Cartridges and holders for foil transfer devices

Abstract

To keep tension applied on a multilayer film of a cartridge within a fixed range without enlarging the cartridge in the width direction of the multilayer film.SOLUTION: A cartridge 100 is attachable to / detachable from a housing body of a foil transfer apparatus in which a multilayer film composed of a plurality of layers is stacked on a sheet and which transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto a toner image. The cartridge 100 comprises: a feed reel 131 on which the multilayer film is wound and which rotates about a first axis extending in an axial direction; a reel gear 120 positioned at the end of the feed reel 131 in the axial direction and rotated integrally with the feed reel 131; an output gear 130 that transmits a rotational force to the outside of the cartridge 100; and first and second intermediate gears 140 and 150 that decelerate the rotation of the reel gear 120 and transmit it to the output gear 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge that is detachable from a housing body of a foil transfer device and a holder that holds the cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a known foil transfer device includes a supply reel around which a multilayer film including foil is wound, a take-up reel for taking up the multilayer film, a heating roller for heating the multilayer film and the sheet, and a pressure roller for sandwiching the multilayer film and the sheet between the heating roller (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the rotation speed of the output gear is varied according to the film width in order to keep the tension acting per unit width constant even if the film width differs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-171611 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the cartridge that is attached to the housing body of the foil transfer device has a two-stage gear including two gears with different diameters at the axial end. Only one of these two-stage gears is used depending on the width of the multilayer film, and the other is not used, so the cartridge is large in the axial direction.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to keep the tension applied to the multilayer film per unit width within a certain range without increasing the size of the cartridge in the axial direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cartridge according to the present invention for solving the above problems is detachably attachable to a housing body of a foil transfer device that overlays a multilayer film consisting of multiple layers on a sheet and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto a toner image. The cartridge includes a supply reel around which the multilayer film is wound and which rotates about a first axis extending in the axial direction, a reel gear located at an end of the supply reel in the axial direction and which rotates together with the supply reel, an output gear that transmits a rotational force to the outside of the cartridge, and at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation of the reel gear and transmits it to the output gear.

[0007] With this configuration, the rotation of the reel gear can be decelerated according to the film width of the cartridge before being transmitted to the output gear, so that the tension acting per unit width can be kept within a constant range even if the film width of the cartridge varies. Also, since there is no need to provide unused gears at the axial end, the cartridge can be prevented from becoming large in the axial direction.

[0008] In the above-mentioned configuration, the output gear and the reel gear may both rotate about the first shaft.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the at least one intermediate gear may include a first intermediate gear having a first large diameter gear that meshes with the reel gear and a first small diameter gear that rotates together with the first large diameter gear, and a second intermediate gear having a second large diameter gear that meshes with the first small diameter gear and a second small diameter gear that rotates together with the second large diameter gear and meshes with the output gear.

[0010] In the above-described configuration, the cartridge may have a side wall that rotatably supports the supply reel, and the reel gear may be located on one side of the side wall in the axial direction, and the output gear may be located on the other side of the side wall.

[0011] In the above-described configuration, the side wall may have a through hole, and the first intermediate gear may mesh with the reel gear via the through hole.

[0012] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the cartridge can be attached to a holder that is attached to the housing main body while holding the cartridge, and the holder may be configured to have an input gear that meshes with the output gear when the cartridge is attached, and a torque limiter that applies resistance to rotation of the input gear.

[0013] According to this, since the holder has a torque limiter, it is possible to apply resistance from the input gear to the output gear of the cartridge.

[0014] In the above-described configuration, the holder may further include a rotation speed detection portion capable of detecting the rotation speed of the input gear.

[0015] In the above-described configuration, the rotation speed detection unit may be a rotary encoder.

[0016] In the above-mentioned configuration, the rotary encoder may be configured to rotate about a first axis.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, the holder may be configured to be capable of selectively mounting the above-mentioned cartridge, which is a cartridge having a multilayer film of a first width wound around a supply reel, and a second cartridge having a second supply reel having a multilayer film of a second width larger than the first width wound around it.

[0018] In the above-described configuration, the second cartridge may be configured to include a second output gear located at an end of the second supply reel, rotating together with the second supply reel, and meshing with the input gear.

[0019] The holder of the present invention, which is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, is detachably attached to the housing body of a foil transfer device that overlays a multilayer film consisting of multiple layers on the surface of a sheet on which a toner image is formed and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, and holds a cartridge that includes a supply reel around which the multilayer film is wound and that rotates around a first axis extending in the axial direction, a reel gear that is located at the end of the supply reel in the axial direction and rotates together with the supply reel, an output gear, and at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation of the reel gear and transmits it to the output gear, and is equipped with an input gear that meshes with the output gear when the cartridge is attached, and a torque applying member that applies resistance to the rotation of the input gear.

[0020] With this configuration, the rotation of the reel gear can be slowed down and transmitted to the output gear according to the film width of the cartridge, so that the tension acting on the multilayer film per unit width can be kept within a constant range even if the width of the multilayer film in the cartridge differs.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, the holder may further include a rotation speed detection portion capable of detecting the rotation speed of the input gear.

