Foil transfer device

Abstract

To enable a cover to be forcibly unlocked even in a state where the cover is locked by a lock member.SOLUTION: A foil transfer device 1 includes a housing body 21, a first cover 22, a lock member (rotary member 93), a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the housing body, a control unit, and a forcible releasing member CR. The first cover 22 moves between a first closing position for closing an opening of the housing body 21, and a first opening position for opening the opening. The lock member moves between a lock position for locking the first cover 22 at the first closing position and a release position for unlocking the first cover 22. In the case where the detection temperature of the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the control unit makes the lock member be positioned in the lock position, and in the case where the detection temperature is below the first predetermined value, it makes the lock member be positioned in the release position. The forcible releasing member CR can be operated from the outside of the housing body 21 when the first cover 22 is in the closing position, and moves the lock member from the lock position to the release position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foil transfer device having a first cover that opens and closes an opening in a housing body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a fixing device for a printer or the like is known that includes a cover that covers a heating roller and a locking member for locking the cover (see Patent Document 1). In this technology, the locking member is configured to lock the cover when the temperature of the heating roller is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and to unlock the cover when the temperature of the heating roller is below the predetermined temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 04-245276 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even foil transfer devices that transfer a transfer layer containing foil to a sheet have an internal heat source, so it is possible to adopt a cover locking configuration like the conventional technology. However, in this case, the user cannot work inside the foil transfer device unless the temperature inside the device drops below a predetermined temperature, which creates a problem of inconvenience for the user.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a foil transfer device that is capable of forcibly unlocking the cover even when the cover is locked by a locking member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the foil transfer device according to the present invention is a device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer onto the sheet. The foil transfer device includes a housing body, a first cover, a locking member, a temperature sensor, a control unit, and a forced release member. The housing body has an opening. The first cover is movable between a first closed position that closes the opening and a first open position that opens the opening. The locking member is movable between a locking position that locks the first cover in the first closed position and an unlocking position that unlocks the first cover. The temperature sensor detects the temperature inside the housing body. The control unit positions the locking member in the locked position when the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, and positions the locking member in the released position when the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the first predetermined value. The forced release member is a forced release member that can be operated from outside the housing body when the first cover is in the first closed position, and is capable of moving the locking member from the lock position to the release position.

[0007] According to this configuration, even if the locking member is in the locked position because the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the user can operate the forced release member to move the locking member from the locked position to the released position, so that the first cover can be forcibly unlocked even if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value.

[0008] In addition, the locking member may be rotatable between the lock position and the release position, and the forced release member may be located at a lock corresponding position when the locking member is located at the lock position, and at a release corresponding position when the locking member is located at the release position, and may be rotatable between the lock corresponding position and the release corresponding position.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking member may be slidably movable between the lock position and the release position, and the forced release member may be positioned at a lock corresponding position when the locking member is positioned at the lock position, and at a release corresponding position when the locking member is positioned at the release position, and may be slidably movable between the lock corresponding position and the release corresponding position.

[0010] The foil transfer device may further include a second cover that is movable between a second closed position that covers the forced release member and a second open position that exposes the forced release member to the outside.

[0011] According to this configuration, the forced release member cannot be operated unless the second cover is moved to the second open position, so that the first cover can be prevented from being accidentally forcibly released from its lock.

[0012] The foil transfer device may further include a cover sensor that detects whether the second cover is open or closed, and a position sensor that detects the position of the locking member. In this case, the control unit may be capable of executing a foil transfer process, a foil transfer lock process, a position storage process, and a position correction process. The foil transfer process is a process of transferring the transfer layer onto the sheet. The locking process during foil transfer is a process for positioning the locking member at the lock position during the foil transfer process. The position storage process is a process in which, when a movement command for moving the locking member to the locked position or the released position is output to a drive source that moves the locking member, the position corresponding to the movement command is stored as the normal position. The position correction process is a process of moving the locking member from a specific position, which is the position of the locking member identified based on the detection result of the position sensor, to the normal position when the specific position is different from the normal position. When the control unit satisfies a lock recommendation condition that recommends locking the first cover, or when the control unit determines that the second cover is closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor, even if the locking member is moved to the release position by operating the forced release member, the control unit may return the locking member to the lock position by executing the position correction process. The control unit may be configured to not execute the position correction process when the lock recommendation condition is not satisfied and when it determines that the second cover has been opened based on the detection result of the cover sensor, thereby maintaining the locking member, which has been moved to the release position by operating the forced release member, in the release position.

[0013] According to this configuration, even if the second cover is opened and the forced release member is operated to move the lock member to the release position in a situation where locking of the first cover is recommended, the position correction process returns the lock member to the lock position, thereby preventing the first cover from being forcibly opened during foil transfer.

[0014] The lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the foil transfer process is being executed.

[0015] According to this configuration, even if the locking member is moved to the release position by operating the forced release member during the foil transfer process, the locking member is returned to the locking position by the position correction process, thereby preventing the first cover from being opened during the foil transfer process.

[0016] The lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the detected temperature is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the detected temperature is high and equal to or higher than the second predetermined value, even if the locking member is moved to the release position by operating the forced release member, the locking member is returned to the locking position by the position correction process, thereby preventing the first cover from being opened when the temperature is high.

[0018] The lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the foil transfer device is out of order.

[0019] With this configuration, even if the locking member moves to the release position by operating the forced release member when the foil transfer device malfunctions, the locking member is returned to the locking position by the position correction process, so the user does not need to perform unnecessary work inside the foil transfer device at high temperatures.

