JP2007152594A - Sheet for print transfer and method for transfer forming of print image - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable easy transfer and forming of a clear and durable print image by an inkjet printer or the like and to prevent exfoliation of the image from an object article and blurring of the print thereof even when the image gets wet with water. <P>SOLUTION: The print image formed on the surface of this sheet for print transfer is transferred onto the surface of the object article. The sheet includes a base layer 10 which has water permeability and water resistance and has a surface subjected to treatment 12 for exfoliation, a water-soluble weak adhesion layer 22 which is laid on the surface of the layer 10, contains an anionic reaction constituent and has an adhesive power that weakens in contact with moisture, an ink accepting layer 24 which is laid on the surface of the layer 22 and has printability and which contains a cationic reaction constituent to be made resistant to water in reaction to the anionic reaction constituent of the weak adhesion layer 22, bears the print image 30 formed on the surface and reveals the adhesive power in contact with the moisture, and a water-resistant layer 26 which is formed in the boundary portion of the weak adhesion layer 22 and the ink accepting layer 24 by the reaction of the anionic reaction constituent and the cationic reaction constituent to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print transfer sheet and a print image transfer formation method, and more specifically, is used to easily transfer and form an image printed by a household inkjet printer or the like on a target article using water. The present invention is directed to a print transfer sheet and a print image transfer formation method using such a print transfer sheet.

There is known a technique for transferring and forming various printed images including characters and patterns on plastic products, wooden products, or human skin.
Among them, the water transfer method in which the transfer image on which the print image is formed is immersed in water to peel the print image portion from the substrate and only the peeled print image portion is attached to the target article is easy to transfer. And has an advantage that the formed transfer layer becomes very thin, and is widely used.
In a conventional general water transfer method, a transfer sheet in which a printing layer is laminated on a base material such as paper via a water-soluble adhesive layer is used. By soaking the transfer sheet in water, the water-soluble adhesive layer is dissolved in water. If the printed layer is slid from the substrate and transferred to the target article and then dried, the printed layer is transferred to the target article. This method is also called slide transfer.

In such a water transfer technique, a technique has also been proposed in which a printed image can be easily formed by a household inkjet printer or the like.
For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a transfer sheet technology including a water-permeable support such as paper, a water-soluble glue layer, and a transfer layer that can be printed on an ink jet printer or the like on the surface. It is said that good transferability and image fixability can be obtained by using a specific water-soluble resin in the water-soluble paste layer (see claims 1 and 7).
Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a transfer sheet for water-based ink recording in which an ink receiving layer that is peelable due to water-based ink absorption is provided on a substrate as a transfer technique different from the water transfer method. After printing a mirror image with water-based ink on an ink receiving layer using an ink jet printer or the like, the ink receiving layer to which the image is attached is pressed onto the recording medium, and the substrate is peeled off from the ink receiving layer. It is said that the printed image of the receiving layer is inverted (transferred as an upright image) and transferred (see claims 1, 2, 7, etc.).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-59092 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-78390

It is difficult to transfer a large print layer accurately with the conventional water transfer technology, particularly the slide transfer method.
The printed layer that is immersed in water and separated from the base material is extremely thin, brittle, and weak, so if you try to slide a large area printed layer onto the surface of the target article, the printed layer will wrinkle or break. It is easy to tear. On the contrary, wrinkles or tears may occur when trying to correct the position and orientation of the printed layer on the surface of the target article.
When the printing ink used for printing with an ink jet printer or the like is a dye-based water-based ink, it is not only easy to bleed when printing on the ink receiving layer, but also after being printed and immersed in water for transfer work, and Also, there is a problem that printing ink oozes out or flows out even when the transfer film is wetted after the transfer film is formed on the target article.

Since the transfer film transferred to the target article is adhered to the target article with a water-soluble resin (glue), when it gets wet, the water-soluble resin (glue) dissolves and easily peels off or tears. There is also a problem that it is easy.
Since the technique of Patent Document 2 is not water transfer, the above-described problem hardly occurs. However, since the bonding to the recording medium only involves pressure-bonding the ink receiving layer, a very strong bonding cannot be obtained. It is easy to peel off with time and is inferior in durability. It is said that a resin having tackiness (adhesiveness) is blended in the ink receiving layer. However, if the surface of the ink receiving layer has tackiness, there is a problem that the ink receiving layer is clogged by paper feeding in the printer apparatus.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of conventional transfer technology, and by using an ink jet printer or the like, a clear and durable printed image can be easily transferred and formed from the target article even when wet with water. It is to prevent peeling and tearing and printing from bleeding.

