KR100520578B1 - Thermal transfer printer equipped with cartridge unifying thermal ribbon and transfer medium - Google Patents

Abstract

The technical problem is to provide a thermal transfer printer that can be produced at low cost due to its simple structure, does not require a large installation area, and can increase user convenience. The printer of the present invention includes a cartridge in which a transfer paper roll on which a transfer paper is wound, a supply reel on which an unused ink ribbon is wound, and a winding reel on which an used ink ribbon is wound are integrated. The thermal recording head transfers the dye applied on the surface of the unused ink ribbon supplied through the slit of the cartridge onto the transfer paper, and the platen selectively adheres the unused ink ribbon and transfer paper to the thermal recording head to ensure sufficient transfer. do. The transfer paper roll driving means functions to receive the transfer paper roll while driving the transfer paper in printing the various colors in a sequential manner by rotating the transfer paper roll in the forward and reverse directions. The capstan applies friction to the back of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper can be transported at a constant speed without slipping. Such a printer controls the unwinding and winding of the transfer paper wound on the transfer paper roll by the transfer paper roll driving means to print a plurality of colors of ink applied to the ink ribbon in a surface sequential manner, and recovers the used ink ribbon on the take-up reel. While winding, the printed transfer paper portion is discharged through the outlet.

Description

Thermal Transfer Printer Equipped with Cartridge Unifying Thermal Ribbon and Transfer Medium}

The present invention relates to a printer device, and more particularly to a thermal transfer printer device.

As is well known, a thermal transfer printer refers to a printer in which a dye on a thermal transfer ribbon is transferred to and fixed on a recording medium by applying heat to a thermal transfer ribbon to which a dye is applied. Such thermal transfer printers are divided into sublimation type thermal transfer methods in which dyes are transferred by sublimation according to the thermal transfer method of dyes, and melt type thermal transfer methods in which dye is transferred by melting the thermal recording heads. The company method is mainly used in the card printer for issuance of ID card, etc. that can identify the employee's identity in the company, and the melt-type thermal transfer method is widely used in a barcode printer for printing a bar code containing product information.

1 shows an example of a conventional thermal transfer printer. The ribbon cartridge 4 is detachably installed inside the housing 2 of the illustrated printer, and the transfer paper cassette 20 is detachably installed at one side of the printer. The ribbon cartridge 4 is a frame for accommodating the ink ribbon 6, in which an unused ink ribbon is wound, and a supply reel 8 for releasing and supplying the ink ribbon during printing and a winding to recover the used ink ribbon. The reel 10 is provided inside. Here, the ink ribbon 6 is a form in which three color layers of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C), that is, donor layers, are sequentially applied to a base layer of a synthetic resin material. At the edge, a code is printed to allow the printer to identify the color.

Above the inner edge of the transfer paper cassette 20, the paper feed roller 30 is installed to be vertically lifted by being coupled to the upper end of the lever 32, the lower end of which is axially supported in the main body. Inside the paper feed roller 30, a capstan 34 capable of rotating by a power source (not shown) is provided to face the pinch roller 36. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, the thermal recording heads TTP 38 are fixedly installed above the capstan 34 and the pinch roller 36. Below the thermal recording head 38, the platen 40 is installed to be vertically lifted by being coupled to the upper end of the lift lever 42, the lower end of which is axially supported inside the main body.

In such a printer, when a print command is input, the lever 32 rotates clockwise around the lower hinge and the feed roller 30 rotates clockwise so that the feed roller 30 contacts the transfer paper. Accordingly, one transfer sheet loaded on the transfer sheet cassette 20 is transferred between the capstan 34 and the pinch roller 36. Transfer of the transfer paper is stopped just before exiting to the outlet 44 provided on the opposite side of the cassette 20. When transfer of the transfer paper is completed, the lift lever 42 is rotated so that the platen 40 is pressed against the thermal recording head 38 at an appropriate pressure with the ink ribbon 6 and the transfer paper 12 interposed therebetween, and the capstan 34 ), The feed reel 8 and the take-up reel 10 rotate, and the thermal recording head 38 generates heat to start printing in yellow (Y) color. When the printing of the yellow (Y) color is completed, the platen 40 is lowered and the transfer paper is moved to the left side again in the drawing, and the magenta (M) color and the cyan (C) color are printed. When the printing of all the colors is completed, the transfer paper is discharged in a state where the rotation of the supply reel 8 and the take-up reel 10 is suppressed after the platen 40 is lowered and the heat-sensitive recording head 38 is stopped. Through 44). As described above, the conventional thermal transfer printer realizes full color by printing three colors of ink on a transfer paper in a plane-sequential manner.

By the way, according to the conventional thermal transfer printer, a transfer paper cassette is required because the transfer paper is already cut, and a large installation area is required because the transfer paper cassette protrudes out of the printer. In addition, a feed roller and related parts for transferring the transfer paper from the transfer paper cassette are required, and in particular, a reverse rotation roller is required to feed two or more transfer papers one by one due to the friction between the transfer papers. However, there is a problem that the mechanism for paper feeding is complicated. In addition, since the transfer paper repeats the reciprocating movement of the part of the transfer paper partially exiting through the exit and reentering in the process of printing the three-color ink in the surface sequential method, the installation area must be sufficiently secured, thus the installation area is larger. The disadvantage is that you lose. In addition, since the distance between the ribbon supply reel and the take-up reel is far, there is a problem in that the power transmission mechanism becomes complicated and excessive parts are required to drive both the supply reel and the take-up reel to maintain the tension of the ink. On the other hand, since the ribbon cartridge and the transfer paper cassette are separately mounted, the user's convenience is deteriorated.

As the use of the Internet becomes more common and the spread of digital cameras increases, the desire for each user to directly print an image downloaded from the Internet or a photograph taken by a digital camera is increasing. And problems due to low convenience, etc. can be said to be a particular problem when implementing a small printer suitable for a user to directly print a small picture.

The present invention is to solve such a problem, it is a technical problem to provide a thermal transfer printer that can be produced with a simple structure and low cost, does not require a large installation area and can increase the user convenience.

