JPH08324005A - Color image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [PROBLEMS] To provide a recording apparatus that can easily obtain the interchangeability of the intermediate sheet and the ink sheet in the thermal transfer recording apparatus using the intermediate sheet. [Structure] Sheet holder 3, heating roller 5 of transfer means,
The first unit provided with the separating means and the intermediate sheet 18
A second supply roll 19 and a winding roll 20 are provided.
The first unit 1 and the second unit are composed of a unit, a third unit in which the pressure roller 42 of the recording unit and the transfer unit is arranged.
The unit 16 is rotatably supported by the same opening / closing shaft 31 provided in the third unit 29, and the first unit 1 is connected to the second unit.
With respect to the unit 16, the second unit 16 is configured to be positioned and held with respect to the third unit 29, respectively, so that the intermediate sheet 18 is exchanged by releasing and rotating the first unit 1, and The ink sheet 32 is replaced by releasing the holding of the second unit 16 and integrally rotating the first unit and the second unit.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording an ink material containing at least a coloring material on an image receptor such as recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In thermal transfer recording using a melt type thermal transfer ink sheet using a pigment as a color material or a sublimation type thermal transfer ink sheet using a heat diffusible dye as a color material, an ink sheet and an image receiver are usually overlaid. At the same time, an image is directly formed on the image receptor by the recording head. There is also known a method in which an image is once formed on another intermediate sheet by any method including thermal transfer recording, and finally the image on the intermediate sheet is transferred onto the image receptor to form the image on the image receptor. (For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 4
-327980).

A conventional thermal transfer recording apparatus will be described below. First, a thermal transfer recording apparatus using a conventional intermediate sheet will be described below.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a thermal transfer recording apparatus using a conventional intermediate sheet. Reference numeral 101 is an intermediate sheet, and 104 is an ink sheet. Intermediate sheet 1
01 is the recording layer 10 on the A substrate 102 which is a heat resistant substrate.
3 is provided and configured. In addition, the ink sheet 104 has the ink material layer 1 on the B substrate 105 which is also a heat resistant substrate.
It is configured by providing 06. A thermal head 108 as a recording unit, a heating roller 112 and an A roller 113 as a heating unit, and a peeling roller 114 and a B roller 115 as a peeling unit are provided. 111 is an image receptor.

The operation of the thermal transfer recording apparatus having the above structure will be described below. First, platen 10
In the state where the intermediate sheet 101 and the ink sheet 104 are pressed against each other between the thermal head 108 and the thermal head 108, the thermal head 108 selectively generates heat by a recording signal, and the ink material layer 106 is formed on the surface of the recording layer 103 of the intermediate sheet 101. At least a part of the color material is transferred, and the recorded image is transferred to the intermediate sheet 1.
01 on. Intermediate sheet 101 on which an image is recorded
Is sent in the direction of arrow 109 by the rotation of the platen 107, and the ink sheet 104 is wound up by the ink sheet winding roll 110. Next, the intermediate sheet 101 and the image receiver 111 are overlapped, and the heating roller 112 and the A roller 113 are stacked.
When the intermediate sheet 101 is heated by the heating roller 112 on the front side, the recording layer 103 is softened, and a part of the recording layer 103 penetrates the surface of the image receptor 111. Next, the peeling roller 114 and the B roller 11
5, the A substrate 102 is moved straight to bend the image receptor 111, and the heated recording layer 103 is transferred to the image receptor 111 side. Further, the image receiving member 111 on which the recording layer 103 is transferred is sandwiched and fixed by the pressure roller 116 and the C roller 117 to obtain a recorded image.

[0006]

In a thermal transfer recording apparatus using an intermediate sheet, an intermediate sheet having a dyeing layer to which a coloring material is fused in melt type thermal transfer recording, or a dye to which a dye is dyed in sublimation type thermal transfer recording. An intermediate sheet having a coating layer and an ink sheet are required. The intermediate sheet and the ink sheet are respectively stretched between a pair of roll portions, supplied from one roll portion, and moved by being wound on the other roll portion. Then, since the intermediate sheet and the ink sheet are consumed by forming an image, it is necessary to make the apparatus configuration in consideration of the interchangeability of both. In addition, since it is possible that the two are consumed at different times, it is desirable that both can be easily replaced separately.

To form a color image composed of a plurality of colors, each color is recorded on the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet.
It is necessary to successively record the second and third colors on the color image. If the misregistration of the color superposition is large, the color reproducibility is deteriorated and the characters are blurred. Therefore, an adhesive layer is provided on at least one of the surfaces of the platen and the intermediate sheet which are in contact with each other, and the intermediate sheet is caused to travel by the adhesive force of the adhesive layer to obtain a good color recorded image with less misregistration of color superposition. Possible ways are being considered. However, the adhesive force of the adhesive layer requires the work of separating the platen and the intermediate sheet when the intermediate sheet is replaced. Further, there is a problem that wrinkles occur when the platen and the intermediate sheet are brought into contact with each other after the intermediate sheet is replaced.

Further, after forming an image on the dyeing layer on the intermediate sheet, the dyeing layer on which the image is formed and the image receptor are superposed and transferred by heating and pressing, and the dyeing layer is transferred. The image receptor and the sheet base material of the intermediate sheet are separated, and an image is formed on the image receptor. The heating element for transfer is heated to about 165 ° C. There is a possibility that the intermediate sheet may be replaced immediately after the image is recorded, and it is necessary to have a device configuration that ensures safety without touching the high-temperature heating element with hands.

In view of the above points, the present invention has an object to provide a thermal transfer recording apparatus using an intermediate sheet, which can easily obtain the interchangeability of the intermediate sheet and the ink sheet.

Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the exchangeability of the intermediate sheet and to reduce the wrinkles of the intermediate sheet which are apt to occur when the sheet holder is mounted at the recording position after the exchange of the intermediate sheet, so that the color overlapping is prevented. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording apparatus that can obtain a good color image with little positional deviation.

Still another object of the present invention is to facilitate the exchangeability of the intermediate sheet and secure the safety such that the heating element heated to a high temperature is not touched by the hand when the intermediate sheet is exchanged. The purpose is to provide a device.

[0012]

In order to achieve this object, a color image recording apparatus of the present invention comprises an intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet-like substrate, and recording. A sheet holder that is attachable to and detachable from a position and holds the other surface of the intermediate sheet, and a recording that selectively records an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder. And a means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet in a state where the surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and the image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer unit; and a separating unit for separating the image receiving member from the intermediate sheet after the transfer, the sheet holding member, the heating member of the transferring unit, the first unit in which the separating unit is disposed, and the intermediate unit. A second unit over preparative supply roll and the take-up roll is disposed, said recording means, and a third unit that the pressure roller of the transfer means is disposed,
The first unit and the second unit are rotatably supported by the same opening / closing shaft provided in the third unit.
Unit is second unit, second unit is third
The unit is configured to be positioned and held respectively.

Further, an intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet-like substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in the pressed state, and a separation means for separating the image receptor from the intermediate sheet after the transfer. A predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of separating the sheet holder from the recording position,
The intermediate sheet is peeled off from the sheet holder.

Further, the intermediate sheet is stretched by applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of mounting the sheet holder at the recording position.

Further, a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of attaching / detaching the sheet holder to / from the recording position, the intermediate sheet is peeled from the sheet holder by the detaching operation, and the intermediate sheet is attached by the attaching operation. The intermediate sheet is stretched.

Further, an intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. Transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in a pressed state by a medium of heat and pressure, and the image receptor after the transfer from the intermediate sheet. Separation means for separating, and at least when the sheet holding body is separated from the recording position, the heating body cover which can be opened and closed covers the heating body of the transfer means.

Further, the heating body cover is opened / closed in association with the separating / contacting operation of the heating body of the transfer means and the pressure roller, and when the heating body and the pressure roller are separated from each other, the heating body cover is used. It covers the heating roller.

[0018]

The present invention has the above-mentioned structure,
A first unit provided with a heating member of the transfer unit and a separating unit, a second unit provided with a supply roll and a take-up roll of the intermediate sheet, a recording unit and a pressure roller of the transfer unit are provided. The first unit and the second unit are rotatably supported by the same opening / closing shaft provided in the third unit, the first unit is the second unit, and the second unit is the second unit. By arranging and holding the third unit respectively, the intermediate sheet can be replaced by releasing and rotating the holding state of the first unit, releasing the holding state of the second unit, and By integrally rotating the first unit and the second unit, it is possible to replace the ink sheet, and it is possible to provide a device that is easy to replace the intermediate sheet and the ink sheet and has excellent maintainability. Kill.

Further, by interlocking with the operation of separating the sheet holder from the recording position, a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet to separate the intermediate sheet from the sheet holder, so that the intermediate sheet is replaced when the intermediate sheet is replaced. The work of peeling from the holder can be automatically performed, and the intermediate sheet can be easily removed.

