Printer device, control method and program

Abstract

To speed up printing processing.SOLUTION: A printer for thermally transferring color ink and overcoat on a recording sheet has control means for performing printing processing of transferring the color ink and the overcoat on the recording sheet by a thermal head and an ink ribbon, where the control means changes pressing force to press the ink ribbon and the recording sheet during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing processing, and controls processing speed during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal transfer printer. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, printers that can easily print photos taken with digital cameras, smartphones, etc. have become popular. One of these printers is a dye-sublimation thermal transfer printer. Dye-sublimation is a thermal transfer method in which ink is vaporized by the heat of a thermal head and attached to recording paper. Full-color printing involves a color ink transfer process in which yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) inks are applied in order to an ink ribbon and layered in order to form a full-color image, and an overcoat (OC) transfer process in which a protective layer (OC) is transferred onto the image.

[0003] Although the amount of heat applied to the thermal head to vaporize the color ink and the overcoat differs between the color ink and the overcoat, the pressure applied to the ink ribbon and the recording paper is set to the same conditions. Patent Document 1 describes adjusting the pressure and position of the thermal head based on the combination of the ink ribbon and the recording paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5962417 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not anticipate adjusting the pressure or position of the thermal head during color ink transfer and OC transfer during printing. Furthermore, if the processing speed during OC transfer is increased, excessive friction caused by the pressure between the ink ribbon and recording paper and resonance during peeling will generate abnormal noise, limiting the printing processing speed.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to realize a technology that speeds up printing processing by setting the pressure state between the ink ribbon and recording paper and the processing speed to optimal conditions during color ink transfer and overcoat transfer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a printer device that thermally transfers color inks and an overcoat onto a recording sheet, and includes a control means for performing a printing process that transfers the color inks and the overcoat onto the recording sheet using a thermal head and an ink ribbon, and the control means changes the pressure that presses the ink ribbon and the recording sheet when transferring the color inks and the overcoat during the printing process, and controls the processing speed when transferring the color inks and the overcoat during the printing process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the pressing state between the ink ribbon and the recording paper during color ink transfer and overcoat transfer, as well as the processing speed, can be set to optimal conditions, thereby speeding up the printing process. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal mechanical configuration of the printer device during color ink transfer according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal mechanical configuration of the printer device during overcoat (OC) transfer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the printer device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a development view of the ink ribbon of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a moving mechanism of the thermal head according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in a non-high-speed mode of a printer device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in high-speed mode of the printer device of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4A and 4B are side views illustrating the moving mechanism of the thermal head in the first pressing state and the second pressing state of the embodiment; [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating semi-gloss patterns formed in the pattern OC mode of the printer device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in a non-pattern OC mode of a printer device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in a pattern OC mode of a printer device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] In the following, an example will be described in which the printer device of the present invention is applied to a dye-sublimation thermal transfer printer (hereinafter referred to as a thermal printer), but the present invention is not limited to thermal printers and can also be applied to other types of printers.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to printers alone, but can be applied to any device with a printing function, such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a computer system, etc. Furthermore, the recording paper of the present invention includes not only paper but also sheet materials made of other materials such as plastic film.

[0013] In a thermal printer, an ink ribbon coated with ink is pressed against recording paper using a thermal head and a platen roller (receiving member), and the ink ribbon and recording paper (recording sheet) are transported while in contact with the thermal head to perform printing. The thermal head has a linear arrangement of multiple heating elements (resistance elements), and by selectively energizing these heating elements, the ink coated on the ink ribbon is transferred to the recording paper, thereby printing on the recording paper. In particular, when performing full-color printing, a full-color image is formed by sequentially layering inks of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) coated on the ink ribbon, and an overcoat (OC) is sometimes transferred onto the image.

[0014] In the following description, "printing" refers to the entire series of operations from printing based on a print command from a host device to discharging the printed recording paper. Furthermore, "printing" refers to the printing operation of thermally transferring ink and an overcoat applied to an ink ribbon onto recording paper to form an image on the recording paper and then forming an overcoat on the image, and "transfer" is also used as a synonym. In the case of monochrome printing, the recording paper may be in roll form, and after printing, it may be cut to a specified size and discharged.

[0015] [Embodiment 1] First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0016] The thermal printer of the first embodiment has a normal mode in which printing is performed at a first speed, and also a high-speed mode in which printing is performed at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer during color ink transfer according to this embodiment.

[0018] First, the configuration and functions of the thermal printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0019] The thermal printer 1 of this embodiment includes an upper case 2 and a lower case 5 as exterior members that cover the upper and lower sides of the printer body. The printer's drive unit is built into the box-shaped housing formed by the upper case 2 and the lower case 5. The upper case 2 is provided with a display unit 3 and an operation unit 4.