The printer of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem is provided with a transfer paper roll on which a transfer paper is wound, a supply reel on which an unused ink ribbon is wound, and a winding reel on which a used ink ribbon is wound, and an access passage of the transfer paper and the ink ribbon. And a cartridge having at least one slit formed thereon to provide a thermal recording head, a platen, a transfer paper roll driving means, and a capstan. The thermal recording head transfers the dye applied on the surface of the unused ink ribbon supplied through the slit of the cartridge onto the transfer paper, and the platen selectively adheres the unused ink ribbon and transfer paper to the thermal recording head to ensure sufficient transfer. do. The transfer paper roll driving means functions to receive the transfer paper roll while driving the transfer paper in printing the various colors in a sequential manner by rotating the transfer paper roll in the forward and reverse directions. The capstan applies friction to the back of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper can be transported at a constant speed without slipping. Such a printer controls the unwinding and winding of the transfer paper wound on the transfer paper roll by the transfer paper roll driving means to print a plurality of colors of ink applied to the ink ribbon in a surface sequential manner, and recovers the used ink ribbon on the take-up reel. While winding, the printed transfer paper portion is discharged through the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge includes a transfer paper slot for providing a transfer path of the transfer paper, a ribbon supply slit for supplying unused ink ribbon from the supply reel to the thermal recording head, and returning the used ink ribbon to the take-up reel. Ribbon recovery slits are formed. In this embodiment, the capstan is preferably provided between the transfer paper slot and the thermal recording head. In addition, it is preferable that a collar for guiding the transfer paper to the capstan is attached to the lower side of the slot for the transfer paper.

On the other hand, the printer of the present invention may further include a cutter assembly that enables to cut the transfer paper is completed printing. In one embodiment, the cutter assembly directly cuts the transcribed portion where the printing is completed in the transverse direction. In this case, a longitudinal cutter may be further provided to cut the transfer paper in the longitudinal direction to fit the transfer paper portion on which printing is completed. On the other hand, in another embodiment, the cutter assembly may puncture a plurality of fine holes disposed laterally in the portion of the transfer paper to which printing has been completed so that the user can remove the recording paper.

Behind the discharge port of the printer, the discharge roller for promoting the discharge of the printed transfer paper portion, and the discharge driven roller which rotates in conjunction with the discharge roller may be further provided. It is preferable that a plurality of guide protrusions are formed on the outer circumference of the discharge roller. In addition, it is preferable that the slip device is installed on the discharge roller, and the discharge roller rotates at a higher speed than the capstan when the printed transfer paper portion is discharged.

In addition, the present invention provides a printing method for printing in such a printer with almost no top and bottom margins. In printing, the end of the transfer paper is first positioned between the thermal recording head and the platen. Then, the unused ink ribbon wound on the supply reel is superimposed on the transfer paper, and the unused ink ribbon and the transfer paper are adhered to the thermal recording head and platen while rotating the transfer paper roll in the first direction to apply the first ink coated on the ink ribbon. The dye of color is transferred to the transfer paper and fixed, and the used ink ribbon is wound on the take-up reel. Then, the thermal recording head and the platen are released from each other, and the transfer paper roll is rotated in the second direction so that the end of the transfer paper is positioned between the thermal recording head and the platen, and the unused ink ribbon and the transfer paper are subjected to the thermal recording head and The transfer paper roll is rotated in the first direction while being in close contact with the platen so that the dye of the second color applied to the ink ribbon is transferred to and fixed on the transfer paper, and the used ink ribbon is wound on the take-up reel.

By performing printing by the printing method, an image of the same size or smaller than a general-purpose paper such as A4 or A6 may be printed, but an image having a very long horizontal length in comparison with the general-size paper standard. You can also output In the case of performing a panoramic printing which outputs an image having a long horizontal shape using the printer, a separate panoramic printing cartridge in which each dye layer applied to the ink ribbon is formed longer than a general cartridge is mounted. It is preferable.

When performing panoramic printing, the printer determines whether the printing mode is a panoramic printing mode or a normal printing mode before performing printing. If it is determined that the print mode is the panoramic print mode, the printer determines whether the cartridge for panoramic printing is mounted. When the cartridge for panoramic printing is mounted, the printer prints together with the guide message. However, when the cartridge for panoramic printing is not mounted, the printer displays a predetermined error message.

Another example of the panoramic printing method includes a transfer paper roll on which a transfer paper is wound, a supply reel on which an unused ink ribbon is wound, a winding reel on which an used ink ribbon is wound, and a dye applied to the surface of the unused ink ribbon. It is implemented in a printer having a thermal recording head for transferring to a. First, the printer (a) receives image data from an external information device. Then, the printer (b) transfers a plurality of dye layers applied to the ink ribbon in a plane-sequential manner from a printing start point spaced apart from the end of the transfer paper by the left and right lengths of the image, and thus, a predetermined first length of the image. Print The printer then prints the remaining portion of the image by transferring the plurality of dye layers applied to the ink ribbon from the point where printing was completed before (c) in a plane-sequential manner. After printing is completed, the printer cuts the transfer paper at the printing start point.

The first length is preferably determined corresponding to the length of each dye layer applied to the ink ribbon.

In a preferred embodiment, the printer starts the print job after determining the left and right lengths of the image from the image data in the printing start step.

In a preferred embodiment, the printer uses the following equation from the left and right lengths of the image at the start of printing.

Where L is the left and right length of the image, Lf is the first length, n is the number of prints for the first length, and L ₀ is the remaining screen length. being)

The number of prints (n) and the remaining screen length (L ₀ ) are calculated from In performing the step (c), the printer first sequentially sequentially prints a plurality of dye layers applied to the ink ribbon by n-1 times in units of the first length from a point at which printing has been previously completed. To print. Then, when the remaining screen length is not zero, the printer transfers and prints the plurality of dye layers applied to the ink ribbon from the point where printing is completed in a surface sequential manner.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2 shows an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the outer peripheral surface of the printer shown on the right side of FIG. 2 is referred to as the front side, and the surface opposite thereto is referred to as the back side. The printer according to the present embodiment has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a liquid crystal display 50 for displaying a status and a plurality of keys 52 for operating instructions are provided on an upper surface thereof. On the left side of the printer is attached a door 54 which can be opened and closed by pivoting around a hinge (not shown) at the bottom, and a recess 64 for inserting and installing a cartridge 70 inside the door 54. This is provided. In addition, a plurality of parts including the thermal recording head 104 are provided inside the printer as described below.

