Foil transfer device

Abstract

Disclosed is a foil transfer device capable of inhibiting a foil film from being wastefully conveyed. A control section causes one roller (a heating roller (61)) to be positioned at a separation position away from the other roller (a pressure roller (51)), and, in a state in which a restriction switching section is set to a restriction state (a state in which the conveyance of a foil film (F) is restricted), drives a conveyance roller (11C, 12A) to convey a sheet (S) to a transfer position between the heating roller (61) and the pressure roller (51). The control section causes the one roller to move to a pressure-contact position at which the one roller is in pressure contact with the other roller, before a foil transfer area (TA) as an area to which a foil is to be transferred reaches the transfer position, while the sheet (S) is present at the transfer position, and, after the one roller is positioned at the pressure-contact position, sets the restriction switching section to a release state (a state in which the restriction of the conveyance of the foil film (F) is released).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following patent application:

[0002] Application Number: 202180020153.0

[0003] Application date: March 22, 2021

[0004] Invention Title: Foil Transfer Device Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to a foil transfer apparatus for transferring foil onto a sheet. Background Technology

[0006] Conventionally, foil transfer apparatuses include a feed roll wound with foil, a take-up roll for taking up the foil, a heating roller for heating the foil and sheet, and a pressure roller for holding the foil and sheet between the heating roller and the heating roller (see Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-290685). In this technology, by using rotating heating rollers and pressure rollers to feed the foil and sheet, a toner image (hereinafter also referred to as "foil transfer") can be transferred from the foil onto the sheet.

[0007] In the prior art, for example, starting the rotation of the heating roller and the pressure roller after receiving the foil transfer instruction and before starting the sheet feeding results in the problem of wasteful foil feeding.

[0008] The aim is to prevent the foil from being wasted during transport. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address this, an improvement to a foil transfer apparatus has been proposed that overlaps a sheet with a foil-containing film and transfers the foil onto the sheet. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a supply spool around which the foil is wound; a take-up spool for taking up the foil; a conveying roller for conveying the sheet; a heating roller for heating the foil and the sheet; a pressure roller that rotates while sandwiching the foil and the sheet between itself and the heating roller, thereby conveying the foil and the sheet; a restriction switching unit capable of switching between a restricted state that restricts the foil from being pulled out of the supply spool by the heating roller and the pressure roller and a released state that releases the restriction; a pressing and separating mechanism that moves one of the heating roller and the pressure roller between a pressing position where it is pressing against the other roller and a separating position where it is separating from the other roller; and a control unit.

[0010] With one of the rollers in the separated position and the restriction switching unit set to the restricted state, the control unit drives the conveying roller to convey the sheet to the transfer position between the heating roller and the pressure roller. Before the foil transfer area, which is the area to be transferred foil, reaches the transfer position when the sheet is present, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the pressing position. After one of the rollers is in the pressing position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the released state.

[0011] According to this structure, the foil is pulled out from the supply roll while the sheet is in the transfer position, thus preventing the foil from being wasted during delivery, for example, compared to the method of starting to pull out the foil from the supply roll before the sheet reaches the transfer position.

[0012] Alternatively, the restriction switching unit may include a drive switching unit that switches the driving and stopping of the pressure roller and the heating roller. By stopping the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state. By driving the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the release state.

[0013] Alternatively, the control unit may stop the conveying roller that is in contact with the sheet when the sheet is present at the transfer position and before one of the rollers reaches the pressing position.

[0014] According to this structure, since the sheet feeding is stopped before the rollers of one side press against the rollers of the other side in the stopped state, it is possible to suppress the sheet from being fed during the pressing of each roller in the stopped state, which would cause the sheet to flex.

[0015] Alternatively, the control unit may also include a position sensor that detects the position of one of the rollers, and the control unit determines whether the one of the rollers is located at the pressing position based on the signal from the position sensor.

[0016] Alternatively, if the distance from the front end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is greater than or equal to a first distance, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the pressing position before the sheet is present at the transfer position and before the foil transfer area reaches the transfer position. After the roller is at the pressing position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the released state. If the distance from the front end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is less than the first distance, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the pressing position before the sheet reaches the transfer position. After the roller is at the pressing position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the released state.

[0017] Alternatively, the foil transfer device may also have an input unit capable of inputting information for determining the position and length of the foil transfer area in the conveying direction of the sheet. When the foil transfer area input by the input unit is located outside the range of the sheet, with one of the rollers in the separation position, the control unit drives the conveying roller to make the sheet pass through the transfer position, and makes the sheet that has passed through the transfer position pass through the conveying roller, and stops the conveying roller after the sheet passes through the conveying roller.

[0018] According to this structure, when the foil transfer area is outside the sheet area, the sheet is discharged without foil transfer, thus preventing the foil from being wasted during transport.

[0019] Additionally, another method of a foil transfer apparatus is disclosed, which overlaps a sheet with a foil-containing film and transfers the foil onto the sheet. The foil transfer apparatus includes: a supply roll around which the foil film is wound; a take-up roll for taking up the foil film; a conveying roller for conveying the sheet; a heating roller for heating the foil film and the sheet; a pressure roller that rotates while sandwiching the foil film and the sheet between itself and the heating roller, thereby conveying the foil film and the sheet; a restriction switching unit capable of switching between a restricted state that restricts the foil film from being pulled out of the supply roll by the heating roller and the pressure roller and a released state that releases the restriction; a pressing separation mechanism that moves one of the heating roller and the pressure roller between a pressing position where it is pressing against the other roller and a separation position where it is separating from the other roller; and a control unit.

[0020] Before the foil transfer area on the sheet, which is the area to be transferred, reaches the transfer position between the heating roller and the pressure roller, the control unit positions one of the rollers in the pressing position and sets the restriction switching unit to the released state. After the sheet is present in the transfer position and the foil transfer area has passed the transfer position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restricted state. After setting the restriction switching unit to the restricted state, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the separation position.

[0021] According to this structure, since the foil is restricted from being pulled out of the supply roll while the sheet is in the transfer position, the wasteful feeding of the foil can be suppressed compared to, for example, restricting the foil from being pulled out of the supply roll after the sheet has passed the transfer position.

[0022] Alternatively, the restriction switching unit may include a drive switching unit that switches the driving and stopping of the pressure roller and the heating roller. By stopping the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state. By driving the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the release state.

[0023] Alternatively, when the pressure roller and the heating roller are stopped, the control unit may stop the conveying roller that is in contact with the sheet.

[0024] According to this structure, when the pressure roller and heating roller stop in the pressing state, the sheet feeding is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sheet from being fed during the pressing of each roller in the stopped state, which would cause the sheet to flex.

[0025] Alternatively, the foil transfer apparatus may also include a sheet sensor for detecting the passage of the front end of the sheet. The sheet sensor is disposed upstream of the heating roller in the sheet conveying direction. The control unit determines whether the foil transfer area has passed the transfer position based on the time elapsed since the front end of the sheet was detected by the sheet sensor.

[0026] Alternatively, when the distance from the rear end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is greater than the second distance, after the sheet is present at the transfer position and the foil transfer area has passed the transfer position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state. After setting the restriction switching unit to the restriction state, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the separation position. When the distance from the rear end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is less than the second distance, after the sheet has passed the transfer position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state. After setting the restriction switching unit to the restriction state, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the separation position.

[0027] Alternatively, the foil transfer device may also include an input unit capable of inputting information for determining the position and length of the foil transfer area in the conveying direction of the sheet. If the rear end of the foil transfer area, as input by the input unit, is positioned upstream of the rear end of the sheet in the conveying direction of the sheet, after the sheet passes the transfer position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state. After setting the restriction switching unit to the restriction state, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the separation position.

[0028] Alternatively, when conveying the next second sheet during the conveying of the first sheet, if the first length from the rear end of the first foil transfer area (which is the foil transfer area) of the first sheet to the rear end of the first sheet is less than a predetermined length, during the period from after the first foil transfer area passes the transfer position until the second foil transfer area (which is the foil transfer area) of the second sheet passes the transfer position, the control unit keeps one of the rollers in the pressing position. If the first length is greater than the predetermined length, when the first sheet is present in the transfer position and after the first foil transfer area has passed the transfer position, the control unit sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state, and after setting the restriction switching unit to the restriction state, the control unit moves one of the rollers to the separation position.

[0029] When the first length is equal to or less than the specified length, it becomes meaningless to separate one roller from the other when the first sheet's foil transfer area is between the first sheet and the second sheet. Furthermore, when the first length is greater than the specified length, maintaining the pressing state of one roller between the first sheet's foil transfer area and the second sheet increases the foil conveying capacity compared to the method of separating one roller between the first sheet's foil transfer area and the second sheet.

[0030] According to the above structure, when the first length is less than or equal to a predetermined length, keeping one roller in a pressed state can prevent unnecessary separation of the roller. Furthermore, when the first length is greater than the predetermined length, separating one roller can prevent the wasteful transport of the foil. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 (a) is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a foil transfer apparatus. Figure 1 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the foil.

[0032] Figure 2 This diagram shows the state of the foil transfer device with the cover open.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the decomposed membrane unit.

