foil transfer device

Abstract

This invention provides a foil transfer apparatus capable of determining the malfunction of a temperature sensor. The foil transfer apparatus is used to overlap a sheet with a foil-containing film to transfer the foil onto the sheet. The foil transfer apparatus includes: a heating member for heating the foil film and the sheet; a pressure member for clamping the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member; a first temperature sensor; and a control unit. The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a foil transfer apparatus for transferring foil onto a sheet. Background Technology

[0002] A known foil transfer apparatus includes: a supply shaft with a foil film wound on it; a take-up shaft for taking the foil film; a heating roller for heating the foil film and a sheet; and a pressure roller that clamps the foil film and the sheet together with the heating roller (see Patent Document 1). In this foil transfer apparatus, the foil film can be replaced and the jammed sheet can be removed by opening the cover. Based on a temperature sensor, the control unit in this foil transfer apparatus locks the cover when the detected temperature is above a threshold and unlocks the cover when the detected temperature is below the threshold.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-121788 Summary of the Invention

[0004] However, in conventional foil transfer devices, it is impossible to detect temperature sensor malfunctions. Therefore, when a temperature sensor malfunctions, the control unit cannot perform the corresponding controls. For example, if the temperature sensor malfunctions, the control unit cannot correctly control the locking and unlocking of the cover.

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a foil transfer device capable of determining the malfunction of a temperature sensor.

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a foil transfer apparatus for overlapping a sheet with a foil-containing film to transfer the foil onto the sheet. The foil transfer apparatus includes: a heating member for heating the foil film and the sheet; a pressure member for clamping the foil film and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member; a first temperature sensor; and a control unit. The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor.

[0007] Based on the above structure, the control unit can determine whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor.

[0008] In the above-mentioned foil transfer apparatus, if the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is outside the predetermined range, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

[0009] In the above-mentioned foil transfer apparatus, if the voltage value of the first temperature sensor remains outside a predetermined range for a predetermined time, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

[0010] According to the above structure, even if the control unit determines that the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is outside the predetermined range, if the state outside the predetermined range does not last for a predetermined time, the control unit will not determine that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the control unit from mistakenly determining that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

[0011] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the control unit converts the voltage value of the first temperature sensor into temperature, and determines the fault of the first temperature sensor based on the converted temperature.

[0012] In the above-described foil transfer apparatus, when converting the voltage value of the first temperature sensor into temperature, the control unit refers to a table showing the relationship between voltage and temperature for the conversion.

[0013] In the above-described foil transfer apparatus, the foil transfer apparatus includes: a housing body having an opening; a cover movable between a closed position of closing the opening and an open position of opening the opening; and a locking mechanism capable of locking the cover in the closed position, wherein the control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor.

[0014] In the above-described foil transfer apparatus, if it is determined that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned, the control unit stops controlling the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor.

[0015] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the foil transfer device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is configured to be closer to the heating member than the first temperature sensor, for detecting the temperature of the heating member. If it is determined that the first temperature sensor has failed, the control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the second temperature sensor.

[0016] Based on the above structure, even if the first temperature sensor malfunctions, the control unit can appropriately control the locking mechanism based on the second temperature sensor.

[0017] The foil transfer apparatus described above also includes a metal plate facing the heating member, extending in the width direction of the foil film, and located downstream of the heating member in the sheet conveying direction, wherein the first temperature sensor is disposed on the metal plate.

[0018] In the above-described foil transfer apparatus, the first temperature sensor is configured not to contact the heating element, while the second temperature sensor is configured to contact the heating element.

[0019] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, when the temperature indicated by the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is above a first threshold, the control unit controls the locking mechanism to lock the cover; when the temperature indicated by the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is less than a second threshold (below the first threshold), the control unit controls the locking mechanism to release the lock on the cover.

[0020] Based on the above structure, by making the second threshold less than the first threshold, it is possible to suppress frequent and repeated locking and unlocking of the cover.

[0021] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned before performing foil transfer on the sheet after the power of the foil transfer device is turned on.

[0022] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned during the foil transfer process of transferring the foil to the sheet.

[0023] In the above-described foil transfer apparatus, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned after performing foil transfer to the sheet.

[0024] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the control unit always determines at predetermined intervals whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned during the power-on period of the foil transfer device.

[0025] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the foil transfer device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is configured to be closer to the heating element than the first temperature sensor. At 0°C, the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is a different value from the voltage value of the second temperature sensor.

