JPS62227770A - Color image recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To contrive a higher recording speed and enable a reduction in device size, by a method wherein when the length of a recording paper is smaller than the length of each color section of an ink ribbon, a thermal recording head and a platen are separated from each other on completion of recording in each color, and a surplus length part of each color section of the ribbon is fed by the time recording in the next color is started. CONSTITUTION:The trailing end of a recording paper is detected when being passed through a detector 44, and the resultant detection signal is sent to a system controlling part, upon which a timer means starts counting time. After a predetermined lapse of time, namely, when the trailing end of the paper 62 reaches a point directly above a heat generating resistor row (which is a recording position) of a thermal recording head 12 or slightly beyond that point, a solenoid 18 is excited through a mechanism- controlling part under the control of the system controlling part, thereby separating the head 12 from a platen roller 11. Simultaneously, an ink ribbon 91 is fed at a high velocity to a point corresponding to the next recording color, e.g., magenta color, and when the leading end of a magenta color section reaches that position, the solenoid 18 is deenergized, whereby the head 12 is pressed against the platen roller 11 through the ribbon 91.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a color image recording method using a thermal transfer method.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, as means for recording color image information, there are an inkjet recording method, an electrophotographic method, an electrostatic recording method, and a thermal transfer recording method. Among these, the inkjet recording method uses colored ink to eject the ink from small diameter nozzles that are independent for each color according to the image signal to be recorded, and makes the ink adhere to the recording paper for recording. However, it is difficult to use multiple nozzles, which not only makes it impossible to increase speed, but also causes problems such as the nozzle being easily clogged and the reliability of the device being poor. An electrostatic latent image is obtained by scanning and exposing a photoreceptor drum, which is made up of a photoconductive material such as amorphous selenium, which is uniformly charged in advance and formed on its surface, with a laser beam modulated by an image signal. Then, color toner is selectively applied to this, developed, and then transferred to plain paper.In this method, a developer containing different color toners is prepared, and the above process is performed for each color. Due to the repetition, the process becomes extremely complex, and therefore the equipment becomes larger.
It also has the disadvantage of being expensive.

Furthermore, the electrostatic recording method uses a multi-styral head to create an electrostatic latent image in accordance with the image signal on the electrostatic recording paper that comes into contact with it, and develops it in the same way as in the electrophotographic method. This process is repeated for each color, which is a sloppy process similar to that of electrophotography, making it difficult to miniaturize the device.

On the other hand, in the thermal transfer recording method, an ink ribbon with a heat-melting solid ink layer containing a coloring material on a base film such as paper or resin is heated by a thermal recording head that is energized in accordance with an image signal. to melt the ink layer,
The ink is transferred to the recording paper made of Shintsu paper that comes into contact with the ink ribbon. According to this method, there is no need for development and fixing as in the case of the electrophotographic method or electrostatic recording method described above, so the process can be simplified and the apparatus can be made smaller. To perform color recording using this method, the first
As shown in FIG. A recording paper is repeatedly scanned and recorded. This is generally called a field sequential recording method, and the method shown in FIG. 11 and the method shown in FIG. 12 are conventionally known for conveying the recording paper to realize this method.

In the method shown in Fig. 11, for recording one color, for example, cyan,
A platen roller 201 connected to a stepping motor (not shown), a drive roller 202, and a pinch roller 203 working together transport the recording paper 204, and a transport device (not shown) transports the ink ribbon A at the same speed as the recording paper 204. While conveying the recording paper 204 and the ink ribbon A in cooperation with the platen roller 201,
A cyan color image is obtained on the recording paper 204 by selectively energizing the heat-sensitive recording head 205, which is brought into close and pressure contact with the recording paper 204, in accordance with an image signal. When the recording of the first color is completed in this way, the platen roller 201 and the thermal recording head 2
05 is isolated by means not shown, and the feed roller 202 is rotated in the opposite direction to return the recording paper 204 until the leading edge of the recording paper 204 reaches near the recording position of the thermal recording head 205.

During this time, the ink ribbon A is conveyed in the same direction as during recording until the next color to be recorded, for example magenta, reaches the recording position of the thermal recording head 205.

After that, the platen roller 201 and the thermal recording head 205
are pressed again, and the recording paper 204 is attached in the same manner as described above.
Magenta color recording is performed over the cyan color recording. Thereafter, in the same manner, by repeating the overlapping recording as many times as the number of colors of the ink ribbon A, that is, three or four times, a color image recording is finally completed and obtained on the recording paper 205 by subtractive color mixture. According to this method,
Although it has the advantage of being able to record color images in a frame-sequential manner using a relatively simple mechanism, it requires time to return the recording paper each time one color is recorded.

This is wasted time that has no bearing on the net recording, and therefore limits the recording speed, which is disadvantageous for high-speed recording. Also, when returning the recording paper, it is essential to separate the thermal recording head from the platen roller once. If this is not done, the ink ribbon after being used for recording may be returned together with the recording paper, or the recording paper may When the ink ribbon rubs against the ink ribbon, it becomes dirty and the image quality deteriorates. In order to prevent this, a mechanism must be provided to control the contact and separation of the thermal recording head and the platen roller, which has the disadvantage of complicating the apparatus. Furthermore, a long space may be required to temporarily accommodate the reciprocating recording paper, which is a disadvantage for downsizing the apparatus.

In the method shown in FIG. 12 for the above-L, recording paper 302 is wound around a drum-shaped platen 301 connected to a stepping motor (not shown), and the length of one color is set on the drum-shaped platen 30.
The thermal recording head 303 is pressed through the ink ribbon A, which has a circumference approximately equal to the circumference of 1, and the drum-shaped platen 301 is rotated once in the same direction for each color of recording. Color recording is carried out by conveying the drum-shaped platen 301 at the same peripheral speed as the peripheral speed thereof, and by rotating the drum-shaped platen 301 three or four times, color recording is performed by subtractive color mixing, similar to the method shown in FIG. Image recording is completed. The recording paper 302 on which recording has been completed in this manner is transferred to a drum-shaped platen 3.
Peel it off from 01 and take it out. According to the method shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to minimize wasted time that is not directly involved in printing, such as returning the recording paper every time one color is finished printing, as in the method shown in FIG. 11 described above. This has the advantage of increasing speed. However, the device is expensive because it requires a complicated mechanism for winding the recording paper around a drum-shaped platen and separating it from the platen, and uses a specially shaped thermal recording head. There are drawbacks. Furthermore, since a drum that rotates at a constant speed is used, the time required to record one page is constant regardless of the recording paper size.In other words, when using short recording paper, The disadvantage of this method is that it cannot take advantage of its suitability for speeding up. Furthermore, due to the length of the recording paper, a large-diameter drum-shaped platen (approximately 100 mm in diameter for A4 size recording paper) is required, which is disadvantageous for miniaturizing the device, and its weight increases the load. Therefore, there are drawbacks such as the need for a stepping motor with large rotational driving force.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) l As mentioned above, in the color image recording device using the thermal transfer recording method of the former (Fig. 11), it is necessary to return the recording paper every time recording of one color is completed. In addition, in the latter case (Figure 12), a color image recording device using a thermal transfer recording method, the time required to record one color is equivalent to one rotation of a drum-shaped platen even when recording paper of a small size, and there is a limit to speeding up. there were.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a color image recording method that enables high-speed recording.