  The print transfer sheet according to the present invention is a print transfer sheet for transferring a printed image formed on the surface to the surface of a target article, and is a water-permeable and water-resistant surface having a release treatment applied to the surface. A material layer, a water-soluble weak adhesive layer that is laminated on the surface of the base material layer that has been subjected to a release treatment, contains an anion reaction component, and weakens its adhesive strength when contacted with moisture, and on the surface of the weak adhesive layer Laminated ink that has printability and contains a cation reaction component that reacts with the anion reaction component of the weak adhesive layer to make it water resistant, forms the printed image on the surface, and develops an adhesive force upon contact with moisture And a water-resistant layer formed by a reaction between the anion reaction component of the weak adhesion layer and the cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer at a boundary portion between the weak adhesion layer and the ink receiving layer.

Each configuration will be described.
[Printed image]
Any print image that can be formed by a normal printing technique may be used.
Printed images are not only narrow images such as photographs and paintings of natural objects, but also images in a broad sense that are expressed in two dimensions, such as letters, symbols, geometric figures, abstract or concrete figures, and pattern patterns. Is used in the meaning including all.
The expression of the print image varies depending on the printing apparatus, printing ink, or printing method employed. There are cases where a single color such as black is used, a combination of a plurality of colors, and a multicolor printed image. Some printed images, such as an ink jet printer, can express a virtually infinite color that cannot be represented by a single color printing ink by combining dots of a plurality of colors of printing ink.

The printed image is a non-transparent plain color that represents characters and images in a different color, a background that has no background color and only characters and illustrations are represented in opaque colors, and translucent This includes things expressed in color.
[Base material layer]
The base material layer is a structure that supports other layer structures and fulfills basic characteristics and functions required for a print transfer sheet, such as mechanical strength, shape maintenance, and flexibility.
Basically, a technique common to a base sheet used for a normal transfer sheet can be applied.

The material of the base material layer needs water permeability that allows moisture supplied to the surface of the base material layer to pass through the base material layer and reach the weak adhesive layer on the back side. Moreover, the water resistance which maintains a shape, without melt | dissolving, disintegrating, or tearing also in a water absorption state is required. Those having excellent dimensional stability upon water absorption are preferred.
Paper having a basis weight of 50 to 150 g / m ² can be used as a material having these characteristics. As the paper, paper containing a wet reinforcing material such as polyimide epoxy disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2994209 is useful.
The base material layer made of paper can be subjected to sealing treatment on the surface to be peeled off. This is because when a liquid release material is applied and formed as a release treatment, the liquid release material penetrates to the back surface of the base material layer, the surface of the base material layer becomes water repellent, and the original water permeability can be exhibited. This is because it may disappear. By performing the sealing treatment, it becomes difficult for the liquid release material to penetrate into the inside of the base material layer, and an appropriate release treatment can be performed on the surface of the base material layer. As the sealing material, a material that prevents permeation of the liquid release material without inhibiting the water permeability of the base material layer is preferable. Specifically, it is desirable to use calcium carbonate, kaolin, clay or the like. Sealing treatment with a laminate of polyethylene resin or the like is not preferable because the water permeability of the base material layer is lost.

In addition to ordinary pulp paper, synthetic paper or synthetic resin sheet can be used as long as the same function can be achieved.
[Peeling treatment]
A peeling process is performed on the surface of the base material layer.
At the stage of producing the transfer sheet for printing, the release layer formed by the release treatment on the base material layer and the weak adhesive layer are joined and integrated, but when moisture comes into contact with the weak adhesive layer in the transfer operation, the base material layer It becomes possible to peel the surface that has been subjected to the peeling treatment from the weak adhesive layer. A material having a heavy peelability such that the weak adhesive layer is not easily peeled off from the release layer during handling of the printing transfer sheet is preferable. The peelability is preferably in the range of 50 to 200 cN / 500 mm.

As a processing technique for the material and the base material layer used for the peeling process, a technique common to a normal peeling process is applied. It is desirable to appropriately select the material used for the peeling treatment in accordance with the material for forming the weak adhesive layer and its characteristics.
The release layer formed on the surface of the base material layer by the release treatment needs to be water permeable in addition to the above-described action on the weak adhesive layer and the water resistant layer. This is because it is necessary for moisture to be able to penetrate from the base material layer to the weak adhesive layer through the peel-treated surface.
Silicon, polypropylene, polyester, and the like can be given as examples of a release treatment material for forming a release layer having such characteristics.