[0026] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the foil transfer device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is configured to be closer to the heating member than the first temperature sensor. The difference between the voltage value of the first temperature sensor at 0°C and the voltage value of the first temperature sensor at 1°C is greater than the difference between the voltage value of the second temperature sensor at 0°C and the voltage value of the second temperature sensor at 1°C.

[0027] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is 0.1V or higher at 0°C.

[0028] In the above-mentioned foil transfer device, the foil transfer device further includes a second temperature sensor, which is configured to be closer to the heating element than the first temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are both composed of thermistors whose resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The first temperature sensor and the first resistor together form a resistor voltage divider circuit, and the second temperature sensor and the second resistor together form a resistor voltage divider circuit. The control unit obtains the potential between the first temperature sensor and the first resistor as the voltage value of the first temperature sensor. The resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the resistance value of the second resistor.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the fault of the temperature sensor. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a foil transfer apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the foil transfer device with the cover open.

[0032] Figure 3 The diagram shows a side view of the structure surrounding the locking lever. (a) shows the locking lever in the locked position, (b) shows the locking lever in the unlocked position, and (c) shows the locking lever swinging in the unlocked position.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the locking lever.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the heating unit, and a diagram illustrating the location of the first temperature sensor.

[0035] Figure 6 It shows from and Figure 5 The three-dimensional views of the heating unit from different angles are used to illustrate the location of the second temperature sensor.

[0036] Figure 7 (a) is a circuit diagram of the first temperature sensor, (b) is a circuit diagram of the second temperature sensor, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between Vthm of the first and second temperature sensors and temperature.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the process performed by the control unit related to locking the cover after the power is turned on.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the cover locking / unlocking process performed by the control unit.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of sensor fault diagnosis performed by the control department.

[0040] Figure 11 (a) is a circuit diagram of the first temperature sensor in another embodiment, (b) is a circuit diagram of the second temperature sensor, and (c) is a graph showing the relationship between Vthm of the first and second temperature sensors and temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0041] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] In the following description, Figure 1 The directions shown are used to illustrate the direction. That is, the directions shown are... Figure 1 The right side is called the "front". Figure 1 The left side is called "back". Figure 1 The front side of the paper is called the "left". Figure 1 The side of the paper with the greatest depth is called the "right". Furthermore, [the following is a separate, unrelated sentence:] Figure 1 The upper and lower parts are referred to as "up and down".

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the foil transfer apparatus 1 is used to transfer foil, such as gold foil, onto the toner image on a sheet S after a toner image has been formed on the sheet S by an image forming device such as a laser printer. That is, the foil transfer apparatus 1 forms a foil image on the sheet S by transferring the foil onto the toner image. The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet tray 3, a sheet transport unit 10, a film supply unit 30, a transfer unit 50, a control unit 100, and an operation panel PA.

[0044] The housing 2 is made of resin or the like, and includes a housing body 21 and a cover 22. The housing body 21 has an opening 21A at the top (see reference). Figure 2 Opening 21A is for installing and removing the diaphragm FC (described later) from the housing body 21. Cover 22 is a component for opening and closing opening 21A. The rear end of cover 22 is rotatably supported by the housing body 21. Cover 22 can be in the closed position of closing opening 21A (…). Figure 1 The position of the opening and the opening position of the opening 21A ( Figure 2 Move between positions.

[0045] The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a locking mechanism 8 that locks the cover 22 in the closed position. The locking mechanism 8 will be described in detail later.

[0046] The sheet tray 3 is used to hold sheets S such as paper and OHP sheets. The sheet tray 3 is located at the rear of the housing 2. The sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3 with the side bearing the toner image facing down. The sheet tray 3 is equipped with a sheet tray sensor SS0 for detecting the sheet S placed on it. The sheet tray sensor SS0 is ON when a sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3, and OFF when no sheet S is placed on it.

[0047] The sheet conveying unit 10 includes a sheet feeding mechanism 11 and a sheet discharging mechanism 12. The sheet feeding mechanism 11 is a mechanism for conveying the sheets S on the paper feed tray 3 one by one to the transfer unit 50. The sheet feeding mechanism 11 includes a pick-up roller 11A and a conveying roller.

[0048] The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is a mechanism for discharging the sheet S that has passed through the transfer section 50 to the outside of the housing 2. The sheet discharge mechanism 12 includes multiple conveying rollers.