Further, by interlocking with the operation of mounting the sheet holder at the recording position, a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet to stretch the intermediate sheet, so that the sheet holder is set at the recording position after the intermediate sheet is replaced. Wrinkles of the intermediate sheet, which are likely to occur when the sheet holder is in contact with and held by the intermediate sheet during the mounting, can be reduced, waste of the intermediate sheet 18 can be reduced, and a good color image with less misregistration of color overlapping can be obtained. it can.

A predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of attaching / detaching the sheet holder to / from the recording position, the intermediate sheet is peeled from the sheet holder by the detaching operation, and the intermediate sheet is attached by the attaching operation. By stretching the sheet, it is possible to automatically remove the intermediate sheet from the sheet holder when the intermediate sheet is replaced, and the intermediate sheet can be easily removed. Further, after the replacement of the intermediate sheet, wrinkles of the intermediate sheet, which are likely to occur when the sheet holder is mounted at the recording position, are reduced, and a good color image with excellent replaceability of the intermediate sheet and less color misregistration can be obtained. A device can be provided.

Further, at least when the sheet holder is removed from the recording position, the heater of the transfer means is covered with the openable / closable heater cover so that the intermediate sheet is heated to a high temperature when it is replaced. It is possible to secure safety because the heated body is not touched by the hands.

Further, the heating body cover is opened / closed in association with the separating / contacting operation of the heating body of the transfer means and the pressure roller, and when the heating body and the pressure roller are separated from each other, the heating body cover is used to move the heating body. By covering the heating element, the heating element heated to a high temperature is covered by the heating element cover except at the time of transfer, so that when the intermediate sheet is replaced, the intermediate sheet can be easily replaced without touching the heated heating element. The safety of can be secured. Further, it is possible to prevent the heat of the heating element from being radiated into the apparatus except at the time of transfer, the temperature rise in the apparatus is suppressed, and a stable high-quality color image can be obtained.

[0024]

【Example】

(First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall arrangement of a color image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus in the first embodiment of the present invention with the intermediate sheet replaced. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the apparatus in the state where the ink sheet is replaced in the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 indicates a first unit,
As shown in FIG. 2, a first housing 2, a sheet holder 3 that is rotatably provided in the first housing 2, a stepping motor 4 that drives the rotation of the sheet holder 3, and a heating unit that heats a transfer unit. A supporting plate 6 for rotatably supporting the roller 5 and the heating roller 5, a pressing plate 8 for rotating the supporting plate 6 about a fulcrum shaft 7 as a fulcrum, and a pressing plate 8 for pressing at the time of transfer. A pressing spring 9 for releasing the pressure, a pressing release spring 10 for releasing the pressure, a separating roller 11 rotatably provided in the first housing 2 as a separating means, and a cooling fan 12 fixed to the first housing, The first holding plate 14 is rotatable about the support shaft 13 as a fulcrum for holding the first unit, and the release lever 15 is configured to rotate the first retaining plate 14.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a second unit. As shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 17, the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 around which an unused intermediate sheet is wound, and the used intermediate sheet are shown. Intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 to be wound up, sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 for tightly holding the intermediate sheet 18 on the surface of the sheet holding body 3, and sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 are rotatably held and pivoted about a fulcrum shaft 23 as a fulcrum. It is composed of a holding plate 24, 25 that can be held, a pressing spring 26 that is hung on the holding plates 24 and 25 and presses the sheet holding bodies 21, 22 to the sheet holding body 3, a first positioning shaft 27, and a second positioning shaft 28.

Reference numeral 29 denotes a third unit, and as shown in FIG. 3, a third casing 30, an opening / closing shaft 31 for supporting the first and second units so that they can be opened and closed with respect to the third unit, and thermal transfer as a recording means. Ink sheet 32 for recording, ink sheet supply roll 33 on which an unused ink sheet is wound, ink sheet take-up roll 34 for winding used ink sheet, recording head 35, heat dissipation member 36, ink sheet 3
2, a recording head support plate 38 rotatable about a support shaft 37 also serving as a travel guide, an ink sheet guide shaft 39 rotatably provided on the recording head support plate 38, a recording head 35 at the time of recording, and a sheet holder 3 A recording head separating / contacting cam 40 and a pressing spring 41 for pressing the recording head, a pressure roller 42 and a heating roller separating / contacting cam 43 as a transfer unit, and a sheet feeding cassette 45 in which an image receiving member 44 is stored as a sheet feeding unit,
Paper feed roller 46 and registration rollers 47, 48, separating member 49 of separating means, paper discharge rollers 50, 51 for conveying and discharging separated image receiving body 44, and second support rotatable about support shaft 52 as a fulcrum. It is composed of a plate 53.

The sheet holder 3 comprises a core metal 3a and an elastic rubber layer 3b on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the surface thereof is provided with an adhesive silicone rubber layer. Further, the sheet holder 3 is integrally rotated with the first housing 2 about the opening / closing shaft 31 and is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the recording position.

The surfaces of the pressure roller 42 of the transfer means, the paper feed roller 46 of the paper feed means, the registration rollers 47 and 48, and the paper discharge roller 50 are coated with a silicone rubber layer.

The specific structure of the intermediate sheet 18 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18b is applied to one surface of the intermediate sheet substrate 18a. The intermediate sheet 18 is held in a state in which the surface not coated with the dyeing layer 18b is in close contact with the surface of the sheet holder 3 due to the adhesiveness of the surface of the sheet holder 3 and the pressing of the sheet holders 21 and 22.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ink sheet 32 basically has a yellow color material layer 32Y, a magenta color material layer 32M, and a cyan color material layer 32C on the surface of the ink sheet substrate 32a. It is applied sequentially to the size corresponding to the size of.

The separating member 49 of the separating means is the intermediate sheet 1.
8 is arranged in contact with or in close proximity to the intermediate sheet base body 18a and the image receiving body 44 in the separation roller 11 to force the separation.

Further, the first holding plate 14 and the first positioning shaft 27
The first, second, and third units are integrated by engaging with the second positioning shaft 28 and the second holding plate 53, and the sheet holder 3 is mounted at a recordable position. Retained.

The operation of the color image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

First, the operation of replacing the intermediate sheet will be described below. In FIG. 1, the release lever 15 is rotated about the fulcrum 15a in the A direction to release the engagement between the first holding plate 14 and the first positioning shaft 27, and the opening / closing shaft 31 is used as a fulcrum to move the first unit 1 By rotating in the clockwise direction, the sheet holder 3 is removed from the recording position as shown in FIG. Then, from the upper side of the recording device, the intermediate sheet 1
8 and the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet winding roll 20 can be replaced. The movement of the sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 when the sheet holding body 3 is separated from the recording position is performed by the rotation of the sheet holding body 3 with the opening / closing shaft 31 as a fulcrum and the pressing spring 26 in FIG. The sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 are held in contact with or in close proximity to each other.

After replacing the intermediate sheet 18, the sheet holder 3
Can be mounted on the recording position by rotating the first unit 1 counterclockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31 as a fulcrum and engaging the first holding plate 14 with the first positioning shaft 27. The movement of the sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 at this time is caused by the counterclockwise rotation of the sheet holding body 3 with the opening / closing shaft 31 as a fulcrum, through the intermediate sheet 18 and the sheet holding body 3 and the sheet holding body 2.
1, 22 are abutted. After that, the seat holders 21, 22
Is spread out along the surface of the sheet holding body 3, and the intermediate sheet 18 is brought into close contact with the surface of the sheet holding body 3 by the pressing force of the sheet holding bodies 21 and 22. And the first holding plate 14
And the first positioning shaft 27 are engaged with each other, and the sheet holder 3 is held at the recording position. The intermediate sheet 18 is stretched by the rotation of the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 or the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 in the take-up direction during the attaching / detaching operation of the sheet holder 3 so that the intermediate sheet 18 does not always slacken. Further, since the sheet holding bodies 21 and 22 are constantly pressed against the sheet holding body 3 by the pressing spring 26, the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holding body 3 does not have wrinkles.

Next, the operation when replacing the ink sheet will be described below. In FIG. 1, the second holding plate 53 is pushed in the B direction to release the engagement between the second holding plate 53 and the second positioning shaft 28, and the first unit 1 is rotated clockwise with the opening / closing shaft 31 as a fulcrum. Rotate. As shown in FIG. 3, since the engagement between the first holding plate 14 and the first positioning shaft 27 is held, the first unit 1 and the second unit 16 are integrally rotated. Then, the ink sheet 32, the ink sheet supply roll 33, and the ink sheet take-up roll 34 can be replaced from above the recording device.

Next, the printing operation of the color image recording apparatus using the intermediate sheet will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the overall construction of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the state during recording. During standby of the printing operation, the intermediate sheet 18 is brought into close contact with the sheet holder 3 for a predetermined length, and the intermediate sheets 18 at both ends thereof are held by the sheet holder 2.
It is held between 1 and 22.