[0020] Furthermore, the foil transfer device according to the present invention may be configured such that the lock of the first cover is forcibly released under the control of the control unit, instead of providing a forced release member. In this case, the foil transfer device includes, in addition to the housing main body, the first cover, the locking member, and the temperature sensor, a control unit that forcibly unlocks the first cover through control, and an input unit into which information is input. The control unit has a function of positioning the locking member at the lock position when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value. When a forced release command to move the locking member to the release position is input to the input unit, the control unit executes a forced release process to move the locking member to the release position even if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value.

[0021] According to this configuration, even if the locking member is in the locked position because the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value, the user can input a forced release command into the input section to move the locking member to the released position, thereby forcibly releasing the lock on the first cover even if the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value.

[0022] The forced release command may include a first command and a second command, and when the first command is input to the input unit, the control unit may execute a notification process to notify confirmation that the forced release process will be executed, and when the second command is input to the input unit after the notification process, the control unit may execute the forced release process.

[0023] According to this configuration, two actions are required to execute the forced release process, which makes the user aware of the risks of forcibly opening the first cover and allows the user to be careful when performing tasks after opening the first cover.

[0024] In addition, when the forced release command is input to the input unit, the control unit may execute a forced release mode in which the forced release process is performed unless a lock recommendation condition that recommends locking the first cover is met, and may terminate the forced release mode when a cancel command to terminate the forced release mode is input to the input unit.

[0025] In addition, when the forced release command is input to the input unit, the control unit may execute a forced release mode in which the forced release process is performed unless a lock recommendation condition that recommends locking the first cover is met, and may terminate the forced release mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the forced release mode.

[0026] The control unit may be capable of executing a foil transfer process for transferring the transfer layer onto the sheet, and the lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the foil transfer process is in progress.

[0027] According to this configuration, the forced release process is not executed during the foil transfer process, so that the first cover can be prevented from being opened during the foil transfer process.

[0028] The lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the detected temperature is greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value.

[0029] According to this configuration, the forced release process is not executed when the detected temperature is a high temperature equal to or higher than the second predetermined value, so that the first cover can be prevented from being opened when the temperature is high.

[0030] The lock recommendation condition may include a condition that the foil transfer device is out of order.

[0031] According to this configuration, the forced release process is not executed when the foil transfer device fails, so the user does not needlessly perform work inside the foil transfer device when the temperature is high. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to the present invention, even when the first cover is locked by the locking member, the lock of the first cover can be forcibly released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a foil transfer device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the foil transfer device with the first cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] These are side views showing the structure around the hook, with (a) showing the hook in the engaged position, (b) showing the hook slightly displaced from the engaged position, and (c) showing the hook in the disengaged position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the locking mechanism in a locked state. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the locking mechanism in an unlocked state. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second cover and a forced release member. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit. [Figure 9] 10A is a perspective view showing a foil transfer device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a view showing an operation panel. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a control unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions will be described in terms of the directions shown in Fig. 1. That is, the right side of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "front," the left side of Fig. 1 as "rear," the front side of the paper in Fig. 1 as "left," and the back side of the paper in Fig. 1 as "right." Also, the top and bottom of Fig. 1 will be referred to as "top and bottom."

[0035] 1, foil transfer device 1 is a device for transferring a foil such as gold foil onto a toner image formed on sheet S by an image forming device such as a laser printer. In other words, foil transfer device 1 forms a foil image on sheet S by transferring the foil onto the toner image on sheet S. 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.

[0036] The housing 2 is made of resin or the like and includes a housing main body 21 and a first cover 22. The housing main 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 main body 21. The first cover 22 is a member for opening and closing the opening 21A. The rear end of the first cover 22 is rotatably supported by the housing main body 21. The first cover 22 is rotatable between a first closed position (position in FIG. 1) in which the opening 21A is closed, and a first open position (position in FIG. 2) in which the opening 21A is opened.

[0037] The first cover 22 is provided with a hook 81 that can be engaged with the housing body 21. The hook 81 is located at the front end of the first cover 22. The hook 81 will be described in detail later.

[0038] The sheet tray 3 is a tray on which sheets S such as paper and transparencies 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.

[0039] The sheet conveying unit 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 unit 50. The sheet supply mechanism 11 includes a pickup roller and a conveying roller.

[0040] 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 plurality of transport rollers.

[0041] The film supply section 30 is a section that supplies the foil film F so as to overlap the sheet S conveyed from the sheet supply mechanism 11. The film supply section 30 includes a film unit FU and a drive source such as a motor (not shown).

[0042] 2, the film unit FU is detachable from the housing main body 21 by passing through the opening 21A in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the supply reel 31 (described later). The film unit FU includes the supply reel 31 and a take-up reel 35. A foil film F is wound around the supply reel 31.

[0043] The foil film F is a film made up of multiple layers. Specifically, the foil film F has a support layer and a supported layer. The support layer is a tape-like transparent substrate made of a polymer material and supports the supported layer. The supported layer has, for example, a release layer, a transfer layer, and an adhesive layer. The release layer is a layer that makes it easy to peel the transfer layer from the support layer and is disposed between the support layer and the transfer layer. The release layer contains a transparent material, such as a wax-based resin, that is easy to peel from the support layer.