[0049] The membrane supply unit 30 is the part that supplies foil F so as to overlap with the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The membrane supply unit 30 includes a membrane cartridge FC and a drive source such as a motor not shown in the figure.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the diaphragm cartridge FC can be installed into and removed from the housing body 21 through an opening 21A in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the supply shaft 31 (described later). The diaphragm cartridge FC includes a supply shaft 31 and a winding shaft 35. The foil F is wound on the supply shaft 31.

[0051] Foil F is a film composed of multiple layers. Specifically, foil F has a support layer and a supported layer. The support layer is a strip-shaped transparent substrate made of polymer material, used to support the supported layer. The supported layer has, for example, a release layer, a transfer layer, and an adhesive layer. The release layer is a layer disposed between the support layer and the transfer layer, used to facilitate the peeling of the transfer layer from the support layer. The release layer contains a transparent material, such as a waxy resin, that is easily peeled from the support layer.

[0052] The transfer layer, which is the layer transferred to the toner image, contains foil. The foil is a thin metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum. In addition, the transfer layer contains coloring materials such as gold, silver, and red, and thermoplastic resin. The transfer layer is disposed between the release layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is used to facilitate adhesion of the transfer layer to the toner image. The adhesive layer contains a material that easily adheres to the toner image heated by the transfer section 50 (described later), such as vinyl chloride resin or acrylic resin.

[0053] The supply shaft 31 is made of resin or the like and has a supply shaft portion 31A for winding the foil F. One end of the foil F is fixed to the supply shaft portion 31A. The foil F is wound on the supply shaft 31 with the support layer on the outside and the supported layer on the inside.

[0054] The winding shaft 35 is made of resin or the like and has a winding shaft portion 35A for winding the foil F. The other end of the foil F is fixed to the winding shaft portion 35A. The foil F is wound on the winding shaft 35 with the support layer on the outside and the supported layer on the inside.

[0055] exist Figure 1 For convenience, the foil F is shown in a state where it is wound to the maximum extent on both the supply shaft 31 and the winding shaft 35.

[0056] With the film cartridge FC installed in the foil transfer apparatus 1, the take-up shaft 35 is driven counterclockwise by a drive source (not shown). As the take-up shaft 35 rotates, the foil F wound on the supply shaft 31 is pulled out, and the pulled-out foil F is wound up by the take-up shaft 35. Specifically, in foil transfer, the foil F is pulled out from the supply shaft 31 by being fed out by the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 (described later). Then, the foil F fed out from the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 is wound up by the take-up shaft 35.

[0057] The transfer section 50 is used to transfer a transfer layer onto a toner image formed on the sheet S by heating and pressing the sheet S and foil F in an overlapping state. The transfer section 50 includes a pressure roller 51 as an example of a pressure member and a heating roller 61 as an example of a heating member. The transfer section 50 overlaps the sheet S and foil F and heats and presses them at the clamping part of the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0058] The pressure roller 51 is a roller covered with a rubber layer made of silicone rubber around a cylindrical metal core. The pressure roller 51 is disposed on the upper side of the foil F and is able to contact the back side of the sheet S (the side opposite to the side that forms the toner image).

[0059] The pressure roller 51 is mounted on the cover 22. Both ends of the pressure roller 51 are rotatably supported by the cover 22. The pressure roller 51 holds the sheet S and the foil F between itself and the heating roller 61, and is driven to rotate by a drive source not shown in the figure, thereby causing the heating roller 61 to rotate.

[0060] A heating roller 61 is disposed on the housing body 21. The heating roller 61 is a rotatable roller with a heater H disposed inside a cylindrical metal tube, used to heat the foil F and the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is disposed on the underside of the foil F and is in contact with the foil F.

[0061] The heating roller 61 is supported so that it can be rotated by the heating unit 6 and can move up and down. In addition to the heating roller 61, the heating unit 6 also has a fixed frame 60 forming the outer frame, a baffle 62 and a contact separation mechanism 7.

[0062] The baffle 62 is guided by the fixed frame 60 and can slide between the closed and open positions in conjunction with the contact separation mechanism 7. Figure 1 As shown, when the heating roller 61 is in the contact position, the baffle 62 is in the open position, which is a position different from the position between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51. Figure 2 As shown, when the heating roller 61 is in the separated position, the baffle 62 is in the closed position, covering the heating roller 61. The closed position is the position between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0063] The contact separation mechanism 7 is a mechanism for moving the heating roller 61 between a pressure contact position where the heating roller 61 is in pressure contact with the pressure roller 51 and a separation position where the heating roller 61 is separated from the pressure roller 51. When the film cartridge FC is installed, the heating roller 61 is in contact with the foil F when it is in the pressure contact position. With the cover 22 closed, the contact separation mechanism 7 moves the heating roller 61 to the contact position where it contacts the foil F when the sheet S is supplied to the transfer section 50. Furthermore, when the cover 22 is open, or when the transfer section 50 is not transferring foil to the sheet S, the contact separation mechanism 7 moves the heating roller 61 to the separation position where it is separated from the foil F.

