JP2008030284A - Image forming method and image forming body - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming method which enables the selection of a required image area such as sharply reproducing end parts or the like of an image pattern in the image forming method consisting of a primary transfer which forms the image pattern on an image receiving and adhesive layer of an intermediate transfer film from a thermal transfer ribbon by a heating means and a secondary transfer which transfers this image pattern to a body to be transferred, and to provide an image forming body. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming method and the image forming body, an adhesive transfer layer 40 with no coloring material layer is repeatedly provided in the order of faces after regions of respective coloring material layers (Y, M, C and BK) of thermal transfer ribbon 15, and after a reverse image pattern 12 by transferring from the coloring material layers of these four colors is formed on the intermediate transfer film 20, the non-image part 14 of the reverse image pattern is reversely transferred on the adhesive transfer layer 40. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming method and image for transferring an image pattern based on image data transferred from a thermal transfer medium onto an image receiving layer of an intermediate transfer medium having an image receiving layer laminated on at least one side of a support. The present invention relates to a formed body, and in particular, an image forming method capable of selecting a desired image area, such as removing unnecessary parts such as burrs at the end of the image pattern, and reproducing it sharply, and an image formed body obtained thereby About.

  Conventionally, in an image forming method using thermal transfer recording, an intermediate transfer medium in which an image receiving layer is laminated on at least one side of a support is used, and an image pattern based on image data from the thermal transfer medium is transferred to the image receiving layer using a thermal head or the like. There is a method of transferring (primary transfer) and transferring the transferred image pattern together with an image receiving layer to a transfer material such as a passport by heating and pressing (also referred to as secondary transfer or retransfer).

  Applying an image pattern from image information indirectly by transferring to a booklet such as a passport or passbook or a driver's license, identification card, etc. as in the above method is, for example, a final image display body to which the image pattern is to be added. In the case where it is technically difficult to form an image directly, lack of mass productivity, or cost increases, an image pattern from image information from a thermal transfer medium as described above is used. A method is adopted in which an image is first formed on an intermediate transfer film, and then the image pattern is re-transferred to an image display body as a final product by transfer using a heat roller or a hot press plate.

  As one example of the thermal transfer medium (also referred to as thermal transfer ribbon), for example, as shown in the schematic schematic diagram of FIG. 10, a web-shaped heat-resistant support film (15a) made of polyethylene terephthalate or the like, Cyan, magenta, yellow, and a black color material as necessary containing a color material layer provided thereon are a cyan layer (C), a magenta layer (M), a yellow layer, and a black layer (BK). There is a thermal transfer ribbon (15) which is repeated in the surface order.

  For example, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 1, the intermediate transfer film (20) is composed of a drum (31) and a thermal head (32), and an image transfer device (30) in which main parts are configured. The color material layers (C, M, Y, BK) of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) shown in FIG. 7 are transferred to the image receiving / adhesive layer (not shown) of the intermediate transfer film (20). At the same time, the thermal head (32) is pressed from the thermal transfer ribbon (15) side, and the heating element group of the thermal head (32) is appropriately heated on the basis of the image information to intermediate the image pattern based on the image information. It is formed on the image receiving and adhesive layer of the transfer film (20). This is called “primary transfer”.

  Subsequently, the image pattern of the intermediate transfer film (20) onto which the image pattern has been transferred is transferred onto a transfer target (10) such as a passport by a heating medium (33) such as a transfer roll together with the image receiving and adhesive layer ( There is a retransfer printer (35) (also referred to as “secondary transfer” or “retransfer”) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The above prior art documents are shown below.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-43458 (FIG. 4 etc.)

  However, in the image forming method in which the image pattern transferred from the thermal transfer ribbon (15) as the thermal transfer medium is retransferred to the transfer target (10) through the intermediate transfer film (20), for example, FIG. As shown in the top view of a) and the perspective view of FIG. 11B, the size of the transfer object (10) including the width (W) of the web-like intermediate transfer film (20) should be transferred. If the area is larger than one image area (17), so-called burrs in which the left and right edges (12a, 12b) in the flow direction (P) of the image pattern (12) transferred to the transferred object (10) become jagged. There was a problem that it occurred and lacked sharpness. In addition, as shown to Fig.11 (a), the upper-lower-end edge part (12c, 12d) with respect to the flow direction (P) of the image pattern (12) transcribe | transferred to a to-be-transferred body (10) is an intermediate transfer film (20). Since it corresponds to both edge portions (20a, 20a) in the width direction of the image area (17) transferred to the image area (17), it is reproduced sharply.