In addition, in the former color image recording apparatus using the thermal transfer recording method (see FIG. 11), it is necessary to return only the recording paper while stopping or advancing the ink ribbon, so there is a mechanism for separating the thermal recording head and the platen roller. In addition, in the latter color image recording apparatus using the thermal transfer recording method (see FIG. 12), the recording paper is closely held on the drum-shaped platen, and the recording paper is peeled from the drum-shaped platen. Requires a mechanism. Therefore, the device has become complicated and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a color image recording method that does not require a complicated mechanism and enables the realization of an inexpensive apparatus.

Furthermore, in the color image recording apparatus using the thermal transfer recording method of the former (FIG. 11), in order to return the recording paper, a space must be secured to accommodate the returned recording paper, and the latter (FIG. 11) The color image recording device using the thermal transfer recording method shown in Fig. 12) requires a drum-shaped platen that has a longer circumference and a wider width than the largest expected recording paper, and the drum-shaped platen is rotated. Requires a large stepper motor to do so.

Therefore, the device is large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a color image recording method that enables miniaturization of the apparatus.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means and Effects for Solving the Problems) In the present invention, the leading edge of the recording paper that has been peeled off from the ink ribbon and is being discharged from the thermal recording head is captured, and the leading edge is transferred to the thermal recording head. The recording paper is moved to the entrance side and the leading edge of the recording paper is made to wait there, and then the other parts of the recording paper that are ejected from the thermal recording head except for the leading edge are left unrestricted to complete recording of the first color. Accordingly, the leading edge of the recording paper is supplied to the thermal recording head to record the second color, and this is repeated a necessary number of times to record a color image, and when performing the recording, the length of the recording paper is If the length of the recording paper is shorter than the length of each color division of the ink ribbon, the thermal recording head and the platen are separated each time recording of one color is completed, and the ink ribbon is The above objective is achieved by conveying the extra length of each color classification.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 conceptually shows a color facsimile receiving apparatus as an apparatus for implementing a color image recording method according to the present invention.

The housing 1 of this device has side plates 2 at the front and back in Fig. 1.
, 3. The side plates 2, 3 are fixedly installed within the housing 1, and various parts described later are attached to the side plates 2.3. Further, the housing 1 of this device has a cover 4. The cover 4 is formed by side plates 4a and 4b arranged at the front and back in FIG. , a stepped portion is formed, and a paper discharge tray 5 is configured there. And this side plate 4a,
4b is engaged at its corner with the side plate 2.3 by means of pins 6. Therefore, this cover 4 can be rotated counterclockwise about the bin 6 from the position shown in FIG.

In this device, the recording means 1 is located in the center of the left half in FIG.
A recording paper circulation means 20 is arranged directly below the recording means 10, and a space S is secured below the recording paper circulation means 20. Further, a path switching means 50 and a recording paper supplying means (second recording paper supply/feeding means) 30 are arranged to the left and right of the recording paper circulation means 20.

Further, in this apparatus, a recording paper accommodating means 60 is arranged in the lower right half of FIG. 1, and a recording paper supplying means (a first recording paper supplying means ) 70 is disposed, and an ink ribbon conveyance means 90 is further disposed above the recording means 10, and the recording paper discharge stage F 120 is arranged from the recording means 10 to the paper discharge tray 5 so as to bypass the ink ribbon conveyance means 90. is located. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 130 indicates facsimile control means, and the control means 130 is arranged above the recording paper storage means 60.

The recording means 10 includes a platen roller 11 , a thermal recording head 12 , and a separation mechanism 13 that moves the thermal recording head 12 toward and away from the platen roller 11 .

The platen roller 11 is a rubber roller having a metal shaft 11a at the center, and both ends of the shaft 11a are connected to the side plates 2.
3 (indicated by two-dot chain lines), and is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 14. Further, the thermal recording head 12 has a predetermined density (for example, 16 pcj
/ mm), and the recording width (for example,
By arranging the ink ribbons in a row corresponding to 216 + 011 (for example, 3456) in the case of A4 size, and applying pulse current to each ink ribbon according to the image information to be recorded, the ink ribbons in contact with the ink ribbons are minutely locally raised. warm it up,
It has the function of melting the solid ink layer applied to the ink ribbon and transferring it to recording paper to form a visible image. This thermal recording head 12 has an inverted arm 15.
A pair of side plates 4a, 4b of the cover 4
It is rotatably supported around a support shaft 16 fixed to a shaft 16 (indicated by a two-dot chain line or see FIGS. 6 and 7). Further, one end of the inverted arm 15 is biased by a tension coil spring 17 to press the thermal recording head 12 against the platen roller 11 so as to generate the optimum pressure for recording. Furthermore, the above-mentioned inverted-shaped arm 15 is
It is engaged with the plunger 18a of the electromagnetic solenoid 18. The electromagnetic solenoid 18 described above is energized and excited to attract the plunger 18a, so that the inverted arm 15 rotates clockwise about the support shaft 16 against the tension coil spring 17. , the thermal recording head 12 is separated from the platen roller 11.

The recording paper circulation means 20 has the function of capturing the leading edge of the recording paper discharged from the thermal recording head 12 and conveying the leading edge to the entrance side of the thermal recording head 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, this recording paper circulation means 20 includes a shaft 21 supported by a side plate 2.3 and driven by a stepping motor 14 via an electromagnetic clutch (not shown); a grip roller 22 fixed to the
and a gripper mechanism 23 disposed within the roller 22. The gripper machine 11 23 grips and holds the leading edge of the recording paper, and has a rod 24 having a gripper piece 24a at one end slidably supported on the shaft 21.
A compression coil spring 25 is disposed around the periphery, and the other end of the rod 24 is brought into pressure contact with a pin 26 that is slidably supported in the radial direction within the elongated hole 22a of the roller 22, and the end of the pin 26 is It comes into contact with a cam 27 fixed to the side plates 2 and 3 via a cam follower 28.