[0034] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of one end of the supply reel along its axial direction.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the structure on the other end side of the axial direction of the supply reel.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a simplified diagram showing the structure of a foil transfer device.

[0037] Figure 7 These are diagrams (a) to (d) representing different types of transfer processing: full transfer processing, front-end transfer processing, back-end transfer processing, and central transfer processing.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the full transfer process.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the front-end transfer process.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the back-end transfer process.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the central transfer process.

[0043] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the front-end transfer process of the first variation.

[0044] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the back-end transfer process of the first variation.

[0045] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the central transfer process of the first variant.

[0046] Figure 16 Figures (a) to (c) show the relationship between the amount of foil conveyed when the heating rollers are separated and pressed between two sheets and the amount of foil conveyed when the heating rollers are kept pressed between two sheets.

[0047] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating the continuous transfer process.

[0048] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the first front-end transfer process.

[0049] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating the second front-end transfer process. Detailed Implementation

[0050] One embodiment of the foil transfer apparatus is described in detail with reference to the appropriate accompanying drawings.

[0051] In the following explanation, direction is indicated by Figure 1 The directions shown are explained. That is, the directions indicated are... Figure 1 Set the right side to "front" and... Figure 1 Set the left side to "after" and... Figure 1 Set the front and back of the paper to "left". Figure 1 The inside of the paper is designated as "right". Additionally, [the following text is incomplete and requires further context: "to designate the right side of the paper."] Figure 1 Set the top and bottom to "top and bottom".

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the foil transfer apparatus 1 is used to transfer aluminum foil or the like onto the toner image on a sheet S after a toner image has been formed on the sheet S using an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer. That is, the foil transfer apparatus 1 forms an image of foil on the sheet S by transferring foil onto the toner image. The foil transfer apparatus 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet tray 3, a sheet conveying unit 10, a film supply unit 30, and a transfer unit 50.

[0053] The housing 2 is made of resin or the like and has 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 loading and unloading the membrane unit FU (described later) onto the housing body 21. Cover 22 is a component for opening and closing opening 21A. The rear end of cover 22 is rotatably supported on the housing body 21. Cover 22 can be in the closed position (closing opening 21A). Figure 1 (a) position) and the opening position of open opening 21A ( Figure 2 Rotate between (positions).

[0054] The sheet tray 3 is a tray for placing sheets S such as paper and OHP film. The sheet tray 3 is located at the rear of the housing 2. Furthermore, the sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3 with the side that forms the toner image facing down.

[0055] The sheet conveying unit 10 has a sheet feeding mechanism 11 and a sheet discharging mechanism 12. The sheet feeding mechanism 11 is a mechanism that conveys the sheets S on the sheet tray 3 one by one to the transfer unit 50. The sheet feeding mechanism 11 includes a pick-up roller 11A, a delay roller 11B, and an upstream conveying roller 11C, which are examples of conveying rollers.

[0056] Pick-up roller 11A is used to supply the sheet S on the sheet tray 3 to the transfer section 50. Delay roller 11B is used to separate the sheet S conveyed by pick-up roller 11A into a single sheet.

[0057] The delay roller 11B is disposed above the pick-up roller 11A. The delay roller 11B enables the sheet S overlapping the sheet S fed by the pick-up roller 11A to rotate in the direction of returning towards the sheet tray 3.

[0058] The upstream conveyor roller 11C consists of two rollers. By rotating each roller while the sheet S is sandwiched between the two rollers, the sheet S can be conveyed. The upstream conveyor roller 11C is arranged between the pickup roller 11A and the transfer section 50, and conveys the sheet S fed by the pickup roller 11A to the transfer section 50.

[0059] The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is a mechanism that discharges the sheet S that has passed through the transfer section 50 to the outside of the housing 2. The sheet discharge mechanism 12 includes a downstream conveying roller 12A and a discharge roller 12B, which are examples of conveying rollers.

[0060] The downstream conveyor roller 12A and the discharge roller 12B each consist of two rollers, which rotate while clamping the sheet S between them, thereby conveying the sheet S. The downstream conveyor roller 12A is positioned between the transfer section 50 and the discharge roller 12B, conveying the sheet S from the transfer section 50 to the discharge roller 12B. The discharge roller 12B is positioned downstream of the downstream conveyor roller 12A in the conveying direction of the sheet S, discharging the sheet S conveyed by the downstream conveyor roller 12A outside the housing 2.

[0061] The membrane supply unit 30 is a section that supplies foil F in a manner that overlaps with the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The membrane supply unit 30 includes a membrane unit FU and a main motor 80.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the membrane unit FU can be mounted and detached from the housing body 21 through the opening 21A in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply reel 31 (described later). The membrane unit FU includes a supply reel 31, a take-up reel 35, a first guide shaft 41, a second guide shaft 42, and a third guide shaft 43. A foil F is wound on the supply reel 31 of the membrane unit FU.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown in (b), the foil F is a multilayer film. Specifically, the foil F has a support layer F1 and a supported layer F2. The support layer F1 is a strip-shaped transparent substrate made of a polymer material, supporting the supported layer F2. The supported layer F2 has, for example, a release layer F21, a transfer layer F22, and an adhesive layer F23. The release layer F21 is a layer for easily peeling the transfer layer F22 from the support layer F1, and the release layer F21 is disposed between the support layer F1 and the transfer layer F22. The release layer F21 contains a transparent material that is easily peeled from the support layer F1, such as a wax-based resin.

[0064] Transfer layer F22 is the layer that transfers the toner image and contains foil. The foil refers to thin metals such as gold, silver, copper, and aluminum. Additionally, transfer layer F22 contains coloring materials such as gold, silver, and red, as well as thermoplastic resin. Transfer layer F22 is disposed between release layer F21 and adhesive layer F23.

[0065] The adhesive layer F23 is used to facilitate the adhesion of the transfer layer F22 to the toner image. The adhesive layer F23 contains a material that readily adheres to the toner image after it has been heated by the transfer section 50 (described later), such as a vinyl chloride-based resin or an acrylic resin.

[0066] The supply spool 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.

[0067] The winding spool 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.

[0068] In addition, Figure 1 For simplicity, the illustration shows the foil F being wound to its maximum extent on both the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 35. In reality, when the membrane unit FU is new, the diameter of the rolled foil F wound on the supply reel 31 is at its maximum, and the diameter of the rolled foil F wound on the take-up reel 35 is at its minimum, either when no foil F is wound on the take-up reel 35 or when the rolled foil F is wound on the take-up reel 35. Furthermore, when the membrane unit FU reaches the end of its lifespan (when the foil F is used up), the diameter of the rolled foil F wound on the take-up reel 35 is at its maximum, and the diameter of the rolled foil F wound on the supply reel 31 is at its minimum, either when no foil F is wound on the supply reel 31 or when the rolled foil F is wound on the supply reel 31.

[0069] The first guide shaft 41, the second guide shaft 42, and the third guide shaft 43 are shafts used to change the travel direction of the foil F. The first guide shaft 41, the second guide shaft 42, and the third guide shaft 43 are made of materials such as SUS (stainless steel).

[0070] The first guide shaft 41 is located upstream of the transfer section 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The first guide shaft 41 changes the travel direction of the foil F pulled from the supply roll 31 to be approximately parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0071] The foil F, guided by such a first guide shaft 41, causes the supported layer F2 (see reference) to... Figure 1 The sheet S is conveyed to the transfer section 50 with its (b) facing upward. In addition, the sheet S is overlapped on the foil F which is in the state of being supported by the F2 facing upward, and is conveyed to the transfer section 50 together with the foil F.

[0072] The second guide shaft 42 is located downstream of the transfer section 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The second guide shaft 42 peels the foil F from the sheet S by changing the travel direction of the foil F that has passed through the transfer section 50 to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0073] The third guide shaft 43 defines the angle (hereinafter also referred to as the "peeling angle") of the foil F when it is peeled from the sheet S. Here, the peeling angle is the angle between the portion of the foil F that is positioned between the first guide shaft 41 and the second guide shaft 42 and the portion that is positioned between the second guide shaft 42 and the third guide shaft 43. The third guide shaft 43 changes the travel direction of the foil F guided by the second guide shaft 42 and guides the foil F to the take-up reel 35.

[0074] The transfer section 50 is used to heat and pressurize the sheet S and foil F while they are overlapping, thereby transferring the transfer layer F22 onto the toner image formed on the sheet S. The transfer section 50 includes a pressure roller 51, a heating roller 61, and a pressing and separating mechanism 70. The transfer section 50 overlaps the sheet S and foil F and heats and presses them in the clamping portion of the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0075] The pressure roller 51 is a roller formed by covering the periphery of a cylindrical core with a rubber layer made of silicone rubber. The pressure roller 51 is disposed on the upper side of the foil F and can contact the back side of the sheet S (the side opposite to the side on which the colored powder image is formed).