The printing operation for color image recording will be described below. First, the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 are respectively rotated in a winding direction, and a winding force is exerted by a torque limiter (not shown) provided in the rotation transmission system so that the intermediate sheet 18 is always stretched. To be hung. When the recording head 35 is pressed, the surface of the ink sheet 32 on which the coloring material layer is applied and the surface of the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 are brought into contact with each other, and the sheet holder 3 is rotated clockwise for recording the first color.

At this time, while the heat pulse according to the recording signal applied to the recording head 35 is received from the back side of the ink sheet 32, the ink sheet 32 is sent out as the sheet holder 3 rotates, and the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 is sent. The first color is recorded on top. The sheet holding member 3 is arranged so that at least the length of the image to be recorded in the moving direction of the intermediate sheet 18 can be specified as an arbitrary recording image length, and the size of the image receiving member 44 or the image end of the specified recording image length can be set. A predetermined amount of rotation is controlled and rotated according to a signal or the like. This time,
The intermediate sheet 18 pulled out from the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is pressed by the sheet holding body 21 and the sheet holding body 22.
The sheet holder 3 is moved while being held in close contact with the surface of the sheet holder 3 up to the position where it is held. Further, the intermediate sheet 18 on which the image of the first color is recorded is moved away from the sheet holding body 3 and the sheet holding body 22 by the winding force of the intermediate sheet winding roll 20.

When the recording of the first color is completed, the sheet holder 3 is rotated counterclockwise. At this time, the intermediate sheet 18 on which the image of the first color is recorded is brought into close contact with the surface of the sheet holder 3 by the pressing of the sheet holder 22, and returns to the recording start position for recording of the second color. . Further, at the time of this reversal, the ink sheet 32 and the recording head 35 stand by in a state of being separated from the intermediate sheet 18, and press contact with each other in accordance with the recording of the second color, and the image of the second color is recorded in the same manner as the first color. To be done. Similarly, when the recording of the third color (which is the final color) is completed, the ink sheet 32 and the recording head 35 stand by in a state of being separated from the intermediate sheet 18. The sheet holder 3 is rotated in the clockwise direction even after the recording of the third color is completed.

Then, the heating roller 5 which has been separated at least until the recording of the final color is pressed at a predetermined timing until the leading edge of the color image recorded on the dyeing layer 18b reaches the transfer means. The intermediate sheet 18 is pressed against the roller 42, and is sandwiched and conveyed by the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42. At this time, the intermediate sheet 18 pulled out from the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is pressed against the surface of the sheet holding body 3 by the sheet holding body 21 to form a close contact state of the intermediate sheet 18, and the preparation for the next recording is made at the same time. Done.

The image receiving member 44 is composed of a pair of registration rollers 4
7 and 48, the sheet is sent out after timing with respect to the position of the recorded image on the dyeing layer 18b, conveyed to the transfer means in a state of being in contact with the surface of the dyeing layer 18b, and heated by the heating roller 5 from the back surface of the intermediate sheet 18. The image receiving body 44 and the dyeing layer 18b are adhered to each other by heating and melting the dyeing layer 18b and applying pressure. As the image receiver 44, plain paper, coated paper, OHP film, or the like is used. The intermediate sheet 18 and the image receiver 44 passing between the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42 and adhering to each other by melting of the dyeing layer 18b have a predetermined temperature or less by the cooling fan 12, for example, the glass transition point of the dyeing layer 18b or less. Then, the image receiving body 44 to which the dyeing layer 18b is adhered and the intermediate sheet substrate 18a are separated by the separating roller 11 having a large curvature. At this time, the dyeing layer 18b and the ink material recorded on the dyeing layer 18b are transferred onto the image receptor 44 having a strong adhesive force. The smoothness of the surface of the dyeing layer 18b of the transferred color image is
The surface state of the intermediate sheet substrate 18a is almost the same as that on the separated side, and the surface of the intermediate sheet substrate 18a has a high smoothness and a glossy color image is obtained. Also heating roller 5
Is separated from the pressure roller 42 after the image receiver 44 passes between the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42, or after the image receiver 44 and the intermediate sheet substrate 18a are separated.

Further, the image receptor 4 to which the dyeing layer 18b is adhered
4 is a pair of discharge rollers 50 that are pressed against each other and rotated,
After passing through 51, the image receiver 44 on which a glossy color image has been formed is obtained, and the printing operation is completed.

Next, the printing operation for recording a monochrome image will be described below. In the case of recording a single color image, it is not necessary to rotate the sheet holder 3 in the counterclockwise direction as in the color image recording in which each color is recorded in an overlapping manner. In the printing operation, first, the recording head 35 is pressed and the sheet holder 3 is rotated clockwise to record a desired single color image. Further, almost at the same time, the heating roller 5 which is separated from the heating roller 5 presses against the pressure roller 42, and the intermediate sheet 18 having an image recorded on the dyeing layer 18b is nipped by the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42 and conveyed. To be done. Then, as in the case of recording a color image, the image receiving body 44 is fed and passes through the transfer / separation means to obtain a recorded image.

Next, the operation for obtaining an image with little gloss will be described below. When the image receiving body 44 is plain paper and an image having a low gloss is obtained, the glossy image surface obtained by the printing operation is faced up and the paper feeding cassette 4 is placed.
5 and the heating roller 5 of the transfer means is set to a predetermined temperature. Next, the heating roller 5 is pressed against the pressure roller 42, and the image receiving member 44 on which a glossy image is formed is placed on the paper feed cassette 45 and is fed, and the image surface is applied to the pressure roller 42. By bringing them into contact with each other and passing between the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42, the dyeing layer 18b has a surface roughness of the image receiving body 44 and is glossy to the extent that the presence of the dyeing layer 18b on the image receiving body 44 is not felt. You can reduce the degree.

When the surface roughness of the image receiving member 44 is smooth like coated paper, the desired temperature is set within a range of relatively high gloss by the set temperature of the heating roller 5 and the rubber layer surface roughness of the pressure roller 42. It is possible to obtain a glossy color image.

In order to improve the operability and use the intermediate sheet 18 without waste when performing an operation for obtaining an image with a low gloss, the surface of the used intermediate sheet 18 is wound around the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and then The used intermediate sheet 1 is fed with the image receptor 44 on which a glossy image is formed.
The eight surfaces and the image receiver 44 are held by the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42 and conveyed. Further, although the operability is deteriorated, the gloss can be reduced even if the image receiving body 44 on which a glossy image is formed is fed after the intermediate sheet 18 is removed from the recording apparatus.

In the first embodiment described above, the sheet holder 3
Although the surface of the intermediate sheet 18 has adhesiveness, the other side of the intermediate sheet 18 having adhesiveness, or both of them having adhesiveness can similarly obtain a recorded image on the image receiver 44. You can

As described above, according to this embodiment, the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18 is formed on one surface of the continuous sheet-like substrate 18a.
b, a sheet holder 3 that is removable from the recording position and holds the other surface of the intermediate sheet 18, and the dyeing layer 18b with the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holder 3. The recording means for selectively recording the ink material on the intermediate sheet 18 and the surface of the intermediate sheet 18 on which the ink material is recorded and the image receiving body 44 are in contact with each other.
The sheet holding member 3, including a transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet 18 together with the dyeing layer 18b to the image receiving body 44, and a separating means for separating the image receiving body 44 from the intermediate sheet 18 after the transfer. Heating means 5 of transfer means,
The first unit provided with the separating means and the intermediate sheet 18
A second supply roll 19 and a winding roll 20 are provided.
The first unit 1 and the second unit 16 are rotated by the same opening / closing shaft 31 provided in the third unit 29. Since the first unit 1 and the second unit 16 are rotatably supported, respectively, and the second unit 16 is positioned and held with respect to the third unit 29, respectively, the holding state of the first unit is maintained. The intermediate sheet can be exchanged by releasing and rotating, the holding state of the second unit can be released, and the ink sheet can be exchanged by integrally rotating the first unit and the second unit. It is possible to provide a device having excellent maintainability in which a seat can be easily replaced.

Further, the sheet holding body 2 including the recording position
The intermediate sheet 18 between 1 and 22 moves while being held in close contact with the sheet holder 3 so that the intermediate sheet 18 does not meander or slip relative to the sheet holder 3 and the intermediate sheet 18 does not shrink due to heat. A high-quality color image having the effect of suppressing the color misregistration and having a small color misregistration can be obtained on an arbitrary image receiver 44.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the essential portions of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a front view of the main part of the drive system shown in FIG. The intermediate sheet supply roll drive system will be described below.