The gripper piece 24a extends in the width direction of the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22, and blocks 24b are fixed to both ends. This block 24b is fitted into a recess 22b formed on the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22. Therefore, the gripper piece 24a is restrained within its block 24b or four portions 22b and does not rotate. The pin 26 has a cam follower 28 made of, for example, a ball bearing at both ends, and is in contact with a sliding surface 27a of the cam 27 via the cam follower 28. Gripper mechanism 23 configured in this way
Now, the state shown in Fig. 2, that is, the cam follower 2
8 is located on the convex portion 27b of the cam 27, the pin 26 is moved toward the center of the grip roller 22, and the pin 26 causes the gripper piece 24a to grip the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22 via the rod 24. A gap 2 is formed between the gripper piece 24a and the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22.
9 is formed. When the shaft 21 is rotated by the stepping motor 14, the grip roller 22 also rotates in the direction of the arrow.

Then, the cam follower 28 separates from the sliding surface 27a of the cam 27, and the force pressing the pin 26 toward the center of the roller 22 is released. Therefore, the rod 24 is slid in the direction of the bin 26 by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 25,
Accordingly, the gripper piece 24a comes into pressure contact with the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22. When the grip roller 22 is further rotated, the cam follower 28 engages with the sliding surface 27a of the cam 27 again. Then, the pin 26 is pushed toward the center of the grip roller 22 via the cam follower 28, and as a result, the gripper piece 24a is immediately separated from the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22. That is, the gripper mechanism 23
The recording paper circulating means 20 is on standby at the position shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. The gripper piece 24a is then housed in the gap 29 between the gripper piece 24a and the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22.

Subsequently, when the grip roller 22 is rotated, the gripper piece 24a moves toward the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22, and the gripper piece 24a and the circumferential surface of the grip roller 22 press and pinch the leading edge of the recording paper. In this state, the grip roller 22 rotates approximately half a turn from the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and releases the leading edge of the recording paper.

The recording paper supply means (second recording paper supply means) 30 includes a feed roller 33 consisting of a drive roller 31 and a pinch roller 32 coaxial with the grip roller 22 (
Figure 4). The drive roller 31 is fixed to a shaft 34 supported by the side plates 2 and 3, and the shaft 34 is driven by a stepping motor (not shown). The pinch roller 32 is the fourth
As shown in the figure, it is disposed between the grip rollers 22 of the shaft 21, and as shown in FIG. This pinch roller 3
An elongated hole 32b is provided in the main portion 32a of No. 2, and the pin 26 described above is inserted into the elongated hole 32b.

Further, the main portion 32a of the pinch roller 32 is provided with a collar 32c around the main portion 32a. The collar 32c is a collar 32d formed at both ends of the main portion 32a.

32d prevents it from falling off from the main portion 32a. The driving roller 31 and the pinch roller 32 are in contact with each other, and when the driving roller 31 is rotated, the pinch roller 32 is also rotated. However, the pinch roller 32 only rotates the collar 32c. The recording paper supply means 30 also includes a pack tension roller 36, as shown in FIG. The pack tension roller 36 is fixed to a shaft 37. The shaft 37 is rotatably supported relative to the side plates 2 and 3 so that the pack tension roller 36 can be moved in the force direction toward and away from the grip roller 22. This lever 37 is biased by a spring 38 so that the pack tension roller 36 comes into pressure contact with the grip roller 22, and its rotation is braked by a braking means (not shown). Further, one end of an arm 39 is engaged with this shaft 37, and the base end of the arm 39 is implanted in a shaft 40.

This shaft 40 is supported by the side plates 2 and 3.

One end of a lever 41 is fixed to the lever 40, and the other end of the lever 41 is engaged with a plunger 42a of an electromagnetic solenoid 42 fixed to one of the side plates 2.3. When the electromagnetic solenoid 42 is in a non-energized state, the pack tension roller 36 is pressed against the grip roller 22 by the urging force of the spring 38.
2 is energized, lever 41 is rotated clockwise about axis 40, thereby causing arm 39 to rotate clockwise about axis 40, thereby separating it from grip roller 22. Furthermore, the recording paper supply means 30 uses a recording paper supply path 43 for guiding the recording paper to the thermal recording head 12. This recording paper supply path 4
3 has a grip roller 22 and a pinch roller 32 at one end.
A guide plate 43a extends between the guide plate 43a, the other end of which is located close to the circumferential surface of the platen roller 11, and a portion of which is located between the drive roller 3 and the guide plate 43a.
1, and a guide plate 43C located opposite to the guide plate 43a and the guide plate 43b. An optical detector 44 is disposed in the recording paper supply path 43 to detect the leading and trailing ends of the recording paper.

The path switching means 50 guides the recording paper discharged from the thermal recording head 12 to either the recording paper circulation means or the recording discharge means 120 described later. This course switching means 50 has a flapper 51, and the flapper 5
1 is rotatably supported by a shaft 52 supported by the side plates 2 and 3. One end of a lever 53 is fixed to the shaft 52 of the flapper 51, and the other end of the lever 53 is rotatably locked to a plunger 54a of an electromagnetic solenoid 54. A compression coil spring 55 is disposed around the plunger 54a, and the biasing force of the compression coil spring 55 positions the above-mentioned flapper 51 in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, thereby circulating the recording paper. Guide to means 20.

In addition, by energizing and exciting the electromagnetic solenoid 54,
The flapper 51 moves to the position shown by the two-dot chain line and guides the recording paper to the recording paper discharge means 120.

The recording paper storage means 60 has a paper feed cassette 61' inserted and loaded into the lower part of the housing 1 from the right direction in FIG. At the bottom of this paper feed cassette 61, there is a single sheet recording paper 62.
A plate 3 on which a load is placed is housed, and this plate 63 is urged upward by a compression coil spring 64.

The recording paper supply means (first recording paper supply means) 70 transports the recording paper 62 from the recording paper storage means 60 to the recording means 10, and is disposed at the upper left of the paper feed cassette 61, Stepping motor 1 that rotates the
4 through a one-way clutch (not shown), and recording paper supply paths 72 and 73. We are prepared.