In order to perform the peeling treatment on the surface of the base material layer, the material for the peeling treatment can be applied to the surface of the base material layer by a normal coating technique.
(Weak adhesive layer)
It is laminated | stacked on the surface by which the peeling process of the base material layer was carried out, an anion reaction component is contained, and adhesive force becomes weak by contact with a water | moisture content. Although the adhesive force may be completely lost, it is sufficient that the adhesive force is weakened to such an extent that it can be peeled at least from the base material layer.
The weak adhesive layer has an anionic reaction component that has the above-described function and reacts with the cation reaction component contained in the ink receiving layer to make it water resistant. By this reaction, a water resistant layer is formed at the boundary between the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer. Even if the weak adhesive layer is water-soluble, the formed water-resistant layer is not water-soluble but water-insoluble. In addition, the water-resistant layer exhibits transparency that allows the printed image of the ink receiving layer to be visually recognized from the surface side of the water-resistant layer.

A water-soluble adhesive material can be used as a material for the weak adhesive layer having such characteristics and capable of forming a water-resistant layer. Specifically, starch, CMC, water-soluble olefin resin, etc. are mentioned.
The thickness or amount of the weak adhesive layer can be set so that the above-described characteristics can be satisfactorily exhibited. Specifically, the coating amount can be set to 5 to 50 g / m ² (wet: wet state).
[Ink receiving layer]
Laminated on the surface of the weak adhesive layer, has printability, contains a cation reactive component that reacts with the anion reactive component of the weak adhesive layer to make it water resistant, forms a printed image on the surface, and adheres by contact with moisture Power develops.

The ink receiving layer is preferably provided with a function of immediately absorbing and holding printing ink supplied from a printer or the like. The cation reaction component contained in the ink receiving layer reacts with the anion reaction component contained in the dye ink for ink jet printing and the like, so that the function of fixing the printing ink is also exhibited.
The ink receiving layer having the printed image formed on the surface covers the printed image with the ink receiving layer in the state of the transfer film transferred to the target article. The ink receiving layer needs to be transparent so that the printed image can be viewed from the surface side of the transfer film.
The ink receiving layer does not have adhesiveness on the surface at the stage when the print transfer sheet is manufactured, and a printed image can be formed by a normal printer or the like. The adhesive force with respect to the target article is expressed by contact with water supplied in the transfer operation. The adhesive force includes an adhesive force.

Examples of the material for the ink receiving layer having such characteristics include PVA and isopropyl alcohol. The technique described in JP-A-9-194787 can also be employed. Specifically, a coating agent containing a crosslinking agent such as polyvinyl alcohol and polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin having a saponification degree of 45 to 99 mol% and an average polymerization degree of 100 to 3000, and a crosslinking aid such as polyethyleneimine can be used. A material obtained by adding an acrylate copolymer to isopropyl alcohol is excellent in that it has excellent ink acceptability and does not become sticky in a short time after printing.
It should be noted that physical ink adsorbing components such as silica, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, boehmite and the like, which are often blended in a normal ink receiving layer, are not blended because they impair the transparency of the ink receiving layer.

The thickness or amount of the ink receiving layer can be set so that the above-described characteristics can be satisfactorily exhibited. Specifically, the coating amount can be set to 15 to 100 g / m ² (wet: wet state).
(Water resistant layer)
At the boundary portion between the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer, it is formed by the reaction between the anion reaction component of the weak adhesive layer and the cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer.
Therefore, the water-resistant layer is not formed completely separately and independently from the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer, but has a structure formed as a result of laminating the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer. . The weak adhesive layer and the water resistant layer, or the water resistant layer and the ink receiving layer may be distinguished by a clear boundary line, but there may be no clear boundary line. The reaction part may gradually increase from the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer to shift to the water resistant layer.

The water-resistant layer is provided with a thickness obtained by combining a part of the thickness of the weak adhesive layer and a part of the thickness of the ink receiving layer. A part of the weak adhesive layer is left with a water-soluble portion that does not become a water-resistant layer, so that the peelability from the base material layer during the transfer operation can be improved. In part of the ink receiving layer, it is necessary to leave a portion that does not become a water-resistant layer but has a function of receiving and fixing printing ink. The thickness of the water-resistant layer or the ratio of the water-resistant layer to the thickness of the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer is determined by the forming conditions such as the material and the coating amount of the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer.
[Manufacture of printing transfer sheet]
The layers constituting the print transfer sheet are laminated and integrated.