[0044] The transfer layer is a layer that is transferred to the toner image and contains foil. The foil is a thinly rolled metal such as gold, silver, copper, or aluminum. The transfer layer also contains a coloring material such as gold, silver, or red, and a thermoplastic resin. The transfer layer is disposed between the release layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is a layer that facilitates adhesion of the transfer layer to the toner image. The adhesive layer contains a material that easily adheres to the toner image heated by the transfer unit 50, which will be described later, such as a vinyl chloride resin or an acrylic resin.

[0045] The supply reel 31 is made of resin or the like and has a supply shaft portion 31A around which the foil film F is wound. One end of the foil film F is fixed to the supply shaft portion 31A.

[0046] The take-up reel 35 is made of resin or the like, and has a take-up shaft portion 35A for taking up the foil film F. The other end of the foil film F is fixed to the take-up shaft portion 35A.

[0047] With the film unit FU attached to the foil transfer device 1, the take-up reel 35 is driven to rotate counterclockwise as shown by a drive source (not shown). As the take-up reel 35 rotates, the foil film F wound around the supply reel 31 is pulled out, and the pulled-out foil film F is taken up by the take-up reel 35. More specifically, during foil transfer, the foil film F is fed out by the pressure roller 51 and the heat roller 61 (described later), and the foil film F is pulled out from the supply reel 31. Then, the foil film F fed from the pressure roller 51 and the heat roller 61 is taken up by the take-up reel 35.

[0048] The transfer unit 50 is a section for transferring a transfer layer onto the toner image formed on the sheet S by applying heat and pressure to the sheet S and the foil 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 foil film F in a superposed state at the nip portion between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61.

[0049] 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 above the foil film F and is capable of contacting the back surface of the sheet S (the surface opposite to the surface on which the toner image is formed).

[0050] The pressure roller 51 is rotatably supported by the first cover 22. The pressure roller 51 sandwiches the sheet S and the foil film F between itself and the heat roller 61, and is driven to rotate by a drive source (not shown), thereby causing the heat roller 61 to rotate.

[0051] The heating roller 61 is a roller in which a heater is disposed inside a cylindrical metal tube, and heats the foil film F and the sheet S. The heating roller 61 is disposed below the foil film F and is in contact with the foil film F. The heating roller 61 is rotatably supported by the housing main body 21.

[0052] 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 separating it from the foil film F. When the first cover 22 is closed, the contact / separation mechanism 70 moves the heating roller 61 to a contact position where it comes into contact with the foil film F in accordance with the timing at which the sheet S is supplied to the transfer section 50. When the first cover 22 is open or when foil transfer to the sheet S is not performed in the transfer section 50, the contact / separation mechanism 70 positions the heating roller 61 at a separation position where it is separated from the foil film F.

[0053] In the foil transfer device 1 configured in this manner, the sheets S placed on the sheet tray 3 with their surfaces facing downwards are transported one by one by the sheet supply mechanism 11 toward the transfer unit 50. The sheets S are superimposed on the foil film F supplied from the supply reel 31 on the upstream side of the transfer unit 50 in the sheet transport direction, and are transported to the transfer unit 50 with the toner image on the sheets S and the foil film F in contact with each other.

[0054] In the transfer section 50, when the sheet S and the foil film F pass through the nip between the pressure roller 51 and the heating roller 61, they are heated and pressed by the heating roller 61 and the pressure roller 51, and the foil is transferred onto the toner image. Downstream of the transfer section 50, the foil film F is peeled off from the sheet S.

[0055] The foil film F peeled off from the sheet S is taken up by the take-up reel 35. Meanwhile, the sheet S from which the foil 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 downward.

[0056] The foil transfer device 1 further includes a temperature sensor Sa and a control unit 100. The temperature sensor Sa is a sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing main body 21. The temperature sensor Sa can be disposed, for example, in a position where it can detect the temperature of the transfer unit 50.

[0057] The control unit 100 is equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and input / output circuits, and performs various types of arithmetic processing based on programs and data stored in the ROM, etc. The operation of the control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 3, the hooks 81 are provided on both ends of a cylindrical shaft 82. The shaft 82 is rotatably supported by the first cover 22. A handle 83 that is operated by a user is provided at the center of the shaft 82 in the axial direction. Each hook 81 and handle 83 are fixed to the shaft 82. As a result, when the user rotates the handle 83, each hook 81 rotates together with the shaft 82.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the tip of the hook 81 is capable of engaging with a lock pin RP provided on the housing main body 21. When the first cover 22 is in the closed position, the hook 81 is movable between an engagement position (position in Fig. 4(a)) where it can engage with the lock pin RP, and a disengagement position (position in Fig. 4(c)) where it is disengaged from the lock pin RP.

[0060] The housing body 21 further includes an interlocking member 84, a locking mechanism 90, and a position sensor Sc.

[0061] The interlocking member 84 is a member that interlocks with the movement of the hook 81. The interlocking member 84 is rotatable between a first position shown in FIG. 4(a) and a second position shown in FIG. 4(c). The interlocking member 84 has a first boss 84A that can come into contact with the hook 81 and a second boss 84B that can come into contact with a slide member 92 (described later) of the locking mechanism 90. When the hook 81 moves from the engaged position toward the disengaged position, the hook 81 presses the first boss 84A, thereby allowing the interlocking member 84 to move from the first position to the second position.

[0062] More specifically, the hook 81 has a first surface 81A and a second surface 81B that can come into contact with the first boss 84A. The first surface 81A is located closer to the rotation center of the hook 81 than the second surface 81B. The second surface 81B extends from the first surface 81A at a different angle from the first surface 81A. The angles of the first surface 81A and the second surface 81B are set so that, when the hook 81 rotates through a predetermined angle, the amount by which the first surface 81A pushes out the first boss 84A is greater than the amount by which the second surface 81B pushes out the first boss 84A.

