Title: Intermediate transfer recording medium, print, and method for image formation thereby
Abstract: There is provided a print which has been produced by providing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and a transfer portion, comprising at least a receptive layer, provided separably on the substrate film, forming a thermal transfer image onto the transfer portion, and retransferring the transfer portion onto an object while accurately and stably forming a non-transferred portion onto a part of the object and, in addition, does not increase a production cost for providing a final print. The intermediate transfer recording medium comprises a substrate film and a transfer portion comprising at least a receptive layer, the transfer portion being provided separably on the substrate film. The print has on its at least one side a transfer portion-non-retransferred portion.
Patent Number: 6,984,281 Issued on 01/10/2006 to Oshima, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Oshima; Katsuyuki (Shinjuku-ku, JP);
Odamura; Kozo (Shinjuku-ku, JP);
Imai; Takayuki (Shinjuku-ku, JP)
|
| Assignee:
|
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, JP)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
113884 |
| Filed:
|
April 2, 2002 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Apr 02, 2001[JP] | 2001-102762 |
| Apr 02, 2001[JP] | 2001-102763 |
| Apr 02, 2001[JP] | 2001-102764 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
156/235; 156/240; 428/32.51; 503/227 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
B41M 5/03.5 (20060101); B41M 5/30 (20060101); B41M 5/38 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
8/471
428/325.1
503/227
156/234,235,239,240
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hess; Bruce H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Oliff & Berridge, PLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An intermediate transfer recording medium, comprising:
a substrate film; and
a transfer portion provided separably on the substrate film, the transfer portion
comprising a receptive layer and
at least one partial masking layer;
wherein when the transfer portion is retransferred onto an object, a receptive
region and a void region are formed on the object, the void region being substantially
free of the receptive layer and having a location corresponding to a location during
retransfer of the partial masking layer.
2. The intermediate transfer recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one detection mark provided on the intermediate transfer recording medium
at a predetermined distance from the at least one partial masking layer.
3. The intermediate transfer recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising:
at least one first side region for forming an image on a first side of an object;
at least one second side region for forming an image on a second side of the
object; and
at least one detection mark separating the at least one first side region from
the at least one second side region;
wherein:
the partial masking layer is provided in at least one of the first side region
and the second side region; and
when forming an image on both sides of the object, a void region is formed on
at least one side of the object, the void region being substantially free of the
receptive layer and having a location corresponding to a location during retransfer
of the partial masking layer.
4. A method for image formation, comprising forming the void region on a part
of the object using the intermediate transfer recording medium according to claim 1.
5. An intermediate transfer recording medium, comprising:
a substrate film;
a stripping layer provided on the substrate film; and
a receptive layer provided on the stripping layer;
wherein:
at least a portion of the substrate film is not provided with the stripping layer; and
when the receptive layer is retransferred onto an object, a void region is formed
on the object, the void region being substantially free of the receptive layer
and having a location corresponding to a location during retransfer of the portion
of the substrate film not provided with the stripping layer.
6. The intermediate transfer recording medium according to claim 5, further comprising
a detection mark provided on the intermediate transfer recording medium at a predetermined
distance from the portion of the substrate film is not provided with the stripping layer.
7. A method for image formation, comprising forming the void region on a part
of the object using the intermediate transfer recording medium according to any
one of 6.
8. A method for image formation using an intermediate transfer recording medium, comprising:
providing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film,
a stripping layer provided on the substrate film and a receptive layer provided
on the stripping layer;
providing a thermal transfer sheet comprising a thermally transferable masking layer;
transferring the masking layer onto the receptive layer by heating means; and
retransferring the receptive layer through the masking layer onto an object to
form a receptive region and a void region on the object, the void region being
substantially free of the receptive layer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising
a substrate film and a transfer portion, which is provided separably on the substrate
film and comprises at least a receptive layer, a print formed by providing the
intermediate transfer recording medium, thermally transferring an image onto the
transfer portion, and then retransferring the transfer portion onto an object,
and a method for image formation using the intermediate transfer recording medium.
2. Prior Art
Thermal transfer has become extensively used as a simple printing method.
The thermal transfer is a method which comprises the steps of: putting a thermal
transfer sheet, comprising a colorant layer provided on one side of a substrate
sheet, on top of a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet optionally provided with
an image-receptive layer; and image-wise heating the backside of the thermal transfer
sheet by heating means such as a thermal head to selectively transfer the colorant
contained in the colorant layer to form an image on the thermal transfer image-receiving sheet.
Thermal transfer methods are classified into thermal ink transfer (hot melt-type
thermal transfer) and thermal dye sublimation transfer (sublimation-type thermal
transfer). The thermal ink transfer is a method for image formation wherein a thermal
transfer sheet comprising a substrate sheet, such as a PET film, bearing thereon
a hot-melt ink layer, formed of a dispersion of a colorant, such as a pigment,
in a binder, such as a hot-melt wax or resin, is provided and energy according
to image information is applied to heating means such as a thermal head to transfer
the colorant together with the binder onto a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet
such as paper or plastic sheets. Images produced by the thermal ink transfer have
high density and possess high sharpness and are suitable for recording binary images
of characters or the like.