Normal transfer sheet manufacturing technology and printing material manufacturing technology can be applied.
Basically, a weak adhesive layer and an ink receiving layer are sequentially formed on the surface of the base material layer that has been subjected to the peeling treatment. As coating means, roller coating, gravure coating, air knife coating, comma coating, etc. can be employed.
By applying an ink receiving layer on the weak adhesive layer, the reaction occurs at the boundary between the two layers, and a water resistant layer is formed.
[Method for Transfer Forming Printed Image]
A print image is transferred and formed on the surface of the target article using the print transfer sheet having the structure described above.

<Target article>
Conventionally, the present invention can be applied not only to an article on which a printed image is transferred and formed by various techniques, but also to an article that is not suitable for transfer by a conventional technique.
Specifically, various plastic products, metal products such as stainless steel, gold, and silver, ceramic products such as tiles and ceramics, wood products such as natural wood, fabric products such as canvas and clothing, leather products, and paper products Stone products such as marble, glass products such as window glass and drink glass, and rubber products such as balloons. It can also be applied to products made of a porous material such as foamed resin. These products include products used for daily necessities, housing equipment, building materials, decorations, production materials and other applications. Furthermore, if skins and nails such as human arms and faces are used as target articles, they can be used for fashion tattoos and nail art.

In addition to a flat surface, the surface of the target article on which the printed image is transferred and formed may be curved or have a certain degree of unevenness. However, it is not suitable when the surface is wet or in a high water content state because the transfer film is difficult to be fixed, so it is desirable to remove excess water.
<Printing process>
A target print image is printed as a mirror image on the ink receiving layer of the target article.
The printing apparatus and printing method are not limited. Various devices such as inkjet printers and laser printers having various office or household printing functions can be used. A copying apparatus that forms a print image in a broad sense such as a toner copying machine can also be used. Various printing methods such as lithographic printing, silk screen printing, and gravure printing or printing apparatuses can also be employed.

An ink jet printer or an ink jet printing method using water-based ink is suitable for forming clear and diverse printed images that are easy to print and inexpensive. Either pigment-based ink or dye-based ink can be used. Even if a dye-based ink that easily bleeds when contacted with water after printing is used as a printing ink for ink-jet printing, an ink containing an anion reaction component that reacts with a cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer may be used. The water-resistant reaction is caused in an accepted state, and bleeding at the time of printing is eliminated, and even when it comes into contact with water after printing, it becomes difficult to spread.
In the printing process, a mirror image of a target print image (upright image) to be expressed on the surface of the target article is printed on the surface of the ink receiving layer. When an image is created on a computer screen, an erect image can be converted into a mirror image by a function of software for creating the image. It is also possible to read an erect image printed original or original printing plate with a scanner or the like and convert it into a mirror image.

In the case of an image that cannot be read when the left and right are reversed, such as characters and symbols, or a picture or photo that greatly changes its design, it is essential to print a mirror image on the ink receiving layer. However, in the case of an image such as a geometric pattern or an abstract figure that does not cause a problem even if the left and right sides are reversed, there is a case where the process of converting an erect image into a mirror image may not be performed.
After the printing process is completed, the printing ink is sufficiently dried by fixing the printing ink. The drying step can be performed by natural drying such as air drying, or forced drying such as hot air drying by a dryer.
A print transfer sheet in which the printing ink or the ink receiving layer is sufficiently dried is easy to handle and store. It does not become difficult to remove dust or other foreign matter on the surface. Printed print transfer sheets can be distributed and sold.

<Transfer process>
(Layout of print transfer sheet)
The print transfer sheet is disposed with the ink receiving layer on which the printed image is formed in contact with the surface of the target article. At this stage, the print transfer sheet is in a dry state and does not adhere to the target article, so that it can be freely adjusted to the target position and posture. In addition, there may be a slight gap between the surface of the target article and the print transfer sheet.
(Water supply)
Moisture is supplied from above the base material layer, which is the exposed surface, to the print transfer sheet disposed on the surface of the target article. Moisture penetrates from the base material layer to the weak adhesive layer. The weak adhesive layer into which moisture has penetrated is partially or wholly dissolved in water and loses or weakens the adhesion to the release layer. Moisture also penetrates from the water resistant layer to the ink receiving layer. The water-resistant layer does not weaken even if it absorbs water. Moisture that has penetrated into the ink receiving layer causes the ink receiving layer to develop an adhesive force. However, at this stage, the ink receiving layer is not firmly bonded to the target article, but is in a state of being adhered with water. In some cases, the position and orientation of the ink receiving layer can be adjusted on the surface of the target article.