[0076] The two ends of the pressure roller 51 are rotatably supported on the cover 22. The pressure roller 51 holds the sheet S and foil F between itself and the heating roller 61. The pressure roller 51 is driven to rotate by the main motor 80, thereby causing the heating roller 61 to rotate passively. With the sheet S and foil F held between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, the sheet S and foil F are conveyed by the rotation of the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61. Alternatively, the structure can also be configured such that the pressure roller is driven to rotate by the main motor, which in turn drives the heating roller to rotate passively.

[0077] The heating roller 61 is a roller with a heater disposed inside a cylindrical metal tube, which heats 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.

[0078] The crimping separation mechanism 70 is a mechanism for switching the state of the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 to a clamping state in which the foil F is clamped by the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, and a clamping release state in which at least one roller leaves the foil F. In this embodiment, the crimping separation mechanism 70 switches the state of the heating roller 61 by causing the heating roller 61 to... Figure 6 The crimping position is shown by the solid line and Figure 6 The heating roller 61 moves between the separation positions shown by the imaginary line, thereby contacting and separating from the foil F. Here, the pressing position is the position where the heating roller 61 presses against the pressure roller 51. The separation position is the position where the heating roller 61 leaves the pressure roller 51.

[0079] In the foil transfer apparatus 1 configured in this way, sheets S are placed face down on sheet tray 3 and conveyed one by one to transfer unit 50 by sheet supply mechanism 11. The sheet S overlaps with the foil F supplied from supply roll 31 on the upstream side of the sheet conveying direction of transfer unit 50, and is conveyed to transfer unit 50 in a state where the toner image of sheet S is in contact with foil F.

[0080] In the transfer section 50, when the sheet S and foil F pass through the clamping part between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51 heat and pressurize the toner image to transfer the transfer layer F22.

[0081] After foil transfer, the sheet S and the foil F are conveyed to the second guide shaft 42 in close contact. As the sheet S and the foil F pass the second guide shaft 42, the conveying direction of the foil F changes to a different direction than that of the sheet S, thus the foil F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0082] The foil F peeled off from the sheet S is wound onto the take-up reel 35. On the other hand, the sheet S with the foil F peeled off is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 through the sheet discharge mechanism 12 with the foil-coated surface facing down.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the membrane unit FU includes a retainer 100 made of resin or the like, and a membrane cartridge 200 that can be attached to and detached from the retainer 100. The membrane cartridge 200 includes a supply roll 31 and a take-up roll 35 on which the aforementioned foil F is wound, and a supply housing 32.

[0084] The supply reel 31 (more specifically, the supply housing 32) and the take-up reel 35 can be attached to and detached from the retainer 100 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply reel 31. Furthermore, the diaphragm 200 can be attached to and detached from the housing body 21 while mounted on the retainer 100.

[0085] The supply housing 32 is a hollow box that houses the supply reel 31. The supply housing 32 is made of resin or the like and has a generally cylindrical outer peripheral wall 32A and two generally circular plate-shaped side walls 32B provided at both ends of the outer peripheral wall 32A. The supply reel 31 is rotatably supported on each side wall 32B of the supply housing 32.

[0086] The retainer 100 has a base frame 110 and a rotating frame 120 rotatably (movably) supported on the base frame 110. The base frame 110 has a first retaining part 111, a second retaining part 112, two connecting parts 113 and two handles 114.

[0087] The first holding part 111 is the part that holds the supply housing 32. The first holding part 111 holds the supply reel 31 via the supply housing 32. The first holding part 111 has an outer peripheral wall 111A that is generally arc-shaped in cross-section and two side walls 111B.

[0088] The outer peripheral wall 111A is disposed along the outer peripheral surface of the supply housing 32. Each side wall 111B is disposed at each end of the outer peripheral wall 111A in the axial direction of the supply reel 31.

[0089] Each sidewall 111B has a loading / unloading guide G for guiding the supply housing 32 during loading and unloading. A gear mechanism 130 is provided on one of the two sidewalls 111B. The gear mechanism 130 is used to engage the supply-side torque limiter TL2 (see reference 111B) provided on the housing body 21. Figure 6 The load is applied to the mechanism supplying the reel 31. The structure of the gear mechanism 130 will be described below.

[0090] The second holding part 112 is the part that holds the take-up reel 35. In detail, the second holding part 112 together with the rotating frame 120 forms a hollow housing, and the take-up reel 35 is housed inside the hollow housing.

[0091] The two connecting portions 113 are the parts that connect the first holding portion 111 and the second holding portion 112. In detail, each connecting portion 113 is arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the supply roll 31.

[0092] By forming the connecting portion 113 in this way, the retainer 100 has a through hole 100A extending in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the supply spool 31. Each handle 114 is disposed on each connecting portion 113.

[0093] The supply reel 31 has a supply gear 31G at one end in the axial direction. The supply gear 31G protrudes to the outside through a cut formed in the supply housing 32. The supply gear 31G is configured to mesh with the gear mechanism 130 when the diaphragm 200 is mounted on the retainer 100.

[0094] The take-up reel 35 has the aforementioned take-up shaft portion 35A, two flanges 35B, and take-up gear 35C. The flanges 35B are portions used to restrict the movement of the foil F wound in the width direction of the take-up shaft portion 35A. The flanges 35B are formed in the shape of circular plates with a diameter larger than that of the take-up shaft portion 35A, and are provided at both ends of the take-up shaft portion 35A.

[0095] The take-up gear 35C is a gear that receives driving force from the main motor 80 provided in the foil transfer device 1 and transmits the driving force to the take-up shaft 35A. The take-up gear 35C is axially disposed on the outside of the flange 35B. The take-up gear 35C is coaxially disposed with the take-up shaft 35A.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the gear mechanism 130 for applying a load to the supply reel 31 includes a frame gear 131 and a gear set 132. The frame gear 131 is a gear that meshes with a housing gear 21G disposed on the housing body 21. The frame gear 131 is connected to the supply-side torque limiter TL2, etc., described later, via the housing gear 21G.

[0097] Gear set 132 is a gear set connecting frame gear 131 and supply gear 31G. Gear set 132 includes a first gear 133 and a second gear 134. The first gear 133 meshes with frame gear 131. The second gear 134 is a two-stage gear, having a large-diameter gear section 134A and a small-diameter gear section 134B.

[0098] The large-diameter gear section 134A is a gear with a larger diameter than the small-diameter gear section 134B. The large-diameter gear section 134A meshes with the first gear 133. The small-diameter gear section 134B meshes with the supply gear 31G.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, a first load application mechanism 310 is provided at the other end of the axial direction of the supply reel 31. The first load application mechanism 310 is a mechanism that applies a first load torque LT1 to the supply reel 31 by generating a frictional force between the supply housing 32 that rotatably supports the supply reel 31 and the supply reel 31.

[0100] The first load application mechanism 310 includes: a fixed member 311 fixed to the supply reel 31, a movable member 312 that can move axially relative to the fixed member 311, a helical spring 313 disposed between the fixed member 311 and the movable member 312, and a friction pad 314 fixed to the supply housing 32.

[0101] The fixed member 311 is fixed to the supply shaft portion 31A by fitting into the supply shaft portion 31A, which is formed in a cylindrical shape. The movable member 312 is supported by the fixed member 311 so that it can move axially.

[0102] Furthermore, the movable part 312 applies force to the friction pad 314 via the helical spring 313. As a result, when the supply spool 31 rotates, friction is generated between the movable part 312 and the friction pad 314, thus applying a first load torque LT1 to the supply spool 31 via the first load application mechanism 310.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, the main motor 80 applies a driving force to the take-up reel 35 and the pressure roller 51, as described above, and also applies a driving force to the sheet conveying section 10. Here, in Figure 6 For convenience, the structure of the foil transfer device 1 is simplified in the illustration.

[0104] The foil transfer device 1, which is used to transmit the driving force of the main motor 80 to the take-up reel 35, mainly includes a take-up side torque limiter TL1 and a gear G1. The take-up side torque limiter TL1 has the function of limiting the driving torque DT applied from the main motor 80 to the take-up reel 35 to a specified value.

[0105] The winding-side torque limiter TL1 is connected to the main motor 80 via a gear (not shown). Additionally, the winding-side torque limiter TL1 is connected to the winding gear 35C via gear G1.

[0106] The foil transfer device 1 mainly includes a pick-up clutch C1, a gear G2, and a conveying clutch C3 as structures for transmitting the driving force of the main motor 80 to the sheet conveying section 10. The pick-up clutch C1 is an electromagnetic clutch used to switch the transmission of the driving force from the main motor 80 to the pick-up roller 11A.

[0107] The pickup clutch C1 is connected to the main motor 80 via a gear (not shown). In addition, the pickup clutch C1 is connected to the pickup roller 11A via a gear G2.

[0108] Of the rollers constituting the sheet conveying section 10, rollers other than pick-up roller 11A (11B, 11C, 12A, 12B) are connected to the main motor 80 via a conveying clutch C3 and gears (not shown). The conveying clutch C3 is an electromagnetic clutch used to switch the transmission of driving force from the main motor 80 to each roller (11B, 11C, 12A, 12B). Thus, when the conveying clutch C3 is engaged, each roller (11B, 11C, 12A, 12B) rotates; when the conveying clutch C3 is disengaged, each roller (11B, 11C, 12A, 12B) stops.