On the other hand, the thermal dye sublimation transfer is a method for image
formation which comprises the steps of: providing a thermal transfer sheet comprising
a substrate sheet, such as a PET film, bearing thereon a dye layer formed of a
dye, which is mainly thermally transferred by sublimation, dissolved or dispersed
in a resin binder; and applying energy according to image information to heating
means such as a thermal head to transfer only the dye onto a thermal transfer image-receiving
sheet comprising a substrate sheet, such as paper or a plastic, optionally provided
with a dye-receptive layer. The thermal dye sublimation transfer can regulate the
amount of the dye transferred according to the quantity of energy applied and thus
can form gradation images of which the image density has been regulated dot by
dot of the thermal head. Further, since the colorant used is a dye, the formed
image is transparent, and the reproduction of intermediate colors produced by superimposing
different color dyes on top of each other or one another is excellent. Accordingly,
high-quality photograph-like full color images can be formed with excellent reproduction
of intermediate colors by transferring different color dyes, such as yellow, magenta,
cyan, and black, onto a thermal transfer image-receiving sheet, so as to superimpose
the color dyes on top of each other or one another, from a thermal transfer sheet
of the different colors.
Thermal transfer image-receiving sheets on which images will be formed by
these thermal transfer methods have various practical applications. Representative
examples of applications include proof sheets, and recording sheets for output
images, output plans or designs drawn by CAD/CAM or the like, or images output
from a variety of medical analyzers or measuring instruments such as CT scanners
and endoscopic cameras. They can also be used as the alternative of instant photographs,
and as paper for producing identity certifications, ID cards, credit cards, and
other cards on which facial photographs or the like are printed, or for producing
synthetic or memorial photographs which are taken at amusement facilities such
as recreation parks, game centers, museums, aquariums and the like. The diversification
of applications has led to an increasing demand for the thermal transfer of an
image on any desired object. A method has been proposed, as one method for meeting
this demand, wherein a colorant such as a dye or a pigment is transferred, from
a thermal transfer sheet comprising a dye layer or a hot-melt ink layer, onto a
receptive layer in an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising the receptive
layer separably provided on a substrate to form an image on the receptive layer
and, thereafter, the intermediate transfer recording medium is heated to transfer
the receptive layer, with the image formed thereon, onto an object (Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 238791/1987 or the like).
Since the use of the intermediate transfer recording medium permits the receptive
layer to be transferred onto an object, this method is preferably used, for example,
for objects, onto which a colorant is less likely to be transferred making it impossible
to form high-quality images directly on them, and objects which are likely to be
fused to the colorant layer at the time of thermal transfer. Therefore, the intermediate
transfer recording medium is preferably used in the preparation of passports or
other identity certifications, credit cards/ID cards, or other prints.
When a receptive layer is transferred onto an object from the above intermediate
transfer recording medium, the transfer of a simple shape in a full density blotted
form having an outer shape of a quadrangle, a circle or the like poses no severe
problem. On the other hand, for example, when a void portion is provided in the
transfer portion or when the outer edge shape is complicate, there occurs a problem
that the edge of the receptive layer transferred onto the object is not sharp,
and a portion not to be transferred is transferred, or a portion to be transferred
is not transferred, resulting in unstable transfer of the receptive layer.
In particular, when the receptive layer in its portion not to be transferred
is,
for example, the place for writing of address, name or the like, or the place for
sealing of a person, who has written the address, name or the like, or an issuer,
the transfer of the receptive layer onto that portion even to a small extent renders
the contents of the writing or the seal unsharp and thus poses a severe problem
that the contents of the writing or the seal is illegible. To overcome the problem
of unstability of the transfer of the receptive layer, a method is considered effective
wherein, after the receptive layer is once transferred in a simple form, such as
a quadrangle or a circle, a specialty layer, which permits writing and sealing
thereon, is additionally provided by printing or the like. In this case, however,
the provision of the additional specialty layer is troublesome and labor intensive
and thus disadvantageously results in very high production cost.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to solve the above
problems of the prior art and to provide an intermediate transfer recording medium
which comprises a substrate film and, separably provided on the substrate film,
a transfer portion comprising at least a receptive layer, and, after the thermal
transfer of an image onto the transfer portion, can retransfer the transfer portion
onto an object while forming a nontransferred portion on a part of the object with
high accuracy in a stable manner and, in addition, does not increase a production
cost for providing a final print, and to provide a method for image formation using
the intermediate transfer recording medium.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided a print with an image
formed thereon using an intermediate transfer recording medium, the intermediate
transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and a transfer portion, said
transfer portion comprising at least a receptive layer, said transfer portion having
been provided separably on the substrate film, said print having, on its at least
one side, a portion on which the transfer portion has not been retransferred. According
to this construction, in the intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer
portion, a portion free from the transfer portion (a void portion) is provided
at a position corresponding to a sign panel, an IC chip, or a magnetic stripe portion
in the print, or a design portion, such as a logo or a hologram, which has been
previously printed on the object. The portion except for the void portion is retransferred
onto the object to produce a print. When the transfer portion-non-retransferred
portion is for a sign panel, an IC chip, a magnetic stripe or the like, a deterioration
in performance upon the post treatment of that portion can be prevented. On the
other hand, in the portion of a design, such as a logo or a hologram, the transfer
of the transfer portion deteriorates the transparency (increases the opaqueness),
leading to lowered quality. For this reason, the above means for solving the problem
has been provided.
