JP2013248795A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus capable of accurately detecting a residual amount of an ink ribbon.SOLUTION: Regarding a printing apparatus using a ribbon cassette 21 where an ink ribbon 11 with a plurality of markers provided thereon at prescribed intervals is stored, on the detection of the set marker MKa, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in a paper feed mode Fp in which the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed together with a recording paper 12, then, the width detection error of the set marker MKa is calculated on the basis of a time required for the set marker MKa to pass by the detection means 13, a paper feed speed with reference to the recording paper 12 and the specified width of the set marker MKa. On the basis of the calculated width detection error, detection variation of width of each of plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd and MKe is corrected, and then, a speed of winding the ink ribbon 11 and a ribbon winding outside diameter Dw are calculated on the basis of the time required for each plane marker to pass by the detection means 13 when the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in a reel feed mode Fr, accordingly, the residual amount of the ink ribbon 11 is accurately detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, and more particularly, to a printing apparatus having ink ribbon remaining amount detecting means using a ribbon cassette.

  In a printing apparatus that forms an image by melting or sublimating ink on an ink ribbon with a thermal head and transferring the ink onto a recording sheet, the image is formed by transferring the ink ribbon onto the recording sheet.

  Many ink ribbons used in these printing apparatuses are of the cassette exchange type. In the ribbon cassette, an ink ribbon capable of printing a plurality of sheets is wound and accommodated in a roll shape, and the ink ribbon used in the printing operation is wound around a winding roller in the ribbon cassette. .

  Many of such ribbon cassettes cannot visually check the use status of the ink ribbon. For this reason, a printing apparatus that uses a ribbon cassette is required to have a function of detecting the remaining amount of the ink ribbon and notifying the user of an appropriate replacement time of the ribbon cassette. It has been devised.

  For example, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 9, the detection means 905 of the print start position marker 907 on the ink ribbon 901 used for the cueing operation of the ink ribbon 901 is used as the remaining amount detection means. In addition, the outside diameter of the used ribbon take-up, which changes when the ink ribbon is taken up on the roll 902, is calculated by a CPU (not shown), and the remaining amount is detected by performing arithmetic processing. At this time, the passage of the print start position marker 907 measures the output signal of the optical sensor or the like by the CPU, uses a stepping motor (not shown) as the ink ribbon winding drive source, controls the motor drive amount and drive speed, and controls the ink. The passage of the print start position marker 907 on the ribbon 901 is measured.

  As a result, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, rotation of ribbon winding is performed by using the print start position marker detection means on the ink ribbon used during the ink ribbon cueing operation also as the remaining amount detection means. A change in the ink ribbon winding diameter is calculated without providing an encoder or a sensor for detecting the speed, and the remaining amount of the ink ribbon in the ribbon cassette can be detected by an inexpensive and easy method.

JP 2006-263919 A

    However, in the conventional ink ribbon remaining amount detection method of the printing apparatus, variations in the detection of the ink ribbon occur due to variations in the marker density and the sensitivity of the detection means, resulting in variations in the remaining accuracy detection of the ink ribbon. It was the cause. As a result, the remaining amount cannot be accurately detected with the conventional printing apparatus.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and to provide a printing apparatus with high accuracy in detecting the remaining amount of ink ribbon.

In order to solve this problem, a printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ribbon includes a take-up reel that houses an ink ribbon having a plurality of markers attached at predetermined intervals and winds up the used ink ribbon. A cassette, an ink ribbon transporting means for transporting the ink ribbon, a detection means disposed on the transport path of the ink ribbon for detecting the passage of the marker, and the marker required for passing the detection means. A ribbon winding outer diameter on which the ink ribbon is wound, and a remaining amount of ink ribbon detecting means for calculating the amount of the unused ink ribbon.
The ink ribbon remaining amount detection means calculates a detection error amount of the marker from a time required for the marker to pass through the detection means when the ink ribbon is transported together with the recording paper, and The ribbon take-up outer diameter is calculated based on the time required for the marker to pass through the detection means and the detection error amount when only the ink ribbon is carried on the take-up reel. It has the characteristics.

  In the ribbon cassette used in the printing apparatus, the remaining amount of the ink ribbon can be detected by detecting the “ribbon take-up outer diameter” at the portion where the ink ribbon is taken up by the take-up reel. The ribbon winding outer diameter can be detected from the “ink ribbon winding speed” and the “rewinding reel rotation speed”.

  Since the width of each of the plurality of markers printed on the ink ribbon is regulated, when the time required for the marker to pass through the detecting means is measured, the marker having the same winding speed as the ink ribbon is measured. The passing speed can be detected.