  Further, when the transfer target is smaller than one image area to be transferred, including the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, for example, as shown in the top view of FIG. As a result, the image pattern (12) is transferred to the entire surface of the transfer target (10), and the image pattern (12) at that time is jagged burrs on the peripheral edges (10a, 10b) of the transfer target (10). In addition, there is a problem that the occurrence is observed, and further, for example, as shown in the top view of FIG. It is difficult to provide an unnecessary portion as an image pattern, that is, to select a desired transfer area for the transfer target (10).

  The present invention solves the problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to provide an image on an image receiving layer of a web-shaped intermediate transfer medium in which an image receiving layer is laminated on at least one side of a support. Based on the data, a primary transfer process in which a color material is transferred from a web-like thermal transfer medium by selective heating means to form an image pattern, and the image receiving layer on which the image pattern is formed is heated and pressed to the transfer object In the image forming method comprising the secondary transfer step of transferring by means, when the width of the transfer object is larger than the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, both ends in the flow direction of the image pattern transferred to the transfer object The edges are not sharp due to burrs or the like, and even when the transfer medium is smaller than the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, the peripheral edge of the transfer object is not transferred to the image pattern. No such, and the transfer be provided nontranscribed part unnecessary, i.e. to provide an image forming body by the image forming method and a method thereof capable of selecting a desired transfer area on the transfer member.

In order to achieve the above object in the present invention, the invention according to claim 1 is based on image data on an image receiving layer of a web-shaped intermediate transfer medium in which an image receiving layer is laminated on at least one side of a support. A primary transfer step of forming a reverse image pattern by transferring the color material from the color material layer of the web-like thermal transfer medium by selective heating means, and each image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the reverse image pattern is formed In an image forming method comprising a secondary transfer step in which an image pattern is formed by transferring to a transfer medium by heating and pressing means,
The color material layer constituting the web-shaped heat-sensitive transfer medium is monochromatic or multicolor, and in the case of the monochromatic color, the monochromatic layer area and the blank area without the color material layer are alternately provided, and the multicolor In this case, a blank area without a color material layer is repeatedly provided in the surface order after a 4-color layer area in which three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, and optionally black are added, and the color material is transferred from the color material layer. After the reverse image pattern is formed by the above method, the image forming method is characterized in that unnecessary portions of the reverse image pattern are reversely transferred to the blank area by selective heating means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming method according to the first aspect, wherein an adhesive transfer layer is applied to a blank area without the color material layer.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the peelable protective layer is provided between the image receiving layer and the support of the intermediate transfer medium. It is a method.

  Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4 is an image forming body obtained by the image forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

  Since this invention is the above structure, there exist the following effects.

In other words, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the web-shaped intermediate transfer medium having at least one image-receiving layer laminated on the support is coated on the image-receiving layer of the web-shaped intermediate transfer medium by selective heating means based on the image data. A primary transfer step of transferring a color material from a color material layer of a thermal transfer medium to form a reverse image pattern, and a means for heating and pressurizing each image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the reverse image pattern is formed to a transfer target In the image forming method comprising the secondary transfer step of transferring the image to form an image pattern, the color material layer constituting the web-like heat-sensitive transfer medium is monochromatic or multi-colored. And a blank area without a color material layer are alternately and repeatedly provided, and in the case of the multi-color, there is no color material layer after an area of three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, and in some cases black is added. Blank area in order Repeatedly provided, by reverse transcription with selective heating means unnecessary portions of the reverse image pattern on the blank area after the formation of the reverse image pattern by transfer of the colorant from the colorant layer,
When the transfer object is larger than one image area to be transferred, including the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, both edges in the flow direction of the image pattern transferred to the transfer object are jagged. Even if it lacks sharpness, the jagged (burr) part of the edge of both ends is removed by reverse transfer to the blank area as an unnecessary part of the image pattern, and the image pattern with sharp edges is removed. Obtainable.