In this connection, it should be noted that the sign panel portion is a portion
where hand writing is carried out with an writing instrument, such as a ballpoint
pen, numbering is carried out with a stamping ink, or seal is provided using a
vermilion inkpad or a stamping ink.
Further, the print of the present invention is characterized by being produced
by transferring a masking layer onto any desired position of the transfer portion
and then retransferring the transfer portion in the intermediate transfer recording
medium onto an object, the print having a transfer portion-non-retransferred portion
corresponding to the masking layer-transferred portion in the intermediate transfer
recording medium. In this print, when a masking layer is thermally transferred,
from a thermal transfer sheet comprising a masking layer provided on a substrate
film, onto the intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer portion followed
by the retransfer of the transfer portion with the masking layer transferred thereon
onto the object, the masking layer functions to absorb or block heat at the time
of retransfer, contributing to the formation of the receptive layer-nontransferred
portion on the object in a simple and reliable manner.
The present invention is characterized in that the intermediate transfer recording
medium has, on its substrate film, a portion not provided with a stripping layer
and/or a receptive layer and the print has a receptive layer-non-transferred region.
In the intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a receptive layer provided
on a substrate film optionally through a stripping layer, the formation of a portion
not provided with at least one of the stripping layer and the receptive layer followed
by the transfer of the transfer portion including the portion not provided with
at least one of the stripping layer and the receptive layer onto the object, the
portion not provided with at least one of the stripping layer and the receptive
layer forms a receptive layer-nontransferred region.
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the intermediate
transfer recording medium comprises a masking layer in or on a layer in the transfer
portion, and, upon the retransfer of the transfer portion in the intermediate transfer
recording medium onto an object, a non-transferred portion is partially formed
on the object. In the intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a transfer
portion provided on a substrate film, when a masking layer is formed in or on a
layer in the transfer portion followed by the retransfer of the transfer portion
onto an object, the masking layer portion absorbs or blocks heat at the time of
retransfer, whereby a receptive layer-non-retransferred portion can be formed on
a part of the object.
Further, the intermediate transfer recording medium of the present invention
is characterized by comprising: a substrate film; and, provided separably on the
substrate film, a transfer portion comprising at least a receptive layer, wherein
the intermediate transfer recording medium comprises a masking layer in an upper
layer portion or a lower layer portion in the transfer portion, and, upon retransfer
onto an object, the intermediate transfer recording medium can form a partially
receptive layer-non-retransferred region in the object. Preferably, a detection
mark is provided which is in synchronization with the masking layer-formed portion.
In this case, when an image is thermally transferred onto the intermediate transfer
recording medium in its predetermined position (a region except for the receptive
layer-nonretransfer region), or when the receptive layer with the image thermally
transferred thereon is retransferred onto an object, the receptive layer transfer
portion and the receptive layer nontransfer portion can be accurately formed separately
from each other with high positional accuracy.
The present invention is characterized in that a region, which is not retransferred
onto the object, is provided on a part of at least one face unit in units picture
plain partitioned by detection marks, and, in forming an image on both sides of
the object, a receptive layer-non-retransferred region can be formed on a part
of at least one side of the object. According to this construction, a receptive
layer nonretransferred region and a receptive layer retransferred region with the
image thermally transferred thereon can be simply formed, using a single intermediate
transfer recording medium, on a part of one side or both sides of the object.
The method for image formation according to the present invention is characterized
by comprising the steps of: providing any one of the above-described intermediate
transfer recording media; and forming a receptive layer-non-retransferred region
on a part of the object using the intermediate transfer recording medium. Specifically,
in the method for image formation according to the present invention, in order
to form a receptive layer-nonretransferred region on a part of the object, in an
intermediate transfer recording medium comprising a substrate film and, separably
provided on the substrate film, a transfer portion comprising at least a receptive
layer, a masking layer, which, upon the retransfer onto the object, forms a nontransferred
portion on a part of the object, is further provided on the transfer portion in
its overlying layer portion or in its underlying layer portion. The receptive layer
is retransferred from this intermediate transfer recording medium with the masking
layer formed thereon onto the object to form a receptive layer-nonretransferred
region on a part of the object. A portion with the receptive layer not transferred
thereon can be simply and reliably formed onto the object using the intermediate
transfer recording medium through the action of absorption or blocking of heat
at the time of the transfer.
