Transfer machine, transfer method

Abstract

The present invention provides a transfer machine and a transfer method that can detect misalignment between a first transfer sheet and a second transfer sheet. [Solution] A transfer machine 11 transfers an image formed on the first transfer surface 13a of a first transfer sheet 13 using sublimation ink to the surface 15a of a medium 15, and transfers an image formed on the second transfer surface 14a of a second transfer sheet 14 using sublimation ink to the back surface 15b of the medium 15, comprising: a heating unit 28 that heats the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 with the medium 15 in between in a stacking section which is the section where the first path through which the first transfer sheet 13 is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet 14 is transported, and the third path through which the medium 15 is transported overlap; and a detection unit 22 that detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 before they are heated by the heating unit 28.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer machine and a transfer method. [[Background Art]]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a printing apparatus which is an example of a transfer machine that performs transfer onto fabric, which is an example of a medium. The printing apparatus includes a pressing felt and a heat cylinder which is an example of a heating unit. The printing apparatus forms a laminated sheet by sandwiching a fabric between a first transfer paper, which is an example of a first transfer sheet, and a second transfer paper, which is an example of a second transfer sheet. The printing apparatus passes the laminated sheet between the pressing felt and the heat cylinder, thereby transferring the sublimation dyes printed on the first transfer paper and the second transfer paper onto both surfaces of the fabric. [[Prior Art Documents]] [[Patent Documents]]

[0003] [[Patent Document 1]] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-237775 [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The first transfer sheet, the second transfer sheet, and the medium are each long. For this reason, the first transfer sheet, the second transfer sheet, and the medium may sometimes be conveyed while meandering. However, if, for example, the first transfer sheet meanders, or the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet meander with different periods or amplitudes, the first transfer sheet, the second transfer sheet, and the medium will overlap in a misaligned state. If the positions of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet are misaligned relative to the medium, the image will be transferred onto the medium with a misalignment between the front surface and the back surface. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] A transfer machine that solves the above problems transfers an image formed on the first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transfers an image formed on the second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, and comprises a heating unit that heats the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between in a stacking section which is the section in which the first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and the third path through which the medium is transported, and a detection unit that detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet before they are heated by the heating unit.

[0006] A transfer method for solving the above problems is a transfer method which involves transferring an image formed on the first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transferring an image formed on the second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, and includes heating the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between in a stacked section which is a section in which at least a part of the first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and the third path through which the medium is transported. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the transfer machine. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the transfer machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] [First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the transfer machine and transfer method will be described below with reference to the drawings. The transfer machine is a calendar machine that sublimes an image formed on a transfer sheet onto a medium such as paper, fabric, or vinyl sheet.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer machine 11 handles the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15. In this embodiment, the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 with the medium 15 in between are also referred to as the laminate 16.

[0010] The first transfer sheet 13 has a first transfer surface 13a and a first non-transfer surface 13b. An image is formed on the first transfer surface 13a using sublimation ink. The first non-transfer surface 13b is the surface opposite to the first transfer surface 13a. No image is formed on the first non-transfer surface 13b using sublimation ink. The first transfer sheet 13 is long in length.

[0011] The second transfer sheet 14 has a second transfer surface 14a and a second non-transfer surface 14b. An image is formed on the second transfer surface 14a using sublimation ink. The second non-transfer surface 14b is the surface opposite to the second transfer surface 14a. No image is formed on the second non-transfer surface 14b using sublimation ink. The second transfer sheet 14 is long in length.

[0012] The medium 15 has a front surface 15a and a back surface 15b. Front surface 15a is the surface onto which the image of the first transfer sheet 13 is transferred. Back surface 15b is the surface opposite to front surface 15a. Back surface 15b is the surface onto which the image of the second transfer sheet 14 is transferred. The medium 15 is long in length.

[0013] <Transfer machine> The transfer machine 11 may include a transfer unit 18, a delivery unit 19, a recovery unit 20, and a transport unit 21. The transfer machine 11 may also include a detection unit 22, a first adjustment unit 23, a second adjustment unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0014] The transfer unit 18 may include a pressing unit 27, a heating unit 28, and a separating unit 29. The pressing section 27 presses the laminate 16 against the heating section 28. The pressing section 27 may include a plurality of pulleys 30 and a pressing belt 31.