  In addition, even if the transfer target is smaller than one image area to be transferred, including the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, a portion that does not require transfer (peripheral edge of the transfer target, central non-image portion, etc.) Can be easily removed by reverse transfer, that is, an image forming method that enables selection of a desired transfer area on the transfer target can be obtained.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an unnecessary portion of the reverse image pattern transferred to the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium is obtained by applying the adhesive transfer layer to the blank area without the color material layer. However, it is possible to obtain an image forming method that facilitates adhesion transfer (reverse transfer) by selective heating means.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the reverse image formed on the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium by providing the peelable protective layer between the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the support. When the pattern is transferred to the transfer medium (secondary transfer), it is easy to peel off (transfer) from the support of the intermediate transfer medium, and the transferred image pattern is protected from wear and the intermediate transfer. When the unnecessary portion of the reverse image pattern transferred to the image receiving layer of the medium is reversely transferred to the blank area of the thermal transfer medium by the selective heating means, the adhesive transfer (reverse transfer) can be made easier. .

Furthermore, according to the invention according to claim 4, by using the image forming body obtained by the image forming method as described above, the width of the transfer target includes the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, Even when it is larger than one image area to be transferred, the transferred edge portion has a sharp image pattern, and even when the transferred body is smaller than the web-shaped intermediate transfer film, it is formed on the peripheral edge of the transferred body. An image forming body having an image pattern free from burrs and capable of selecting a desired transfer area can be obtained.

  Therefore, the present invention is particularly suitable for an image forming method in which a reverse image pattern transferred from a heat-sensitive transfer medium is transferred to a transfer medium via an intermediate transfer film to form a passport or ID card on which the image pattern is formed. As an image forming method and an image forming body that can sharply reproduce the edge of an image pattern and select a desired transfer area, an excellent practical effect is exhibited.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire image forming method of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a thermal transfer medium used in the image forming method of the present invention. 3 to 9 are schematic views for explaining one example of the image forming method of the present invention.

  In the present invention, for example, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 1, an intermediate transfer film (20) as a web-like intermediate transfer medium is composed of a drum (31) and a thermal head (32) as a selective heating means. It is conveyed to the image transfer device (30), and the color material layer (not shown) of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) as a web-like thermal transfer medium is transferred to the image receiving layer (color material layer) of the intermediate transfer film (20). In addition to the easy-to-use layer, the color material layer has adhesiveness when transferred to the transfer target (10). The thermal head (32) is pressed from the ribbon (15) side, the heat generating element group of the thermal head (32) is appropriately heated based on image data such as a face photograph, and the color material layer of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) is intermediated. Transfer film (20 Allowed to the receiving (and bonding) transferring a reverse image pattern layer (primary transfer).

  The reverse image pattern transferred to the intermediate transfer film (20) is transferred to the transfer medium (10) such as a booklet or a card together with an image receiving (and adhesive) layer by a heating medium (33) such as a heat roll as a heating and pressing means. The present invention relates to an image forming method for forming a pattern (secondary transfer), and is characterized by an intermediate transfer film (20) obtained by the primary transfer at an image transfer apparatus (30) for primary transfer. ) Unnecessary portions of the reverse image pattern (for example, burrs on the periphery) are reversely transferred to the portions without the color material layer of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) and deleted from the reverse image pattern of the intermediate transfer film (20). The image forming method enables selection of a desired transfer area to be transferred to the transfer target (10).

  The above image forming method will be described in more detail. In the image forming method of the present invention, for example, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 2 (a), a multicolored color is formed on a web-like support film (15a). As a material layer, an adhesion transfer layer (40) is repeatedly provided in the surface order in a region without a color material layer after a cyan layer (C), a magenta layer (M), a yellow layer (Y), and a black layer (BK). A thermal transfer ribbon (15) is used.

  Further, for example, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 2 (b), the region of the adhesive transfer layer (40) shown in FIG. 2 (a) is formed into a blank portion without a color material layer, that is, the support film (15a). It may be the surface (15b). Further, in the case of multiple colors, it may be a three-color color material layer (C, M, Y) without a black layer (BK). ) May be changed as appropriate.

