EP0547233B1 - Feuille a encre a transfert thermique pour la formation d'images en couleur - Google Patents

Feuille a encre a transfert thermique pour la formation d'images en couleur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0547233B1
EP0547233B1 EP92914001A EP92914001A EP0547233B1 EP 0547233 B1 EP0547233 B1 EP 0547233B1 EP 92914001 A EP92914001 A EP 92914001A EP 92914001 A EP92914001 A EP 92914001A EP 0547233 B1 EP0547233 B1 EP 0547233B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ink layer
layer
ink
yellow
magenta
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Revoked
Application number
EP92914001A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0547233A1 (fr
EP0547233A4 (en
Inventor
Hitomi Tech. Ctr. Of Fujicopian Co. Ltd Kawabata
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Fujicopian Co Ltd
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Fuji Kagakushi Kogyo Co Ltd
Fujicopian Co Ltd
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B41M5/423—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by non-macromolecular compounds, e.g. waxes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/40—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used characterised by the base backcoat, intermediate, or covering layers, e.g. for thermal transfer dye-donor or dye-receiver sheets; Heat, radiation filtering or absorbing means or layers; combined with other image registration layers or compositions; Special originals for reproduction by thermography
    • B41M5/42—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers
    • B41M5/44—Intermediate, backcoat, or covering layers characterised by the macromolecular compounds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a use of a thermal transfer ink sheet and a method for color image formation. More specifically, it relates to a use of a thermal transfer ink sheet in formation of color images wherein a yellow ink layer, a magenta ink layer or a cyan ink layer thereof is heated with a plurality of heating elements under selective heating control which are provided in a thermal head, transferred on a minute dot basis to form a yellow image, a magenta image or a cyan image, two or more of these images being superimposed one on the other (hereinafter referred to as "superimposing transfer”) to form a color image on a receptor.
  • superimposing transfer to form a color image on a receptor.
  • thermo transfer ink sheet wherein on the surface of a film-like foundation is provided a colored ink layer in which a colorant is admixed with a vehicle mainly composed of a wax.
  • Figs. 5 and 6 are each an explanatory view schematically illustrating the countertransfer phenomenon.
  • numeral 20 denotes a thermal transfer ink sheet wherein on a foundation 21 is provided a release layer 22 on which a colored ink layer 23 is provided which is composed of a mixture of a colorant and a vehicle mainly composed of a film-formable thermoplastic resin.
  • Numeral 24 denotes a receptor on which a first color ink dot 25 is transferred.
  • exfoliating the ink sheet 20 from the receptor 24 causes a portion 25' of the colored ink layer 23 of the first color ink dot 25 to be removed therefrom and adhere to the second color ink layer 23 adjacent the location thereof from which the second color ink dot 27 has been removed, as shown in Fig. 6.
  • This phenomenon is the coutertransfer.
  • the present inventor has further attempted to form color images in accordance with an indirect transfer method, and found that the countertransfer phenomenon occurs conspicuously.
  • the aforesaid indirect tranfer method is an image formation method using a device as shown in Fig. 7.
  • numeral 30 denotes a rotatable transfer drum of which the surface is formed of an elastic material of good releasing property such as silicone rubber or fluorine-containing rubber.
  • Numeral 31 denotes a recording part which is arranged so that a thermal head 33 can press a thermal transfer ink sheet 32 against the transfer drum 30.
  • the ink sheet 12 is moved in the direction indicated by an arrow as the transfer drum 30 rotates for recording.
  • Numeral 34 denotes a transfer part which is arranged so that a receptor 35 can be pressed against the transfer drum 30 by means of a pressing roller 36.
  • the receptor 35 is fed in the direction indicated by an arrow for the transfer operation.
  • the thermal head 33 heats the thermal transfer ink sheet 32 so as to soften or melt the ink thereof, which is then transferred onto the surface of the transfer drum 30. While the transfer drum 30 and the ink sheet 32 are thus moved in the directions indicated by the arrows, respectively, the ink is transferred onto the transfer drum 30 so as to form an ink image 37 thereon.
  • the ink image 37 is moved to the transfer part 34 as the transfer drum 30 rotates, pressed against the receptor 35 there, and transferred onto the receptor 35 to form a final ink image 38.
  • ink images different in color need to be superimposed one on the other on the transfer drum.
  • the transfer drum is always heat at such a temperature as to soften the ink of the ink image thereon for facilitating transfer of the ink image onto the receptor. This causes frequent occurrence of the countertransfer phenomenon.
  • the first color ink dot is already in the softened state. Therefore, the countertransfer phenomenon is likely to occur even when heat energy supplied from the thermal head is not excessive.