[0063] The interlocking member 84 is biased toward the hook 81 by a torsion spring (not shown). As a result, when the hook 81 moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the interlocking member 84 moves from the second position to the first position by the biasing force of the torsion spring, while the first boss 84A is supported by the first surface 81A or the second surface 81B.

[0064] The locking mechanism 90 is a mechanism for restricting or allowing movement of the interlocking member 84 from the first position to the second position, thereby restricting or allowing movement of the hook 81 from the engaged position to the disengaged position. As shown in Fig. 5, the locking mechanism 90 includes a solenoid 91 as an example of a drive source, a slide member 92, and a rotating member 93 as an example of a locking member.

[0065] The solenoid 91 includes a plunger 91A made of a magnetic material and a housing 91B that movably supports the plunger 91A.

[0066] The plunger 91A is formed in a cylindrical shape and is movable in the axial direction between a first lock position shown in Fig. 5 and a first release position shown in Fig. 6. An engagement groove A1 that can engage with the rotating member 93 is formed at the tip of the plunger 91A.

[0067] The housing 91B has a coil and a permanent magnet (not shown) inside. The plunger 91A can be moved to a first lock position or a first release position by switching the direction of current flowing through the coil. The locking mechanism 90 is configured so that, after the plunger 91A is moved by energizing the coil, the plunger 91A is held in the moved position even when the current to the coil is stopped. More specifically, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet of the solenoid 91, the electromagnetic force of the coil, and the biasing force of the coil spring 94 (described later) are set so that the plunger 91A is held in the moved position even when the current to the coil is stopped. By configuring the locking mechanism 90 in this manner, the plunger 91A is held in the moved position even when the plunger 91A is moved by operating a forced release member CR (see FIG. 7) (described later) when the current to the coil is stopped.

[0068] The slide member 92 is slidable linearly between a second lock position shown in Figures 4(a) and (b) and a second release position shown in Figure 4(c). As shown in Figure 4(b), the slide member 92 contacts the second boss 84B of the interlocking member 84 at the second lock position, thereby restricting movement of the interlocking member 84 from the first position toward the second position. As shown in Figure 4(c), the slide member 92 moves away from the second boss 84B of the interlocking member 84 at the second release position, thereby allowing movement of the interlocking member 84 from the first position toward the second position.

[0069] As a result, when in the second lock position, the slide member 92 restricts movement of the hook 81 from the engaged position toward the disengaged position via the interlocking member 84. When in the second release position, the slide member 92 allows movement of the hook 81 from the engaged position toward the disengaged position.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 5, the rotating member 93 is a member that transmits the force of the solenoid 91 to the slide member 92. The rotating member 93 is rotatable between a third locked position shown in Fig. 5 and a third released position shown in Fig. 6. The rotating member 93 has an engagement piece 93A that engages with the engagement groove A1 of the plunger 91A. The engagement piece 93A engages with the engagement groove A1, so that the rotating member 93 is connected to the plunger 91A and can move in conjunction with the plunger 91A.

[0071] The rotating member 93 and the interlocking member 84 are rotatable about the same rotation axis X1. The rotating member 93 extends from the rotation axis X1 toward the slide member 92. An elongated engagement hole 93B is formed in the end of the rotating member 93 on the slide member 92 side.

[0072] The slide member 92 has a first protrusion 92B that engages with an engagement hole 93B of the rotating member 93. The slide member 92 is connected to the rotating member 93 by the first protrusion 92B engaging with the engagement hole 93B, and is capable of interlocking with the rotating member 93.

[0073] The slide member 92 further has a second protrusion 92C that engages with an elongated hole 21H formed in the housing main body 21. The slide member 92 is biased toward the second release position by a coil spring 94. One end of the coil spring 94 is supported by a spring support portion 21S provided in the housing main body 21, and the other end is in contact with the slide member 92.

[0074] When the rotating member 93 is located in the third lock position, the slide member 92 is located in the second lock position. Therefore, when the rotating member 93 is in the third lock position, it locks the first cover 22 in the first closed position. When the rotating member 93 is located in the third release position, the slide member 92 is located in the second release position. Therefore, when the rotating member 93 is in the third release position, it unlocks the first cover 22.

[0075] 4(a), the position sensor Sc is a sensor for detecting the position of the slide member 92. The position sensor Sc detects the position of the slide member 92, thereby indirectly detecting the position of the rotating member 93.

[0076] The position sensor Sc is an optical sensor and includes a light-emitting element Sc1 that emits light and a light-receiving element Sc2 that can receive light from the light-emitting element Sc1. The sliding member 92 includes a detectable element 92A that is located between the light-emitting element Sc1 and the light-receiving element Sc2 when in the second lock position. The detectable element 92A moves out from between the light-emitting element Sc1 and the light-receiving element Sc2 when the sliding member 92 moves from the second lock position to the second release position.

[0077] The position sensor Sc outputs a signal indicating that the sliding member 92 is in the second lock position when the light from the light-emitting unit Sc1 is blocked by the detected unit 92A and no light is input to the light-receiving unit Sc2. Furthermore, the position sensor Sc outputs a signal indicating that the sliding member 92 is not in the second lock position when the detected unit 92A is removed from between the light-emitting unit Sc1 and the light-receiving unit Sc2 and light is input to the light-receiving unit Sc2.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 7, the foil transferring device 1 further includes a forced release member CR, a second cover 23, and a cover sensor Sb. The forced release member CR is a member for forcibly releasing the lock of the first cover 22. The forced release member CR can be operated from outside the housing body 21 when the first cover 22 is in the first closed position.