[0020] The paper tray 6 can accommodate a stack of multiple sheets of recording paper 9. The paper tray 6 is set in the thermal printer 1 by inserting part of the end of the paper tray 6 in the paper transport direction D1 into an opening formed on one side of the thermal printer 1.

[0021] The paper tray 6 includes a storage section 7 that stores a plurality of sheets of recording paper (a stack of paper) 9. A lift plate 8 is engaged with the bottom surface of the storage section 7. The stack of paper is placed on the upper surface of the lift plate 8.

[0022] The storage section 7 has a paper feed opening formed at its end in the paper transport direction D1 for feeding recording paper 18 for printing. The paper feed opening functions to feed the recording paper 18 for printing from the top of the stack of paper 9 in the storage section 7 to the paper transport path inside the thermal printer 1. The top of the stack of paper 9 loaded in the storage section 7 is covered by a tray inner lid 10, except for the paper feed opening. The tray inner lid 11 is attached near the center of the tray inner lid 10 in the paper transport directions D1 and D2. The tray inner lid 11 is rotatably supported by pivot shafts 11a on both sides of the tray inner lid 10 in the width direction perpendicular to the paper transport directions D1 and D2. The pivot shafts 11a are pivotally attached to holes formed on both sides of the tray inner lid 10. During printing, the tray inner lid 11 is held in the position shown in FIG. 1 and functions to receive printed recording paper 18 that is ejected outside the thermal printer 1.

[0023] A paper feed / discharge opening is provided on the side of the exterior member of the thermal printer 1 facing the paper transport direction D1 for attaching the paper tray 6 to the thermal printer 1. The paper feed / discharge opening has the function of feeding the recording paper 18 to be printed on the top surface of the paper stack 9 in the storage section 7 to the paper transport path inside the thermal printer 1, and the function of ejecting the printed recording paper 18 to the outside of the thermal printer 1.

[0024] The opening / closing door 12 opens and closes the paper feed / discharge opening. When the paper tray 6 is attached to the thermal printer 1, the opening / closing door 12 opens the paper feed / discharge opening, allowing the paper tray 6 to be attached to the thermal printer 1. When the paper tray 6 is not attached to the thermal printer 1 and the thermal printer 1 is not in use, the opening / closing door 12 closes the paper feed / discharge opening to protect the inside of the thermal printer 1 from dust.

[0025] The opening / closing door 12 is pivotally supported at the end of the lower case 5 in the paper transport direction D2. A protrusion 12a is formed on the side of the opening / closing door 12 that faces the upper case 2 when the paper feed / discharge opening is closed. When the paper feed / discharge opening is open, the opening / closing door 12 is approximately flush with the lower case 5, and the bottom surface of the storage section 7 of the paper tray 6 abuts against the protrusion 12a, so that the paper tray 6 is held in a predetermined position when attached to the thermal printer 1.

[0026] A circuit board 13 is disposed at the top of the interior of the thermal printer 1. The circuit board 13 is supported by an engine frame 14 that supports the printing mechanism (printer engine) inside the thermal printer 1. Mounted on the circuit board 13 are drive circuits for various motors, a drive circuit for the thermal head 21, an image processing circuit, a power supply circuit, a drive circuit for the display unit 3, a switch circuit for the operation unit 4, an input / output circuit, and the like.

[0027] The feed / discharge rollers 15 supply recording paper 18 to be printed into the thermal printer 1 and discharge printed recording paper 18 to the outside of the thermal printer 1. The feed / discharge rollers 15 function as a pickup roller that picks up the recording paper 18 to be printed on the top surface of the stack of paper 9 in the paper tray 6 and supplies it to the inside of the thermal printer 1, and as a discharge roller that discharges printed recording paper 18 from the paper transport path to the outside of the thermal printer 1. The feed / discharge rollers 15 pick up the recording paper 18 on the top surface of the stack of paper 9 in the paper tray 6 and supply it to the inside of the thermal printer 1 by rotating in the paper transport direction D1 with the stack of paper 9 lifted by the lift plate 8 and the recording paper 18 on the top surface of the stack of paper 9 being pressed against the feed / discharge rollers 15. In addition, the supply / discharge roller 15 rotates in the paper transport direction D2 while nipping (nips) the printed recording paper 18 between the supply / discharge roller 15 and a sub-roller 16 that abuts the supply / discharge roller 15, thereby discharging the printed recording paper 18 outside the thermal printer 1.

[0028] The paper guide 17 is rotatably supported by the feed / discharge rollers 15. The paper guide 17 can be switched between two states to form a paper transport path when supplying recording paper 18 for printing and a paper transport path when not supplying recording paper 18, including when discharging recording paper 18 that has already been printed.

[0029] Recording paper 18 for printing is picked up from paper tray 6 and supplied to the inside of thermal printer 1 , and is guided by paper guide 17 to a position where it is nipped between paper transport roller 19 and pinch roller 20 .