4 and 5, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a roll support shaft, which is rotatably supported by a bearing 55 provided in the second casing 17, and is engaged with the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 around which the intermediate sheet 18 is wound. 56 is a drive gear of the intermediate sheet supply roll,
Friction drive members 57, 58 as torque limiters on the side surfaces
Are integrally provided, and are rotatably supported by the roll support shaft 54. The drive gear 56 is the intermediate gear 59, 6
0, 61, 62, pulley 63 and timing belt 64
Is connected to a roll drive motor (not shown) via the. The intermediate gears 59 and 60 are fixed to an intermediate gear shaft 66 that is rotatably supported by a bearing 65 provided in the second housing 17. The intermediate gear 62 and the pulley 63 are integrally formed and rotatably supported by the opening / closing shaft 31. Reference numeral 67 denotes a partial gear, and a part of the gear having the opening / closing shaft 31 as an axis is fixed to the first housing 2. Reference numeral 68 denotes a take-up gear, which has a one-way clutch provided therein, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, the intermediate gear shaft 66 is integrally rotated. In the recordable state shown in FIG. 1, the partial gear 67 and the winding gear 68 do not mesh with each other. The intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 shown in FIG. 1 also includes the roll support shaft 54, the friction drive members 57 and 58, the drive gear 56,
It is connected to the roll drive motor through the same thing as the intermediate gear 59.

The operation of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, the operation of the drive system of the intermediate sheet supply roll when replacing the intermediate sheet will be described below.

The replacement of the intermediate sheet can be carried out by rotating only the first unit 1 as shown in FIG. 2 and opening the upper part of the recording apparatus.

By rotating the first unit 1 clockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31, the partial gear 67 fixed to the first housing 2 is rotated about the opening / closing shaft 31.
From the middle of the rotation, the partial gear 67 and the winding gear 68 mesh with each other, and the intermediate gear shaft 66 is rotated by the one-way clutch provided in the winding gear 68. And the intermediate gear shaft 6
The drive gear 56 is rotated in the clockwise direction by the intermediate gear 59 fixed to 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the first unit 1 is rotated, the sheet holder 3 rotatably supported by the first housing 2 is also rotated about the opening / closing shaft 31. It The sheet holding body 3 rotates to rotate the sheet holding body 2.
By being separated from the first and the second sheets 22, the intermediate sheet 18
The slack and the holding force of the intermediate sheet 18 in the sheet holder 3 are reduced.

Therefore, by the rotation of the drive gear 56,
The intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is rotated clockwise through the friction drive members 57 and 58 and the roll support shaft 54 to wind up the intermediate sheet 18. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate sheet 18 is separated from the sheet holder 3,
Intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and intermediate sheet take-up roll 2
The intermediate sheet 18 can be replaced by removing 0.

After replacing the intermediate seat 18, the first unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise around the opening / closing shaft 31 as shown in FIG.
The first unit 1 is returned to the recordable state shown in. The winding gear 68 is rotated by meshing with the partial gear 67 until the end of this rotation, but is rotated in the direction opposite to the acting direction of the one-way clutch provided in the winding gear 68, and the intermediate gear shaft 66 is rotated. Is not transmitted, and the take-up gear 68 is idly rotated.

Next, the operation of the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 during recording will be described below. First, before the recording is started, a roll drive motor (not shown) is activated to operate the timing belt 64, the pulley 63, the intermediate gears 62, 6
1, 60, 59, drive gear 56, friction drive members 57, 5
8, intermediate sheet supply roll 1 via roll support shaft 54
9 is rotated in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18. The intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 in FIG. 1 connected to the roll drive motor is also rotated in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18. At this time, the sheet holder 3 shown in FIG.
The intermediate sheet 18 is stopped while holding 8 closely.
When the roll is stretched to a predetermined tension, the roll support shaft 5
4 and the friction drive members 57 and 58 are slipped, and the drive gear 56 is idly rotated. The rotation speed of the drive gear 56 is set to a speed at which the intermediate sheet 18 can be wound around the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 while stretching the intermediate sheet 18 even when the sheet holder 3 in FIG. 1 rotates counterclockwise.

Next, when the recording operation is started, the sheet holder 3 shown in FIG. 1 is rotated clockwise for recording the first color, and the intermediate sheet 18 is pulled out, so that the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 moves. It is rotated counterclockwise. Since the drive gear 56 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the roll support shaft 54 and the friction drive members 57, 58 are rotated in opposite directions and in a slipped state.

After the recording of the first color is completed, the rotation of the sheet holder 3 is stopped. The sheet holder 3 is rotated counterclockwise for the recording of the second color, and an intermediate force is generated by the frictional force of the frictional drive members 57 and 58 integrally provided on the drive gear 56 rotating clockwise. The sheet supply roll 19 is rotated clockwise. The intermediate sheet 18 is kept stretched while the intermediate sheet supply roll 19
To be wound up. Then, it returns to the recording start position for recording the second color, and the rotation of the sheet holder 3 is stopped. Further, since the drive gear 56 is continuously rotated in the clockwise direction, the intermediate seat 18 is maintained in the stretched state.

The operations similar to those for the first color are performed during the recording of the second and third colors. Then, the image receiver 4 on which the color image recorded on the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 is transferred.
After 4 passes the separation roller 11 of FIG. 1, the drive motor that drives the intermediate sheet supply roll is stopped at a predetermined timing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the intermediate sheet 18 having the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18b on one surface of the continuous sheet substrate 18a, and the intermediate sheet 18 which can be attached to and detached from the recording position. A sheet holder 3 for holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet 18, a recording means for selectively recording the ink material on the dyeing layer 18b with the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holder 3, and an intermediate sheet. And a transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet 18 together with the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 in a state where the surface on which the ink material 18 is recorded and the image receptor 44 are in contact with each other. And a separating unit that separates the image receiving member 44 from the intermediate sheet after transfer, and applies a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of separating the sheet holder 3 from the recording position. By allowed to peeling from the sheet holder 3, the intermediate sheet 18 when replacing the intermediate sheet 18
The work of peeling the sheet from the sheet holder 3 can be automatically performed, and the intermediate sheet can be easily removed.

Further, a sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and a sheet take-up roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18 are provided, and the sheet holder 3 is separated from the recording position. Roll 1 in conjunction with the action
By rotating at least one of the rolls 9 and 20 in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet 18 is automatically transferred from the sheet holder 3 when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. It is possible to obtain a device in which the structure for peeling can be simplified, the intermediate sheet can be easily removed, and it is possible to reduce the size and cost of the device.

Further, a sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and a sheet winding roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18 are provided, and the sheet holder 3 is separated from the recording position. Roll 1 in conjunction with the action
By rotating at least the sheet supply rolls 19 and 20 in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet 18 is automatically removed from the sheet holder 3 when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. The structure for peeling the intermediate sheet is simple, the intermediate sheet can be easily removed, and a small-sized and low-priced device can be obtained, and the operation of separating the sheet holder 3 from the recording position removes the unused intermediate sheet 18 from the intermediate sheet. Since the sheet is not wound around the sheet winding roll 20, the waste of the intermediate sheet 18 can be reduced.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the essential parts of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus in the third embodiment of the present invention. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are front views of the main part of the drive system shown in FIG. 6, where FIG. 7 (a) shows a recordable state.
FIG. 7B shows a state in which the intermediate sheet can be replaced. The intermediate sheet supply roll drive system will be described below.

In FIGS. 6 and 7, the same parts as those in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a roll support shaft, which is rotatably supported by a bearing 55 provided in the second housing 17, and is engaged with the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 around which the intermediate sheet 18 is wound. 56 is a drive gear of the intermediate sheet supply roll,
Friction drive members 57 and 58 are integrally provided on the side surface, and are rotatably supported by the roll support shaft 54. The drive gear 56 includes the intermediate gears 59, 60, 61, 62 and the pulley 6
3 and a timing belt 64, and is connected to a roll drive motor (not shown). Intermediate gear 59, 60
Is fixed to an intermediate gear shaft 66 rotatably supported by a bearing 65 provided in the second housing 17. Intermediate gear 62
And the pulley 63 are integrally formed, and are rotatably supported by the opening / closing shaft 31. 67 is a partial gear, and the opening / closing shaft 31
A part of a gear having an axis of is fixed to the first housing 2. Reference numeral 68 denotes a take-up gear, which has a one-way clutch provided therein, and when it is rotated counterclockwise, the intermediate gear shaft 66 is integrally rotated. The partial gear 67 and the winding gear 68 are connected by an intermediate gear 69 rotatably provided on the second housing 17. In the recordable state shown in FIG. 1, the partial gear 67 and the intermediate gear 69 are not meshed.

The operation of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6, 7 (a) and 7 (b).

The operation of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll when replacing the intermediate sheet will be described below.

The replacement of the intermediate sheet can be performed with only the first unit 1 rotated as shown in FIG. 2 and the upper portion of the recording apparatus is opened.

From the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 (a) to the first state shown in FIG.
By rotating the unit 1 clockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31 as shown by the arrow in FIG.
A partial gear 67 fixed to the housing 2 is rotated clockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31. During the rotation, the partial gear 67 and the intermediate gear 69 mesh with each other to rotate the winding gear 68, but the winding gear 68 is rotated in the opposite direction to the action direction of the one-way clutch provided in the winding gear 68. The rotation motion is not transmitted to the shaft 66, and the winding gear 68 is idly rotated.
Therefore, the drive gear 56 does not rotate, and the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 remains stopped.

By rotating the first unit 1, as shown in FIG. 2, the seat holder 3 rotatably supported by the first housing 2 also rotates about the opening / closing shaft 31. The sheet holding body 3 is separated from the sheet holding bodies 21 and 22.