[0022] In the above-described configuration, the rotation speed detection unit may be a rotary encoder.

[0023] In the above-mentioned configuration, the rotary encoder may be configured to rotate about a first axis.

[0024] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration, a cartridge having a multilayer film of a first width wound on a supply reel and a second cartridge having a second supply reel having a multilayer film of a second width larger than the first width wound thereon may be selectively attached.

[0025] In the above-described configuration, the second cartridge may be configured to include a second output gear located at an end of the second supply reel, rotating together with the second supply reel, and meshing with the input gear. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, the tension applied to the multilayer film of the cartridge can be kept within a certain range without the cartridge becoming large in the width direction of the multilayer film. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a foil transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a multilayer film. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the foil transfer device with the cover open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the holder holding the film cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the holder with the film cartridge removed. [Diagram 5] 1A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a gear configuration of a holder, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the holder as viewed from the inside. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second cartridge. [Figure 8] 1A is a perspective view showing a gear configuration of a cartridge, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view thereof. [Figure 9] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second cartridge, FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the operation of the cartridge, and FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating the operation of the cartridge when the second intermediate gear is not arranged. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions will be described in terms of the directions shown in Fig. 1(a). That is, the right side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "front", the left side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "rear", the front side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "left", and the back side of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "right". Also, the top and bottom of Fig. 1(a) will be referred to as "top and bottom".

[0029] Foil transfer device 1 is a device for overlaying sheet S on multilayer film F consisting of multiple layers including foil, and transferring foil to sheet S. As shown in FIG. 1(a), foil transfer device 1 is a device for transferring foil such as aluminum onto a toner image formed on sheet S by an image forming device such as a laser printer. Foil transfer device 1 includes a housing 2, a sheet tray 3, a sheet conveying unit 10, a film supply unit 30, and a transfer unit 50.

[0030] The housing 2 is made of resin or the like, and includes a housing body 21 and a cover 22. The housing body 21 has an opening 21A (see FIG. 2) at the top. The opening 21A is an opening for attaching and detaching a film unit FU, which will be described later, to the housing body 21. The opening 21A faces upward. The cover 22 is a member for opening and closing the opening 21A. A rear end of the cover 22 is rotatably supported by the housing body 21. The cover 22 is movable between a closed position in which the opening 21A is closed, and an open position in which the opening 21A is opened. In this embodiment, the cover 22 opens in a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0031] The sheet tray 3 is a tray on which sheets S, such as paper and overhead projector films, are placed. The sheet tray 3 is provided at the rear of the housing 2. The sheet S is placed on the sheet tray 3 with the surface on which the toner image is formed facing downward.

[0032] The sheet conveying section 10 includes a sheet supply mechanism 11 and a sheet discharge mechanism 12. The sheet supply mechanism 11 is a mechanism that conveys the sheets S on the sheet tray 3 one by one toward the transfer section 50. The sheet supply mechanism 11 includes a pickup roller 11A, a retard roller 11B, and an upstream conveying roller 11C.

[0033] The pickup roller 11A is a roller for supplying the sheet S on the sheet tray 3 toward the transfer unit 50. The retard roller 11B is a roller for separating the sheet S conveyed by the pickup roller 11A into one sheet.

[0034] The retard roller 11B is disposed above the pickup roller 11A. The retard roller 11B is rotatable in a direction to return the sheet S overlapping the sheet S fed by the pickup roller 11A toward the sheet tray 3.

[0035] The upstream transport rollers 11C are made up of two rollers, and can transport the sheet S by rotating the rollers while sandwiching the sheet S between them. The upstream transport rollers 11C are disposed between the pickup roller 11A and the transfer unit 50, and transport the sheet S sent out by the pickup roller 11A to the transfer unit 50.

[0036] The sheet discharge mechanism 12 is a mechanism that discharges the sheet S that has passed through the transfer unit 50 to the outside of the housing 2. The sheet discharge mechanism 12 includes a first conveyor roller 13, a second conveyor roller 14, a third conveyor roller 15, and a fourth conveyor roller 16. The first conveyor roller 13, the second conveyor roller 14, the third conveyor roller 15, and the fourth conveyor roller 16 are provided in the cover 22.

[0037] The film supply section 30 is a section that supplies the multilayer film F so as to be superimposed on the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The film supply section 30 includes a film unit FU and a motor .

[0038] The film unit FU has a film cartridge FC that holds the multilayer film F, and a holder 300 that holds the film cartridge FC. As shown in Fig. 2, the film unit FU is detachable from the top of the housing main body 21. That is, the film cartridge FC is attached to the housing main body 21 while being held by the holder 300.

[0039] In this embodiment, the housing body 21 of the foil transfer device 1 can selectively mount a cartridge 100 having a multilayer film F wound thereon with a first width H1 as shown in Fig. 6, and a second cartridge 200 having a multilayer film F wound thereon with a second width H2 larger than the first width H1 as shown in Fig. 7. That is, the film cartridge FC includes the cartridge 100 and the second cartridge 200.