  • thermo transfer ink sheet and a method for color image formation which is capable of forming clear images on rough-surface paper as well as on smooth-surface paper, preventing the countertransfer to occur upon superimposing transfer, and further, assuring proper superimposing of ink dots, while in addition it can be suitably applied even to the indirect transfer method.
  • JP-A-62-87391 discloses a thermal transfer ink sheet for color image formation, said ink sheet comprising: a release layer comprising a wax; a colored ink layer comprising a mixture of a colorant and a vehicle mainly composed of a high-cohesive thermoplastic resin, the layers being stacked on a foundation.
  • JP-A-63-288778 dicloses a heat transfer recording material for ink ribbon etc. having a release layer, a thermo-fusible ink layer, and a top coat layer comprising wax, and a resin.
  • EP-A-0 235 296 discloses a heat-sensitive melt-transfer recording medium comprising a support having provided on one side thereof a ink layer.
  • JP-A-61-37492 discloses a heat-meltable transfer type recording medium.
  • JP-A-62-21591 discloses a thermal transfer sheet comprising a surface layer which is formed from a wax.
  • the present invention relates to a use of a thermal transfer ink sheet and a method for color image formation as defined in claims 1 to 7.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an embodiment of the thermal transfer ink sheet for color image formation to be used according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating an example of an arrangement of ink layers of respective colors in the thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating how superimposing transfer is carried out using the thermal transfer ink sheet according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing another embodiment of the thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is an explanatory view for illustrating a countertransfer phenomenon which occurs upon the superimposing transfer using a conventional thermal transfer ink sheet, and showing a state wherein a second color ink layer is superimposed on a first color ink dot which has been precedingly transferred onto a receptor.
  • Fig. 6 is, like Fig. 5, an explanatory view for illustrating the countertransfer phenomenon, and which shows a state wherein the ink sheet is exfoliated from the receptor.
  • Fig. 7 is an explanatory view of a device for use in the indirect transfer method.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing an embodiment of the thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention.
  • numeral 1 denotes a foundation, on one side of which are formed sequentially from the foundation side a release layer 2 composed of a wax, a colored ink layer 3 in which a colorant is mixed with a vehicle mainly composed of a film-formable thermoplastic resin, and a countertransfer-prevention layer 4 composed of a wax.
  • the colored ink layer 3 usually comprises a yellow ink layer, a magenta ink layer and a cyan ink layer. These color ink layers may be provided on separate foundations, respectively, or on a single foundation of a strip-like shape.
  • Fig. 2 shows an example of the thermal transfer ink sheet wherein ink layers are arranged in such a manner.
  • a strip-like foundation 1 there are arranged on a strip-like foundation 1 a yellow ink layer Y, magenta ink layer M and cyan ink layer C in the longitudinal direction of the foundation 1, which layers Y, M and C are repeatedly disposed in units of U.
  • the yellow ink layer Y is herein meant to include the release layer 2, colored ink layer 3 and countertransfer-prevention layer 4 which are shown in Fig.
  • the order of arrangement of these three color ink layers can be selected as desired.
  • the color ink layers may be disposed in a mutual abutment relation or mutually spaced apart relation, or in a mutually slightly overlapped relation within a range such as not to cause hindrance in practical use.
  • the repeating unit of U may incorporate a black ink layer.
  • Color image formation with use of the above thermal ink sheet is achieved by selectively transferring the yellow ink layer Y, magenta ink layer M or cyan ink layer C onto a receptor to form a separation image in yellow, magenta or cyan and superimposing separation images in respective colors one on the other on the receptor.
  • intermediate colors other than yellow, magenta and cyan are obtained by subtractive color mixture wherein two or more kinds of ink dots in yellow, magenta and cyan are superimposed one on the other. It should be noted that the order of superimposing the above separation images in respective colors one on the other can be selected as desired.
  • the thermal transfer ink sheet of the above constitution enjoys the following effects.
  • the colored ink layer has film-formability, interposition of the release layer between the foundation and the colored ink layer allows the colored ink layer to exfoliate well from the foundation and to be transferred.
  • Fig. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a state where a thermal transfer ink sheet 10 is superimposed on a receptor 11 for transfer, on which a first color ink dot 12 has been transferred.
  • the adhesive strength between them is weak relative to that between the colored ink layers and, hence, it is unlikely that the colored ink layer 3 of the first color ink dot 12 is partially transferred back onto the ink sheet 10 while adhering to the countertransfer-prevention layer 4 in the peripheral portion 14. Thus, the countertransfer is prevented.