Further, the intermediate transfer recording medium according to the present
invention characterized by comprising: a substrate film; and, provided on the substrate
film in the following order, a stripping layer and a receptive layer, wherein the
intermediate transfer recording medium has, on its substrate film, a portion not
provided with the stripping layer and/or the receptive layer, and a receptive layer-non-retransferred
region can be formed on a part of the object. Preferably, a detection mark, which
is in synchronization with the portion not provided with the stripping layer and/or
the receptive layer, is provided on the substrate film. In this case, when an image
is thermally transferred onto the intermediate transfer recording medium in its
predetermined position (a region except for the receptive layer-nonretransfer region)
followed by the retransfer of the receptive layer with the image thermally transferred
thereon onto an object, the receptive layer transfer portion and the receptive
layer nontransfer portion can be accurately separated from each other.
Further, the intermediate transfer recording medium is characterized by
comprising: a substrate film; and, provided on the substrate film in the following
order, a stripping layer and a receptive layer, wherein the intermediate transfer
recording medium has a region, which is not retransferred onto the object, is provided
on a part of at least one side unit in units picture plain partitioned by detection
marks, and, in forming an image on both sides of the object, the receptive layer-non-retransferred
region can be formed on a part of at least one side of the object. According to
this construction, a receptive layer nonretransferred region and a receptive layer
retransferred region with the image thermally transferred thereon can be simply
formed, using a single intermediate transfer recording medium, on a part of one
side or both sides of the object.
The method for image formation according to the present invention is characterized
by comprising the steps of: providing any one of the above-described intermediate
transfer recording media; and forming a receptive layer-non-retransferred region
on a part of the object. Specifically, in the method for image formation according
to the present invention, an intermediate transfer recording medium is provided
which comprises a substrate film and, provided on the substrate film in the following
order, a stripping layer and a receptive layer, a portion not provided with the
stripping layer and/or the receptive layer being provided on the substrate film
so that, upon the transfer of the receptive layer onto an object, a receptive layer-nonretransferred
region can be formed on a part of the object. The receptive layer is retransferred
from this intermediate transfer recording medium onto the object to form a receptive
layer-nonretransferred region on a part of the object. Since a portion not provided
with the stripping layer and/or the receptive layer is previously formed on a substrate
film in the intermediate transfer recording medium, the receptive layer-nontransferred
portion can be simply and reliably formed on a part of the object.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the print according
to the present invention;
FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the print shown in FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of an intermediate transfer
recording medium for use in the formation of the print according to the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the print according
to the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the print shown in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print according to the
present invention;
FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing still another embodiment of the print
according to the present invention;
FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the print shown in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing still another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print according to the
present invention;
FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 6A;
FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the print according
to the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the print shown in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print according to the
present invention;
FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 8A;
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a still further embodiment
of the intermediate transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the
intermediate transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing still another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 11A;
FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 12A;
FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing a still further embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 13A;
FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention;
FIG. 14B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 14A;
FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing still another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention; and
FIG. 15B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the intermediate transfer recording
medium shown in FIG. 15A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a print and
an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print,
corresponding to the present invention described in claim
1.
FIG. 2A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer recording medium
111 for use in the formation of the print shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B
is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line B-B′ of FIG. 2A. In the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111, a receptive layer
102
is partially provided on a substrate film
106 through a stripping layer
107. In this case, the portion not provided with the receptive layer
102
is a void portion
108. A detection mark
109 for partition into each
unit picture plain is provided on the receptive layer
102. The retransfer
of the receptive layer
102 onto an object
105 using the intermediate
transfer recording medium
111 provides a print
101 shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B. In this connection, it should be noted that an image is previously thermally
transferred onto the receptive layer in the intermediate transfer recording medium
using a separately provided thermal transfer sheet (not shown).
Regarding the print
101 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1A is a schematic
plan view of the print, and FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on
line A-A′ of FIG. 1A. The print
101 is produced by retransferring
the receptive layer
102 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111
shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B onto the object
105. In one plain detected by taking
advantage of the detection mark
109, the void portion
108 corresponds
to the sign panel portion
104, and the receptive layer
102 in its
portion other than the sign panel portion is transferred to provide a print
101.
The print
101 is such that a transfer portion comprising the receptive layer
102 is partially formed on the object
105. For example, hand writing
with a ballpoint pen or the like, numbering with a stamping ink, or seal with a
vermilion inkpad can be made in the sign panel portion
104.
In the print shown in the drawing, only the receptive layer
102 is transferred
as a transfer portion
103 onto the object
105. The present invention
is not limited to this only. For example, the transfer portion may have a multilayer
structure, for example, a two-layer structure of the stripping layer and the receptive layer.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a print and
an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print,
corresponding to the present invention described in claim
2.
FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer recording medium
111 for use in the formation of the print shown in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4B
is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line D-D′ of FIG. 4A. In the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111, a receptive layer
102
is provided in a full density blotted form on a substrate film
106 through
a stripping layer
107. A detection mark
109 for partition into each
unit picture plain is provided on the receptive layer
102. A masking layer
is previously transferred onto the receptive layer in the intermediate transfer
recording medium from a separately provided thermal transfer sheet (not shown)
comprising a thermally transferable masking layer provided on a substrate by heating
means, such as a thermal head, for each unit picture plain. In this case, regarding
the position of the masking layer
110 on the receptive layer
102
in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111, while synchronization
with the detection mark
109, the distance between the detection mark
109
and the masking layer
110 is made constant, and the masking layer is repeatedly
transferred for each unit picture plain on the receptive layer
102 in the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111.