[0040] 1(b), the multilayer film F has a supporting layer F1 and a supported layer F2. The supporting layer F1 is a tape-shaped transparent substrate made of a polymer material, and supports the supported layer F2.

[0041] The supported layer F2 has a release layer F21, a transfer layer F22, and an adhesive layer F23. The release layer F21 is a layer for facilitating peeling of the transfer layer F22 from the support layer F1, and is disposed between the support layer F1 and the transfer layer F22. The release layer F21 contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easily peeled from the support layer F1.

[0042] The transfer layer F22 is a layer to be transferred to the toner image and includes a foil. The foil is a thin metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum. The transfer layer F22 also includes a coloring material such as gold, silver, or red, and a thermoplastic resin. The transfer layer F22 is disposed between the release layer F21 and the adhesive layer F23.

[0043] The adhesive layer F23 is a layer for easily adhering the transfer layer F22 to the toner image. The adhesive layer F23 contains a material that easily adheres to the toner image heated by the transfer unit 50 described later, such as a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the holder 300 includes a first guide shaft 41 , a second guide shaft 42 , and a third guide shaft 43 .

[0045] The first guide shaft 41, the second guide shaft 42, and the third guide shaft 43 are roller-shaped shafts for changing the traveling direction of the multilayer film F. The first guide shaft 41, the second guide shaft 42, and the third guide shaft 43 are made of SUS (stainless steel) or the like.

[0046] The first guide shaft 41 is located upstream of the transfer unit 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The first guide shaft 41 changes the traveling direction of the multilayer film F pulled out from the supply reel 31 so that it becomes approximately parallel to the conveying direction of the sheet S.

[0047] The multilayer film F guided by such a first guide shaft 41 is transported toward the transfer section 50 with the supported layer F2 (see FIG. 1(b)) facing upward. The sheet S is placed on top of the multilayer film F with the supported layer F2 facing upward, and is transported together with the multilayer film F toward the transfer section 50.

[0048] The second guide shaft 42 is located downstream of the transfer section 50 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. The second guide shaft 42 changes the traveling direction of the multilayer film F that has passed through the transfer section 50 to a direction different from the conveying direction of the sheet S, thereby peeling the multilayer film F from the sheet S.

[0049] The third guide shaft 43 is a member that determines the traveling direction of the multilayer film F that is changed by the second guide shaft 42. More specifically, the third guide shaft 43 determines the angle of the multilayer film F when the multilayer film F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0050] The film cartridge FC has a supply reel 31 around which the multilayer film F is wound, and a take-up reel 35 for taking up the used multilayer film F. The supply reel 31 has the multilayer film F wound around it, and rotates about a first axis X1 (see FIG. 3) extending in the axial direction. The supply reel 31 is made of resin or the like, and has a supply shaft portion 31A around which the multilayer film F is wound. The take-up reel 35 is made of resin or the like, and has a take-up shaft portion 35A for taking up the multilayer film F.

[0051] With the film unit FU attached to the foil transfer device 1, the take-up reel 35 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing by a motor 80 provided in the housing 2. When the take-up reel 35 rotates, the multilayer film F wound around the supply reel 31 is pulled out, and the pulled-out multilayer film F is guided by the guide shafts 41 to 43 and wound up around the take-up reel 35. In more detail, during foil transfer, the multilayer film F is fed out by a pressure roller 51 and a heating roller 61, which will be described later, and the multilayer film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31. Then, the multilayer film F fed out from the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61 is wound up around the take-up reel 35.

[0052] The transfer unit 50 is a section for transferring the transfer layer F22 onto the toner image formed on the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S and the multilayer film F in a superposed state. The transfer unit 50 includes a pressure roller 51 and a heating roller 61. The transfer unit 50 heats and presses the sheet S and the multilayer film F in a superposed state at a nip portion between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0053] The pressure roller 51 is a roller in which the periphery of a cylindrical core metal is covered with a rubber layer made of silicone rubber. The pressure roller 51 is disposed on the upper side of the multilayer film F and is capable of contacting the back surface of the sheet S (the surface opposite to the front surface on which the toner image is formed).

[0054] The pressure roller 51 has both ends rotatably supported by the cover 22. The pressure roller 51 sandwiches the sheet S and the multilayer film F between itself and the heat roller 61, and is driven to rotate by a motor 80 to rotate the heat roller 61.

[0055] The heating roller 61 is a roller in which a heater is disposed inside a cylindrical metal tube, and heats the multilayer film F and the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is disposed below the multilayer film F and is in contact with the multilayer film F. The heating roller 61 heats the multilayer film F and the sheet S.

[0056] In this embodiment, the heating roller 61 is moved by a contact / separation mechanism 70 for bringing the heating roller 61 into contact with and away from the multilayer film F. The contact / separation mechanism 70 is disposed between the supply reel 31 and the take-up reel 35 in the conveying direction of the sheet S. When the cover 22 is closed, the contact / separation mechanism 70 moves the heating roller 61 to a contact position where the heating roller 61 comes into contact with the multilayer film F in accordance with the timing at which the sheet S is supplied to the transfer section 50. When the cover 22 is open or when foil transfer is not performed on the sheet S in the transfer section 50, the contact / separation mechanism 70 positions the heating roller 61 at a separation position where the heating roller 61 is separated from the multilayer film F.