  • the countertransfer-prevention layer composed of a wax provided therein exhibits good adhesiveness to the receptor such as a sheet of paper when heated. Furthermore, when a second color ink dot is transferred onto a first color ink dot, the countertransfer-prevention layer of the second color ink dot which layer is composed of a wax adheres to the release layer of the first color ink dot which layer is composed of a wax, thereby ensuring adhesion between ink dots. As a result, color image formation by the superimposing transfer is achieved satisfactorily.
  • the aforesaid release layer is as defined in claim 1.
  • its constituents are natural waxes such as whale wax, bees wax, lanolin, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, montan wax and ceresine wax; petroleum waxes such as paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax; synthetic waxes such as oxidized wax, ester wax, low molecular weight polyethylene and Fischer-Tropsch wax; higher fatty acids such as lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and behenic acid; higher aliphatic alcohols such as stearyl alcohol and docosanol; waxy esters such as higher fatty acid monoglycerides, sucrose fatty acid esters and sorbitan fatty acid esters; waxy amides such as oleic amide, and bisamides. These constituents may be used singly or in combination of two or more species thereof.
  • the melting point of the release layer which is measured with DSC at a heating rate of 10°C /min, is suitably in the range of about 50° to about 100°C, especially about 60° to about 80°C.
  • the melting point below that range results in an ink sheet of poor storage stability, whereas that above the range makes the heat transferability of the colored ink layer degrade.
  • the release layer is formed by applying, with an appropriate applying means such as bar coater or gravure coater, a solution prepared by dissolving the wax in an organic solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene or tetrahydrofuran, a dispersion prepared by dispersing the wax in a solvent which does not dissolve the wax, such as methanol or isopropyl alcohol, or an aqueous emulsion prepared by adding an emulsifier to the wax, followed by drying.
  • the coating amount thereof is preferably within the range of about 0.2 to about 2.0 g/m 2 in terms of solid content.
  • the aforesaid color ink layer comprises a mixture of a colorant and a vehicle comprising a film-formable thermoplastic resin as the major ingredient of the vehicle.
  • the softening point of the vehicle is preferably within the range of about 50° to about 200°C, especially about 80° to about 120°C, and the viscosity of the colored ink layer (a value at a temperature 5° to 20°C above the softening point of the vehicle and which is measured with a rheometer manufactured by Rheology Co., Ltd; hereinafter the same) is preferably within the range of about 10 3 to about 10 8 mPa ⁇ s [cP], especially about 10 4 to about 10 6 mPa ⁇ s [cP].
  • the softening point below the above range degrades the storage stability of the ink sheet, while on the other hand that above the range makes the transfer-sensitivity thereof poor; hence, either of the cases is not preferable.
  • the viscosity lower than the above range degrades the bridging property or causes excessive transfer of ink, with the result that there is likely a blurred or collapsed image or an image with tail in which an ink stain follows the image like a tail.
  • the viscosity higher than the range causes uneven transfer, with the result that an image with a void or dropout portion is likely to be produced. Therefore, either of the cases is not preferable.
  • thermoplastic resin examples include ethylene polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, diene polymers such as styrene-butadiene copolymer and polybutadiene, acrylic ester polymers such as polyacrylic ester and polymethacrylic ester, polyamide resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins, and the like. These resins can be used singly or in combination of two or more species thereof. These resins each exhibit good film-formability even when solidified and, hence, have a feature of imparting images formed on a receptor with an excellent scratch or abrasion resistance.
  • the thermoplastic resin accounts for 30 to 80% by weight based on the total amount of the solid contents of the colored ink layer.
  • the colored ink layer may be incorporated with a glass-like resin as a tackifier such as rosins, hydrogenated rosins, hydrogenated rosin esters, ⁇ -pinene resins, terpene resins, cumarone-indene resins, ketone resins, maleic acid resins and phenol resins.
  • a tackifier such as rosins, hydrogenated rosins, hydrogenated rosin esters, ⁇ -pinene resins, terpene resins, cumarone-indene resins, ketone resins, maleic acid resins and phenol resins.
  • the amount of the tackifier to be added is preferably not more than 50% by weight, particularly about 10 to about 40% by weight, based on the total amount of the solid contents of the colored ink layer.
  • the colorants for yellow, magenta and cyan as used in the colored ink layer are transparent ones.