The retransfer of the receptive layer
102 onto an object
105 using
the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 provides a print
101
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
Regarding the print
101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 3A is a schematic
plan view of the print, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on
line C-C′ of FIG. 3A. The print
101 is produced by retransferring
the receptive layer
102 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B onto the object
105. In one plain detected by taking
advantage of the detection mark
109, the receptive layer
102 including
the masking layer
110 is brought into contact with the transfer face of
the object, and the receptive layer
102 is retransferred by heating means,
such as a heat roll, onto the object
105. In this case, the masking layer
110 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 functions to
absorb or block heat at the time of the retransfer of the receptive layer
102.
By virtue of this, the masking layer-transferred portion in the intermediate transfer
recording medium is not retransferred onto the object
105, and, thus, a
portion
112, on which the receptive layer
102 has not been transferred,
is formed on the object
105.
In the print
101 shown in the drawing, only the receptive layer
102
is transferred as a transfer portion
103 onto the object
105. The
present invention is not limited to this only. For example, the transfer portion
may have a multilayer structure, for example, a two-layer of the stripping layer
and the receptive layer.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a print and
an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print,
corresponding to the present invention described in claim
3.
FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer recording medium
111 for use in the formation of the print shown in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6B
is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line F-F′ of FIG. 6A. In the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111, a detection mark
109
for partition into each one unit picture plain is formed on a substrate film
106
Next, a stripping layer
107 and a receptive layer
102 are formed
in that order on a part of the substrate film
106. In this intermediate
transfer recording medium
111, a portion
114 not provided with at
least one of the stripping layer
107 and the receptive layer
102
(in the embodiment shown in the drawing, a portion provided with neither the stripping
layer
107 nor the receptive layer
102) is formed, while, in the portion
except for the portion
114, the stripping layer
107 and the receptive
layer
102 are stacked on top of each other. In forming the stripping layer
107 and the receptive layer
102 on a part of the substrate film
106
in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111, synchronization with
the detection mark
109, that is, reading of the detection mark
109
with a detector to regulate means for coating the stripping layer and the receptive
layer, can realize the formation of the stripping layer
107 and the receptive
layer
102 in such a state that the distance between the detection mark
109
and the stripping layer
107 and the distance between the detection mark
109 and the receptive layer
102 are constant. The formation of the
stripping layer
107 and the receptive layer
102 in the intermediate
transfer recording medium
111 is repeatedly carried out on the substrate
film
106 for each one unit of the detection mark
109, that is, for
each one unit picture plain.
The retransfer of the receptive layer
102 onto an object
105 using
the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 provides a print
101
shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
Regarding the print
101 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, FIG. 5A is a schematic
plan view of the print, and FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on
line E-E′ of FIG. 5A. The print
101 is produced by retransferring
the receptive layer
102 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111
shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B onto the object
105. In one plain detected by taking
advantage of the detection mark
109, the receptive layer
102 is brought
into contact with the transfer face of the object, and the receptive layer
102
is retransferred by heating means, such as a heat roll, onto the object
105.
Preferably, at the time of the retransfer, the detection mark
109 in the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111 is detected for accurate registration
of the receptive layer transfer position of the object
105. This permits
also the position of the receptive layer non-transfer region
113 to be accurately
fixed on the object.
Upon heating at the time of the retransfer, the receptive layer
102 is
stripped and separated from the stripping layer
107 in the intermediate
transfer recording medium
111 and is transferred onto the object
105.
In this case, the portion
114 not provided with at least one of the stripping
layer
107 and the receptive layer
102 forms a receptive layer-non-transferred
region
113 on the object side. The transfer portion
103 on the object
105 shown in FIG. 5B is composed of the receptive layer
102 alone.
The present invention is not limited to this only, and, for example, the transfer
portion may have a multilayer structure, for example, a two-layer structure of
the stripping layer and the receptive layer. In this case, the position of the
detection mark should be carefully determined so that the detection mark does not
go into the transfer portion.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams showing one embodiment of a print and
an intermediate transfer recording medium for use in the formation of the print,
corresponding to the present invention described in claim
4.
FIG. 8A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer recording medium
111 for use in the formation of the print shown in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 8B
is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line H-H′ of FIG. 8A. In the
intermediate transfer recording medium
111, a release layer
116 is
formed in a full density blotted form on one side of a substrate film
106,
and a masking layer
110 is formed in each one unit picture plain on a part
of the release layer
116 Further, a receptive layer
102 is formed
in a full density blotted form on the release layer
116 so as to cover the
masking layer
110. A detection mark
109 for partition into each one
unit picture plain is then formed on the receptive layer
102. In this case,
while synchronization of the detection mark
109 with the masking layer
110
to render the distance between the detection mark
109 and the masking layer
110 constant, the detection mark
109 and the masking layer
110
are repeatedly formed for each unit picture plain on the intermediate transfer
recording medium
111.