[0015] Multiple pulleys 30 are configured to rotate. Of the multiple pulleys 30, one pulley 30 is configured to drive rotation, while the other pulleys 30 are configured to rotate as driven.

[0016] The press belt 31 is annular. The press belt 31 is wrapped around multiple pulleys 30. As one pulley 30 rotates, the press belt 31 rotates counterclockwise in Figure 1.

[0017] The heating unit 28 may be a roller that can rotate clockwise in Figure 1. The heating unit 28 may have a built-in heater. The laminate 16 is wrapped around the heating unit 28. The heating unit 28 sandwiches the laminate 16 between itself and the pressing belt 31. The heating unit 28 heats the laminate 16.

[0018] A rotating heating unit 28 and a circulating pressing belt 31 transport the laminate 16. The heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 27 are configured to transport the laminate 16 while heating and pressurizing it. The heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 27 transfer the image formed on the first transfer sheet 13 to the surface 15a of the medium 15, and also transfer the image formed on the second transfer sheet 14 to the back surface 15b of the medium 15.

[0019] The separating section 29 separates the heating section 28 and the pressing section 27. The separating section 29 moves at least one of the heating section 28 and the pressing section 27. The separating section 29 may also move one or more pulleys 30. In this embodiment, the separating section 29 separates the heating section 28 from the pressing section 27 by moving it from the transfer position shown by the solid line in Figure 1 to the separated position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1. By moving the heating section 28 to the separated position, the laminate 16 can be easily set between the heating section 28 and the pressing section 27 while suppressing displacement of the first transfer sheet 13, the medium 15, and the second transfer sheet 14.

[0020] The dispensing unit 19 may include a first dispensing unit 33, a second dispensing unit 34, and a third dispensing unit 35. The first feeding unit 33 is capable of holding a first roll 37 around which the first transfer sheet 13 before transfer is wound. The first feeding unit 33 rotates the first roll 37 clockwise in FIG. 1. The first feeding unit 33 feeds the first transfer sheet 13 out from the first roll 37.

[0021] The second feeding unit 34 is capable of holding a second roll 38 around which the second transfer sheet 14 before transfer is wound. The second feeding unit 34 rotates the second roll 38 counterclockwise in FIG. 1. The second feeding unit 34 feeds the second transfer sheet 14 out from the second roll 38.

[0022] The third feeding unit 35 is capable of holding a third roll 39 around which the medium 15 before transfer is wound. The third feeding unit 35 rotates the third roll 39 counterclockwise in FIG. 1. The third feeding unit 35 feeds the medium 15 out from the third roll 39.

[0023] The recovery unit 20 may include a first winding unit 41, a second winding unit 42, and a third winding unit 43. The first winding unit 41 recovers the first transfer sheet 13. The first winding unit 41 is capable of holding the first transfer sheet 13 that has already been transferred. The first winding unit 41 may wind the first transfer sheet 13 into a roll by rotating clockwise in FIG. 1.

[0024] The second winding unit 42 recovers the second transfer sheet 14. The second winding unit 42 is capable of holding the second transfer sheet 14 that has already been transferred. The second winding unit 42 may wind the second transfer sheet 14 into a roll by rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 1.

[0025] The third winding unit 43 recovers the medium 15. The third winding unit 43 is capable of holding the medium 15 that has already been transferred. The third winding unit 43 may wind the medium 15 into a roll by rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 1.

[0026] Here, the path through which the first transfer sheet 13 is transported is defined as the first path. In Figure 1, the first path is the path from the first delivery unit 33 to the first winding unit 41. The path through which the second transfer sheet 14 is transported is defined as the second path. In Figure 1, the second path is the path from the second delivery unit 34 to the second winding unit 42. The path through which the medium 15 is transported is defined as the third path. In Figure 1, the third path is the path from the third delivery unit 35 to the third winding unit 43. Furthermore, the section where the first path, the second path, and the third path overlap is defined as the stacking section. The stacking section is the section through which the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 are transported along the same path.