When supplying a large amount of water at a time, or when immersed in water, the print transfer sheet floats on the water film formed between the target article, so an appropriate amount can be obtained by penetration into the base material layer. It is desirable to supply moisture. A necessary and sufficient amount is supplied to such an extent that the effect of moisture on the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer is well expressed.
Specifically, the substrate layer that is the exposed surface of the print transfer sheet is pressed or rubbed with a roll of wet tissue paper, gauze cloth or sponge with water sucked in, or the like. Thus, it is desirable to gradually supply an appropriate amount of moisture while pressing the print transfer sheet against the surface of the target article. After spraying water, you can also use a method of pressing with a cloth. A method of rolling a water-containing roller made of sponge or the like on the surface of the print transfer sheet can also be employed. It is desirable that the ink receiving layer of the print transfer sheet is pressed down so as to be in close contact with the surface of the target article without any gap. This pressing also causes an action of pushing out the water-solubilized weak adhesive layer material out of the print transfer sheet.

Since the base material layer, which is the exposed surface of the print transfer sheet, is rubbed or pressed with tissue paper or cloth, excessive frictional force or scratching force is directly applied to the water-resistant layer and ink receiving layer, resulting in damage. Or tearing is prevented.
(Drying and peeling)
When the print transfer sheet is affixed at an appropriate position and posture on the surface of the target article, the print transfer sheet is dried. Drying may be natural drying, or forced drying with cold air or hot air such as a dryer.
By drying, the ink receiving layer remains strong on the surface of the target article and exhibits a strong adhesive force. In addition, even if the weak adhesive layer is not pushed out of the print transfer sheet by the above-described water supply operation or remains between the base material layer and the water resistant layer, the weak adhesive layer loses the adhesive force to the base material layer. Or weakened.

After sufficient drying, only the base material layer of the print transfer sheet is peeled off from the surface of the water-resistant layer. The transfer film including the ink receiving layer and the water-resistant layer on which the printed image is formed remains in a state of being firmly bonded to the surface of the target article. A part of the weak adhesive layer may remain on the surface of the water-resistant layer.
In the transfer film formed on the surface of the target article, the printed image present on the bottom of the transparent water-resistant layer and the ink receiving layer is clearly visible from above the transfer film.
Since the printed image is covered with the ink receiving layer and the water-resistant layer, the printed image is hardly peeled off even if the surface of the transfer film is rubbed, and the durability is improved. The water-resistant film and ink receiving layer in a dry state exhibit high mechanical strength and durability. Even if water adheres to the surface of the transfer film, the printed image covered with the water-resistant layer is prevented from bleeding or flowing. The water resistant layer also prevents the color of the printed image from fading or changing over time.

<Other processes>
If necessary, a protective coating treatment or a protective film can be applied on the transfer film formed on the surface of the target article.
If a new print transfer sheet is arranged on the previously formed transfer film and the same transfer operation as described above is performed, the print images can be transferred and formed in an overlapping manner.

The print transfer sheet according to the present invention includes the base layer, the weak adhesive layer, and the ink receiving layer that have been subjected to the peeling treatment as described above, and the boundary portion between the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer is weak. A water-resistant layer formed by a reaction between an anion reaction component of the adhesive layer and a cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer is provided.
It can be easily printed on the surface side of the ink receiving layer by an ink jet printer or the like. Even when printing ink that is easy to bleed during printing, or easily oozes when wet after printing, is used, such as dye-based ink, the anion reaction component contained in the printing ink reacts with the cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer. As a result, water is insolubilized, and a clear and highly water-resistant printed image is obtained. The water-resistant printed image can maintain a clear printed image without being oozed or dissolved even if it gets wet during handling of the print transfer sheet, transfer work or use of the target article. .

  Among the print transfer sheets, when the ink receiving layer on which the printed image is formed is disposed on the surface of the target article and moisture is supplied from the substrate layer side which is the exposed surface, the moisture is weakly bonded from the substrate layer, It penetrates into the ink receiving layer through the water resistant layer. Moisture causes the weak adhesive layer to lose or weaken the adhesion to the substrate layer. Part or all of the weakly adhering weak adhesive layer is pushed out of the print transfer sheet. Further, an adhesive force is developed in the ink receiving layer, and the ink receiving layer is brought into close contact with the surface of the target article. Since the ink receiving layer is supported by the base material layer, the ink receiving layer is not torn, wrinkled or scratched during operation. Even a large-area printed image can be transferred without any problem.

Thereafter, when the print transfer sheet is dried, the ink receiving layer is brought into close contact with the surface of the target article and firmly bonded. If the base material layer is peeled off from the surface of the water-resistant layer, a transfer film comprising an ink receiving layer on which a printed image is formed and a water-resistant layer covering the surface of the ink receiving layer can be left on the surface of the target article.
In a state where the transfer film is formed on the surface of the target article, a water-resistant layer exists on the surface of the transfer film, so that even if the surface of the target article gets wet with water, it is not easily peeled off. Since the transfer film and the target article are joined by the adhesive force of the ink receiving layer, and there is no water-soluble adhesive that dissolves by absorbing water, the transfer film does not peel off due to dissolution of the adhesive.