Although the slack of the intermediate sheet 18 has occurred, the intermediate sheet 18 can be replaced from the upper part of the recording apparatus.

After replacing the intermediate sheet 18, the first unit 1 shown in FIG. 2 is rotated counterclockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31 to return the first unit 1 to the recordable state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7B, the partial gear 67 and the intermediate gear 69 mesh with each other until the end of this rotation, and the intermediate gear shaft 66 is engaged by the one-way clutch provided in the winding gear 68.
Is rotated. The drive gear 56 is rotated clockwise by the intermediate gear 59 fixed to the intermediate gear shaft 66.

Therefore, by the rotation of the drive gear 56,
The intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is rotated clockwise through the friction drive members 57 and 58 and the roll support shaft 54, and the intermediate sheet 18 is wound up. Intermediate sheet 18 generated during replacement
The slack is eliminated, and the intermediate sheet 18 is stretched between the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 as shown in FIG.

Further, in FIG. 2, when the first unit 1 is further rotated counterclockwise, the sheet holder 3 is brought into contact with the intermediate sheet 18 to be stretched. Next, the sheet holder 3 is mounted at a position where recording can be performed while closely holding the intermediate sheet 18 by the pressing force of the sheet holders 21 and 22. When the intermediate sheet 18 is closely held by the sheet holder 3, the intermediate sheet 18 is pulled out from the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20, and the roll support shaft 54 and the friction drive member in FIG. The directions of rotation between 57 and 58 are opposite to each other, and each of them is rotated in a state where slippage occurs.

Intermediate sheet supply roll 19 during recording
The same operation as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is performed.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the intermediate sheet 18 having the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18b on one surface of the continuous sheet substrate 18a, and the intermediate sheet 18 which can be attached to and detached from the recording position. A sheet holder 3 for holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet 18, a recording means for selectively recording the ink material on the dyeing layer 18b with the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holder 3, and an intermediate sheet. And a transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet 18 together with the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 in a state where the surface on which the ink material 18 is recorded and the image receptor 44 are in contact with each other. The intermediate sheet 18 is provided with a separating means for separating the image receiving body 44 from the intermediate sheet 18 after the transfer, and a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet 18 in association with the operation of mounting the sheet holder 3 at the recording position. By extending the intermediate sheet 18, wrinkles of the intermediate sheet 18 that are likely to occur when the sheet holder 3 is held in contact with the intermediate sheet 18 are reduced while the sheet holder 3 is attached to the recording position after the replacement of the intermediate sheet 18, It is possible to reduce the waste of the intermediate sheet 18 and obtain a good color image with less color registration error.

Further, the sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and the sheet take-up roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18, and the operation for mounting the sheet holder 3 at the recording position. In conjunction with the rolls 19 and 2
By rotating at least one roll of 0 in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet when the sheet holder 3 is mounted at the recording position after the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. Stretching of 18 can be obtained with a simple structure, a device in which wrinkles of the intermediate sheet 18 are less likely to occur can be obtained, and the size and cost of the device can be reduced.

Further, the sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and the sheet take-up roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18, and the operation of mounting the sheet holder 3 at the recording position. In conjunction with the rolls 19 and 2
0 at least the sheet supply roll 19 to the intermediate sheet 18
By rotating the intermediate sheet 18 in the winding direction and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, it is possible to stretch the intermediate sheet 18 when the sheet holder 3 is mounted at the recording position after the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. The intermediate sheet 18 is less likely to wrinkle, and a small, low-priced device can be obtained.
Since the unused intermediate sheet 18 is not wound around the intermediate sheet winding roll 20 by the operation of mounting the sheet holder 3 at the recording position, the waste of the intermediate sheet 18 can be reduced.

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the essential parts of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 9 (a) and 9 (b) are front views of main parts of the drive system shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 (a) shows a recordable state,
FIG. 9B shows a state in which the intermediate sheet can be replaced. The intermediate sheet supply roll drive system will be described below.

In FIGS. 8, 9 (a) and 9 (b), the same parts as those in the other embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals.

A roll support shaft 54 is rotatably supported by a bearing 55 provided in the second casing 17, and is engaged with an intermediate sheet supply roll 19 around which the intermediate sheet 18 is wound. 56 is a drive gear of the intermediate sheet supply roll,
Friction drive members 57 and 58 are integrally provided on the side surface, and are rotatably supported by the roll support shaft 54.

Intermediate gear shafts 66, 71 and 72 are rotatably provided between the second casing 17 and the second casing auxiliary plate 70, respectively. The intermediate gear shaft 66 has an intermediate gear 59,
73 and 74 are fixed. On the intermediate gear shaft 71, an intermediate gear 75 in which a one-way clutch is installed, and an intermediate gear 7
6 is fixedly provided. In the intermediate gear shaft 72,
Intermediate gears 77 and 78 in which a one-way clutch is provided and a winding gear 79 are fixedly provided.

In FIG. 9A, when the intermediate gear shaft 71 rotates clockwise, the intermediate gear 75 rotates integrally. Further, when the intermediate gear shaft 72 rotates counterclockwise, the intermediate gear 77 integrally rotates, and when the intermediate gear shaft 72 rotates clockwise, the intermediate gear 78 integrally rotates.

Reference numerals 80 and 81 denote intermediate gears integrally formed with each other, which are rotatably provided on the second casing 17. The intermediate gear 62 and the pulley 63 are also integrally formed, and the open / close shaft 31
Is rotatably supported by. Reference numeral 67 denotes a partial gear, and a part of the gear having the opening / closing shaft 31 as an axis is fixed to the first housing 2. The partial gear 67 meshes with the take-up gear 79 by rotating the first unit when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced, and when in the recordable state shown in FIG.
7 and the intermediate gear 69 do not mesh.

Therefore, the drive gear 56 is the intermediate gear 5
It is connected to a roll drive motor (not shown) via 9, 70, 71, 72, 62, a pulley 63 and a timing belt 64. The drive gear 56 is the intermediate gear 59, 7
It is connected to the winding gear 79 via 3, 80, 81 and 77. Further, the drive gear 56 is an intermediate gear 59, 74,
The winding gear 79 is connected via 78.

The operation of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll of the color image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 (a) and 9 (b).

The operation of the drive system for the intermediate sheet supply roll when the intermediate sheet is replaced will be described below.

The replacement of the intermediate sheet can be performed while only the first unit 1 is rotated as shown in FIG. 2 and the upper portion of the recording apparatus is opened.

From the state shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A to the first state in FIG.
By rotating the unit 1 clockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31 as shown by the arrow in FIG.
The partial gear 67 fixed to the housing 2 is rotated about the opening / closing shaft 31. Then, from the middle of the rotation, the partial gear 67
And the winding gear 79 mesh with each other, and the intermediate gear shaft 72 is rotated counterclockwise. The intermediate gear shaft 72 and the intermediate gear 77 are integrally rotated counterclockwise by a one-way clutch provided in the intermediate gear 77. Then, the intermediate gears 81, 80, 73 meshing with the intermediate gear 77 are rotated, and further, the intermediate gear 59 fixed to the intermediate gear shaft 66 is driven by the intermediate gear 59.
6 is rotated clockwise.

As shown in FIG. 2, by rotating the first unit 1, the sheet holder 3 rotatably supported by the first housing 2 is also rotated about the opening / closing shaft 31. It The sheet holding body 3 rotates to rotate the sheet holding body 2.
By being separated from the first and the second sheets 22, the intermediate sheet 18
The slack and the holding force of the intermediate sheet 18 in the sheet holder 3 are reduced.

Therefore, by the rotation of the drive gear 56,
The intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is rotated clockwise through the friction drive members 57 and 58 and the roll support shaft 54 to wind up the intermediate sheet. And as shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate sheet 1
8 is separated from the sheet holder 3, and the intermediate sheet 18 can be replaced by removing the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet winding roll 20.

Further, the partial gear 6 is integrally formed with the first unit 1.
7 is rotated clockwise and meshes with the take-up gear 79, whereby the intermediate gear 75 is rotated clockwise through the intermediate gears 77, 81, 80, 73. The rotation is opposite to the direction of action of the directional clutch, the rotational motion is not transmitted to the intermediate gear shaft 71, and the intermediate gear 75 is idly rotated.

Further, when the intermediate gear 73 is rotated counterclockwise, the intermediate gear 78 is rotated clockwise through the intermediate gear 74. However, the action of the one-way clutch provided in the intermediate gear 78 works. The rotation is opposite to the direction, the rotational movement is not transmitted to the intermediate gear shaft 72, and the intermediate gear 78 is idly rotated.

Next, the operation of the drive system of the intermediate sheet supply roll when the first unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise around the opening / closing shaft 31 after the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced will be described below.