[0064] In the foil transfer apparatus 1 with the above-described structure, the sheet feeding mechanism 11 feeds sheets S one by one, which are placed face down on the sheet tray 3, to the transfer section 50. The sheet S overlaps with the foil F supplied from the supply shaft 31 on the upstream side of the sheet S feeding direction (hereinafter referred to as "feeding direction") of the transfer section 50, and is fed to the transfer section 50 in a state where the toner image of the sheet S and the foil F are in contact with each other.

[0065] In the transfer section 50, when the sheet S and the foil F pass through the clamping part between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, they are heated and pressed by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, and the foil is transferred onto the toner image. On the downstream side of the transfer section 50, the foil F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0066] The foil F peeled off from the sheet S is wound up by the winding shaft 35. On the other hand, the sheet S with the foil F peeled off is discharged from the outside of the housing 2 by the sheet discharge mechanism 12 with the foil-coated surface facing down.

[0067] The control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and input / output circuitry. It performs various calculations based on programs and data stored in the ROM and other memory, thereby controlling the foil transfer apparatus 1. The operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the foil transfer device 1 includes a cartridge sensor AS. The cartridge sensor AS is capable of detecting whether the film cartridge FC is mounted on the housing body 21.

[0069] The locking mechanism 8 used for locking cover 22 is described in detail below.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the locking mechanism 8 includes a locking lever 81, an actuator 91, a swing limiting member 92, and a locking pin RP. In this embodiment, the locking lever 81 is located at the front end of the cover 22, and the actuator 91, the swing limiting member 92, and the locking pin RP are located on the housing body 21 (see reference 22). Figure 2 ).

[0071] Locking lever 81 can lock cover 22 in the closed position (see reference). Figure 3 (a) and the unlocked position of the unlocked cover 22 (see reference) Figure 3 It swings between (c) in the middle.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, a locking lever 81 is provided at each end of a cylindrical shaft 82. The shaft 82 is rotatably supported by a cover 22. A user-operated handle 83 is provided at the axial center of the shaft 82. Each locking lever 81 and the handle 83 are fixed to the shaft 82. Thus, when the user turns the handle 83, each locking lever 81 rotates together with the shaft 82.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the head of the locking lever 81 is hook-shaped and can engage with the locking pin RP. With the cover 22 in the closed position, the locking lever 81 can be locked in a position where it can engage with the locking pin RP. Figure 3 (a) position and the unlocked position away from the locking pin RP ( Figure 3 Move between (c) in the middle.

[0074] The swing limiting member 92 is able to Figure 3 The limiting position shown in (a) is and Figure 3 Move between the unrestricted positions shown in (b) and (c) in the diagram. Figure 3 As shown in (a), the swing limiting member 92 restricts the locking lever 81 from swinging from the locked position to the unlocked position by contacting the locking lever 81 in the limiting position.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown in (b) and (c), the swing limiting member 92 does not restrict the locking lever 81 from swinging from the locked position to the unlocked position by moving away from the locking lever 81 in the unrestricted position.

[0076] Actuator 91 is used to make the swing limiting member 92 slide between a limited position and an unlimited position.

[0077] The following describes the first temperature sensor 66 and the second temperature sensor 68 installed in the heating unit 6. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the heating unit 6 also includes a first temperature sensor 66, a metal plate 67, and a second temperature sensor 68.

[0078] Metal plate 67 is located downstream of heating roller 61 in the conveying direction. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the metal plate 67 extends in the width direction of the foil F. The metal plate 67 faces the heating roller 61.

[0079] A first temperature sensor 66 is disposed on the lower surface of the metal plate 67. Specifically, the first temperature sensor 66 is disposed on the surface of the metal plate 67 on the side of the heating roller 61, downstream of the heating roller 61 in the conveying direction. The first temperature sensor 66 is configured not to contact the heating roller 61. The distance from the heating roller 61 to the first temperature sensor 66 is approximately the same as the distance from the heating roller 61 to the baffle 62. The first temperature sensor 66 is used to estimate the temperature of the baffle 62, thereby performing the cover locking / unlocking process of the cover 22.

