for heating the ink sheet in order to record on the recording medium, and the apparatus includes a heating means for heating the ink sheet for one color. a first ink sheet capable of recording in two or more colors and a second ink sheet capable of recording in two or more colors; Based on
A first recording range and a second recording range are set respectively, and when the above ink sheet is switched, the first or second recording range is set.
It has become possible to provide a recording apparatus characterized by having a control means for controlling the heating position of the heating means so that recording can be performed from the recording start position of the recording range.

[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. Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the head rotation and ribbon winding mechanism, Figs. 9 and 10 are side views thereof, Fig. 11 is an external perspective view of the two-color ribbon cassette, and Fig. 12 is its interior. A plan view, FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of a two-color ribbon cassette pond, FIGS. 14 to 17 are plan views showing color switching operations, and FIG. 18 Ca) to (b) and Figure 19 (a) and (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 flowchart 1 showing the operation of changing the telephone mode, and Figure 26 is the flowchart showing the operation of changing the color. 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 sensor I/Ral processing unit, THD is a TH driver, and 30a is an index.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) In a recording device that records on a recording medium using an ink sheet containing ink, a heating means for heating the ink sheet in order to record on the recording medium.The device is capable of recording in I color. a first ink sheet capable of recording in two or more colors and a second ink sheet capable of recording in two or more colors, and determining means for determining which ink sheet is installed; When the first recording range and the second recording range are set and the ink sheet is switched, the heating position of the heating means is adjusted so that recording can be performed from the recording start position of the first or second recording range. A recording device characterized by having a control means for controlling (2) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating means is a thermal recording head comprising a plurality of heating elements movable relative to the recording medium.