Patent ID: 8654164
Filing Date: 2014-02-18
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. A printing device, for pressing a thermal head and a platen against each other, via an ink ribbon, to form an image on a film-shaped intermediate transfer medium, and for transferring the thus obtained image to a printing medium, comprising: a printing section, including the thermal head and the platen, and being movable between a retracted position, whereat the thermal head and the platen are separated, and a printing position, whereat the thermal head and the platen are pressed against each other; an intermediate transfer medium conveyance section, for conveying the intermediate transfer medium; an ink ribbon conveyance section, for conveying the ink ribbon; a first mark detection section, for detecting a first mark formed on the intermediate transfer medium; and a control section, for controlling the printing section, the intermediate transfer medium conveyance section and the ink ribbon conveyance section based on information output by the first mark detection section, wherein the control section permits the intermediate transfer medium conveyance section and the ink ribbon conveyance section to convey the intermediate transfer medium and the ink ribbon, and concurrently controls the printing section by monitoring information output by the first mark detection section, so that the printing section is moved to the printing position in a state wherein the first mark has not yet been detected where the first mark is located upstream of a position whereat the first mark detection section is arranged, and controls the printing section such that heating elements included in the thermal head are selectively heated in a state wherein the first mark is detected where the first mark is located downstream of the position whereat the first mark detection section is arranged, and when, or after, the intermediate transfer medium has reached a printing start position.