JP6960730B2 - Media transfer device and image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a medium transfer device and an image forming device, and more particularly to a medium transfer device provided with a direction changing means for changing a medium transfer direction and an image forming device provided with the medium transfer device.

Conventionally, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a hard medium such as a card or a disk or a semi-hard medium is widely known. In this type of image forming apparatus, for example, an indirect printing method in which an image (mirror image) is formed on a transfer film using an ink ribbon and then the image formed on the transfer film is transferred to the surface of a medium, or an ink ribbon is used. A direct printing method is used in which an image is formed directly on a medium.

In such an image forming apparatus, in the image forming unit, for example, an image is generated on the medium by heating the thermal head via the ink ribbon according to the print data on the medium sandwiched between the platen roller and the thermal head. It is formed. Nowadays, color printing in which each image is superimposed with a plurality of colors of ink is widely used.

Some of such devices are provided with a direction changing means for changing the transport direction of the medium in order to have a compact device configuration. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of a rotating body (reversing unit F) for rotating a card and a medium transporting device in which a sensor is arranged around the rotating body. In this technique, when the length of the card to be conveyed is larger than the length of one card, when the inversion unit F changes the card transfer direction, the card protruding from the inversion unit F is the inversion unit F. Since there is a risk of interfering with sensors placed around it, the reversing unit F can rotate (the card transport direction can be changed) by detecting the card transport length, or double feed to the transported card (essentially one). It is known whether or not a plurality of media are transported where a single medium (card) should be transported). At that time, the card transfer length is detected from the driving amount of the roller 14 while the sensor Se1 arranged on the upstream side of the reversing unit F in the card transfer direction detects the front end and the rear end of the card.

Further, in Patent Document 2, unlike Patent Document 1, the front and back surfaces of the card cannot be inverted (rotated by 180 °), but the transport direction can be changed while the card is sandwiched (nip). The means of change are disclosed. In addition, Patent Document 3 discloses a general technique for measuring the medium length (sheet length).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-209909 (see FIG. 3, reference numeral F). JP-A-2008-162113 (see FIG. 10, reference numeral 60) JP 2013-40039 (see FIGS. 2 and 8)

By the way, in the technique of Patent Document 1, since the card transport length is detected by using the roller 14 and the sensor Se1 arranged on the upstream side of the reversing unit F, the card is nipped by the roller 14 when the card tip reaches the sensor Se1. After that, the card is handed over from the roller 14 to the roller 20 in the reversing unit F, and when the rear end of the card reaches the sensor Se1, the card is removed from the nip of the roller 14 and is nipped into the roller 20. .. Unlike a single linear transport path, the reversing unit F rotates to switch the transport path. Therefore, due to a transport error during card delivery, it is determined whether the reversing unit F can rotate or the card is double fed. There is a risk of judgment error when doing this.

On the other hand, in the technique of Patent Document 1, the time when the tip of the card is detected by the downstream sensor arranged on the downstream side in the card transport direction of the reversing unit F from the time when the rear end of the card being conveyed is detected by the sensor Se1. If the card transfer length up to is detected, the rear end of the card Ca is detected by the sensor Se1 after the card Ca is transferred from the roller 14 to the roller pair 20, so that the transfer error that occurs during the card transfer is eliminated. It is possible to grasp (determine) with high accuracy whether or not the reversing unit F can be rotated and whether or not double feeding has occurred. However, in this improvement measure, since the rotation enablement judgment and the double feed judgment are made based on the card transport length, it is necessary to always transport the card tip to the downstream sensor, so that the total processing time including the card transport time is long. The problem of becoming becomes arises.

In view of the above case, it is an object of the present invention to provide a medium transfer device capable of shortening the processing time and an image forming device provided with the medium transfer device.

In order to solve the above problems, the first aspect of the present application is a first transport means for transporting the medium in the first transport direction of the first medium transport path, and the first transport means on the first medium transport path. The medium is provided on the downstream side of the first transport direction, receives the medium from the first transport means, and changes the transport direction of the medium toward a second medium transport path different from the first medium transport path. , The direction changing means for transporting the medium in the second transport direction of the second medium transport path, and the medium delivered from the direction changing means on the second medium transport path are transported in the second transport direction. A second sensor for detecting the downstream end of the medium in the first transport direction, which is provided on the first transport path on the downstream side of the first transport direction with respect to the direction changing means. A second sensor provided between the second transport means and the direction changing means on the second medium transport path to detect the downstream end of the medium in the second transport direction, and the first sensor. A third sensor provided between the transport means and the direction changing means to detect the upstream end of the medium in the first transport direction, and a control means for controlling the first transport means and the direction changing means. The control means transports the medium toward the direction changing means by a predetermined distance from the time when the third sensor detects the upstream end portion of the medium in the first transport direction, and the control means transports the medium by a predetermined distance at that time. Determines whether or not the first sensor detects the medium, and if not, changes the transport direction of the medium to the second medium transport path to transfer the medium to the second sensor. It is characterized in that the first transport means and the direction changing means are controlled so as to transport toward.

In a first aspect, the first sensor before Symbol is preferably a distance from the direction changing means is disposed in the second sensor and equidistant or shorter position than the second sensor.

Further, the control means transports the medium toward the direction changing means by a predetermined distance from the time when the third sensor detects the upstream end portion of the medium in the first transport direction, and at that time, the control means. When the first sensor detects the medium, the direction changing means and the first conveying means are controlled so that the medium is sent back toward the upstream side of the direction changing means on the first medium conveying path. you.

Further, the direction changing means is a rotating body that sandwiches and rotates the medium, and may have a roller pair that forms a part of the conveying means.

Further, in order to solve the above problems, a second aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, which includes an image forming means for forming an image on the medium and a medium conveying device according to the first aspect. ..

According to the present invention, the control means, a predetermined distance conveyed toward the medium from the time of detecting the upstream end of the first conveying direction of the third sensor by the medium in the direction changing means, and determining whether the at that time the first sensor detects the medium, if not detected, change the conveying direction of the medium to the second medium transport path, toward the medium to the second sensor By controlling the first transport means (“horizontal medium transport path” or “separate medium transport path” in the present specification) and the direction changing means (referred to as “rotating unit”), the medium is first transported. Since it is possible to determine whether or not the transport direction of the medium can be changed by the direction changing means without transporting to the sensor of the above, the processing time can be shortened.

FIG. 5 is an external view schematically showing a printing system including a printing apparatus according to an embodiment to which the present invention can be applied. It is a front view which shows the schematic structure of the printing apparatus. It is the upper appearance perspective view of the printing apparatus which shows the state which the medium supply part was removed. It is a layout drawing of the sensor arranged around the medium supply part and the rotation unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the distance from the rotation center of a rotation unit to a sensor. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the control part of a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart of the card issuing routine executed by the CPU of the microcomputer unit of the control part of a printing apparatus. It is a flowchart of the supply processing subroutine which shows a part of the card supply processing of a card issuance routine. It is a flowchart of the card transport length calculation processing subroutine which shows the details of the card transport length calculation process of a supply process subroutine. It is a flowchart of the 1st card transfer processing subroutine which shows the details of the 1st card transfer process of a supply process subroutine. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state which the double feed card was carried to the rotating unit, (A) is the state which the double feed card was carried into the rotary unit, (B) is the state which sandwiched the double feed card. The rotating unit is rotated in (C), and (C) indicates a state in which the tip of the double feed card reaches the sensor that detects the tip of the card on the horizontal medium transport path. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state which ejects a double feed card from a rotation unit, (A) is a state which positioned the center of a double feed card at the rotation center of a rotation unit, (B) is a state which is positioned at the rotation center of a rotation unit, (B) is a rotation unit. Indicates a state in which the double feed card is positioned in the error ejection direction by rotating the double feed card, and (C) indicates a state in which the double feed card is ejected toward the reject stacker. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the rotatability of the rotation unit with respect to the double feed card, (A) shows the rotatable state, (B) shows the non-rotatable state. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state which feeds back the double feed card to the medium supply part side. It is a timing chart which shows the relationship between the output of the sensor which detects the tip of a card on a horizontal medium transfer path, and the drive pulse of a 1st card transfer motor. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the example of another embodiment which positions a double feed card in a take-out position, and (A) is the state which the double feed card is rotated in the error discharge direction and is cantilevered by a pair of rollers, ((A). B) shows a state in which the double feed card is rotated toward the non-contact IC recording unit and held by a pair of rollers cantilever, and (C) shows a state in which the double feed card is held by a pair of transport rollers on the horizontal medium transport path. ..

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention applied to a printing apparatus for printing and recording characters and images on a card and magnetically or electrically recording information on the card will be described.

1. 1. Configuration 1-1. System Configuration As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment constitutes a part of the printing system 100. That is, the printing system 100 is roughly classified into a higher-level device 101 (for example, a host computer such as a personal computer) and a printing device 1.

The printing device 1 is connected to the host device 101 via an interface (not shown), and print data, magnetic or electrical recording data, or the like is transmitted from the host device 101 to the printing device 1, and a recording operation or the like is performed. It is possible to instruct. The printing device 1 has an operation panel unit (operation display unit) 5 (see FIGS. 3 and 6), and in addition to a recording operation instruction from the host device 101, a recording operation instruction from the operation panel unit 5 is also possible. Is.

The host device 101 displays an image input device 104 such as a digital camera or a scanner, an input device 103 such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting commands and data to the host device 101, and data generated by the host device 101. A monitor 102 such as a liquid crystal display is connected.

1-2. Printing device 1-2-1. Mechanism unit As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 has a housing 2, and the housing 2 includes an information recording unit A, a printing unit B, a rotating unit F, and a decal mechanism G. .. Further, the printing device 1 includes a medium supply unit C that can be mounted on the housing 2, a medium storage unit D, and a reject stacker 54 that is mounted on the side surface of the housing 2 opposite to the medium storage unit D. ..