[0057] In the foil transfer device 1 configured in this manner, the sheet S placed on the sheet tray 3 with its front surface facing downward is transported by the sheet supply mechanism 11 toward the transfer unit 50. The sheet S is superimposed on the multilayer film F supplied from the supply reel 31 on the upstream side of the transfer unit 50 in the transport direction, and is transported to the transfer unit 50 with the toner image on the sheet S and the multilayer film F in contact with each other.

[0058] In the transfer section 50, as the sheet S and the multilayer film F pass through the nip between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, they are heated and pressurized by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, and the foil (supported layer F2) is transferred onto the toner image.

[0059] After the foil is transferred, the sheet S and the multilayer film F are transported in an attached state to the second guide shaft 42. When the sheet S and the multilayer film F pass the second guide shaft 42, the transport direction of the multilayer film F changes to a direction different from the transport direction of the sheet S, and the multilayer film F is peeled off from the sheet S, that is, the supported layer F2 adhered to the toner image is peeled off from the supporting layer F1 of the multilayer film F.

[0060] The multilayer film F, which includes the supporting layer F1 peeled off from the sheet S and peeled off from the supported layer F2 adhered to the toner image on the sheet S, is taken up by the take-up reel 35. Meanwhile, the sheet S from which the multilayer film F has been peeled off is discharged by the sheet discharge mechanism 12 to the outside of the housing 2 with the surface on which the foil has been transferred facing down.

[0061] As described above, when the take-up reel 35 is driven to rotate by the motor 80, the multilayer film F wound around the supply reel 31 is pulled out. However, if no load torque is applied to the supply reel 31 and it is allowed to rotate freely, no tension is applied to the multilayer film F, causing the multilayer film F to slacken and fail to be fixed properly. For this reason, a predetermined load torque is applied to the take-up reel 35 so that an appropriate tension is applied to the multilayer film F. Here, the configuration for applying the predetermined load torque to the take-up reel 35 will be described.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the holder 300 has a base frame 310, a holder gear cover 320, a rotary encoder 330, a torque applying member 340, an input gear 350, a first idle gear 360, a second idle gear 370, and a third idle gear 380.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the base frame 310 has a retaining hole 340H that holds the torque applying member 340, a first shaft portion 350J that rotatably supports the input gear 350, a second shaft portion 360J that rotatably supports the first idle gear 360, and a third shaft portion 370J that rotatably supports the second idle gear 370.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 4, the base frame 310 is a frame that holds the film cartridge FC. The base frame 310 has a first holding portion 311 that holds the supply reel 31, and a second holding portion 312 that holds the take-up reel 35. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the first holding portion 311 is formed with a groove 311A ​​that engages with a mounting shaft B10 of the film cartridge FC, which will be described later.

[0065] Returning to Fig. 4, the holder gear cover 320 is attached to the base frame 310. The holder gear cover 320 is located at one end side of the base frame 310 in the axial direction, and covers the rotary encoder 330, the torque applying member 340, the input gear 350, the first idle gear 360, the second idle gear 370, and the third idle gear 380. The holder gear cover 320 has a detection window 321. The detection window 321 is an opening formed in the holder gear cover 320.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5(a), the rotary encoder 330 is an example of a rotation speed detection unit capable of detecting the rotation speed of the input gear 350. The rotary encoder 330 rotates around the first axis X1. The rotary encoder 330 is a rotating plate having a plurality of slits 331 arranged in the circumferential direction and an encoder gear 332. The foil transfer device 1 includes an optical sensor (not shown) located on the inner wall of the housing body 21, and a control unit (not shown). The optical sensor is a reflective sensor and can detect the slits 331 of the rotary encoder 330 through the detection window 321. Specifically, when the rotary encoder 330 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the supply reel 31, the optical sensor detects the number of passes of the slits 331 of the rotary encoder 330 per unit time. The control unit obtains the rotation speed and the number of rotations of the supply reel 31 from the number of passes of the slits 331 detected by the optical sensor.

[0067] The torque applying member 340 applies resistance to the rotation of the input gear 350. For example, a torque limiter can be used as the torque applying member 340. The torque applying member 340 has a fourth shaft portion 341. The fourth shaft portion 341 has a D-cut-shaped rotation stopper that engages with the third idle gear 380 in the rotation direction. The fourth shaft portion 341 rotates about a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. The torque applying member 340 generates resistance when the fourth shaft portion 341 is rotated in either the forward or reverse direction. Therefore, the torque applying member 340 can apply the same resistance to the input gear 350 regardless of the rotation direction of the input gear 350.

[0068] The input gear 350 is a gear that meshes with the output gear 130 of the cartridge 100 or the second output gear 230 of the second cartridge 200, which will be described later, when the film cartridge FC is attached to the holder 300. The input gear 350 rotates about a third axis X3 that is parallel to the first axis X1. The input gear 350 has a large diameter gear 351 and a small diameter gear 352 that rotates together with the large diameter gear 351. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the small diameter gear 352 of the input gear 350 is exposed on the first holding portion 311 side, and is adapted to mesh with the output gear of the film cartridge FC when the film cartridge FC is attached to the holder 300.