The recording paper aligning means 80 includes a drive roller 81 and a pinch roller 8.
It has a feed roller 83 consisting of two. The shaft 81a of the drive roller 81 in the feed roller 83 is linked to the above-described stepping motor 14, and is rotationally driven together with the platen roller 11 by the stepping motor 14. On the other hand, the shaft 8 of the pinch roller 82
2a is biased by a spring 84 via a bearing so that the pinch roller 82 comes into pressure contact with the drive roller 81. Further, one end of an arm 85 is engaged with the shaft 82a of the pinch roller 82, and the arm 85 is supported by a pin 85a provided on the pair of side plates 2 and 3 described above. This arm 85 is in contact with a pin 86b of another arm 86 which is similarly supported by a pin 86b provided on the pair of side plates 2.3. One end of the arm 86 is attached to the plunger 4/87 of the electromagnetic solenoid 87.
The plunger 87a is rotatably supported by the plunger 87a, and the plunger 87a is urged downward by a tension coil spring 88.

On the other hand, the other end 86C of the arm 86 is disposed at a position behind the feed roller 83 to prevent the recording paper from advancing. The electromagnetic solenoid 87 described above is energized and excited to attract the plunger 87a, thereby causing the arm 86
The tensioning coil rotates counterclockwise against the spring 88 using the pin 86a as a fulcrum. At the same time, the arm 85 is rotated clockwise by the pin 86b using the pin 85a as a fulcrum, so that the shaft 82a of the pinch roller 82 is
It is pushed up by the left end of 5. Thus, the pinch roller 82 is separated from the drive roller 81, and the other end 85c of the arm 86 is lowered to prevent the recording paper from advancing. When the electromagnetic solenoid 87 is demagnetized, the arm 86 is returned by the tension coil spring 88 and the arm 8
The other end 86a of the pinch roller 82 rises to release the blocking of the recording paper, and the pin 86b that contacts the shaft 82a of the pinch roller 82 falls, so that the pinch roller 82 is pressed against the drive roller 81 by the spring 84. Further, the recording paper alignment means 80 includes a recording paper detector 89 that detects the leading edge of the recording paper. This detector 89 sandwiches the recording paper supply path 72 before the feed roller 83 and detects a light emitting element 89a.
and a light emitting element 89b. When the recording paper detector 89 detects the leading edge of the recording paper, a timer is activated, and the electromagnetic solenoid 87 is demagnetized after a certain period of time has elapsed. Note that the recording paper supply path 72 is configured between the recording paper storage means 60 and the foot roller 83, and is formed by guide plates 72a and 72b.

Further, the recording paper supply path 73 is configured using a part of the guide brakes 43b and 43c forming the recording paper supply path 43 of the second recording paper supply means 30, and the recording paper The supply path 73 joins the recording paper supply path 43 near the recording means 10 .

The ink ribbon transport means 90 is for transporting the ink ribbon 91 between the platen roller 11 of the recording means 10 and the thermal recording head 12. ink ribbon 9
1. A heat-melting solid ink layer containing a coloring material corresponding to the color to be recorded is placed on an extremely thin base film such as paper or resin using a field sequential method, and the length of each color is the maximum length for recording. It is painted in strips of three colors, for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, or four colors with the addition of black, as shown in FIG. 10, so that the length is equal to or slightly longer. The width of the ink ribbon 91 is equal to the width of the recording paper 6.
The width is equal to or slightly larger than 2.

This ink ribbon 91 is wound around a supply roll 92, and after being used for recording, is wound up by a take-up roll 93.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, these supply rolls 92 and take-up rolls 93 are connected to the pair of opposing side plates 4 described above.
It is loaded inside parts a and 4b.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a pair of side plates 4a.

4b, two shafts 94.95 and 96.97 are implanted, and reels 98°99 and 100, respectively, are installed on these shafts.
101 is loosely fitted. Side plate 4 of these reels
The reel 98,99 on the side a is provided with one or more protrusions 98a, 99a at its end, and the protrusions 98a, 99a
are fitted into grooves 92a and 93a formed on the end faces of the supply roll 92 and take-up roll 93, thereby locking the supply roll 92 and take-up roll 93 to the reels 98 and 99. Further, a joint member 102 is provided at the heel 94°95 between the reel 98, 99 and the pair of side plates 4a and 4b described above.
, 103 are loosely fitted. This joint member 102, 10
No. 3 is provided with disks 102a and 103a at one end, and friction plates 102b and 103b are attached to the disks. and,
The joint members 102 and 103 are connected to the joint member and the side plate 4.
is biased to the right in FIGS. 6 and 7 by compression coil springs 104 and 105 disposed between the
Reels 98 and 99 are brought into pressure contact with supply roll 92 and take-up roll 93 via friction plates 102b and 103b. On the other hand, the reels 100 and 101 are connected to the reel and the side plate 4b.
are biased to the left in FIGS. 6 and 7 by compression coil springs 106 and 107 disposed between the reels 100 and 101, and the end surfaces of the reels 100 and 101 are pressed against the end surfaces of the supply roll 91 and the take-up roll 92. has been done. Further, in such an ink ribbon holding means, a rotational torque transmitting means, for example, a timing pulley 108 is fixed to the joint member 103 on the take-up roll 93 side. This timing pulley 108 is linked via a timing belt to a stepping motor (not shown) attached to either of the side plates 4a, 4b.

The ink ribbon 91 wound around the supply roll 92 and take-up roll 93 is fixed to the pair of side plates 4a and 4b shown in FIG.
110, the platen roller 11 and the thermal recording head 1
2, and is arranged so as to be in contact with the guide bars 111 and 112. Further, the ink ribbon conveying means 90
is equipped with an ink ribbon detector 113 for detecting color boundary points of the ink ribbon 91. This ink ribbon detector 113 has a light emitting element 113a and a light receiving element 113b arranged between the ink ribbon 91.
It is detected that the tip of each color of the ink ribbon 91, which is divided into strips and painted separately, has arrived between 13a and 113b. This detection signal, together with the detection signal of the recording paper detector 44 in the recording paper supply means 30 described above, is used to determine the timing of color recording. Note that the position where the ink ribbon detector 113 detects the color boundary point of the ink ribbon 91 is such that the distance of the ink ribbon from the position to the recording position of the thermal recording head 12 of the recording means 10 is the same as that of the recording paper supply means 70. Similarly, the distance is set to be equal to the distance of the recording paper from the other end 86c of the arm 86 to the recording position of the thermal recording head 12.