  However, the detection of the marker passage speed can be detected with high accuracy because the marker width range detected by the detection means changes if the application concentration of the marker to be detected and the detection sensitivity of the detection means vary. There is a possibility that it cannot be done. Hereinafter, the width range of the marker detected by the detection means is referred to as a detection width.

  In the printing apparatus according to claim 1, when the recording paper and the ink ribbon are pressed and the ink ribbon is conveyed together with the recording paper, the feeding speed of the ink ribbon can be made equal to the controlled feeding speed of the recording paper. Ribbon feed speed can be detected accurately. The detection width of the marker can be calculated from the feed speed of the ink ribbon at this time and the detection time obtained from the change in the detection signal of the detection means, and further, the marker is calculated from the calculated detection width and the specified width of the marker. A detection error amount at the time of detection can be calculated.

  Next, the take-up reel is rotated to take up the ink ribbon, the time required for the marker to pass through the detecting means is detected, and the time required for this pass and the detection error amount at the time of the marker detection calculated above are detected. Then, the winding speed of the ink ribbon is calculated from the detection width obtained by correcting the width of the specified marker. As a result, it is possible to calculate the winding speed of the ink ribbon by correcting the influence of the variation in the marker coating concentration and the detection sensitivity of the detection means, and the accuracy is obtained by calculating the ribbon winding outer diameter based on this. A good remaining amount of ink ribbon can be detected.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus with high accuracy of ink ribbon remaining amount detection.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the ink ribbon conveyance path | route of the printer of this embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining an ink ribbon. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of markers and ink, and FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a change in a detection signal of a detection unit when the ink ribbon is conveyed. It is a figure which shows the change of the detection signal of the detection means at the time of the marker detection by the difference in marker density, (a) when printing density is thin, (b) when printing density is appropriate, (c) is printing density This is the case when is dark. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a correction method for an ink ribbon detection signal of the printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of markers and ink, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation of a printer not according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing operation of the printer according to the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of a structure of an ink ribbon. It is a perspective view explaining operation | movement of the conventional printer.

  A printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  The printing apparatus described in the present embodiment is a full-color sublimation photo printer used for high-quality photo printing. However, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and sublimation using a ribbon cassette is used. The present invention can be applied to various printing apparatuses of a mold or a melt transfer type.

  First, the structure of the printer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part for explaining the structure of the printer according to this embodiment.

  The printer according to the present embodiment includes a ribbon cassette 21 that accommodates the ink ribbon 11, a transport unit that transports the ink ribbon 11 and the recording paper 12, a printing unit, and the like, and an image or the like on the recording surface 12 a of the recording paper 12. To print.

  In the ribbon cassette 21, the ink ribbon 11 is wound around a supply reel 21a and accommodated, and the leading end of the ink ribbon 11 is wound around a take-up reel 21b. The ink ribbon 11 is supplied from the supply reel 21a side, and the ink ribbon 11 used for printing is sequentially wound on the take-up reel 21b.

  One surface of the ink ribbon 11 is an ink surface 11a, and an ink used for printing and a marker indicating the position of the ink are applied and printed on the ink surface 11a.

  The printing unit includes a thermal head 1, a head holder 6, a platen roller 2, a ribbon guide 3, and the like.

  A large number of heating elements are linearly arranged on the thermal head 1, and printing is performed by selectively heating the numerous heating elements, sublimating the ink on the ink ribbon 11, and transferring it to the recording paper 12.

  The thermal head 1 is fixed on one side of the head holder 6 and has a rotation center on the other side. The thermal head 1 can be pressed against the platen roller 2 or separated from the platen roller 2 by rotating the head holder 6 around the rotation center. The state in which the thermal head 1 is pressed against the platen roller 2 is referred to as head down, and the state in which the thermal head 1 is separated from the platen roller 2 is referred to as head up.

  The platen roller 2 is rotatably held on the lower surface side of the thermal head 1. The recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are inserted between the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2, and the recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are pressed against the platen roller 2 when the thermal head 1 is headed down.

  The ribbon guide 3 is provided adjacent to the side surface of the thermal head 1 on the side close to the take-up reel 21b. When the ink ribbon 11 is taken up by the take-up reel 21b, the ribbon guide 3 is separated from the recording paper. Guide to the take-up reel 21b side.

  The conveying means includes a recording paper conveying means for conveying the recording paper 12 and an ink ribbon conveying means for conveying the ink ribbon 11.