[0030] Fine protruding claws are formed on the surface of the paper transport roller 19. The pinch roller 20 presses the recording paper 18 against the paper transport roller 19, and the protruding claws bite into the backside of the recording paper 18, firmly gripping the recording paper 18 and enabling repeated transport with high precision without slippage or misalignment.

[0031] The thermal head 21 transfers color inks to the recording paper 18 between itself and the platen roller 22. The platen roller 22 receives the recording paper 18 while elastically deforming, and rotates smoothly to transport the recording paper 18 so that the thermal head 21 can press the recording paper 18 evenly and uniformly to transfer the color inks to the recording paper 18.

[0032] A head driving lever 24 is fitted into the lever rotating shaft 23. The head driving lever 24 rotates around the lever rotating shaft 23, thereby raising and lowering the thermal head 21 and pressing the thermal head 21 against the platen roller 22.

[0033] The ink ribbon cassette 25 accommodates the ink ribbon 26 with a portion of the ink ribbon 26 exposed. The ink ribbon cassette 25 includes a supply bobbin 27 that unwinds the ink ribbon 26 and a take-up bobbin 28 that winds up the ink ribbon 26 unwound from the supply bobbin 27. The ink ribbon 26 is wound in a roll around the supply bobbin 27, with one end fixed to the take-up bobbin 28, and the ink ribbon 26 unwound from the supply bobbin 27 during the printing process is wound up by the take-up bobbin 28.

[0034] The head pressing spring 29 is compressed by the rotation of the lever rotating shaft 23, thereby pressing the thermal head 21 against the ink ribbon 26, recording paper 18, and platen roller 22. The head arm 30 supports both sides of the thermal head 21 in the width direction perpendicular to the paper transport directions D1 and D2. The head arm 30 is supported on the engine frame 14 so that it can rotate about a rotation shaft hole 30a. As the head arm 30 rotates about the rotation shaft hole 30, the thermal head 21 can move between a pressing position where it presses the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 against the platen roller 22, and a retracted position where it does not press the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 against the platen roller 22.

[0035] The fan motor 31 cools the inside of the thermal printer 1 by discharging the air inside the thermal printer 1 that has been heated by the thermal head 21 and the circuits mounted on the board 13 to the outside of the thermal printer 1 .

[0036] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the thermal printer during overcoat transfer according to this embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0037] The difference between Figures 1 and 2 is the area A surrounded by the dashed line. Area A in Figures 1 and 2 includes the movement mechanism of the thermal head 21. In both Figures 1 and 2, the thermal head 21 presses the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 against the platen roller 22. The difference between the state in Figure 1 and the state in Figure 2 is the rotation angle of the lever rotation shaft 23; the lever rotation shaft 23 in Figure 1 rotates more clockwise in the figure than in the state in Figure 2. As a result, the head drive lever 24 in Figure 1 presses the head arm 30 toward the platen roller 22 more than in the state in Figure 2. Therefore, the head pressing spring 29 in Figure 1 is more compressed than in the state in Figure 2, and the thermal head 21 applies a greater pressing force to the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 than in the state in Figure 2. That is, in this embodiment, the pressure applied by the thermal head 21 to the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 during color ink transfer in Figure 1 is greater than the pressure applied by the thermal head 21 to the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 during OC transfer shown in Figure 2.

[0038] Next, the control configuration of the thermal printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the thermal printer of this embodiment.

[0040] The CPU 101 is a processor that controls the thermal printer 1 and performs arithmetic operations.

[0041] The flash ROM 102 is a non-volatile memory that stores a control program for the thermal printer 1. The CPU 101 reads the control program stored in the flash ROM 102 into the SDRAM 103, executes it, and controls each component of the thermal printer 1.

[0042] The SDRAM 103 is a volatile memory used as a work area for loading constants and variables for the operation of the CPU 101, programs read from the flash ROM 102, etc. The SDRAM 103 also temporarily stores image data received from a host device via a communication unit 114, print instructions including print setting information such as overcoating, etc. The host device is an external device such as a digital camera, smartphone, or personal computer.

[0043] In this embodiment, the CPU 101, flash ROM 102, and SDRAM 103 are described as a main control unit 104 that controls the entire thermal printer 1.

[0044] The image processing unit 105 performs image processing on image data sent from the host device or image data read from a storage medium 116 (described later). Image processing includes decompression of the image data, resizing according to the recording paper, image correction, etc. The image processing unit 105 generates color ink printing data and OC printing data based on the image data that has undergone image processing.

[0045] The thermal head control unit 106 converts the color ink printing data and OC printing data generated by the image processing unit 105 into an electric signal (printing signal) and outputs it to the thermal head 21 .