  As a result of the above, it is possible to transfer and form a clear and durable printed image on the surface of the target article with only a simple transfer operation using water, to enhance the decorativeness and design of various products and display The function can be improved.

[Transcription sheet for printing]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic layer structure of a printing transfer sheet. In order to express each structural part in an easy-to-understand manner, there are places where the thickness, boundary line, shape, etc. of each structure are simplified, deformed, or the ratio is changed.
The printing transfer sheet S is made of paper or the like, and the surface of the release layer 12 is provided on the surface of the release layer 12 with respect to the base layer 10 on which the release process is performed and the release layer 12 is provided. 24 has a layered structure in which the layers are sequentially stacked and integrated.
A water resistant layer 26 is formed at the boundary between the weak adhesive layer 22 and the ink receiving layer 24. The water resistant layer 26 is a layer formed by a reaction between an anion reaction component contained in the weak adhesion layer 22 and a cation reaction component contained in the ink receiving layer 24.

[Formation of printed image]
FIG. 2 shows the print transfer sheet S in a state where printing is completed.
The print image can be formed on the print transfer sheet S using a normal personal computer (PC) and an ink jet printer.
On the PC, electronic data of a print image is created using image processing software, document creation software, drawing software, and the like. At this time, in order for the image displayed on the surface of the target article after transfer to be a target print image, the print image to be printed on the surface of the printing transfer sheet S must be a mirror image of the target image. Therefore, it is desirable to create mirror image data by inverting an image created on a PC screen by a processing function such as the software. If characters and non-target figures are not mirror images, inverted characters and figures will be displayed on the surface of the target article. In the case of a geometric pattern or the like in which the difference between right and left does not matter so much, it may not be necessary to create mirror image data.

When the print transfer sheet S is set in an ink jet printer, the ink receiving layer 24 of the print transfer sheet S is set to be a printing surface to which printing ink is supplied. For example, the surface on the base material layer 10 side having a rough surface and the surface on the ink receiving layer 24 side having a smooth surface may be distinguished from each other and set in the ink jet printer.
Printing inks composed of water-based inks of respective colors are blown out into fine dots from the printing nozzles of the ink jet printer, and supplied to the ink receiving layer 24 of the printing transfer sheet S. The aqueous ink is sucked into the ink receiving layer 24. At this time, when the water-based ink is a dye-based ink, the anion reaction component contained in the dye-based ink reacts with the cation reaction component contained in the ink receiving layer 24 to fix the ink component satisfactorily. Accordingly, the printing ink is fixed immediately without being excessively spread around the periphery. A print image having no clear blur and a clear outline is formed. Since the fixed printing ink is water-resistant, even if it comes into contact with moisture after printing, it does not melt or flow out to cause bleeding. As a printing ink, it is of course possible to use a printing ink having water resistance such as a pigment-based ink.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printing region 30 is formed from the surface of the ink receiving layer 24 to a certain depth position with a certain area according to a desired pattern or character. Usually, the printing ink does not penetrate to the depth of the water-resistant layer 26.
Among the print transfer sheets S, the release layer 12 of the base material layer 10 and the weak adhesive layer 22 are integrated in an adhesive state. Therefore, the print transfer sheet S is run and curved inside the apparatus of the ink jet printer. Even if it is pulled out, the base material layer 10, the weak adhesive layer 22 and the ink receiving layer 24 are not peeled off and can be handled without any problem while being integrated.
When the printing ink and the ink receiving layer 24 are in a dry state, the print transfer sheet S that has been printed has no adhesion or stickiness on the surface, and can be handled in the same manner as a normal printed matter. When the transfer operation is not performed immediately, the print transfer sheet S can be stored or transported.

[Transfer to the target article]
3 and 4 show the operation of transferring the print image to the target article.
As shown in FIG. 3, the print transfer sheet S is disposed on the surface of a target article 40 made of plastic, wood, or the like. The ink receiving layer 24 and the printing region 30 are in contact with the surface of the target article 40. At this stage, the print transfer sheet S can be moved freely without being bonded to the surface of the target article 40. Fine adjustment of the transfer position and correction of the posture can be performed.
Next, water is supplied from the exposed surface of the print transfer sheet S, that is, from the top of the base material layer 10, by rubbing a tissue paper containing water or a cloth containing water. Meanwhile, the print transfer sheet S is pressed against the target article 40. Moisture penetrates into the base material layer 10, the release layer 12, the weak adhesive layer 22, and the ink receiving layer 24.