The recording paper discharge means 120 is for guiding the recording paper on which color reception recording has been completed to the outside of the apparatus, that is, conveying it to the paper discharge tray 5 provided at the top of the apparatus. It is composed of paper discharge paths 123 and 124. The feed roller 121 consists of a pair of a drive roller 125 and a pinch roller 126, and a shaft 125a of the drive roller 125 is linked to a stepping motor (not shown).
The shaft 126a of No. 6 is biased by a spring means (not shown) via a bearing so that the pinch roller 126 comes into pressure contact with the drive roller 125. On the other hand, the feed roller 122 is also connected to the drive roller 127 and the pinch roller 12 in the same way.
It consists of 8.

Further, the facsimile control means 130 includes an electronic circuit board 140 and a power supply device 150 for operating the color facsimile receiving apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Its block configuration is shown in FIG. That is, in FIG. 8, there is a line control section 141 that controls the connection with a color facsimile transmitter located at a remote location via a transmission line according to a predetermined procedure and inputs a facsimile signal, and a line control section 141 that detects the facsimile signal. , a modem 142 for demodulating and obtaining coded data, a system control section 143 centered on a microprocessor that controls the entire device including the operation panel based on the coded data, and a predetermined system procedure from the coded data. a decoding unit 144 for restoring the image signal to be recorded in , a color conversion circuit 145 for converting the image signal into color-specific recording signals, and a page for temporarily storing the color-specific recording signals described above for frame-sequential recording. memory 146;
For example, the recording control unit 147 includes density pattern conversion for gradation recording and control of the energizing pulse width to the heating resistor of the thermal recording head, and mechanical control that controls the stepping motor, electromagnetic solenoids, various detectors, etc. Section 148
and a power supply 1 that supplies various voltages and currents necessary for the operation of electronic circuits, thermal recording heads, motors, solenoids, etc.
It consists of 50.

Next, the function and operation of the bipedal color facsimile receiving apparatus will be explained.

First, a color facsimile transmission device placed in a remote location performs necessary color separation, encoding processing, modulation, etc. based on the image signal obtained by scanning a color document, and then sends it through a transmission line. A facsimile signal containing color information is received via a line control section 141, demodulated by a modem 142, and sent to a decoding section under the control of a system control section 143 of an electronic circuit having a block configuration shown in FIG. After being decoded by 144, the image signals separated into colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow by a color conversion circuit 145 are stored in a page memory 146. Based on the control signal from the system control unit 143, the mechanism control unit 1
48 functions to first energize and excite the electromagnetic solenoid 18 of the recording means 10 and the electromagnetic solenoid 42 of the recording paper supply means 30, and the thermal recording head 12 is mounted rotatably on the plunger 18a. The inverted arm 15 is attached to the support shaft 16 against the tension coil spring 17.
The thermosensitive recording head 12 is separated from the platen roller 11 by rotating clockwise using the arm 39 as a fulcrum, thereby separating the thermal recording head 12 from the platen roller 11. distance from At the same time, the stepping motor (not shown) of the ink ribbon conveying means 90 is rotated, and the ink ribbon 91, which has been painted in three colors, for example, yellow, magenta, and cyan, is connected to the stepping motor via the timing pulley 108 as described above. It is fed via guide bars 109, 110, platen roller 11 and guide bars 111, 112 for winding onto a winding roll 93.

At this time, the take-up roll 93 rotates while slipping due to the joint member 103, and the supply roll 92 is similarly braked by the joint member 102, so that the ink ribbon 91 is fed while maintaining a predetermined tension. Then, the ink ribbon detector 113 detects the leading edge of the first color of the ink ribbon to be printed, for example, the beginning of yellow, using a field sequential method. This detection signal is sent to the system control unit 143.
The rotation of the stepping motor is stopped via the mechanism control unit 148, thereby stopping the feeding of the ink ribbon 91 by 1 μm.

On the other hand, in parallel with the operation of the ink ribbon 91, the mechanism control unit 148 controls the electromagnetic solenoid 8 of the recording paper supply means 70.
7 is energized and excited to drive the pinch roller 82 to the drive roller 81.
and the other end 86c of the arm 86.
descend. Further, the stepping motor 14 starts rotating in a certain direction, for example, counterclockwise, and the paper feed roller 71 connected to the stepping motor 14 via a one-way clutch (not shown) also rotates, and the recording paper storage means 60
By utilizing the difference in the coefficient of friction between the recording paper, the rubber paper feed roller 71, and the recording paper, The recording paper supply path 7 of the recording paper supply means 70 is separated and sent out.
Leads to 2. Subsequently, the recording paper is fed by the paper feed roller 71, passes through the recording paper detector 89, and further passes through the gap between the drive roller 81 and the pinch roller 82, and its leading end collides with the other end 86c of the arm 86. In this way, the recording paper is still being fed by the paper feed roller 71, and the inside of the recording paper is bent and swollen upward, that is, the leading edge of the recording paper completely collides with the other end 86c of the arm 86. The posture can be adjusted so that it is perpendicular to the direction of travel. When the recording paper detector 89 detects the leading edge of the recording paper 7, a timer is activated by the detection signal and time measurement is started. This timer is set for a sufficient time to complete the recording paper alignment operation. When the timer finishes counting, the rotation direction of the stepping motor 14 is reversed and rotated clockwise. Then, due to the action of the one-way clutch, the rotational force is no longer transmitted to the paper feed roller 71, and the paper feed roller 71 stops its rotation. When the timer completes timing, the electromagnetic solenoid 87 is deenergized and deenergized.

However, as the arm 86 is returned to its original position by the tension coil spring 88, the other end 86c of the arm 86 rises to release the stop on the recording paper, and the pinch roller 82
The pin 86b that contacts the shaft 82a is lowered, and the pinch roller 82 is pressed by the spring 84 against the drive roller 81, which rotates in conjunction with the stepping motor 14, so that the recording paper, which has been adjusted in its posture, is moved again. The paper is fed and guided to the recording paper supply path 72. Furthermore, at the same time as the above operation, the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is de-energized and demagnetized, the inverted-shaped arm 15 is returned to its original position by the tension coil spring 17, and the thermal recording head 12 attached to the inverted-shaped arm 15 is
The ink ribbon 91 is pressed against the platen roller 11, and the stepping motor (not shown) is rotated.
be sent again.