Magnets 56a and 56b are attached to the upper and front inner and upper ends of the door 54, and correspondingly, the metal pieces 58a and 58b are attached to the main body side, so that the magnets 56a and 56b and the metal pieces 58a and 58b are attached. ), The door 54 is closed. On the other hand, the handles 60a and 60b are provided at approximately the centers of both edges of the door 54, so that the doors 54 can be opened by pulling the handles 60a and 60b. On the other hand, in the door 54, an inlet port 62 is formed at a position facing the side of the thermal recording head 104, and a cooling fan (not shown) is provided on the opposite right side thereof, whereby the thermal recording head is provided. The heat generated at 104 can be generated outside. On the other hand, the outlet 120 for discharging the printed output is formed on the front lower side of the printer.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the printer shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge 70 viewed from the side and below.

The cartridge 70 is a frame for storing the transfer paper and the ink ribbon, and includes a rear accommodating portion 72 having an outer circumferential surface and a front accommodating portion extending from the upper and lower sides of the rear accommodating portion 72 toward the front. And (82). On the side of the cartridge 70, a handle 71 for taking out from the printer main body for replacement or the like is provided. A portion where the rear housing portion 72 and the front housing portion 82 meet at the bottom of the cartridge 70 is indented upwardly to accommodate the capstan 100 and / or pinch roller 102 of the printer as described below. The groove 80 is formed to extend in the left and right directions. A transfer paper slit 74 is formed at the bottom of the rear housing portion 72 to penetrate the transfer paper 78 in the groove 80 direction, and a collar for guiding the transfer paper at the bottom of the cartridge 70 below the slit 74. 75 is attached. Inside the rear accommodating portion 72, a transfer paper roll 76 having a transfer paper wound in a roll form is rotatably installed.

An unused ink ribbon is wound inside the front housing 82, and a supply reel 92 for releasing and supplying the ink ribbon 99 and a winding reel 94 for winding up and using the used ink ribbon are rotatable during printing. Is installed. In front of the supply reel 92 and the take-up reel 94, a head receiving groove 84 for accommodating the thermal recording head 104 of the printer penetrates in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the head receiving groove 84 is front and rear by a partition wall (86, 88) formed to extend upward from the bottom of the cartridge 70, and the upper partition wall 90 connecting the upper end of the front and rear partition walls (86, 88). And upwards. First and second slits 87 and 89 for penetrating the ink ribbon 99 are formed at lower ends of the front and rear partitions 86 and 88, respectively. Accordingly, the ink ribbon 99 wound on the supply reel 92 passes through the first and second slits 87 and 89, and then winds up through the first and second idling gears 96 and 98. 94).

In a preferred embodiment, the feed reel 92 and the take-up reel 94 are in contact with the idling roller 93, so that rotational power applied to the take-up reel 94 is also supplied to the supply reel 92 so that the ink ribbon ( 99) the supply becomes smooth. As the ink ribbon 99 is moved from the supply reel 92 to the take-up reel 94, the supply reel 92 excessively rotates even if the rotational amounts of the outer periphery of the supply reel 92 and the take-up reel 94 are different. In order to prevent that, the idling roller 93 is preferably provided with a slip device having, for example, a felt and a spring. On the other hand, a rectangular slot 91 penetrating the cartridge case is formed at the bottom of the head housing groove 84 in the left and right direction so that the platen 106 adheres to the thermal recording head 104 in the printing process as will be described later. It is supposed to be.

The capstan 100 which allows the transfer paper 78 to be transported at a constant speed without slipping by applying a friction force to the back of the transfer paper 78 by a rotational movement by a power source (not shown) at the bottom of the recess 80 of the bottom of the cartridge 70. ) Is installed. The pinch roller 102 is supported by a spring, not shown, and is installed to be in contact with the capstan 100 in left and right directions. On the other hand, the thermal recording head 104 is disposed in the left and right direction inside the head receiving groove 84 of the cartridge 70, and the right end of the thermal recording head 104 is fixed to the internal frame of the printer. In the thermal recording head 104, fine heat generating elements are arranged in a line, and each heat generating element can individually generate heat according to a signal from the printer control unit 200. Below the thermal recording head 104, the transfer lever 78 and the ink ribbon 99 are pressed onto the thermal recording head, and a platen 106 for promoting heat transfer and transfer has a lower end axially supported inside the main body. ) It is coupled to the top and installed to vertically lift.

Discharge roller 110 is installed between the platen 106 and the printer discharge port 120 in contact with the discharge driven roller 112, the transfer paper is to be flattened on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge roller 110 and the transfer paper A plurality of guide protrusions are formed to prevent slipping. In order to prevent the transfer paper from being wrinkled inside the printer in the process of discharging the transfer paper, the discharge roller 110 rotates at a slightly faster speed (for example, at 1.1 times the speed) than the capstan 100, and thus the excessive amount of transfer paper. It is desirable to have a slip device that causes slip to occur when a tensile force of a certain magnitude or more is applied to prevent a tensile force from being applied. Such a slip device itself can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art using, for example, felt and spring, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. On the other hand, inside the printer outlet 120, a cutter assembly 114 for cutting the printed paper is installed. On the other hand, under the cartridge, a first guide member 116 is provided between the capstan 100 and the platen 106 so as to support the transfer paper from below and to transfer the transfer paper normally, and the platen 106 likewise. The second guide member 118 is also installed between the discharge roller 110.