[0027] The conveying section 21 may include one or more first conveying rollers 45, one or more second conveying rollers 46, and a stacking section 47. The first conveyor roller 45 conveys the first transfer sheet 13 along the first path in the conveying direction D. The first conveyor roller 45 sends the first transfer sheet 13, which has been sent out from the first discharge unit 33, to the first winding unit 41. The first transfer sheet 13 is wound onto the first conveyor roller 45. The first conveyor roller 45 may apply tension to the first transfer sheet 13. The first conveyor roller 45 may convey the first transfer sheet 13 by rotating. The first conveyor roller 45 may rotate in a manner driven by the first transfer sheet 13 being conveyed.

[0028] The second conveyor roller 46 conveys the second transfer sheet 14 along the second path in the conveying direction D. The second conveyor roller 46 sends the second transfer sheet 14, which has been sent out from the second delivery unit 34, to the second winding unit 42. The second transfer sheet 14 is wound onto the second conveyor roller 46. The second conveyor roller 46 may apply tension to the second transfer sheet 14. The second conveyor roller 46 may convey the second transfer sheet 14 by rotating. The second conveyor roller 46 may rotate in a manner driven by the second transfer sheet 14 being conveyed.

[0029] The lamination section 47 may be a rotating roller. The lamination section 47 is located upstream of the transfer section 18 in the transport direction D. The lamination section 47 stacks the first transfer sheet 13, the medium 15, and the second transfer sheet 14 so that the medium 15 is sandwiched between the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. The lamination section 47 may stack the first transfer sheet 13, the medium 15, and the second transfer sheet 14 in that order. The lamination section 47 forms a laminate 16. In Figure 1, the lamination section is the section from where the formation of the laminate 16 by the lamination section 47 begins to where the laminate 16 is wrapped around one of the multiple pulleys 30 via the pressure belt 31.

[0030] The detection unit 22 may be detachably provided. The detection unit 22 may be provided in the path between the lamination unit 47 and the heating unit 28. The detection unit 22 detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. The amount of meandering is the amount of positional displacement in the width direction of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. The detection unit 22 may have a first detection unit 49 and a second detection unit 50.

[0031] The first detection unit 49 may detect the first transfer sheet 13 overlapping the medium 15. The first detection unit 49 may have a sensor for detecting the position of the first transfer sheet 13. The first detection unit 49 may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 relative to the medium 15.

[0032] The second detection unit 50 may detect the second transfer sheet 14 overlapping the medium 15. The second detection unit 50 may have a sensor for detecting the position of the second transfer sheet 14. The second detection unit 50 may detect the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet 14 relative to the medium 15.

[0033] The first adjustment unit 23 adjusts the position of the first transfer sheet 13. The first adjustment unit 23 may also adjust the position of the first transfer sheet 13 by changing the position of the first roll body 37. The first adjustment unit 23 may also adjust the position of the first transfer sheet 13 by tilting the first transport roller 45 located upstream of the transfer unit 18 in the transport direction D.

[0034] The second adjustment unit 24 adjusts the position of the second transfer sheet 14. The second adjustment unit 24 may also adjust the position of the second transfer sheet 14 by changing the position of the second roll body 38. The second adjustment unit 24 may also adjust the position of the second transfer sheet 14 by tilting the second transport roller 46 located upstream of the transfer unit 18 in the transport direction D. The second adjustment unit 24 may tilt one second transport roller 46 located upstream of the transfer unit 18, or it may tilt multiple second transport rollers 46.

[0035] The control unit 25 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the transfer machine 11 and controls the various operations performed by the transfer machine 11. The control unit 25 controls the first adjustment unit 23 and the second adjustment unit 24.

[0036] The control unit 25 may be configured as a circuit including α: one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program, β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that perform at least some of the various processes, or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform the processes. Memory, or computer-readable media, includes any readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0037] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The control unit 25 drives the delivery unit 19 and the transport unit 21 to transport the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 at the same speed. Specifically, the first delivery unit 33 delivers the first transfer sheet 13 from the first roll 37. The second delivery unit 34 delivers the second transfer sheet 14 from the second roll 38. The third delivery unit 35 delivers the medium 15 from the third roll 39.