By rotating the first unit 1 in FIG. 2 counterclockwise about the opening / closing shaft 31 as shown in FIG.
As shown in, the partial gear 67 and the winding gear 79 mesh with each other until the end of this rotation, and the intermediate gear shaft 72 is rotated clockwise. The intermediate gear shaft 72 and the intermediate gear 78 are integrally rotated clockwise by a one-way clutch provided in the intermediate gear 78. The intermediate gear 74 meshing with the intermediate gear 78 is rotated counterclockwise, and the drive gear 56 is rotated clockwise by the intermediate gear 59 fixed to the intermediate gear shaft 66.

Therefore, by the rotation of the drive gear 56,
The intermediate sheet supply roll 19 is rotated clockwise through the friction drive members 57 and 58 and the roll support shaft 54, and the intermediate sheet 18 is wound up. Intermediate sheet 18 generated during replacement
The slack is eliminated, and the intermediate sheet 18 is stretched between the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the first unit 1 is further added.
Is rotated counterclockwise, the intermediate sheet 1 is stretched
The sheet holder 3 is brought into contact with the sheet 8. Next, the sheet holder 3
Is mounted at a position where recording can be performed while holding the intermediate sheet 18 in close contact with it by the pressing force of the sheet holders 21 and 22. When the intermediate sheet 18 is closely held by the sheet holder 3, the intermediate sheet 18 is pulled out from the intermediate sheet supply roll 19 and the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20, and the roll support shaft 54 and the friction drive members 57 and 58 rotate in the rotational direction. Each is rotated in the state where slip occurs in the opposite direction.

The partial gear 67 is rotated counterclockwise integrally with the first unit 1 and meshes with the take-up gear 79, so that the intermediate gear 7 passes through the intermediate gears 78, 74 and 73.
5 is rotated in the clockwise direction, but the rotation is in the direction opposite to the acting direction of the one-way clutch provided in the intermediate gear 75, the rotation operation is not transmitted to the intermediate gear shaft 71, and the intermediate gear 75 rotates idle. Has been done.

When the intermediate gear 74 is rotated counterclockwise, the intermediate gear 77 is rotated counterclockwise via the intermediate gears 73, 80 and 81.
The rotation is opposite to the direction of action of the one-way clutch provided in the intermediate gear 77, the rotational movement is not transmitted to the intermediate gear shaft 72, and the intermediate gear 77 is idly rotated.

Intermediate sheet supply roll 19 during recording
The same operation as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is performed.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the intermediate sheet 18 having the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18b on one surface of the continuous sheet substrate 18a, and the intermediate sheet 18 which can be attached to and detached from the recording position. A sheet holder 3 for holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet 18, a recording means for selectively recording the ink material on the dyeing layer 18b with the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holder 3, and an intermediate sheet. And a transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet 18 together with the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 in a state where the surface on which the ink material 18 is recorded and the image receptor 44 are in contact with each other. A means for separating the image receiving body 44 from the intermediate sheet 18 after the transfer is provided, and a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet 18 in association with the operation of attaching and detaching the sheet holding body 3 to the recording position to perform the detaching operation. Sheet holder 3 and the intermediate sheet 18 Te
By detaching the intermediate sheet 18 from the sheet holder 3 by detaching the intermediate sheet 18 from the sheet holder 3 by replacing the intermediate sheet 18 with the attaching operation, the intermediate sheet 18 can be easily removed when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. . Furthermore, after the replacement of the intermediate sheet 18, the wrinkles of the intermediate sheet, which are likely to occur when the sheet holder 3 is in contact with and held by the intermediate sheet 18 during the mounting of the sheet holder 3 at the recording position, are reduced, and the intermediate sheet 18 is wasted. Since it is possible to reduce the number of the intermediate sheets 18, it is possible to provide an apparatus that is excellent in the exchangeability of the intermediate sheet 18 and that can obtain a good color image with a small misregistration of color overlap.

Further, a sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and a sheet winding roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18 are provided, and the sheet holder 3 is attached to and detached from the recording position. Roll 1 in conjunction with the action
By rotating at least one of the rolls 9 and 20 in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet 18 is automatically transferred from the sheet holder 3 when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. It is possible to obtain the stretch of the intermediate sheet 18 after peeling and replacement of the intermediate sheet 18 with a simple configuration, and to obtain a device with excellent replaceability of the intermediate sheet 18, and to reduce the size and cost of the device. Can be planned.

Further, a sheet supply roll 19 for winding the unused portion of the intermediate sheet 18 and a sheet winding roll 20 for winding the used portion of the intermediate sheet 18 are provided, and the sheet holder 3 is separated from the recording position. Roll 1 in conjunction with the action
By rotating at least the sheet supply rolls 19 and 20 in the winding direction of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet 18, the intermediate sheet 18 is automatically removed from the sheet holder 3 when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced. Peel off,
It is possible to obtain the stretch of the intermediate sheet 18 after the replacement of the intermediate sheet 18 with a simple configuration, and it is possible to obtain a small-sized and low-priced device with excellent replaceability of the intermediate sheet 18, and to move the sheet holder 3 to the recording position. Since the unused intermediate sheet 18 is not taken up by the intermediate sheet take-up roll 20 by the attaching / detaching operation, the waste of the intermediate sheet 18 can be reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the main part of the transfer means of the color image recording apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. 10A shows a state when the transfer operation is stopped, and FIG. 10B shows a state when the transfer operation is performed. The transfer means will be described below.

10 (a) and 10 (b), FIG.
The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

The transfer means is provided separately for the first unit 1 and the third unit 29. The first unit is supported to be openable and closable with the opening / closing shaft 31 in FIG. 1 as a fulcrum, as in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The first unit 1 includes a heating roller 5 as a heating body, a support plate 6 for rotatably supporting the heating roller 5,
A pressing plate 8 that rotates the support plate 6 around a fulcrum shaft 7 fixed to the first housing 2 as a fulcrum and can rotate around the fulcrum shaft 7 as a fulcrum, a pressing spring 9 for pressurizing at the time of transfer, and A pressure release spring 10 for releasing the pressure, a heating body cover 82 having a cover guide hole 82a, a cover fulcrum shaft 83, and a cover guide shaft 84 are respectively arranged. The heating body cover 82 is
The cover fulcrum shaft 83 fixed to the first housing 2 is rotatably supported about the fulcrum. Further, the heating body cover 82 other than at the time of transfer is held at a position facing the pressure roller 42 where the supporting plate 6 is opened so that the heating plate 5 is covered by the supporting plate 6 and the heating body cover 82. There is. The cover guide shaft 84 is fixed to the support plate 6 and is engaged with the cover guide hole 82a. In the third unit 29, the pressure roller 42 and the heating roller separating / contacting cam 43 are rotatably arranged in the third housing 30.

The operation of the transfer means of the color image recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The transfer means for replacing the intermediate sheet will be described below. The replacement of the intermediate sheet 18 is similar to that of the first embodiment of FIG. 1, and the opening / closing shaft 31 in FIG.
It can be performed with the first unit rotated as shown in FIG. The heating roller 5 remains covered with the support plate 6 and the heating body cover 82, and since the outer surfaces of the support plate 6 and the heating body cover 82 are provided with a heat insulating material (not shown), the printing operation is performed. Immediately after that, even if the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced, the heating roller 5 heated to a high temperature is not touched by the hand, and safety can be ensured.

Next, the operation of the transfer means during printing will be described below. The image is recorded on the intermediate sheet 18, and until the leading edge of the image reaches a predetermined position for transferring, as shown in FIG.
Thus, the heating body 5 and the pressure roller 42 are separated from each other. The heating roller 5 is heated to a predetermined transfer temperature while being covered with the heating body cover 82.

Next, when the leading edge of the image reaches a predetermined position for transfer, the heating roller separating / contacting cam 43 is rotated and provided on the pressing plate 8, the pressing spring 9, the supporting plate 6, and the supporting plate 6. The heating roller 5 and the cover guide shaft 84 are rotated clockwise about the fulcrum shaft 7. Since the support plate 6 is rotated and the cover guide shaft 84 fixed to the support plate 6 is engaged with the cover guide hole 82a of the heating body cover 82, the heating body cover 82 is fixed to the first housing 2. The cover fulcrum shaft 83 is pivoted in the clockwise direction. When the heating roller separation / contact cam 43 is rotated and held to a predetermined position, the heating body cover 8 is moved as shown in FIG.
2 is rotated and held to a position where a transfer operation is obtained, the heating roller 5 is pressed against the pressure roller 42 by the pressing spring 9, and the intermediate sheet 18 is heated by the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42.
Is held and transported.

Further, the image receiving member 44 placed on the paper feeding cassette 45 is fed out by the paper feeding roller 46 and the registration rollers 47 and 48 after timing with respect to the position of the recorded image. Then, the intermediate sheet 18a is conveyed between the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42 while being in contact with the surface of the dyeing layer 18b. The image receiving body 44 and the dyeing layer 18b are bonded to each other by heating and melting the dyeing layer 18b by the heating roller 5 from the back surface of the intermediate sheet 18 and applying pressure.