In this way, the ink ribbon 91 and the recording paper are fed simultaneously, but eventually the recording paper reaches the conveyance path 43 of the recording paper supply means 30, and its leading edge is detected by the recording paper detector 44. This detection signal is sent to the system control section 143, and the timer means starts measuring time. While continuing to be fed, the recording paper enters and is held between the rotating platen roller 11 and the ink ribbon 91 that is being fed.

Here, as described above, with reference to the recording position of the thermal recording head 12, the distance of the ink ribbon 91 to the ink ribbon detector 113, and the distance of the recording paper to the other end 86c of the arm 86 in the recording paper supply means 70. are set to be equal, so the yellow leading edge of the ink ribbon 91 and the leading edge of the recording paper coincide and overlap. Then, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of time measurement by the timer means, that is, the yellow tip of the ink ribbon 91 and the tip of the recording paper are located directly above or above the heating resistor array, which is the recording position of the thermal recording head 12. , when it reaches a point where it has gone too far, under the control of the system control unit 143 described above, the image corresponding to the yellow color is first selected among the image signals separated into three colors stored in the page memory 146. The signal is read out and sent to the thermal recording head 12.

The image signal is amplified by a driver mounted on the thermal recording head 12, energizes the heating resistor, generates Joule heat, locally heats the ink ribbon 91, and causes the yellow solid ink layer applied thereto to be heated. It is melted and transferred to a recording paper that is pressed against it, and a yellow image is first recorded in dots. The recording paper and the ink ribbon 91 are fed by the platen roller 11 while recording is performed sequentially at each scanning pitch as described above so that the recording paper and the ink ribbon 91 are in close contact with each other so that no misalignment occurs. After the yellow recording is completed, the recording paper and the ink ribbon 91, which are still in close contact with each other, are fed as they are and reach the guide bar 111. Here, the ink ribbon 91 is rapidly rotated as shown in FIG. 1, but the recording paper tends to move straight due to its rigidity and peels off from the ink ribbon 91. The peeled recording paper is guided by the flapper 51 of the path switching means 50 and enters the grip roller 22, which is at the lower side in the figure, that is, the gripper piece 24a of the recording paper circulation means 20 is open and waiting. As yellow recording continues, the recording paper fed by the platen roller 11 eventually reaches the gripper piece 24a and the block 2.
It collides with the bottom of 4b.

Hereinafter, details of the color recording mechanism using the frame sequential method, which is the gist of the present invention, will be explained using FIG. 9.

In FIG. 9, 62 is recording paper, 91 is an ink ribbon,
11 is a platen roller, 12 is a thermal recording head, 22 is a grip roller, 24a is a gripper piece, 36 is a pack tension roller, 31 is a drive roller, and 43 is a recording paper supply path.

In FIG. 9(a), the recording paper 62 is still being fed;
The recording paper is bent and slightly swollen, that is, the leading edge of the recording paper is completely connected to the gripper piece 24a and the block 24b.
When it collides with the bottom of the grip roller 22 and adjusts its posture to be perpendicular to the direction of travel, an electromagnetic clutch (not shown) attached to the shaft 21 of the grip roller 22 operates, and the grip roller 22 or the platen roller 11 and its circle are activated. Start rotating with equal circumferential speed. Then, as shown in FIG. 2 described above, the pin 26, which had been pushed toward the center of the grip roller 22 by the cam 27 via the cam follower 28 and the rod 24, thereby opening the gripper piece 24a, is now opened by the cam follower 28. When the cam 27 is disengaged from the convex portion 27b, the gripper piece 24a returns by the action of the compression coil spring 25, and the gripper piece 24a closes to grip and hold the leading edge of the recording paper 62. The grip roller 22 continues to rotate while holding the leading edge of the recording paper, and stops after rotating approximately half a turn as shown in FIG. 9(b). However, the recording of yellow color still progresses, and the recording paper 62 is fed one after another by the platen roller 11, so as shown in FIG.
As shown in c), the recording paper 62 swells greatly within the space S and hangs down vertically. ° When the yellow recording approaches the end and the end of the recording paper 62 reaches the vicinity of the entrance of the recording paper supply path 43, the drive roller 31 and grip roller 22 are rotated again as shown in FIG. 9(d). . Therefore, the leading edge of the recording paper 62 is fed again, but the gripper piece 24a does the opposite operation of gripping and holding the leading edge of the recording paper, that is, the sliding surface 27a of the cam 27 in FIG. Cam follower 28 rides up,
The gripper piece 24a opens via the bottle 26. At this point, the drive roller 31 is temporarily stopped and the grip roller 22 continues to rotate, thereby completely opening the leading edge of the recording paper 62. During this time, yellow recording is performed on the recording paper 62, and when the trailing edge of the recording paper 62 passes the detector 44, the detector 44 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper. This detection signal is sent to the system control section 143, and the timer means starts measuring time. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, that is, when the end of the recording paper 62 reaches a position directly above or slightly beyond the heating resistor array, which is the recording position of the thermal recording head 12, the system controller 143 The electromagnetic solenoid 18 is energized and excited via the control unit 148 to separate the thermal recording head 12 from the platen roller 11 .

At the same time, the ink ribbon is conveyed at high speed to a position corresponding to the next color to be recorded, for example, magenta, and when the tip of magenta reaches that position, the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is demagnetized and the thermal recording head 12 is injected with ink. It is pressed against the platen roller 11 via the ribbon 91. In addition, electromagnetic solenoid 1
The degaussing timing No. 8 can be performed based on the color light edge detection signal of the detector 113. In this way, when the tip of the next color of the ink ribbon 91 reaches the predetermined position, the excitation current of the electromagnetic solenoid 42 in FIG. The roller 36 is returned to its original position and is brought into pressure contact with the grip roller 22, and at the same time, the drive roller 31 is rotated again as shown in FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 9(f), the leading edge of the recording paper 62 is fed to the platen roller 11 which rotates as described above with reference to FIG. When the ink ribbon 91 enters and is pinched, the electromagnetic solenoid 42 is energized again, and the plunger 4
2a, and the pack tension roller 36 is separated from the grip roller 22 again via the lever 41 and the arm 39. The leading edge of the color to be recorded, for example magenta, and the leading edge of the recording paper 62 coincide and overlap, and thus the magenta leading edge of the ink ribbon 91 and the leading edge of the recording paper 62 are at the recording position of the thermal recording head 12. When reaching a position directly above or slightly beyond a certain heating resistor row, under the control of the system control section 143 described above,
Of the image signals separated into three colors stored in the page memory 146, the image signal corresponding to the magenta color is read out and sent to the thermal recording head 12. Then, a driver mounted on the thermal recording head 12 energizes the heating resistor to generate Joule heat to heat the ink ribbon 91, melting the magenta solid ink layer applied thereto, and pressing the recording paper. 62, and a dot-like magenta image is recorded. Thereafter, in the same process as in the case of yellow color recording, magenta color is recorded over the already recorded yellow image.