[0080] The second temperature sensor 68 is located upstream of the heating roller 61 in the conveying direction. For example... Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of second temperature sensors 68 are arranged in the width direction of the foil F. The second temperature sensors 68 are configured to contact the heating roller 61. The second temperature sensors 68 are configured to be closer to the heating roller 61 than the first temperature sensor 66, and detect the temperature of the heating roller 61. The second temperature sensors 68 are used to detect the temperature of the heating roller 61, thereby controlling the temperature of the heating roller 61.

[0081] The first temperature sensor 66 and the second temperature sensor 68 are composed of thermistors whose resistance decreases as temperature increases. For example... Figure 7 As shown in (a), the first temperature sensor 66 and the first resistor 66R together form a resistor voltage divider circuit. Figure 7As shown in (b), the second temperature sensor 68 and the second resistor 68R together form a resistor voltage divider circuit. In this embodiment, the resistance value R1 of the first resistor 66R is greater than the resistance value R2 of the second resistor 68R. The first temperature sensor 66 is located further on the input voltage VDD3 side than the first resistor 66R between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND. The second temperature sensor 68 is located further on the input voltage VDD3 side than the second resistor 68R between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND.

[0082] Figure 7 (c) is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage value Vthm output by the first temperature sensor 66 and the second temperature sensor 68 and the temperature. When the control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1, it refers to... Figure 7 The curve in (c) shows the relationship between voltage value Vthm and temperature T1, which can be converted using a table.

[0083] The control unit 100 acquires the potential difference between the first temperature sensor 66 and the first resistor 66R as the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66. The control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm acquired from the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1.

[0084] The control unit 100 acquires the potential difference between the second temperature sensor 68 and the second resistor 68R as the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68. The control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm acquired from the second temperature sensor 68 into a temperature T2.

[0085] At 0°C, the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is different from the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68. In this embodiment, at various temperatures, such as 0°C, 100°C, 200°C, and 300°C, the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is greater than the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68.

[0086] Furthermore, between 0°C and 1°C, the slope of the curve for the first temperature sensor 66 is greater than the slope of the curve for the second temperature sensor 68. In other words, the difference between the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 at 0°C and the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 at 1°C is greater than the difference between the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68 at 0°C and the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68 at 1°C. On the other hand, at the fixing temperature (e.g., 130 to 170°C), the slope of the curve for the second temperature sensor 68 is greater than the slope of the curve for the first temperature sensor 66.

[0087] In addition, the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 at 0°C is above 0.1V.

[0088] On the other hand, the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68 at 0°C is less than 0.1V.

[0089] Next, the control unit 100 will explain its control over the locking mechanism 8.

[0090] After the foil transfer device 1 is powered on, the control unit 100 repeatedly performs cover locking / unlocking processing and sensor fault judgment during the power-on period.

[0091] As part of the cover locking / unlocking process, when the temperature T1 represented by the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is above a first threshold, the control unit 100 controls the locking mechanism 8 to lock the cover 22. As an example, the first threshold is 85°C.

[0092] As part of the cover locking / unlocking process, when the temperature T1 represented by the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is less than a second threshold value that is less than a first threshold value, the control unit 100 controls the locking mechanism 8 to unlock the cover 22. As an example, the second threshold value is 75°C. The difference between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is preferably 5 to 15°C.

[0093] The control unit 100 does not lock the cover 22 during the period when the cover 22 is open, regardless of the temperature T1 of the first temperature sensor 66. The control unit 100 determines whether the cover 22 is in the closed or open position by using a cover sensor (not shown in the figure). When the cover 22 is in the open position, the cover 22 is not locked regardless of the temperature T1 of the first temperature sensor 66.

[0094] During the foil transfer process, the control unit 100 locks the cover 22 and does not unlock the cover 22 regardless of the temperature T1 of the first temperature sensor 66.

[0095] As a sensor fault detection method, the control unit 100 always checks whether the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned during the power-on period of the foil transfer device 1.

[0096] Specifically, the control unit 100 can determine whether the temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned before, during, or after the foil transfer device 1 is powered on, before the foil transfer is performed onto the sheet.

[0097] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1, and determines the fault of the first temperature sensor 66 based on the converted temperature T1. When the temperature T1 converted from the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is below -25°C, the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned.