Next, the intermediate sheet 18 and the image receiving member 44, which are adhered to each other by the transfer operation, pass through the separation roller 11 and the image receiving member 4 to which the dyeing layer 18b is adhered.
4 and the intermediate sheet substrate 18a.

Further, after the rear end of the image receiving member 44 has passed between the heating roller 5 and the pressure roller 42, or after the rear end of the image receiving member 44 has passed the separating roller 11, the pressure roller separating / contacting cam 43.
Is rotated. By the pressure release spring 10, the pressure plate 8,
The pressing spring 9, the support plate 6, and the heating roller 5 and the cover guide shaft 84 provided on the support plate 6 are rotated counterclockwise about the fulcrum shaft 7 as a fulcrum. The support plate 6 is rotated, and the cover guide shaft 84 fixed to the support plate 6 moves the heating body cover 82.
By being engaged with the cover guide hole 82a of
The heating body cover 82 is rotated counterclockwise around a cover fulcrum shaft 83 fixed to the first housing 2. When the heating roller separation / contact cam 43 is rotated and held to a predetermined position, the heating body cover 82 is rotated and held to a position that covers the heating roller 5, as shown in FIG.

The image receiving body 4 to which the dyeing layer 18b is adhered
The sheet No. 4 is ejected by the pair of sheet ejection rollers 50 and 51 to obtain the image receiving body 44 on which an image is formed, and the printing operation is completed.

In the fifth embodiment described above, the heating element cover 8 is used.
Although the second embodiment has been described in connection with the embodiment in which the rotation of the heating unit 5 of the transfer unit and the pressing roller 42 are interlocked with each other, the rotation of the first unit is interlocked, or the first unit is recorded. When the first unit is rotated as shown in FIG. 2 in order to replace the intermediate sheet 18 by interlocking with a release lever or the like that makes it possible to rotate from the possible state, the heating body 5 is heated. Even when the cover 82 is used, the safety can be ensured when the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the intermediate sheet 18 having the light-transmitting dyeing layer 18b on one surface of the continuous sheet substrate 18a, and the intermediate sheet 18 which can be attached to and detached from the recording position. A sheet holder 3 for holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet 18, a recording means for selectively recording the ink material on the dyeing layer 18b with the intermediate sheet 18 held by the sheet holder 3, and an intermediate sheet. The ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet 18 together with the dyeing layer 18b of the intermediate sheet 18 in a state where the surface on which the ink material 18 is recorded and the image receptor 44 are in contact with the image receiver 44 by the medium of heat and pressure. The heating means cover 82 is provided with a transferring means for transferring and a separating means for separating the image receiving body 44 from the intermediate sheet 18 after the transferring, and at least when the sheet holder 3 is separated from the recording position. By covering the heating body 5 of the transfer means, when replacing the intermediate sheet, prevents the hand touches the heating body 5, which is heated to a high temperature, it is possible to ensure safety.

Further, the heating member 5 of the transfer means and the pressure roller 42
The heating body cover 82 is opened and closed in conjunction with the contact and separation operation with
When the heating body 5 and the pressure roller 42 are separated from each other, the heating body cover 82 covers the heating body 5 so that the heating body 5 heated to a high temperature is covered by the heating body cover 82 except during transfer. When the intermediate sheet 18 is replaced, the intermediate sheet 18 can be easily replaced without touching the heated heating body 5, and the safety of the recording apparatus can be ensured. Further, it is possible to prevent the heat of the heating element 5 from being radiated into the apparatus except at the time of transfer, the temperature rise in the apparatus is suppressed, and a stable high-quality color image can be obtained.

The structures and materials of the members used in FIGS. 1 to 10 are shown below in detail. The sticky surface of the sheet holder is a mirror surface of the core metal having a diameter of 14 mm, which is formed by molding 3 mm-thick silicon rubber (a mixture of a releasing silicone resin and an adhesive silicone resin and combining them). The one manufactured in a close state was used. In addition, as the adhesive material, fluorosilicone rubber, fluorine rubber, urethane rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and the like can be used.

The degree of tackiness depends on the smoothness of the rubber surface, and the tackiness increases as the surface becomes closer to a mirror surface. As an index of adhesiveness, it is expressed by the peeling force when the intermediate sheet is peeled (JI
SZ0237 180 degree peeling method), if the value is 0.1 g / inch or more, the effect of preventing heat shrinkage of the intermediate sheet can be expected, and considering the transportability of the intermediate sheet or the image receptor, 1 g / inch or more 3 g / Inc
h or less was appropriate. To confirm this effect, the amount of shrinkage of the intermediate sheet after recording by applying energy of 5 J / cm ² to the thermal head is measured. When the peeling force of the surface of the sheet holder is 0.1 g / inch, the amount of heat shrinkage is 2
It was about 0.2 mm per 00 mm width and about 0.15 mm at 1 g / inch or more. Further, the meandering and slippage of the intermediate sheet and the image receptor were hardly generated. By the way, when a non-adhesive rubber material was used, thermal contraction of about 0.3 mm was observed, and meandering occurred unless the pressing force in the axial direction of the sheet holding member was uniformly adjusted. The intermediate sheet used at this time was a polyethylene terephthalate film (thickness: 23 μm, manufactured by Toray Industries, Ltd.) as an intermediate sheet substrate, and a polyvinyl butyral resin (BL-S average degree of polymerization: about 350 Sekisui Chemical Co. Co., Ltd.) 4 parts by weight, siloxane-containing acrylic silicone resin solution (F-6A active ingredient 54 wt%, Sanyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) 0.24 parts by weight, di-n-butyltin dulaurate 0.001 parts by weight, A dyeing layer was formed by applying a paint consisting of 18 parts by weight of toluene and 18 parts by weight of 2-butanone.

Various polymer films can be used as the intermediate sheet substrate. Examples of various polymer films include polyolefin-based, polyamide-based, polyester-based, polyimide-based, polyether-based, cellulose-based, polyoxadiazole-based, polystyrene-based, and fluorine-based films. In particular, films of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, aramid, triacetyl cellulose, polyparabanic acid, polysulfone, polypropylene, cellophane, moisture-proof cellophane or polyethylene are useful.

The dyeing layer is formed using at least a polymer. Various polymers can be used as the polymer. For example, there are acrylic resins, styrene resins, urethane resins, polyester resins, polyvinyl acetal resins, vinyl acetate resins, amide resins, cellulose resins, chlorinated resins, and the like. In particular, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin, polystyrene, styrene-acrylic copolymer resin, saturated polyester, polyester urethane, chlorinated rubber, chlorinated polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin, chlorinated vinyl chloride resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin ( Further, vinyl alcohol, maleic acid, and other components may be copolymerized), vinyl chloride-acrylic acid ester copolymer resin (including multi-component copolymer resin using plural acrylic esters), vinyl acetate resin When sublimation dye transfer recording is performed, at least one kind selected from polycarbonate, cellulosic resin and the like is used, and the recording sensitivity is high and good.

The glass transition point of the polymer is 40 ° C. to 150 ° C.
Is particularly preferable, the average degree of polymerization of the polymer is in the range of 150 to 3000, or the flow softening point is 300 ° C or lower. For the purpose of transferring the dyeing layer to the image receiving body or fixing the dyeing layer resin into the fibers of the paper when the image receiving body is porous such as paper, the average degree of polymerization is 2000 or less and the molecular weight is high. Numerator or flow softening point is 250
A polymer having a temperature of ℃ or less is particularly desirable. Since the dyeing layer on which an image is formed is transferred onto the image receptor, the dyeing layer is preferably a polymer having high transparency. Polyvinyl acetal is particularly desirable as the polymer of the dyeing layer. As the polyvinyl acetal, various aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propion acetal, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral and the like are particularly useful for polyvinyl alcohol.

The ink sheet was a sublimation type thermal transfer recording sheet and was prepared as follows. A polyethylene terephthalate film having a slip heat resistant layer on the lower surface and an anchor coat layer on the upper surface is coated with the following three colors of paint on the anchor coat layer to prepare an ink sheet having each color material layer of cyan, magenta and yellow. did. Table 1 shows the composition of each paint.

[0137]

[Table 1]

Using the above ink sheet, the thermal head was pressed against the intermediate sheet holder (about 3 kg), and recording was performed under the recording conditions of (Table 2).

[0139]

[Table 2]

Further, as the ink sheet, a thermal melting type recording sheet can be used. It has a viscosity of 1 when melted.
An ink sheet having cyan, magenta, and yellow color material layers of 0,000 centipoise was used. The recording conditions when these are used are shown in (Table 3).

[0141]

[Table 3]

Further, it is possible to mix and record a sublimation type thermal recording color material and a heat melting type recording material on the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet. For example, a photographic image is sublimated on the dyeing layer. It is also excellent and expensive according to the present invention that an extremely high quality recorded image can be obtained by utilizing the features of both recording methods by thermally recording with a dye and recording the character portion with a heat-melting color material.