[0046] The thermal head 21 includes heating elements (resistance elements) that convert electrical signals into thermal energy and transfer the color inks and OC of the ink ribbon 26 onto the recording paper 18.

[0047] The head temperature sensor 107 detects the temperature of the thermal head 21 and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 104. The environmental temperature sensor 108 detects the temperature inside the thermal printer 1 and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 104. Based on the detection results of the head temperature sensor 107 and the environmental temperature sensor 108, the main control unit 104 performs various temperature controls such as temperature correction and wait operation of the thermal head 21, and drive control of the fan motor 31 via a motor driver 112.

[0048] Furthermore, the thermal printer 1 is equipped with sensors for detecting internal information of the thermal printer 1, such as a head position sensor 109 that detects the pressed or retracted position of the thermal head 21, and a paper detection sensor 110 that detects the recording paper. The thermal printer 1 of this embodiment is provided with paper detection sensors 110 in multiple locations, enabling accurate control of the position of the recording paper. The thermal printer 1 is also equipped with a marker detection sensor 111 that detects markers 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h, and 26i that control the position of the ink ribbon 26. The main control unit 104 executes a program based on the information detected by each sensor, outputting control instructions to a motor driver 112 and driving and controlling the head position motor 32 and the transport motor 113.

[0049] The head position motor 32 is a stepping motor that moves the thermal head 21 to a pressing position where color ink or OC printing is performed, and to a retracted position where the ink ribbon cassette 25 is replaced or the recording paper 18 is transported.

[0050] The transport motor 113 is a stepping motor that transports the recording paper 18 and the ink ribbon 26 .

[0051] The communication unit 114 is communicably connected to the host device, and is capable of receiving print instructions including image data and print setting information, and sending and receiving various types of data.

[0052] The memory controller 115 controls the reading and writing of image data from a storage medium 116 attached to the thermal printer 1 .

[0053] The storage medium 116 stores image data and is detachable from the thermal printer 1.

[0054] The display unit 3 is a liquid crystal panel that displays image data stored in the storage medium 116 and the menu screen of the thermal printer 1, and an LED that displays the operating state of the thermal printer 1 by emitting light, lighting, blinking, etc.

[0055] The operation unit 4 is a button, a touch panel, or the like that accepts operation instructions for the thermal printer 1 from the user.

[0056] Next, the configuration of the ink ribbon 26 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a development view of the ink ribbon 26 of this embodiment.

[0057] The ink ribbon 26 has three color ink layers applied to a base film: a yellow (Y) ink layer 26a, a magenta (M) ink layer 26b, and a cyan (C) ink layer 26c. In this manner, ink layers of multiple colors are arranged in the ink ribbon 26. Furthermore, the ink ribbon 26 has an overcoat (OC) layer 26d applied to the base film following the ink layers 26a to 26c.

[0058] Markers 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h, and 26i are applied between each color ink layer, between the C ink layer 26c and the OC layer 26d, and between the OC layer 26d and the Y ink layer 26a to separate and identify each layer. Two markers 26e and 26f are provided only before the Y ink layer 26a, which is located at the top of the color ink layers and the OC layer, and one marker from each of the 26g to 26i is provided between the other layers.

[0059] When starting printing, the main control unit 104 first controls the winding of the ink ribbon 26 to detect the Y ink layer 26a, which is located at the beginning of the multiple color inks. After detecting marker 26e, the main control unit 104 controls the winding of the ink ribbon 26 further to the position where the second marker 26f is expected to be detected. At this time, when the main control unit 104 detects the second marker 26f, it determines that this is the beginning of the color inks.

[0060] The marker detection sensor 111 in this embodiment is a reflective infrared sensor. Commonly used color inks and OC agents do not absorb infrared light with emission wavelengths in the range of approximately 900 nm to 1000 nm. Therefore, infrared light passes through the ink sheet regardless of the hue. Therefore, if an infrared-shielding marker is used, it is possible to detect the distinction between the color ink portion and the marker portion. The marker can be formed by incorporating an infrared-shielding material.

[0061] Next, the configuration of the moving mechanism for the thermal head 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the moving mechanism of the thermal head 21 of this embodiment.

[0063] The movement mechanism of the thermal head 21 includes a head position motor 32, a first transmission gear 33, a second transmission gear 34, and a head drive gear 35. The head drive gear 35 is rotated from the pinion gear of the head position motor 32 through the first transmission gear 33 and the second transmission gear 34. An intermittent gear is provided on a surface (not shown) of the head drive gear 35, which engages with a gear portion 24c formed on the head drive lever 24-2, transmitting rotational force to the head drive lever 24. When the head drive lever 24-2 rotates, the head drive lever 24-1, which is fitted on the opposite side through the lever rotation shaft 23, also rotates because the head drive lever 24-2 is fitted on the lever rotation shaft 23. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the head drive levers 24-1 and 24-2 each have a cam surface of the same shape and are in contact with and pushing down pin shapes 30b-1 and 30b-2 formed on the side of the head arm 30. In this case, the spring bearing surfaces 30c-1 and 30c-2 provided on the head arm 30 compress the head pressing spring 29, so that a reaction force acts in a direction that presses down the thermal head 21.