The retransfer of the receptive layer
102 onto an object
105 using
the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 provides a print
101
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.
Regarding the print
101 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, FIG. 7A is a schematic
plan view of the print, and FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on
line G-G′ of FIG. 7A. The print
101 is produced by retransferring
the receptive layer
102 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B onto the object
105. In one plain detected by taking
advantage of the detection mark
109, the receptive layer
102 including
the masking layer
110 is brought into contact with the transfer face of
the object, and the receptive layer
102 is retransferred by heating means,
such as a heat roll, onto the object
105. In this case, the masking layer
110 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 functions to
absorb or block heat at the time of the retransfer of the receptive layer
102.
By virtue of this, the masking layer-transferred portion in the intermediate transfer
recording medium
111 is not retransferred onto the object
105, and,
thus, a portion
115, on which the receptive layer
102 has not been
retransferred, is formed on the object
105.
In the intermediate transfer recording medium
111 shown in the drawing,
a transfer portion composed of the release layer
116 and the receptive layer
102 is provided on the substrate film
106, and the masking layer
110 is formed between the release layer
116 and the receptive layer
102 in such a manner that the masking layer
110 is provided within
the layer of the transfer portion. The present invention, however, is not limited
to this only, and the masking layer may be provided on the layer of the transfer
portion (on the receptive layer) in the intermediate transfer recording medium
or between the substrate film and the release layer.
In the print
101 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, only the receptive layer
102
is transferred as the transfer portion
103 onto the object
105. The
present invention, however, is not limited to this only. For example, a transfer
portion having a multilayer structure, for example, a two-layer structure of the
stripping layer and the receptive layer may be retransferred onto the object.
FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of an intermediate
transfer recording medium
201 according to the present invention. In this
intermediate transfer recording medium
201, a masking layer
204 is
partially provided on one side of a substrate film
202. A release layer
205 is provided on the whole area of the masking layer
204 and the
substrate film
202, and a receptive layer
203 is provided on the
release layer
205. Specifically, in the embodiment of the intermediate transfer
recording medium
201 shown in FIG. 9, a masking layer
204 for forming
a partially non-transferred portion on the object upon retransfer onto the object
is formed in a lower layer portion in the transfer portion composed of the release
layer
205 and the receptive layer
203. That is, at the time of retransfer
onto the object, the masking layer
204 is brought into intimate contact
with the substrate film
202 and is not transferred onto the object.
FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the
intermediate transfer recording medium
201 according to the present invention.
In this intermediate transfer recording medium
201, a release layer
205
is provided on the whole area of one side of a substrate film
202, a receptive
layer
203 is provided on the release layer
205, and a masking layer
204 is provided on a part of the receptive layer
203. Specifically,
in the embodiment of the intermediate transfer recording medium
201 shown
in FIG. 10, a masking layer
204 for forming a non-transferred portion on
a part of an object upon the retransfer onto the object is formed in the upper
layer portion in the transfer portion composed of the release layer
205
and the receptive layer
203. In this case, since the masking layer
204
is not adhered to the object, at the time of the retransfer, the masking layer
204 portion is not transferred onto the object.
Further, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing still another embodiment
of the intermediate transfer recording medium
201 according to the present
invention, wherein FIG. 11A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer
recording medium and FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line
A-A′ of FIG. 11A.
In the embodiment of the intermediate transfer recording medium
201 shown
in FIG. 11, the masking layer
204 as a receptive layer-non-retransfer region
is a void portion in the receptive layer transfer portion, and, in this embodiment,
two void portions per one plain constitute the masking layer
204. Regarding
a detection mark
206 in synchronization with the portion of the masking
layer
204, one detection mark is generally formed per one plain. The receptive
layer
203 is provided on the whole area of one side of the substrate film
202, and the detection mark
206 shown in the drawing is formed on
the receptive layer
203, that is, on the uppermost layer in the intermediate
transfer recording medium
201.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a further embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium
201 according to the present invention, wherein
FIG. 12A is a schematic plan view of an intermediate transfer recording medium,
and FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line B-B′ of FIG. 12A.
The intermediate transfer recording medium
201 shown in FIG. 12 is used
for the formation of an image on both sides of an object by the retransfer of the
receptive layer. In the intermediate transfer recording medium
201, a release
layer
205 and a receptive layer
203 are provided on one side of a
substrate film
202, and, for each unit picture plain partitioned by the
detection mark
206, a transfer layer A for the upper surface (top surface)
of the object and a transfer layer B for the lower surface (backside) of the object
are alternately and repeatedly formed in the order of ABABABA . . . In the transfer
layer A for the upper surface of the object, no layer is formed on the receptive
layer
203. On the other hand, in the transfer layer B for the lower surface
of the object, a masking layer
204 is partially formed, on the receptive
layer
203, as a receptive layer non-retransfer region not to be retransferred
onto an object.