[0098] When the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 remains outside a predetermined range for a predetermined time, the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned. In this embodiment, if the temperature T1, calculated based on the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66, remains below -25°C for more than 3 seconds, the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned. In other words, even if the temperature T1 is below -25°C, if the state below -25°C does not last for more than 3 seconds, the control unit 100 does not determine that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned.

[0099] When it is determined that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned, the control unit 100 stops controlling the locking mechanism 8 based on the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66, and controls the locking mechanism 8 based on the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68.

[0100] Next, refer to Figures 8-10 The flowchart illustrates an example of a cover locking process performed by the control unit 100 during standby when foil transfer processing is not performed.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, when it is determined that the power supply of the foil transfer device 1 is turned on (S1, Yes), the control unit 100 performs a cover locking / unlocking process (S2).

[0102] like Figure 9 As shown, as part of the cover locking / unlocking process, the control unit 100 determines whether the cover 22 is locked (S20).

[0103] In step S20, when it is determined that the cover 22 is locked (S20, Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S21).

[0104] In step S21, when it is determined that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S21, Yes), the control unit 100 obtains the temperature T2 based on the second temperature sensor 68 (S22), and determines whether the obtained temperature T2 is less than the fourth threshold (T2 < fourth threshold?) (S23). The fourth threshold is a value greater than the second threshold.

[0105] In step S23, when it is determined that the temperature T2 is less than the fourth threshold (S23, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 can be opened, releases the cover lock (S24), and the cover lock / unlock process ends.

[0106] In step S23, if it is not determined that the temperature T2 is less than the fourth threshold (S23, No), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 cannot be opened, does not release the cover lock, and the cover lock / unlock process ends.

[0107] On the other hand, in step S21, when it is not determined that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S21, No), the control unit 100 obtains the temperature T1 based on the first temperature sensor 66 (S25) and determines whether the obtained temperature T1 is less than the second threshold (T1 < second threshold?) (S26).

[0108] In step S26, when it is determined that the temperature T1 is less than the second threshold (S26, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 can be opened, releases the cover lock (S27), and the cover lock / unlock process ends.

[0109] In step S26, if it is not determined that the temperature T1 is less than the second threshold (S26, No), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 cannot be opened, does not release the cover lock, and the cover lock / unlock process ends.

[0110] In step S20, if it is not determined that the cover 22 is locked (S20, No), the control unit 100 determines whether the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S31).

[0111] In step S31, when it is determined that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S31, Yes), the control unit 100 obtains the temperature T2 based on the second temperature sensor 68 (S32), and determines whether the obtained temperature T2 is above the third threshold (T2≥Third Threshold?) (S33). The third threshold is a value greater than the fourth threshold. Furthermore, the third threshold is a value greater than the first threshold.

[0112] In step S33, when it is determined that the temperature T2 is above the third threshold (S33, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 cannot be opened, locks the cover 22 (S34), and the cover locking / unlocking process ends.

[0113] In step S33, if it is not determined that the temperature T2 is above the third threshold (S33, No), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 can be opened, does not lock the cover, and the cover locking / unlocking process ends.

[0114] On the other hand, in step S31, when it is not determined that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S31, No), the control unit 100 obtains the temperature T1 from the first temperature sensor 66 (S35) and determines whether the obtained temperature T1 is above the first threshold (T1≥first threshold?) (S36).

[0115] In step S36, when it is determined that the temperature T1 is above the first threshold (S36, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 cannot be opened, locks the cover 22 (S37), and the cover locking / unlocking process ends.

[0116] In step S36, if it is not determined that the temperature T1 is above the first threshold (S36, No), the control unit 100 determines that the cover 22 can be opened, does not lock the cover 22, and the cover locking / unlocking process ends.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, after performing the cover locking / unlocking process (S2), the control unit 100 determines whether to perform foil transfer (S3).

[0118] In step S3, if it is not determined that foil transfer is to be performed (S3, No), the control unit 100 returns to step S2 and performs the cover locking / unlocking process again (S2). That is, the control unit 100 repeatedly performs the cover locking / unlocking process (S2) during power-on.

[0119] In step S3, when it is determined that foil transfer is to be performed (S3, Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the cover 22 is locked (S4). If it is not determined that the cover 22 is locked (S4, No), the cover 22 is locked (S5). If it is determined that the cover 22 is locked (S4, Yes), the operation to lock the cover 22 is not performed, and the foil transfer operation is performed (S6).

[0120] After step S6, the control unit 100 continues the foil transfer operation (S6) until the foil transfer operation is completed. When it is determined that the foil transfer operation is completed (S7, yes), it moves to step S2.