Furthermore, the case where the color material layer is a single color is also applied. For example, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 2C, the black layer (BK) and the adhesion transfer layer (40) are formed on the support film (15a). May be a thermal transfer ribbon (15) that is repeatedly provided in the surface order. Instead of the black layer (BK), a desired monochromatic layer such as brown may be used.

  This is an image forming method in which a desired image pattern is formed by the image transfer apparatus (30) shown in FIG. 1 using the heat-sensitive transfer ribbon (15) having the above-described configuration, for example, a side sectional view of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image receiving (20) image of the intermediate transfer film (20), in which the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) is provided on one side of the web-shaped base film (22) via the peelable protective layer (23). (Cum-adhesive) layer (24) side, web-like support film (15a) on one side as a color material layer yellow layer (Y), magenta layer (M), cyan layer (C), black layer (BK) Further, the surface of the color material layer of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) in which the adhesive transfer layer (40) without the color material layer is repeatedly provided in the surface order is brought into contact. Then, a thermal head (32) as a selective heating means is pressed from the thermal transfer ribbon (15) side, and the heating element group of the thermal head (32) is appropriately heated based on the image data.

  As described above, due to appropriate heat generation of the thermal head (32), as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 4, the yellow layer (Y) as the color material layer is replaced with the image receiving (cum-bonding) layer of the intermediate transfer film (20). Transition to (24). Next, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 5, the magenta layer (M), the cyan layer (C), and the black layer (BK) of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) are superposed in order, and the intermediate transfer film (20 ) To the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) to obtain a reverse image pattern (12) of four colors.

  An unnecessary part as an image pattern in the center of the reverse image pattern (12) composed of the four color layers (Y, M, C, BK) on the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) obtained above, that is, a non-image When the portion is provided, for example, as shown in the schematic side view of FIG. 6, the thermal head (32) is attached to the adhesive transfer layer (40) provided in the region without the color material layer of the thermal transfer ribbon (15). The image pattern composed of the four color layers (Y, M, C, BK) corresponding to the non-image portion is reversely transferred together with the image receiving (cumulative) layer (24) and the peelable protective layer (23). By removing from the reverse image pattern, the non-image portion (14) can be formed at the approximate center of the reverse image pattern (12) on the intermediate transfer film (20).

  In this way, an unnecessary portion of the image pattern, for example, a portion where the edge of the image pattern does not become sharp due to the generation of burrs is reversely transferred to the adhesive transfer layer (40) provided on the thermal transfer ribbon (20). Thus, the image pattern obtained on the intermediate transfer film (20) is sharp, and the non-image part (14) can be obtained at a desired position.

  When the entire surface of the image pattern obtained on the intermediate transfer film (20) is transferred onto a transfer medium (10) as shown in FIG. 7 using a heating pressure medium (not shown) such as a heat roller, the desired image pattern is formed at a substantially central position. An image pattern (12) having a non-image portion (14) can be obtained.

  As a specific example, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, both sides of the transferred object (10) having a size larger than the color material layer transferred to the intermediate transfer film (20), such as a certificate, are arranged on both sides. In order to obtain an image pattern (12) having sharp edges (no burrs or the like), for example, as shown in FIG. 8B, an image formed of a color material layer on the intermediate transfer film (20). The color material layer corresponding to the non-image portion (14) is reversely transferred to the adhesive transfer layer of the thermal transfer ribbon so that the non-image portion (14) is formed at the periphery of the portion to be the pattern (12). Then, by leaving only a necessary portion as an image pattern (12) on the intermediate transfer film (20), an image pattern (12) having a sharp periphery as shown in FIG. Can be formed.

  Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 9A and 9B, it is transferred to an intermediate transfer film (20) or a thermal transfer ribbon (15) like an ID card. An image pattern (12) having a sharp peripheral edge (no burrs) and a non-image portion (14) at a substantially central position on the transferred material (10) having a size smaller than the color material layer formed. In order to obtain, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 (b), the adhesion transfer layer (40) of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) has a peripheral edge of the portion (12c) to be an image pattern made of a color material layer and its abbreviation. The color material layer that becomes the non-image portion (14) is reversely transferred to the center, and as shown in FIG. 9A, the peripheral edge that is reverse-transferred and remains on the intermediate transfer film (20) is sharp and substantially non-centered. An image pattern (12) having an image portion (14) is supported as an ID card. It can be an image forming method for transferring small transfer object (10) with's.