FIG. 5 shows an electrical configuration of the printer shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The printer is connected to an information apparatus such as a PC, for example, to receive print data and to print. The printer controller 200 is connected to the external information device through the interface unit 202, stores print data received from the external information device in the memory 204, and controls the overall operation of the printer to perform printing. The memory 204 stores firmware for the operation of the controller 200 and buffers the print data received from the external information device. In such a printer, the control unit 200 controls the heat generation of the thermal recording head 104 by applying a thermal control signal to the thermal recording head 104 in accordance with the print data. In addition, the control unit 200 is a transfer paper roll 76, ribbon supply reel 92, ribbon winding reel 94, capstan 100, platen 106, lift lever 108 through the motor drive unit 220 , And control the rotation of the discharge roller 110. The transfer paper roll 76, the ribbon supply reel 92, the ribbon take-up reel 94, the capstan 100, the platen 106, and the discharge roller 110 are provided with a motor installed on the right frame of the frame body, for example, a gear or the like. Coupled and driven by a coupler to a power transmission means, such as a belt, such a power transmission means or the coupler itself can be easily implemented by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs a detailed description thereof. Meanwhile, the controller 200 controls the cutter assembly 114 to cut the transfer paper as necessary by driving the cutter assembly 114.

Such a printer operates as follows.

At the time of initial installation, the printer is in a state as shown in FIG. 6A, where the transfer sheet is positioned inside the cartridge 70 in a state where the transfer sheet is wound around the transfer roll 76. The state immediately after opening the door 54 and replacing the cartridge 70 during use is also shown in Fig. 6A.

In this state, when the power is supplied, the transfer paper roll 76 is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. 6B so that the tip of the transfer paper 78 is guided by the collar 75 attached to the bottom of the cartridge 70. It is conveyed and inserted between the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102. By the clockwise rotation of the capstan 100 and thus the rotation of the pinch roller 102, the transfer paper tip reaches the platen 106 while being supported by the first guide member 116. By the continuous rotation of the transfer paper roll 76, the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102, the transfer paper tip passes through the discharge roller 110 and the discharge driven roller 112 while being supported by the second guide member 118. This leads to the cutter assembly 114. When the transfer paper transfer is completed as described above, the printer waits in the state shown in FIG. 6B and waits for a print command. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the printing point of the thermal recording head 104 and the cutter assembly 114 is equal to or similar to the length of one recording sheet, so that printing can be started without additional transfer paper transfer after a print command is issued. have.

When a print command is input, as shown in FIG. 6C, the lift lever 108 rotates counterclockwise around the lower hinge to raise the platen 106 to lift the ink ribbon 99 and the transfer paper 78. It is crimped | bonded by the appropriate pressure to the thermal recording head 104 in between. The transfer paper 78 is transported to the rear by the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102 that rotates counterclockwise, and the transfer paper roll 76 also rotates clockwise to prevent the transfer paper from being wrinkled. 94 rotates clockwise to allow the ink ribbon 99 to proceed at the same speed as the transfer paper, and the platen 106 also rotates counterclockwise so that the transfer paper 78 and the ink ribbon 99 are moved by frictional force. It will proceed at this constant speed. In this state, the yellow (Y) color dye on the ink ribbon 99 is transferred to the transfer paper by subliming or melting the ink ribbon 99 by applying heat to the thermal recording head 104 in contact with the ink ribbon 99. The settling printing begins.

As shown in FIG. 6D, when the transfer paper tip reaches the printing point between the thermal recording head 104 and the platen 106 and the printing of the yellow (Y) color is finished, a paper sensor for detecting the completion of printing (not shown) ) Detects this and sends an electrical signal to the control unit 200, and the rotation of the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102 and the transfer paper roll 76 is stopped as shown in 5e under the control of the control unit 200. Then, the lift lever 108 is rotated clockwise about the hinge of the lower end platen 106 is lowered. At this time, when the winding roller 94 detects by the ribbon sensor (not shown) that the tip portion of the magenta (M) color of the ink ribbon reaches the printing point between the thermal recording head 104 and the platen 106. Can be further rotated.

Then, the transfer paper roll 76 rotates in the counterclockwise direction and the capstan 100 rotates in the clockwise direction so that the transfer paper is transferred forward in the drawing by the driving force of the transfer paper roll 76 and the capstan 100, The tip is supported by the second guide member 118 and passes through the discharge roller 110 and the discharge driven roller 112 to reach the cutter assembly 114 to return to the state as shown in FIG. 6B. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6C, the platen 106 is raised by the action of the lift lever 108 to provide a proper pressure on the thermal recording head 104 with the ink ribbon 99 and the transfer paper 78 interposed therebetween. When the capstan 100, the transfer paper roll 76, and the winding roller 94 are rotated, the thermal recording head 104 is heated to generate magenta (M) color.

When the printing of the magenta (M) color is finished, the rotation of the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102 and the transfer paper roll 76 is stopped as shown in FIG. 6E, and the platen is caused by the action of the lift lever 108. After 106 is lowered, the transfer paper roll 76 rotates counterclockwise and the capstan 100 rotates clockwise so that the edge of the transfer paper is supported by the second guide member 118 while the discharge roller 110 and It passes through the discharge driven roller 112 and reaches the cutter assembly 114, and returns to the state as shown in FIG. 6B. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 6C, the platen 106 is raised by the action of the lift lever 108 to provide a proper pressure on the thermal recording head 104 with the ink ribbon 99 and the transfer paper 78 interposed therebetween. When the capstan 100, the transfer paper roll 76 and the take-up roller 94 are rotated, the thermal recording head 104 is heated to generate cyan color printing. In addition, when the ink ribbon is provided with an overcoat (ov) dye layer for preventing black (B) or print layer deterioration, the dye layer is printed in the same manner.

When the printing of all the dye layers is finished, the rotation of the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102 and the transfer paper roll 76 is stopped as shown in FIG. 6E, and the platen ( 106) descends. Thereafter, the transfer paper roll 76 rotates counterclockwise and the capstan 100 rotates clockwise so that the transfer paper tip is supported by the second guide member 118 while the discharge roller 110 and the discharge driven roller 112 are rotated. It is discharged to the outlet 120 via the. At this time, the discharge roller 110 to prevent the slip of the recording paper is completed, and facilitate the discharge, the projections formed on the outer peripheral surface of the discharge roller 110, the transfer paper 78 is convex in the state wound on the transfer paper roll (76) Flatten out what was bent. When the portion of the transfer paper on which final printing is completed reaches the cutter assembly 114, the cutter assembly 114 cuts the transfer paper 78 laterally so that the recording paper is provided to the user through the outlet 120 as shown in FIG. 6F. Done.