  The ink ribbon transport means passes the ink ribbon 11 wound around the supply reel 21 a between the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2, and then guides the ink ribbon 11 to the ribbon guide 3, via the slip mechanism 7. It is wound around the take-up reel 21b driven by the second stepping motor M2.

  An optical detection means 13 is provided at an intermediate position between the ribbon guide 3 and the guide roller 21c in the ink ribbon transport path, and detects the marker MK applied and printed on the ink surface 11a of the ink ribbon 11.

  The recording paper transport means passes the recording paper 12 between the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2, and then passes the recording paper 12 between the paper feed roller 4 and the pressure roller 5 driven by the first stepping motor M1. The recording paper 12 is conveyed and moved by bringing the pressure roller 5 into pressure contact with the paper feed roller 4.

  The ink ribbon 11 and the recording paper 12 are overlapped between the thermal head 1 and the platen roller 2, the recording paper 12 is inserted above the platen roller 2, and the ink ribbon 11 is inserted above the recording paper 12. The thermal head 1 is positioned above the ink ribbon 11. The recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are overlapped so that the recording surface 12a of the recording paper 12 and the ink surface 11a of the ink ribbon 11 face each other.

  When the thermal head 1 is headed down and the recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are pressed against the platen roller 2, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed below the thermal head 1 together with the recording paper 12.

At this time, in order to prevent the ink ribbon 11 from sagging, the second stepping motor M2 winds the take-up reel 21b at a rotational speed such that the speed at which the take-up reel 21b winds the ink ribbon 11 is faster than the feed speed of the recording paper 12. The take-up reel 21b is rotationally driven so that the reel 21b rotates. The take-up speed of the ink ribbon 11 is regulated by the slip mechanism 7 provided between the second stepping motor M2 and the take-up reel 21b. The winding speed of the ink ribbon 11 and the feeding speed of the recording paper 12 are the same.
The state in which the ink ribbon 11 is transported together with the recording paper 12 and the winding speed of the ink ribbon 11 and the feeding speed of the recording paper 12 are the same is hereinafter referred to as “paper feeding mode Fp”.

Further, when the thermal head 1 is headed up, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed by the rotation of the take-up reel 21b. When the thermal head 1 is in the head-up state, the slip mechanism 7 is set so as not to slip when the ink ribbon 11 is wound, so that the second stepping motor M2 winds at a predetermined reduction ratio. The take-up reel 21b is driven to rotate.
The state in which the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed by the second stepping motor M2 rotating and driving the take-up reel 21b at a predetermined reduction ratio and the ink ribbon 11 being taken up by the take-up reel 21b will be referred to as “reel” hereinafter. “Feed mode Fr”.

  Next, the marker detection operation of the printer according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part showing the ink ribbon transport path of the printer of this embodiment.

  The ink ribbon 11 transported along the ink ribbon transport path is transported so that the surface opposite to the ink surface 11a is close to the thermal head 1, and is guided to the take-up reel 21b while being guided by the ribbon guide 3 and the guide roller 21c. It is wound up.

  A detection means 13 is arranged at an intermediate position between the ribbon guide 3 and the guide roller 21c so as to face the ink surface 11a of the ink ribbon 11, and a reflection plate is provided on the ribbon cassette 21 at a position facing the detection means 13. 14 is provided.

  The detection means 13 is a reflection type optical sensor, and the detection light emitted from the detection means 13 is reflected by the reflection plate 14 provided in the ribbon cassette 21, and the reflected light from the reflection plate 14 is detected by the detection means 13. .

  When the marker MK passes between the detecting means 13 and the reflecting plate 14, the detection light emitted from the detecting means 13 and the reflected light reflected by the reflecting plate 14 are blocked by the marker MK. The reflected light does not enter, so that the detection means 13 detects that the marker MK is passing, and the detection signal changes while the marker MK is passing.

  Next, the configuration of the ink and marker of the ink ribbon 11 and the change in the detection signal of the detection means 13 when the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed will be described with reference to FIG. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the ink ribbon 11. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the marker and ink indicating the configuration of the ink ribbon 11. FIG. 3B is a diagram of the detecting means 13 when the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed. It is a figure which shows the time change of a detection signal.

  Each of the ink ribbons 11 of the sublimation type full-color printer of this embodiment has three primary colors of yellow YP, magenta MP, and cyan CP, each having a size corresponding to approximately one sheet of recording paper 12, and optional ink such as an overcoat OP. Are sequentially applied. Hereinafter, each ink applied to the size of approximately one recording sheet 12 will be referred to as a “plane”.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and Mke indicating the positions of the respective planes are arranged in front of the respective planes of yellow YP, magenta MP, cyan CP, and overcoat OP. In front of the plane marker MKb of the head plane, a set marker MKa for cueing the entire ink used for printing one recording sheet is arranged. It should be noted that the three primary colors of yellow YP, magenta MP, and cyan CP used for printing one recording paper, and the overcoat OP, a total of four planes, a set marker MKa, and four plane markers MKb, MKc, and MKd. , MKe is hereinafter referred to as “ink set”.