[0079] The forcible release member CR is a cylindrical member that is rotatable relative to the housing main body 21. The forcible release member CR penetrates the outer wall of the housing main body 21. An engagement groove CR1 that can be engaged with a jig such as a user's fingernail or a flathead screwdriver is formed on the outer surface of the forcible release member CR.

[0080] 5, the forcible release member CR is fixed to the rotating member 93 and is rotatable together with the rotating member 93 about the rotation axis X1. This enables the forcible release member CR to move the rotating member 93 from the third lock position to the third release position.

[0081] 7, the housing body 21 has a recess 21B. The forced release member CR protrudes outward from the bottom surface of the recess 21B. On the bottom surface of the recess 21B, the letters "ON" indicating that the first cover 22 is locked and "OFF" indicating that the first cover 22 is unlocked are printed in ink or the like.

[0082] The forcible release member CR is rotatable between a lock corresponding position where the engagement groove CR1 faces the word "ON" and a release corresponding position where the engagement groove CR1 faces the word "OFF." When the forcible release member CR is located in the lock corresponding position, the rotating member 93 is located in the third lock position. When the forcible release member CR is located in the release corresponding position, the rotating member 93 is located in the third release position.

[0083] The second cover 23 is a cover that opens and closes the opening of the recess 21B. The second cover 23 is rotatable between a second closed position that covers the forcible release member CR and a second open position that exposes the forcible release member CR to the outside. When the second cover 23 is in the second closed position, the forcible release member CR cannot be operated. When the second cover 23 is in the second open position, the forcible release member CR can be operated.

[0084] The cover sensor Sb is a sensor that detects the opening and closing of the second cover 23. As the cover sensor Sb, a switch-type sensor that turns on when it comes into contact with the second cover 23, an optical sensor that detects the second cover 23 with light, or the like can be used.

[0085] The control unit 100 has the function of locking the locking mechanism 90 when the detected temperature T detected by the temperature sensor Sa is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value T1, and of unlocking the locking mechanism 90 when the detected temperature T is less than the first predetermined value T1.

[0086] Here, "putting the locking mechanism 90 in a locked state" means that each member (91A, 92, 93) of the solenoid 91 is positioned at each locked position. Also, "putting the locking mechanism 90 in a released state" means that each member of the solenoid 91 is positioned at each released position.

[0087] Note that "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each lock position" does not mean that each member is actually moved to each lock position. Specifically, "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each lock position" means that, when the current state of the lock mechanism 90 is the unlocked state, a lock movement command is output to the solenoid 91 to move each member of the solenoid 91 to each lock position. Also, "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each lock position" means that, when the current state of the lock mechanism 90 is the locked state, a lock movement command is not output to the solenoid 91.

[0088] Similarly, "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each release position" does not mean that each member is actually moved to each release position. Specifically, "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each release position" means that, when the current state of the lock mechanism 90 is the locked state, a release movement command is output to the solenoid 91 to move each member of the solenoid 91 to each release position. Also, "positioning each member of the solenoid 91 to each release position" means that, when the current state of the lock mechanism 90 is the unlocked state, a release movement command is not output to the solenoid 91. The movement command is a current that flows through the solenoid 91. The lock movement command is a current in a predetermined direction, and the release movement command is a current in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction.

[0089] The control unit 100 is also capable of executing a foil transfer process, a foil transfer lock process, a position storage process, and a position correction process. The foil transfer process is a process of transferring a transfer layer of a foil film F onto a sheet S. The locking process during foil transfer is a process for locking the locking mechanism 90 during the foil transfer process.

[0090] The position storage process is a process in which, when a movement command is output to the solenoid 91 to move each component (91A, 92, 93) of the solenoid 91 to each lock position or each release position, the position corresponding to the movement command is stored as the normal position. The position correction process is a process of moving the slide member 92 from the specific position to the normal position when the specific position, which is the position of the slide member 92 identified based on the detection result of the position sensor Sc, differs from the normal position described above.

[0091] When the lock recommendation conditions that recommend locking the first cover 22 are met, or when it is determined based on the detection result of the cover sensor Sb that the second cover 23 is closed, the control unit 100 has a function of returning the lock mechanism 90 to the locked state by executing a position correction process, even if the lock mechanism 90 has been released by operating the forcible release member CR. Furthermore, when the lock recommendation conditions are not met and it is determined based on the detection result of the cover sensor Sb that the second cover 23 has been opened, the control unit 100 has a function of maintaining the lock mechanism 90, which has been released by operating the forcible release member CR, in the released state by not executing the position correction process.

[0092] The lock recommendation conditions include a first condition, a second condition, and a third condition. The first condition is that the foil transfer process is being executed. The second condition is that the detected temperature T is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value T2 that is greater than the first predetermined value T1. The third condition is that the foil transfer device 1 is out of order. The control unit 100 determines that the lock recommendation condition is met when any one of the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition is met.

[0093] Next, a detailed description will be given of the operation of the control unit 100. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG.

[0094] 8, the control unit 100 first acquires a detected temperature T, which is the temperature detected by the temperature sensor Sa (S1). After step S1, the control unit 100 determines whether the detected temperature T is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value T1 (S2).