[0069] 5(a), the first idle gear 360 rotates about a fourth axis X4 parallel to the first axis X1. The first idle gear 360 has a large diameter gear 361 and a small diameter gear 362 that rotates together with the large diameter gear 361. The small diameter gear 362 meshes with the large diameter gear 351 of the input gear 350.

[0070] The second idle gear 370 rotates about a third axis X3 parallel to the first axis X1. The second idle gear 370 has a large diameter gear 371 and a small diameter gear 372 that rotates together with the large diameter gear 371. The small diameter gear 372 meshes with the large diameter gear 361 of the first idle gear 360. The large diameter gear 371 meshes with the encoder gear 332 of the rotary encoder 330.

[0071] The third idle gear 380 rotates about a second axis X2 parallel to the first axis X1. The third idle gear 380 meshes with the large diameter gear 361 of the first idle gear 360. The third idle gear 380 engages with the fourth shaft portion 341 of the torque applying member 340 and rotates together with the fourth shaft portion 341.

[0072] When rotation is input to the input gear 350, the encoder gear 332 rotates via the first idle gear 360 and the second idle gear 370. When rotation is input to the input gear 350, the fourth shaft portion 341 of the torque applying member 340 rotates via the first idle gear 360 and the third idle gear 380. When the fourth shaft portion 341 rotates, a resistance is applied to the input gear 350 via the third idle gear 380 and the first idle gear 360 due to the action of the torque applying member 340.

[0073] As described above, the foil transfer device 1 can accommodate the cartridge 100 and the second cartridge 200 having different widths of the multilayer film F. When the widths of the multilayer film F are different, it is desirable to apply a load torque according to the width of the multilayer film F in order to keep the tension of the multilayer film F acting per unit width constant. For example, when the first width H1 of the multilayer film F of the cartridge 100 is half the second width H2 of the multilayer film F of the second cartridge 200, the tension of the multilayer film F acting per unit width becomes constant when the load torque applied to the output gear 130 of the cartridge 100 is half the load torque applied to the second cartridge 200. Here, a configuration in which the load torque applied to the output gear 130 of the cartridge 100 is smaller than the load torque applied to the second output gear 230 of the second cartridge 200 will be described.

[0074] 7, the second cartridge 200 has a supply reel case 210, a second supply reel 231, a second take-up reel 235, and a second output gear 230. The second supply reel 231 has a multilayer film F having a second width H2 wound thereon. The second supply reel 231 is housed within the supply reel case 210. The supply reel case 210 rotatably supports the second supply reel 231. The second take-up reel 235 takes up the multilayer film F having the second width H2.

[0075] The second output gear 230 is located at an end of the second supply reel 231. The second output gear 230 rotates together with the second supply reel 231. A portion of the second output gear 230 is exposed from the supply reel case 210. The second output gear 230 meshes with the input gear 350 of the holder 300 when the second cartridge 200 is attached to the holder 300. That is, when the second cartridge 200 is attached to the holder 300, the second output gear 230 receives a load torque from the input gear 350 of the holder 300.

[0076] The supply reel case 210 has an attachment shaft B10 at one end in the axial direction. The attachment shaft B10 is a portion that fits into a groove 311A ​​of the holder 300 when the second cartridge 200 is held in the holder 300. The attachment shaft B10 fits into the groove 311A, thereby positioning the second cartridge 200 in the holder 300.

[0077] As shown in Figures 6, 8(a) and 8(b), the cartridge 100 includes a supply reel case 110, a supply reel 131, a take-up reel 135, a reel gear 120, an output gear 130, a first intermediate gear 140, a second intermediate gear 150 and a gear cover 160. The first intermediate gear 140 and the second intermediate gear 150 are an example of at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation of the reel gear 120 and transmits it to the output gear 130. Note that the gear cover 160 is omitted in Figure 8(a).

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8(b), the multilayer film F having a first width H1 is wound around the supply reel 131. The take-up reel 135 is a reel that winds up the multilayer film F having the first width H1. The supply reel 131 is housed in the supply reel case 110. The supply reel case 110 has a side wall 110S at one axial end. The side wall 110S rotatably supports the supply reel 31. The side wall 110S has a through hole 111. The gear cover 160 is located at the axial end of the supply reel case 110. The gear cover 160 covers all or part of the output gear 130, the first intermediate gear 140, and the second intermediate gear 150.

[0079] 8(a) and (b), the side wall 110S has a bearing hole 131J that rotatably supports the supply reel 131, a seventh shaft portion 130J that rotatably supports the output gear 130, an eighth shaft portion 140J that rotatably supports the first intermediate gear 140, and a ninth shaft portion 150J that rotatably supports the second intermediate gear 150. The bearing hole 131J is disposed coaxially with the seventh shaft portion 130J (on the first axis X1) inside the seventh shaft portion 130J. Therefore, the output gear 130 can rotate together with the reel gear 120 around the first axis X1.