  Each marker of the set marker MKa and the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe is applied and printed with dark ink such as black. Further, the position and width of each marker are defined. When the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe are detected by the detection means 13, the three primary colors of yellow YP, magenta MP, and cyan CP, and the overcoat The position of each plane of OP is set so as to coincide with the print area of the recording paper 12.

When the ink ribbon 11 is transported in the ribbon transport direction D1 and each marker passes the detection means 13, the detection signal of the detection means 13 changes every time each marker passes, as shown in FIG. .
<Remaining amount detection method>
In the printer using the ribbon cassette 21, since the ink ribbon 11 used for printing is taken up by the take-up reel 21b, the outer diameter of the take-up reel (hereinafter referred to as “ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw”) is Increase (see FIG. 1). By calculating the ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw, it is possible to calculate from the usage amount of the ink ribbon 11 used for printing, whereby the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 can be detected.

  Incidentally, the “ink ribbon take-up speed” when the ink ribbon 11 is taken up by the take-up reel 21b is determined by the “ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw” and the “take-up reel rotation speed”. Accordingly, by detecting the “ink ribbon take-up speed” and the “take-up reel rotation speed”, the “ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw” can be detected, and the ink ribbon is detected from the detected ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw. 11 can be detected.

  Among the above, the ink ribbon winding speed can be detected by measuring the passing speed of each marker MK when each marker MK of the ink ribbon 11 passes the detecting means 13.

  Since the width of each marker MK applied and printed on the ink ribbon 11 is defined, when the time required for the marker MK to pass through the detecting means 13 is measured, it is the same as the ink ribbon take-up speed. A certain marker passing speed can be detected.

  The take-up reel rotation speed can be detected from the rotation speed of the second stepping motor M2 that drives the take-up reel 21b.

  As described above, since the ink ribbon take-up speed and the take-up reel rotation speed can be detected, the ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw can be detected, and the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 can be detected from the detected ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw. Detection is possible.

  As described above, in the printer according to the present embodiment, the ribbon cassette including the take-up reel 21b that accommodates the ink ribbon 11 with the plurality of markers MK attached at predetermined intervals and winds the used ink ribbon 11 is used. 21, an ink ribbon transport unit including a thermal head 1 that transports the ink ribbon 11, a platen roller 2, and a ribbon guide 3, and a detection unit that is disposed on the transport path of the ink ribbon 11 and detects the passage of the marker MK. 13 is calculated, and the ribbon winding outer diameter Dw around which the ink ribbon 11 is wound is calculated from the time required for the marker MK to pass through the detection means 13, and the amount of the unused ink ribbon 11 is calculated. Ink ribbon 11 remaining amount detecting means for calculating.

  Incidentally, the take-up reel 21b is driven by the second stepping motor M2, and the rotation speed of the second stepping motor M2 is controlled by the motor control circuit. Therefore, the rotation speed of the second stepping motor M2 can be detected with high accuracy from the control signal of the motor control circuit, and thereby the rotation speed of the take-up reel 21b can also be detected with high accuracy.

On the other hand, the detection of the marker passing speed that is the same as the ink ribbon winding speed cannot be detected with high accuracy due to variations in the coating print density of the marker MK that is the detection target and the detection sensitivity of the detection means 13. There is a fear.
<Marker detection error correction principle>
Among the variations that reduce the detection accuracy of the marker passing speed, the sensitivity variation of the detection means 13 is a sensitivity characteristic of the individual detection means 13 incorporated in each printer, and therefore has a constant value in the same printer. Therefore, even if the marker MK having the same width is repeatedly detected by the same printer, the detection width is the same and the width detection error is constant.

  Further, the variation in the ink density of each marker MK is relatively small within the range of the length of the ink ribbon 11 accommodated in the single ribbon cassette 21. In particular, since one set marker MKa for one ink set to which paint is applied at the same time and four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe can be regarded as having the same ink density, setting for one ink set due to variations in ink density The width detection errors of the marker MKa and the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe are the same.

  From the above, even if there is a variation in the coating print density of the marker MK or a variation in the detection sensitivity of the detection means 13, when printing on a single recording sheet by each printer, 1 provided in one ink set to be used. The width detection errors of the markers MK when the widths of the set markers MKa and the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe are detected are the same.