(1) Information recording unit A
The information recording unit A includes a magnetic recording unit 24, a non-contact IC recording unit 23, and a contact IC recording unit 27. These three recording units are optional, and one or more recording units can be attached according to the user's wishes.

(2) Medium supply unit C
The medium supply unit C is composed of a card cassette for aligning and accommodating a plurality of cards Ca in a standing posture (in this example, a posture tilted by 10 °). In this embodiment, a standard size card having a width of 85.6 mm and a length of 53.9 mm is used as the card Ca. As shown in FIG. 4, the idle roller 16 is arranged at the upper position on the card supply tip (front row) side of the card cassette, and the separation pad 17 is arranged at the bottom position. A plate-shaped elastic member such as rubber having a high coefficient of friction is used for the separation pad 17.

On the other hand, on the main body side of the printing device 1, a pickup roller 19 (see also FIG. 3) for feeding out the front row card Ca housed in the card cassette, and a position below the pickup roller 19 facing the separation pad 17 The idle roller 18 is arranged. Therefore, a separation opening 7 for separating the cards Ca one by one is formed between the idle roller 18 and the separation pad 17. The pickup roller 19 is rotated by the driving force of a pickup motor (stepping motor) (not shown). In the present embodiment, the opening width of the separation opening 7 can be adjusted according to the thickness of the card, and the separation pad 17 is on the idle roller 18 side when the operator rotates the rotating member arranged at the bottom of the card cassette. It is configured to be able to move forward and backward toward.

As shown in FIG. 3, the medium supply unit C is detachably configured in the cassette mounting area 68 of the housing 2. A rectangular opening (not shown) is formed on the front row side of the card cassette constituting the medium supply unit C. The presence / absence of the card Ca (whether or not the medium supply unit C is attached) can be grasped by inserting the sensor lever 69 on the main body side of the printing device 1 through this opening, contacting the card Ca, and pushing the sensor lever 69. can.

When the medium supply unit C (card cassette) is removed from the cassette mounting area 68, the opening / closing member 66 located below the medium supply unit C appears. The upper surface cover 67 of the opening / closing member 66 is a lid, and constitutes a partition wall (bottom wall) of the cassette mounting area 68. The opening / closing member 66 is attached to the housing 2 so as to be openable / closable, and its end portion in the longitudinal direction is rotatably supported by the housing 2. Further, a front door 12 that can be opened and closed is provided on the front side of the printing device 1.

The detailed configuration of the medium supply unit C is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-25511, and the detailed configuration of the opening / closing member 66 and the like on the printing device 1 side is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-123074. ..

As shown in FIG. 4, a transmission-integrated sensor SN24 having a light emitting element and a light receiving element is arranged on the downstream side of the separation opening 7 in the card transport direction, and a medium is supplied on the downstream side of the sensor SN 24 in the card transport direction. A cleaning roller 22 that cleans the card Ca that has been fed out from the portion C and conveys it further to the downstream side is arranged. The cleaning roller 22 has adhesiveness to remove dust and dirt adhering to the card Ca, and the cleaning roller 22 has even stronger adhesiveness to remove dust and dirt adhering to the cleaning roller 22. The adhesive roller 26 to be removed is in pressure contact.

(3) Rotating unit F
In a word, the rotation unit F has a function of changing the transport direction of the medium (in the present embodiment, a function of transporting the card Ca and holding the end of the card Ca to rotate the card Ca). However, it is specifically configured as follows. That is, the rotating unit F has a pair of disk-shaped rotating frames 50 (in FIG. 2, only the rotating frame 50 on the front side is shown. Hereinafter, if necessary, FIG. 2 shows. The front side rotating frame 50 and the back side rotating frame 50 not shown in FIG. 2 are distinguished from each other). The pair of rotating frames 50 are integrated by being fixed to a defining member (not shown) that defines the distance between them.

(3-1) Card Conveyance As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating unit F has rollers 20 and 21 composed of a driving roller and a driven roller. The demarcation member described above also functions as a guide member for guiding both sides (front and back surfaces) of the card Ca being conveyed between the rollers 20 and 21. The roller shafts (four in total) of the driving and driven rollers constituting the roller pairs 20 and 21 are rotatably supported by a pair of rotating frames 50. First gears (not shown) are fitted to the roller shafts of the drive rollers of the rollers 20 and 21 at the ends on the rear side rotating frame 50 side, respectively. A second gear (not shown) having a diameter larger than that of the first gear is meshed with each of these first gears. The gear shafts of the second gears are rotatably supported by the rear rotation frame 50, respectively.

Each second gear meshes with a single third gear (not shown) that has a smaller diameter than the second gear. The first to third gears are arranged inside (front side) of the back side rotating frame 50 substantially parallel to the back side rotating frame 50. The axis of the gear shaft of the third gear is positioned at the rotation center O (see FIG. 4) of the rotation unit F. The gear shaft of the third gear is rotatably supported by the rear rotating frame 50 by penetrating the rear rotating frame 50, and its tip is fixed to the housing 2 in a substantially vertical direction and is fixed to the rear surface. It is rotatably supported by a plate-shaped rear frame member (not shown) located on the outer side (rear side) of the rear rotating frame 50 in parallel with the side rotating frame 50.

A fourth gear (not shown) having a diameter larger than that of the third gear is fitted to the gear shaft of the third gear. The fourth gear is positioned on the back side frame member side between the back side rotating frame 50 and the back side frame member. A fifth gear (not shown) having a diameter smaller than that of the fourth gear is meshed with the fourth gear by being fitted to the motor shaft of the first card transfer motor (stepping motor capable of forward / reverse rotation, not shown). The fifth gear is also positioned on the back side frame member side between the back side rotating frame 50 and the back side frame member. That is, the first card transfer motor is attached to the back side of the back side frame member, the motor shaft of the first card transfer motor penetrates the back side frame member, and the fifth gear is fitted to the tip end portion thereof. There is.

At the upper part of the front side (rear side rotating frame 50 side) of the back side frame member, the card Ca sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 is jammed in the rotating unit F (the rotating unit F cannot rotate). In the event of a state), the jam release dial (not shown) for the operator to manually rotate the rollers 20 and 21 to eject the card Ca (release the jam) rotates on the back frame member. It is possible to support the axis. A gear is fitted to the shaft of the jam release dial, and when the operator manually turns the jam release dial, the gear is engaged with the gear and is pivotally supported by the rear frame member. By rotating the gear 4 and rotating the rollers 20 and 21, the card Ca can be discharged to the outside of the rotation unit F.

The first card transfer motor also functions as a drive source for the cleaning roller 22. That is, the above-mentioned fourth gear supplies the rotational driving force of the first card transfer motor to the gear fitted to the roller shaft of the cleaning roller 22 via the plurality of gears. Therefore, the first card transfer motor drives the cleaning roller 22 and the roller pairs 20 and 21 to transfer the card Ca unwound from the medium supply unit C to the rotation unit F (received by the rotation unit F) (FIG. FIG. 4), which serves as a drive source for sending the card Ca from the rotation unit F toward any of the information recording unit A, the horizontal medium transport path P1, and the reject stacker 54.

(3-2) Rotation The front rotation frame 50 is fixed to the housing 2 in a substantially vertical direction, and is parallel to the front rotation frame 50 and further on the front side of the front rotation frame 50 (the front side of the paper in FIG. 2). ) Is rotatably supported by a plate-shaped front frame member (not shown, in FIG. 2, since the front rotating frame 50 is hidden, the front frame member is discarded). Has been done. That is, a support shaft is provided so as to project toward the front rotating frame 50 on the back side of the front frame member, and a support protruding from the front frame member is provided at the center of the front rotating frame 50 on the front side. A cylindrical bearing that receives the shaft is formed.

The axis of the support shaft is positioned at the rotation center O (see FIG. 4) of the rotation unit F, and is arranged so as to be coaxial with the axis of the gear shaft of the third gear described above. .. Therefore, in the rotating unit F, a pair of rotating frames 50 integrated with each other are pivotally supported by the front frame member by the support shaft, and the gear shaft of the third gear is attached to the back frame member on the back side. By being pivotally supported, it is configured to be rotatable.

Gears are formed at the center of the outer circumference of the front rotating frame 50 and the back rotating frame 50, respectively. A sixth gear having a diameter smaller than that of these gears is meshed with each of these gears. These sixth gears are fitted to a single gear shaft arranged below the front rotating frame 50 and the rear rotating frame 50, and the gear shafts of the sixth gear are the front frame member and the front frame member. It is rotatably supported by the back frame member.

The sixth gear, which meshes with the gear formed on the outer circumference of the rear rotating frame 50, is fitted to the motor shaft of the rotating motor (forward / reverse stepping motor, not shown). A seventh gear (not shown) with a smaller diameter is engaged. The rotary motor is mounted on the back side of the rear frame member below the mounting position of the first card transfer motor described above, and the motor shaft of the rotary motor penetrates the rear frame member and is at the tip thereof. The seventh gear is fitted. Therefore, by driving the rotation motor, the card Ca whose both ends are sandwiched between the roller pairs 20 and 21 in the rotation unit F rotates around the rotation center O (see also FIG. 5).

When the rotating unit F is rotated by the driving force of the rotating motor, the roller shafts of the driving and driven rollers constituting the roller pairs 20 and 21 are rotatably supported by the pair of rotating frames 50. Therefore, a phenomenon occurs in which these roller shafts also rotate (also referred to as co-rotation) according to the rotation of the pair of rotating frames 50. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when rotating the card Ca whose both ends are sandwiched between the roller pairs 20 and 21 in the rotating unit F, the rotation unit F is rotated (angle) by the amount of rotation (angle). By simultaneously driving the first card transfer motor so that the roller shaft of the drive roller rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotation unit F, the rotation is prevented.