The masking layer
204 as the receptive layer non-retransfer region is
in a rectangular void form in the receptive layer transfer portion and is repeatedly
formed between transfer layers A for the upper surface of the object while leaving
a space by one plain. The detection mark
206 is provided on the receptive
layer
203 in the intermediate transfer recording medium
201. The
use of the intermediate transfer recording medium in this embodiment can provide
a receptive layer-non-retransferred region on a part of the backside of the object
and can simply form a thermally transferred image on both sides of the object.
The detection mark
206 can detect the position of each transfer layer for
the upper surface and the lower surface of the object and can realize the formation
of the thermally transferred image on the object with high positional accuracy.
Thus, as shown in the drawing, the masking layer is formed in the upper layer
portion or lower layer portion of the transfer portion comprising at least a receptive layer.
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the intermediate transfer
recording medium according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 13A is a schematic
plan view of the intermediate transfer recording medium and FIG. 13B is a schematic
cross-sectional view taken on line A-A′ of FIG. 13A.
In the intermediate transfer recording medium
301 shown in FIG. 13B, a
stripping layer
303 is provided on the whole area of a substrate film
302,
and a receptive layer
304 is provided on a part of the stripping layer
303.
That is, a receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 is provided. The receptive
layer non-retransfer region
305 shown in the drawing is a void portion in
the receptive layer transfer portion, and, further, a boundary portion
307
between image units
306 is also the receptive layer non-retransfer region
305.
The receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds
to a portion not provided with only the receptive layer
304 on the substrate
film. The present invention is not limited to this only. For example, a portion
not provided with only the stripping layer or a portion provided with neither the
stripping layer nor the receptive layer may be provided on the substrate film.
That is, the portion not provided with the stripping layer and/or receptive layer
on the substrate film is the receptive layer non-retransfer region.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 14A
is a schematic plan view of the intermediate transfer recording medium, and FIG.
14B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line B-B′ of FIG. 14A.
In the embodiment of the intermediate transfer recording medium
301 shown
in FIG. 14, a receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 is a void portion
in the receptive layer transfer portion, and a detection mark
308 is provided
in synchronization with the receptive layer non-retransfer region
305. Further,
in the intermediate transfer recording medium
301, a stripping layer
303
is provided on the whole area of the substrate film
302, and a receptive
layer
304 is partially formed on the stripping layer
303, whereby
the receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 is formed. The receptive layer
non-retransfer region
305 shown in the drawing is a void portion in the
receptive layer transfer portion. The detection mark
308 in synchronization
with the receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 is provided on the receptive
layer
304 on the substrate film
302, that is, on the uppermost layer
of the intermediate transfer recording medium
301.
Thus, the formation of the detection mark in synchronization with the receptive
layer non-retransfer region in the intermediate transfer recording medium permits
a receptive layer-transferred region and a receptive layer-non-retransferred region
on the object to be provided and to form a thermally transferred image with high
positional accuracy.
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a still another embodiment of the intermediate
transfer recording medium according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 15A
is a schematic plan view of the intermediate transfer recording medium, and FIG.
15B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on line C-C′ of FIG. 15A.
The intermediate transfer recording medium
301 shown in FIG. 15 is used
for the formation of an image on both sides of an object by the retransfer of the
receptive layer. In the intermediate transfer recording medium
301, a stripping
layer
303 is provided on the whole area of one side of a substrate film
302, and, for each unit picture plain partitioned by the detection mark
308, a transfer layer A for the upper surface of the object and a transfer
layer B for the lower surface of the object are alternately and repeatedly formed
in the order of ABABABA . . . . For the whole area of the transfer layer A for
the upper surface of the object, the receptive layer
304 is provided on
the stripping layer
303. For the transfer layer B for the lower surface
of the object, a receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 not to be retransferred
onto the object is partially formed.
The receptive layer non-retransfer region
305 is in a quadrateral void
form in the receptive layer transfer portion and is repeatedly formed between transfer
layers A for the upper surface of the object while leaving a space by one plain.
The detection mark
308 is provided on the receptive layer
304 in
the intermediate transfer recording medium
301. The use of the intermediate
transfer recording medium in this embodiment can provide a receptive layer-non-retransferred
region on a part of the backside of the object and can simply form a thermally
transferred image on both sides of the object. The detection mark
308 can
detect the position of each transfer layer for the upper surface and the lower
surface of the object and can realize the formation of the thermally transferred
image on the object with high positional accuracy.
Individual elements constituting the intermediate transfer recording medium
will be described.
Substrate Film:
The substrate film for the intermediate transfer recording medium is not particularly
limited, and the same substrate film as used in the conventional intermediate transfer
recording medium as such may be used. Specific preferred examples of the substrate
film include: thin paper, such as glassine paper, capacitor paper, or paraffin-waxed
paper; and stretched or unstretched films of plastics, for example, highly heat
resistant polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate,
polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone, or polyether
sulfone, and other plastics, such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate,
polyethylene derivative, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene,
polyamide, polyimide, polymethylpentene, or ionomer.