  In the invention according to the first aspect, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), as the thermal transfer ribbon (15), there are three colors of a cyan layer (C), a magenta layer (M), and a yellow layer (Y). Although a blank area without a color material layer after the color material layer (that is, a portion where the surface (15b) of the support film (15a) is exposed) can be repeatedly provided in the surface order, the above claim can be used. In the invention according to item 2, as shown in FIG. 2A, an image forming method is characterized in that an adhesion transfer layer (40) is applied to a blank area without the color material layer. .

  Thus, by using the thermal transfer ribbon (15) in which the adhesive transfer layer (40) is applied to the blank area without the color material layer, the blank area exposes the surface (15b) of the support film (15a). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, an unnecessary portion (12c) of the reverse image pattern (12) transferred to the image receiving (cumulative) layer (24) of the intermediate transfer film (20), as shown in FIG. The thermal head (32), which is a selective heating means, can facilitate adhesion transfer (reverse transfer).

  In the invention according to claim 3, for example, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 3, an image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) constituting the intermediate transfer film (20) and a support film (22). The image forming method is characterized in that a peelable protective layer (23) is provided between the two.

  Thus, by providing the peelable protective layer (23) on the lower surface of the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24), for example, as shown in the side sectional view of FIG. 6, the intermediate transfer film (20) When the reverse image pattern (12) formed on the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) is transferred (secondary transfer) to the transfer target, the support film (22) of the intermediate transfer film (20) is transferred. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the transferred image pattern (12) is protected from abrasion and the like, and as shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate transfer film (20 ) To the adhesive transfer layer (40) of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) by using the thermal head (35) to transfer the unnecessary portion (12e) of the reverse image pattern (12) transferred to the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24). During reverse transfer, the peelable protective layer (23) Since it has a property of easily separated, there is an effect that may be further easily more adhesive transfer (reverse transcription).

  The invention according to claim 4 is an image forming body obtained by the image forming method as described above, and the obtained image forming body is, for example, FIG. 8 (a) and FIG. 8 (b). ), The transferred image pattern is transferred even when the transferred object (10) such as a certificate is larger than one color material layer including the width of the web-shaped intermediate transfer film (20). Even if the edge of (12) can be an image forming body having a sharp edge, and the transfer object such as an ID card is smaller than one image area to which the web-shaped intermediate transfer film is transferred, for example, As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the peripheral edge of the transfer object (10) is sharp and free of burrs, and a non-image area (14) is provided in the approximate center. As shown in the figure, it is possible to select a desired transfer area. Can be an image forming body having over emissions (12) (1).

  Hereinafter, the image forming method of the present invention and the materials and manufacturing methods of the image forming body will be described in detail.

As a thermal transfer ribbon (15) constituting the main part of the image forming method of the present invention, four color material layers (Y, M, C, BL) and an adhesion transfer layer (40) are formed on a support film (15a). To explain what is repeatedly applied in plane order,
First, as the support film (15a), from the viewpoint of ease of formation and handling of the color material layer (Y, M, C, BL) or mechanical strength, paper such as condenser paper or polyester film Polyester film (specific examples include PET [polyethylene terephthalate], PEN [polyethylene naphthalate], etc.) because of its high heat resistance. is there. The thickness of the base material is preferably 2 to 50 μm from the viewpoint of mechanical strength, ease of handling or availability. However, in order to expect a higher effect of the image forming method and the image forming body of the present invention (thermal conduction) 2 to 16 μm is more preferable because it relates to thermal characteristics such as rate, heat transfer rate, and heat storage performance.

  The color material layer may be three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, or may be a single color of black only. In addition, there is no problem even if there is a register mark for alignment detection between the colors. The color material layers (Y, M, C, and BL) are formed on the image receiving layer (24) of the intermediate transfer film (20) by the thermal head (35) from the thermal transfer ribbon (15). After the primary transfer for selective transfer, unnecessary portions are reversely transferred as image patterns to the adhesive transfer layer (40) applied to the thermal transfer ribbon (15).