  • transparent colorants for yellow include organic pigments such as Naphthol Yellow S, Hansa Yellow 5G, Hansa Yellow 3G, Hansa Yellow G, Hansa Yellow GR, Hansa Yellow A, Hansa Yellow RN, Hansa Yellow R, Benzidine Yellow, Benzidine Yellow G, Benzidine Yellow GR, Permanent Yellow NCG and Quinoline Yellow Lake, and dyes such as Auramine. These colorants may be used singly or in combination of two or more species thereof.
  • Examples of specific transparent colorants for magenta include organic pigments such as Permanent Red 4R, Brilliant Fast Scarlet, Brilliant Carmine BS, Permanent Carmine FB, Lithol Red, Permanent Red F5R, Brilliant Carmine 6B, Pigment Scarlet 3B, Rhodamine Lake B, Rhodamine Lake Y and Arizalin Lake, and dyes such as Rhodamine. These colorants may be used singly or in combination of two or more species thereof.
  • Examples of specific transparent colorants for cyan include organic pigments such as Victoria Blue Lake, metal-free Phthalocyanine Blue, Phthalocyanine Blue and Fast Sky Blue, and dyes such as Victoria Blue. These colorants may be used singly or in combination of two or more species thereof.
  • transparent pigment is herein meant by a pigment which gives a transparent ink when dispersed in a transparent vehicle.
  • a black color ink layer containing a colorant for black such as carbon black, Nigrosine Base or the like.
  • the black color ink layer for this purpose is not adapted for the superimposing with other color ink layer and, hence, need not be necessarily transparent. Nevertheless, the black color ink layer is preferably transparent for the purpose of giving a desired color such as blue black by the superimposing with other color ink layer.
  • the amount of each colorant to be used is preferably about 2 to about 40% by weight, particuarly about 5 to about 30% by weight relative to the total amount of the solid contents of the colored ink layer.
  • the fine powder has an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 2 ⁇ m and is of silica, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, clay, talc or the like. Among these, preferable are highly transparent ones.
  • the amount of the fine powder to be added is preferably about 3 to about 30% by weight based on the total amount of the solid contents of the colored ink layer.
  • the colored ink layer may incorporate a small amount of a wax, for example, about 5 to about 20% by weight based on the total amount of the solid contents thereof for the purpose of improving the transferability and the clearness of printed images.
  • a wax for example, about 5 to about 20% by weight based on the total amount of the solid contents thereof for the purpose of improving the transferability and the clearness of printed images.
  • the waxes as used in the aforesaid release layer can be used for such a wax.
  • the colored ink layer may be incorporated with a dispersant, an antistatic agent or the like as required.
  • a coating liquid is first prepared by dissolving or homogeneously dispersing in an organic solvent the aforesaid thermoplastic resin and colorant and, as required, the tackifier or other additives.
  • a dispersant such as fluorine-containing surface active agent, higher alcohol-type surface active agent or phosphate-type surface active agent so as to promote the dispersing of the pigment and the like.
  • the resulting coating liquid is applied on the aforesaid release layer with an appropriate applying means such as roll coater, gravure coater, reverse coater, bar coater or the like.
  • an appropriate applying means such as roll coater, gravure coater, reverse coater, bar coater or the like.
  • the amount of the coating liquid to be applied is adjusted in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 g/m 2 on solid basis.
  • the aforesaid countertransfer-prevention layer is a layer comprises a microcrystalline wax and polyethylene wax from the viewpoints of improving the countertransfer-prevention property and superimposing transfer property.
  • the melting point of the countertransfer-prevention layer (a value measured with DSC at a heating rate of 10°C /min) is suitably about 65° to about 100°C, especially about 70° to about 90°C.
  • the melting point thereof below the suitable range results in a countertransfer-prevention layer with a degraded countertransfer-prevention property, whereas that above the range results in a degradation in the transferability onto the receptor and the superimposing recordability.
  • the countertransfer-prevention layer is formed by applying, with an appropriate applying means such as bar coater or gravure coater, a solution prepared by dissolving the wax in an organic solvent such as methyl ethyl ketone, toluene or tetrahydrofuran, a dispersion prepared by dispersing the wax in a solvent which does not dissolve the wax, such as methanol or isopropyl alcohol, or an aqueous emulsion prepared by adding an emulsifier to the wax, followed by drying.
  • the coating amount thereof is preferably within the range of about 0.2 to about 2.0 g/m 2 , especially about 0.2 to about 1.0 g/m 2 in terms of solid content. The coating amount less than that range results in a countertransfer-prevention layer with a degraded countertransfer-prevention effect, while on the other hand the amount larger than the range causes to degrade the transferability onto the receptor and the superimposing recordability.