[0095] If it is determined in step S2 that T≧T1 (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the state of the locking mechanism 90 to the locked state (S3). If it is determined in step S2 that T≧T1 is not true (No), the control unit 100 sets the state of the locking mechanism 90 to the unlocked state (S4).

[0096] Here, a flag or the like can be used to set the state of the locking mechanism 90. Specifically, when the flag is set to 1, it can be assumed that the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to the locked state. When the flag is set to 0, it can be assumed that the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to the unlocked state.

[0097] After step S3 or S4, the control unit 100 determines whether the detected temperature T is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value T2 that is greater than the first predetermined value T1 (S5). If it is determined in step S5 that T≧T2 is not true (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the foil transfer device 1 is malfunctioning (S6).

[0098] If it is determined in step S6 that the foil transfer device 1 is not malfunctioning (No), the control unit 100 determines whether foil transfer is in progress (S7). If it is determined in step S7 that foil transfer is in progress (Yes), the control unit 100 sets the state of the lock mechanism 90 to the locked state (S8).

[0099] After step S8, or if a Yes decision is made in either step S5 or S6, the control unit 100 operates the locking mechanism 90 in accordance with the setting of the state of the locking mechanism 90 (S9). Specifically, in step S9, the control unit 100 first determines whether the sliding member 92 is located at the second lock position based on a signal from the position sensor Sc, thereby determining whether the locking mechanism 90 is in the locked state.

[0100] When the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to "locked state," if it is determined based on the signal from the position sensor Sc that the locking mechanism 90 is not in the locked state, the control unit 100 outputs a lock movement command to the solenoid 91 to move each member (91A, 92, 93) of the solenoid 91 to each locked position, thereby moving each member of the solenoid 91 to each locked position. Also, when the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to "locked state," if it is determined based on the signal from the position sensor Sc that the locking mechanism 90 is in the locked state, the control unit 100 does not issue a lock movement command to the solenoid 91, but maintains each member of the solenoid 91 in each locked position.

[0101] When the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to the "released state," if it is determined based on the signal from the position sensor Sc that the locking mechanism 90 is in the locked state, the control unit 100 outputs a release movement command to the solenoid 91 to move each member (91A, 92, 93) of the solenoid 91 to each of the released positions, thereby moving each member of the solenoid 91 to each of the released positions. Also, when the state of the locking mechanism 90 is set to the "released state," if it is determined based on the signal from the position sensor Sc that the locking mechanism 90 is not in the locked state, the control unit 100 does not issue a release movement command to the solenoid 91, but maintains each member of the solenoid 91 in each of the released positions.

[0102] When the control unit 100 outputs a lock movement command or an unlock movement command to the solenoid 91, the control unit 100 stores the position corresponding to the output movement command as the normal position. Specifically, when the control unit 100 outputs a lock movement command, the control unit 100 stores the locked position as the normal position. When the control unit 100 outputs an unlock movement command, the control unit 100 stores the unlocked position as the normal position. Here, the position stored as the normal position may be any position corresponding to one of the members (91A, 92, 93) of the solenoid 91. Note that even when the position of the rotating member 93 as the locking member is not stored, this is equivalent to storing the position of the rotating member 93 because the rotating member 93 moves in conjunction with the other members (91A, 92). In this embodiment, the position of the rotating member 93 is stored by storing the position of the sliding member 92.

[0103] After step S9, the control unit 100 executes a position correction process (S10) and ends this process. Specifically, in step S10, the control unit 100 first sets the current position of the slide member 92 as the specific position based on a signal from the position sensor Sc. If the specific position is the second lock position and the normal position is the second release position, the control unit 100 outputs a release movement command to the solenoid 91 to release the lock mechanism 90. If the specific position is the second release position and the normal position is the second lock position, the control unit 100 outputs a lock movement command to the solenoid 91 to lock the lock mechanism 90. If the specific position and the normal position are the same, the control unit 100 does not perform any processing in the position correction process.

[0104] In addition, when a movement command is output in the position correction process, it may be determined based on the signal from the position sensor Sc whether the slide member 92 is positioned in the correct position, and an error may be reported if it is determined that the slide member 92 is not positioned in the correct position.

[0105] If it is determined in step S7 that foil transfer is not in progress (No), the control unit 100 determines whether the second cover 23 is open or not based on the signal from the cover sensor Sb (S11).If it is determined in step S11 that the second cover 23 is closed (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the processing of step S9.

[0106] If it is determined in step S11 that second cover 23 is open (Yes), control unit 100 ends this process without executing the processes of steps S9 and S10.

[0107] Next, a specific example of the operation of the control unit 100 will be described. After foil transfer is complete, the user may want to immediately perform an operation such as replacing the film unit FU. When the temperature immediately after foil transfer is extremely high, the detected temperature T is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value T2, and the control unit 100 repeats the processes of steps S1, S2 (Yes), S3, S5 (Yes), S9, and S10. During this process, the process of step S11 is not performed, and steps S9 and S10 are executed regardless of the state of the second cover 23. Therefore, even if the user opens the second cover 23 and switches the locking mechanism 90 to the unlocked state using the forced release member CR during this process, the processes of steps S9 and S10 return the locking mechanism 90 to the "locked state" set in step S3. This prevents the user from opening the first cover 22 when the temperature is extremely high.

[0108] Similarly, if other lock recommendation conditions (step S6 or step S7) are satisfied, the processing of step S11 is not carried out, so even if the user opens the second cover 23 and switches the lock mechanism 90 to the released state using the forced release member CR, the lock mechanism 90 is returned to the "locked state" by the processing of S9 and S10.