Therefore, if the width detection error of one of the markers MK can be detected, the width detection results of the other four plane markers MK can be corrected.
<Reason for marker detection error>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the reason why the detection accuracy of the passing speed of the marker MK decreases due to the variation in the coating print density of the marker MK and the variation in the detection sensitivity of the detection means 13 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the time change of the detection signal of the detection means 13 when the marker MK of the ink ribbon 11 passes the detection means 13. FIG. 4A shows the case where the printing density of the marker MK is low, and FIG. When the printing density of the marker MK is appropriate, (c) is the case where the printing density of the marker MK is high. In each of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the upper part is a schematic diagram showing the printing state of the marker MK, and the lower part is a temporal change of the detection signal when the marker MK passes. It is a schematic diagram which emphasized the situation.

  When the ink ribbon 11 is transported by the ink ribbon transport means and each of the set marker MKa and the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe passes in front of the detection means 13, the detection means 13 passes through each marker MK. Correspondingly, a detection signal that changes with time is output (see FIG. 3B).

  The detection means 13 is a reflective optical sensor, and the detection signal changes when the detection light is shielded by each marker MK. Since the width of each marker MK is defined, the speed at which each marker MK passes through the detecting means 13 can be detected by measuring the time during which the detection signal changes.

  However, for example, when a marker MK having a low ink density passes through the detection means 13, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the leading end of the marker MK reaches the detection means 13, the light shielded by the marker MK Since the amount is small, the change in the detection signal of the detection means 13 becomes gradual, and the time until the detection signal becomes larger than the predetermined threshold value becomes longer.

  Further, in the case of the marker MK having a low ink density, when the vicinity of the rear end of the marker MK reaches the detection means 13, the amount of light shielded by the marker MK is small, and therefore the change in the detection signal of the detection means 13 is gentle. Thus, the time until the detection signal becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold becomes longer.

  From the above, in the marker MK having a low ink density, the rise and fall of the detection signal of the detection means 13 are both slow.

  When a range in which the detection signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (50% of the signal change in FIG. 4) is detected as the passage time of the marker MK, when the ink density of the marker MK is low, the detection signal rises and falls. Since it is slow, the detected marker MK has a passing time in which a time range shorter than the specified time Tws of the specified marker MK is detected. This detected passage time of the marker MK is hereinafter referred to as “detection time Twa”.

  On the contrary, when the marker MK having a high ink density passes through the detection means 13, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the leading end of the marker MK reaches the detection means 13, the light shielded by the marker MK Since the amount is large, the detection signal of the detection means 13 changes sharply, and the time until the detection signal becomes larger than a predetermined threshold is shortened.

  Further, in the case of the marker MK having a high ink density, when the rear end of the marker MK reaches the detection means 13, the amount of light shielded by the marker MK is large, so that the change in the detection signal of the detection means 13 is steep. Thus, the time until the detection signal becomes smaller than the predetermined threshold is shortened.

  As described above, when the ink density of the marker MK is high, the rising and falling edges of the detection signal are both steep, so that the detection time Twa of the detected marker is detected wider than the specified time Tws.

  Thus, when the density of the ink applied to each of the set marker MKa and the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe changes, the detection time Twa of the detected marker changes.

  Similarly, when the sensitivity of the detection means 13 varies, the detection time Twa of the detected marker changes.

  For example, when the sensitivity of the detection means 13 is low, the rise and fall of the detection signal of the detection means 13 is slow, as in the case of the marker MK with a low ink density, and the marker detection time Twa is defined by each marker. It becomes narrower than time Tws. Further, when the sensitivity of the detection means 13 is high, the rise and fall of the detection signal of the detection means 13 are steep as in the case of the marker MK having a high ink density, and the marker detection time Twa is defined by each marker. It becomes wider than time Tws.

  A difference between the specified width of the marker MK calculated from the specified time Tws of the marker MK and the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 and the detection width of the marker calculated from the detection time Twa of the marker MK and the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 is Hereinafter, it is referred to as “width detection error”.

  Next, a width detection error correction method in the printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing changes in detection signals when the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in the printer according to the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the arrangement of the markers MK and ink of the ink ribbon 11, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the change of the detection signal of the ink ribbon conveyance method and the detection means 13 when the ink ribbon 11 with a low density | concentration of the ink of MK is conveyed.

  In the conventional printer, the take-up reel 21b is rotated to take up the ink ribbon 11 in the reel feed mode Fr, the set marker MKa is detected, and then the ink ribbon 11 is taken up until the first plane marker MKb is detected. It is wound on a reel 21b.