[0109] The foil transfer device 1, as a structure for transmitting the driving force of the main motor 80 to the pressure roller 51, mainly includes a transmission mechanism TM and a roller clutch C5 as an example of a drive switching unit. The transmission mechanism TM has a gear G3 for transmitting driving force from the roller clutch C5 to the pressure roller 51 and a gear (not shown) for transmitting driving force from the main motor 80 to the roller clutch C5.

[0110] The roller clutch C5 is an electromagnetic clutch capable of switching the state of the transmission mechanism TM to a state of transmitting driving force to the pressure roller 51 and a state of cutting off the transmission of driving force to the pressure roller 51. That is, the roller clutch C5 switches between driving and stopping the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 driven by the pressure roller 51. Specifically, when driving force is input to the pressure roller 51, the heating roller 61 is driven to rotate. Conversely, when the transmission of driving force to the pressure roller 51 is cut off, the pressure roller 51 stops, and the heating roller 61 driven by the pressure roller 51 also stops.

[0111] The foil transfer device 1 also includes a supply-side torque limiter TL2, a roll clutch C2, a pressing and separating motor 90, a touch panel TP as an operation unit, and a control unit 300.

[0112] The supply-side torque limiter TL2 is a component used to apply a second load torque LT2 to the supply reel 31. Here, the second load torque LT2 is set to a value greater than the value obtained by subtracting the first load torque LT1 from the drive torque DT applied to the take-up reel 35. Conversely, the first load torque LT1 is set to a value smaller than the drive torque DT applied to the take-up reel 35. The supply-side torque limiter TL2 is a load application unit that applies the load torque LT to the supply reel 31. Furthermore, this load application unit and the reel clutch C2 constitute a torque changing unit, which can change the relationship between the load torque LT applied to the supply reel 31 and the drive torque DT applied to the take-up reel 35.

[0113] The supply-side torque limiter TL2 is connected to the reel clutch C2. The reel clutch C2 is an electromagnetic clutch capable of changing the connection state between the supply-side torque limiter TL2 and the supply reel 31. By changing the connection state between the supply-side torque limiter TL2 and the supply reel 31 through the reel clutch C2, the magnitude of the load torque LT applied to the supply reel 31 is changed. Specifically, when the supply-side torque limiter TL2 is disconnected from the supply reel 31, the load torque LT applied to the supply reel 31 becomes a first load torque LT1, which is a value smaller than the drive torque DT. Conversely, when the supply-side torque limiter TL2 is connected to the supply reel 31, the load torque LT applied to the supply reel 31 becomes the first load torque LT1 plus a second load torque LT2, which is a value larger than the drive torque DT.

[0114] The reel clutch C2 is connected to the supply gear 31G via the housing gear 21G and the gear mechanism 130 (not shown). Additionally, the housing gear 21G meshes with the detection gear G4. The detection gear G4 is a gear having a rotating plate with multiple slits. The rotational speed of the supply reel 31 can be detected by detecting each slit of the rotating plate using a rotary encoder (not shown).

[0115] The press-and-release motor 90 is used to drive the press-and-release mechanism 70 to switch the states of the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 between a clamping state and a clamping-out state. Additionally, a position sensor SA for detecting the position of the heating roller 61 is provided near the press-and-release mechanism 70. Here, a position sensor SA, such as a light sensor, can be used.

[0116] Additionally, a first sheet sensor SS1, serving as an example of a sheet sensor, is provided between the pick-up roller 11A and the upstream conveyor roller 11C. This first sheet sensor SS1 detects the passage of the sheet S being conveyed toward the transfer section 50. Furthermore, a second sheet sensor SS2, which detects the passage of the sheet S being discharged from the transfer section 50, is provided between the downstream conveyor roller 12A and the discharge roller 12B.

[0117] Here, the first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 can, for example, be sensors consisting of a rod that rotates by contacting the sheet S and an optical sensor that detects the position of the rod. With this structure, each of the first sheet sensor SS1 and the second sheet sensor SS2 can detect that the front end of the sheet S has passed and the rear end of the sheet S has passed.

[0118] Furthermore, since the first sheet sensor SS1 is in a first posture when in contact with the sheet S and in a second posture when separated from the sheet S, the first sheet sensor SS1 remains in the first posture during the passage of the sheet S. The time spent in the first posture corresponds to the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction. Therefore, the first sheet sensor SS1 is also capable of detecting the length of the sheet S in the conveying direction.

[0119] Furthermore, when conveying the sheet S and foil F between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, in order to prevent the foil F from slackening between each roller 51, 61 and the take-up reel 35, the circumferential speed of the take-up reel 35, specifically the take-up shaft portion 35A, is set to be greater than the circumferential speed of the pressure roller 51. Specifically, the transmission mechanism TM that transmits the driving force of the main motor 80 to the pressure roller 51 and the mechanism that transmits the driving force of the main motor 80 to the take-up reel 35 are configured in such a manner that the circumferential speed relationship is as described above.

[0120] Furthermore, with the foil F held by the rollers 51 and 61, the rotation of the take-up shaft 35A is limited to the circumferential speed of the pressure roller. Therefore, in foil transfer, the actual circumferential speed of the take-up shaft 35A is approximately the same as the actual circumferential speed of the pressure roller 51. Thus, the aforementioned circumferential speed of the take-up shaft 35A refers to a hypothetical circumferential speed assuming that the rollers 51 and 61 are in a released state and the load torque LT is smaller than the drive torque DT. However, in actual control, the circumferential speed of the take-up shaft 35A will not be such a hypothetical circumferential speed.

[0121] In the present embodiment, a limit switching unit is constituted by the above torque change unit (supply-side torque limiter TL2 and reel clutch C2) and drive switching unit (roller clutch C5). The limit switching unit can switch between a limit state in which the pulling of the foil film F from the supply reel 31 by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51 is limited and a release state in which the limitation is released.

[0122] Specifically, when the crimping and separating mechanism 70 is in the clamping release state, regardless of the state of the roller clutch C5, the limit switching unit becomes the limit state when the reel clutch C2 is connected and LT>DT, and becomes the release state when the reel clutch C2 is disengaged and LT<DT. Further, when the crimping and separating mechanism 70 is in the clamping state and the reel clutch C2 is disengaged and LT<DT, the limit switching unit becomes the limit state when the roller clutch C5 is disengaged to become the cut-off state, and becomes the release state when the roller clutch C5 is connected to become the transmission state. That is, when the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51 are in the crimped state and the torque relationship is LT<DT, if the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 stop, it becomes the limit state where the foil film F is not pulled out from the supply reel 31, and if the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 rotate, it becomes the release state where the foil film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31.

[0123] The touch panel TP is a panel that displays buttons and the like operated by the user. Further, as Figure 1 shown, the touch panel TP is provided, for example, on the upper surface of the cover 22.

[0124] The touch panel TP displays a first button B1, a second button B2, a third button B3, a fourth button B4, an input section B5, and a start button B6. The first button B1 is a button for performing foil transfer processing in the full-surface transfer mode. The second button B2 is a button for performing foil transfer processing in the front-end transfer mode.

[0125] The third button B3 is a button for performing foil transfer processing in the back-end transfer mode. The fourth button B4 is a button for performing foil transfer processing in the center transfer mode. The input section B5 has a plurality of buttons for changing values and the like displayed on the touch panel TP. The start button B6 is a button for executing foil transfer.

[0126] In each of the above transfer modes, a foil transfer area TA (refer to Figure 7The position or length of a)) differs. Specifically, the full transfer mode is a mode in which foil transfer is performed on the entire surface of the sheet S, which is equivalent to the case where the distance from the front end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is less than a first distance and the distance from the rear end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is less than a second distance. Here, the first distance and the second distance can be, for example, about 1 / 3 of the length of the sheet S.

[0127] The front-end transfer mode is a mode in which foil transfer is performed only on a portion of the front end of the sheet S. This is equivalent to the case where the distance from the front end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is less than a first distance, and the distance from the rear end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is greater than a second distance. The rear-end transfer mode is a mode in which foil transfer is performed only on a portion of the rear end of the sheet S. This is equivalent to the case where the distance from the front end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is greater than a first distance, and the distance from the rear end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is less than the second distance.

[0128] The central transfer mode is a mode in which foil transfer is performed only on a portion of the center of the sheet S. This is equivalent to a situation where the distance from the front end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is a first distance or more, and the distance from the rear end of the sheet S to the foil transfer area TA is a second distance or more. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the range of the foil transfer area TA in each transfer mode, specifically its length in the transport direction, is set to a fixed value corresponding to each transfer mode. For example, the length of the foil transfer area TA in the full transfer mode can be set to a length approximately equal to the length of the sheet S, while the length of the foil transfer area TA in other transfer modes can be set to approximately one-third of the length of the sheet S. Additionally, the width of the foil transfer area TA (the length in the width direction of the sheet S) in each transfer mode can be set to a length approximately equal to the width of the sheet S.

[0129] Users can select various transfer modes by choosing buttons B1 to B4 displayed on the touch panel TP.