  Moisture causes the adhesive strength of the weak adhesive layer 22 to be lost or weakened. Further, the ink receiving layer 24 is caused to exhibit an adhesive force, and the ink receiving layer 24 is bonded to the target article 40. The print transfer sheet S is uniformly pressed from above so that the entire surface of the ink receiving layer 24 is in close contact with the surface of the target article 40 and is satisfactorily bonded. Even when the printing transfer sheet S is pressed down to some extent, the strong base material layer 10 is present, so that the ink receiving layer 24 and the like are not torn or wrinkled. If the printing transfer sheet S is pressed from the center to the periphery, a part or all of the water-soluble weak adhesive layer 22 can be pushed out of the printing transfer sheet S.

Thereafter, the print transfer sheet S is dried. It may be naturally dried, but if it is forcibly dried with a dryer or the like, the drying will be faster. When the print transfer sheet S is sufficiently dried, the ink receiving layer 24 is strongly bonded to the surface of the target article 40.
As shown in FIG. 4, the base material layer 10 including the release layer 12 is peeled off from the surface of the water resistant layer 26. Since the transfer film T composed of the water-resistant layer 26, the ink receiving layer 24 and the printing region 30 is strongly bonded to the surface of the target article 40, only the base material layer 10 including the release layer 12 is peeled off. Can do. Even when a part of the weak adhesive layer 22 remains on the water-resistant layer 26, since the adhesive force of the weak adhesive layer 22 is weak, the base material layer 10 and the release layer 12 are easily peeled off.

In a state where the base material layer 10 and the release layer 12 are peeled off, a transfer film T composed of the ink receiving layer 22 including the printing region 30 and the water resistant layer 26 remains on the surface of the target article 40. A part of the weak adhesive layer 22 may remain on the surface of the water resistant layer 26, but this is not a problem. The weak adhesive layer 22 can also be wiped from the surface of the water resistant layer 26.
Since the water-resistant layer 26 and the ink receiving layer 22 are transparent in the transfer film T, only the print region 30 is visible on the surface of the target article 40 when viewed from above. In this state, the print image is transferred to the surface of the target article 40. As described above, since the printing surface at the time of printing is the target article 40 side, the printing surface is seen through from the back side. If the print image is printed as a mirror image, the upright image is visually recognized by seeing through the mirror image from the back side.

The transfer film T formed on the surface of the target article 40 is in a state where the ink receiving layer 22 of the transfer film T is firmly bonded to the surface of the target article 40 and is not easily peeled off even when an external force is applied.
Furthermore, even if the surface of the target article 40 is wet with water, the water-resistant layer 26 and the ink receiving layer 22 that cover the surface of the transfer film T are firmly bonded to the target article 40, and the transfer film T is lifted or moved. There is no wrinkling or blurring or running of the printed image. Even if a part of the weak adhesive layer 22 remains on the surface of the water-resistant layer 26 and the weak adhesive layer 22 may come into contact with water to become water-soluble or peel off from the water-resistant layer 26, the water-resistant layer 26 and ink reception The transfer film T composed of the layer 22 is not affected.

  When the transfer film T is to be removed from the target article 40, the surfactant penetrates the transfer film T or the transfer film T when the transfer film T is wetted with water containing a surfactant such as detergent or soapy water. Intrusion into the gap between T and the surface of the target article 40, the bonding between the ink receiving layer 24 and the target article 40 is released, and the transfer film T is lifted and can be easily peeled off. The paste component does not remain or show adhesiveness on the surface of the target article 40 after the transfer film T has been removed.

Specifically, a print transfer sheet S was manufactured and its performance was evaluated.
[Manufacture of transfer sheet for printing]
A single-sided clay-coated water-resistant paper (120 g / m ² ) having a rectangular shape of 29.7 cm in length and 21.0 cm in width was used as the base material layer. The base material layer is subjected to a peeling treatment by applying a silicon release material by gravure coating.
Of the base material layer, a water-soluble olefin resin was applied and formed as a weak adhesive layer at 23 g / m ² (wet: wet state) as a weak adhesive layer on the surface of the release layer.
On the weak adhesive layer, as an ink receiving layer, isopropyl alcohol was applied by roll coating at 55 g / m ² (wet: wet state).