[0038] The lamination unit 47 places the first transfer sheet 13 on top of the medium 15 so that the first transfer surface 13a aligns with the surface 15a of the medium 15. The lamination unit 47 places the second transfer sheet 14 on top of the medium 15 so that the second transfer surface 14a aligns with the back surface 15b of the medium 15. After the lamination unit 47 has stacked the second transfer sheet 14 and the medium 15, it may then stack the second transfer sheet 14 and the medium 15 on top of the first transfer sheet 13. The lamination unit 47 transports the stacked first transfer sheet 13, medium 15, and second transfer sheet 14.

[0039] The control unit 25 causes the detection unit 22 to detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 before they are heated by the heating unit 28. If the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 is greater than a threshold, the control unit 25 drives the first adjustment unit 23. The control unit 25 controls the first adjustment unit 23 so that the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 detected by the detection unit 22 becomes smaller.

[0040] The first adjustment unit 23 may adjust the position of the first transfer sheet 13 by changing the position of the first roll body 37. The first adjustment unit 23 may move the first roll body 37 in the width direction of the first transfer sheet 13 in accordance with the meandering period of the first transfer sheet 13. The first adjustment unit 23 may also move the first roll body 37 to the other side in the width direction at a timing that cancels out the shift of the first transfer sheet 13 to one side.

[0041] The first adjustment unit 23 may adjust the position of the first transfer sheet 13 by tilting the first transport roller 45. The first adjustment unit 23 may tilt the first transport roller 45 in accordance with the meandering period of the first transfer sheet 13. The first adjustment unit 23 may tilt the first transport roller 45 so that, in the width direction, the tension on the other side of the first transfer sheet 13 is greater than the tension on the one side, at a timing that cancels out the displacement of the first transfer sheet 13 to one side.

[0042] The first adjustment unit 23 may switch between moving the first roll body 37 and tilting the first conveyor roller 45 depending on the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13. The first threshold is set to be greater than the second threshold. For example, if the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 becomes greater than the second threshold, the first adjustment unit 23 may tilt the first conveyor roller 45. If the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 becomes greater than the first threshold, the first adjustment unit 23 may move the first roll body 37.

[0043] If the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet 14 is greater than a threshold, the control unit 25 drives the second adjustment unit 24. The control unit 25 controls the second adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet 14 detected by the detection unit 22 becomes smaller.

[0044] The second adjustment unit 24 may adjust the position of the second transfer sheet 14 by changing the position of the second roll body 38. The second adjustment unit 24 may move the second roll body 38 in the width direction of the second transfer sheet 14 in accordance with the meandering period of the second transfer sheet 14. The second adjustment unit 24 may adjust the position of the second transfer sheet 14 by tilting the second transport roller 46. The second adjustment unit 24 may tilt the second transport roller 46 in accordance with the meandering period of the second transfer sheet 14. The adjustment method by the second adjustment unit 24 is the same as the adjustment method by the first adjustment unit 23, so a description is omitted.

[0045] The control unit 25 causes the heating unit 28 to heat the laminate 16 in the stacking section. The laminate 16 is heated and pressurized as it passes between the heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 27. As a result, the images of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 are transferred to the medium 15.

[0046] The control unit 25 causes the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 to be collected by the recovery unit 20. The transferred laminate 16 is separated into the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15, and then wound onto the first winding unit 41, the second winding unit 42, and the third winding unit 43, respectively.

[0047] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1-1) If the first transfer sheet 13 meanders significantly, the displacement of the first transfer sheet 13 will be large. If the second transfer sheet 14 meanders significantly, the displacement of the second transfer sheet 14 will be large. In this regard, the detection unit 22 detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. Therefore, it can detect the displacement of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14.

[0048] (1-2) Image misalignment on the medium 15 occurs when the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 are misaligned relative to the medium 15. The detection unit 22 detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 relative to the medium 15. Therefore, it can detect image misalignment on the medium 15.

[0049] (1-3) The control unit 25 controls the first adjustment unit 23 to reduce the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13. The control unit 25 also controls the second adjustment unit 24 to reduce the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet 14. Therefore, even if the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 meander, the meandering can be corrected.

[0050] (1-4) The first adjustment unit 23 changes the position of the first roll body 37. The second adjustment unit 24 changes the position of the second roll body 38. Therefore, even if the meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 is large, the meandering can be corrected.