[0130] After selecting a transfer mode, when the start button B6 is pressed, the touch panel TP outputs the corresponding instructions for each mode and information about the foil transfer area TA to the control unit 300. In the following description, instructions output to the control unit 300 when the full transfer mode is selected are referred to as "full transfer instructions," and instructions output to the control unit 300 when the front-end transfer mode is selected are referred to as "front-end transfer instructions." Furthermore, instructions output to the control unit 300 when the rear-end transfer mode is selected are referred to as "rear-end transfer instructions," and instructions output to the control unit 300 when the center transfer mode is selected are referred to as "center transfer instructions."

[0131] The control unit 300 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an input / output circuit, and performs various arithmetic processes based on programs and data stored in the ROM or the like to execute control. The control unit 300 can execute foil transfer in each of the above transfer modes according to an instruction output from the touch panel TP.

[0132] When the control unit 300 receives a transfer instruction in each transfer mode, it can execute a process of driving the conveyance rollers (11A to 12B) so that the heating roller 61 is in the separation position and the restriction switching unit is in the restricted state, that is, in a state where the torque relationship is LT>DT, and convey the sheet S to the transfer position between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51. Then, the control unit 300 executes a process corresponding to each transfer mode.

[0133] Hereinafter, Figure 7 the processes in each transfer mode will be briefly described using (a) to (d) of

[0134] As Figure 7 shown in (a) of

[0135] in the control in the first half of the full transfer mode (control before foil transfer to the foil transfer area TA), the control unit 300 stops the conveyance rollers (11A to 12B) before the leading end of the sheet S reaches the transfer position between the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, thereby stopping the conveyance of the sheet S. Then, the control unit 300 moves the heating roller 61 from the separation position to the crimping position. That is, since the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped before the leading end of the sheet S reaches the transfer position, the control unit 300 moves the heating roller 61 from the separation position to the crimping position before the leading end of the sheet S reaches the transfer position.

[0136] In addition, as Figure 7As shown in (b), in the control of the latter half of the full transfer mode (control after foil transfer in the foil transfer area TA), the control unit 300 stops the conveyor rollers (11A-12B) and the pressure roller 51 after the rear end of the sheet S has passed the transfer position, thereby stopping the conveying of the sheet S and the foil F. Then, the control unit 300 changes the torque relationship to LT>DT, causing the heating roller 61 to move from the pressing position to the separation position. Then, the control unit 300 starts driving the conveyor rollers (11A-12B) again to discharge the sheet S to the outside of the housing 2.

[0137] Control of the first half of the front-end transfer mode and control of the first half of the full transfer mode (see reference) Figure 7 (a) is the same. For example Figure 7 As shown in (c), in the control of the latter half of the front-end transfer mode, unlike the full transfer mode, the control unit 300 stops the conveying rollers (11A-12B) and the pressure rollers 51 when the sheet S is present in the transfer position and after the foil transfer area TA has passed the transfer position, thereby stopping the conveying of the sheet S and the foil F. That is, when the sheet S is present in the transfer position and the foil transfer area TA has passed the transfer position, the control unit 300 sets the restriction switching unit to a restriction state and stops the conveying of the foil F. Then, the control unit 300 performs the same control as the latter half of the full transfer mode.

[0138] like Figure 7 As shown in (d), in the control of the first half of the rear-end transfer mode, unlike the full transfer mode, the control unit 300 stops the conveying rollers (11A-12B) when the sheet S is present in the transfer position and before the foil transfer area TA reaches the transfer position, thereby stopping the conveying of the sheet S. Then, the control unit 300 moves the heating roller 61 from the separation position to the pressing position.

[0139] That is, when the sheet S is in the transfer position and before the foil transfer area TA reaches the transfer position, the control unit 300 moves the heating roller 61 to the pressing position. Additionally, when the sheet S is in the transfer position and before the heating roller 61 reaches the pressing position, the control unit 300 stops the conveyor rollers (11A-12B). Then, the control unit 300 performs the same control as the first half of the full transfer mode. Furthermore, the control of the second half of the rear transfer mode is the same as the control of the second half of the full transfer mode (see reference). Figure 7 (b) is the same.

[0140] Control of the first half of the central transfer mode and control of the first half of the rear transfer mode (refer to...) Figure 7 (d) is the same. The control of the latter half of the central transfer mode is the same as the control of the latter half of the front transfer mode (refer to...). Figure 7 (c) is the same.

[0141] Next, the operation of the control unit 300 will be described in detail. After the power to the foil transfer device 1 is turned on, the control unit 300 repeatedly performs... Figure 8 The processing shown.

[0142] exist Figure 8 In the process shown, the control unit 300 first determines whether a full transfer instruction exists (S101). If it is determined in step S101 that a full transfer instruction exists (yes), the control unit 300 executes the full transfer process (S102) and ends the process.

[0143] If it is determined in step S101 that there is no full transfer instruction (No), the control unit 300 determines whether there is a front-end transfer instruction (S103). If it is determined in step S103 that there is a front-end transfer instruction (Yes), the control unit 300 executes the front-end transfer process (S104) and ends the process.

[0144] If it is determined in step S103 that there is no front-end transfer instruction (No), the control unit 300 determines whether there is a back-end transfer instruction (S105). If it is determined in step S105 that there is a back-end transfer instruction (Yes), the control unit 300 executes the back-end transfer process (S106) and ends the process.

[0145] If it is determined in step S105 that there is no back-end transfer instruction (No), the control unit 300 determines whether there is a central transfer instruction (S107). If it is determined in step S107 that there is a central transfer instruction (Yes), the control unit 300 executes the central transfer process (S108) and ends the process. If it is determined in step S107 that there is no central transfer instruction (No), the control unit 300 ends the process.

[0146] Next, refer to Figure 9 Instructions for full transfer printing.

[0147] exist Figure 9 In the full transfer process shown, after the heater inside the heating roller 61 is turned on (S1), the control unit 300 engages the roll clutch C2 (S2). Specifically, the control unit 300 engages the roll clutch C2 when the temperature of the heating roller 61 approaches the target temperature to a certain extent after the heater is turned on.

[0148] When the spool clutch C2 is engaged in step S2, the load torque LT becomes LT1 + LT2, which is greater than the drive torque DT. After step S2, the control unit 300 turns on the main motor 80 (S3). That is, when a full transfer command is received, the control unit 300 drives the main motor 80 while the limit switching unit is in the limit state. When the main motor 80 is turned on, the driving force of the main motor 80 is transmitted to the take-up spool 35 via the take-up side torque limiter TL1. As a result, the drive torque DT is applied to the take-up spool 35, but due to the processing in step S2, since LT > DT, the foil F is pulled out from the supply spool 31 by limiting the load torque LT. Therefore, the foil F is pulled by the take-up spool 35 with the drive torque DT applied, but since the rotation of the supply spool 31 and the take-up spool 35 stops, the foil F is not conveyed and stops under the state of applying a specified tension.

[0149] After step S3, the control unit 300 performs the supply of sheet S by engaging the pickup clutch C1 (S4). Specifically, the control unit 300 causes current to flow through the pickup clutch C1 for the time required for the pickup roller 11A to transport one sheet S, thereby driving the pickup roller 11A for a predetermined time. Alternatively, the stopping of the drive of the pickup roller 11A can be determined based on the moment when the leading edge of the sheet S is detected by the first sheet sensor SS1.

[0150] After step S4, the control unit 300 determines whether the leading edge of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position (S5). Specifically, in step S5, the control unit 300 determines whether the leading edge of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position based on the time elapsed since the first sheet sensor SS1 detected the leading edge of the sheet S. Similarly, the determination of whether the trailing edge or foil transfer area TA of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position is performed (described later); and the determination of whether the leading edge, trailing edge, or foil transfer area TA of the sheet S has passed the transfer position is also performed.

[0151] If, in step S5, it is determined that the leading edge of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position (yes), the control unit 300 stops the conveyor rollers (11A to 12B) (S6). Thus, the conveying of the sheet S is stopped when the leading edge of the sheet S is at the position about to reach the transfer position.

[0152] After step S6, the control unit 300 activates the pressing-separation motor 90, causing the heating roller 61 to move from the separation position to the pressing position (S7). Specifically, in step S7, after activating the pressing-separation motor 90, the control unit 300 determines whether the heating roller 61 is in the pressing position based on a signal from the position sensor SA. If it is determined that the heating roller 61 is in the pressing position, the pressing-separation motor 90 is deactivated. Furthermore, the control unit 300 similarly controls the pressing-separation motor 90 when moving the heating roller 61 from the pressing position to the separation position.

[0153] After step S7, specifically, after the heating roller 61 moves to the crimping position, the control unit 300 disengages the reel clutch C2 (S8). Thereby, after the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 are in a clamped state, the load torque LT becomes LT1 and is smaller than the driving torque DT. Here, if LT < DT before the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 are in a clamped state, the take-up reel 35 starts to rotate, and the foil film F is wastedly conveyed. Therefore, as described above, by making LT < DT after the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 are in a clamped state, that is, after the foil film F is clamped between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, the start of rotation of the take-up reel 35 can be restricted, and the wasted conveyance of the foil film F can be suppressed.