[0080] The supply reel case 110 has an attachment shaft B10 at one end in the axial direction. The attachment shaft B10 is a portion that fits into a groove 311A ​​of the holder 300 when the cartridge 100 is held in the holder 300. The cartridge 100 is positioned in the holder 300 by the attachment shaft B10 fitting into the groove 311A.

[0081] The reel gear 120 is located at the end of the supply reel 131 in the axial direction. More specifically, the reel gear 120 is located axially between the multilayer film F wound around the supply reel 131 and the output gear 130. The reel gear 120 rotates together with the supply reel 131. The reel gear 120 rotates about a first axis X1. The reel gear 120 meshes with a first intermediate gear 140.

[0082] The output gear 130 is a gear that transmits the rotational force of the supply reel 131 to the holder 300. The output gear 130 rotates about a first axis X1.

[0083] The reel gear 120 is located on one side of the side wall 110S in the axial direction, and the output gear 130 is located on the other side of the side wall 110S. In other words, the output gear 130 is located on the opposite side of the reel gear 120 across the side wall 110S.

[0084] The first intermediate gear 140 rotates about a fifth axis X5 parallel to the first axis X1. The first intermediate gear 140 is a reduction gear composed of a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear. Specifically, the first intermediate gear 140 reduces the rotation of the reel gear 120 and transmits it to the second intermediate gear 150. The first intermediate gear 140 has a first large diameter gear 141 that meshes with the reel gear 120 and a first small diameter gear 142 that rotates together with the first large diameter gear 141. The first large diameter gear 141 of the first intermediate gear 140 meshes with the reel gear 120 via the through hole 111.

[0085] The second intermediate gear 150 rotates about a sixth axis X6 parallel to the first axis X1. The second intermediate gear 150 is a reduction gear composed of a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear. Specifically, the second intermediate gear 150 reduces the rotation of the first intermediate gear 140 and transmits it to the output gear 130. The second intermediate gear 150 has a second large diameter gear 151 and a second small diameter gear 152. The second large diameter gear 151 meshes with the first small diameter gear 142. The second small diameter gear 152 rotates together with the second large diameter gear 151 and meshes with the output gear 130.

[0086] In this manner, the reel gear 120 meshes with the first intermediate gear 140, the first intermediate gear 140 meshes with the second intermediate gear 150, and the second intermediate gear 150 meshes with the output gear 130, so that when the cartridge 100 is attached to the holder 300, a load torque is input to the reel gear 120 from the input gear 350 of the holder 300 via the first intermediate gear 140, the second intermediate gear 150 and the output gear 130.

[0087] The operation of the cartridge 100 and the second cartridge 200 configured as above will now be described. As shown in FIG. 9( a ), when the second cartridge 200 is attached to the holder 300 , the second output gear 230 meshes with the small diameter gear 352 of the input gear 350 in the holder 300 .

[0088] When foil transfer is performed, the multilayer film F is pulled, causing the second output gear 230 to rotate clockwise in the figure together with the second supply reel 231. This causes the small diameter gear 352 meshing with the second output gear 230 to rotate counterclockwise. At this time, the load torque is transmitted from the small diameter gear 352 to the second output gear 230.

[0089] In this case, the second supply reel 231 is pulled upward by a force F10 due to the tension of the multilayer film F. However, the second output gear 230 receives resistance to rotation from the small diameter gear 352, and is pushed downward by a force F11. For this reason, the mounting shaft B10 of the second cartridge 200 is unlikely to come out of the groove 311A.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 9( b ), when the cartridge 100 is attached to the holder 300 , the output gear 130 meshes with the small diameter gear 352 of the input gear 350 in the holder 300 .

[0091] When foil transfer is performed, the multilayer film F is pulled, so that the reel gear 120 rotates clockwise together with the supply reel 131. Then, the first intermediate gear 140 meshed with the reel gear 120 rotates counterclockwise. When the first intermediate gear 140 rotates counterclockwise, the second intermediate gear 150 meshed with the first small diameter gear 142 of the first intermediate gear 140 rotates clockwise. When the second intermediate gear 150 rotates clockwise, the output gear 130 meshed with the second small diameter gear 152 of the second intermediate gear 150 rotates counterclockwise. When the output gear 130 rotates, the small diameter gear 352 of the holder 300 rotates clockwise. In this way, the cartridge 100 rotates the small diameter gear 352 of the holder 300 in the opposite direction to the second cartridge 200.

[0092] At this time, the load torque is transmitted from the small diameter gear 352 to the output gear 130. The load torque applied from the small diameter gear 352 to the output gear 130 has a different rotational direction, but its magnitude is the same as the load torque received by the second output gear 230 of the second cartridge 200. However, since the load torque received by the output gear 130 is transmitted to the reel gear 120 via the second intermediate gear 150 and first intermediate gear 140, which are reduction gears, the load torque received by the supply reel 131 is smaller than the load torque received by the second supply reel 231.