[0109] After foil transfer is completed, if the detected temperature T becomes less than the second predetermined value T2 but greater than or equal to the first predetermined value T1, the control unit 100 repeats the processes of steps S1, S2 (Yes), S3, S5-S7 (No), S11 (No), and S9 and S10. If the user opens the second cover 23 during this process, the control unit 100 determines Yes in step S11 and does not execute the processes of steps S9 and S10. Therefore, if the user releases the locking mechanism 90 using the forcible release member CR, the processes of steps S9 and S10 are not executed, and the locking mechanism 90 is maintained in the released state. This allows the user to open the second cover 23 and perform work without waiting for the detected temperature T to become less than the first predetermined value T1.

[0110] As described above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment. Even if the locking mechanism 90 is in a locked state because the detected temperature T is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value T1, the user can change the locking mechanism 90 from the locked state to the unlocked state by operating the forced release member CR, so that the first cover 22 can be forcibly unlocked even if the detected temperature T is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value T1.

[0111] Since the forcible release member CR cannot be operated unless the second cover 23 is moved to the second open position, it is possible to prevent the first cover 22 from being forcibly released by mistake.

[0112] In a situation where the lock recommendation conditions recommending locking of the first cover 22 are satisfied, even if the second cover 23 is opened and the forced release member CR is operated to release the lock mechanism 90, the lock mechanism 90 is returned to the locked state by a position correction process or the like, thereby preventing the first cover 22 from being forcibly opened.

[0113] Since the lock recommendation condition includes the condition that the foil transfer process is being executed, it is possible to prevent the first cover 22 from being opened during the foil transfer process.

[0114] Since the lock recommendation condition includes the condition that T≧T2, it is possible to prevent the first cover 22 from being opened when the detected temperature T is high and equal to or higher than the second predetermined value T2.

[0115] Since the lock recommendation condition includes a condition that the foil transfer device is out of order, the first cover 22 can be prevented from being opened when the foil transfer device 1 is out of order, and the user does not needlessly perform work inside the foil transfer device 1 at high temperatures.

[0116] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since this embodiment is a partial modification of the structure of the first embodiment, the same components and processes as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0117] 9(a) and 9(b), the foil transfer device 1A according to the second embodiment has an operation panel PA. The foil transfer device 1A according to the second embodiment does not have the forced release member CR and the second cover 23 as in the first embodiment.

[0118] The operation panel PA is located, for example, on the top surface of the first cover 22. The operation panel PA includes a plurality of buttons B as an example of an input section, and a display section 200 that displays images. The plurality of buttons B are buttons into which information such as foil transfer condition settings is input. The buttons B include a button B1 for displaying a menu on the display section 200, a button B2 for clearing information displayed on the display section 200 or returning to the previous screen, and a button B3 for starting the foil transfer process.

[0119] The buttons B1 to B3 are capable of inputting a forced release command to release the lock mechanism 90. The forced release command includes a first command and a second command. The first command is input to the operation panel PA by simultaneously pressing the buttons B1 and B2. The second command is input to the operation panel PA by simultaneously pressing the buttons B1 and B2 and then pressing the button B3. The first command and the second command input to the operation panel PA are output to the control unit 100.

[0120] The control unit 100 has a function of executing a forced release process to release the locking mechanism 90 when a forced release command is input to buttons B1 to B3, even if the detected temperature T is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value T1. In the forced release process, the control unit 100 outputs a release movement command to the locking mechanism 90.

[0121] Specifically, when the first command is input to buttons B1 and B2, the control unit 100 executes notification processing for notifying confirmation of executing the forced release process. Further, after the notification processing, when the second command is input to button B3, the control unit 100 executes the forced release process.

[0122] When a forced release command is input to buttons B1 to B3, the control unit 100 executes a forced release mode in which the forced release process is executed unless the lock recommendation conditions for recommending locking of the first cover 22 are satisfied. In other words, during the forced release mode, each time the forced release conditions, which are conditions opposite to the lock recommendation conditions, are satisfied, the control unit 100 executes the forced release process.

[0123] Here, the lock recommendation conditions are assumed to include the first condition (during foil transfer), the second condition (T≥T2), and the third condition (failure) similar to those in the first embodiment. The forced release conditions are that the foil transfer process is not being executed, T<T2, and the foil transfer device 1A is not malfunctioning.

[0124] When a cancel command for ending the forced release mode is input to a button, the control unit 100 ends the forced release mode. Here, it is assumed that the cancel command is input, for example, by pressing buttons B1 and B2 simultaneously again. The cancel command input to the operation panel PA is output to the control unit 100.

[0125] Next, the operation of the control unit 100 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process shown in FIG. 10.

[0126] 10, the control unit 100 first determines whether or not a first command has been received from the operation panel PA (S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the first command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 notifies the user of information for confirming that the forced release process is to be executed (S32). For example, in step S32, the control unit 100 displays a message such as "Do you want to release the cover lock? If you release it, you may be burned" on the display unit 200.

[0127] After step S32, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a second command has been received from the operation panel PA (S33). If it is determined in step S33 that a second command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 turns on the forced release mode (S34).

[0128] After step S34, or if the determination is No in either step S31 or S33, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a cancel command has been received from the operation panel PA (S35). If it is determined in step S35 that a cancel command has been received (Yes), the control unit 100 turns off the forced release mode (S36).