[0051] (1-5) The first adjustment unit 23 tilts the first transport roller 45. The first transfer sheet 13 is wrapped around the first transport roller 45. Therefore, when the tilt of the first transport roller 45 changes, a difference is created in the tension on one end of the first transfer sheet 13 and the tension on the other end. In other words, the first adjustment unit 23 can accurately adjust the position of the first transfer sheet 13 by creating a difference in the tension on the first transfer sheet 13. Similarly, the second adjustment unit 24 can accurately adjust the position of the second transfer sheet 14 by tilting the second transport roller 46.

[0052] (1-6) For example, if the stacking section 47 and the heating section 28 sandwich the first transfer sheet 13, the medium 15, and the second transfer sheet 14, the image will be transferred to the medium 15 before the meandering is corrected. In this respect, the detection section 22 is provided in the path between the stacking section 47 and the heating section 28. That is, since the stacking section 47 is provided at a position away from the heating section 28, the image can be easily transferred to the medium 15 after the meandering has been corrected.

[0053] (1-7) The detection unit 22 is detachable. Therefore, for example, if the detection accuracy of the detection unit 22 deteriorates, the detection unit 22 can be easily replaced. (1-8) The pressing unit 27 presses the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14, with the medium 15 in between, against the heating unit 28. By applying heat and pressure to the first transfer sheet 13, the medium 15, and the second transfer sheet 14, it is possible to easily transfer the image to the medium 15. However, if the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 are set while the pressing unit 27 is pressing against the heating unit 28, there is a risk of them shifting. In this regard, the separating unit 29 separates the heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 27. Therefore, the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 can pass through the gap between the heating unit 28 and the pressing unit 27, thus suppressing shifting.

[0054] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the transfer machine will be described with reference to the figures. In this second embodiment, the position of the detection unit 22 differs from that of the first embodiment. In other respects, it is almost the same as the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the detection unit 22 may be provided upstream of the stacking unit 47 in the transport direction D. The first detection unit 49 may detect the first transfer sheet 13 before it is placed on the medium 15. The first detection unit 49 may have an image sensor for imaging the first transfer sheet 13. The first detection unit 49 may analyze the captured image. The first detection unit 49 may detect the displacement of the first transfer sheet 13 relative to a reference position. The first detection unit 49 may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 by detecting a first mark attached to the first transfer sheet 13. If the first mark is formed with a non-sublimation ink, the risk of the first mark being transferred to the medium 15 can be reduced.

[0056] The second detection unit 50 may detect the second transfer sheet 14 before it is superimposed on the medium 15. The second detection unit 50 may have an image sensor for imaging the second transfer sheet 14. The second detection unit 50 may analyze the captured image. The second detection unit 50 may detect the displacement of the second transfer sheet 14 relative to a reference position. The second detection unit 50 may detect the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet 14 by detecting a second mark attached to the second transfer sheet 14. If the second mark is formed with a non-sublimation ink, the risk of the second mark being transferred to the medium 15 can be reduced.

[0057] <Effects of the second embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (2-1) The first transfer sheet 13 has a first mark. The second transfer sheet 14 has a second mark. The detection unit 22 detects the first mark and the second mark, respectively. Therefore, the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 can be detected with high accuracy.

[0058] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0059] The detection unit 22 may be fixed to the transfer machine 11. The transport unit 21 may separately include a first lamination unit that stacks the first transfer sheet 13 and the medium 15, and a second lamination unit that stacks the second transfer sheet 14 on top of the stacked first transfer sheet 13 and the medium 15. The transfer machine 11 may separately include a second lamination unit that stacks the second transfer sheet 14 and the medium 15, and a first lamination unit that stacks the first transfer sheet 13 on top of the stacked second transfer sheet 14 and the medium 15.

[0060] The lamination section may be a section in which at least a portion of the first path through which the first transfer sheet 13 is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet 14 is transported, and the third path through which the medium 15 is transported overlap. Specifically, the first path, the second path, and the third path may each have a portion located within the lamination section, or the entire area may be located within the lamination section. For example, if the entire area of ​​the first and second paths is the lamination section, the first delivery unit 33 and the second delivery unit 34 may sandwich the medium 15 between the first roll body 37 and the second roll body 38. The first winding unit 41 and the second winding unit 42 may sandwich the medium 15 between the wound first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14.