[0093] In this case, the supply reel 131 is pulled upward by a force F20 due to the tension of the multilayer film F. Also, the output gear 130 receives rotational resistance from the small diameter gear 352, and is pushed upward by a force F21. However, the second intermediate gear 150 receives rotational resistance from the output gear 130 and is pushed toward the left in the figure (F22), the first intermediate gear 140 receives rotational resistance from the second intermediate gear 150 and is pushed toward the left in the figure (F23), and the first intermediate gear 140 is pushed toward the left by the reel gear 120 (F24). The resultant force of forces F22 to F24 tries to rotate the supply reel case 110 clockwise in the figure, and therefore the mounting shaft B10 of the supply reel 131 is unlikely to come off the groove 311A. The forces F22 to F24 received by each of these gears act on supply reel case 110 via the shafts of the respective gears.

[0094] FIG. 9(c) is a diagram for explaining the operation of the cartridge 100A in a form in which the second intermediate gear is not arranged and there is only one intermediate gear. In this form, since the second intermediate gear is not arranged, the small diameter gear 142A of the first intermediate gear 140A is meshed with the output gear 130. When the reel gear 120 rotates clockwise, the first intermediate gear 140A rotates counterclockwise. When the large diameter gear 141A of the first intermediate gear 140A rotates counterclockwise, the small diameter gear 142A of the first intermediate gear 140A is meshed with the output gear 130, so that the output gear 130 rotates clockwise. In this form, the cartridge 100A rotates the small diameter gear 352 of the holder 300 in the same direction as the second cartridge 200.

[0095] At this time, the load torque is transmitted from small diameter gear 352 to output gear 130. The load torque received by output gear 130 is transmitted to reel gear 120 via first intermediate gear 140A, which is a reduction gear, so that the load torque received by supply reel 131 is smaller than the load torque received by second supply reel 231.

[0096] In this case, the supply reel 131 is pulled upward by a force F30 due to the tension of the multilayer film F. Also, the output gear 130 receives rotational resistance from the small diameter gear 352, and is pushed downward by a force F31. Then, the first intermediate gear 140A receives rotational resistance from the output gear 130 and is pushed toward the right in the figure (F32), and the first intermediate gear 140A is pushed toward the left by the reel gear 120 (F33). Note that since the first intermediate gear 140 is a reduction gear, F33 is a smaller force than F32. In this configuration, the resultant force of forces F32 to F33 tries to rotate the supply reel case 110 counterclockwise in the figure, and in some cases, the mounting shaft B10 of the supply reel 131 may come off the groove 311A. In such a case, it is advisable to adjust the direction of the insertion opening of groove 311A ​​or the position of first intermediate gear 140A so that mounting shaft B10 of supply reel 131 does not come off groove 311A.

[0097] According to the present embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained. The holder 300 of this embodiment is attached to the housing body 21 of the foil transfer device 1 in a state in which either the cartridge 100 or the second cartridge 200 is held. In a conventional configuration, a reduction gear was provided at the axial end of the film cartridge, which made the film cartridge large in the width direction. However, cartridge 100 of the present invention is provided with first intermediate gear 140 and second intermediate gear 150 which reduce the speed of rotation of reel gear 120 before transmitting it to output gear 130, so that the rotation of reel gear 120 can be reduced in speed according to the film width of cartridge 100 before being transmitted to output gear 130. Therefore, the rotational load torque input from output gear 130 can be transmitted to reel gear 120 in a reduced state. As a result, the tension acting per unit width of cartridge 100 becomes close to the tension acting per unit width of second cartridge 200, so that the tension can be kept within a constant range. Furthermore, reel gear 120 is located axially between multilayer film F wound around supply reel 131 and output gear 130. Since first intermediate gear 140 and second intermediate gear 150 are disposed in the space created by the small width of multilayer film F, cartridge 100 does not become large in the width direction of multilayer film F.

[0098] Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the rotation of the reel gear 120 is slowed down by two intermediate gears, the first intermediate gear 140 and the second intermediate gear 150, so the mounting shaft B10 of the supply reel 131 is less likely to come out of the groove 311A ​​than when there is only one intermediate gear (see FIG. 9(c)).

[0099] Furthermore, since the holder 300 has the torque applying member 340 , resistance can be applied from the input gear 350 of the holder 300 to the output gear 130 of the cartridge 100 .

[0100] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the foil transfer device 1 was capable of selectively mounting the cartridge 100 and the second cartridge 200, but this configuration is not limited to this, and cartridges other than the cartridge 100 and the second cartridge 200 may also be selectively mounted.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the first intermediate gear 140 and the second intermediate gear 150 are given as examples of at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation of the reel gear 120 and transmits it to the output gear 130, but this is not limited to this form, and the number of intermediate gears may be one (see FIG. 9(c)) or three or more.

[0103] In the above embodiment, a foil transfer device that transfers foil onto a toner image formed on a sheet is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the foil transfer device may be any device that transfers foil onto a sheet.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the multilayer film F is configured with four layers, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the multilayer film may have any number of layers as long as it has a transfer layer and a support layer.