[0064] Next, the printing process of the thermal printer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0065] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in non-high speed mode of the thermal printer of embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in high speed mode of the thermal printer of embodiment 1.

[0066] 6 and 7 are realized by the CPU 101 executing a control program stored in the flash ROM 102 to control the components of the thermal printer 1. In the following description, the main control unit 104 will be described as the subject of operations.

[0067] Step S101: When the user loads the ink ribbon cassette 25 and paper tray 6 into the thermal printer 1 to prepare for printing, and then operates the operation unit 4 to issue a print instruction, the main control unit 104 starts the print process.

[0068] Step S102: The main control unit 104 determines whether the print instruction is for high-speed mode print processing or non-high-speed mode print processing. If the main control unit 104 determines that the print instruction is for high-speed mode print processing, it proceeds to high-speed mode print processing in step S201 in Fig. 7. If the main control unit 104 determines that the print instruction is for non-high-speed mode print processing, it proceeds to step S104 and starts non-high-speed mode print processing.

[0069] Step S104: The main control unit 104 supplies the recording paper 18 from the paper tray 6 into the thermal printer 1. At this time, the pressure plate 8 is lifted up by a drive source (not shown), and the recording paper 18 stored in the paper tray 6 comes into contact with the feed / eject roller 15. Then, the feed / eject roller 15 is rotated by the transport motor 113 as a drive source, and the recording paper 18 is supplied from the paper tray 6.

[0070] Step S105: The recording paper 18 supplied from the paper tray 6 is guided by the paper guide 17 to a position where it is nipped between the paper transport roller 19 and the pinch roller 20. Then, the recording paper 18 is transported into the thermal printer 1 and to the printing start position.

[0071] Step S106: The main control unit 104 drives the thermal head 21 to an intermediate position close to the platen roller 22. When the thermal head 21 moves, a cam (not shown) switches the ribbon drive mechanism that rotates the take-up bobbin 28 of the ink ribbon 26 to an operable state. The main control unit 104 then drives the transport motor 113 to rotate the take-up bobbin 28 of the ink ribbon cassette 25, pulls out the ink ribbon 26 from the supply bobbin 27, and positions the ink ribbon 26.

[0072] Step S107: While the ink ribbon 26 is being wound up, when the marker detection sensor 111 detects the markers 26e and 26f of the ink ribbon 26 shown in Figure 4 in order, the print start position of the Y ink layer 26a of the ink ribbon 26 is positioned opposite the thermal head 21. The main control unit 104 stops the winding operation of the ink ribbon 26 when it detects the marker 26f.

[0073] Step S108: If only one marker is detected when the Y ink printing position is located, or if no marker is detected within a specified time, the main control unit 104 determines that there is an abnormality in the ink ribbon 26 and causes the display unit 3 to display a flashing error.

[0074] Step S109: If a host device is connected, the main control unit 104 notifies the host device via the communication unit 114 that an abnormality has occurred in the ink ribbon 26.

[0075] Step S110: The main control unit 104 determines whether to perform color ink printing or OC printing, and if to perform color ink printing, proceeds to step S111, and if to perform OC printing, proceeds to step S115.

[0076] Step S111: The main control unit 104 starts printing with Y ink. First, the head position motor 32 is driven to rotate the head arm 30, and the thermal head 21 moves to the pressing position shown in FIG. 1. The thermal head 21 and the platen roller 22 press the ink ribbon 26 and the recording paper 18 together. The pressing state of the thermal head 21 at this time is called the first pressing state.

[0077] Step S112: The main control unit 104 transports the recording paper 18 in the direction of the sub-roller 16 using the paper transport roller 19, while causing the heating elements of the thermal head 21 to heat up in response to a print signal provided by the thermal head control unit 106, and printing the Y ink by transferring the Y ink layer 26a of the ink ribbon 26 to the recording paper 18.

[0078] At this time, the take-up bobbin 28 is rotated by the transport motor 113 as a drive source, and the ink ribbon 26 is transported at the same speed as the recording paper 18 due to the action of a torque limiter (not shown).

[0079] Step S113: After printing of Y ink is completed, the main control unit 104 starts printing of M ink by first rotating the head arm 30, releasing the pressure contact between the thermal head 21 and the platen roller 22, and stopping the thermal head at a position intermediate between the pressing position and the retracted position.

[0080] Step S114: The main control section 104 performs a return operation for the recording paper 18, and causes the paper transport roller 19 to transport the recording paper 18 to the print start position.