In this way, a color image is recorded while sequentially overlapping each color of the ink ribbon 91, and when recording of the last color to be recorded, for example, cyan, is started by the thermal recording head 12, the mechanism control unit 148 By energizing and exciting the electromagnetic solenoid 54 of the switching means 50 and attracting the plunger 54a, the flapper 51 is moved to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 1 via the lever 53 and shaft 52.
The direction of the recording paper 62 toward the advancing grip roller 22 is closed, and the direction of the recording paper discharge means 120 toward the recording paper discharge path 123 is opened. At the same time, the driving rollers 125 and 127 associated with the stepping motor (not shown) of the recording paper ejecting means 120 start rotating, and the two sets of feed rollers 121 and 122 operate. However, the recording paper 62 on which recording of the last color to be recorded, for example, cyan color, has been completed.
is fed in close contact with the ink ribbon 91 and reaches the guide bar 111. Here, since the ink ribbon 91 is rapidly rotated as described above, the leading edge of the recording paper 62 tries to move straight due to its rigidity and peels off from the ink ribbon 91. The leading edge of the recording paper 62, which has been peeled off to form a complete color received recording image, is guided by the flapper 51 of the path switching means 50 shown by the two-dot chain line in the figure.
It enters the recording discharge path 123. Thereafter, the recording paper 62 is fed by the feed roller 121, and the recording paper ejection path 12
4, the paper is discharged and placed on a paper discharge tray 5 provided at the top of the apparatus by a feed roller 122. Mechanism control section 14
8, when one page of reception recording is completed and sufficient time has elapsed for the end of the recording paper 62 to pass through the flapper 51, the electromagnetic solenoid 54 is de-energized and the flapper 51 is returned to its original state by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 55. The position is returned to the position shown by the solid line in the figure. At the same time, the stepping motor 14 of the recording means 10 and the ink ribbon conveying means 90
The stepping motor (not shown) also stops rotating, and the rotation of the platen roller 11 also stops.
The feeding of the ink ribbon 91 also stops. On the other hand, when the end of the recording paper 62 passes the feed roller 122 and the recording paper 62 on which the color received recorded image is formed is completely discharged onto the paper discharge tray 5, the recording paper discharge means 1
The rotation of the unillustrated stepping motor 20 also stops.

With the above steps, one type of reception and recording operation in color facsimile communication is completed, and a received image identical to that of a color original is obtained.

The principle of subtractive color mixing in color recording is a well-known technique and will not be explained here, but when using the three colors yellow, magenta, and cyan as the solid ink layer colors of the ink ribbon, white, which is the background color of the recording paper, It is well known that eight colors can be reproduced and recorded by adding . Furthermore, if gradation recording is performed using a pseudo-halftone recording method such as the density pattern method, a large number of colors can be reproduced even with the three-color ink ribbon. For example, if the density of the heating element is 16 pal,
When performing gradation recording using the dithering method using a 4x4 dot matrix using a thermal recording head with 4 pixels/
It is possible to record 4096 colors with a resolution of mm. It goes without saying that the color facsimile receiving and recording apparatus described in detail of the present invention can be preferably applied to the color recording methods described above (i It can be similarly applied to machines and color printers.

In addition, it is also possible to use multicolor recording methods that do not rely on subtractive color mixing, such as multicolor facsimile, which uses ink ribbons painted in strips to record in two colors, red and black. It goes without saying that the present invention can be preferably applied.

In the gripper mechanism 23 of the grip roller 22 in the recording means 10 of the above embodiment, the gripper piece 24a holds and releases the leading edge of the recording paper by a combination of a compression coil spring 25 and a cam 27. However, it can also be suitably realized using other means, such as an electromagnetic solenoid, and is not limited to the embodiments.

Further, the recording means 10 is provided with a pack tension roller 36, and the electromagnetic solenoid 42 controls the pack tension roller 36 to press against or separate from the grip roller 22, but this electromagnetic solenoid 42 is omitted and the pack tension roller 36 is always gripped. It may be made to come into pressure contact with the roller 22. This pack tension roller 36 may be omitted if the precision of the components of the mechanism can be maintained sufficiently and meandering during feeding of the recording paper can be prevented.

Furthermore, the flapper 51 of the path switching means 50 in the recording means 10 opens the direction of the advance of the recording paper toward the recording paper discharge means 120 and closes the direction toward the grip roller 22 by energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 54. However, by energizing the electromagnetic solenoid 54-, the grip roller 2 is
Alternatively, the direction toward the recording paper ejection means 120 may be opened and the direction toward the recording paper ejection means 120 may be closed.

In the above embodiment, the length of the recording paper is substantially detected by detecting the end of the recording paper with the detector 44, but the length of the recording paper is actually detected by detecting the leading edge and the end of the recording paper with the detector 44. It is of course possible to detect the length of the paper.

In addition, when using standard size TLT sheet recording paper,
The length of the recording paper can be detected in the recording paper accommodating means 60, and when single-sheet recording papers of different sizes are set in the recording paper accommodating means 60, the length of the recording paper can be detected when selecting those sizes. It is also possible to detect the length of the recording paper to be used based on the size designation signal.

Further, as the recording paper, not only 'l'g recording paper cut into predetermined dimensions as in this embodiment, but also roll-shaped recording paper can be used. That is, the recording paper supply means 7
A recording paper cutting means such as an auto cutter is provided in the middle of the recording paper supply path 72 or 73 of 0, and the recording paper is cut so that the recording paper becomes the same size as the transmitted document via the mechanism control unit 148 in response to a command from the system control unit 143. In addition to operating the recording paper cutting means, the electromagnetic solenoid 18 is controlled as described above to make each color of the ink ribbon 91 correspond accurately to the length of the recording paper, thereby obtaining a color received image of the same size as the transmitted original. be able to.