[0121] The control unit 100 repeatedly performs sensor fault judgment during the power-on period of the foil transfer device 1. For example... Figure 10 As shown, in order to determine a sensor fault, the control unit 100 waits for a predetermined time (S50) and then acquires the temperature T1 based on the first temperature sensor 66 (S51).

[0122] After step S51, the control unit 100 determines whether the acquired temperature T1 is below -25℃ (T1≤-25℃?) (S52). If it is not determined that the acquired temperature T1 is below -25℃ (S52, No), the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has not malfunctioned and returns to step S50.

[0123] On the other hand, if the control unit 100 determines that the acquired temperature T1 is below -25°C (S52, Yes), it assumes that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned and starts timing the duration t of the temperature abnormality (S53).

[0124] After step S53, the control unit 100 waits for a predetermined time (S54), and then obtains the temperature T1 again based on the first temperature sensor 66 (S55), and determines whether the temperature T1 obtained again is below -25℃ (T1≤-25℃) (S56).

[0125] In step S56, if it is not determined that the temperature T1 to be obtained again is below -25℃ (S56, No), the timing of the temperature anomaly duration t ends (S59), and the process returns to step S50.

[0126] In step S56, if it is determined that the temperature T1 acquired again is below -25°C (S56, Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether the duration t of the temperature anomaly is more than 3 seconds (S57). If the control unit 100 does not determine that the duration t of the temperature anomaly is more than 3 seconds (S57, No), it returns to step S54. If it determines that the duration t of the temperature anomaly is more than 3 seconds (S57, Yes), the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned (S58), and the sensor malfunction determination ends.

[0127] Based on the above structure, this embodiment can achieve the following effects.

[0128] In the conventional foil transfer apparatus 1, it is impossible to determine the malfunction of the temperature sensor. Therefore, when the temperature sensor malfunctions, control corresponding to the malfunction cannot be performed. However, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 can determine the malfunction of the first temperature sensor 66 based on the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66, and therefore, control corresponding to the malfunction can be performed.

[0129] Furthermore, when the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is outside the predetermined range, specifically below -25°C in this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned. Additionally, in this embodiment, if the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 remains outside the predetermined range for a predetermined time, specifically 3 seconds or more in this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned. Therefore, even if the control unit 100 determines that the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is outside the predetermined range, if the state outside the predetermined range does not last for the predetermined time, the control unit 100 will not determine that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned. Thus, it is possible to suppress the control unit 100 from erroneously determining that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned.

[0130] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 determines that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned, it controls the locking mechanism 8 based on the voltage value Vthm of the second temperature sensor 68. Therefore, even if the first temperature sensor 66 malfunctions, the control unit 100 can appropriately control the locking mechanism 8 based on the second temperature sensor 68. Since the second temperature sensor 68 is not provided for use when the first temperature sensor 66 malfunctions, but for controlling the heating roller 61, there is no need to provide an additional temperature sensor to handle malfunctions.

[0131] Furthermore, when the temperature T1 is above the first threshold, the control unit 100 controls the locking mechanism 8 to lock the cover 22; when the temperature T1 is below the second threshold (which is less than the first threshold), the control mechanism 8 releases the lock on the cover 22. Therefore, by making the second threshold less than the first threshold, frequent and repeated locking and unlocking of the cover 22 can be suppressed.

[0132] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be used in various ways as shown below.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the first temperature sensor 66 is located on the input voltage VDD3 side between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND, which is closer to the input voltage VDD3 side than the first resistor 66R (see reference). Figure 7 (a)). Furthermore, the second temperature sensor 68 is located on the input voltage VDD3 side between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND, compared to the second resistor 68R (see reference). Figure 7 (b)). However, the present invention is not limited to this structure.

[0134] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown in (a), the first temperature sensor 66 can be located on the ground GND side between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND, compared to the first resistor 66R. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown in (b), the second temperature sensor 68 can be located further to the ground GND side than the second resistor 68R between the input voltage VDD3 and ground GND. In this case, the graph showing the relationship between the voltage value Vthm detected by the first temperature sensor 66 and the second temperature sensor 68 and the temperature is as follows. Figure 11 As shown in (c) in the figure.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1, and does not determine that the first temperature sensor 66 is faulty based on the converted temperature T1. However, the control unit 100 may be configured not to convert the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1, and does not determine that the first temperature sensor 66 is faulty based on the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66. Specifically, the control unit 100 may not convert the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature, and determine that the first temperature sensor 66 is faulty when the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is outside a predetermined range.