  • the foundation As the foundation as used in the present invention, usable are polyester films, polyamide films, and other various plastic films generally used as a foundation film for ink sheets of this type. When such plastic films are used, it is desired to prevent the ink sheet from sticking to a thermal head by providing on the back side (the side in slide contact with the thermal head) of the foundation a conventionally known stick-preventing layer composed of silicone rubber, fluorine-containing rubber, nitrocellulose resin, any of various lubricative heat resistant resins modified with them, or any of the foregoing heat resistant resins admixed with a lubricant.
  • the foundation and/or the stick-preventing layer may contain an antistatic agent.
  • the foundation may be a thin sheet of paper having a high density such as condenser paper. The thickness of the foundation is preferably about 1 to about 9 ⁇ m, especially about 2 to about 4. 5 ⁇ m for assuring good heat conduction.
  • control layer is a layer in which the particles of a powder are dispersed in a resin binder. At least some of the particles project through the release layer into the colored ink layer at their top portion.
  • the particles serve as an anchor relative to the colored ink layer and operatively work in such a direction as to suppress the releasability of the colored ink layer. Consequently, the colored ink layer is imparted with a suitable releasability, thereby giving clear printed images on a sheet of rough-surface paper with use of a high-speed printer.
  • Action for suppressing the releasability of the colored ink layer can be controlled depending on the number and size of the particles projecting into the colored ink layer.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing another embodiment of the thermal transfer ink sheet according to the present invention which is provided with the aforesaid control layer.
  • a control layer 5 is interposed between the foundation 1 and the release layer 2.
  • the control layer 5 is incorporated with powder particles 6, at least some of which are not completely covered with the release layer 2 and are projecting into the the colored ink layer 3 at their top. These particles act to control the releasability of the colored ink layer 3 by their anchoring effect relative to the colored ink layer 3.
  • the control layer in the present invention is a layer in which powder particles are dispersed in a binder mainly composed of a resin.
  • the material for the binder is not particularly limited, provided that it shows good adherence to the foundation and will not be melted by momentary heating with heating elements of the thermal head while exhibiting good heat conductivity. Nevertheless, a preferred one has a softening point of 120°C or above.
  • polyamide resins obtained from dimer acid and various diamines, polyester resins or the like.
  • usable are styrene-butadiene copolymer, oxidized polyethylene, ketone resins, epoxy resins, polyacrylate resins and the like.
  • the powder particles to be added to the control layer there is required to use those containing at least some particles sized not to be covered with the release layer and to project into the colored ink layer.
  • the number of particles projecting into the colored ink layer is preferably about 1 to about 100, especially about 10 to about 50 per 1 ⁇ m 2 of the control layer.
  • the number thereof larger than that range results in poor releasability of the colored ink layer, with the result that an unclear printed image is likely.
  • the number thereof smaller than the range causes the colored ink layer to be released too easily, with the result that the receptor is likely to be stained with ink.
  • the powder particles may have a particle size distribution to a certain extent or a substantially uniform particle size.
  • preferably used are those having an average particle size ranging 0.1 to 2.0 ⁇ m and at maximum about 4 ⁇ m or smaller.
  • the amount of the powder particles to be used depends upon the particle size distribution and the like as stated above but is usually about 10 to about 50% by weight relative to the amount of the binder.
  • the material for the powder particles is not particularly limited, but examples' of the material therefor include inorganic and organic materials such as calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, amorphous silica, ultra fine powder of an acrylic resin, powder of a melamine resin and the like.
  • the aforesaid control layer is formed by dissolving the binder in a solvent which will not substantially dissolve the foundation, mixing the powder particles thereto to be sufficiently dispersed therein, and applying the mixture to the foundation with an appropriate applying means such as bar coater or gravure coater.
  • the coating amount of the mixture is about 0.2 to about 2.0 g/m 2 , preferably about 0.4 to about 1.0 g/m 2 in terms of solid content.
  • clear color images can be formed on a sheet of rough-surface paper having a Bekk smoothness of about 5 to about 20 seconds according to the common thermal transfer method with use of even a high-speed printer.
  • clear color images can also be formed on a sheet of smooth-surface paper or a plastic film.
  • the thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention can be advantageously used with an indirect transfer method for forming color images.
  • the aforesaid conventional indirect transfer method is effected as it is without particular modifications except that separation images in yellow, magenta and cyan are superimposed one on the other on the transfer drum and then transferred onto a receptor simultaneously.
  • the transfer drum is preferably heated at about 60° to about 80°C so as to facilitate transfer of an ink image formed thereon onto the receptor.
  • the transfer drum is preferably heated at about 60° to about 80°C so as to facilitate transfer of an ink image formed thereon onto the receptor.
  • thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention is used with the aforesaid indirect transfer method to form color images, there is an advantage that color images of a good quality can be formed on any receptor, for example, a cloth, regardless of the kind of the receptor.
  • a release layer was formed on one side of a 4.5 ⁇ m-thick and 297mm-wide polyethylene terephthalate film formed at the other side thereof with a 0.1 ⁇ m-thick stick-preventing layer composed of a silicone-modified urethane resin by applying thereto an aqueous emulsion of a mixed wax composed of 80 parts by weight of paraffin wax (melting point: 74.5 °C) and 20 parts by weight of microcrystalline wax (melting point: 84°C ), followed by drying.
  • the release layer thus formed had a coating amount of 1.0 g/m 2 after drying and a melting point of 76.5°C.
  • a control layer was formed on the foundation by applying a coating liquid for control layer of the following composition, followed by drying.
  • the control layer thus formed had a coating amount of 0.4 g/m 2 after drying.
  • the above release layer was formed on the control layer.
  • INGREDIENT % BY WEIGHT Polyamide resin (acid component: dimer acid) (softening point: 135° to 145°C ) 14.0 Calcium carbonate (particle diameter range: 0.1 to 2.0 ⁇ m, average particle diameter: 0.8 ⁇ m) 6.0 Toluene 80.0
  • the number of particles to be projected into a colored ink layer was measured by taking an electron micrograph upon application of the release layer on the control layer and counting the number of particles projecting from the release layer in the predetermined area to find the number thereof per unit area. As a result, the number of particles to be projected into the colored ink layer was 31/ ⁇ m 2 .
  • Color ink layers for yellow, magenta, cyan and black were formed on the release layer by repeatedly applying each of coating liquids for yellow, magenta, cyan and black ink layers having the compositions shown in Table 1 so as to have each color ink layer of A4 size, followed by drying.
  • the coating amount for each color ink layer was 2.0 g/m 2 after drying.
  • the arrangement of the color ink layers was as shown in Fig. 1 except for the provision of the black ink layer between the cyan ink layer C and the yellow ink layer Y.
  • Table 1 Composition of coating liquid (% by weight) Yellow ink layer Magenta ink layer Cyan ink layer Black ink layer Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (softening point: 90°C, viscosity: 6.1 x 10 4 cP/140°C ) 10.5 10.5 10.9 9.9 ⁇ -Pinene resin (softening point: 115°C) 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.0 ⁇ -Olefin-maleic anhydride copolymer wax (melting point: 74°C, viscosity: 200cP/100°C ) 2.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 Silica powder (particle diameter range: 0.1 to 1 ⁇ m) 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 Benzidine Yellow G (C.I.21090) 2.0 - - - Brilliant Carmine 6B (C.I.
  • the ink sheets obtained in Experimental Examples 1 to 7 were subjected to printing test using a thermal transfer printer (PC-PR 350, manufactured by NEC Corporation), wherein the printing speed was 50 cps; as the receptor were used paper sheets for thermal transfer (Bekk smoothness: 600 seconds), paper sheets for PPC (Bekk smoothness: 50 seconds) and bond paper sheets (Bekk smoothness: 10 seconds). Further, the ink sheets were also subjected to a test of printing onto a transfer drum of which the surface was composed of silicone rubber and which was heated at 65°C , according to the indirect transfer method.
  • PC-PR 350 thermal transfer printer
  • the receptor were used paper sheets for thermal transfer (Bekk smoothness: 600 seconds), paper sheets for PPC (Bekk smoothness: 50 seconds) and bond paper sheets (Bekk smoothness: 10 seconds).
  • the ink sheets were also subjected to a test of printing onto a transfer drum of which the surface was composed of silicone rubber and which was heated at 65°C , according to the indirect transfer method.
  • Kanji characters and alphabetic letters of the first color ink were magnified 100 times by optical microscope and observed, and rating was made into the following four stages:
  • thermal transfer ink sheet for color image formation to be used according to the present invention
  • clear images can be formed even on a sheet of rough-surface paper as well as on a sheet of smooth-surface paper. Further, proper superimposing of ink dots can be realized without occurrence of countertransfer, whereby color images can be formed with good color-reproducibility.