[0154] In addition, the timings for performing the respective processes of steps S6 to S8 can be carried out in an order different from that of the present embodiment, or can be carried out substantially simultaneously.

[0155] For example, the disengagement timing of the reel clutch C2 can be determined based on the timing when the crimping and separating motor 90 is turned on and the timing when a signal indicating that the heating roller 61 is not in the separating position is received from the position sensor SA. Here, in the case where the position sensor SA outputs a first signal (e.g., Low signal) during the period when the heating roller 61 is in the separating position and outputs a second signal (e.g., High signal) immediately after the heating roller 61 starts to move from the separating position, the second signal corresponds to a signal indicating not being in the separating position.

[0156] After step S8, the control unit 300 connects the conveyance clutch C3 and the roller clutch C5 (S9). Thereby, the driving force is transmitted from the main motor 80 to the conveyance rollers (11B to 12B) and the pressure roller 51, and thus the conveyance of the sheet S and the foil film F is started.

[0157] After step S9, the control unit 300 determines whether the first sheet sensor SS1 detects the rear end of the sheet S (S10). In the case where it is determined in step S10 that the rear end of the sheet S is detected (Yes), the control unit 300 determines whether the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the transfer position based on the time elapsed after the rear end of the sheet S is detected (S11). That is, in step S11, it is determined whether the foil transfer of the toner image onto the foil transfer area TA is completed.

[0158] Here, the determination timing when the rear end of the sheet S passes through the transfer position, that is, the timing when the foil transfer is completed, can be the timing when the rear end of the foil transfer area TA of the sheet S passes through the second guide shaft 42 (refer to Figure 1 ) which is the peeling roller, etc.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end time of foil transfer is set to the time after the rear end of the foil transfer area TA of the sheet S passes the second guide shaft 42. Specifically, it is set to the time after a predetermined time has elapsed since the rear end of the sheet S passed the transfer position. By setting the end time of foil transfer in this way, it is possible to prevent the foil F from stopping before the foil F is completely peeled from the toner image of the sheet S, thus enabling the foil F to be effectively peeled from the toner image.

[0160] If, in step S11, it is determined that the rear end of the sheet S has passed the transfer position (yes), the control unit 300 disengages the conveyor clutch C3 and the roller clutch C5 to stop the conveyor rollers (11B-12B) and the pressure roller 51, and engages the roll clutch C2 so that the torque relationship is LT>DT (S12). In step S12, by stopping the conveyor rollers (11B-12B) and the pressure roller 51, the conveying of the sheet S and the foil F is stopped.

[0161] In addition, in this embodiment, the stopping of the conveyor rollers (11B to 12B) and the pressure roller 51 and the engagement of the reel clutch C2 are performed approximately simultaneously, but they can also be performed at different times.

[0162] After step S12, the control unit 300 turns on the pressing separation motor 90 to cause the heating roller 61 to separate from the pressure roller 51 (S13). Here, as described above, since the torque relationship is LT>DT in step S12, even if the heating roller 61 is separated from the pressure roller 51 in step S13, the conveying of the foil F will not start, and the foil F remains stopped.

[0163] After step S13, the control unit 300 engages the conveying clutch C3 and drives the conveying rollers (11B-12B) (S14). This restarts the conveying of the sheet S, thereby discharging the sheet S outside the housing 2.

[0164] After step S14, the control unit 300 terminates the process after performing a termination process that disconnects the heater, etc. (S15). In this termination process, in addition to disconnecting the heater, the main motor is also disconnected, and each clutch is disengaged.

[0165] Next, refer to Figure 10 The front-end transfer process is explained below. The front-end transfer process differs from the full transfer process only in a portion of the latter part; the other processes are the same as the full transfer process. Therefore, the same symbols are assigned to the same processes, and explanations are omitted.

[0166] exist Figure 10In the front-end transfer process shown, after performing steps S1 to S9, the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA located on the front end side of the sheet S has passed the transfer position (S31). That is, in step S31, the control unit 300 determines whether foil transfer to the foil transfer area TA located on the front end side of the sheet S has been completed. If it is determined in step S31 that the foil transfer area TA has passed the transfer position, steps S12 to S15 are executed, and the process ends.

[0167] Next, refer to Figure 11 Explanation of back-end transfer processing. Back-end transfer processing differs from full transfer processing only in a portion of the initial process; the remaining processes are the same as full transfer processing. Therefore, the same symbols are assigned to the same processes, and explanations are omitted.

[0168] exist Figure 11 In the back-end transfer process shown, after performing steps S1 to S4, the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA located on the back end side of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position (S41). If it is determined in step S41 that the foil transfer area TA is about to reach the transfer position (yes), the control unit 300 executes step S6. Afterwards, the control unit 300 executes steps S7 to S15 and ends the process.

[0169] Next, we will refer to Figure 12 Describe the central transfer process. In the central transfer process, the first half of the process is the same as the back-end transfer process, and the second half of the process is the same as the front-end transfer process. Therefore, the same symbols are assigned to the same processes, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0170] In the first half of the central transfer process, the control unit 300 executes steps S1 to S4, S41, and S6 to S9. In the second half, the control unit 300 executes steps S31 and S12 to S15, and then terminates the process.

[0171] Based on this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0172] Before performing foil transfer in either the central transfer mode or the back-end transfer mode, the foil F is pulled out from the supply roll 31 while the sheet S is in the transfer position. Therefore, compared to the case where the foil F is pulled out from the supply roll 31 before the sheet S reaches the transfer position (e.g., in the full transfer mode), the wasteful feeding of the foil F can be suppressed.

[0173] Before foil transfer in central transfer mode or rear transfer mode, the feeding of sheet S is stopped before the heating roller 61 is pressed against the pressure roller 51 in the stopped state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent sheet S from being fed and flexed during the pressing process of each roller 51, 61 in the stopped state.

[0174] After foil transfer in either the central transfer mode or the front-end transfer mode, the foil F is restricted from being pulled out of the supply roll 31 while the sheet S is in the transfer position. Therefore, compared with the case where the foil F is restricted from being pulled out of the supply roll 31 after the sheet S passes the transfer position (e.g., full transfer mode), the wasteful feeding of the foil F can be suppressed.

[0175] After foil transfer in either the central transfer mode or the front transfer mode, the conveying of sheet S is stopped when each roller 51, 61 in the pressing state stops. Therefore, it is possible to prevent sheet S from being conveyed and flexed during the pressing of each roller 51, 61 in the stopped state.

[0176] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be implemented in various ways as illustrated below. In the following description, structures and processes that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the range of the foil transfer area TA in each transfer mode is set to a fixed value corresponding to each transfer mode. However, it can also be configured such that the length of the foil transfer area TA in the front-end transfer mode, the center transfer mode, and the rear-end transfer mode can be changed by operating multiple buttons on the input unit B5.

[0178] Specifically, it can be configured such that, after the user selects a transfer mode other than the full transfer mode, the length of the foil transfer area TA in the transfer mode other than the full transfer mode can be set through the operation input unit B5.

[0179] More specifically, the input unit B5 can input information specifying the position and length of the foil transfer area TA in the conveying direction of the sheet S. For example, in the front-end transfer mode, the position of the front end of the foil transfer area TA is determined to be near the front end of the sheet S. Therefore, the foil transfer area TA is set by inputting the position of the rear end of the foil transfer area TA as the distance from the front end of the sheet S. Similarly, in the rear-end transfer mode, the position of the rear end of the foil transfer area TA is determined to be near the rear end of the sheet S. Therefore, the foil transfer area TA is set by inputting the position of the front end of the foil transfer area TA as the distance from the front end of the sheet S.

[0180] Furthermore, in the central transfer mode, for example, the foil transfer area TA is set by inputting the distances from the front and rear ends of the foil transfer area TA to the front end of the sheet S. In the central transfer mode, the foil transfer area TA can also be set by inputting the position of the front end of the foil transfer area TA as the distance from the front end of the sheet S, and then inputting the length of the foil transfer area TA.

[0181] This allows for the free setting of the foil transfer area TA. For example, even after foil transfer is performed on a sheet S of a specified length, if foil transfer is then performed on a sheet S of a different length, the range of the foil transfer area TA can be set according to the length of the sheet S. However, even with the user having the freedom to determine the range of the foil transfer area TA, due to incorrect user input, the foil transfer area TA may be placed outside the range of the sheet S.

[0182] In this case, if the control unit 300 performs the processing described in the above embodiment, the foil F is wasted as it passes through the transfer position in the foil transfer area TA, which is set outside the range of the sheet S. To solve this problem, the control unit 300 can also be configured to perform... Figures 13-15 The front-end transfer process, back-end transfer process, and central transfer process are shown.

[0183] exist Figure 13 In the front-end transfer process shown, the control unit 300 executes steps S1 to S9. After step S9, the control unit 300 determines whether the first sheet sensor SS1 has detected the rear end of the sheet S (S51). If it is determined in step S51 that the rear end of the sheet S has been detected (yes), the control unit 300 calculates the length of the sheet S (S52). Specifically, the control unit 300 calculates the length of the sheet S based on the time from when the first sheet sensor SS1 detects the front end of the sheet S to when it detects the rear end of the sheet S and the conveying speed of the sheet S.