The front side rotating frame 50 is formed with first and second cylindrical members so as to project toward the front side. The first cylindrical member protrudes to the front side from the outer peripheral position of the front side rotating frame 50, and the second cylindrical member is concentric with the first cylindrical member (relative to the rotation center O). It protrudes to the front side from a position having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical member. Notches are formed in the first and second cylindrical members, respectively, and the first and second first and second ones detect the phase of the rotating unit F (rotating frame 50) by detecting the notches. Phase sensors (not shown) are arranged respectively.

The notch of the first cylindrical member is formed corresponding to the position (direction) of the notch of the second cylindrical member and the direction of each sensor arranged around the rotating unit F, and the second The notch of the cylindrical member of the above is formed corresponding to the positions of the roller pairs 20 and 21 (roller shafts). The first phase sensor functions as an encoder when rotating the rotating unit F with a rotating motor, and the second phase sensor functions when positioning the rotating unit F (roller pairs 20, 21) in the initial position direction. Functions as an encoder.

(3-3) Relationship with sensors A plurality of sensors are arranged around the rotating unit F. As shown in FIG. 4, a sensor SN2 for detecting the rear end of the card Ca that is being fed and conveyed from the medium supply unit C is arranged between the cleaning roller 22 and the roller pair 20. A sensor SN26 for detecting the tip of the card Ca being transported is arranged on the downstream side in the card transport direction.

Further, as described above, a magnetic recording unit 24, a non-contact IC recording unit 23, and a contact IC recording unit 27 constituting the information recording unit A are arranged on the outer periphery of the rotation unit F (FIG. 2). reference). As shown in FIG. 4, a sensor SN4 for detecting the end of the card Ca and a sensor SN26 described above are arranged in the directions of the magnetic recording unit 24 and the contact type IC recording unit 27, respectively. Further, the sensor SN23 is arranged in the direction of the reject stacker 54 (error ejection direction), and the sensor SN3 is arranged in the direction of the printing unit B (transfer unit B2) (on the horizontal medium transport path P1). Similar to the sensor SN24, the sensor uses a transmission-integrated sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

In the present embodiment, when the vertical line shown by the solid line in FIG. 4 is used as a reference (0 °), the line connecting the rotation center O and the sensing positions of the sensor SN2 and the sensor SN24 (indicated by a small circle in FIG. 4). The angle of the line connecting the rotation center O and the sensing position of the sensor SN23 is 125 °, the angle of the line connecting the rotation center O and the sensing position of the sensor SN4 is 173 °, and the rotation center O The angle of the line connecting the sensor SN26 and the sensing position of the sensor SN26 is set to 190 °, and the angle of the line connecting the rotation center O and the sensing position of the sensor SN3 is set to 270 °. The non-contact IC recording unit 23 and the sensor SN23 are arranged on a straight line passing through the rotation center O.

Therefore, the rotating unit F (roller pairs 20, 21) has a function of forming a medium transport path 65 (see FIG. 2) for transporting the card Ca in any of these directions, that is, a direction changing function. have. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the rotating unit F is positioned in the card receiving position direction, and the roller pairs 20 and 21 are in this state with the sensor SN24, the cleaning roller 22, the sensor SN2, and the sensor SN26 (sensing positions). ), The medium transport path 65 is positioned on the substantially linear inclined medium transport path P0 (inclined by 10 ° with respect to the vertical line shown by the solid line in FIG. 4), and the medium transport path 65 constitutes a part of the inclined medium transport path P0. A temperature sensor Th such as a thermistor that detects the environmental temperature (outside air temperature) is arranged on the outer periphery of the rotating unit F (see FIG. 2), and is based on the environmental temperature detected by the temperature sensor Th. The temperature of the heating elements such as the thermal head and the heat roller (described later) provided in the printing unit B is corrected.

(3-4) Distance between Rotation Center and Each Sensor FIG. 5 schematically shows the distance from the rotation center O of the rotation unit F to each sensor in the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, in order to facilitate grasping, one standard size card Ca is normally carried into the rotation unit F, and the center of the card Ca is located at the rotation center O and its end. Indicates a state in which the rollers 20 and 21 are sandwiched between the rollers.

As described above, since the standard length of the card Ca is 85.6 mm, the distance from the rotation center O to the first locus Lc1 (rotation locus of the card end) is half that of 42.8 mm, and the first locus Lc1. The distance Da between the second locus Lc2 and the second locus Lc2 (the circle in contact with the sensor frame of the sensor SN26 centered on the rotation center O) is 7.0 mm, and the first locus Lc1 and the third locus Lc3 (rotation center O) The distance Db from the center sensors SN2, SN3, and SN23 (the circle in contact with the sensor frame) is set to 8.0 mm, and the distance between the first locus Lc1 and the sensor SN4 is set to 20.0 mm. When viewed from the rotation center O, the sensing positions of the sensors SN2, SN3, and SN26 are each further 0.7 mm outside.

Therefore, the sensing position of the sensor SN2 that detects the rear end of the card Ca and the sensing position of the sensor SN26 that detects the tip of the card Ca are linear distances on the inclined medium transport path P0, and the length of the card Ca (85. 6 mm) + {distance Db (8 mm) + distance from the sensor frame of the sensor SN2 to the sensing position (0.7 mm)} + {distance Da (7.0 mm) + distance from the sensor frame of the sensor SN26 to the sensing position (0) .7 mm)} = 102 mm apart.

The sensing position of the sensor SN23 is at a position of 9.7 mm from the first locus Lc1, and the sensing position of the sensor SN4 is at a position of 20.7 mm from the first locus Lc1 (12.7 mm from the third locus Lc3). It is in. Therefore, the sensor SN26 is arranged at a position where the distance from the rotation center O (rotation unit F) is closer than the sensors SN23, SN4, SN3 (and the sensor SN2).

(4) Printing unit B
The printing unit B forms an image such as a face photograph and character data on the front and back surfaces of the card Ca, and as shown in FIG. 2, a horizontal medium transport path for transporting the card Ca on an extension of the medium transport path 65. P1 is provided. Further, transfer rollers 29 and 30 for conveying card Ca are arranged in the horizontal medium transfer path P1, and the transfer rollers 29 and 30 are not shown via gears and the like (not shown) for the second card transfer motor (positive). It is connected to a reversible stepping motor).

The printing unit B has a film transport mechanism 10, and an image formed by superimposing each color image of the ink ribbon 41 on the image forming region of the transfer film 46 transported by the film transport mechanism 10 by the thermal head 40. A forming portion B1 and subsequently a transfer portion B2 for transferring an image formed on the transfer film 46 onto the surface of the card Ca on the horizontal medium transport path P1 by a heat roller 33 are provided.

Next, the details of the printing unit B will be described with reference to FIG. The transfer film 46 has a band shape having a width slightly larger than the width direction of the card Ca, and is an ink receiving layer that receives the ink of the ink ribbon 41, a transparent protective layer that protects the surface of the ink receiving layer, and ink by heating. The receiving layer and the protective layer are integrally laminated and formed in the order of a peeling layer and a base material (base film) for promoting peeling.

The transfer film 46 used in the present embodiment is formed so as to cross the width direction (main scanning direction of the thermal head 40) intersecting the printing direction (sub-scanning direction of the thermal head 40), and the image formation start position is set. Marks for setting are formed at regular intervals, and an image forming region is formed between these marks.

The transfer film 46 is wound or unwound on the supply roll 47 and the take-up roll 48 in the transfer film cassette by driving the motors Mr2 and Mr4, respectively. That is, in the transfer film cassette, the supply spool 47A is arranged at the center of the supply roll 47, and the take-up spool 48A is arranged at the center of the take-up roll 48. The rotational driving force is transmitted, and the rotational driving force of the motor Mr4 is transmitted to the take-up spool 48A via a gear (not shown). A DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation is used for the motor Mr2 and the motor Mr4.

In the present embodiment, the transfer film 46 before the transfer treatment is wound around the supply spool 47A, and the used transfer film 46 (the portion transferred by the transfer portion B2) is wound around the take-up spool 48A. Has been done. Therefore, when performing the image forming process and the transfer processing on the transfer film 46, the transfer film 46 is once fed from the supply spool 47A to the take-up spool 48A side, and the image is formed while the transfer film 46 is taken up by the supply spool 47A. Perform processing and transfer processing.

The film transfer roller 49 is a main drive roller that transfers the transfer film 46, and by controlling the drive of the film transfer roller 49, the transfer amount and the transfer stop position of the transfer film 46 are determined. The film transfer roller 49 is connected to a film transfer motor Mr5 (stepping motor) capable of forward and reverse rotation. The motors Mr2 and Mr4 are also driven when the film transfer roller 49 is driven, but the transfer film 46 unwound from either the supply roll 47 or the take-up roll 48 is wound on the other and transferred to the transfer film 46. It is for applying tension and serves as an auxiliary function of film transport.

A pinch roller 32a and a pinch roller 32b are arranged on the peripheral surface of the film transport roller 49. The pinch rollers 32a and 32b are configured to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the film transfer roller 49. In FIG. 2, the pinch rollers 32a and 32b advance to the film transfer roller 49 side, and the transfer film 46 moves to the film transfer roller 49. The state of being wrapped around is shown. As a result, the transfer film 46 is accurately transported at a distance corresponding to the rotation speed of the film transport roller 49.