As described above, according to the printer of the present invention, the transfer paper roll and the ink ribbon roll are accommodated in one cartridge, and the take-up reel after passing the ink ribbon 99 wound on the supply reel 92 through the thermal recording head 104. The transfer paper roll 76 on which the transfer paper 78 is wound while being wound on the 94 is repeated in both directions to print three colors of ink on the transfer paper in a plane-sequential manner, and the amount of each dye adsorbed on the transfer paper is determined by the calorific value. By adjusting it to achieve full color. Then, the ink ribbon recovered as the printing proceeds is wound on the take-up reel 94, while the portion of the transfer paper on which printing is completed, that is, the recording paper, is discharged to the outside.

The printer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is suitable for connecting to a personal PC and printing A6-size photographs. However, the present invention is limited thereto, and the printer can be manufactured according to various uses. In addition, while producing a printer with a focus on the A4 size printed output, as shown in Figure 7 may be free to output the A6 size photograph as needed. In the printer according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the cutter assembly 114 includes not only a transverse cutter but also a longitudinal cutter for cutting the transfer paper in the longitudinal direction. Such a longitudinal cutter can be selectively utilized by being elevated by a drive means such as a solenoid, for example. The printer control unit 200 determines the size of the output from a print command from an external information device such as a PC, and if a longitudinal cutting is necessary, a longitudinal cutter is driven to the driving means so that the longitudinal cutting is performed when the transfer paper is discharged. Can be. Such longitudinal cutter and the drive means itself is a matter that can be easily implemented and design changes by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains to the description of the present specification will not be described in detail.

On the other hand, in the above description, the distance between the printing point of the thermal recording head 104 and the cutter assembly 114 is equal to or similar to the length of one recording sheet, and thus printing can be started without additional transfer paper transfer after the print command is applied. During the printing of each color, the transfer paper is exited from the outlet 120 and described as a phenomenon in which the phenomenon does not occur again. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the printing point of the thermal recording head 104 and the cutter assembly 114 is shorter than the length of one recording sheet, so that the edge of the transfer sheet at the printing start stage or during each color printing. A portion of the may exit the outlet 120 and may be entered again.

In another embodiment of the printer according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the transfer paper leading end portion from exiting the outlet 120 by causing the transfer paper leading portion to move inside the printer at the printing start stage or during each color printing. 8 shows a printer according to such an embodiment. In Fig. 8, a shutter 200 is provided between the thermal recording head 104 and the discharge roller 110, which is fixed to an axis connected in the left and right directions of the printer and is either of the two positions. It can be switched to one to switch the path of the leading edge of the transfer paper. That is, when the transfer sheet is to be moved forward at the start of printing or during the printing of each color, the rear end of the shutter 200 is bent downward as shown in FIG. 9A so that the end of the transfer sheet is along the side of the shutter 200. It is conveyed upwards. In this case, the guide member 202 serves as a passage to prevent the transfer paper tip portion from folding or curling, and the idling roller 204 prevents the transfer paper upper surface from being damaged due to friction with the inner surface of the printer. On the other hand, when printing is completed and the transfer paper is to be discharged through the discharge port 120, the rear end of the shutter 200 is flipped upward as shown in FIG. 9B under the control of the control unit 200 so that the transfer paper tip is the cutter assembly 114. Through the outlet 120 allows to come out. If the portion to be printed on the transfer paper is very long compared to the size of the printer, a separate reel for temporarily winding and releasing the transfer paper leading end portion may be further provided on the top of the guide member 202.

As mentioned above, the printer according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is suitable for connecting to a personal PC and printing, for example, A6-size photographs. However, the printer of the present invention can also be used to print outputs having the same width as A6 size but longer length by utilizing printing using a roll-shaped transfer paper. Such printing for obtaining a long output is referred to herein as "panorama printing". 10 illustrates the size difference between a normal print output and a panoramic print output. For such panoramic printing, the length of each dye layer of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) applied to the ink ribbon is about 1.1 to 10 times longer than the normal length, and each of these dye layers is a ribbon color. It is preferable to provide a separate cartridge, that is, a cartridge for panoramic printing, separated by the length of the division detection mark display length. The maximum length of the output printed by panoramic printing is determined by the length of each dye layer on the ink ribbon.

According to the panoramic printing, for example, a 105-mm by 148.5-mm printer for printing A6-size photographs has a width of 105 mm, but it is possible to print a long image having a length of, for example, 163 mm to 1485 mm. Accordingly, the user can successively output a plurality of images obtained by continuously photographing the golfing motion of the user or output a long image image processed by, for example, Photoshop (trademark). This panorama printing is not only applicable to A6 size photo printers, but can also be applied to A4 or other sized printers.

11 shows a panoramic printing process according to the present invention. In one embodiment, the user can select the panoramic print mode or the normal print mode through the key 52 input. However, in another embodiment, the printer control unit 200 determines whether it is the panoramic print mode or the normal print mode from the size information of the output from the print command from an external information device such as a PC. If the print command is accepted, the printer controller 200 determines whether the current print mode is the panoramic print mode (step 250). If it is not the panoramic print mode, the printer controller 200 performs the normal print mode (step 252). On the other hand, if it is determined in the panorama printing mode in step 250, the control unit 200, for example, by identifying the tab (not shown) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge 70 by the sensor to determine whether or not the cartridge for panoramic printing is currently mounted. (Step 254). If the cartridge for panoramic printing is mounted, a panoramic message (Panorama Printing) is displayed on the display 50, and the panoramic printing mode is performed (step 256). On the other hand, when the cartridge for panoramic printing is not mounted, an error message such as "Ink Cartridge Mismatch" is displayed on the display 50 and then ends (step 258).

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the printer according to the present invention, it is also possible to perform a panoramic printing mode using a conventional cartridge instead of a separate cartridge for panoramic printing. 12A and 12B show a panorama printing method in a printer according to such an embodiment. In the printing method shown in Figs. 12A and 12B, the printer receives image data longer than right and left length from a conventional recording paper from an external information device such as a PC and performs printing. In a preferred embodiment, the printer control unit 200 calculates the number of sub-scan lines from the received image data from an external information device such as a PC, and determines whether to print according to the panoramic print mode or the normal print mode based on this. Perform printing according to the print mode. However, in another embodiment, when the printer control unit 200 receives image data from an external information device, the printer control unit 200 may also accept a panoramic print command and thus perform a panoramic print mode.