  • thermal transfer ink sheet to be used according to the present invention can also be applied to the indirect transfer method.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Thermal Transfer Or Thermal Recording In General (AREA)

Abstract

Une feuille d'encre à transfert thermique, destinée à la formation d'une image en couleur et qui peut produire une image nette même sur du papier grossier, ne produit pas un transfert inverse au cours du transfert par superposition, permet d'effectuer une superposition appropriée de points d'encre et de produire une image en couleur présentant une reproductibilité des couleurs élevées. Pour atteindre ces objectifs, la feuille à encre de l'invention comprend: A) une couche de lubrification de moule (2) composée de cires, B) une couche d'encre couleur (3) contenant un colorant mélangé à un véhicule composé principalement de résine thermoplastique filmogène, et C) une couche (4) empêchant le transfert inverse (4) et composée de cires, chacune des couches (1 à 3) étant disposée sur la surface d'un substrat (1) dans l'ordre où elles sont mentionnées. La feuille à encre est utilisée pour la formation d'une image en couleur par transfert thermique indirect.

Claims (7)

  1. Procédé de formation d'une image en couleur comprenant les étapes consistant à:
    - fournir une feuille de transfert thermique d'encre pour formation d'image en couleur comprenant:
    - une couche de libération (A), comprenant au moins un élément choisi dans le groupe constitué par une cire, un acide gras supérieur, un alcool aliphatique supérieur, un ester cireux et un amide cireux,
    - une couche d'encre de couleur (B), comprenant un mélange d'un colorant et d'un support, le support comprenant une résine thermoplastique pouvant être formée en pellicule comme ingrédient majeur du support, et
    - une couche de prévention de contre-transfert (C), comprenant au moins un élément parmi une cire de polyéthylène et une cire microcristalline,
    - les couches (A), (B) et (C) étant empilées dans cet ordre sur une assise,
    - la couche d'encre de couleur (B) comprenant une couche d'encre jaune, une couche d'encre magenta et une couche d'encre cyan, agencées selon une relation côte à côte sur la couche de libération,
    - chauffer de manière sélective la couche d'encre jaune, la couche d'encre magenta ou la couche d'encre cyan,
    - transférer ainsi de manière sélective la couche d'encre jaune, la couche d'encre magenta ou la couche d'encre cyan sur un récepteur,
    - pour former une image de séparation en jaune, magenta et cyan, et superposer les unes sur les autres les images de séparation en couleurs respectives sur le récepteur.
  2. Procédé de formation d'une image en couleur comprenant les étapes consistant à:
    - fournir une feuille de transfert thermique d'encre pour formation d'image en couleur comprenant un agencement d'une couche d'encre jaune, d'une couche d'encre magenta et d'une couche d'encre cyan, chaque couche d'encre comprenant:
    - une couche de libération (A), comprenant au moins un élément choisi dans le groupe constitué par une cire, un acide gras supérieur, un alcool aliphatique supérieur, un ester cireux et un amide cireux,
    - une couche d'encre de couleur (B), comprenant un mélange du colorant et d'un support, le support comprenant une résine thermoplastique pouvant être formée en pellicule comme ingrédient majeur du support, et
    - une couche de prévention de contre-transfert (C), comprenant au moins un élément parmi une cire de polyéthylène et une cire microcristalline,
    - les couches (A), (B) et (C) étant empilées dans cet ordre sur une assise,
    - chauffer de manière sélective la couche d'encre jaune, la couche d'encre magenta ou la couche d'encre cyan,
    - transférer ainsi de manière sélective la couche d'encre jaune, la couche d'encre magenta ou la couche d'encre cyan sur un récepteur,
    - pour former une image de séparation en jaune, magenta et cyan, et superposer les unes sur les autres les images de séparation en couleurs respectives sur le récepteur.
  3. Procédé de formation d'une image en couleur selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel le contenu de la résine thermoplastique dans la couche d'encre de couleur (B) est de 30 à 80% en poids.
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel l'image de séparation en jaune, magenta et cyan et les images de séparation superposées en couleurs respectives sont formées les unes sur les autres sur un tambour de transfert chauffé, puis simultanément transférées sur un récepteur.
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le tambour de transfert est chauffé à une température de 60°C à 80°C.
  6. Utilisation d'une feuille de transfert thermique d'encre comprenant:
    - une couche de libération (A), comprenant au moins un élément choisi dans le groupe constitué par une cire, un acide gras supérieur, un alcool aliphatique supérieur, un ester cireux et un amide cireux,
    - une couche d'encre de couleur (B), comprenant un mélange d'un colorant et d'un support, le support comprenant une résine thermoplastique pouvant être formée en pellicule comme ingrédient majeur du support, et
    - une couche de prévention de contre-transfert (C), comprenant au moins un élément parmi une cire de polyéthylène et une cire microcristalline,
    - les couches (A), (B) et (C) étant empilées dans cet ordre sur une assise,
    - la couche d'encre de couleur (B) comprenant une couche d'encre jaune, une couche d'encre magenta et une couche d'encre cyan, agencées selon une relation côte à côte sur la couche de libération,
       pour former une image en couleur sur un récepteur en superposant le transfert, dans laquelle deux images ou plus parmi une image jaune, une image magenta ou une image cyan sont superposées les unes sur les autres.