[0081] Steps S106 and S107: The main control unit 104 rotates the take-up bobbin 28 and pulls out the ink ribbon 26 from the supply bobbin 27 so that the print start position of the M ink layer 26b of the ink ribbon 26 is positioned opposite the thermal head 21 to start printing with M ink. The main control unit 104 starts taking up the ink ribbon 26, and stops taking up the ink ribbon 26 when the marker detection sensor 111 detects the marker 26g at the top of the M ink layer 26b.

[0082] Steps S110, S111, S112: The main control unit 104 presses the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 against the platen roller 22 using the thermal head 21, and starts printing the M ink in the same manner as printing the Y ink.

[0083] Thereafter, the operations of steps S106 to S114 are repeated to perform printing with C ink.

[0084] Step S115: When printing OC, the pressure state of the thermal head 21 and platen roller 22 against the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 is set to the first pressure state, similar to when transferring color inks.

[0085] Step S116: The main control unit 104 prints the OC at a first speed. Note that the processing speed during OC transfer is, for example, the time required to transfer the OC print data onto the recording paper 18.

[0086] Steps S117 and S118: When printing of the OC is completed, the main control unit 104 rotates the feed / eject roller 15 to eject the recording paper 18, nips the recording paper 18 between the feed / eject roller 15 and the sub-roller 16, and ejects it outside the thermal printer 1.

[0087] Step S119: The main control unit 104 ends the printing process in the non-high-speed mode.

[0088] When the main control unit 104 receives a high-speed mode printing instruction in step S102, it starts the high-speed mode printing process in step S201 in FIG.

[0089] In the high-speed mode printing process of Fig. 7, when color inks are printed in step S210, they are printed at a second speed that is faster than the first speed in the non-high-speed mode. The operation of printing color inks is the same as in the non-high-speed mode of Fig. 6.

[0090] Step S213: When printing OC in step S208, the main control unit 104 moves the thermal head 21 to the pressing position and sets the pressing state of the thermal head 21 and platen roller 22 against the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 to a second pressing state, which is different from the non-high-speed mode. In the second pressing state, the pressing force is smaller than in the first pressing state, so the frictional resistance is reduced, and it is possible to realize a condition in which problems such as abnormal noise and sticking do not occur even when the processing speed during OC transfer is increased.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a side view of the moving mechanism of the thermal head 21 in the first pressing state (a) and the second pressing state (b).

[0092] In the first pressing state of Figure 8(a), the thermal head 21 is pressed down by contacting the pin shape 30b-1 provided on the side of the head arm 30 on the first cam surface 24a-1, which is the position of the cam surface formed on the side of the head drive lever 24 that is the greatest distance from the center of rotation.

[0093] 8(b), the second cam surface 24b-1, which is closer to the center of rotation than the first cam surface 24a-1, contacts the pin 30b-1 on the side of the head arm 30. The thermal head 21 is pressed down with a force weaker than that in the first pressing state. Switching between the first pressing state and the second pressing state is performed by controlling the amount of rotation of the head drive lever 24.

[0094] Step S214: After setting the second pressing state, the main control unit 104 prints the OC at a second speed, which is faster than the first speed during OC transfer in the non-high-speed mode in step S116 of FIG.

[0095] The processing in steps S215 to S217 is the same as steps S117 to S119 in the non-high-speed mode in step S116 in FIG.

[0096] According to the above-described first embodiment, the pressing state between the ink ribbon 26 and the recording paper 18 and the processing speed during color ink transfer and overcoat transfer can be set to optimal conditions, thereby speeding up the printing process without bothering the user. Furthermore, even if the processing speed during overcoat transfer is increased, problems such as abnormal noise and sticking can be prevented.

[0097] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0098] The thermal printer 1 of embodiment 2 has a non-pattern OC mode (first OC mode) in which a first amount of heat is applied uniformly to the entire OC layer of the ink ribbon 26 to print a glossy OC, as well as a non-pattern OC mode (second OC mode) in which OC is printed by forming portions of the OC layer of the ink ribbon 26 to which the first amount of heat has been applied and portions to which a second amount of heat greater than the first amount of heat has been applied.

[0099] FIG. 9 illustrates a semi-gloss pattern 200, which is one of the OC patterns formed by the pattern OC mode of this embodiment.

[0100] In the semi-gloss pattern 200 shown in Figure 9, the light-colored areas have a first heat amount applied, resulting in a high gloss after OC printing. The dark-colored areas have a second heat amount applied, resulting in the OC surface being roughened, resulting in a low gloss after OC printing. In the patterned OC mode, the overall gloss of the OC is lower than in the non-patterned OC mode, allowing for a texture known as semi-gloss.

[0101] The mechanical configuration and control configuration of the thermal printer of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0102] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in the non-pattern OC mode of the thermal printer of the second embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process in the pattern OC mode of the thermal printer of the second embodiment.