In the preferred embodiment, the printer calculates the number of sub-scan lines from the printed image data buffered in the memory 204 and prints the image length L based on the printed image having the length L as shown in FIG. Calculates the number of times the paper length Lf in the normal print mode, and determines the number of normal print mode sheets n, and 5 times (n times) or 6 times (n + 1 times) without the process of cutting the transfer paper. After repeating the printing process, the transfer paper is cut when the entire image is printed. For example, when the print image length L is 5.4 times the normal print mode paper length Lf, the printer separately separates the transfer paper having 5 sheets (n = 5) of normal print mode paper length Lf without the transfer paper cutting process. After printing, the remaining image portion of length L ₀ (= 0.4Lf) is finally printed on the remaining transfer paper portion, so that a total of 6 (= n + 1) steps are printed on the transfer paper having a length of 5.4 Lf (= L). do. Then, the portion of the transfer paper on which printing has been completed, that is, the recording paper having a length of 5.4 Lf (= L), is cut. In this printing process, the printer unwinds the transfer paper wound on the transfer paper roll by the print image length L as shown in FIG. 13, and then sequentially prints the first to nth screens having a length Lf from the inside. Finally, the remaining screen of length L ₀ is printed at the end of the transfer sheet.

12A and 12B, the printer controller 200 calculates the print image length L in operation 300 and determines whether the panoramic print mode should be performed in operation 302. If it is determined in step 302 that it is not necessary to perform the panoramic print mode, the printer controller 200 performs the normal print mode (step 304). On the other hand, if it is determined in step 302 that the panoramic print mode should be performed, the printer performs the panoramic printing process in steps 306 to 326.

First, the printer control unit 200 determines the print image length L as the number of normal print mode sheets, that is, the normal screen number n and the remaining screen length L ₀ (step 306). The printer control unit 200 then transfers the transfer paper roll 76 and the capstan so that the transfer paper roll 76 rotates in the reverse direction, counterclockwise and the capstan 100 rotates in the reverse direction, clockwise, similar to that shown in FIG. 6B. By controlling the 100, the point where the end of the transfer paper 78 is separated by the print image length L from the end of the transfer paper 78, with the end portion of the transfer paper 78 exiting the outlet 120, is the thermal recording head 104. And transfer the transfer paper to reach the printing position between the platen and the platen (step 308). Subsequently, the printer control unit 200 detects the yellow (Y) color leading end of the ink ribbon through the ribbon sensor (step 310), and raises the platen 106 so that the ink ribbon 99 and the transfer paper 78 are heat-sensitive. The thermal recording head 104 is heated while being pressed against the recording head 104 to print yellow (Y) color of the first screen (steps 312 and 314). When the yellow (Y) color printing is completed to the end of the first screen, the capstan 100 is stopped and the platen 106 is released (step 316).

Next, the transfer paper roll 76 is rotated in the reverse direction or counterclockwise direction and the capstan 100 is rotated in the reverse direction or clockwise direction to transfer the transfer paper so that the leading edge of the first screen reaches the printing position (step 320). After detecting the magenta (M) color tip of the ink ribbon through the sensor (step 310), the magenta (M) color of the first screen is printed through the steps 312 to 316. In addition, cyan color printing of the first screen is performed through steps 320 and 310 to 316. If the ink ribbon is provided with a black (B) or overcoating (ov) dye layer, the dye layer is printed in the same manner. As described above, each time the printing of the dye layer of each color is completed, it is determined in step 318 whether the printing of all the dye layers is completed for the first screen. By performing an additional printing process in steps 310 to 316, the dye layers of a plurality of colors for the corresponding screen are printed in a plane sequential manner.

If it is determined in step 318 that the printing of all the dye layers is completed for the first screen, it is determined whether a screen to be printed further remains (step 322). In addition, when there is a screen to be printed, that is, a second screen, as shown in FIG. 13, since the end of the first screen at the current printing position corresponds to the front of the second screen, steps 310 to 320 are performed without a separate transfer sheet moving process. Perform the second screen printing process of. That is, the yellow (Y) color tip of the ink ribbon is detected through the ribbon sensor (step 310), and the transfer paper roll 76, the capstan 100, the platen 106, and the thermal recording head 104 are controlled. The yellow (Y) color of the second screen is printed (steps 312 to 316). Next, transfer the transfer paper so that the leading edge of the second screen reaches the printing position in steps 318 to 320 until all dye layer printing is completed for the second screen, and in step 310, the ink ribbon is transferred through the ribbon sensor. After the next color tip is detected, each dye layer is printed on the second screen through steps 312 to 316.

Similarly, when it is determined in step 318 that the printing of all the dye layers is completed for the second screen, it is determined whether a screen to be additionally printed in step 322 remains. In addition, if there is a screen to be printed, that is, a third screen, the end of the second screen at the current printing position corresponds to the front end of the third screen, and thus the third screen printing process of steps 310 to 320 is performed without a separate transfer sheet moving process. To perform. If it is determined in step 318 that all of the dye layers have been printed on the screen in the process of printing each screen, it is determined whether a screen to be additionally printed remains in step 322. In addition, if there is a screen to be printed, since the end of the print completion screen at the current print position corresponds to the front end of the screen, steps 310 to 320 are repeated without performing a separate transfer sheet to perform the next screen printing process.

When printing is completed for all n normal screens, i.e., screens having a normal print mode paper length Lf, the printer controller 200 determines whether a residual screen exists and, if there is a residual screen, in the n + 1th printing process. Proceed to print the remaining screen with length L ₀ That is, when it is determined in step 318 that the printing of all the dye layers is completed for the nth screen, the printer controller 200 determines whether a residual screen exists (step 322). If there is a residual screen, as shown in FIG. 13, the end of the n-th screen at the current print position corresponds to the remaining screen tip, and thus the remaining screen printing process of steps 310 to 320 is performed without a separate transfer sheet moving process. Perform. However, in the remaining screen printing process, printing is performed only by the remaining screen length L ₀ , not by printing the length of each dye layer or the normal print mode paper length Lf in printing each dye layer.