[0061] The first adjustment unit 23 may either change the position of the first roll body 37 or tilt the first conveyor roller 45. If the first adjustment unit 23 changes the position of the first roll body 37, the conveyor unit 21 may be configured without the first conveyor roller 45.

[0062] The second adjustment unit 24 may either change the position of the second roll body 38 or tilt the second conveyor roller 46. If the second adjustment unit 24 changes the position of the second roll body 38, the conveyor unit 21 may be configured without the second conveyor roller 46.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the first detection unit 49 and the second detection unit 50 may be positioned at locations offset in the transport direction D, as long as they are located between the stacking unit 47 and the transfer unit 18. In the first embodiment, the detection unit 22 may include either the first detection unit 49 or the second detection unit 50. For example, the first detection unit 49 may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14, respectively.

[0064] In the first embodiment, at least one of the first detection unit 49 and the second detection unit 50 may have an image sensor. The image sensor may image the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, or the laminate 16. In the first and second embodiments, the detection unit 22 may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14 by detecting the irregularities or edges of the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. In the second embodiment, the detection unit 22 may detect an image formed on the first transfer sheet 13 or the second transfer sheet 14. The control unit 25 may perform analysis of the captured image.

[0065] The first transfer sheet 13 may have a first mark on the first non-transfer surface 13b. The first detection unit 49 may be provided on the first non-transfer surface 13b side of the first transfer sheet 13.

[0066] The second transfer sheet 14 may have a second mark on its second non-transfer surface 14b. The second detection unit 50 may be provided on the second non-transfer surface 14b side of the second transfer sheet 14.

[0067] In the second embodiment, at least one of the first detection unit 49 and the second detection unit 50 may have a sensor that detects the position of the first transfer sheet 13 or the second transfer sheet 14.

[0068] The transfer section 18 may be configured without a separation section 29. The pressing section 27 may be adjustable in terms of the pressing force applied to the laminate 16 against the heating section 28. The laminate 16 may be set between the heating section 28 and the pressing section 27 with the pressing force applied by the pressing section 27 reduced.

[0069] The heating unit 28 may be a base capable of supporting the laminate 16. The heating unit 28 may have a heated surface. The laminate 16 may transfer an image to the medium 15 while supported on the surface.

[0070] The first delivery unit 33 may pull out the first transfer sheet 13 from the first roll body 37, which is rotatably directed. The second delivery unit 34 may pull out the second transfer sheet 14 from the second roll body 38, which is rotatably directed.

[0071] The third dispensing unit 35 may pull out the medium 15 from the third roll body 39, which is rotatably directed. The detection unit 22 may notify a device other than the transfer machine 11 of the amount of meandering detected by the first transfer sheet 13 and the second transfer sheet 14. For example, the detection unit 22 may notify a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. of the amount of meandering. The user may directly adjust the positions of the first transfer sheet 13, the second transfer sheet 14, and the medium 15 based on the notification, or may adjust them using the first adjustment unit 23 and the second adjustment unit 24.

[0072] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, as used herein, the expression "at least one" means "only one option," "a combination of two arbitrary options," or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options" if there are three or more options.

[0073] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0074] [1] The transfer machine transfers an image formed on the first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transfers an image formed on the second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, and comprises a heating unit that heats the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between in a stacking section which is the section in which the first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and the third path through which the medium is transported, and a detection unit that detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet before they are heated by the heating unit.

[0075] If the first transfer sheet meanders significantly, the displacement of the first transfer sheet will increase. If the second transfer sheet meanders significantly, the displacement of the second transfer sheet will increase. In this configuration, the detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the first and second transfer sheets. Therefore, it is possible to detect the displacement of the first and second transfer sheets.

[0076] [2] In the transfer machine described in [1] above, the detection unit may have a first detection unit and a second detection unit, wherein the first detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet relative to the medium by detecting the first transfer sheet overlapping the medium, and the second detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet relative to the medium by detecting the second transfer sheet overlapping the medium.

[0077] Image misalignment on a medium occurs when the first and second transfer sheets are misaligned relative to the medium. In this configuration, the detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the first and second transfer sheets relative to the medium. Therefore, it can detect image misalignment on the medium.