  On the other hand, in the printer according to the present invention, when detecting the set marker MKa, the thermal head 1 is lowered to press the recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 against the platen roller 2, and the paper feed roller 4 and the pressure roller 5 are pressed. The ink ribbon 11 is transported in the paper transport mode Fp in which the ink ribbon 11 is transported together with the recording paper 12 by a paper transport mechanism constituted by the above.

  In the printer according to the present invention, when detecting each of the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe other than the set marker MKa, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in the reel feed mode Fr.

  The paper feed roller 4 is driven by a first stepping motor M1, and the rotation speed of the first stepping motor M1 is controlled by a motor control circuit. Therefore, the rotation speed of the first stepping motor M1 can be detected with high accuracy from the control signal of the motor control circuit, and thereby the feed speed of the recording paper 12 can be detected with high accuracy.

  Since the feed speed of the recording paper 12 and the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 are the same in the paper feed mode Fp, if the ink ribbon 11 is transported in the paper feed mode Fp, the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 can be detected with high accuracy.

  Since the width of the set marker MKa is defined, the reference time Ts required for the set marker MKa to pass through the detecting means 13 can be calculated from the defined width and the detected feed speed of the ink ribbon 11.

  The time required for the set marker MKa to pass through the detection means 13, which is obtained from the change of the detection signal of the detection means 13 by feeding the ink ribbon 11 in the paper feed mode Fp, is defined as “detection time Tms”. If the ink density of the set marker MKa is appropriate and the sensitivity of the detection means 13 is also appropriate, the detection time Tms and the reference time Ts are the same. However, if the ink density of the set marker MKa and the sensitivity of the detection means 13 are not appropriate, the rising and falling slopes of the detection signal of the detection means 13 change as shown in FIG. 4A or 4C. Since the detection time Twa varies, as shown in FIG. 5B, the detection time Tms and the reference time Ts are not the same. FIG. 5B shows a change in the detection signal of the detection unit 13 when the ink density is low, for example.

  In the printer according to the present invention, when the set marker MKa is detected, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in the paper feed mode Fp, so that the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 can be detected with high accuracy. The detection width of the set marker MKa can be calculated from the feed speed of the ink ribbon 11 and the detection time Tms obtained from the change of the detection signal of the detection means 13, and further from the specified time Tws of the specified marker MKa. The specified width of the marker MKa can be calculated, and the width detection error can be calculated from the detected width and the specified width. The width detection error calculated from the specified width Ws of the set marker MKa and the calculated detection width Wa is hereinafter referred to as “calculated width detection error”.

  If the calculated width detection error can be calculated at the time of detecting the set marker MKa, the width detection error of each marker MK is equivalent. Therefore, from the specified width and the calculated width detection error of each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe, the following four are detected. The detection width of each of the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe when the detection unit 13 detects the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe can be calculated. Thereby, it is possible to correct variations in detection of the widths of the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MK due to variations in print density of the markers MKa, MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe and variations in sensitivity of the detection unit 13.

  In the printer according to the present invention, the four plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe other than the set marker MKa are conveyed in the reel feed mode Fr. Accordingly, the winding speed of the ink ribbon 11 when each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe is detected is determined by the ribbon winding outer diameter Dw and the rotation speed of the winding reel 21b.

  Among the above, the rotation speed of the take-up reel 21b can be accurately detected from the control signal of the motor control circuit of the second stepping motor M2 that drives the take-up reel 21b.

  However, the winding speed of the ink ribbon 11 can be detected from the time required for each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MK to pass through the detection means and the width of each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe. The detection width Wa of the detected marker varies depending on the print density of each of the plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe and the sensitivity of the detection means 13.

  However, in the printer according to the present invention, detection of each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe detected from the calculated width detection error calculated when the set marker MKa is detected and the reference width of each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe. Since the width can be calculated, the detection result of the calculated detection width of each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe and the time required for each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe to pass through the detection means Therefore, the winding speed of the ink ribbon 11 can be calculated with high accuracy, and the remaining amount of the ink ribbon can be detected with high accuracy.

  As described above, in the printer according to the present invention, the ink ribbon 11 is transported in the paper feed mode Fp in which the ink ribbon 11 is transported together with the recording paper 12 when the set marker MKa is detected, and it is necessary for the set marker MKa to pass the detecting means 13. The width detection error of the set marker MKa is calculated from the measured time and the paper feed speed of the recording paper 12, and the ribbon winding outer diameter at the time of detecting each plane marker MKb, MKc, MKd, MKe is calculated using the calculated width detection error. Since the calculated value of Dw can be corrected, the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 can be accurately detected.