If it is determined that the printing of all the dye layers is completed for the remaining screen in step 322, the printer controller 200 confirms that there are no screens to be additionally printed in step 322, and rotates the capstan 100 in reverse. The transfer sheet is transferred so that the front end of the first screen reaches the cutter assembly 114 (step 324). Finally, the cutter assembly 114 cuts the transfer paper laterally so that the recording paper is provided to the user through the discharge port 120.

12A, 12B, and 13 are not limited to the case of using the printer shown in FIG. 3 to the cartridge shown in FIG. 4, and other forms of thermoelectric for feeding transfer paper in roll form. It can be implemented in a similar manner in four printers.

The printer of the present invention can be designed in various forms due to the fact that a separate transfer paper cassette is unnecessary by using a transfer paper wound in the form of a roll, and that the portion where the transfer paper exits through the outlet during printing is minimized or not. For example, the printer according to the present invention can be designed in a cylindrical shape as shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, in which case the printer installation area can be further minimized.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the discharge roller 422, the discharge driven roller 424, and the cutter assembly 426 are installed inside one carrier 420, and the carrier 420 is levered. 410 may be displaced. The carrier 420 may maintain the state shown in FIG. 15A in the non-printing state, and may be switched to the state shown in FIG. 15B in the printing process. Accordingly, the end portion of the transfer paper on which the printing is completed moves along the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical housing.

The recording sheet which has been printed and cut by the cutter assembly 426 may be discharged to the outside through the slit 402. However, in an embodiment in which this embodiment is modified, the user may be allowed to open the lid of the cylindrical housing (top surface in Figs. 14A and 14B) and take out the recording paper. On the other hand, instead of providing a cover in the cylindrical housing, the housing may be formed into two pieces on the left and right, so as to be separated to the left and right, of course. Such a printer may be installed by being seated in the recess in the table mounting surface formed with the recess recessed downward. On the other hand, in the printer shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, the cylindrical housing may be manufactured in a translucent form, for example, in molding using acrylic resin or the like, thereby increasing the aesthetics by making the mechanism inside the printer visible from the outside.

In addition, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential features. For example, in the above description, power was applied directly to the winding reel 94 of the supply reel 92 and the winding reel 94. However, in the modified embodiment, both the supply reel 92 and the winding reel 94 are used. May be energized. In such a case, power transmission can be partially interrupted, for example, by a slip device provided with a felt and a spring.

On the other hand, in the above description, the thermal recording head 104 is fixed and the platen 106 moves up and down, but the thermal recording head 104 is raised and lowered while the platen 106 is fixed. Of course you can.

On the other hand, in the above description, the cutter assembly 114 automatically cuts the recording paper that has been printed. However, only the blade is provided for manual cutting, or a plurality of fine holes are drilled instead of the complete cutting. It may be possible to remove the recording sheet.

On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, although the transfer paper 78 and the ink ribbon 99 are conveyed to the rear, the printing of each color is performed. However, in the embodiment in which such an embodiment is modified, the supply reel The transfer paper 78 and the ink ribbon 99 may be forwarded in the state where the positions of the 2 and the winding reel 94 are interchanged, and printing of each color may be performed. In such an embodiment, the positions of the capstan 100 and the pinch roller 102 may also be changed to positions between the thermal recording head 104 and the outlet 120.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments are to be understood as illustrative in all respects and not as restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the following claims rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention. do.

As described above, according to the present invention, a separate transfer paper cassette is unnecessary because a recording medium wound in a roll form, that is, a transfer paper, is unnecessary, and in the conventional printer, an installation area required by the transfer paper cassette protrudes out of the printer is eliminated. Can be reduced. In addition, in printing three colors of ink in a surface sequential manner, the portion where the transfer paper is drawn out through the exit due to the reciprocating operation of the transfer paper can be minimized or removed, thereby further reducing the installation area. In addition, since the transfer paper roll and the ink ribbon roll are integrated into one cartridge, the transfer paper and the ink ribbon can be replenished by replacing only one consumable, that is, the cartridge, so that user convenience and storage of manufacturers and distributors, etc. Is improved. On the other hand, since the recording paper is not supplied from the cassette during continuous printing, the time required for feeding is also shortened. In addition to the transfer paper cassette, there are advantages of reducing materials cost and reliability by reducing components for feeding and power transmission.

It is possible to print without margins because the leading edge of the transfer paper can be printed to a state that is almost exactly coincident with the printing point between the thermal recording head and the platen, and the cut can be made at the transfer paper point where printing starts after printing is completed. Do. The roll-type transfer paper is used to print a long image without being limited by the length, and in particular, when a longitudinal cutter is added to the outlet, various sizes of output can be provided. .

In addition, according to the present invention, by utilizing the feature that the thermal transfer printer adopts a recording medium wound in a roll form, it is possible to print a plurality of images or long images in a panoramic manner, thereby increasing the utility of the printer It is effective.

1 is a view showing an example of a conventional thermal transfer printer.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a printer according to the present invention.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the printer shown in FIG.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figures 1 and 2 seen from the side down.

5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the printer shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

6A to 6F are views for explaining the operation of the printer shown in Figs.

7 shows a cutting example of a cutter assembly.

8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a printer according to the present invention;

9A and 9B are views for explaining the operation of the printer shown in FIG.

10 is a view for explaining the concept of panoramic printing according to the present invention.

11 is a flowchart showing a panoramic printing process according to the present invention.

12A and 12B are flowcharts showing another embodiment of the panorama printing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining an embodiment of a method of dividing a pattern of a print image in executing the printing method of FIGS. 12A and 12B.

14A and 14B show another embodiment of the printer according to the present invention.

15A and 15B are views for explaining the operation of the printer shown in Figs. 14A and 14B.