[0105] The elements described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1 Foil transfer device 21. Main unit 50 Transcription unit 80 Motor 100 cartridges 110S side wall 111 Through hole 120 Reel Gear 130 Output gear 131 Supply Reel 135 Winding reel 140 1st intermediate gear 141 First large diameter gear 142 1st small diameter gear 150 2nd intermediate gear 151 Second large diameter gear 152 2nd small diameter gear 200 2nd Cartridge 220 2nd output gear 231 Second Supply Reel 235 2nd Winding Reel 300 Holder 310 Base Frame 330 Rotary Encoder 340 Torque applying member 350 Input gear F Multilayer film

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably attached to a housing body of a foil transfer device that overlays a multilayer film made of a plurality of layers on a surface of a sheet on which a toner image is formed, and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, The cartridge comprises: a supply reel on which the multilayer film is wound and which rotates about a first axis extending in the axial direction; a reel gear located at an end of the supply reel in the axial direction and rotating together with the supply reel; an output gear that transmits a rotational force to an outside of the cartridge; at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation speed of the reel gear and transmits the rotation speed to the output gear; Equipped with The cartridge, wherein the output gear and the reel gear both rotate about the first axis.

2. The at least one intermediate gear includes: a first intermediate gear including a first large diameter gear meshing with the reel gear and a first small diameter gear rotating together with the first large diameter gear; 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a second intermediate gear having a second large diameter gear meshing with the first small diameter gear, and a second small diameter gear rotating together with the second large diameter gear and meshing with the output gear.

3. the cartridge includes a side wall that rotatably supports the supply reel; 3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the reel gear is located on one side of the side wall in the axial direction, and the output gear is located on the other side of the side wall.

4. The side wall has a through hole, 4. A cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the first intermediate gear meshes with the reel gear via the through hole.

5. the cartridge is mountable in a holder that is mounted in the housing body while holding the cartridge; The holder includes: an input gear that meshes with the output gear when the cartridge is attached; 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a torque applying member that applies resistance to rotation of the input gear.

6. 6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the holder further comprises a rotation speed detection portion capable of detecting the rotation speed of the input gear.

7. 7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the rotational speed detection unit is a rotary encoder.

8. The cartridge of claim 7 , wherein the rotary encoder rotates about the first axis.

9. The holder includes:

9. The cartridge according to claim 5, comprising: a supply reel on which a first multilayer film having a first width is wound; a second cartridge having a second supply reel on which is wound a multilayer film having a second width greater than the first width; A cartridge capable of being selectively attached.

10. 10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the second cartridge includes a second output gear located at an end of the second supply reel and rotating with the second supply reel, the second output gear meshing with the input gear.

11. A cartridge for overlaying a multi-layer film having a plurality of layers on a surface of a sheet on which a toner image has been formed, and transferring at least one layer of the multi-layer film onto the toner image, comprising: The cartridge comprises: a supply reel on which the multilayer film is wound and which rotates about a first axis extending in the axial direction; a reel gear located at an end of the supply reel in the axial direction and rotating together with the supply reel; an output gear that transmits a rotational force to an outside of the cartridge; at least one intermediate gear that reduces the rotation speed of the reel gear and transmits the rotation speed to the output gear; Equipped with The cartridge, wherein the output gear and the reel gear both rotate about the first axis.

12. A holder for holding a cartridge that is detachably attached to a housing body of a foil transfer device that overlays a multilayer film consisting of multiple layers on a surface of a sheet on which a toner image is formed and transfers at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, the holder comprising: a supply reel around which the multilayer film is wound and that rotates about a first axis extending in an axial direction; a reel gear that is located at an end of the supply reel in the axial direction and rotates together with the supply reel; an output gear; and at least one intermediate gear that reduces the speed of rotation of the reel gear and transmits it to the output gear, an input gear that meshes with the output gear when the cartridge is attached; a torque applying member that applies resistance to rotation of the input gear.

13. The holder according to claim 12, further comprising a rotation speed detector capable of detecting a rotation speed of the input gear.

14. 14. The holder according to claim 13, wherein the rotational speed detection unit is a rotary encoder.

15. 15. The holder of claim 14, wherein the rotary encoder rotates about the first axis.

16. a cartridge having a multilayer film of a first width wound on the supply reel; A holder as described in any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that a second cartridge having a second supply reel on which a multilayer film having a second width larger than the first width is wound can be selectively attached.

17. 17. The holder of claim 16, wherein the second cartridge includes a second output gear located at an end of the second supply reel and rotating with the second supply reel, the second output gear meshing with the input gear.

18. A cartridge for overlaying a multilayer film consisting of multiple layers on a surface of a sheet on which a toner image is formed, and transferring at least one layer of the multilayer film onto the toner image, comprising a holder for holding the cartridge, the cartridge comprising: a supply reel around which the multilayer film is wound and which rotates about a first axis extending in the axial direction, a reel gear located at an end of the supply reel in the axial direction and which rotates together with the supply reel, an output gear, and at least one intermediate gear which decelerates the rotation of the reel gear and transmits it to the output gear, an input gear that meshes with the output gear when the cartridge is attached; a torque applying member that applies resistance to rotation of the input gear.

Images