[0078] [3] The transfer machine described in [1] or [2] above further comprises a first adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the first transfer sheet, a second adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the second transfer sheet, and a control unit for controlling the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit, wherein the control unit may control the first adjustment unit so as to reduce the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet detected by the detection unit, and control the second adjustment unit so as to reduce the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet detected by the detection unit.

[0079] In this configuration, the control unit controls the first adjustment unit to reduce the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet. The control unit also controls the second adjustment unit to reduce the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet. Therefore, even if the first and second transfer sheets meander, the meandering can be corrected.

[0080] [4] The transfer machine described in [3] above further comprises a first delivery unit capable of holding a first roll body on which the first transfer sheet is wound before transfer and for feeding the first transfer sheet from the first roll body, and a second delivery unit capable of holding a second roll body on which the second transfer sheet is wound before transfer and for feeding the second transfer sheet from the second roll body, wherein the first adjustment unit adjusts the position of the first transfer sheet by changing the position of the first roll body held by the first delivery unit, and the second adjustment unit adjusts the position of the second transfer sheet by changing the position of the second roll body held by the second delivery unit.

[0081] In this configuration, the first adjustment unit changes the position of the first roll body. The second adjustment unit changes the position of the second roll body. Therefore, even if the meandering of the first and second transfer sheets is large, the meandering can be corrected.

[0082] [5] The transfer machine described in [3] or [4] above further comprises a first transport roller on which the first transfer sheet is wound in the first path, and a second transport roller on which the second transfer sheet is wound in the second path, wherein the first adjustment unit adjusts the position of the first transfer sheet by tilting the first transport roller, and the second adjustment unit adjusts the position of the second transfer sheet by tilting the second transport roller.

[0083] In this configuration, the first adjustment unit tilts the first conveyor roller. The first transfer sheet is wrapped around the first conveyor roller. Therefore, when the tilt of the first conveyor roller changes, a difference is created in the tension on one end of the first transfer sheet and the tension on the other end. In other words, the first adjustment unit can accurately adjust the position of the first transfer sheet by creating a difference in the tension on the first transfer sheet. Similarly, the second adjustment unit can accurately adjust the position of the second transfer sheet by tilting the second conveyor roller.

[0084] [6] Any one of the above [1] to [5] transfer machines further comprises a lamination section for stacking the first transfer sheet, the medium, and the second transfer sheet, and the detection section may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet in the path between the lamination section and the heating section within the lamination section.

[0085] For example, if the stacking section and heating section sandwich the first transfer sheet, the medium, and the second transfer sheet, the image will be transferred to the medium before the meandering is corrected. In this configuration, however, the detection section is located in the path between the stacking section and the heating section. That is, since the stacking section is located away from the heating section, the image can be more easily transferred to the medium after the meandering has been corrected.

[0086] [7] In any one of the transfer machines described in [1] to [6] above, the detection unit may be detachably provided. With this configuration, the detection unit is detachable. Therefore, if, for example, the detection accuracy of the detection unit deteriorates, the detection unit can be easily replaced.

[0087] [8] In any one of the transfer machines described in [1] to [7] above, the detection unit may detect the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet by detecting the first mark attached to the first transfer sheet, and detect the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet by detecting the second mark attached to the second transfer sheet.

[0088] In this configuration, the first transfer sheet has a first mark, and the second transfer sheet has a second mark. The detection unit detects the first and second marks, respectively. Therefore, the amount of meandering in the first and second transfer sheets can be detected with high accuracy.

[0089] [9] Any one of the above [1] to [8] transfer machines may include a pressing unit that presses the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet, with the medium in between, against the heating unit, and a separating unit that separates the heating unit and the pressing unit.

[0090] In this configuration, the pressing unit presses the first and second transfer sheets, with the medium in between, against the heating unit. By applying heat and pressure to the first transfer sheet, the medium, and the second transfer sheet, it becomes easier to transfer an image to the medium. However, if the first transfer sheet, the second transfer sheet, and the medium are set while the pressing unit is pressing against the heating unit, there is a risk of them shifting. In this respect, the separating unit separates the heating unit and the pressing unit. Therefore, the first transfer sheet, the second transfer sheet, and the medium can pass through the gap between the heating unit and the pressing unit, thus suppressing shifting.