[0103] The printing process of the thermal printer of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0104] Step S301: As in step S101, the main control unit 104 starts the print process upon receiving a print instruction from the user.

[0105] Step S302: The main control unit 104 determines whether the print instruction is for pattern OC mode print processing or non-pattern OC mode print processing. If the main control unit 104 determines that the print instruction is for pattern OC mode print processing, it proceeds to pattern OC mode print processing in step S401 in Figure 11. If the main control unit 104 determines that the print instruction is for non-pattern OC mode print processing, it proceeds to step S304 and starts non-pattern OC mode print processing.

[0106] Steps S304 to S319 are the same as steps S104 to S119 in FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. When the thermal head is moved to the pressing position in step S315, it is set to the first pressing state, as in the case of color ink transfer. Also, the OC printing in step S316 is in the first OC mode at the first speed.

[0107] When the main control unit 104 receives a print instruction in the pattern OC mode in step S302, it starts the print process in the pattern OC mode in step S401 in FIG.

[0108] In the printing process in the pattern OC mode of FIG. 11, steps S402 to S412 are the same as steps S304 to S314 of FIG.

[0109] Step S413: When performing OC printing in step S408, the main control unit 104 moves the thermal head 21 to the pressing position and sets the pressure state of the thermal head 21 and platen roller 22 against the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 to a second pressing state, which differs from the non-pattern OC mode. Because the second pressing state applies a smaller pressure than the first pressing state, even during pattern OC transfer, which would otherwise increase frictional resistance locally, the frictional resistance is reduced, making it possible to achieve conditions that prevent problems such as abnormal noise and sticking during OC transfer. To prevent these problems, the processing speed in pattern OC mode must be slower than the processing speed in the first OC mode. However, in this embodiment, the thermal head 21 is set to the second pressing state during pattern OC mode in step S413, enabling OC printing at the same speed as in non-pattern OC mode.

[0110] Steps S414 to S417 are the same as steps S316 to S319 in FIG.

[0111] In the second embodiment, the processing speed in the pattern OC mode is the same as that in the non-pattern OC mode, but as in the first embodiment, the pattern OC mode may be switchable between the non-high-speed mode and the high-speed mode.

[0112] According to the second embodiment described above, the pressing state and processing speed of the ink ribbon 26 and recording paper 18 during non-pattern OC transfer and pattern OC transfer can be set to optimal conditions, thereby speeding up the printing process without bothering the user. Furthermore, even if the processing speed during non-pattern OC transfer and pattern OC transfer is the same, problems such as abnormal noise and sticking can be prevented.

[0113] In the first and second embodiments, the speed of the printing process is increased by using the moving mechanism of the thermal head 21 to set the pressure state of the thermal head 21 to the optimum conditions for OC printing. However, the same effect can be obtained by, for example, changing the pressure position in the scanning direction (line direction) of the thermal head 21 or increasing or decreasing the number of pressure points to set the optimum conditions for OC printing.

[0114] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the method of variably controlling the pressing state between the thermal head 21 and the platen roller 22 is to move the thermal head 21 relatively, but the same effect can be obtained by moving the platen roller 22 relatively.

[0115] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0116] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention.