Composite films comprising a laminate of two or more materials selected
from the above materials may also be used. The thickness of the substrate film
may be properly selected according to the material so as to provide proper strength,
heat resistance and other properties. In general, however, the thickness of the
substrate film is preferably about 1 to 100 μm.
In the intermediate transfer recording medium according to the present invention,
if necessary, from the viewpoint of preventing adverse effect of sticking, cockles
or the like caused by heat of a thermal head, a heat roll or the like as means
for the retransfer of an image formed portion onto an object, a backside layer
may be provided on the backside of the substrate film, that is, on the surface
of the substrate film remote from the receptive layer.
Receptive Layer:
The receptive layer is a major portion in the transfer portion constituting the
intermediate transfer recording medium. An image is formed by thermal transfer
on the receptive layer from a thermal transfer sheet having a colorant layer. The
intermediate transfer recording medium in its transfer portion with the image formed
thereon is transferred onto an object, and, thus, a print is formed.
For this reason, a conventional resin material, which is receptive to a thermally
transferable colorant such as a sublimable dye or a hot-melt ink, may be used as
the material for the receptive layer. Examples of materials usable herein include:
polyolefin resins such as polypropylene; halogenated resins such as polyvinyl chloride
or polyvinylidene chloride; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl
acetate copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or polyacrylic ester; polyester
resins such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate; polystyrene
resin; polyamide resin; resins of copolymers of olefins, such as ethylene or propylene,
with other vinyl polymers; ionomers; cellulosic resins such as cellulose diastase;
and polycarbonates. Vinyl chloride resins, acryl-styrene resins, or polyester resins
are particularly preferred.
When the receptive layer is transferred through an adhesive layer onto an object,
the receptive layer per se is not always required to be adhesive. On the other
hand, when the receptive layer is transferred onto the object without through the
adhesive layer, the formation of the receptive layer using a resin material having
adhesive properties, such as vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, is preferred.
The receptive layer may be formed by dissolving or dispersing a single or plurality
of materials, selected from the above materials, optionally mixed with various
additives or the like, in a suitable solvent such as water or an organic solvent
to prepare a coating liquid for a receptive layer, coating the coating liquid by
means such as gravure printing, plain printing, or reverse coating using a gravure
plate, and drying the coating. The thickness (coverage) of the receptive layer
is about 1 to 10 g/m
2 on a dry basis.
Stripping Layer:
In the intermediate transfer recording medium used in the present invention, a
receptive layer may be formed on a substrate film through a stripping layer. The
provision of the stripping layer can realize the retransfer of a transfer layer
composed mainly of a receptive layer from the intermediate transfer recording medium
onto an object in a reliable and simple manner.
The stripping layer may be formed of, for example, waxes, such as microcrystalline
wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, Fischer-Tropsh wax, various types of low-molecular
weight polyethylene, Japan wax, beeswax, spermaceti, insect wax, wool wax, shellac
wax, candelilla wax, petrolatum, partially modified wax, fatty esters, and fatty
amides, and thermoplastic resins, such as silicone wax, silicone resin, fluororesin,
acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, cellulose resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl
acetate copolymer, and nitrocellulose.
Further, the stripping layer may be formed of a binder resin and a releasable
material. Binder resins usable herein include thermoplastic resins, for example,
acrylic resins, such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyethyl methacrylate, polybutyl
acrylate, vinyl resins, such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate
copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyvinylbutyral, and cellulose derivatives,
such as ethylcellulose, nitrocellulose, and cellulose acetate, and thermosetting
resins, for example, unsaturated polyester resins, polyester resins, polyurethane
resins, and aminoalkyl resins. Releasable materials include waxes, silicone wax,
silicone resins, melamine resins, fluororesins, fine powders of talc or silica,
and lubricants such as surfactants or metal soaps.
The stripping layer may be formed by dissolving or dispersing the above-described
necessary materials in a suitable solvent to prepare a coating liquid for a stripping
layer, coating the coating liquid onto a substrate film by gravure printing, plain
printing, reverse coating using a gravure plate or other means, and drying the
coating. The coverage is generally 0.1 to 10 g/m
2 on a dry basis.
In the intermediate transfer recording medium used in the present invention,
if
necessary, from the viewpoints of preventing fusing to heating means such as a
thermal head or a heat roll and improving slidability, a backside layer may be
provided on the surface of the substrate film remote from the receptive layer.
Masking Layer:
The masking layer used in the present invention is provided in the upper layer
portion or the lower layer portion in the transfer portion of the intermediate
transfer recording medium. When the transfer portion is transferred onto the object,
in the transfer portion in its portion provided with the masking layer, the masking
layer absorbs or blocks heat at the time of the transfer, whereby the transfer
portion in its portion provided with the masking layer is not transferred onto
the object.
Binder resins usable in the masking layer include acrylic resin, acrylcellulose
resin, cellulosic resin, polystyrene resin, polyurethane resin, polyester resin,
polycarbonate resin, polyamide resin, pol