  Next, the printing operation procedure of the printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the printing operation procedure of the printer according to the present invention. For comparison, the flowchart of FIG. 6 shows a printing operation procedure of a conventional printer not according to the present invention.

  First, for comparison, the printing operation of a conventional printer not according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the printing operation of the conventional printer shown in FIG. 6 not according to the present invention, when the printer is energized at the power ON step S01, the recording paper 12 is set at the normal printing position at the paper setting step S11.

  Next, in set marker detection step S13, the ink ribbon 11 is transported in the reel feed mode Fr, and the ink ribbon 11 is transported until the set marker MKa is detected by the detecting means 13.

  Next, in the plane marker detection step S21, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in the reel feed mode Fr until the first plane marker MKb is detected. When the first plane marker MKb is detected, in the head down step S22, The thermal head 1 is moved down, and the laminated recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are pressed against the platen roller 2.

  When the thermal head 1 is headed down and the recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are pressed against the platen roller 2 in the one-plane printing step S23, a large number of heating elements of the thermal head 1 are selectively heated to generate the ink ribbon. 11 lines of ink are sublimated and transferred onto the recording paper 12, thereby printing one line. After that, the stacked recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are conveyed by one line in the paper feed mode Fp by the paper feed mechanism. The printing and conveyance for one line are repeated, and printing for one plane is performed.

  When printing for one plane is completed, the thermal head 1 is headed up in a head-up step S24.

  If the plane to be printed remains, in the paper returning step S26, only the recording paper 12 is conveyed in the reverse conveyance direction by the paper feeding mechanism, the recording paper 12 is set at the normal printing position, and then the plane marker is detected. Step S21 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  If printing of each plane is repeated and printing of all the planes to be printed is completed, the recording paper 12 is discharged in a paper discharge step S31.

  After the discharge of the recording paper 12 is completed, if there is more data to be printed, the paper setting step S11 and subsequent steps are repeated. When all the data to be printed has been printed, the power supply of the printer is shut off in the power OFF step S02.

  In a conventional printer not according to the present invention, the time required for each marker MK to pass through the detecting means 13 is detected in set marker detection step S13 and plane marker detection step S21, and the width of each defined marker MK is detected. Then, the feeding speed of the ink ribbon 11 is calculated from the detected passage time of each marker MK and the ribbon winding outer diameter Dw is calculated from the rotation speed of the winding reel 21b detected separately. The remaining amount of the ribbon 11 is detected.

  In this case, the correction of the detection width Wa of the marker MK due to the variation in the print density of the ink ribbon 11 and the variation in the sensitivity of the detection means 13 is not performed, so that the remaining amount cannot be accurately detected.

  On the other hand, in the printer according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, after the paper setting step S11, the remaining amount of ink ribbon is detected by the following procedure after the print density variation of the marker MK and the sensitivity variation of the detection means 13. Get the error calculation width detection error.

  In the printer according to the present invention, after the paper setting step S11 is completed, the thermal head is headed down in the head down step S12, and the laminated recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are pressed against the platen roller 2.

  Next, in the set marker detection step S13, the stacked recording paper 12 and the ink ribbon 11 are conveyed in the paper feed mode Fp, and the time required for the set marker MKa to pass through the detection means 13 is detected and specified. The calculated width detection error is calculated from the width of the set marker MKa, the detection means passing time of the detected set marker MKa, and the feed speed of the recording paper 12.

  Thereafter, the thermal head 1 is headed up in the head-up step S14, and only the recording paper 12 is conveyed in the counter-conveying direction by the paper feeding mechanism in the paper returning step S15, and the recording paper 12 is set at the normal printing position.

  In the next plane marker detection step S21, the ink ribbon 11 is conveyed in the reel feed mode Fr until the first plane marker MKb is detected, and the first plane marker MKb is detected.

  At this time, the feeding speed of the ink ribbon 11 is calculated from the detection time of the detected first plane marker MKb and the value obtained by correcting the width of the specified plane marker MKb with the calculated width detection error, and separately detected. The ribbon take-up outer diameter Dw is calculated from the rotation speed of the take-up reel 21b, and the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 is detected.

  As a result, the printer according to the present invention corrects detection errors due to variations in the print density of the ink ribbon 11 and variations in sensitivity of the detection means 13, so that the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 can be accurately detected.