[0117] The disclosure of this specification includes the following printer device, control method, and program. [Configuration 1] A printer device that thermally transfers color inks and an overcoat onto a recording sheet, a control means for performing a printing process in which the color inks and the overcoat are transferred onto the recording sheet by a thermal head and an ink ribbon; The printer device is characterized in that the control means changes the pressing force applied to the ink ribbon and the recording sheet when the color inks are transferred and when the overcoat is transferred in the printing process, and controls the processing speed when the color inks are transferred and when the overcoat is transferred in the printing process. [Configuration 2] The printer device described in configuration 1 is characterized in that the control means is capable of switching the pressure during the overcoat transfer between a first pressure state in which the pressure is the same as that during the color ink transfer, and a second pressure state in which the pressure is smaller than that of the first pressure state. [Configuration 3] The printer device according to Configuration 2, wherein the control means can set the processing speed during the overcoat transfer to a first speed or a second speed that is higher than the first speed. [Configuration 4] the printing process includes a first mode in which the overcoat is transferred at the first speed and a second mode in which the overcoat is transferred at a speed faster than the first speed; the control means sets the pressing force during the overcoat transfer in the first mode to the first pressing state and sets the processing speed during the overcoat transfer to the first speed; The printer device according to configuration 3, wherein the pressing force during the overcoat transfer in the second mode is set to the second pressing state, and the processing speed during the overcoat transfer is set to the second speed. [Configuration 5] the printing process includes a first mode in which a first amount of heat is applied to the entire ink ribbon to transfer the overcoat, and a second mode in which the overcoat is transferred by forming a portion of the ink ribbon to which the first amount of heat is applied and a portion to which a second amount of heat greater than the first amount of heat is applied, 4. The printer device according to configuration 3, wherein the control means sets the first pressing state in the first mode and sets the second pressing state in the second mode. [Configuration 6] 6. The printer device according to configuration 5, wherein the control means makes the processing speed in the first mode and the processing speed in the second mode the same. [Configuration 7] a moving means for relatively moving the thermal head and the platen roller between a pressing position where the thermal head and the platen roller press the ink ribbon and the recording sheet, and a retracted position where the thermal head and the platen roller release the pressure on the ink ribbon and the recording sheet, 6. The printer device according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, wherein the control means switches between the first pressing state and the second pressing state by the movement means. [Configuration 8] 8. The printer device according to configuration 7, wherein the control means switches between the first pressing state and the second pressing state by changing the pressing position of the thermal head using the moving means. [Configuration 9] 9. The printer device according to configuration 8, wherein the moving means changes the pressing point at the pressing position of the thermal head. [Configuration 10] The ink ribbon has the color inks and the overcoat formed in that order, 10. The printer device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the overcoat is transferred onto the image onto which the color inks have been transferred. [Configuration 11] A method for controlling a printer device that thermally transfers color inks and an overcoat onto a recording sheet, comprising: a step of performing a printing process in which the color inks and the overcoat are transferred onto the recording sheet by a thermal head and an ink ribbon; A control method characterized in that in the step, the pressing force applied to the ink ribbon and the recording sheet during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing process is changed, and the processing speed during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing process is controlled. [Configuration 12] A program for causing a computer to function as the control means of the printer device according to any one of configurations 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1...printer device, 21...thermal head, 22...platen roller, 23...lever rotation shaft, 24...head drive lever, 26...ink ribbon, 104...main control section

Claims

1. A printer device that thermally transfers color inks and an overcoat onto a recording sheet, a control means for performing a printing process in which the color inks and the overcoat are transferred onto the recording sheet by a thermal head and an ink ribbon; The printer device is characterized in that the control means changes the pressing force applied to the ink ribbon and the recording sheet when the color inks are transferred and when the overcoat is transferred in the printing process, and controls the processing speed when the color inks are transferred and when the overcoat is transferred in the printing process.

2. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the control means is capable of switching the pressure during the overcoat transfer between a first pressure state in which the pressure is the same as that during the color ink transfer, and a second pressure state in which the pressure is smaller than that during the first pressure state.

3. 3. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein said control means can set said processing speed during said overcoat transfer to a first speed or a second speed higher than said first speed.

4. the printing process includes a first mode in which the overcoat is transferred at the first speed and a second mode in which the overcoat is transferred at a speed faster than the first speed; the control means sets the pressing force during the overcoat transfer in the first mode to the first pressing state, and sets the processing speed during the overcoat transfer to the first speed; 4. The printer device according to claim 3, wherein the pressure during the overcoat transfer in the second mode is set to the second pressure state, and the processing speed during the overcoat transfer is set to the second speed.

5. the printing process includes a first mode in which a first amount of heat is applied to the entire ink ribbon to transfer the overcoat, and a second mode in which the overcoat is transferred by forming a portion of the ink ribbon to which the first amount of heat is applied and a portion to which a second amount of heat greater than the first amount of heat is applied, 4. The printer device according to claim 3, wherein said control means sets said first pressing state in said first mode and sets said second pressing state in said second mode.

6. 6. The printer device according to claim 5, wherein said control means makes the processing speed in said first mode and the processing speed in said second mode the same.

7. a moving means for relatively moving the thermal head and the platen roller between a pressing position where the thermal head and the platen roller press the ink ribbon and the recording sheet, and a retracted position where the thermal head and the platen roller release the pressure on the ink ribbon and the recording sheet, 3. The printer device according to claim 2, wherein the control means switches between the first pressing state and the second pressing state by the movement means.

8. 8. The printer device according to claim 7, wherein the control means switches between the first pressing state and the second pressing state by changing the pressing position of the thermal head using the moving means.

9. 9. The printer device according to claim 8, wherein the moving means changes the pressing point at the pressing position of the thermal head.

10. The ink ribbon has the color inks and the overcoat formed in that order, 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the overcoat is transferred onto the image onto which the color inks are transferred.

11. A method for controlling a printer device that thermally transfers color inks and an overcoat onto a recording sheet, comprising: a step of performing a printing process in which the color inks and the overcoat are transferred onto the recording sheet by a thermal head and an ink ribbon; A control method characterized in that in the step, the pressing force applied to the ink ribbon and the recording sheet during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing process is changed, and the processing speed during the color ink transfer and the overcoat transfer in the printing process is controlled.

12. A program for causing a computer to function as the control means of the printer device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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