Therefore, the film transport mechanism 10 supplies the transfer film 46 by driving the film transport roller 49 of the main drive roller arranged between the image forming unit B1 and the transfer unit B2, thereby supplying the transfer film 46 to the image forming unit B1 and the image forming unit B1. The images are conveyed in the forward and reverse directions between the transfer unit B2 and the take-up roll 48, and the images formed in the image formation region and the image formation region of the transfer film 46 in the image formation unit B1 and the transfer unit B2 are positioned at appropriate positions (cueing). It has a function. Further, the sensor Se1 which has a light emitting element and a light receiving element between the winding roll 48 and the image forming unit B1 (thermal head 40, platen roller 45) and detects a mark formed on the transfer film 46 described above. Is placed.

On the other hand, the ink ribbon 41 is housed in the ink ribbon cassette 42, and is housed in a stretched state between the supply roll 43 for supplying the ink ribbon 41 to the cassette 42 and the winding roll 44 for winding the ink ribbon 41. Has been done. A take-up spool 44A is arranged at the center of the take-up roll 44, and a supply spool 43A is arranged at the center of the supply roll 43. The take-up spool 44A is rotated by the driving force of the motor Mr1, and the supply spool 43A is the motor Mr3. It rotates with the driving force. A DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation is used for the motor Mr1 and the motor Mr3.

The ink ribbon 41 is formed by repeating a Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) color ribbon panel and a Bk (black) ribbon panel in a surface-sequential manner in the longitudinal direction. Further, between the supply roll 43 and the image forming unit B1 (thermal head 40, platen roller 45), the light from the light emitting element side is blocked by the Bk ribbon panel on the light receiving element side, so that the position of the ink ribbon 41 is located. A sensor Se2 for detecting and cueing the ink ribbon 41 to the image forming unit B1 is arranged.

The platen roller 45 and the thermal head 40 form an image forming portion B1, and the thermal head 40 is arranged at a position facing the platen roller 45. At the time of image formation, the platen roller 45 is pressed against the thermal head 40 via the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41. The thermal head 40 has a plurality of heating elements arranged in a row in the main scanning direction, and these heating elements are selectively heated and controlled based on print data by a head control IC (not shown), and an ink ribbon is used. An image is formed on the transfer film 46 via 41. The cooling fan 39 is for cooling the thermal head 40.

The ink ribbon 41 for which the image formation on the transfer film 46 has been completed is peeled off from the transfer film 46 by the peeling roller 25 and the peeling member 28. The peeling member 28 is fixed to the ink ribbon cassette 42, and the peeling roller 25 comes into contact with the peeling member 28 at the time of image formation, and the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 are sandwiched between the peeling members 28 to perform the peeling. Then, the peeled ink ribbon 41 is wound by the winding roll 44 by the driving force of the motor Mr1, and the transfer film 46 is conveyed to the transfer portion B2 having the platen roller 31 and the heat roller 33 by the film transfer mechanism 10. NS.

A sensor Se3 for detecting a mark formed on the transfer film 46 is arranged on the downstream side of the film transport roller 49. With this mark detection as an opportunity, the card Ca sandwiched between the transfer rollers 29 and 30 on the horizontal medium transfer path P1 and stopped (standby) is transferred toward the transfer unit B2 to start the transfer of the transfer film 46. The image forming region and the card Ca reach the transfer unit B2 at the same time. A transmission-integrated sensor is used for the sensor Se3.

In the transfer unit B2, the transfer film 46 is sandwiched between the heat roller 33 and the platen roller 31 together with the card Ca, and the image formed in the image forming region of the transfer film 46 is transferred to the surface of the card Ca. That is, at the time of transfer, the heat roller 33 is pressed against the platen roller 31 via the card Ca and the transfer film 46 (the image forming region), and the card Ca and the transfer film 46 are conveyed in the same direction at the same speed. The heat roller 33 is attached to an elevating mechanism (not shown) so as to press contact with and separate from the platen roller 31 via a transfer film 46.

The transfer film 46 after image transfer is separated (peeled) from the card Ca by a peeling pin 79 arranged between the heat roller 33 and the driven roller (lower roller in FIG. 2) constituting the transport roller pair 37. It is conveyed to the supply roll 47 side. On the other hand, the card Ca on which the image is transferred is transported on the horizontal medium transport path P2 toward the decal mechanism G on the downstream side.

In the above, the ink ribbon 41 for color printing in which the Y, M, C, and Bk ribbon panels are repeated in a surface-sequential manner has been illustrated, but the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment also includes a single-color ink ribbon having only a Bk ribbon panel. It can be used, in which case the card Ca is printed in a single color.

(5) Decal mechanism G
As shown in FIG. 2, on the downstream side of the transfer unit B2, a horizontal medium transport path P2 for transporting the printed card Ca to the storage stacker 60 is provided on an extension line of the horizontal medium transport path P1. .. Transfer rollers 37, 38 for transporting card Ca are arranged in the horizontal medium transport path P2, and the transport rollers 37, 38 are connected to the above-described second card transport motor via a gear (not shown) or the like. There is. Each roller pair (including the platen roller 31) from the transport roller pair 29 to the transport roller pair 38 arranged on the horizontal medium transport paths P1 and P2 is rotationally driven by the driving force of the second card transport motor. Will be done.

The transport roller pairs 37 and 38 form a part of the decal mechanism G. The decal mechanism G has a concave decal unit 35 whose position is fixed by pressing the central portion of the card Ca whose both ends are sandwiched (nipped) by the transport rollers 37 and 38 with the downward convex decal unit 34. By sandwiching the card Ca between them, the warp generated in the card Ca due to the thermal transfer by the heat roller 33 is corrected. The decal mechanism G is configured to include the eccentric cam 36 so that the decal unit 34 can move forward and backward in the vertical direction shown in FIG.

(6) Medium storage unit D
The medium accommodating portion D is configured to accommodate the card Ca conveyed from the decal mechanism G side in the accommodating stacker 60. That is, the accommodating stacker 60 is configured to move downward in FIG. 2 by the elevating mechanism 61.

1-2-2. Control unit and power supply unit Next, the control unit and power supply unit of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the printing device 1 includes a control unit 70 that controls the operation of the entire printing device 1, and a power supply unit that converts commercial AC power into DC power that can drive / operate each mechanism unit and control unit. Has 80 and.

(1) Control Unit As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 70 has a microcomputer unit 72 (hereinafter, abbreviated as MCU 72) that performs overall control processing of the printing apparatus 1. The MCU 72 is composed of a CPU that operates with a high-speed clock as a central processing unit, a ROM that stores programs and program data of the printing device 1, a RAM that works as a work area of the CPU, and an internal bus that connects them.

An external bus is connected to the MCU 72. The external bus has a communication unit 71 that has a communication IC and communicates with the host device 101, print data for which an image should be formed on the card Ca, magnetic stripes on the card Ca, and magnetically or electrically recorded on the accommodating IC. A memory 77 for temporarily storing power recording data and the like is connected.

Further, the external bus includes a signal processing unit 73 that processes signals from the various sensors described above, an actuator control unit 74 that includes a motor driver that supplies drive pulses and drive power to each motor, and heating that constitutes the thermal head 40. A thermal head control unit 75 for controlling the thermal energy to the element, an operation display control unit 76 for controlling the operation panel unit 5, a buzzer operation circuit 78 for operating the buzzer 5 at the time of double feeding of the card Ca, and the like. The information recording unit A described above is connected.

(2) Power supply unit The power supply unit 80 supplies operating / driving power to the control unit 70, the thermal head 40, the heat roller 33, the operation panel unit 5, the information recording unit A, and the like.

2. Operation Next, the overall operation of the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described mainly by the CPU of the MCU 72 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a CPU).

When the power is turned on to the printing device 1, each member constituting the printing device 1 is positioned at the home (initial) position (for example, the state shown in FIG. 2), and the program and program data stored in the ROM are expanded into the RAM. Initial setting processing is performed.

When the CPU receives a print command via the operation panel unit 5 (operation display control unit 76) or the communication unit 71, the CPU executes the card issuing routine shown in FIG. 7. For the sake of simplicity, in the following, it is assumed that the print data or the like has been received from the higher-level device 101, that is, the CPU is one-sided (in the case of single-sided printing) or one-sided and the other side from the higher-level device 101. The print data on the side (in the case of double-sided printing) (Bk print data, Y, M, C color component print data), the designation of the recording unit to be recorded, and the magnetic or electrical recording data thereof are received and stored in the memory 77. It is assumed that it is stored. Moreover, since the operation of the printing unit B (image forming unit B1 and transfer unit B2) has already been described, it will be briefly described in order to avoid duplication.

2-1. Printing operation on one side of the card As shown in FIG. 7, in the card issuing routine, in step 202 (hereinafter, abbreviated as “S”) 202, the image forming unit B1 is placed on one side (for example, the front side) of the transfer film 46. Performs a primary transfer process (image formation process) to form a side image (mirror image). That is, by controlling the thermal head 40 of the image forming unit B1 based on the color component print data of Y, M, and C and the print data of Bk stored in the memory 77, the ink ribbon is formed in the image forming region of the transfer film 46. Images of 41 Y, M, C and Bk inks are superimposed and formed.

In parallel with the primary transfer process in S202, the CPU executes the card supply process in S204. In this card supply process, (1) a supply process for feeding the card Ca from the medium supply unit C and mainly transporting the card Ca to the information recording unit A, and (2) one or more of the information recording units A magnetically attach the card Ca to the card Ca. Alternatively, the recording process for recording the electrically recorded data, (3) the card Ca after the recording process or the card Ca that has not been recorded is transported toward the horizontal medium transport path P1 (convey roller pairs 29, 30). A second card transfer process for the purpose is included.