[Formation of printed image]
As a printing apparatus, an inkjet printer (model number MP900, manufactured by Canon Inc.) was used. A normal water-based dye ink supplied for the printer was used as the printing ink. The conventional water transfer technique is not suitable for use.
Using a personal computer, image data for printing was created by converting an image including an upright image and characters into a mirror image using image processing software attached to the OS.
A print transfer sheet was set in an ink jet printer, and a predetermined print image (mirror image) was printed on the ink receiving layer. The print settings of the inkjet printer were set to “Super Photo Paper” for printing paper and “Pretty” for print quality.

During or after printing, the weak adhesive layer and the ink receiving layer were not peeled off from the substrate layer of the print transfer sheet.
[Transfer work]
A rectangular natural wood board measuring 29.7 cm in length and 21.0 cm in width was used as the target article.
A print transfer sheet was placed on the surface of the target article. The printed ink receiving layer was brought into contact with the surface of the target article, and the base material layer was exposed on the surface. The surface of the print transfer sheet was pressed against the target article by rubbing with a tissue paper sufficiently soaked in water. Thereafter, the print transfer sheet was sufficiently dried, and then the base material layer including the release layer was peeled off from the surface of the water resistant layer. On the surface of the target article, a transfer film composed of an ink receiving layer on which a printed image was formed and a water-resistant layer covering the surface of the ink receiving layer remained.

[Performance evaluation]
When the transfer film was viewed from the surface, the intended printed image (upright image) was clearly visible. The thin transfer film was in close contact according to the grain of the target article, and the surface of the transfer film was in close contact with fine grainy irregularities or streaks. Even if the surface of the transfer film was rubbed with a finger, it was not easily peeled off. Even if water droplets were dropped on the surface, the transfer film did not float or peel off.
When the surface of the transfer film was rubbed with soapy water, the transfer film could be easily peeled from the target article. No dirt such as glue remained on the surface of the target article after the transfer film was peeled off.

  The print transfer sheet of the present invention can be used for, for example, patterning and marking on various articles, grave towers, fashion tattoos, nail art, and photographic prints on interior materials. A desired printed image can be transferred and formed on an arbitrary target article with a simple operation, and the transferred printed image is clear and excellent in durability and can withstand water wetting.

Schematic sectional view of a print transfer sheet representing an embodiment of the present invention Schematic sectional view of a printed image Schematic cross section during transfer Schematic cross section after transfer work

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Base material layer 12 Peeling layer 22 Weak adhesion layer 24 Ink receiving layer 26 Water resistant layer 30 Print area 40 Target article S Print transfer sheet T Transfer film

Claims (4)

A print transfer sheet for transferring a print image formed on the surface to the surface of the target article,
A base material layer having water permeability and water resistance and having a surface subjected to a peeling treatment;
A water-soluble weakly adhesive layer that is laminated on the surface of the base material layer that has been subjected to a release treatment, contains an anion reaction component, and has a weak adhesive force upon contact with moisture;
Laminated on the surface of the weak adhesive layer, has printability, contains a cation reactive component that reacts with the anion reactive component of the weak adhesive layer to make it water resistant, the printed image is formed on the surface, and comes into contact with moisture An ink-receiving layer that develops adhesive strength,
A water-resistant layer formed by a reaction between an anion reaction component of the weak adhesion layer and a cation reaction component of the ink receiving layer at a boundary portion between the weak adhesion layer and the ink receiving layer;
A printing and transfer sheet comprising: The weak adhesive layer contains an anion reaction component selected from the group consisting of starch, CMC, and a water-soluble olefin resin,
The print transfer sheet according to claim 1, wherein the ink receiving layer contains a cation reaction component selected from the group consisting of PVA and isopropyl alcohol. The base material layer is a paper material having a basis weight of 50 to 150 g / m ² ;
The weak adhesive layer has a coating amount of 5 to 50 g / m ² (wet state),
The print transfer sheet according to claim 1, wherein the ink receiving layer has a coating amount of 15 to 100 g / m ² (wet state). A method for transferring and forming a print image on the surface of a target article using the print transfer sheet according to claim 1,
A step (a) of printing a target print image as a mirror image on the ink receiving layer of the print transfer sheet;
(B) placing the print transfer sheet in contact with the ink receiving layer on which the print image is formed on the surface of the target article;
A step (c) of supplying moisture from above the base material layer to the print transfer sheet disposed on the surface of the target article and attaching it to the surface of the target article;
A step (d) of drying the print transfer sheet affixed to the surface of the target article;
The base material layer is peeled from the surface of the water-resistant layer in a state where a transfer film composed of the ink receiving layer and the water-resistant layer on which the printed image is formed is bonded to the surface of the target article. Taking step (e);
A printed image transfer method comprising:

Images