  In the printing operation procedure of the printer according to the present invention, except that any one of the respective plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe is corrected by detecting the calculation width detection error, and the feeding speed of the ink ribbon 11 is calculated. For example, the plane marker detection step S21 and the subsequent steps are the same as the printing operation procedure of the conventional printer not according to the present invention, and thus detailed description is omitted.

  As described above, in the printer according to the present invention, the remaining amount of the ink ribbon 11 can be accurately detected by correcting the detection error due to the variation in the print density of the ink ribbon 11 and the variation in the sensitivity of the detection means 13.

  The printing operation procedure added for correcting this detection error is only the head down step S12 after the paper set step S11, the head up step S14 after the set marker detection step S13, and the paper return step S15. .

  Accordingly, the time required for the additional printing operation for correcting the detection error is very short, and there is almost no influence of the increase in the operation time on the printing time on the recording paper.

  Further, the function used for correcting the detection error due to the variation in the print density of the ink ribbon 11 and the variation in the sensitivity of the detection means 13 of the printer according to the present invention is only the function of the conventional printer not according to the present invention. .

  Therefore, since it is not necessary to add a new detection mechanism, the remaining amount detection accuracy of the ink ribbon 11 can be improved while avoiding an increase in the number of components.

  As described above, the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Is possible.

  For example, the present invention can be modified as follows, and these embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, plane markers MKb, MKc, MKd, and MKe are arranged in front of the yellow YP, magenta MP, cyan CP, and overcoat OP planes, respectively, and a set marker is placed in front of the leading plane marker MKb. It is assumed that the marker MKa is arranged, but even with the ink ribbon 11 without the set marker MKa as shown in FIG. 8B, the first plane marker MKb is conveyed in the paper feed mode Fp, and the calculation width detection error is calculated. Equivalent effects can be obtained by acquiring. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, even with the ink ribbon 11 having no set marker MKa and having only the set marker MKa, the first set marker MKa is conveyed in the paper feed mode Fp, and the calculation width detection error is acquired. The same effect can be obtained by taking the set marker MKa and transporting it in the reel feed mode Fr.

  Further, in the ink ribbon 11 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A, the non-printing portion is set in the width direction of each plane of yellow YP, magenta MP, cyan CP, and overcoat OP. As shown in FIG. 8A, there may be no non-printed portion in the width direction.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the ink and marker of the ink ribbon 11.

  In the printer according to the present embodiment, the first stepping motor M1 that drives the paper feed roller 4 and the second stepping motor M2 that drives the take-up reel 21b via the slip mechanism 7 are used. A configuration in which the first stepping motor M1 and the second stepping motor M2 are also used may be employed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal head 2 Platen roller 3 Ribbon guide 4 Paper feed roller 5 Pressure roller 6 Head holder 7 Slip mechanism 11 Ink ribbon 11a Ink surface 12 Recording paper 13 Detection means 14 Reflecting plate 21 Ribbon cassette 21a Paper supply reel 21b Take-up reel 21c Guide Roller D1 Ribbon transport direction Dw Ribbon winding outer diameter M1 First stepping motor M2 Second stepping motor MK Marker MKa Set marker MKb Plain marker MKc Plain marker MKd Plain marker MKe Plain marker Tws Specified time Twa Detection time Ts Reference time Tms Tmp detection time Fp Paper feed mode Fr Reel feed mode YP Yellow MP Magenta CP Cyan OP Overcoat S01 Power ON step S02 Power OFF Step S11 Paper Setting Step S12 Head Down Step S13 Set Marker Detection Step S14 Head Up Step S15 Paper Return Step S21 Plain Marker Detection Step S22 Head Down Step S23 One Plane Printing Step S24 Head Up Step S25 Plain Completion Determination Step S26 Paper Return step S31 Paper discharge step S41 Print completion determination step

Claims (1)

A ribbon cassette including a take-up reel that houses an ink ribbon with a plurality of markers at predetermined intervals and winds up the used ink ribbon;
Ink ribbon transport means for transporting the ink ribbon;
A detecting means arranged on a transport path of the ink ribbon to detect the passage of the marker;
Ink ribbon remaining amount detecting means for calculating a ribbon take-up outer diameter on which the ink ribbon is taken up and calculating an amount of the unused ink ribbon from a time required for the marker to pass through the detecting means; In a printing apparatus comprising
The ink ribbon remaining amount detecting means calculates a detection error amount of the marker from a time required for the marker to pass through the detecting means when the ink ribbon is conveyed together with the recording paper.
The ribbon take-up outer diameter is calculated based on the time required for the marker to pass through the detection means and the detection error amount when only the ink ribbon is carried on the take-up reel. A printing apparatus.