(1) Supply processing (1-1) Rotation in the card receiving position FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a supply processing subroutine showing details of (1) supply processing. In the supply processing subroutine, first, in S302, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN24 is in the ON state (card detection state). As shown in FIG. 4, the cards Ca are aligned and housed in the medium supply unit C in a standing position. For example, an operator who is not accustomed to the operation mistakenly prints the card Ca in the front row of the medium supply unit C from above. It may be pushed into the main body of the device 1. Including such a case, when the sensor SN24 is in the ON state, it indicates that some object exists in the sensor SN24.

When the affirmative judgment is made in S302, the process proceeds to S348, and when the negative judgment is made in S302, the rotary motor is driven via the actuator control unit 74 in the next S304 with reference to the output of the second phase sensor described above. , The roller pairs 20 and 21 constituting the rotation unit F are controlled so as to be positioned in the initial position direction. In the present embodiment, the initial position direction is set to the direction in which the roller pairs 20 and 21 are positioned horizontally (the state shown in FIG. 2).

Subsequently, in S306, the rotation motor is driven to control the roller pairs 20 and 21 constituting the rotation unit F so as to be positioned in the card receiving position direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the card receiving position direction is set in the direction rotated by 10 ° from the rotation center O with reference to the vertical line (solid line) in FIG. Therefore, in S306, the roller pairs 20 and 21 located in the initial position direction of 90 ° with respect to the vertical line of FIG. 4 in S304 are rotated by 80 ° in the counterclockwise direction (CCW).

(1-2) Card feeding In the next S308, the pickup motor and the first card transfer motor are driven via the actuator control unit 74. As a result, the card Ca in the front row of the medium supply unit C is fed out from the medium supply unit C by the rotation of the pickup roller 19, and is conveyed toward the rotation unit F via the cleaning roller 22. The pickup motor stops driving after the sensor SN24 detects the rear end of the card Ca, but the first card transport motor continues to drive even after the pickup motor is stopped because the card Ca is transported to the rotation unit F. (Cleaning rollers 22, roller pairs 20, 21 continue to rotate).

In the next S310, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN2 arranged on the inclined medium transport path P0 has detected the rear end of the card Ca being transported. In the case of a negative determination, in S312, it is determined whether or not the on state continues for a predetermined time or longer (whether or not the card Ca has been transported by a predetermined length or longer) after the sensor SN2 detects the tip of the card Ca. .. In such a determination, for example, the number of drive pulses output from the actuator control unit 74 to the first card transfer motor is counted from the time when the sensor SN2 detects the tip of the card Ca, and the counted number of drive pulses is a predetermined pulse. This can be done by determining whether or not the number has been reached.

In the present embodiment, the CPU conveys the card Ca {85.6 mm (standard length of the card Ca) + 28.0 mm (double feed threshold)} = 113.6 mm from the time when the sensor SN2 detects the tip of the card Ca. When the number of drive pulses to be performed is counted, it is considered that the card Ca has been double-fed, and an affirmative judgment is made in S312. In this case, the process proceeds to S348. If a negative determination is made in S312, the process returns to S310 in order to continue the transportation of the card Ca.

(1-3) Rotation possibility judgment On the other hand, when a positive judgment is made in S310, the card Ca is conveyed by a predetermined distance Dp1 from the time when the sensor SN2 detects the rear end of the card Ca in S314, and the first card transfer motor Stop driving. In the present embodiment, this predetermined distance Dp1 is set to 8.7 mm. As a result (when the card Ca is normally conveyed), the center of the card Ca is located at the rotation center O of the rotation unit F, and both ends are sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 and stopped. (The state shown in FIG. 5). The predetermined distance Dp1 does not necessarily have to be 8.7 mm, and the rear end of the card Ca may exceed 0.7 mm, which is the distance from the sensor frame of the sensor SN2. The reason why the predetermined distance Dp1 is set to 8.7 mm in this embodiment will be described later (S320).

Next, in S316, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN26 arranged on the inclined medium transport path P0 detects the tip of the card Ca. As shown in FIG. 13 (B), when two cards are double-fed, the length between the front end and the rear end of the double-feed card is larger than that of one card Ca having a standard length, and the tip thereof. Reaches the sensor SN26 earlier than when one card Ca is normally transported. If the rotation unit F is to be rotated in the state shown in FIG. 13B, the tip of the double feed card interferes with the sensor frame of the sensor SN26. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13A, even when the card is double-fed, if the sensor SN26 does not detect the tip of the card Ca, even if the rotation unit F is rotated, the double-feeding is performed. The tip of the card does not interfere with the sensor frame of the sensor SN26. That is, whether or not the tip of the (double feed) card interferes with the sensor frame of the sensor SN26 when the rotation unit F is rotated, depending on the determination result of whether or not the sensor SN26 detects the tip of the card Ca. Can be judged.

(1-4) Double feed judgment When a positive judgment (card tip detection) is made in S316, the process proceeds to S348, and when a negative judgment (card tip non-detection) is made, a card transport length calculation process is executed in S320. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a card transport length calculation processing subroutine showing details of the card transport length calculation process in S320.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this card transport length calculation processing subroutine, first, it is determined whether or not the recording process by the information recording unit A is specified in S402. When a negative judgment is made, the first card transfer motor is reversely driven in S404, the card Ca is reversely fed to the rotation unit F side by a predetermined distance Dp2 (0.7 mm in this example), and the drive of the first card transfer motor is stopped. (See FIG. 11 (A)). The reason for back-feeding the card Ca by a predetermined distance Dp2 in this embodiment is that the sensor SN26 uses a transmission integrated sensor, so that the card tip does not reach the sensing position of the sensor SN26, but the sensor frame of the sensor SN26. This is because if the rotation unit F is rotated while the card Ca is sandwiched when the card Ca has reached the inside, interference between the tip of the card and the sensor frame of the sensor SN26 may occur. When, for example, a reflection integrated sensor is used for the sensor SN26, the problem of interference with the sensor frame can be solved, so that the processing in S404 becomes unnecessary.

In the next S406, the card Ca faces the sensor SN3 arranged on the horizontal medium transport path P1 with the card Ca sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 (the card Ca faces the horizontal medium transport path P1). The rotating unit F is rotated (80 ° in the clockwise direction) (see FIG. 11 (B)) so that the transport direction is changed. The reason why the predetermined distance Dp1 is set to 8.7 mm in S314 of FIG. 8 is that the rotation unit F is rotated with the card Ca sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 as described above. It is desirable that both ends of the card Ca are sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 because it is necessary to prevent rotation, and the card Ca is moved to the rollers 20 and 21 sides after the rotation unit F is rotated, respectively. This is because the processing time required for transporting the card with the end of the card as the tip is almost the same.

Next, in S408, the first card transfer motor is driven to start (restart) the transfer of the card Ca to the sensor SN3 side, and the number of drive pulses output from the actuator control unit 74 to the first card transfer motor is counted. Start.

In the next S410, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN3 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed. In the case of a negative judgment, the actuator control unit 74 continues counting the number of drive pulses output from the actuator control unit 74 to the first card transfer motor in S412 and returns to S410. The drive of the card is stopped, the count of the number of drive pulses is also completed, the card transfer length Ld is calculated, and the card transfer length calculation processing subroutine is terminated. FIG. 11C shows a state in which the sensor SN3 detects the tip of the double feed card.

FIG. 15 shows the relationship between the output of the sensor SN3 that detects the tip of the card Ca on the horizontal medium transfer path P1 and the drive pulse output from the actuator control unit 74 to the first card transfer motor. The number of pulses at the time when the count of the number of drive pulses is completed in S414 is Np. The first card transfer motor is a stepping motor (pulse motor), and the card transfer length (transport distance) of the card Ca transported in one pulse is set in advance. Therefore, by grasping the number of pulses Np, the card transport length Ld of the card Ca can be grasped.

Since the card Ca was back-fed at a predetermined distance Dp2 (0.7 mm) in S404, if one card Ca of the standard length was normally transported (not double-fed), the card Ca was transferred in S408. From the time when the sensor SN3 detects the tip of the card in S410, the card Ca has {distance Db (8 mm) + predetermined distance Dp2 (0.7 mm) + distance from the sensor frame of the sensor SN3 to the sensing position ( 0.7 mm)} = 9.4 mm is conveyed (see also FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 11C, in the case of two double feed cards, the length between the front end and the rear end of the double feed card is larger than that of one card Ca having a standard length. Therefore, since the tip of the card Ca reaches the sensor SN3 earlier than when one card Ca is normally conveyed, the double feed is performed after the transfer of the card Ca is started in S408 until the tip is detected by the sensor SN3 in S410. The card carrying length Ld of the card becomes smaller. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, with respect to the number of pulses Np, the reference pulse number in the case of one card Ca having a standard length (the drive pulse of the first card transfer motor when the card Ca is conveyed by 9.4 mm). If the number) is set in advance, the card transport length Ld of the double feed card can be grasped by how many pulses are smaller than the reference pulse number.

On the other hand, when the affirmative judgment is made in S402 (when the recording process by the information recording unit A is specified), it is determined in S416 whether or not the designated information recording unit A is the contact type IC recording unit 27. When a negative determination is made in S416, it is determined in S418 whether or not the designated information recording unit A is the magnetic recording unit 24. When a negative judgment is made in S418 (when the recording process in the non-contact IC recording unit 23 is specified), the same process as in S404 to 414 described above is performed in S420 to S430 in principle, and the card transfer length calculation process is performed. End the subroutine.