  7. Utilisation d'une feuille de transfert thermique d'encre comprenant un agencement d'une couche d'encre jaune, d'une couche d'encre magenta et d'une couche d'encre cyan, chaque couche d'encre comprenant:
    - une couche de libération (A), comprenant au moins un élément choisi dans le groupe constitué par une cire, un acide gras supérieur, un alcool aliphatique supérieur, un ester cireux et un amide cireux,
    - une couche d'encre de couleur (B), comprenant un mélange du colorant et d'un support, le support comprenant une résine thermoplastique pouvant être formée en pellicule comme ingrédient majeur du support, et
    - une couche de prévention de contre-transfert (C), comprenant au moins un élément parmi une cire de polyéthylène et une cire microcristalline,
    - les couches (A), (B) et (C) étant empilées dans cet ordre sur une assise,
       pour former une image en couleur sur un récepteur en superposant le transfert, dans laquelle deux images ou plus parmi une image jaune, une image magenta ou une image cyan sont superposées les unes sur les autres.
EP92914001A 1991-07-06 1992-07-06 Feuille a encre a transfert thermique pour la formation d'images en couleur Revoked EP0547233B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP3166029A JPH058566A (ja) 1991-07-06 1991-07-06 カラー画像形成用熱転写インクシート
JP166029/91 1991-07-06
PCT/JP1992/000861 WO1993001058A1 (fr) 1991-07-06 1992-07-06 Feuille a encre a transfert thermique pour la formation d'images en couleur

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0547233A1 EP0547233A1 (fr) 1993-06-23
EP0547233A4 EP0547233A4 (en) 1993-12-29
EP0547233B1 true EP0547233B1 (fr) 1997-12-29

Family

ID=15823627

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP92914001A Revoked EP0547233B1 (fr) 1991-07-06 1992-07-06 Feuille a encre a transfert thermique pour la formation d'images en couleur

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0547233B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH058566A (fr)
DE (1) DE69223751T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1993001058A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2804709B2 (ja) * 1993-12-16 1998-09-30 フジコピアン株式会社 熱転写記録媒体
JPH07257058A (ja) * 1994-03-25 1995-10-09 Fujicopian Co Ltd 熱転写記録媒体
ES2124188B1 (es) * 1997-02-14 1999-08-16 Rodriguez Fermin Sanchez Procedimiento de formacion de imagenes, por superposicion

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS59230794A (ja) * 1983-06-13 1984-12-25 Fujitsu Ltd カラ−インクシ−ト
JPS6030389A (ja) * 1983-07-29 1985-02-15 Toshiba Corp 転写材
JPS6056574A (ja) * 1983-09-09 1985-04-02 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 多色転写型感熱記録装置
JPS60253589A (ja) * 1984-05-31 1985-12-14 Konishiroku Photo Ind Co Ltd 感熱転写記録媒体
JPS6137492A (ja) * 1984-07-31 1986-02-22 Ricoh Co Ltd 熱溶融転写型記録媒体
JPH0755583B2 (ja) * 1985-07-22 1995-06-14 大日本印刷株式会社 感熱転写シ−ト
JP2559694B2 (ja) * 1985-07-22 1996-12-04 大日本印刷株式会社 感熱転写シ−ト
DE3683841D1 (de) * 1985-08-10 1992-03-19 Fuji Kagaku Shikogyo Waermeempfindliches schmelzuebertragungs-speichermedium.
JPS6287391A (ja) * 1985-10-15 1987-04-21 Brother Ind Ltd 熱転写リボン
JPS62242585A (ja) * 1986-04-15 1987-10-23 Ricoh Co Ltd 熱転写記録媒体
JPS63288778A (ja) * 1987-05-20 1988-11-25 Hitachi Maxell Ltd 感熱転写体
JP3048054B2 (ja) * 1988-04-08 2000-06-05 株式会社リコー 熱転写記録媒体

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1993001058A1 (fr) 1993-01-21
JPH058566A (ja) 1993-01-19
DE69223751D1 (de) 1998-02-05
EP0547233A1 (fr) 1993-06-23
DE69223751T2 (de) 1998-04-23
EP0547233A4 (en) 1993-12-29

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