[0129] After step S36, or if the determination in step S35 is No, the control unit 100 proceeds to processing that is substantially the same as that in the first embodiment. Specifically, the processing flow that is performed after step S36 is such that new steps S41 and S42 are added instead of step S11 in the flowchart of FIG. 8.

[0130] More specifically, after step S36, or if the determination in step S35 is No, the control unit 100 executes steps S1 to S7 similar to those in the first embodiment. If the determination in step S7 is No, that is, if the forced release condition is met (No in all of S5 to S7), the control unit 100 determines whether the forced release mode is ON (S41).

[0131] If it is determined in step S41 that the forced release mode is not ON (No), the control unit 100 proceeds to the process of step S9. If it is determined in step S41 that the forced release mode is ON (Yes), the control unit 100 executes the forced release process (S42) and ends this process.

[0132] As described above, the second embodiment can provide the following effects. Even if the locking mechanism 90 is in a locked state because the detected temperature T is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value T1, the user can enter a forced release command into buttons B1 to B3 to release the locking mechanism 90, so that the first cover 22 can be forcibly released even if the detected temperature T is equal to or higher than the first predetermined value T1.

[0133] To execute the forced release process, two actions, namely, inputting the first command and inputting the second command, are required, which allows the user to recognize the risks of forcibly opening the first cover 22 and allows the user to be careful when performing tasks after opening the first cover 22.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the second embodiment, the forced release mode is terminated by inputting a cancel command, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit may terminate the forced release mode when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the forced release mode.

[0135] The first command, second command, and cancel command may be input in any manner. For example, the first command may be input by pressing three or more buttons. Alternatively, dedicated buttons may be provided for inputting each command.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the rotating member 93 is used as the locking member, but the present invention is not limited to this. The locking member may be, for example, the sliding member 92. In this case, the forced release member may be provided integrally with the sliding member 92, and may be configured to be slidable between the lock corresponding position and the release corresponding position.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the first cover 22 and the second cover 23 are each configured to be rotatable, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first cover or the second cover may be configured to be slidable linearly.

[0138] The locking mechanism may be configured only with a solenoid plunger as exemplified in the above embodiment. In this case, the plunger is an example of a locking member, and the first cover can be locked or unlocked by inserting or removing the plunger into a hole formed in the first cover.

[0139] Furthermore, the locking mechanism may be configured by a plunger and a slide member fixed to the tip of the plunger, omitting the rotating member 93 as in the above embodiment.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the movement of the hook 81 is restricted by bringing the interlocking member 84 into contact with the slide member 92, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the movement of the hook 81 may be restricted by bringing the hook 81 into contact with the slide member 92 without providing the interlocking member 84.

[0141] The elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1 Foil transfer device 21. Main body 21A opening 22 First Cover 93 Rotating member 100 control section CR forced release member F foil film S seat Sa temperature sensor

Claims

1. A foil transfer device that overlays a sheet on a foil film having a transfer layer containing foil, and transfers the transfer layer to the sheet, a housing body having an opening; a first cover movable between a first closed position that closes the opening and a first open position that opens the opening; a locking member movable between a locking position that locks the first cover in the first closed position and an unlocking position that unlocks the first cover; a temperature sensor that detects the temperature inside the housing body; a control unit that positions the locking member at the lock position when the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a first predetermined value, and positions the locking member at the release position when the detected temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first predetermined value; a forced release member operable from outside the housing body when the first cover is in the first closed position, the forced release member being capable of moving the lock member from the lock position to the release position; a second cover movable between a second closed position that covers the forcible release member and a second open position that exposes the forcible release member to the outside; a cover sensor that detects whether the second cover is open or closed; a position sensor that detects the position of the locking member; Equipped with The control unit a foil transfer process for transferring the transfer layer onto the sheet; a foil transfer locking process for positioning the locking member at the lock position during the foil transfer process; a position storage process for storing a position corresponding to a movement command as a normal position when a movement command for moving the locking member to the locked position or the released position is output to a drive source that drives the locking member; a position correction process for moving the locking member from the specific position to the normal position when a specific position, which is the position of the locking member identified based on the detection result of the position sensor, differs from the normal position; When a lock recommendation condition recommending locking of the first cover is satisfied, or when it is determined that the second cover is closed based on the detection result of the cover sensor, even if the lock member is moved to the release position by operating the forced release member, the position correction process is executed to return the lock member to the lock position, A foil transfer device characterized in that, when the lock recommendation condition is not met and it is determined that the second cover has been opened based on the detection result of the cover sensor, the position correction process is not executed, so that the lock member that has been moved to the release position by operating the forced release member is maintained in the release position.

2. The locking member is rotatable between the locking position and the unlocking position, The forced release member is When the locking member is located at the locking position, the locking member is located at a lock corresponding position, When the locking member is located at the release position, the locking member is located at a release corresponding position, 2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the foil transfer device is rotatable between the lock corresponding position and the release corresponding position.

3. The locking member is slidable between the locked position and the unlocked position, The forced release member is When the locking member is located at the locking position, the locking member is located at a lock corresponding position, When the locking member is located at the release position, the locking member is located at a release corresponding position, 2. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the foil transfer device is slidable between the lock corresponding position and the release corresponding position.

4. 4. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the lock recommendation condition includes a condition that the foil transfer process is currently being executed.

5. 5. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the lock recommendation condition includes a condition that the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value.

6. 6. The foil transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the lock recommendation condition includes a condition that the foil transfer device is out of order.

Images