  The image forming method in the primary transfer process can be any of thermal transfer methods such as a sublimation transfer method, a resin-type melt transfer method, and a wax-type melt transfer method. Examples include inks in which known pigments and dyes are dispersed in binders made of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or butyral resin, etc., which are applied to the melt transfer system. These can be used in combination of two or more. In addition, a pigment and a dye may be used in combination for adjusting the hue. The ink of these components is used as an intermediate product of the thermal transfer ribbon (15) by repeated printing in the surface order, leaving a blank portion without the color material layer after each color material layer by a gravure printing method.

  In addition, as an adhesion transfer layer (40) to be applied to a blank portion without a color material layer, an image pattern (12) composed of each color material layer (Y, M, C, BL) primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer film (20). ) Is preferably melted by the thermal head (32) from the back side, and the layer easily undergoes adhesive transfer. Examples of the resin include polyesters such as linear saturated polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate. Copolymers and other vinyl chloride resins, polyacrylic acid, polyacrylic acid-2-naphthyl, polymethyl acrylate, poly-2-methoxyethyl polyacrylate, isobornyl polyacrylate, polymethacrylomethyl, polyacrylonitrile, poly Acrylic resin such as methyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polydivinylbenzene, styrene-butadiene copolymer It includes vinyl resins.

  The adhesive transfer layer (40) is formed by a gravure method, a flexo method using an anilox roll, or the like, using a coating solution in which a single compound selected from the resin group or a composite is dissolved and dispersed in a solvent compatible with the resin. It can be formed by pattern coating in a thickness range of 0.5 to 50 μm.

Further, the base film (22) constituting the intermediate transfer film (20) used in the image forming method of the present invention is required to have heat resistance without deformation or the like with respect to the heat pressure due to thermal transfer. For example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene Examples thereof include those selected singly from synthetic resins such as naphthalate, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl alcohol, paper, synthetic paper, etc., or composites selected from these. In addition, the thickness can be 2 to 100 μm in consideration of operability and workability, but handling properties such as transferability to the surface of a booklet-like transferred object (10) such as a passport or passbook can be used. From the point of view, those of about 6 to 50 μm are preferable.

  In addition, the peelable protective layer (23) constituting the intermediate transfer film (20) can more effectively transfer the reverse image pattern (12) on the image receiving (cumulative) layer (24) or the like (10). Any resin can be used as long as it is a material that can be transferred onto the surface and functions as a protective layer for the booklet that will be the final product, and can be easily peeled off from the heat-resistant substrate film (22). However, a thermoplastic resin is preferred in view of flexibility and foil breakage, such as thermoplastic polyacrylate, chlorinated rubber resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, cellulose resin, chlorinated polyprone. Resin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, nitrocellulose resin, styrene acrylate resin, polyether resin, polycarbonate, etc. In addition, considering wax breakage and abrasion resistance, various waxes such as petroleum wax and plant wax, metal salts of higher fatty acids such as stearic acid, lubricants such as silicon oil, fluororesin powder, Polyethylene powder, silicon fine particles and the like can also be added.

  The peelable protective layer (23) is formed by adding a wax or the like to a single compound or a composite selected from the above resin group, and dissolving and dispersing the coating solution in a solvent such as toluene or methyl isobutyl ketone using the gravure coating method, roll The coating method, knife coating method, curtain coating method, die coating method and the like can be used to form a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 50 μm.

  Examples of the image receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) include polyesters such as linear saturated polyester, vinyl chloride resins such as polyvinyl chloride and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyacrylic acid, and polyacrylic acid. Acrylic resins such as 2-naphthyl, polymethyl acrylate, poly-2-methoxyethyl polyacrylate, isobornyl polyacrylate, polymethacrylomethyl, polyacrylonitrile, methyl polymethacrylate, polystyrene, polydivinylbenzene, styrene -Vinyl-type resin, such as a butadiene copolymer, is mentioned.

