Thermal inked ribbon printer mechanism

• US 5,157,413 A
• Filed: 02/17/1989
• Issued: 10/20/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 02/18/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba (Toshiba Corporation)
• Inventors: Kanai, Tsutomu, Nagato, Hitoshi, Ohno, Tadayoshi
• Primary Examiner(s): Fuller, Benjamin A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tran, Huan
• Application Number:
  US07/311,824
• Time in Patent Office: 1,341 Days
• Field of Search: 346/76 PH, 400/323, 400/120
• US Class Current: 347/199
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/325 by selective transfer of ink from ink carrier, e.g. from ink ribbon or sheet
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 33/38 Slow, e.g. "creep", feed mechanisms

Abstract

In a thermal ink transfer printer, a print head and ink ribbon are mounted on a carriage which is moved at a first speed in a first direction along a recording paper in a first recording mode and also moved at the first speed in a second direction along the recording paper in the second recording mode. The ink ribbon is continuously fed in the second direction in the first and second modes and slides on the distal end of the print head so that ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the paper. Thus, the ink ribbon can be moved, relative to the paper, at a first speed and at a second speed which is different from the first relative speed.

Claims

1. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer;

energy-applying means having a distal end which is linearly elongated and which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, for applying recording energy to the ink ribbon through the distal end, whereby that portion of the ink layer which contacts the recording surface along said linearly elongated distal end is transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said energy-applying means at a first drive speed in a first direction crossing linearly elongated distal end in a first mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the distal end of said energy-applying means slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said energy-applying means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface, the second feeding speed being faster than the first feeding speed, while said energy-applying means is driven in the second drive mode.

2. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

3. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

4. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

5. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

6. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said energy-applying means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

7. The thermal printer according to claim 6, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

8. The thermal printer according to claim 6, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

9. The thermal printer according to claim 6, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed to the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed away from the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

10. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein said energy-applying means applies recording pulse width to the ink ribbon in the second mode shorter than in the first mode, through the distal end of said recording head to print patterns on the recording surface.

11. The thermal printer according to claim 7, wherein said energy-applying means includes means for generating shorter recording pulse width in the first mode than in the second mode to enable said recording head to print bit patterns on the recording surface.

12. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

13. The thermal printer according to claim 1, wherein said drive means drives said energy-applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

14. A thermal ink transfer printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer;

means for generating heat including a linear array of heating elements which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the heating elements selectively applying heat to the ink ribbon whereby that portion of the ink layer which contacts the recording surface is softened and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said heat-generating means at a first drive speed in a first direction crossing the linear array of the heating elements in a first mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the heating elements slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat-generating means is driven in the first drive mode, the second feeding speed being faster than the first feeding speed, while said heat-generating means is driven in the second drive mode.

15. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, further comprising signal-generating means for generating recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to the heating elements of said recording head, whereby the heating elements generate heat.

16. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

17. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

18. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said drive means moves said heat-generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

19. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said drive means moves said heat-generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

20. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said heat-generating means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

21. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 20, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

22. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 20, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

23. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed to the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

24. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

25. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein said drive means drives said heat-generating means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

26. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 14, further comprising bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording energy to be supplied to the heating elements, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

27. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 26, wherein said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

28. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 26, wherein said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

29. An electrothermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having a heat-generating layer, and an ink layer formed on th heat-generating layer;

means for applying a recording current to said ink ribbon, including a linear array of recording electrodes which contacts to the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the recording electrodes selectively supplying the recording current to the ink ribbon whereby said heat-generating layer generates heat, and said ink layer is softened by the heat and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said current applying means is at a first drive speed in a first direction crossing the linear array of the recording electrodes in a first drive mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the recording electrodes slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said current applying means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface, the second feeding speed being faster than the first feeding speed, while said current applying means is driven in the second drive mode.

30. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, further comprising current-generating means for generating a recording current in accordance with a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and supplying the recording current tot he recording electrodes of said current applying means, whereby the heat-generating layer of the ink ribbon generates heat.

31. The electrothermal printer according to claim 30, further comprising a return electrode kept in contact with the heat-generating layer, for collecting the recording current flowing in the heat-generating layer.

32. The electrothermal printer according to claim 31, wherein said return electrode is kept in contact with that portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed toward said recording electrodes of said current-applying means.

33. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

34. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

35. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said drive means moves said current-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

36. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said drive means moves said current-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

37. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said recording electrodes are set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

38. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said recording electrodes are positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

39. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said recording electrodes are inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

40. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon being fed to said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

41. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

42. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, further comprising signal-generating means for generating a recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to said recording electrodes, whereby said recording current being supplied through the recording electrodes to the ink ribbon for a shorter period of time in the second mode in the first mode.

43. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, wherein said drive means drives said current-applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

44. The electrothermal printer according to claim 29, further comprising bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording current to be supplied to the recording electrodes, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

45. The electrothermal printer according to claim 44, wherein said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

46. The electrothermal printer according to claim 44, wherein said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

47. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer and a cover layer deposited on the ink layer, said cover layer being made of white or transparent material which softens when heated;

energy-applying means having a distal end which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, for applying recording energy to the ink ribbon through the distal end, whereby that energy-applied portion of the ink layer transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said energy-applying means in a first direction in a first mode, and in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the distal end of said energy-applying means slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said energy-applying means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said energy-applying means is driven in the second drive mode.

48. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

49. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, said ribbon feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

50. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

51. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

52. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said energy-applying means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

53. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

54. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

55. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed to the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed away from the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

56. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

57. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said energy-applying means applies recording pulse width to the ink ribbon in the second mode shorter than in the first mode, through the distal end of said recording head to print patterns on the recording surface.

58. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said energy-applying means includes means for generating shorter recording pulse width in the first mode than in the second mode to enable said recording head to print bit patterns on the recording surface.

59. The thermal printer according to claim 47, wherein said drive means drives said energy-applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

60. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer;

energy-applying means having a distal end which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, for applying recording energy to the ink ribbon through th e distal end, whereby that energy-applied portion of the ink layer transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said energy-applying means at a first drive speed in a first direction in a first mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the distal end of said energy-applying slides on the ink ribbon;

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said energy-applying means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said energy-applying means is driven in the second drive mode; and

signal-generating means for generating a recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to said heating elements of said recording head, whereby the heating elements generates heat which transports to the ink ribbon for a shorter period of time in the second mode than the first mode.

61. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

62. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said energy-applying means, said ribbon feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

63. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

64. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said drive means moves said energy-applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

65. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said energy-applying means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

66. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

67. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

68. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed to the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed away from the distal end of said recording head, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

69. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

70. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said energy-applying means applies recording pulse width to the ink ribbon in the second mode shorter than in the first mode, through the distal end of said recording head to print patterns on the recording surface.

71. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said energy-applying means includes means for generating shorter recording pulse width in the first mode than in the second mode to enable said recording head to print bit patterns on the recording surface.

72. The thermal printer according to claim 60, wherein said drive means drives said energy-applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less in is transferred from the ink ribbon on the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

73. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer and a cover layer deposited on the ink layer, said cover layer being made of white or transparent material which softens when heated;

means for generating heat including a linear array of heating elements which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the heating elements selectively applying heat to the ink ribbon whereby that portion of the ink layer which contacts the recording surface is softened and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said heat-generating means at a first drive speed in a first direction in a first mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the heating elements slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat generating means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat-generating means is driven in the second drive mode.

74. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, further comprising signal-generating means for generating recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to the heating elements of said recording head, whereby the heating elements generate heat.

75. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

76. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

77. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said drive means moves said heat generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

78. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said drive means moves said heat generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

79. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said heat-generating means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

80. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

81. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

82. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed to the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

83. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

84. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said drive means drives said heat generating means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

85. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, further comprising bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording energy to be supplied to the heating elements, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

86. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

87. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 73, wherein said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

88. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having an ink layer;

means for generating heat including a linear array of heating elements which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the heating elements selectively applying heat to the ink ribbon whereby that portion of the ink layer which contacts the recording surface is softened and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said heat-generating means at a first drive speed in a first direction in a first mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the heating elements slides on the ink ribbon;

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat generating means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat-generating means is driven in the second drive mode; and

signal-generating means for generating a recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to said heating elements of said recording head, whereby the heating elements generates heat which transports to the ink ribbon for a shorter period of time in the second mode than the first mode.

89. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, further comprising signal-generating means for generating recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to the heating elements of said recording head, whereby the heating elements generate heat.

90. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

91. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said heat-generating means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

92. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said drive means moves said heat generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

93. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said drive means moves said heat generating means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

94. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said heat-generating means includes a recording head having a distal end set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

95. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said recording head is positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

96. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said recording head is inclined to the recording surface, at a first angel while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

97. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon is being fed to the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from the heating elements, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

98. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

99. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said drive means drives said heat generating means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

100. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, further comprising bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording energy to be supplied to the heating elements, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

101. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

102. The thermal ink transfer printer according to claim 88, wherein said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

103. A thermal printer for printing patterns on recording surface by transferring ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having a heat-generating layer, an ink layer formed on th heat-generating layer and a cover layer deposited on the ink layer, said cover layer being made of white or transparent material which softens when heated;

means for applying a recording current to said ink ribbon, including a linear array of recording electrodes which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the recording electrodes selectively supplying the recording mode, the recording electrodes selectively supplying the recording current to the ink ribbon whereby said heat-generating layer generates heat, and said ink layer is softened by the heat and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said current applying means is at a first drive speed in a first direction crossing the linear array of the recording electrodes in a first drive mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the recording electrodes slides on the ink ribbon; and

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat generating means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat-generating means is driven in the second drive mode.

104. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, further comprising current-generating means for generating a recording current in accordance with a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and supplying the recording current to the recording electrodes of said current applying means, whereby the heat-generating layer of the ink ribbon generates heat.

105. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, further comprising a return electrode kept in contact with the heat-generating layer, for collecting the recording current flowing in the heat-generating layer.

106. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said return electrode is kept in contact with that portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed toward said recording electrodes of said current applying means.

107. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

108. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

109. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means moves said current applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

110. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said recording electrodes are set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

111. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said recording electrodes are positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.

112. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said recording electrodes are inclined to the recording surface, at a first angle while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

113. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon, a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon being fed to said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts, portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

114. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

115. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means drives said current applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

116. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, further comprising bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording current to be supplied to the recording electrodes, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

117. The electrothermal printer according to claim 116, wherein said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

118. The electrothermal printer according to claim 116, wherein said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

129. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said recording electrodes are inclined to the recording surface, at a first angel while being moved in the first mode and at a second angle while being moved in the second mode.

130. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said ribbon-feeding means comprises:

back tension-applying means for applying a back tension to the ink ribbon;

a first ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts portion of the ink ribbon being fed to said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the first mode, and a second ribbon-feeding mechanism located whereabouts, portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed away from said recording electrodes, for feeding the ink ribbon in the second mode.

131. The electrothermal printer according to claim 130, wherein said cover layer is discontinuously formed on the ink layer.

132. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means drives said current applying means at the first speed, in the first direction in the first mode and in the second direction in the second mode, and said ribbon-feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed lower than the first speed, whereby less ink is transferred from the ink ribbon onto the recording surface in the second mode than in the first mode.

133. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, further comprising:

bit data-generating means for generating bit data representing a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and means for generating a recording current to be supplied to the recording electrodes, in accordance with the bit data generated by the bit data-generating means.

134. The electrothermal printer according to claim 133, wherein:

said bit data-generating means generates first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction in the first mode, and second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction in the second mode even if the patterns to be printed are identical.

135. The electrothermal printer according to claim 133, wherein:

said bit data-generating means includes means for changing the first pattern data consisting of n bits (n≧

2) for horizontal direction to the second pattern data consisting of (n-m) bits (n≧

1) for horizontal direction.

136. The electrothermal printer according to claim 103, wherein said drive means moves said current applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

119. An electrothermal printer for printing ink onto the recording surface, said printer comprising:

ink ribbon having a heat-generating layer and an ink layer formed on th heat-generating layer;

means for applying a recording current to said ink ribbon, including a linear array of recording electrodes which contacts the ink ribbon when the printer is set in a recording mode, the recording electrodes selectively supplying the recording current to the ink ribbon whereby said heat-generating layer generates heat, and said ink layer is softened by the heat and transferred onto the recording surface;

drive means for driving said current applying means is at a first drive speed in a first direction crossing the linear array of the recording electrodes in a first drive mode, and at a second drive speed in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, in a second drive mode, such that the array of the recording electrodes slides on the ink ribbon;

ribbon feeding means for continuously feeding the ink ribbon in the second direction, thereby to move the ink ribbon at a first feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat generating means is driven in the first drive mode, and at a second feeding speed relative to the recording surface while said heat-generating means is driven in the second drive mode; and

signal-generating means for generating a recording signal in accordance with the pattern to be recorded on the recording surface, and for supplying the recording signal to said recording electrodes of said applying means, whereby the recording electrodes applies the current to the ink ribbon for a shorter period of time in the second mode than the first mode.

120. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, further comprising current-generating means for generating a recording current in accordance with a pattern to be printed on the recording surface, and supplying the recording current to the recording electrodes of said current applying means, whereby the heat-generating layer of the ink ribbon generates heat.

121. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, further comprising a return electrode kept in contact with the heat-generating layer, for collecting the recording current flowing in the heat-generating layer.

122. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said return electrode is kept in contact with that portion of the ink ribbon which is being fed toward said recording electrodes of said current applying means.

123. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

124. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said drive means includes carrying means for carrying said current-applying means, said ribbon-feeding means, and said ink ribbon, and a mechanism for moving the carrying means in the first direction in the first mode, and in the second direction in the second mode.

125. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said drive means moves said current applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon at the first speed in the second direction, virtually not moving the ink ribbon relative to the recording surface in the first mode.

126. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said drive means moves said current applying means at a first speed in the first direction in the first mode, and also at the first speed in the second direction in the second mode;

and

said ribbon feeding means feeds the ink ribbon in the second direction at the second speed which is slower than the first speed.

127. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said recording electrodes are set in a substantially line-contact with the ink ribbon, and said ribbon-feeding means includes a ribbon-feeding mechanism for feeding the ink ribbon along a substantially V-shaped feed path.

128. The electrothermal printer according to claim 119, wherein said recording electrodes are positioned removable from the ink ribbon, and substantially at right angles to the recording surface.