[0091]

[10] A transfer method is a transfer method which involves transferring an image formed on a first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transferring an image formed on a second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet with sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, and includes heating the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between in a stacked section which is a section in which at least a part of a first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, a second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and a third path through which the medium is transported.

[0092] This method can achieve the same effect as the transfer machine described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 11...Transfer machine, 13...First transfer sheet, 13a...First transfer surface, 13b...First non-transfer surface, 14...Second transfer sheet, 14a...Second transfer surface, 14b...Second non-transfer surface, 15...Medium, 15a...Front surface, 15b...Back surface, 16...Laminate, 18...Transfer section, 19...Feeding section, 20...Collection section, 21...Conveying section, 22...Detection section, 23...First adjustment section, 24...Second adjustment section, 25...Control section, 27...Pressing section, 28... Heating section, 29... Separation section, 30... Pulley, 31... Pressing belt, 33... First delivery section, 34... Second delivery section, 35... Third delivery section, 37... First roll body, 38... Second roll body, 39... Third roll body, 41... First winding section, 42... Second winding section, 43... Third winding section, 45... First conveying roller, 46... Second conveying roller, 47... Lamination section, 49... First detection section, 50... Second detection section, D... Conveying direction.

Claims

1. A transfer machine that transfers an image formed on the first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transfers an image formed on the second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, In a stacking section which is the section where the first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and the third path through which the medium is transported overlap, a heating section is provided for heating the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between. A detection unit for detecting the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet before they are heated by the heating unit, A transfer machine characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. The detection unit comprises a first detection unit and a second detection unit. The first detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet relative to the medium by detecting the first transfer sheet overlapping the medium, The transfer machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the second detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet relative to the medium by detecting the second transfer sheet overlapping the medium.

3. A first adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the first transfer sheet, A second adjustment unit for adjusting the position of the second transfer sheet, The control unit that controls the first adjustment unit and the second adjustment unit, Furthermore, The transfer machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the first adjustment unit so as to reduce the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet detected by the detection unit, and controls the second adjustment unit so as to reduce the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet detected by the detection unit.

4. A first delivery unit capable of holding a first roll body on which the first transfer sheet is wound before transfer, and for feeding the first transfer sheet from the first roll body, A second delivery unit capable of holding a second roll body on which the second transfer sheet is wound before transfer, and for feeding the second transfer sheet from the second roll body, Furthermore, The first adjustment unit adjusts the position of the first transfer sheet by changing the position of the first roll body held by the first delivery unit. The transfer machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the second adjustment unit adjusts the position of the second transfer sheet by changing the position of the second roll body held by the second delivery unit.

5. In the first path, the first transfer sheet is wrapped around a first transport roller, In the second path, the second transfer sheet is wrapped around a second transport roller, Furthermore, The first adjustment unit adjusts the position of the first transfer sheet by tilting the first transport roller. The transfer machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the second adjustment unit adjusts the position of the second transfer sheet by tilting the second transport roller.

6. The device further comprises a lamination section that overlaps the first transfer sheet, the medium, and the second transfer sheet. The transfer machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the detection unit detects the amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet in the path between the stacking section and the heating section within the stacking section.

7. The transfer machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit is detachably provided.

8. The detection unit is The amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet is detected by detecting the first mark attached to the first transfer sheet. The transfer machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the amount of meandering of the second transfer sheet is detected by detecting the second mark attached to the second transfer sheet.

9. A pressing unit that presses the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet, with the aforementioned medium sandwiched between them, onto the heating unit, A separating portion that separates the heating portion and the pressing portion, The transfer machine according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the following features.

10. A transfer method comprising transferring an image formed on the first transfer surface of a first transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the surface of a medium, and transferring an image formed on the second transfer surface of a second transfer sheet using sublimation ink to the back surface of the medium, In a laminated section which is a section in which at least a portion of the first path through which the first transfer sheet is transported, the second path through which the second transfer sheet is transported, and the third path through which the medium is transported overlap, the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet with the medium in between are heated. The amount of meandering of the first transfer sheet and the second transfer sheet before they are heated by the heating unit is detected, A transfer method characterized by including

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