[0184] After step S52, the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S (S53). Here, the position and length of the foil transfer area TA are known by the control unit 300 when input by the input unit B5, that is, before foil transfer is performed. Therefore, in step S53, the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S based on the position and length of the foil transfer area TA and the length of the sheet S.

[0185] In detail, as described above, since the position and length of the foil transfer area TA are set based on the distance relative to the front end of the sheet S, in step S53, the control unit 300 determines whether the rear end of the foil transfer area TA, which is substantially input by the input unit B5, is positioned upstream of the rear end of the sheet S in the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0186] If in step S53 it is determined that the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S (Yes), then the control unit 300 determines whether the rear end of the sheet S has passed the transfer position in the same manner as the full transfer process in the above embodiment (S11). Conversely, if in step S53 it is determined that the foil transfer area TA is not outside the range of the sheet S (No), then the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA has passed the transfer position in the same manner as the front end transfer process in the above embodiment (S31).

[0187] Here, when the range of the foil transfer area TA can be set, for example, when performing the front-end transfer process of the above embodiment, the control unit 300 will perform the processing of step S31 even if the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S. As a result, the foil film F will be wasted before the foil transfer area TA outside the range of the sheet S passes the transfer position.

[0188] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S, before the foil transfer area TA passes the transfer position and after the sheet S passes the transfer position (S11, Yes), the control unit 300 puts the restriction switching unit into a restriction state. Specifically, it stops the pressure roller 51 and makes the torque relationship LT>DT (S12). As a result, the feeding of the foil F stops before the foil transfer area TA outside the range of the sheet S passes the transfer position, thus preventing the foil F from being wasted during feeding.

[0189] Furthermore, after the control unit 300 sets the restriction switching unit to the restriction state (S12), it moves the heating roller 61 to the separation position (S13), then executes the processes in steps S14 and S15, and ends the process. Alternatively, after the control unit 300 determines "yes" in step S31, it executes the processes in steps S12 to S15, and ends the process.

[0190] exist Figure 14 In the back-end transfer process shown, the control unit 300 executes steps S1 to S4 and S41. If it is determined in step S41 that the foil transfer area TA is about to reach the transfer position (yes), the control unit 300 executes steps S6 to S15 and ends the process.

[0191] If it is determined in step S41 that the foil transfer area TA is not about to reach the transfer position (No), then the control unit 300 determines whether the first sheet sensor SS1 has detected the rear end of the sheet S (S61). If it is determined in step S61 that the rear end of the sheet S has been detected (Yes), then the control unit 300 calculates the length of the sheet S (S62).

[0192] After step S62, the control unit 300 determines whether the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S (S63). If it is determined in step S63 that the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S (yes), the control unit 300 discharges the sheet S (S64) and ends the process. Specifically, in step S64, while keeping the pressure roller 51 in the separated position, the control unit 300 drives the conveyor rollers 11B to 12B to make the sheet S pass through the transfer position, and then makes the sheet S that has passed through the transfer position pass through the downstream conveyor roller 12B, and stops the conveyor rollers 11B to 12B after the sheet S passes through the conveyor roller 12B.

[0193] Therefore, when the foil transfer area TA is outside the range of the sheet S, foil transfer is not performed and the sheet S is discharged, thus preventing the foil film F from being wasted during transport. Furthermore, if the determination in step S61 or step S63 is "no", the control unit 300 returns to the processing in step S41.

[0194] Figure 15 The processing of the first half of the central transfer process shown is similar to... Figure 14 The back-end transfer process is the same, and the latter part of the processing is the same. Figure 13 The front-end transfer process is the same, so the same symbols are assigned to the same processes, and the descriptions are omitted.

[0195] In the first half of the central transfer process, the control unit 300 executes steps S1-S4, S41, S6-S9, and S61-S64. In the subsequent second half, the control unit 300 executes steps S51-S53, S11, S31, and S12-S15.

[0196] like Figure 16 As shown, the control unit 300 can also be configured to perform continuous foil transfer processing on multiple sheets S by continuously feeding multiple sheets S at predetermined sheet intervals c. Here, in Figure 16 For convenience, the illustration of foil F has been omitted.

[0197] In continuous transfer processing, while the first sheet SH1 is being transported, the control unit 300 transports the next sheet, the second sheet SH2. Continuous transfer processing can also be performed in various transfer modes, but the following description will focus on continuous transfer processing in the front-end transfer mode. Furthermore, the front end of the foil transfer area coincides with the front end of the sheet S.

[0198] When conveying the next sheet SH2 while conveying the first sheet SH1, it is preferable to change the processing of the control unit 300 according to the size of a first length L1 from the rear end of the foil transfer area TA1 of the first sheet SH1 to the rear end of the first sheet SH1. Specifically, it is possible to change whether to perform a process of pressing the heating roller 61 after separation or a process of keeping the heating roller 61 pressed between the first foil transfer area TA1 and the second foil transfer area TA2, which is the foil transfer area of ​​the second sheet SH2, according to the size of the first length L1.

[0199] Here, after foil transfer is performed on the first foil transfer area TA1, the heating roller 61 is removed at the following time: Figure 16 As shown in (a), the rear end of the first foil transfer area TA1 reaches the second guide shaft 42, which serves as the peeling roller for peeling the foil film F from the sheet S. Therefore, after the foil is transferred to the first foil transfer area TA1, the foil film F is wasted during foil transfer without utilizing the second length a, which is equivalent to the distance from the transfer position to the second guide shaft 42.

[0200] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown in (b), the moment the heating roller 61 presses against the foil after it has been transferred to the first foil transfer area TA1 is when the leading edge of the second sheet SH2 is about to reach the transfer position. Therefore, when the heating roller 61 leaves after the foil has been transferred to the first foil transfer area TA1, the foil F is wasted by conveying a third length b, which is equivalent to the distance from the leading edge of the second sheet SH2, which is about to reach the transfer position, to the transfer position. As described above, when the process of separating and pressing the heating roller 61 is performed between the sheets, the amount of foil F wasted is a+b.

[0201] On the other hand, when the heating roller 61 is kept pressed during the process, the length of the first length L1 plus the sheet spacing c becomes the amount of foil F that is wasted during feeding. Therefore, as Figure 16 As shown in (b), when the first length L1 is a relatively large value α, L1+c>a+b, and when the heating roller 61 is kept in a pressing position, the amount of foil F that is wasted increases. Furthermore, as... Figure 16As shown in (c), when the first length L1 is a value β small enough, L1 + c < a + b, and it becomes meaningless to move the heating roller 61 away. Specifically, when L1 + c < a + b, when waiting at the rear end of the first foil transfer area TA1 until after passing through the second guide shaft 42 and then moving away, the front end of the second sheet SH2 has passed the position approaching the transfer position. In such a situation, when crimping is performed, the front end of the second sheet SH2 (the second foil transfer area TA2) cannot complete crimping before passing through the transfer position, and moving away becomes meaningless.

[0202] Here, the first length L1 is a variable that changes according to the size of the foil transfer area TA set by the user. In addition, the second length a, the third length b, and the sheet interval c are fixed values respectively. Specifically, the sheet interval c is a fixed value of c < a + b. Therefore, it can be seen that when performing the process of separating and crimping the heating roller 61 when L1 > a + b - c, and performing the process of maintaining the heating roller 61 in the crimped state when L1 ≤ a + b - c, it is possible to suppress the wasteful conveyance of the foil film F and the unnecessary separation of the heating roller 61.

[0203] Specifically, when the first length L1 is greater than the specified length Lth ( = a + b - c), the control unit 300 makes the limit switching unit enter the above limit state when the sheet S is at the transfer position and after the first foil transfer area TA1 passes through the transfer position. After making the limit switching unit enter the limit state, the control unit 300 performs the first front-end transfer process of moving the heating roller 61 to the separation position. In addition, when the first length L1 is below the specified length Lth, the control unit 300 performs the second front-end transfer process of maintaining the heating roller 61 at the crimping position during the period from when the first foil transfer area TA1 passes through the transfer position to when the second foil transfer area TA2 passes through the transfer position.

[0204] Next, the operation of the control unit 300 will be described in detail.

[0205] For example, when the start button B6 is pressed in the state where multiple sheets S are placed on the sheet tray 3, the control unit 300 performs Figure 17 the continuous transfer process shown. In addition, in the present embodiment, before the continuous transfer process is executed, for example, by inputting through the input unit B5, etc., the control unit 300 pre-understands the length of the sheet S in advance.

[0206] In the continuous transfer process, first, the control unit 300 calculates the first length L1 (S71) from the rear end of the first foil transfer area TA1 to the rear end of the first sheet SH1 based on the information of the foil transfer area TA input by the input unit B5 and the length information of the sheet S. After step S71, the control unit 300 determines whether the first length L1 is greater than the specified length Lth (S72).