In addition, although the thermal recording head of this embodiment uses a line scanning type to electronically scan and record, it is also possible to use a flying type thermal recording head to mechanically scan and record across the recording paper. The present invention can also be preferably applied to color recording devices such as color printers.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained in detail above, in color image recording by the field sequential method of thermal transfer recording to which the present invention is applied, the leading edge of the recording paper is captured every time recording of one color is completed, and the leading edge of the recording paper is captured and The leading edge of the recording paper is moved to the inlet side of the thermal recording head and held there, and all other parts of the recording paper are left slack, and the recording paper is set at a predetermined timing when the trailing edge of the recording paper finishes recording. At the same time, the holding operation of the leading edge of the recording paper is released, and the recording paper is overlapped with the ink ribbon and pressed between the thermal recording head and the platen roller to record the next color. If it is shorter than the length of each color division of the ribbon, the thermal recording head and platen roller are separated each time one color of recording paper is completed, and the remaining length of each color division of the ink ribbon is conveyed before the next color recording starts. I try to do that.

Therefore, the wasted time required for the reciprocating movement of the recording paper each time one color is recorded as described in the conventional example can be extremely reduced, and there is an excellent advantage that color recording can be performed at high speed.

Furthermore, the long space for temporarily accommodating the recording paper during the reciprocation of the recording paper in the conventional example becomes unnecessary by applying the present invention, which is advantageous in terms of miniaturization of the apparatus.

Furthermore, after the start of recording, the leading edge of the recording paper is held by the recording paper circulation means for most of the process.
Since the free period is short, it is possible to reduce the skew of the recording paper and the cumulative error in the stroke, so compared to the conventional method that uses reciprocating movement of the recording paper, color shift is extremely small and high-quality color images can be obtained. It has the advantage of being able to

Furthermore, during color recording, only the leading edge of the recording paper is held, and the rest is not constrained and is allowed to sag naturally, for example, vertically downward, so that the conveyance path for recording paper circulation using a guide plate, etc. It has the advantage that a highly functional device can be constructed in a compact size without requiring other structures.

In addition, since the ink ribbon is fed independently to the platen roller of the thermal recording head, it is possible to use recording paper of any size.

If a recording paper cutting means such as an auto cutter is used, a color received image of the same size as the transmitted document can always be obtained, which is an excellent feature.

On the other hand, since recording can be performed using a small diameter platen roller,
Circulating the recording paper does not require a specially shaped thermal recording head, unlike the conventional drum platen system similar to the present invention, and furthermore, the circumference does not need to be longer than the length of the recording paper. This eliminates the need for a drum-shaped platen with a certain large diameter, which has the advantage of making the apparatus compact and inexpensive.

In addition, in the color recording apparatus of the embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side plates that form the thermal recording head and the ink ribbon conveying means are supported by the support shafts provided on the pair of side plates that constitute the main part of the main body. Since it is rotatably supported so as to open upwardly, the elements covering the recording means, the recording paper supply means, and the recording paper ejection means can be removed or easily removed by opening them. Therefore, it is extremely easy to load and replace the ink ribbon, and recovery processing in the event of a failure such as a recording paper jam can be performed quickly.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view conceptually showing the configuration of a color facsimile receiving device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially sectional side view showing a recording paper circulation means of the device, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the recording paper. FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the circulation means, FIG.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the pinch roller in the figure, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure for holding the ink ribbon supply roll, and FIG.
8 is a block diagram showing a control system of a color facsimile receiving apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing a structure for holding an ink ribbon take-up roll.FIG. A cross-sectional view schematically showing the process, FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of a conventional color recording ink ribbon, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are conceptual diagrams showing the conventional color recording method. It is a diagram. 1... device housing, 2. °3...Side plate, 4...Cover, 4a, 4b...Side plate, 5...Output tray, 10
...Recording means, 11...Platen roller, 12...
- Thermal recording head, 13... Separation mechanism, 20... Recording paper circulation means, 22... Grip roller, 23...
Gripper mechanism, 24a...Gripper piece, 27...Cam, 30...Second recording paper supply means, 33...Feed roller, 36...Pack tension roller, 43
. . . Recording paper supply path, 44 . . . Detector, 50 . . . Path switching means, 51 . Recording paper,
70... First recording paper supply means, 71... Paper feed roller, 72. 73... Recording paper supply path, 80... Recording paper aligning means, 81... Drive roller, 82...・Pinch roller, 83...Feed roller, 84...Spring, 8
5.86...Arm, 86c...One end, 87...
Electromagnetic solenoid 88... Spring, 89... Recording paper detector, 90... Ink ribbon transport means, 91... Ink ribbon, 92... Supply roll, 93... Winding roll, 113... . . . Ink ribbon detector, 120 . . . Recording paper ejection means, 121. ．． 122...Feed roller, 123.124...Recording paper ejection path, 130...Facsimile control means, 140...Electronic circuit board, 15
0...Power supply device. Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 N30 Figure 10 Figure 12

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) Overlapping a recording paper and an ink ribbon formed into a band shape by periodically repeating solid ink layers of a plurality of colors,
In a color image recording method in which the ink of the ink ribbon is transferred to recording paper by repeatedly passing the ink between a thermal recording head and a platen provided opposite to the thermal recording head, the ink ribbon is peeled off after recording is completed. captures the leading edge of the recording paper that is being ejected from the thermal recording head.
The leading edge of the recording paper is moved to the inlet side of the recording head, and the leading edge of the recording paper is kept waiting there, and the other part of the recording paper except for the leading edge of the recording paper is subsequently ejected from the thermal recording head, without being restrained. When the recording of the first color is completed, the recording paper is fed to the thermal recording head to record the second color, and this is repeated a necessary number of times to record a color image, and when performing the recording. , the length of the recording paper is detected, and if the length of the recording paper is shorter than the length of each color division of the ink ribbon, the thermal recording head and the platen are separated each time recording of one color is completed, and the recording paper is separated from the platen for the next color. 1. A color image recording method characterized in that an extra length of an ink ribbon for each color classification is conveyed before recording starts. (2) The color image recording method according to claim (1), wherein the length of the recording paper is detected by a detector disposed in a recording paper supply path. (3) The color image recording method according to claim (2), wherein the detector detects only the trailing edge of the recording paper. (4) The length of the recording paper is detected using a recording paper size designation signal.
) Color image recording method described in section 2. (5) The color image according to claim (1), wherein the length of the recording paper is detected by determining the type of single sheet recording paper set in the recording paper storage means. Recording method. (6) The length of the recording paper is detected based on a recording paper size designation signal that selects one of a plurality of recording paper storage means in which single-sheet recording papers of different sizes are set. A color image recording method according to claim (1).