As described above, the present invention is particularly effective in a thermal recording method involving shrinkage of an intermediate sheet at the time of recording, but also for a recording method for forming a color image by superimposing colors such as ink jet recording. It has an excellent effect in that a high-quality image can be obtained regardless of the accuracy of repeated position accuracy and the type of image receptor.

Details of the transfer means will be described below. The heating roller 5 heats the inside of a cylindrical metal roller with a halogen lamp, and is controlled to a predetermined roller surface temperature by a thermistor provided in contact with the outer peripheral surface. In practice, it was used in the range of 165 ° C ± 5 ° C. Pressure roller 4
For No. 2, a silicon rubber roller having a rubber thickness of 3 mm and a diameter of 20 mm and a hardness of 70 degrees was used. Transfer pressure is 10kg / 22
Used at 0 mm.

In the above description, the heating roller used in the fixing means is used. However, instead of this, a heating body having a fixed and elongated heating element, for example, a ceramic substrate, a resistance coating having a width of 3 mm is used. It is possible to use, as a heating source, a surface of the heating element coated with is covered with a Teflon-treated polyimide film. The same effect can be obtained even when the heating body is used in the temperature range of 165 ° C. ± 5 ° C. by controlling the film surface temperature with an thermistor built in the heating body by passing an alternating current. In particular, by using a heating body having a fixed elongated heat generating portion, about 3
The transfer temperature can be raised to a predetermined transfer temperature, for example, 165 ° C. in less than a second, and warming up is unnecessary, reducing power consumption,
The print time can be shortened.

[0146]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, an intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet-like substrate, and the other intermediate sheet detachable from a recording position Sheet holding member for holding the surface of the intermediate sheet, a recording unit for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and an ink material for the intermediate sheet is recorded. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in a state where the surface and the image receptor are in contact with each other; And a separation means for separating from the sheet, the sheet holder,
A heating roller of the transfer unit, a first unit in which the separating unit is arranged, a second unit in which a supply roll and a winding roll of the intermediate sheet are arranged, the recording unit, and a pressure of the transfer unit. It comprises a third unit in which rollers are arranged, the first and second units are rotatably supported by the same opening and closing shaft provided in the third unit, and the first unit is relative to the second unit. Since the second unit is configured to be positioned and held with respect to the third unit, the intermediate sheet can be replaced by releasing and rotating the holding state of the first unit, and the holding state of the second unit can be changed. To provide an apparatus having excellent maintainability in which an ink sheet can be exchanged by releasing and integrally rotating the first and second units, and an intermediate sheet and an ink sheet can be easily exchanged. It is those that can be.

Further, wrinkles of the intermediate sheet, which are likely to occur after the replacement of the intermediate sheet, are reduced, and the intermediate sheet moves while being held in close contact with the sheet holder, so that meandering and slippage of the intermediate sheet hardly occur. Further, it is intended to provide a high-quality color image in which the heat shrinkage of the intermediate sheet is suppressed and the color reproduction is small and the color reproduction is good.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of a color image recording apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a state where an intermediate sheet is replaced in the color image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing an ink sheet exchange state of the color image recording apparatus in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of essential parts showing a drive system of an intermediate sheet supply roll of a color image recording apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the main part of the drive system shown in FIG. 4 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of essential parts showing a drive system of an intermediate sheet supply roll of a color image recording apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the main part of the drive system shown in FIG. 6 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an essential part showing a drive system of an intermediate sheet supply roll of a color image recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the main part of the drive system shown in FIG. 8 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a transfer means of a color image recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic sectional view of an intermediate sheet in an example of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic sectional view of an ink sheet in an example of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a thermal transfer recording apparatus using a conventional intermediate sheet.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 1st unit 2 1st housing 3 Sheet holder 3a Core metal 3b Rubber layer 4 Stepping motor 5 Heating roller 6 Support plate 7 Support shaft 7 Press plate 9 Press spring 10 Press release spring 11 Separation roller 12 Cooling fan 13 Support shaft 14 First Holding Plate 15 Release Lever 16 Second Unit 17 Second Housing 18 Intermediate Sheet 18a Intermediate Sheet Substrate 18b Dyeing Layer 19 Intermediate Sheet Supply Roll 20 Intermediate Sheet Winding Roll 21 Sheet Holding Body 22 Sheet Holding Body 23 Support Point Shaft 24 Holding plate 25 Holding plate 26 Pressing spring 27 First positioning shaft 28 Second positioning shaft 29 Third unit 30 Third housing 31 Opening / closing shaft 32 Ink sheet 32a Ink sheet substrate 32Y Yellow color material layer 32M Magenta color material Layer 32C Cyan color material layer 33 Ink sheet supply roll 34 in Sheet take-up roll 35 Recording head 36 Heat dissipation member 37 Support shaft 38 Recording head support plate 39 Ink sheet guide shaft 40 Recording head separation / contact cam 41 Pressing spring 42 Pressure roller 43 Heating roller separation / contact cam 44 Image receiver 45 Paper feed cassette 46 Paper feed roller 47 Registration roller 48 Registration roller 49 Separation member 50 Paper ejection roller 51 Paper ejection roller 52 Support shaft 53 Second holding plate 54 Roll support shaft 55 Bearing 56 Drive gear 57 Friction drive member 58 Friction drive member 59 Intermediate gear 60 Intermediate gear 61 Intermediate gear 62 Intermediate gear 63 Pulley 64 Timing belt 65 Bearing 66 Intermediate gear shaft 67 Partial gear 68 Winding gear 69 Intermediate gear 70 Second casing auxiliary plate 71 Intermediate gear shaft 72 Intermediate gear shaft 73 Intermediate gear 74 Intermediate gear 75 Intermediate Gear 76 Intermediate Gear 77 Medium Gear 78 intermediate gear 79 winding gear 80 intermediate gear 81 intermediate gear 82 heater cover 82a covers the guide hole 83 cover pivot shaft 84 covers the guide shaft

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet-like substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in the pressed state, and a separation means for separating the image receptor from the intermediate sheet after the transfer. A first unit in which the sheet holder, a heating member of the transfer unit, and the separating unit are arranged; a second unit in which a supply roll and a winding roll of the intermediate sheet are arranged; A third unit in which a pressure roller of the transfer unit is disposed, and the first unit and the second unit are rotatably supported by the same opening / closing shaft provided in the third unit, A color image recording apparatus characterized in that one unit can be positioned and held with respect to the second unit and the second unit with respect to the third unit. 2. An intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in the pressed state, and a separation means for separating the image receptor from the intermediate sheet after the transfer. A collar which is provided with a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of separating the sheet holder from the recording position to separate the intermediate sheet from the sheet holder. Image recording apparatus. 3. An intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in the pressed state, and a separation means for separating the image receptor from the intermediate sheet after the transfer. A color image recording apparatus, comprising: a predetermined tension applied to the intermediate sheet to stretch the intermediate sheet in association with an operation of mounting the sheet holder at a recording position. 4. An intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. A transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in the pressed state, and a separation means for separating the image receptor from the intermediate sheet after the transfer. A predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet in association with the operation of attaching and detaching the sheet holder to and from the recording position, and the detaching operation causes the intermediate sheet to be peeled from the sheet holder, and the attaching operation. Color image recording apparatus characterized by allowed to stretched the intermediate sheet Te. 5. The sheet holding roll for winding a unused portion of an intermediate sheet, and a sheet winding roll for winding a used portion of the intermediate sheet according to claim 2, 3, or 4. A collar characterized in that at least one roll of the rolls is rotated in a winding direction of the intermediate sheet so as to give a predetermined tension to the intermediate sheet, in association with an operation of separating or mounting with respect to a position. Image recording device. 6. A sheet holding roll for winding a unused portion of an intermediate sheet, and a sheet winding roll for winding a used portion of the intermediate sheet according to claim 2, 3, or 4. A collar characterized in that at least a sheet supply roll of the roll is rotated in a winding direction of the intermediate sheet in association with an operation of releasing or mounting the intermediate sheet, and a predetermined tension is applied to the intermediate sheet. Image recording device. 7. An intermediate sheet having a light-transmitting dyeing layer on one surface of a continuous sheet substrate, and a sheet holder detachably attached to a recording position and holding the other surface of the intermediate sheet. A recording means for selectively recording an ink material on the dyeing layer in a state where the intermediate sheet is held by the sheet holder, and a surface of the intermediate sheet on which the ink material is recorded and an image receiver are brought into contact with each other. Transfer means for transferring the ink material recorded on the intermediate sheet together with the dyeing layer of the intermediate sheet to the image receptor in a pressed state by a medium of heat and pressure, and the image receptor after the transfer from the intermediate sheet. A color image recording apparatus, comprising: a separating unit for separating, and a heating member cover that can be opened and closed covers the heating member of the transfer unit at least when the sheet holder is separated from the recording position. . 8. The heating element cover according to claim 7, wherein the heating element cover is opened / closed in association with the separating / contacting operation of the heating element and the pressure roller of the transfer means, and when the heating element and the pressure roller are separated from each other, A color image recording apparatus characterized in that the heating body is covered with a heating body cover.