The differences between the processing in S420 to S430 and the processing in S404 to 414 are the following three points. (A) In S406, the rotation unit F is rotated so that the card Ca faces the sensor SN3, whereas in S422, the rotation unit F is rotated (counterclockwise) so that the card Ca faces the sensor SN23. Rotate in the direction 65 °). (B) In S410, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN3 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed, whereas in S426 it is determined whether or not the sensor SN23 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed. (C) When one card Ca of a standard length is normally conveyed, the card Ca is 9 between the time when the transfer of the card Ca is started in S408 and the time when the sensor SN3 detects the tip of the card in S410. While the card Ca is conveyed by .4 mm, the card Ca is {the first locus Lc1 and the sensing position of the sensor SN23 between the time when the transfer of the card Ca is started in S424 and the time when the sensor SN23 detects the card tip in S426. Distance (9.7 mm) + predetermined distance Dp2 (0.7 mm)} = 10.4 mm.

When an affirmative judgment is made in S418 (when the recording process in the magnetic recording unit 24 is specified), the same processing as in S404 to 414 is performed in S432 to S442 in principle, and the card transfer length calculation processing subroutine is terminated. The differences between the processing in S432 to S442 and the processing in S404 to 414 are the following three points. (A) In S406, the rotation unit F is rotated so that the card Ca faces the sensor SN3, whereas in S434, the rotation unit F is rotated (counterclockwise) so that the card Ca faces the sensor SN4. Rotate 17 ° in the direction. (B) In S410, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN3 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed, whereas in S438, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN4 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed. (C) When one card Ca of the standard length is normally transported, the card Ca is transported by 9.4 mm between S408 and S410 to the affirmative judgment, whereas the card Ca is transported in S436. Between the time when the transfer is started and the time when the sensor SN4 detects the tip of the card in S438, the card Ca is {distance between the first locus Lc1 and the sensing position of the sensor SN4 (20.7 mm) + a predetermined distance Dp2 (0. 7 mm)} = 21.4 mm is transported.

When an affirmative judgment is made in S416 (when the recording process in the contact type IC recording unit 27 is specified), in principle, the same processing as in S404 to 414 is performed in S444 to S450, and the card transfer length calculation processing subroutine is terminated. do. The differences between the processing in S444 to S450 and the processing in S404 to 414 are the following three points. (A) Since the contact type IC recording unit 27 is arranged on the extension line of the inclined medium transport path P0, it is not necessary to rotate the rotation unit F, so that there is no processing corresponding to S404 and S406. (B) In S410, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN3 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed, whereas in S446, it is determined whether or not the sensor SN26 has detected the tip of the card Ca being conveyed. (C) When one card Ca of the standard length is normally transported, the card Ca is transported by 9.4 mm between S408 and S410 to the affirmative judgment, whereas the card Ca is transported in S444. The card Ca is transported by 8.7 mm (distance between the first locus Lc1 and the sensing position of the sensor SN26) between the time when the transfer is started and the time when the sensor SN26 detects the tip of the card in S446.

Returning to FIG. 8, in S330, it is determined whether or not the card transfer length Ld is smaller than the preset length L1. The length L1 is 9.4 mm when the tip of the card is detected by the sensor SN3 (S410) according to the transport length when one card Ca of the standard length described above is normally transported, and the card by the sensor SN23. When the tip is detected (S426), it is set to 10.4 mm, when the sensor SN4 detects the card tip (S438), it is set to 21.4 mm, and when the sensor SN26 detects the card tip (S446), it is set to 8.7 mm. ing. That is, if the card transport length Ld is larger than the length L1, it can be determined that the standard length card Ca is normally transported by one card without being double-fed. At this time, an error range (allowance) may be provided for the length L1 in consideration of the mounting error of each sensor, the expansion and contraction of the card Ca due to the atmospheric temperature, and the like.

In S330, the reason why the judgment is made only on the lower limit side (for example, 9.4 mm when the card tip is detected by the sensor SN3) is that the rollers 20 and 21 may slip with respect to the card Ca. , The upper limit side (for example, 11.4 mm as the maximum value within the error range of the length L1 when the tip of the card is detected by the sensor SN3) may also be determined. At that time, it is not always necessary to end the supply processing subroutine as an error, and for example, the operation panel unit 5 may be displayed to prompt the cleaning of the transport rollers pairs 20 and 21.

It should be noted that the CPU does not necessarily have to calculate the card transfer length Ld in S414, S430, S442 and S450 of FIG. 9 (in these steps, the concept of the card transfer length Ld was introduced in order to promote understanding. The same applies to the judgment in S330.) If the ROM has the above-mentioned data of the reference pulse number and the transport distance in one pulse, the judgment in S330 is performed directly from the pulse number Np shown in FIG. be able to.

When a negative determination is made in S330, the first card transfer process for mainly transporting the card Ca to the information recording unit A is executed in S332. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the first card transfer processing subroutine showing the details of the first card transfer process in S332.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the first card transfer processing subroutine, when the recording process by the information recording unit A is not specified (when a negative judgment is made in S502), the first card transfer processing subroutine and the supply processing subroutine are terminated. Then, the process proceeds to the second card transfer process.

When the recording process in the non-contact IC recording unit 23 is specified (when a negative judgment is made in S504 and a negative judgment is made in S506), the first card transfer motor is reversely driven in S508 to drive the card Ca in a non-contact IC. It is conveyed to the recording unit 23 (see also FIG. 16B), the first card transfer processing subroutine and the supply processing subroutine are terminated, and the process proceeds to the recording process. When the recording process in the magnetic recording unit 24 is specified (when a negative judgment is made in S504 and a positive judgment is made in S506), the first card transfer motor is driven (forward rotation) in S510 to drive the card Ca in the magnetic recording unit 24. The first card transfer processing subroutine and the supply processing subroutine are terminated, and the process proceeds to the recording process. When the recording process in the contact type IC recording unit 27 is specified (when a positive judgment is made in S504), the first card transfer motor is driven (forward rotation) in S512 to transfer the card Ca to the contact type IC recording unit 27. After transporting, the first card transport processing subroutine and the supply processing subroutine are terminated, and the process proceeds to the recording process.

(1-5) Error discharge during double feed On the other hand, if a positive judgment is made in S330, it is considered that the card has been double feed (or a nonstandard card has been mixed), but at that time, the operator jams. A process is performed to reduce the complexity of the release as much as possible (improve the operability (jam release property) at the time of jam release) (the same applies to the affirmative judgment in S302, S312, and S316). In the present embodiment, the main error ejection direction of the double feed card is set to the direction of the reject stacker 54 (the direction of the line connecting the rotation center O and the sensing position of the sensor SN23).

When a positive judgment is made in S330, the center of the double feed card is positioned at the rotation center O in S340 (FIG. 12 (A) shows continuity from FIG. 11 (C), and the card in S406 of FIG. 9). This is an example of rotating the sensor SN3 in the direction of the sensor SN3. Hereinafter, the same applies to FIGS. 12 (B) and 12 (C)). Since it is already known, the double feed card is rotated in the direction of the reject stacker 54 (see FIG. 12B), and the rollers 20 and 21 are rotated in S344 to eject the double feed card to the reject stacker 54. Then (see FIG. 12C), the process proceeds to S346. The CPU confirms that the double feed card has been ejected to the reject stacker 54 by detecting the rear end of the sensor SN23.

(1-6) Discharge of Double Feed Card in Non-Rotable In the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, when the double feed card is sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21, the rotation unit F is rotated and arranged around the printing device 1. In case of non-rotation that interferes with the sensor, the mode in which the double feed card is sent back to the medium supply unit C side (upstream side) without rotating the rotation frame F is set by the operator in the operation panel unit 5 (or higher level). It can be selected via the device 101).

When affirmative judgment is made in each of S302, S312, and S316, it is determined in S348 whether or not the feedback mode for sending the double feed card back to the medium supply unit C side without rotating the rotation frame F is selected. If the judgment is negative, the process proceeds to S358. On the other hand, when a positive judgment is made in S348, in the next S350, the medium supply unit C (card cassette) moves from the cassette mounting area 68 with reference to the output of the sensor lever 69 (see FIG. 3) via the signal processing unit 73. Determine if it has been removed, that is, if the card is in an undetected state.

When a negative judgment is made in S350, in S352, a display requesting the operation panel unit 5 (monitor 102 connected to the host device 101 via the communication unit 71) to remove the card cassette is displayed via the operation display control unit 76. Go back to S350 (in the negative judgment in S350 and the loop in S352, the buzzer operation circuit 78 is operated for a predetermined time to alert the operator with a warning sound by the buzzer 6), and in the case of a positive judgment in S350, S354 The first card transfer motor is reversely driven to feed the double feed card back to the medium supply unit C side, and the process proceeds to S356. Note that FIG. 14 shows a state in which the double feed card is sent back to the medium supply unit C side in S354.

(1-7) Jam release property In any of S346, S356, and S358, the CPU displays an error on the operation panel unit 5 (monitor 102), and the operator takes measures according to the display, etc., but it is complicated at that time. The degree of error is different as follows.

(A) In S358, the buzzer 6 is operated for a predetermined time, an error is displayed on the operation panel 5 (a double feed error has occurred and a request for canceling the jam is displayed), and a supply processing subroutine (and a card issuing routine) is displayed (and a card issuance routine). Abnormal) Exit.

The operator removes the medium supply unit C from the cassette mounting area 68, opens the front door 12 and the opening / closing member 66, and then manually turns the jam release dial to release the jam by the double feed card (conventional jam release). conduct.). When the front door 12 is opened, in principle, the supply of commercial AC power to the power supply unit 80 is stopped in order to ensure the safety of the operator. When the jam is released, the operator closes the front door 12, closes the opening / closing member 66, attaches the medium supply unit C again, returns the printing device 1 to the original state, and then re-energizes the printing device 1. Then, after the above-mentioned initial setting process, the print data and the magnetic or electrical recording data are transmitted from the host device 101 to the print device 1 (memory 77) again. Therefore, after the jam corresponding to S358 is released, the initial setting process is restarted.