[0207] If it is determined in step S72 that L1>Lth (yes), then the control unit 300 executes the first front-end transfer process (S73) and ends the current process. If it is determined in step S72 that L1>Lth is not satisfied (no), then the control unit 300 executes the second front-end transfer process (S74) and ends the current process.

[0208] like Figure 18 As shown, in the first front-end transfer process, the control unit 300 executes and Figure 10 The front-end transfer process is the same as steps S1 to S9, S31, and S12 to S14. That is, the control unit 300 presses the heating roller 61 to perform foil transfer when the front end of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position, and removes the heating roller 61 after the foil transfer is completed. After step S14, the control unit 300 determines whether there is another sheet S to be foil transferred (S81).

[0209] If it is determined in step S81 that there is a next sheet S (Yes), the control unit 300 returns to the processing in step S5 and performs pressing and separation of the next sheet S by the heating roller 61. If it is determined in step S81 that there is no next sheet S (No), the control unit 300 executes the processing in step S15 and ends the current processing.

[0210] like Figure 19 As shown, in the second front-end transfer process, the control unit 300 executes and Figure 10 The process is the same as steps S1 to S9 and S31 in the front-end transfer process. That is, when the front end of the sheet S is about to reach the transfer position, the control unit 300 causes the heating roller 61 to press and perform foil transfer.

[0211] If the determination in step S31 is "yes," that is, if the foil transfer is completed, the control unit 300 determines whether there is a next sheet S for foil transfer (S91). If it is determined in step S91 that there is a next sheet S (yes), the control unit 300 returns to the processing in step S31. That is, even after the foil transfer of the first sheet SH1 is completed, the control unit 300 keeps the heating roller 61 in the pressing position without separating it, thereby performing the foil transfer of the next second sheet SH2.

[0212] If it is determined in step S91 that there is no next sheet S (No), the control unit 300 executes the processing steps S12 to S15 and ends the process. That is, after the foil transfer of the last sheet S is completed, the control unit 300 causes the heating roller 61 to leave and performs the end processing (S15), etc.

[0213] According to this method, when the first length L1 is less than or equal to the predetermined length Lth, the heating roller 61 is kept in a pressed state, thus suppressing unnecessary separation of the heating roller 61. Furthermore, when the first length L1 is greater than the predetermined length Lth, since the heating roller 61 is separated between the sheets S, the wasteful feeding of the foil F can be prevented.

[0214] In the above embodiments, when the pressure roller 51 is stopped in each mode, all conveying rollers (11A to 12B) are stopped, but it is also possible to stop only the conveying rollers that are in contact with the sheet S.

[0215] In the above embodiment, the heating roller 61 is pressed against and separated from the pressure roller 51, but the pressure roller can also be pressed against and separated from the heating roller.

[0216] In the above embodiment, the roller clutch C5 is exemplified as a drive switching unit, but the drive switching unit may also be a motor different from the main motor, for example, a dedicated motor for driving the pressure roller or heating roller.

[0217] In the above embodiments, an apparatus for transferring foil onto a toner image formed on a sheet is exemplified as a foil transfer apparatus. However, any apparatus that transfers foil onto a sheet can be used.

[0218] In the above embodiment, the foil transfer film cassette FC can be attached to and detached from the housing body 21 via the retainer 100, but for example, the foil transfer film cassette can also be attached to and detached directly from the housing body.

[0219] In the above embodiment, a supply roll 31 and a take-up roll 35 are provided in the foil transfer film box FC, but for example, a supply roll may be provided in the foil transfer film box and a take-up roll may be provided in the housing.

[0220] In the above embodiment, an example of an input unit is a button displayed on the touch panel TP, but the input unit may also be, for example, a button (switch) that can be moved between a pressed position and a released position by the user's operation.

[0221] In the above embodiments, the control unit is configured to execute each mode based on signals from the touch panel TP. However, for example, in the case where the image forming apparatus and the foil transfer apparatus are integrated, the control unit may also determine the size and position of the toner area on the sheet based on the image data contained in the printing transfer instruction, and select each mode based on the size and position of the toner area.

[0222] In the above embodiment, an optical sensor is exemplified as a position sensor, but the position sensor may also be composed of an optical sensor that is linked to the position of the rod and the detection rod of the pressing and separating mechanism.

[0223] In the above-described embodiment, the sheet sensor is composed of a rod and an optical sensor that detects the position of the rod, but the sheet sensor may also be composed of only an optical sensor, for example.

[0224] In the above-described embodiment, in order to stop the conveyance of the foil film F, a structure where LT > DT is adopted, but a structure where LT ≥ DT may also be adopted.

[0225] In the above-described embodiment, as the torque change unit, the reel clutch C2 and the supply-side torque limiter TL2 that change the load torque LT applied to the supply reel 31 are exemplified, but for example, the torque change unit may also be a unit that changes the magnitude of the drive torque. For example, the motor for driving the take-up reel may be set as a dedicated motor different from the main motor, and this dedicated motor may be set as the torque change unit. In this case, by switching the drive and stop of the dedicated motor, the relationship between the load torque LT and the drive torque DT can be set to LT < DT and LT = DT.

[0226] In addition, the torque change mechanism may also be a component that can move between an engaged position where it engages with the supply reel 31 to stop the rotation of the supply reel 31 and a retracted position where it disengages from the supply reel 31 to allow the rotation of the supply reel 31. That is, it may also be a mechanical locking mechanism that can lock and release the rotation of the supply reel.

[0227] In addition, dedicated motors for rotating the pressure roller 51 and dedicated motors for rotating the pickup roller 11A may be provided instead of the roller clutch C5 and the pickup clutch C1.

[0228] In the above-described embodiment, the roller clutch C5 is exemplified as the drive switching unit, but the drive switching unit may also be, for example, a swing gear that swings between a position where it meshes with a prescribed gear of a transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force to a pressure roller or a heating roller and a position where it disengages from the prescribed gear.

[0229] In the above-described embodiment, the foil film F is composed of four layers, but as long as the foil film has a transfer layer and a support layer, the number of layers may be any number.

[0230] The respective elements described in the above-described embodiment and the modification examples may be arbitrarily combined.

Claims

1. A foil transfer apparatus, comprising overlapping a sheet with a foil-containing film to transfer the foil onto the sheet, characterized in that, have: A supply reel is provided, and the foil is wound around the supply reel; A take-up reel for taking up the foil; Conveyor rollers that convey the sheet; A heating roller that heats the foil and the sheet; A pressure roller rotates while sandwiching the foil and the sheet between itself and the heating roller, thereby conveying the foil and the sheet. A first motor drives the conveyor roller; A pressing and separating mechanism that moves one of the heating roller and the pressure roller between a pressing position where it is pressed against the other roller and a separating position where it is separated from the other roller; as well as Control Department With the first motor driving the conveying rollers and one roller in the separated position, the control unit begins conveying the sheet. Before the foil transfer area, which is the area on the sheet to be transferred, reaches the transfer position between the heating roller and the pressure roller, the control unit controls the first motor to stop the conveying roller, thereby stopping the conveying of the sheet. The control unit controls the pressing and separating mechanism, thereby moving one of the rollers from the separating position to the pressing position when the sheet is stopped. After one of the rollers is in the pressing position, the control unit controls the first motor to drive the conveying roller, thereby restarting the conveying of the sheet.

2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a drive switching unit that switches the drive and stop of the pressure roller and the heating roller. By stopping the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit restricts the foil from being pulled out of the supply reel. By driving the pressure roller and the heating roller, the control unit pulls the foil from the supply reel. After one of the rollers reaches the pressing position, the control unit drives the heating roller and the pressure roller to pull the foil film out from the supply reel.

3. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a position sensor for detecting the position of one of the rollers. The control unit determines whether one of the rollers is located at the pressing position based on the signal from the position sensor.

4. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the distance from the front end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is greater than a first distance, the control unit stops the sheet feeding when the sheet is present at the transfer position and before the foil transfer area reaches the transfer position, and moves one of the rollers to the pressing position. After one of the rollers is at the pressing position, the control unit restarts the sheet feeding. If the distance from the front end of the sheet to the foil transfer area is less than the first distance, the control unit stops the sheet feeding before the sheet reaches the transfer position, moves one of the rollers to the pressing position, and after the one roller is in the pressing position, the control unit restarts the sheet feeding.

5. The foil transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, It also includes an input section capable of inputting information for determining the position and length of the foil transfer area in the conveying direction of the sheet. When the foil transfer area input by the input unit is located outside the range of the sheet, with one of the rollers in the separation position, the control unit drives the conveyor roller to make the sheet pass through the transfer position, and makes the sheet that has passed through the transfer position pass through the conveyor roller, and stops the conveyor roller after the sheet passes through the conveyor roller.

6. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a torque limiter and a reel clutch. The torque limiter applies a load to the supply reel, and the reel clutch changes the magnitude of the load torque applied to the supply reel by changing the connection state between the torque limiter and the supply reel. After one of the rollers is in the pressing position, the connection between the torque limiter and the supply reel is set to the off state by means of the reel clutch.

7. The foil transfer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has a second motor that drives the pressing and separating mechanism.

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