  The image-receiving (cum-adhesive) layer (24) is formed using a gravure method, a roll coating method, a knife, using a coating solution in which a single compound selected from the resin group or a composite is dissolved and dispersed in a solvent compatible with the resin. It can be formed in a thickness range of 0.5 to 50 μm by a coating method, a curtain coating method, a die coating method or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates an image forming method of the present invention, and is an overall view showing one example of an apparatus according to the method in a side view. The thermal transfer ribbon used in the image forming method of the present invention will be described. (A) is a side sectional view for explaining one example thereof, and (b) is a side sectional view for explaining another example. And (c) is a side sectional view for explaining another example. It is a sectional side view showing one example of the process of transferring a color material layer from a thermal transfer ribbon to an intermediate transfer film among the processes of the image forming method of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing 1 example which transferred one color material layer to the intermediate transfer film from the thermal transfer ribbon among the processes of the image forming method of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing one example which transferred the 4 color material layer to the intermediate transfer film from the thermal transfer ribbon among the processes of the image forming method of the present invention. It is a sectional side view showing one example of the process of reverse-transferring the unnecessary part of a 4 color material layer to the adhesion transfer layer of a thermal transfer ribbon among the processes of the image forming method of this invention. It is a sectional side view showing one example of the process of reverse-transferring the unnecessary part of a 4 color material layer to the adhesion transfer layer of a thermal transfer ribbon among the processes of the image forming method of this invention. It is a sectional side view showing one example of the process of transferring to the to-be-transferred body from the intermediate transfer film from which the unnecessary part of the 4 color material layer was removed among the processes of the image forming method of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing an example of an intermediate transfer film from which unnecessary portions of a four-color material layer are removed and a thermal transfer ribbon in which the unnecessary portions are reversely transferred among the steps of the image forming method of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing 1 example of the conventional thermal transfer ribbon. An example of a conventional image forming method will be described, in which (a) is a top view of an image forming body thereby, and (b) is a perspective view of an intermediate transfer film used therefor. Another example of a conventional image forming method will be described. (A) is a top view of a desired image forming body thereby, and (b) is a top view of the image forming body thereby.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming body 10 ... Transfer object 10a, 10b ... Peripheral edge of transfer object 12 ... Image pattern 12a, 12b ... Left and right edge part 12c, 12d of image pattern ... Upper and lower sides of image pattern Edge portion 12e ··· Unnecessary portion of image pattern 14 ··· Non-image portion 15 · · · Thermal transfer ribbon 15a · · · Support film 15b · · · Surface of support film 17 · · · 1 image area 20 · · · Intermediate transfer film 22 ... Base film 23 ... Peelable protective layer 24 ... Image receiving (cumulative) layer 30 ... Image transfer device 31 ... Drum 32 ... Thermal head 33 ... Heating medium 35 ... Retransfer printer 40 ... ... Adhesive transfer layer BK ... Black layer C ... Cyan layer M ... Magenta layer Y ... Yellow layer P ... Flow direction of image pattern W ... Intermediate transfer film width

Claims (4)

The color material is transferred from the color material layer of the web-shaped heat-sensitive transfer medium to the image-receiving layer of the web-shaped intermediate transfer medium having at least one image-receiving layer laminated on the support by selective heating means based on the image data. A primary transfer step for forming a reverse image pattern, and a secondary transfer step for transferring the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium on which the reverse image pattern is formed to a transfer target by a heating and pressing means to form an image pattern. In an image forming method comprising:
The color material layer constituting the web-shaped heat-sensitive transfer medium is monochromatic or multicolor, and in the case of the monochromatic color, the monochromatic layer area and the blank area without the color material layer are alternately provided, and the multicolor In this case, a blank area without a color material layer is repeatedly provided in the surface order after a 4-color layer area in which three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow, and optionally black are added, and the color material is transferred from the color material layer. An image forming method comprising: reversely transferring an unnecessary portion of the reverse image pattern to the blank area by selective heating means after the reverse image pattern is formed by the method.   2. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein an adhesion transfer layer is applied to a blank area without the color material layer.   3. The image forming method according to claim 1, wherein a peelable protective layer is provided between the image receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium and the support.   An image forming body obtained by the image forming method according to claim 1.

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