(B) In S356, the buzzer 6 is operated so as to make a (guidance) sound different from the warning sound in S352, and a double feed error occurs in the operation panel 5 (monitor 102) and the double feed card is sent back. Indicates that has been completed and terminates the supply processing subroutine (and card issuing routine) (abnormally). After removing the medium supply unit C from the cassette mounting area 68, the operator releases the jam by removing the double feed card sent back in S354 from the upper side of the printing device 1, closes the opening / closing member 66 again, and closes the medium. The supply unit C is attached.

(C) In S346, the operation panel unit 5 (monitor 102) indicates that a double feed error has occurred and the double feed card has been ejected to the reject stacker 54 (the buzzer 6 is not activated), and the supply processing subroutine is displayed. (And card issuing routine) is (abnormally) terminated. That is, since the double feed card has already been ejected to the reject stacker 54, the operator does not need to release the jam.

Therefore, when the jam release properties required in S346, S356, and S358 are compared, the jam release properties are reduced in the order of S346, S356, and S358, and the complexity of jam release by the operator can be reduced.

Since the card supply process (S204) is executed in parallel with the primary transfer process (S202) in the card issuing routine (see FIG. 7), the CPU decides to grasp the double feed error during the primary transfer process. Become. When the CPU grasps the double feed error, the CPU immediately stops the image formation in the image forming region in the image forming unit B1 and ends the card issuing routine. Then, when the card issuing routine is executed again (from the beginning), the image forming area is treated as used. Exceptionally, when the affirmative judgment is made in S302, the transfer film 46 is being conveyed (during cueing) before the platen roller 45 is pressed against the thermal head 40, that is, before the image is formed in the image forming region. , When the card issuing routine is executed again, the image forming area is treated as unused.

(2) Recording process The CPU executes (2) recording processing when (1) supply processing is completed normally. In this recording process, the desired information recording unit A outputs the magnetic or electrical recording data to be recorded, and the card Ca records the data. After this recording, the first card transfer motor is driven so that the center of the card Ca is positioned at the rotation center O (the distances from the center of the card Ca to the card holding positions of the rollers 20 and 21 are equal. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a desired information recording unit A. When a positive judgment is made, the rotation unit F is rotated in the direction of the information recording unit, and the same processing as that of the information recording unit A desired first is performed. When a negative judgment is made, the recording process is terminated.

The information recording unit A reads the data recorded on the card Ca and compares it with the data to be recorded, that is, verifies it. However, in the present embodiment, if the data cannot be verified three times in a row, something is done on the card Ca. It is considered that there is a recording obstruction factor, and the card is ejected to the reject stacker 54 with an error. At that time, since the card supply process (S204) is executed in parallel with the primary transfer process (S202), the CPU forms an image in the image forming region in the image forming unit B1 as in the case of the double feed error. Immediately stop and end the card issuing routine. Then, when the card issuing routine is executed again, the image forming area is treated as used.

(3) Second card transfer processing When (2) the recording processing is completed, or when the recording processing by the information recording unit A is not specified (when a negative judgment is made in S502 of FIG. 10), (3) The second card transfer process is executed. In the second card transfer process, (a) when the information recording unit A performs the recording process, the card Ca is received from the information recording unit A that has performed the recording process last, and the first card transfer motor is driven. After transporting the card Ca so that the center of the card Ca is positioned at the rotation center O, the rotation motor is driven to rotate the rotation unit F so that the card Ca is positioned in the horizontal medium transport path P1 direction. And the second card transfer motor is driven to transfer the card Ca toward the transfer rollers 29 and 30. On the other hand, (b) when the recording process by the information recording unit A is not specified, the tip of the card Ca is at the sensing position of the sensor SN3 (the medium transfer path 65 is on the extension line of the horizontal medium transfer path P1). Therefore, the first and second card transfer motors are driven to transfer the card Ca toward the transfer rollers 29 and 30.

When the sensor SN3 detects the rear end of the card Ca, the CPU stops driving the first card transfer motor, and after the sensor SN3 detects the rear end of the card Ca, the CPU still drives the second card transfer motor by a predetermined number of pulses. The drive of the second card transfer motor is stopped. As a result, both ends of the card Ca are sandwiched between the transport rollers 29 and 30. The CPU keeps the card Ca until the sensor Se3 detects the mark formed on the transfer film 46 so that the card Ca and the image formed in the image forming region of the transfer film 46 arrive at the transfer unit B2 in synchronization with each other. When the transfer rollers 29 and 30 stand by in a sandwiched state and the sensor Se3 detects the mark, the second card transfer motor is driven again to transfer the card Ca toward the transfer unit B2.

Returning to FIG. 7, in S206, the transfer unit B2 performs a secondary transfer process of transferring the image formed on the transfer surface of the transfer film 46 to one surface of the card Ca. Prior to this secondary transfer process, the CPU controls the temperature of the heaters constituting the heat roller 33 so that the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

The transfer film 46 after the secondary transfer treatment is separated (peeled) from the card Ca by a peeling pin 79 arranged between the heat roller 33 and the transfer roller pair 37, and is conveyed to the supply roll 47 side. On the other hand, the card Ca on which the image is transferred is transported on the horizontal medium transport path P2 toward the decal mechanism G on the downstream side. The CPU still drives the second card transfer motor and stops driving the second card transfer motor after the rear end of the card Ca has passed the release pin 79 (see FIG. 2). As a result, both ends of the card Ca are sandwiched between the transport rollers 37 and 38.

In the next S208, the decal process for correcting the warp generated in the card Ca is executed by rotating the eccentric cam 36 and pushing down the decal unit 34 toward the decal unit 35 and sandwiching the card Ca between the decal units 34 and 35. Proceed to S210.

2-2. Printing operation on the other side of the card Next, in S210, it is determined whether or not double-sided printing is performed, and if a negative judgment is made, the process proceeds to S220. In the image forming region next to the above, a primary transfer process for forming an image (mirror image) on the other side (for example, the back surface) side is performed in the same manner as in S202, and the process proceeds to S216.

In parallel with the primary transfer process in S212, the CPU rotates the card Ca sandwiched between the transfer rollers 37 and 38 and positioned in the decal mechanism G in S214 via the horizontal medium transfer paths P2 and P1. The card Ca is conveyed to the unit F, and the card Ca sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 at both ends is rotated by 180 ° (the front and back surfaces are reversed), and then the card Ca is conveyed toward the transfer rollers 29 and 30. In the next S216, similarly to S206, the transfer unit B2 performs a secondary transfer process of transferring the image formed in the next image forming region of the transfer film 46 to the other surface of the card Ca.

Next, in S218, a decal process for correcting the warp generated in the card Ca is executed in the same manner as in S208. Then, in the next S220, the card Ca is discharged toward the accommodating stacker 60, and the card issuing routine is completed.

3. 3. Effects and the like Next, the effects and the like of the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

3-1. Effect In the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU controls the first card transfer motor so as to carry the card Ca into the rotating unit F (S314), and determines whether or not the sensor SN26 detects the card Ca. By doing so, it is determined whether or not the rotating unit F sandwiching the carried-in card Ca between the rollers 20 and 21 can rotate (S316). Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the card Ca can be rotated without transporting the card Ca to the sensor SN26, so that the processing time associated with the card transport can be shortened. In addition, in recent years, the amount of heat generated per unit time for each heat generating element constituting the thermal head 40 and the accompanying improvement of the transfer film 46 have shortened the time of the primary transfer processing of S202 in FIG. Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the primary transfer process and the card supply process are performed in parallel, the processing time of the entire apparatus can be shortened by shortening the processing time of the card supply process.

Further, in the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, it is first determined whether or not the rotating unit F holding the card Ca can be rotated based on the card detection result of the sensor SN26, and the printing device 1 rotates in the direction of the designated information recording unit A. The unit F is rotated, and then the double feed determination and the transfer of the card Ca to the information recording unit A are performed (the rotation enablement determination (S316) and the double feed determination (S330) are performed separately). That is, if the rotating unit F holding the card Ca can rotate according to the card detection result by the sensor SN26, it will rotate for the time being, and double feeding will be detected at the time of transportation for the next processing. Therefore, the processing efficiency can be improved (the processing time can be shortened because the information recording unit A can continue recording without rotating the rotation unit F after the double feed determination). Then, since it has already been found that the rotation unit F can be rotated even if the double feed is detected by the double feed determination, the card Ca is sent back to the rotation unit F side and an error is discharged toward the reject stacker 54. can do.

Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the card Ca is carried into the rotating unit F (S314), and the card Ca is carried toward the sensors SN3, SN23, SN4, and SN26 from the time when the carrying is started. The card transport length Ld up to the time when the card Ca is detected by the sensor is detected. Therefore, after the card Ca is carried into the rotating unit F and the transport direction is changed, the card transport length Ld is detected by the sensor SN3 or the like, so that when the card Ca is delivered from the cleaning roller 22 to the roller pair 20. Even if a transport error occurs, the detection error of the card transport length Ld can be eliminated. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately detect the card transport length Ld (correctly perform the double feed determination).

Further, in the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, since the sensor SN 26 is arranged at a position shorter than the sensor SN 3 and the like, the sensor SN 26 is a sensor when the card Ca is carried into the rotating unit F. When the tip thereof is not detected by the SN 26, it can be determined that the card Ca sandwiched between the rollers 20 and 21 of the rotating unit F is rotatable. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, regardless of the transfer error when the card Ca is transferred from the cleaning roller 22 to the roller pair 20, and before the card transfer length Ld is detected, the sensor SN26 Whether or not the rotating unit F can rotate can be accurately determined only from the detection result.

Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the card transport length Ld is smaller than the length L1 (affirmative determination in S330), the rotation unit F is rotated so that the card Ca is positioned at a position where it can be taken out. Since the rollers 20 and 21 are driven, the operability (jam release property) when a jam occurs can be improved.

Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the center of the (double feed) card sandwiched between the roller pairs 20 and 21 rotates around the rotation center O of the rotation unit F, the rotatable range Can be expanded.

Further, in the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, the double feed card is conveyed in the direction of the reject stacker 54 when the rotating unit F holding the card is rotatable, and to the medium supply unit C side when the rotating unit F is not rotatable. do. Therefore, it is possible to improve the jam release property of the operator as compared with the conventional jam release using the jam release dial.

3-2. Modified Example In the present embodiment, the sensor SN2 is exemplified as the third sensor, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the card Ca is carried into the rotating unit F, the sensor SN24 may detect the transport end of the card Ca and then transport the card Ca by a predetermined distance. At that time, if the rear end of the card Ca is detected and then transported by a predetermined distance, the transfer error that occurs when the card Ca is delivered from the cleaning roller 22 to the roller to 20 can be eliminated, and the sensor SN2 rears the card Ca. As in the case of detecting the end, the accuracy of determining whether or not rotation is possible can be improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the position of the sensor SN26 is arranged at a position where the distance from the rotation unit F is shorter than that of the sensor SN3 or the like is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the position of the sensor SN26 is set. The distance from the rotating unit F may be arranged at a position equal to the sensor SN3 or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the sensor SN23 performs double feeding of the card Ca before transporting the card Ca to the non-contact type IC recording unit 23 (S420 to S430 and S330). It is not restricted. For example, it corresponds to the non-contact type IC recording unit 23 so that the sensor SN26 corresponds to the contact type IC recording unit 27 and the sensor SN4 corresponds to the magnetic recording unit 24 and is arranged around the rotation unit F. The sensor may be arranged. If such a configuration is adopted, it is not necessary to reverse feed the card Ca from the sensor SN23 side beyond the rotation center O (reverse drive of the first card transfer motor) (forward drive of the first card transfer motor). The transport time can be shortened.

Further, in the present embodiment, the direction of the reject stacker 54 and the direction of the medium supply unit C side are exemplified as the directions in which the card Ca can be taken out, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Further, it is not always necessary to discharge the product to the reject stacker 54 from a position where it can be taken out.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the double feed card is held by the roller pairs 20 or 21 located near the sensor SN23 without ejecting the double feed card to the reject stacker 54. You may. If it is stopped in this state, the operator only has to pull out the double feed card from the rollers 20 or 21, which improves the jam release property and also causes an error card (recording obstruction factor in the information recording unit A) in the reject stacker 54. It is possible to prevent a mixture of (cards deemed to be present) and (reusable) double-feed cards.

From the viewpoint of preventing mixing, another stacker that receives the double feed card is mounted on the hound jig 2 above the reject stacker 54, and the double feed card is horizontally mounted from the roller vs. 20 side shown in FIG. 2 to the other stacker. It may be discharged to. In this case, a sensor may be provided to detect the rear end of the double feed card and confirm that it has been discharged to another stacker, and in order to prevent dust and the like from entering the housing 2, the housing 2 may be provided. A plate-shaped member or the like that closes the discharge port formed in the above may be driven by, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid or a minimotor so that the discharge port can be opened and closed.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the three recording units constituting the information recording unit A are optional, when the non-contact type IC recording unit 23 cannot be attached, as shown in FIG. 16B. , The double feed card may be sandwiched between rollers 20 or 21 in a cantilevered state. In this case, the jam can be easily released from above by opening the upper surface cover 67 of the opening / closing member 66. In the configuration in which the non-contact IC recording unit 23 is built in the opening / closing member 66, even if the non-contact IC recording unit 23 is attached, the jam can be easily released from above by opening the top cover 67. can.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, even if the double feed card is held between the transfer rollers 29 and 30 and stopped, the operator can easily access the double feed card, so that the inside of the rotating unit F Jam release is better than keeping it at. Further, it may be conveyed to the medium accommodating portion D.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotation unit F is illustrated as a direction changing means for changing the transport direction of the card Ca, but the present invention is a direction changing means having a rotation angle of less than 180 ° as in Patent Document 3. Needless to say, it is also applicable.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which each recording unit constituting the information recording unit A is an option is shown, but for example, the sensor SN4 arranged around the rotation unit F may also be an option. .. That is, at the factory shipment stage, each recording unit and the sensor SN4 are not attached to the printing device 1, and may be attached at a store or the like according to the user's wishes.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an indirect printing type printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a direct printing type printing apparatus. Further, in the present embodiment, the example in which the platen roller 45 is pressed against the thermal head 40 in the image forming portion B1 is shown, but the thermal head 40 may be pressed against the platen roller 45. At that time, the platen does not have to be the illustrated roller, but it is preferable that the platen does not affect the transfer of the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41. Further, in the present embodiment, although the example in which the heat roller 33 is pressed against the platen roller 31 in the transfer unit B2 is shown, the platen roller 31 may be pressed against the heat roller 33.

Further, in the present embodiment, the image forming unit B1 forms an image on one side of the card Ca in the image forming region of the transfer film 46 (S202), and the transfer unit B2 transfers the image to one side of the card Ca (S206). Later, in the image forming unit B1, in parallel with the image forming (S212) on the other side of the transfer film 46 to the next image forming region, the card Ca is conveyed to the rotating unit F side and the card Ca is rotated by 180 °. (S214), an example is shown in which the image on the other side is transferred to the other surface of the card Ca in the transfer unit B2 (S216). After forming the image of, the image on the other side is formed in the next image forming region of the transfer film 46, the image is transferred to one side of the card Ca in the transfer unit B2, and then the card Ca is moved to the rotation unit F side. The card Ca may be rotated by 180 ° to transfer the image on the other side to the other side of the card Ca.

Then, in the present embodiment, an example of receiving print data or magnetically or electrically recorded data from the host device 101 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the printing device 1 constitutes a member of the local network, input may be performed from a computer connected to the local network other than the host device 101. Further, the magnetically or electrically recorded data may be input from the operation panel unit 5. Further, when the printing device 1 is configured to be connectable to an external storage device such as a USB or a memory card, print data or magnetic or electrical recording data can be acquired by reading the information stored in the external storage device. Can be done. Further, instead of the print data (Bk print data, Y, M, C color component print data), image data (Bk image data, R, G, B color component image data) is received from the host device 101. You may do so. In this case, the image data received on the printing device 1 side may be converted into print data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the double feed determination is performed only once, but the double feed determination may be performed each time the sensors SN26, SN3, SN4 and SN23 are passed. For example, although the card Ca is double-fed, if the ends are exactly overlapped at the same position, the double-feed cannot be determined. However, when recording processing is performed on such a double feed card (a card for which double feed could not be detected in the first double feed judgment), the double feed card may shift, so subsequent processing Therefore, the double feed determination may be made when the card Ca is transported (for example, when the card Ca is transported toward the sensor SN3 in the case of transfer processing).

As described above, since the present invention provides a medium transfer device capable of shortening the processing time and an image forming device provided with the medium transfer device, it contributes to the manufacture and sale of the medium transfer device and the image forming device. Therefore, it has industrial applicability.

1 Printing device (image forming device)
22 First transport means (cleaning roller)
29 Second transport means (convey roller)
70 Control unit (control means)
B Printing unit (image forming means)
F direction changing means (rotating unit)
P0 1st medium transport path (tilted medium transport path)
P1 Second medium transfer path (“horizontal medium transfer path” or “separate medium transfer path”)
SN2 sensor (third sensor)
SN3 sensor (second sensor)
SN4 sensor (second sensor)
SN23 sensor (second sensor)
SN26 sensor (first sensor)

Claims (5)

A first transport means for transporting the medium in the first transport direction of the first medium transport path, and
A second medium provided on the first medium transport path on the downstream side of the first transport direction in the first transport direction, receives the medium from the first transport means, and is different from the first medium transport path. A direction changing means for changing the transport direction of the medium toward the transport path and transporting the medium in the second transport direction of the second medium transport path.
A second transport means for transporting the medium delivered from the direction changing means on the second medium transport path in the second transport direction, and a second transport means.
A first sensor provided on the first medium transport path on the downstream side of the first transport direction with respect to the direction changing means and detecting a downstream end of the medium in the first transport direction.
A second sensor provided between the second transport means and the direction changing means on the second medium transport path and detecting the downstream end of the medium in the second transport direction, and
A third sensor provided between the first transport means and the direction changing means to detect the upstream end of the medium in the first transport direction, and
The first transport means and the control means for controlling the direction changing means are provided.
The control means transports the medium toward the direction changing means by a predetermined distance from the time when the third sensor detects the upstream end portion of the medium in the first transport direction, and at that time, the first transport means. Determines whether or not the sensor detects the medium, and if not, changes the transport direction of the medium to the second medium transport path and transports the medium toward the second sensor. A medium transport device comprising controlling the first transport means and the direction changing means as described above. The medium according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor is arranged at a position equidistant from the second sensor or a position shorter than the second sensor. Conveyor device. The control means transports the medium toward the direction changing means by a predetermined distance from the time when the third sensor detects the upstream end portion of the medium in the first transport direction, and at that time, the first transport means. When the sensor detects the medium, the direction changing means and the first conveying means are controlled so as to send back the medium toward the upstream side of the direction changing means on the first medium conveying path. The medium transfer device according to claim 1 or 2. The direction changing means is a rotating member to rotate to sandwich the medium, the medium conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it has a pair of rollers for conveying the medium .. An image forming means for forming an image on the medium and
A medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image forming apparatus equipped with.

Images