[0136] For example, in Figure 7 In the first temperature sensor 66 of the embodiment shown in (a), the control unit 100 can determine that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned when the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is less than 0.1V.

[0137] For example, in Figure 11 In the first temperature sensor 66 shown in (a), the control unit 100 can determine that the first temperature sensor 66 has malfunctioned when the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is greater than 3.3V.

[0138] In the above embodiment, when the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 is converted into temperature T1, the control unit 100 refers to... Figure 7 The conversion can be performed using the curve table in (c) of the graph, but it is not limited to this structure. It can also be performed by referring to... Figure 7 The formula for calculating the curve (c) in the figure can be used to convert it into temperature T1.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the control unit 100 converts the voltage value Vthm of the first temperature sensor 66 into a temperature T1, and controls the locking mechanism 8 based on the converted temperature T1. However, the control unit 100 may also be configured to control the locking mechanism 8 based on the voltage value Vthm of the temperature sensor 66.

[0140] The present invention can be implemented by combining any of the elements described in the above embodiments and variations.

[0141] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0142] 1: Foil transfer device

[0143] 6: Heating unit

[0144] 8: Locking mechanism

[0145] 21: Shell Body

[0146] 21A: Opening

[0147] 22: Cover

[0148] 61: Heating roller

[0149] 62: baffle

[0150] 66: First temperature sensor

[0151] 67: Metal plate

[0152] 68: Second temperature sensor

[0153] 81: Locking lever

[0154] 100: Control Department

Claims

1. A foil transfer apparatus for overlapping a sheet with a foil-containing film to transfer the foil onto the sheet, the foil transfer apparatus comprising: A heating element for heating the foil and the sheet; A pressure member is used to clamp the foil and the sheet between the pressure member and the heating member; First temperature sensor; A second temperature sensor is configured to be closer to the heating element than the first temperature sensor, for detecting the temperature of the heating element; A housing body having an opening; The cover is movable between a closed position (closing the opening) and an open position (opening the opening); A locking mechanism is provided to lock the cover in the closed position; as well as Control Department The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor is malfunctioning based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor. The control unit controls the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor. If the first temperature sensor is determined to be faulty, the control unit stops controlling the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the first temperature sensor and controls the locking mechanism based on the voltage value of the second temperature sensor.

2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is outside the predetermined range, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

3. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the voltage value of the first temperature sensor remains outside a predetermined range for a predetermined time, the control unit determines that the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

4. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit converts the voltage value of the first temperature sensor into temperature, and determines the fault of the first temperature sensor based on the converted temperature.

5. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, When converting the voltage value of the first temperature sensor into temperature, the control unit refers to a table showing the relationship between voltage and temperature for the conversion.

6. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a metal plate facing the heating member, extending in the width direction of the foil and located downstream of the heating member in the sheet conveying direction, wherein the first temperature sensor is disposed on the metal plate.

7. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first temperature sensor is configured not to contact the heating element, and the second temperature sensor is configured to contact the heating element.

8. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, When the temperature indicated by the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is above a first threshold, the control unit controls the locking mechanism to lock the cover. When the temperature indicated by the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is less than a second threshold (below the first threshold), the control unit controls the locking mechanism to release the lock on the cover.

9. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned before performing foil transfer on the sheet after the foil transfer device is powered on.

10. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned during the foil transfer process of transferring the foil to the sheet.

11. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, After performing foil transfer to the sheet, the control unit determines whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned.

12. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The control unit always checks at predetermined intervals whether the first temperature sensor has malfunctioned during the power-on period of the foil transfer device.

13. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, At 0°C, the voltage value of the first temperature sensor is different from the voltage value of the second temperature sensor.

14. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The difference between the voltage value of the first temperature sensor at 0°C and the voltage value of the first temperature sensor at 1°C is greater than the difference between the voltage value of the second temperature sensor at 0°C and the voltage value of the second temperature sensor at 1°C.

15. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The voltage value of the first temperature sensor is above 0.1V at 0℃.

16. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are both composed of thermistors whose resistance decreases as the temperature increases. The first temperature sensor and the first resistor together form a voltage divider circuit, and the second temperature sensor and the second resistor together form a voltage divider circuit. The control unit obtains the potential between the first temperature sensor and the first resistor as the voltage value of the first temperature sensor. The resistance value of the first resistor is greater than the resistance value of the second resistor.

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