<Description of Symbols for Major Parts of Drawings>

2: housing, 4: ribbon cartridge, 8: feed reel, 10: take-up reel

20: transfer paper cassette, 30: paper feed roller, 32: lever, 34: capstan

36: pinch roller, 38: thermal recording head, 42: lift lever

54: door, 56a, 56b: magnet, 58a, 58b: metal piece, 60a, 60b: handle

62: intake vent, 64; Groove

70: cartridge, 71: handle, 72: rear compartment, 74: transfer paper slit

75: collar, 76: transfer paper roll, 80: groove, 82: front housing

84: head receiving groove, 87: first slit, 89: second slit, 92: supply reel

94: winding reel, 96,98: idling gear, 99: ink ribbon, 100: capstan

102: pinch roller, 104: thermal recording head, 106: platen, 120: outlet

110: discharge roller, 112: discharge driven roller, 114: cutter assembly

116: first guide member, 118: second guide member

402: slit, 410: lever, 420: carrier

Claims (24)

A transfer paper roll on which transfer paper is wound, a supply reel on which unused ink ribbon is wound, and a winding reel on which used ink ribbon is wound, and at least one slit for providing an access passage of the transfer paper and the ink ribbon A cartridge formed; A thermal recording head for transferring the dye applied on the surface of the unused ink ribbon supplied through the slit of the cartridge to the transfer paper; A platen for selectively adhering the unused ink ribbon and the transfer sheet to the thermal recording head; Transfer paper roll driving means for rotating the transfer paper roll in the forward and reverse directions; And A capstan for applying a frictional force to the back of the transfer paper so that the transfer paper can be conveyed at a constant speed without slipping; By controlling the unwinding and winding of the transfer paper wound on the transfer paper roll by the transfer paper roll driving means to print a plurality of colors of ink applied to the ink ribbon in a surface sequential manner, and recover the used ink ribbon The printer is wound on the take-up reel while discharging the printed transfer paper portion through the discharge port. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one slit formed in the cartridge is A transfer paper slot for providing a transfer path of the transfer paper to the cartridge; A ribbon supply slit for supplying the unused ink ribbon from the supply reel to the thermal recording head; And a ribbon recovery slit for returning the used ink ribbon to the take-up reel. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the capstan is provided between the transfer paper slot and the thermal recording head. The printer according to claim 3, wherein a collar for guiding the transfer paper to the capstan is attached to the lower side of the transfer paper slot. The method of claim 3, A first guide member for supporting the transfer paper downward between the capstan and the thermal recording head; The printer further comprising. The method of claim 4, wherein A second guide member for supporting the transfer paper from below between the thermal recording head and the discharge port; The printer further comprising. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A cutter assembly installed at the front end of the discharge port and configured to cut the transfer paper on which printing is completed; The printer further comprising. 8. The printer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cutter assembly directly cuts the transfer paper portion in which the printing is completed in the lateral direction. The method of claim 8, wherein the cutter assembly is A longitudinal cutter for cutting the transfer sheet in a longitudinal direction to correspond to a portion of a transfer sheet on which printing is completed; A printer having a. 8. The printer as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cutter assembly drills a plurality of fine holes disposed transversely in the transfer paper portion where printing is completed. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A discharge roller installed at a front end of the discharge port to facilitate discharge of the printed transfer paper portion; And A discharge driven roller which rotates in association with the discharge roller; Further provided, And a plurality of guide protrusions formed on an outer circumference of the discharge roller. 12. The printer according to claim 11, wherein a slip device is installed on the discharge roller, and the discharge roller rotates at a higher speed than the capstan when the printed transfer paper portion is discharged. The method of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is And a idle gear for transmitting the rotational force supplied to either of the supply reel and the take-up reel to the other side. The printer according to claim 13, wherein a slip device is provided on at least one of the idle gear, the supply reel, and the take-up reel. The platen of claim 1 or 2, wherein the thermal recording head is fixed in a vertical direction, and the platen is coupled to the other end of a lift lever whose one end is axially supported inside the printer body, so that the platen is vertical. Elevated printer. 3. The thermal recording head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the platen is fixed in a vertical direction, and the thermal recording head is coupled to the other end of a lift lever whose one end is axially supported inside the printer body. The printer can be vertically elevated. The method according to claim 1 or 2, A shutter installed at the front end of the discharge port to selectively guide the transfer paper tip to the discharge port or into the printer; The printer further comprising. The method of claim 17, An idling roller provided at a front end or above the shutter; The printer further comprising. The method of claim 1, A cylindrical housing; The printer further comprises. The method of claim 19, And a slit for discharging the transfer paper portion printed on the side of the cylindrical housing. 21. The printer as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the housing is in translucent form. A transfer paper roll on which the transfer paper is wound, a supply reel on which unused ink ribbon is wound, and a winding reel on which the used ink ribbon is wound; A printer comprising a cartridge and a thermal recording head and platen for transferring a dye applied on the surface of the unused ink ribbon supplied through the slit of the cartridge to the transfer paper, (a) superimposing the unused ink ribbon wound on the supply reel on the transfer paper, and rotating the transfer paper roll in a first direction while bringing the unused ink ribbon and the transfer paper into close contact with the thermal recording head and the platen. Causing the dye of the first color applied to the ink ribbon to be transferred to and fixed on the transfer paper, and winding the used ink ribbon onto the winding reel; (b) releasing the contact between the thermal recording head and the platen and rotating the transfer paper roll in a second direction to position an end of the transfer paper between the thermal recording head and the platen; And (c) while rotating the transfer paper roll in the first direction while bringing the unused ink ribbon and the transfer paper into close contact with the thermal recording head and the platen, a dye of a second color applied to the ink ribbon is transferred onto the transfer paper. To be fixed, and winding the used ink ribbon onto the take-up reel; A printing method comprising a. The method of claim 22, wherein before performing step (a), Positioning an end of the transfer paper between the thermal recording head and the platen; Printing method further comprising. The method of claim 22, wherein before performing step (a), Determining whether the print mode is a panoramic print mode or a normal print mode; If it is determined that the print mode is the panoramic print mode, determining whether a cartridge for panoramic printing is mounted; And Performing printing with a guide message when the cartridge for panoramic printing is mounted, and displaying a predetermined error message when the cartridge for panoramic printing is not mounted; Printing method further comprising.